The Internet is a source of a world of information. However, it’s also rife with online threats. It takes awareness and preparation to fend off these threats.
Thankfully, there is various hardware and software available to help protect yourself against online attacks. Among them are Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) which create secure, highly encrypted connections between two or more endpoints.
Ideal for protecting a small office/home or for large companies with thousands of remote workers, VPNs offer control over privacy and security of data transfers.
In this article, we quickly review some of the best VPN devices so that you can choose the one that is most suitable for your needs.
1. ZyXEL ZyWall VPN: Best Overall
ZyXEL Zywall VPN is a business-grade device built with multi-core CPUs to provide excellent firewall and VPN performance.
When active, ZyXEL achieves high-speed networking of up to 1Gbps of output, making it perfect for the day-to-day operations of a modern office. If security is a high priority for you, you’ll be happy with ZyXEL’s 110 VPN firewall, which offers L2TP VPN for iOS, Android, and Windows Mobile.
The device is easy to set up because it comes with a client software that does most of the work for you and is ready to use after three easy steps. ZyXEL is great for optimizing administration and monitoring efforts while letting employees and customers securely access data in the corporate network regardless of their location in the world.
2. Cisco Systems Gigabit RV325K9NA VPN: Runner-up for best overall
In a matter of minutes, you can have Cisco Systems Gigabit RV325K9NA VPN set up because of its highly intuitive user interface.
It is among the best devices for creating a secure environment for both multiple offices and remote employees thanks to its features, which include site-to-site VPN, built-in SSL (Secure Socket Layer), and dual Gigabit Ethernet WAN ports for high-traffic connections. You also get additional security for your company’s data from the device’s Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) firewall and encryption.
3. UTT HiPER 518 VPN: Best for home offices
UTT HiPER 518 is among the most suitable devices for a home office because it can support up to five simultaneous IPSec VPN client-to-site and site-to-site tunnels. Home office users get all the standard features, which include access control (to block unauthorized users), bandwidth management, and a built-in firewall.
If you really want to keep your peace of mind, you’ll be impressed by the fact that UTT HiPER 518 supports VPN failover. This feature is a redundant backup that enables your VPN to immediately migrate to a different WAN connection in the event that the one in use drops its connection.
The result is that in case of an emergency, the security of a user’s data is not compromised. In addition to that, a “quick wizard” makes setting up this device easy, because it handles a huge portion of the initial configuration.
Furthermore, UTT HiPER 518 has a straightforward user interface that is web-based and offers tight control over management and settings. The one feature that this device does not offer is VLAN support, which is used to separate VPN and non-VPN bandwidth to ensure optimal connection speeds.
4. Linksys LRT224 VPN: Best for small enterprises
Linksys LRT224 VPN is a dedicated business-grade router that offers exceptional support for the requirements of a modern office network. It offers a maximum of 50 IPSec tunnels for both client-to-site and site-to-site VPN control. Also included with Linksys LRT224 VPN is an additional five dedicated-access OpenVPN tunnels for all your company’s smartphone owners.
This device provides a maximum throughput of 110 Mbps when active. Admittedly, this is minimal compared to the 900 Mbps speeds achieved when the VPN isn’t active.
Nonetheless, it holds its own. Logging into the web-based admin interface of the device takes you to a system page where you can view all the relevant stats, as well as a setup wizard that allows you to set up WAN/LAN, password, and time settings.
For more granular control over the functions of the Linksys LRT224 VPN, you can find the remaining options under the configuration tab. The manufacturer claims that its throughput is the highest in the dedicated business router market. However, it doesn’t use a browser-based SSL VPN, which may be compulsory in some businesses.
5. GL-AR150 VPN: Best for portability
Whether you’re connecting to the public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop or the airport, doing so without a VPN opens your device and data to a plethora of online threats. For affordable security and privacy, you can use the GL-AR150 mini router that comes with Tor and an OpenVPN client.
The OpenVPN client enables you to make a secure connection through any one of 20+ VPN services and Tor protecting your browsing history for the prying eyes of your ISP, government, and criminal hackers.
This light 1.14-ounce device supports 3G and 4G tethering. You can power it using a 5V DC adapter, power bank, or laptop USB and carry it inside your backpack or briefcase as you move around town. Portability is not its only advantage, though. The GL-AR150 can convert a wired Wi-Fi network into a Wi-Fi hotspot in a matter of seconds, all under OpenVPN protection.
6. Dell SonicWall TZ300: Best splurge
Even though it’s a bit pricey, the Dell SonicWall TZ300 is a worthwhile investment for businesses with 25 or fewer users because it offers a noteworthy security feature, including SSL VPN encryption and advanced IPSec VPN.
It offers great functionality for mobile users with its native VPN remote access clients for iOS, MacOS, Android, and Windows. If productivity is your biggest priority, you’ll be satisfied with the advanced controls that limit access to social media websites such as Twitter and Facebook.
7. ExpressVPN Linksys WRT3200ACM: Best router
The ExpressVPN Linksys WRT3200ACM takes the prize for the best router because of its lightning-fast Wi-Fi, MU-MIMO technology (aimed at ensuring that all devices get the right share of bandwidth). Tri-Stream technology.
In addition to top speeds of up to 3.2 Gbps, the ExpressVPN Linksys WRT3200ACM also offers powerful security because it runs open source firmware that allows for the secure installation of a VPN client that protects against WebRTC and DNS leaks.
The device also has a built-in firewall which serves as a kill switch that identifies and blocks network intrusions. If you don’t want all the devices in your network to be covered by the VPN, ExpressVPN Linksys WRT3200ACM offers split-tunneling.
This feature enables simultaneous VPN and non-VPN network access with compromising performance or bandwidth. This router’s business-grade dual-core processor makes it perfect for both homes and small businesses that take online security very seriously.