Hi all, looking for recommendations for an affordable router than I can install a VPN on, mainly just for location masking. I currently have the standard Virgin Media Hub 2.0 and having a nightmare trying to install ExpressVPN on it, so looking for an alternative. My plan is to turn on modem mode on the hub, connect the new router via ethernet and go from there. Additionally, if anyone has this setup currently, how much download speed are you losing when the VPN is turned on? Need the VPN to run at router level so I can chain VPNs for remote work purposes. Many thanks in advance 
You can go with cheaper options for sure, but I’d highly recommend a bare-bones PC running vanilla Debian. Linux networking stack is incredibly powerful these days. nftables for firewalling, nat etc. Add FRR or Bird if you need BGP or other protocols. Wireguard for point to point VPNs or remote access.
I’ve one of these and never looked back, but there are many similar options. Not cheap so perhaps doesn’t suit. I run my own DNS with rpz zone to give pi-hole like filtering too.
You could also run PFsense, OPNsense or VyOS on it if that’s more to your taste. Personally while they are good projects I think it simpler and more powerful to deal with Linux directly. Each to their own.
You can also do a lot with something like OpenWRT on more typical “home router” hardware at a much lower cost:
To me the benefit of Linux on x86 is the flexibility to be able to do whatever I want and never hit a brick wall of something it can’t do.
very helpful, thanks
I actually ordered the Flint (GL-AX1800) from GL-iNet the other day, so it’s good to hear you’ve had a good experience with another one of their products anyway. Thanks for the recommendation tho!
Thanks very much for the tips! Hadn’t even thought of that as an option. Deffs something I’ll have a look into
Are you on commission?