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Router Basics
WireGuard: The Fast, Modern VPN Protocol
A lean, next-generation VPN protocol built for speed, low latency, and state-of-the-art encryption. It does more with a fraction of the code — and it runs beautifully on a router.
15+ Years of Pre-Configured Routers · 50,000+ Routers Configured · US-Based Support · Official NordVPN Partner
The short version
- WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol built for speed, with noticeably lower latency than OpenVPN.
- It runs on roughly 4,000 lines of code versus 100,000+ in older protocols, giving a smaller attack surface.
- In typical setups it delivers around 2–3x the throughput of OpenVPN and connects almost instantly.
Overview
A newer protocol that does more with less
WireGuard is a modern, high-performance VPN protocol created by security researcher Jason Donenfeld. It takes the versatility of OpenVPN and pairs it with a far leaner design — delivering faster, more stable connections for everyday use.
Its simplicity is the point. WireGuard does the same job as older protocols with a tiny fraction of the complexity — which translates into a faster, more stable, and easier-to-trust connection.
FlashRouters ships routers ready for WireGuard and pre-configured for your provider, so you get the speed without the setup.
Less code means a smaller attack surface and easier auditing.
What Makes It Different
Why WireGuard stands out
Four reasons it's become the go-to protocol for speed-conscious VPN users.
Less code
Around 4,000 lines versus 100,000+ in older protocols — leaner, faster to audit, and harder to get wrong.
Faster speeds
Consistently outperforms OpenVPN and IPsec on throughput, making the most of fast connections for streaming and gaming.
Modern cryptography
State-of-the-art ciphers and a fixed, vetted cryptographic set — no insecure legacy options to misconfigure.
Efficient by design
Lightweight tunnels reconnect almost instantly and sip less power — ideal for always-on router and mobile use.
WireGuard vs OpenVPN
How they compare
Both are excellent, secure choices. WireGuard leads on speed and simplicity; OpenVPN leads on maturity and reach.
Representative throughput on a gigabit line
Illustrative figures on a gigabit connection. Real-world results vary by hardware, provider, and configuration; WireGuard typically delivers roughly 2–3x OpenVPN's throughput.
2–3×Typical throughput advantage over OpenVPN
< 1 secConnection handshake, vs several seconds for OpenVPN
~1–3 msAdded latency, lower than OpenVPN's overhead
| WireGuard | OpenVPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed / throughput | Fastest | Strong |
| Latency | Lowest | Higher |
| Best for streaming & gaming | Excellent | Good |
| Maturity / track record | Newer | Long-established |
| Provider compatibility | Widely supported & growing | Near-universal |
| Best for | Speed, streaming, gaming | Compatibility, legacy setups |
New to all of this? Start with what a VPN is. WireGuard also runs on AsusWRT-Merlin and DD-WRT, and works great as the protocol on a second, isolated VPN router.
Easiest path
Get WireGuard without the configuration
Every FlashRouter arrives pre-flashed and pre-configured for your provider — WireGuard set up and ready. Plug in and your whole home is on the fast protocol.
Our Picks
Best WireGuard-supporting routers
Pre-configured for WireGuard out of the box — or browse all VPN routers.
Easiest setup
Privacy Hero 2
App-guided whole-home coverage with WireGuard support and built-in streaming relocation — no subscription required, no networking experience needed.
Shop Now →Best value
ASUS RT-BE92U
Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with fast WireGuard performance and per-device routing, pre-configured and ready for a busy home.
Shop Now →Best for travel
GL.iNet Slate 7
A pocket-sized Wi-Fi 7 travel router with fast WireGuard built in — secure hotel and cafe Wi-Fi, or stream your home libraries on the road.
Shop Now →WireGuard-compatible providers: many leading services now support WireGuard, including NordVPN (via NordLynx), ProtonVPN, Mullvad, and IVPN. We'll configure your provider's WireGuard connection before your router ships. See all supported VPNs.
FAQ
WireGuard questions
What people ask before switching to WireGuard.
Is WireGuard faster than OpenVPN?
Generally yes. WireGuard consistently delivers higher throughput and lower latency thanks to its lean design, which is why it's a strong pick for streaming and gaming. See the full OpenVPN comparison above.
Is WireGuard secure?
