Best Routers for Security 2024
We tested and reviewed dozens of routers to see which ones have the best free security.
May 30, 2023 | Share 
Equipment Guides
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Best overall
TP-Link Archer AX11000- $265.49*
- Built-in VPN server
- Multiple wired ports
- No VPN client
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Best for budgets
ASUS RT-AX68U- $159.99*
- Dual internet support
- Free security
- No multi-gig internet
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Best for gamers
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000- $329.00*
- Multi-gig internet support
- Great long range
- Annoying antennas
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Best for VPN
ExpressVPN Aircove- $189.90*
- Built-in ExpressVPN client
- Live customer support
- No parental controls
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Best for parents
Gryphon AX- $279.00*
- Ethernet backhaul
- Lots of parental controls
- Subscription-locked features
* Amazon.com prices (as of 5/08/23 17:35 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Our pick: Which router for security is best?
The TP-Link Archer AX11000 is our top pick for the best router for security out of all the routers we’ve tested to date. Sure, it’s a gaming router, but it includes free antivirus, parental controls, and a boatload of wired ports to keep your connected devices safe from eavesdroppers possibly lurking nearby.
How we test routers
We vigorously test routers to see how well they stack up against the competition in speed and range. We also evaluate the setup process and dig into the web and mobile apps to see if they’re easy or difficult to use. Check out our methodology section for more information.
The 5 best routers for security
- Best overall: TP-Link Archer AX11000
- Best for budgets: ASUS RT-AX68U
- Best for gamers: ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
- Best for VPN: ExpressVPN Aircove
- Best for parents: Gryphon AX
Compare router speeds and prices
| Model | Max throughput | Tested speed @ 40 ft.† | Price* | Order online | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | TP-Link Archer AX11000 | 11,000Mbps | 692Mbps | $265.49 | View on Amazon |
| Best for budgets | ASUS RT-AX68U | 2,700Mbps | 567Mbps | $159.99 | View on Amazon |
| Best for gamers | ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 | 11,000Mbps | 642Mbps | $329.00 | View on Amazon |
| Best for VPN | ExpressVPN Aircove | 1,800Mbps | 413Mbps | $189.90 | View on Amazon |
| Best for parents | Gryphon AX | 4,300Mbps | 469Mbps | $279.00 | View on Amazon |
* Amazon.com Prices (as of 5/08/23 9:35 MST). Read full disclaimer.
† Speed recorded using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
What should you look for in a router for security?
We tend to gravitate to routers with free security features. For instance, the ASUS routers on this list offer the AiProtection security suite free for the router’s life, including antivirus and parental controls. TP-Link does something similar with HomeCare.
You should also go with Wi-Fi 6 and newer. It’s more secure than Wi-Fi 5, plus it’s faster, more power efficient, and better at handling multiple devices. Wi-Fi 6E adds the 6 GHz connection for even faster speeds.
Do you have the best internet provider with the security features you need?
If not, be sure to enter your zip code below to see what options are available to you.
Best overall—TP-Link Archer AX11000
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A great blend of features and security |
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Score:4out of 5 |
The Archer AX11000 is a gaming router at heart, but it’s loaded with free security and parental controls anyone can use. The eight LAN ports are a plus too. |
| Pros | Cons |
|
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$265.49*
* Amazon.com Price (as of 3/31/23 9:35 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Each antenna plugs into the main unit, but you can’t adjust them like you can on other routers. 
The Archer AX11000 has loads of connectivity for wired devices and file sharing. 
You can easily turn Wi-Fi off with the press of a button on the TP-Link Archer AX11000. 
The TP-Link Archer AX11000 includes multigig internet and wired LAN support. 
