A connected VPN and a changed public IP do not prove that your DNS queries are using the VPN’s intended resolver. To check for a DNS leak, record what happens with the VPN off, repeat the same tests while it is on, and verify which resolver actually handled a test query. Check IPv6 and WebRTC separately: they are different possible exposure paths, not DNS tests.
What a DNS leak means—and what an IP check cannot show
DNS translates a hostname, such as a website address, into the network address a device can connect to. A DNS leak occurs when a lookup reaches an unexpected resolver or bypasses the DNS path intended by your VPN configuration. That can happen even when ordinary browser traffic uses the VPN.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A public-IP check can show whether the browser appears to be using the VPN’s exit address. It cannot establish which resolver answered a DNS query. An ISP-associated resolver while connected is a reason to investigate, but a test page that cannot observe the resolver handling a query cannot settle the question. VPN and Privacy explains this distinction and documents a unique-hostname method for observing the resolver that makes the lookup: VPN and Privacy’s DNS leak test guidance.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchEstablish a baseline, then repeat the same checks
Use the same device, operating system, browser, and network for both runs. Record the setup because results apply only to the configuration and connection state you tested.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
- Disconnect the VPN. Record the public IP and the DNS resolver reported by a test method capable of identifying the resolver that handled a query. Note your device, OS, browser, and network.
- Connect the VPN. Repeat the public-IP and DNS checks without changing the setup. The IP check should reflect the VPN exit if ordinary browser traffic is using the tunnel; assess resolver identity separately.
- Use a resolver-aware DNS test. A meaningful check needs evidence of which resolver queried a unique hostname, such as an authoritative nameserver observation, or a documented terminal method. VPN and Privacy describes the unique-hostname approach and provides example terminal checks at its DNS test page. An IP-only browser check is not proof that DNS is protected.
- Keep the results distinct. Record the public IP, observed DNS resolver, IPv6 result, and WebRTC result separately. A pass in one category does not establish a pass in another.
Check IPv6 and WebRTC as separate paths
IPv6
Find out whether your VPN tunnels IPv6 or whether IPv6 is unavailable outside the tunnel. If a VPN tunnels only IPv4, an IPv6 route may remain outside it; behavior depends on the device and VPN configuration. Treat an IPv6 check as its own result rather than inferring it from the public IPv4 address.
WebRTC
Compare any public WebRTC candidates with the VPN address. A public candidate that differs from the VPN IP warrants investigation. A private LAN address, such as one beginning with 10.x or 192.168.x, or a link-local IPv6 address is not the same as disclosing your public ISP address.
Rank #2
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
AMTSO’s 2025 guidance treats DNS, IP, and packet leaks as distinct concerns and calls for tests across connection states and network environments. It also includes separate WebRTC and IPv6 checks, as well as testing during VPN-server and network-interface changes. See AMTSO VPN Testing Guidance Part 1.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteWhat to inspect when DNS goes to an unexpected resolver
Check the settings and resolver behavior that can change the route. Names and availability vary by VPN, operating system, browser, and app version; consult current documentation for your exact platform before relying on a particular setting.
Rank #3
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
- VPN DNS controls: Look for options such as “use VPN DNS,” DNS protection, or blocking DNS requests outside the tunnel.
- Split tunneling: Review whether the browser or relevant app is excluded from the VPN, and whether DNS behavior follows that rule.
- Browser secure-DNS settings: A browser-specific resolver setting may affect where browser lookups go. Check the browser’s current documentation and configuration.
- Operating-system resolver configuration: Review the system’s DNS settings and any network-specific resolver configuration.
- Change one setting at a time: After each relevant adjustment, repeat the same baseline comparison and resolver-aware test so you can see whether that change altered the result.
Test transitions if your use depends on them
A result while connected and stationary does not show what happens when the connection changes. If these transitions matter to you, repeat appropriate checks while changing VPN servers, moving between Wi-Fi access points, switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or forcing a tunnel drop. AMTSO’s guidance says that, in the relevant transition tests, no unencrypted data packets should exit through another interface. A clean run in one state does not establish behavior in every state.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How much confidence should you put in a clean result?
A clean result describes only the device, browser, network, VPN configuration, and connection state tested. Recheck after meaningful network or configuration changes. If you are assessing VPN software rather than troubleshooting one setup, comparisons need the same platform and protocol where possible, and should examine DNS resolver behavior, IPv6 handling, WebRTC, split tunneling, kill-switch response, and server or network transitions. AMTSO also advises disclosing test methods and tool selection; a single IP check is not a basis for ranking providers.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
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 at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →
