Top 10 Secure Routers of 2020

It comes with two preset block lists of various malicious sites, including adult websites. They also allow you to expand those lists by whitelisting or blacklisting any domain as you see fit.

For those who are more technically inclined or are willing to learn, this router will allow you to tweak its firmware for better performance. It also lets you improve the router’s security, as well as allow you to swap it with other third-party open-source codes such as DD-WRT or OpenWRT.

The 5GHz performance is outstanding on account of its MU-MIMO and 160MHz Tri-Stream proprietary technology that doubles throughputs. However, its 2.4GHz performance is a bit of a letdown.

Most Value: Netgear Nighthawk R7000

With its eight MU-MIMO beamforming antennas, you can direct the signals where they’re needed most to ensure optimal coverage inside large homes. The high 5GHz band reaches throughput peaks up to 4.8Gbps, assuring enough headroom for the most demanding home networks.

Its built-in VPN allows for a more secure and encrypted connection to your computer or devices. Other features such as Dynamic QoS and an excellent firewall give additional network protection.

Best for the Budget: TP-Link onHub AC1900

Even with a specialized ROG (Republic of Gamers) gaming dashboard, it also has built-in AiProtection by Trend-Micro. It can double as a fast router that can handle multiple devices in your home or office VPN and perform its primary function as a gaming router.

Depending on your current bandwidth requirements and the client’s distance, its eight MU-MIMO beamforming antennas and band steering adjustments ensure optimal performance.

If gaming is your thing, then this is the one to pick with features like WTFast Gamers Private Network for the fastest pings and more secure connections when playing online.

Best for SMBs: Netgear BR500 VPN Router

When you gain more experience, you might someday outgrow its limited control and configuration settings. However, for most purposes, it will do the job admirably.

It only needs a few minutes to set up the mesh network and is straightforward and intuitive. A single Beacon effectively adds about 1500 square feet of coverage, and all you have to do is to plug it in a free outlet.

There’s a companion mobile app that makes monitoring and managing the network a breeze. It lets you control settings for each device and has configurations for guest users, as well as parental controls.

It’s designed to keep your network protected while you’re online with its built-in ad blocker, malware filtering, and advanced hacking protection. This router will receive daily updates from ESET to protect you from malicious websites.

On top of that, there are extensive parental controls at your disposal. It gives you greater flexibility in controlling what your children can access or not. You can monitor your children’s Internet usage as well as impose strict restrictions.

It has six high-powered antennas that are sufficient to cover medium-sized houses, which you can expand with a mesh configuration using another router.

Final Words

Security isn’t the only consideration when buying a router. Performance and features should also come into the equation when selecting one. The best performers among this bunch can do the job of the more specialized ones for gaming, or even for business.

Your best bet is to pick the best overall, which is the ASUS RT-AC88U, or you could buy a bit more expensive model with better features. If gaming is vital to you, then the ASUS ROG Rapture should be your first pick, although the others can handle gaming just fine.