The Archer AX11000 has one of the coolest web interfaces we’ve seen to date.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Offers some of the fastest speeds we’ve tested to date. |
| Features | 4 | Includes free security, parental controls, and a built-in VPN server. |
| Design | 4 | Provides eight Gigabit Ethernet ports for more secure connections. |
| Setup | 4 | Gets your network up and running quickly. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Presents the best web interface out of all the TP-Link routers we’ve tested. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The Archer AX11000 is backed by TP-Link’s free HomeCare security suite, which includes Trend Micro antivirus and parental controls. It also has some of the best speeds we’ve tested to date, even at 120 feet.
What we wish it did better: The setup process needs to be more automated and split into Basic and Advanced options.
Why do we recommend it? We love TP-Link routers with HomeCare because there’s no extra expense on your part for security and parental control features. We also love the Archer AX11000 for its speeds and multitude of gigabit Ethernet ports for more secure connections to the internet.
Security suite: TP-Link HomeCare
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 860 | 692 | 282 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
| Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
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Best for budgets—ASUS RT-AX68U
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Great security and features at an affordable price |
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Score:4.2out of 5 |
The RT-AX68U packs a lot of features for the money, including free security and parental controls. It has great speeds, too, when we test it at 120 feet. |
| Pros | Cons |
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$159.99*
* Amazon.com Price (as of 5/08/23 9:35 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The RT-AX68U has three antennas you can adjust but not remove. 
The ASUS RT-AX68U is a great, feature-packed router for the money. 
The ASUS RT-AX68U has more features than you’ll probably ever need. 
The ASUS RT-AX68U supports two internet connections. 
The ASUS RT-AX68U is great for businesses that need enterprise-grade security. 
The ASUS RT-AX68U has one of the best web interfaces we’ve used.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Has speeds similar to other routers sold at this price. |
| Features | 5 | Packs free security, parental controls, and loads more. |
| Design | 4 | Supports dual internet connections and link aggregation. |
| Setup | 5 | Gets you up and running in no time flat. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Presents a better mobile experience than the web browser one. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The RT-AX68U is a great router for businesses and homes alike, offering some enterprise-grade security along with the AiProtect Classic suite. There are good speeds to be had, too, even when we test it outside at 120 feet.
What we wish it did better: The RT-AX68U needs a more unified presentation across its web interface and mobile app.
Why do we recommend it? This little guy certainly packs a punch for the price. The RT-AX68U is loaded with features, from free security to dual internet connection support. You also get great speeds for the money, even at a long range.
Security suite: ASUS AiProtect Classic
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 848 | 567 | 251 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
| Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
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Best for gamers—ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
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A great gaming router with excellent free security |
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Score:4.1out of 5 |
This router packs everything under the sun and then some, including the free AiProtect Advanced security suite. We tested and found great speeds at 120 feet too. |
| Pros | Cons |
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$329.00*
* Amazon.com Price (as of 5/08/23 9:35 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The Rapture GT-AX11000 has eight antennas you screw into place, but they can fall over time. 
The Rapture GT-AX11000 has some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds we’ve tested to date. 
You don’t need to be a gamer to appreciate everything the Rapture GT-AX11000 has to offer. 
The Rapture GT-AX11000 has some of the fastest Wi-Fi speeds we’ve tested to date. 
The Rapture GT-AX11000 has wired speeds up to 2.5 Gbps. 
The ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 has one of the best web interfaces we’ve used to date.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Holds some of the best speeds we’ve tested to date, even at 120 feet. |
| Features | 5 | Packs more features under the hood than you’ll likely ever use. |
| Design | 4 | Includes three bands and multi-gig internet support. |
| Setup | 4 | Requires more time to set up due to all the extra features. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Presents better network management in the web interface than the mobile app. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: Gamers need security too, and the GT-AX11000 excels with the AiProtect Pro suite. It’s also packed with plenty of other features you may never use fully, plus great speeds, even when we benchmark the router from across the street.
What we wish it did better: The antennas on the unit we purchased refused to stay upright over time.
Why do we recommend it? The price is a little steep, but you can’t go wrong with the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 if you can afford it. With free security, parental controls, real gaming tools, and more, it’s the best network centerpiece you can buy, even if you’re not a gamer.
