ASUS announces new routers with our favorite VPN built-in

(Image credit: NordVPN)

A great way to stay protected online is to use one of the best VPNs, and a great way to get coverage on all of your internet-enabled devices is to go to the source by using one of the best router VPNs

Luckily, the folks at ASUS have teamed up with our number one ranked provider, NordVPN, on a pair of routers with the VPN built in. 

If you know what you're doing, connecting a VPN to your router is a fantastic way to shore up your online security, but it's not a straightforward task. Routers are difficult to work with at the best of times, and many will understandably not feel comfortable adjusting their setup. This is why this ASUS and NordVPN collab is such a big deal. 

The two routers being released serve different purposes. First is the ASUS RT-AX57 Go, a general-purpose router that's also ideal for travel. It weighs just 200g and features tri-mode connectivity meaning it's capable of serving as a 4G/5G tether, public Wi-Fi spot (WISP) and a traditional router. Especially when being used in public, a built-in VPN will prove an invaluable security feature.

More stationary than the RT-AX57 is the second router announced. The ASUS GT-AX11000 Pro is a specialist gaming router that should have those not currently using one of the best gaming VPNs sitting up to attention. It's designed to keep connections speedy and stable even with multiple devices in the household.

To activate NordVPN on both routers, simply enter your subscription details through the self-service page.

Other options

ExpressVPN Aircove

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

While these are the first routers with NordVPN integration, that's not to say they are the first routers with any kind of VPN. In fact, one of Nord's biggest rivals, ExpressVPN has gone one step further and created its own routers. 

ExpressVPN's Aircove routers don't need to have a subscription activated to work, if it's turned on and connected then you're protected. These Wi-Fi 6-compatible routers come in two variations, the Aircove and the travel-sized Aircove Go. Both boast a max VPN speed of 180MBPs, which is still plenty fast. 

TOPICS

Andy is a freelance writer with a passion for streaming and VPNs. Based in the U.K., he originally cut his teeth at Tom's Guide as a Trainee Writer before moving to cover all things tech and streaming at T3. Outside of work, his passions are movies, football (soccer) and Formula 1. He is also something of an amateur screenwriter having studied creative writing at university.

Read more
TP-Link Archer GE800 on desk in living room
Best gaming routers of 2025
Graphic displaying ExpressVPN AircoveOS v5 update
ExpressVPN's Aircove router doubles its speeds with new update
TP- Link Archer AX55 sitting on desk
Best Wi-Fi routers for 2025: Tested and rated
Best Wi-Fi 7 routers
Best Wi-Fi 7 routers of 2025: The future of Wi-Fi is here
TP-Link Deco XE75 on desk
The best Wi-Fi 6 routers of 2025
Best VPN provider ExpressVPN on a range of devices
The best VPN service in 2025
Latest in VPNs
Large group of protesters in Turkey following Instanbul mayor's arrest
Turkey sees huge VPN usage spike amid reports of social media crackdown
NordVPN logo on a blue background
NordVPN drops to its lowest price this year – here's what you need to know
ExpressVPN logo above mobile devices
ExpressVPN lays off undisclosed number of employees
The outline of a hand holding a phone, wrapped in barbed wire to indicate censorship
What are anti-censorship features and how is Proton VPN leading the way?
Hacker typing on laptop in darkened room
Hackers create "BRUTED" tool to attack VPNs – how to stay safe
NordProtect logo on black background
NordVPN's NordProtect cyber insurance goes solo – and adds a key new feature
Latest in News
Rendered images of rumored foldable iPhone.
Foldable iPhone report just revealed key details — here's what we know
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Saturday, March 23 (#651)
NYT Strands on a cellphone
NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #385 (Sunday, March 23 2025)
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 rumored specs — here’s what we know so far
iPhone 17 Pro render
iPhone 17 Pro — 7 biggest rumored upgrades
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 leak could be good news for all Android phones
  • nonononope
    "A great way to stay protected online is to use one of the best VPNs"
    and
    "If you know what you're doing, connecting a VPN to your router is a fantastic way to shore up your online security"

    For a staff writer in VPNs and privacy, that is naiive, dangerous nonsense.

    Having all of the traffic from your home router sent through a VPN like Nord or whatever does not provide security or privacy - all if does is hand visibility all of your browsing data and anything not further encrypted to these foreign, sometimes shady organisations instead of your ISP - which is likely a company registered, monitored, regulated and accountable in your home country.

    At home a VPN is useful for spoofing your geography - accessing geo-locked services like Netflix, but does not provide privacy or security.

    On the road, these commercial VPNs may be preferable to browsing on public wifi in a cafe etc, but using them for all of your traffic at home is any thing but secure or private.
    Reply
  • enhompe
    Nothing beats Amplifi Teleport as a simple way to have a solid VPN. You must have an Amplifi router at each end, but this brings the advantages of being connected through your own home network with no monthly fees either. It's quite speedy if you have fiber.
    Reply