I bought an Asus router and installed their Merlin software and configured it to Private Internet Access VPN so all my devices are behind a VPN. Sometimes I have to turn it off for a few minutes to access a site that blocks VPN IP addresses. For $40 a year it’s worth it.
Back in the 2005 time frame, I had some specialized Linksys routers the allowed me to set up a 3 premise VPN. My house in Idaho, the lab in Vienna, VA and the locomotive software shop in Illinois. It was cheaper than flying. All of my embedded system controller were in the Vienna lab. That included a handbrake actuator, cutlever actuator, anglecock actuator, brake piston position sensor, temperature sensors in each bearing adaptor, tri-axial accelerometers on the bolsters, high frequency accelerometers on the bearing adapters. The locomotive shop could see and manipulate all of them. As the designer of the electronics and firmware, I had full access to monitor operation and update firmware/software as necessary. Very cost effective.
My next router will happen after I retire. I want it to have WiFi-7 capability. Depending on monthly cost, I might upgrade the current 1 Gbps symmetric fiber ($79/month) to Google Fiber at 8 Gbps. Google is rolling out now. Google fiber makes an appearance in a box next to my current ISP. It's just a matter of making sense. The WiFi-7 routers have WAN side connections at 10 Gbps, but will support slower 2.5 Gbps and 1 Gbps.
We have Merlin on our ASUS, as well.
I only trust ASUS routers, at this time.
I’m finding more and more websites that block you if using a VPN. Many times you get an error or blank page. Turn off VPN and refresh page and the connection goes right through.
With youtube, I get Sign in to prove you’re not a bot. Turn off VPN and I don’t get that.
The only thing it’s useful for to me is to lessen the tracking and targeted ads. I don’t know if I’ll bother renewing. Might just use Brave more and use a free VPN.