Security suite: ASUS AiProtect Pro
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 848 | 642 | 260 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
| Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
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Best for VPN—ExpressVPN Aircove
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An inexpensive router designed for ExpressVPN customers |
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Score:3.8out of 5 |
The Aircove targets ExpressVPN customers who want a hardware-based VPN client. It lacks a lot of the features you get on similarly-priced routers. |
| Pros | Cons |
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$189.90*
* Amazon.com Price (as of 5/08/23 9:35 MST). Read full disclaimer.
The ExpressVPN Aircove has a Sync button and USB port you can’t use. 
The ExpressVPN Aircove doesn’t support multi-gig wired speeds. 
The ExpressVPN Aircove antennas bend back 180 degrees. 
The ExpressVPN Aircove has good raw up-close Wi-Fi speeds based on our tests. 
The ExpressVPN Aircove is best used as a secondary router in any home or business. 
The ExpressVPN Aircove Dashboard highlights VPN use but very little network management.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Has decent speeds for a router sold at this price. |
| Features | 2 | Lacks standard features offered on other routers. |
| Design | 3 | Includes a USB port you can’t even use. |
| Setup | 5 | Walks you through one of the fastest setups we’ve seen. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Displays a simple web interface on mobile and desktop. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The Aircove has good speeds based on our tests, matching the averages of other similarly-priced routers we’ve reviewed. The built-in ExpressVPN client is outstanding, allowing you to group devices and connect each group to different VPN servers.
What we wish it did better: There’s a lot we wished the Aircove did better, like support for the built-in USB port and parental controls for better device management.
Why do we recommend it? The Aircove is a great secondary router for ExpressVPN customers. The way it allows you to group devices and connect them to different servers is astounding. There are plenty of decent Wi-Fi 6 speeds here, too, based on our tests.
Security suite: ExpressVPN
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 845 | 413 | 191 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
| Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
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Best for parents—Gryphon AX
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A great mesh system geared for parents |
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Score:4out of 5 |
The Gryphon AX is a good pick if you need serious parental controls. Plus, it has decent speeds, too, for a mesh router, even if you use just one unit. |
| Pros | Cons |
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$279.00*
* Amazon.com Price (as of 5/08/23 9:35 MST). Read full disclaimer.
You need a subscription to get the most out of the Gryphon AX. 
The Gryphon AX doesn’t support Multi-Gig internet. 
The Gryphon AX has excellent free parental controls. 
You can use the Gryphon AX as a standalone router but it's best used in a multi-device setup. 
You’ll never directly use all three bands on the Gryphon AX. 
Gryphon Connect is excellent at cramming everything you need into a single app.
Expand for product details and ratings
| Category | Score* | Summary |
| Performance | 4 | Provides great speeds for a mesh system based on our benchmarks. |
| Features | 4 | Includes great parental control features you can use for free. |
| Design | 4 | Lacks multi-gig internet but supports wired backhauling between units. |
| Setup | 4 | Requires very little time to get your network running. |
| Ease of use | 4 | Presents a decent app experience for easy network management. |
* out of 5 points
What we like about it: The Gryphon AX is a good mesh system if you need lots of parental controls and good coverage throughout your home. Tests showed it’s a standalone router with good speeds, hitting a 146Mbps average at 120 feet.
What we wish it did better: The Gryphon AX needs more free security, as seen with ASUS and TP-Link routers.
Why do we recommend it? The Gryphon AX is a good pick if you need a system targeting parental controls. There are some extra security features to be had here, like adware and malware filters, if you’re willing to spend the extra money.
Security suite: Gryphon Advanced Protection
Tested speeds at a glance
| 5 GHz max speed | 2 feet | 40 feet | 120 feet |
| 1,200 | 855 | 469 | 146 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using a Wi-Fi 6 client and an 80 MHz channel.
| Wi-Fi specs | Wired specs |
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Routers for security specs and features
All routers provide security through their built-in firewall to keep hackers off your home network. However, some provide additional layers, like antivirus or built-in VPN tools. We’ll cover some of the basic features you should keep in mind while shopping for a new router.
