ASUS announces new routers with our favorite VPN built-in

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These routers are ready to go!

(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. 

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Andy Sansom

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.

2 Comments Comment from the forums
  • 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