Yes. It uses modern, well-audited encryption with no weak legacy options to misconfigure, and its lean design leaves fewer places for bugs to hide.
Which routers support WireGuard?
Most current FlashRouters do, including ASUS Wi-Fi 7 models and GL.iNet routers, plus firmware like AsusWRT-Merlin and DD-WRT. Not sure which fits? Take the quiz.
Does my VPN provider support WireGuard?
Many do, including NordVPN (NordLynx), ProtonVPN, Mullvad, and IVPN. We set up the WireGuard connection for you before shipment. Browse supported providers.
WireGuard or OpenVPN — which should I choose?
Pick WireGuard for speed and simplicity, or OpenVPN for maximum compatibility and a longer track record. Most FlashRouters support both, so you can switch.
Ready for the fast protocol?
Get a router pre-configured for WireGuard and your VPN provider — whole-home speed and privacy from the moment you plug in.
Shop WireGuard Routers Take the Router Quiz
What is WireGuard?
WireGuard® is one of the newest VPN protocols on the market. Just how good is it?
© Copyright 2015-2022 Jason A. Donenfeld. All Rights Reserved. "WireGuard" and the "WireGuard" logo are registered trademarks of Jason A. Donenfeld.
An Introduction to WireGuard
WireGuard® is a lean and powerful protocol that many are billing as the most secure, simplest to use, and best performing VPN solution today. Created by security researcher Jason Donenfled, it utilizes state-of-the-art cryptography to give users a VPN experience that combines speed, power, and ease of use.
WireGuard combines and expands on the versatility of OpenVPN and the performance IKEv2 to deliver an all-purpose VPN solution. The protocol's simple design allows for an experience that's secure, stable, and simple to use.
What Encryption Does WireGuard Use?
- ChaCha20 for symmetric encryption, authenticated with Poly1305, using RFC7539’s AEAD construction
- Curve25519 for ECDH
- BLAKE2s for hashing and keyed hashing, described in RFC7693
- SipHash24 for hashtable keys
- HKDF for key derivation, as described in RFC5869
What Makes the WireGuard Protocol Different?
Less Code
With 4,000 lines of code, compared to OpenVPN's 400,000, WireGuard is as lightweight as they come.
Faster Speeds
WireGuard averages VPN connection speeds 4x faster than OpenVPN and IPsec.
Increased Security
WireGuard's state-of-the-art secure ciphers and algorithms, and Its small codebase make it easier to audit while offering a smaller attack surface for any potential threats.
More Efficient Algorithms
Each WireGuard version uses one fixed set of algorithms, which leads to a smaller attack surface, and immunity to downgrade attacks.
WireGuard VS OpenVPN and IPSec?
How Fast is WireGuard?
How does performance compare on WireGuard and other popular VPN Protocols?
How is WireGuard's Ping?
How does WireGuard ping compare to other popular VPN Protocols?
PICK & CHOOSE VPN WITH EVERY DEVICE
What Are The Best WireGuard-Supporting Wi-Fi Routers?
-
GL.iNet Beryl 7 – WiFi 7 Travel FlashRouter with VPNSpecial Price $199.99 Regular Price $279.99 -
ASUS ROG Rapture GT-BE19000AI Wi-Fi 7, Dual 10G, AI Router by FlashRoutersSpecial Price $789.99 Regular Price $999.99
WHY A VPN ROUTER?
1
GET A VPN CONNECTION ON ALL YOUR DEVICES
Even devices that don't support VPN
2
EASE OF SETTING UP JUST ONE VPN CONNECTION
For an entire home or office!
What Are The Best VPNs For WireGuard Routers?
WireGuard VPN Providers
There is no FlashRouters App to manage your Wireguard connection. While many VPNs have begun to offer WireGuard, ProtonVPN, StrongVPN, Mullvad, Windscribe, VPNUnlimited and IVPN are the recommended providers for WireGuard service at FlashRouters. FlashRouters will setup the Wireguard connection for you before shipment if you leave your account info during the checkout process.
Recommended
FEATURES
- Supports WireGuard Protocol
- No logging Policy
- 950+ servers in 30+ countries
- Easy WireGuard Setup
FEATURES
- Under Swiss privacy jurisdiction
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Servers in 60 countries
FEATURES
- Supports WireGuard Protocol
- No logging Policy
- Open Source apps & website
- Multi-hop technology for extra security.