Free security features
We usually suggest routers with free security and parental controls, like AiProtect from ASUS and TP-Link’s HomeCare. Other routers offer minimal security and parental controls while locking premium features behind a monthly subscription. Decide what’s best for your long-term budget before you invest.
Wi-Fi 6 and newer
Wi-Fi 6 and newer include Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3), the latest security protocol for wireless connections. It features faster and stronger encryption than WPA2, making it less vulnerable to brute-force attacks against your Wi-Fi connections. Your Wi-Fi passwords are now better protected with WPA3—even the simple ones.
VPN
Many routers now include VPN connectivity. For example, you can surf anonymously from a coffee shop, as your data is directed to the VPN server in your home router first before it reaches the destination. Some routers have a built-in VPN to protect devices that don’t support VPN software, like a game console or media streamer.
Ethernet ports
Ethernet is inconvenient in a Wi-Fi-first world, but a wired connection keeps eavesdroppers from intercepting your data flowing to and from the router. We’ll always suggest Ethernet over Wi-Fi for better security and performance.
Other router features
Radios: We suggest a router with three bands. Each radio uses a separate channel, so you’ll see less congestion than you would on a dual-band router using just two channels.
Streams: Get a router with a high stream count for reduced latency. Most wireless devices use a two-transmit two-receive design (2×2), so a router with four streams on a single band can handle two devices at full speed simultaneously—four devices at half speed.
Antennas: You only need one antenna per band, but routers use multiple antennas for beamforming and supporting multiple devices simultaneously. You also get a better long range from external antennas than you do with internal ones.
Our verdict
The TP-Link Archer AX11000 has always been one of our favorite routers. It checks all the right boxes, from good long-range speeds to all the cool features it packs under the hood. It even supports real-world internet speeds of just under 2,400Mbps.
But the big callout here is security. TP-Link’s free HomeCare suite powered by Trend Micro means all your devices—even ones that don’t support antivirus software—are protected against malware. HomeCare automatically quarantines infected devices, blocks malicious websites, and keeps hackers off your network.
Of course, if you need something stronger, there are other routers you can get with subscription-based security features, like device-side antivirus for on-the-go protection and anti-theft protection.
Methodology
We test router speed by setting up each router in an office and connecting it to a local test server. Then, we transmit test data between our wireless devices and the server, taking numerous measurements to account for fluctuations in Wi-Fi speeds.
The first tests occur close to the router, without obstructions—so the Wi-Fi is as strong and fast as it’s gonna get. We repeat the process straight out at 10, 20, and 30 feet, with only a glass door obstructing our view of the router. The same glass door and an exterior door blocks our path when we test outside at 40 and 50 feet.
We also run tests in a hallway to the left of the TV room and office—where there’s a glass door, three walls, and an air handler unit blocking our view of the router. The dining room, another testing point, sits to the right of the kitchen, TV room, and office—two walls and a glass door block the path in this test.
To test video streaming, we connect a fast storage device to the router and stream a 4K video to six wireless devices simultaneously—two phones, three tablets, and a laptop—connected to the same wireless band.
