Best VPN Routers in the UK for 2023

• Rating:  9.8 / 10
• Price: £169.99
• Connectivity technology: Ethernet
• Number of Ports: 7
• Number of Antennas: 4

This Nighthawk model (R7800) is an improved version of the X4 R7500 that comes with two USB ports paired with an eSATA connection and 4 removable antennas.

This model supports MU- MIMO data streaming, which helps enhance performance, and comes with the most advanced features available on the market. 

The X4S boasts a dual-core 1.7GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, Beamforming+, MU MIMO, Dynamic QoS, and Amazon Alexa Voice Controls, all of which help it deliver fast speeds on multiple devices at once.

The router also comes with an app that lets users block websites and manage access.

• Rating: 9.8  / 10
• Price: £157.99
• Connectivity technology: Wi-Fi, USB
• Number of Ports: 6
• Number of Antennas: 3

The ASUS RT-AC86U is a fast performer that’s loaded with network protection and gamer optimisation features.

This model has a built-in WTFast game accelerator and Adaptive QoS, which essentially negates the chances of lag during online games and makes it an excellent pick for people who prefer 4K UHD content.

The router offers embedded protection against questionable content and malware and gives users the ability to set it up in a way that it prioritises networks to ensure a smooth gaming experience. The console is user-friendly and provides parental controls for households with underage gamers who like to play Fortnite.

There’s also an option to set up a Wi-Fi Protected Setup procedure in order to connect users more promptly and another for turning the Wi-Fi router into a wired-only device.

• Rating: 9.7  / 10
• Price: £72.97
• Connectivity technology: USB
• Number of Ports: 2
• Number of Antennas: 3

The TP-Link Archer C7 is a cheap VPN router, that’s beginner-friendly, is easy to install, and has plenty of basic and advanced settings.

This router doesn’t have MU-MIMO but it’s one of the fastest on the sub-$100 market. It reaches peak speeds of 1.3Gbps on the 5GHz band. You can also use the control interface to set up a VPN connection using OpenVPN or PPTP. NordVPN, for example, has a dedicated router app with which you can secure all devices. 

What’s more, its three dual-band high-performance fixed antennas have comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage and a steady connection.

Network settings include LAN, MAC Clone, WAN, and IPTV options, and there’s a Guest Network page that allows you to create a guest network so that you can keep your main network safe.

• Rating: 9.5  / 10
• Price: £102.99
• Connectivity technology: Wi-Fi
• Number of Ports: 2
• Number of Antennas: 4

This router is designed for houses with several Wi-Fi clients that need lightning-fast speeds.

In fact, the TRENDnet AC2600 delivers one of the fastest 2.4GHz and 5GHz scores that rival the more expensive, high-end routers.

The router also has a lot of management features. It boasts MU-MIMO streaming technology, Qualcomm’s StreamBoost bandwidth-management technology, and beamforming, all of which improve performance and speed. 

The interface is easy to navigate, which makes it an excellent choice for beginners, though it might need some improvements, mainly to speed up setting changes.

• Rating: 9.5 / 10
• Price: £199.95
• Connectivity technology: Wi-Fi.
• Number of Ports: 8
• Number of Antennas: 4

What makes the RT-AC88U stand out from the competition is its 8 Gigabit LAN ports and Dual-WAN compatibility (one of the LAN ports can be converted to a WAN port).

It’s not the best budget router in the UK, but what it lacks in budget-friendliness, it makes up for in performance, speed, and stability. The router has a Smart Connect feature that checks the compatibility of devices before connecting to them.

On top of that, the router features Broadcom’s NitroQAM technology feature, which prevents lags, and NitroQAM technology, which provides a combined Wi-Fi speed of 3167 Mbps and delivers a seamless and low-latency online experience for everyone connected.