Client devices used in testing
| Google Pixel 6 | iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi version | Wi-Fi 6E | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Stream configuration | 2 x 2 | 2 x 2 | 2 x 2 |
| Max channel width | 160MHz | 80MHz | 80MHz |
| Max 6GHz speed (AXE) | 2,400Mbps | ||
| Max 5GHz speed (AX) | 2,400Mbps | 1,200Mbps | |
| Max 5GHz speed (AC) | 866Mbps | 866Mbps | 866Mbps |
| Max 2.4GHz speed (AX) | 195Mbps | 195Mbps | |
| Max 2.4GHz speed (AC) | 144Mbps | 195Mbps | 144Mbps |
| Max 2.4 GHz speed (N) | 144Mbps | 144Mbps | 144Mbps |
| Wi-Fi version | |
| Google Pixel 6 | Wi-Fi 6E |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Google Pixel 3 | Wi-Fi 5 |
| Stream configuration | |
| Google Pixel 6 | 2 x 2 |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 2 x 2 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 2 x 2 |
| Max channel width | |
| Google Pixel 6 | 160MHz |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 80MHz |
| Google Pixel 3 | 80MHz |
| Max 6GHz speed (AXE) | |
| Google Pixel 6 | 2,400Mbps |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | |
| Google Pixel 3 | |
| Max 5GHz speed (AX) | |
| Google Pixel 6 | 2,400Mbps |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 1,200Mbps |
| Google Pixel 3 | |
| Max 5GHz speed (AC) | |
| Google Pixel 6 | 866Mbps |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 866Mbps |
| Google Pixel 3 | 866Mbps |
| Max 2.4GHz speed (AX) | |
| Google Pixel 6 | 195Mbps |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 195Mbps |
| Google Pixel 3 | |
| Max 2.4GHz speed (AC) | |
| Google Pixel 6 | 144Mbps |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 195Mbps |
| Google Pixel 3 | 144Mbps |
| Max 2.4 GHz speed (N) | |
| Google Pixel 6 | 144Mbps |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 144Mbps |
| Google Pixel 3 | 144Mbps |
Router benchmarks
Here are the average 5 GHz speeds recorded for each router. Wi-Fi speeds fluctuate significantly, so these numbers reflect at least three tests taken at each 10-foot interval.
TP-Link Archer AX11000
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 860 | 658 |
| 10 feet | 848 | 645 |
| 20 feet | 768 | 572 |
| 30 feet | 745 | 453 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 692 | 330 |
| 120 feet (neighbor) | 282 | 175 |
| 2 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 860 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 658 |
| 10 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 848 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 645 |
| 20 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 768 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 572 |
| 30 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 745 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 453 |
| 40 feet (porch) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 692 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 330 |
| 120 feet (neighbor) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 282 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 175 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
ASUS RT-AX68U
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 848 | 665 |
| 10 feet | 796 | 631 |
| 20 feet | 766 | 602 |
| 30 feet | 759 | 518 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 567 | 369 |
| 120 feet (across street) | 251 | 148 |
| 2 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 848 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 665 |
| 10 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 796 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 631 |
| 20 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 766 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 602 |
| 30 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 759 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 518 |
| 40 feet (porch) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 567 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 369 |
| 120 feet (across street) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 251 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 148 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-AX11000
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 848 | 652 |
| 10 feet | 827 | 644 |
| 20 feet | 755 | 529 |
| 30 feet | 729 | 462 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 642 | 308 |
| 120 feet (across street) | 260 | 169 |
| 2 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 848 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 652 |
| 10 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 827 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 644 |
| 20 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 755 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 529 |
| 30 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 729 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 462 |
| 40 feet (porch) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 642 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 308 |
| 120 feet (across street) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 260 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 169 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
ExpressVPN Aircove
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 845 | 635 |
| 10 feet | 834 | 614 |
| 20 feet | 725 | 562 |
| 30 feet | 637 | 485 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 637 | 227 |
| 120 feet (across street) | 191 | 98 |
| 2 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 845 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 635 |
| 10 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 834 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 614 |
| 20 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 725 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 562 |
| 30 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 637 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 485 |
| 40 feet (porch) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 637 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 227 |
| 120 feet (across street) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 191 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 98 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
Gryphon AX
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | Google Pixel 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 feet | 855 | 684 |
| 10 feet | 789 | 607 |
| 20 feet | 695 | 588 |
| 30 feet | 584 | 442 |
| 40 feet (porch) | 469 | 255 |
| 120 feet (across street) | 146 | 85 |
| 2 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 855 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 684 |
| 10 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 789 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 607 |
| 20 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 695 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 588 |
| 30 feet | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 584 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 442 |
| 40 feet (porch) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 469 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 255 |
| 120 feet (across street) | |
| iPhone 12 Pro Max | 146 |
| Google Pixel 3 | 85 |
* Speeds in megabits per second (Mbps) using an 80 MHz channel.
Other routers we tested
We tested many standalone routers and mesh kits to determine which ones are ideal for security. Here are other tested models we do and don’t recommend.
Other routers we recommend for security
| Model | Summary | Price* | Order online |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Archer AX6000 | Lacks the AX11000 model's third band for a lower price. | $217.67 | View on Amazon |
| Eero Pro 6 3-pack | Provides some decent free security and parental controls. | $319.99 | View on Amazon |
* Amazon.com Prices (as of 5/8/23 9:35 MST). Read full disclaimer.
Other routers we don’t recommend for security
| Model | Summary | Price* | Order online |
|---|---|---|---|
| TP-Link Archer AX20 | Lacks the HomeShield suite offered on other TP-Link routers. | $83.99 | View on Amazon |
| NETGEAR Nighthawk RAX200 | Locks most security features behind the Armor subscription. | $433.99 | View on Amazon |
* Amazon.com Prices (as of 5/8/23 9:35 MST). Read full disclaimer.
FAQ about routers for security
Why do we need security features in a router?
A router is your first line of defense when internet data enters your home. A firewall is in place to allow only the necessary incoming and outgoing transmissions. Other features like malicious site blocking and content filtering add extra layers of security for devices that don’t support antivirus and similar software.
What security features come with ASUS AiProtect?
In addition to general router security features like the firewall and WPS3 security, AiProtect adds the following services, depending on the router you get:
| Classic | Pro | |
| Automatic Security Updates | ✔ | ✔ |
| Security Scan | ✔ | ✔ |
| Malicious Site Blocking | ✔ | ✔ |
| Infected Device Quarantine | ✔ | ✔ |
| Instant Guard VPN | ✔ | ✔ |
| Safe Browsing | ✔ | ✔ |
| Content Filtering | ✔ | ✔ |
| Intrusion Prevention | X | ✔ |
What security features come with TP-Link HomeCare?
In addition to general router security features like the firewall and WPS3 security, HomeCare adds the following services:
- Automatic security updates
- Malicious site blocking
- Infected device quarantine
- Content filtering
- Intrusion prevention
What security features come with ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is a third-party VPN service costing $12.95 per month or $99.84 annually. ExpressVPN reroutes all traffic through its global network spanning 94 countries to hide your identity, location, and activities from the internet. It’s available for desktop, mobile, media streamers, and several compatible routers.
What security features come with Gryphon Protection?
Here are the security features offered with Gryphon Advanced and Premium Protection:
| Advanced | Premium | |
| Remote Access | ✔ | ✔ |
| Limited Guest Network Access | ✔ | ✔ |
| Content Filtering | X | ✔ |
| Malicious Site Blocking | X | ✔ |
| Network Vulnerability Alerts | X | ✔ |
| Infected Device Quarantine | X | ✔ |
| Off-Network Security | X | ✔ |
For more information about the router’s parental controls, see the product listing on our list of the best routers with parental controls.
Gryphon Premium Protection costs $90 per year.
Disclaimer
Amazon.com Prices as of 5/08/23 9:35 MST. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Highspeedinternet.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
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Author - Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish has more than a decade of experience working as a writer, editor, and product tester. He began writing about computer hardware and soon branched out to other devices and services such as networking equipment, phones and tablets, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom’s Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others. At HighSpeedInternet.com, he focuses on network equipment testing and review.
Editor - Cara Haynes
Cara Haynes has been editing and writing in the digital space for seven years, and she's edited all things internet for HighSpeedInternet.com for five years. She graduated with a BA in English and a minor in editing from Brigham Young University. When she's not editing, she makes tech accessible through her freelance writing for brands like Pluralsight. She believes no one should feel lost in internet land and that a good internet connection significantly extends your life span.
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