You’ve probably experienced the inconvenience of installing VPN software on all your devices when you sign up for a VPN.
Although it’s possible to mount a VPN on standard Wi-Fi routers, it’s better to consider a VPN router to get the best performance.
A VPN router allows you to connect all devices, including computers, laptops, and smartphones, to your VPN service without the need to install software on each device.
You can find the best VPN routers and the best VPN services that run on these devices. By the end, you will learn all you need about the best VPN routers you can get.
What is a VPN Router?
VPN routers are a router with a virtual private network (VPN) running on it. Such a router can serve a VPN client, and one has been set up on it. When a VPN client runs on a router, any computer that uses it to connect to the internet will automatically be covered by a VPN.
Not all routers allow VPNs to be installed, and not all VPN services can be installed on routers. It also allows you to connect multiple devices rather than stick to your VPN provider’s limits set.
Is a VPN Router Worth It?
While many users stick to using a VPN on separate devices, VPN hardware inclusion means you don’t face any device limits. This alone can make a considerable cost saving if you are in a large home or office setting.
Here’s a quick look at why VPN software on your router makes sense.
Protect All Your Devices
Enjoy all sorts of advantages of VPN on any connected device, regardless of whether they can run VPN software or not. If it has Wi-Fi, then it is safe.
Improved Security
When it’s still on, a VPN performs best. By using a VPN router, you don’t have to keep connecting. Every computer is protected from the time it connects. A built-in kill switch also means all devices have uninterrupted security. (Read NordVPN Or ExpressVPN)
Easy-to-use interface
It’s a breeze to select a VPN server location and to get connected. Bid farewell to complicated menus and configurations by simply clicking to join. If you don’t want specific devices to pass through the VPN, you can use split tunnelling to divert traffic.
Unlimited devices
On all your devices, there’s no need to install separate apps. The VPN on your router automatically protects each new device.
Bypass censorship
Get around censorship to access the pages you like. When connecting to other country servers, you’ll have a new IP address to reach sites that would otherwise be blocked. (Read What Is My IP Address For My Router)
The Best Router VPN 2024
1. Linksys WRT3200ACM Dual-Band Open Source Router for Home (Tri-Stream Fast Wireless Wi-Fi Router, MU-MIMO Gigabit Wireless Router)
With its 1.8GHz dual-core processor, the Linksys WRT3200ACM wireless router can handle almost anything.
Many Linksys routers can be easily accessed via Web browsers and can be updated with Linux-based add-ons. I have used DD-WRT on a Linksys router before, and it works well.
The Linksys WRT3200ACM is doubly impressive since it is also compatible with third-party firmware such as DD-WRT. Such firmware can allow you much greater control over router features and settings.
Tri-stream 160 technology doubles Wi-Fi connection bandwidth from 80Mhz to 160 Mhz on the Linksys Wrt router.
Pros
Cons
With a guide price of $245, you get many features and a lot of router for your money. It can slot in quickly in place of your current router and will work with your existing modem.
2. NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart WiFi Router (R7800) – AC2600 Wireless Speed (up to 2600 Mbps) | Up to 2500 sq ft Coverage & 45 Devices | 4 x 1G Ethernet, 2 x 3.0 USB, and 1 x eSATA ports
A 7.2Gbps-capable wireless dual-band router with a giant 1.7GHz quad-core processor is the Nighthawk X4. Wireless types are 802.11ac/ a/b/g/n/
The X4 can function not only as an internet router but also as an HD media streamer. It can accommodate up to 20 devices, using gigabit Ethernet ports and dual USB 3.0 ports or eSATA port.
But what is really at the heart of this is the Nighthawk X4S D7800 VDSL 2 modem, which denies you the need for a separate buy or lease.
The program is not too shoddy either; it makes it a breeze to monitor many devices on a single home network with a simple Dynamic QOS system. (Read What Is QoS On A Router)
Pros
Cons
With a guide price of around $250, this is a great router for VPN use of the 1733 Megabits per second throughput it can deliver.
3. ASUS AC2900 Wi-Fi Dual-band Gigabit Wireless Router with 1.8GHz Dual-core Processor and AiProtection Network Security Powered by Trend Micro, AiMesh Whole Home Wi-Fi System Compatible
If you have seen any Asus gaming devices, you can instantly see the likeness and who this router is aimed at. While gamer-focused, this doesn’t mean it’s not a great router to install your VPN on.
The Asus RT-AC86U has excellent VPN features to make it a fast performer that won’t see internet speeds drop too much when using a VPN. The router also allows you to install third-party firmware for even more choice. (Learn How to Speed Up Internet)
Pros
Cons
With a guide price of under $170, you have a dual-band router offering the most recent 802. 11AC MU-MIMO technology to deliver data transfer speeds up to 2900 Mbps.
It runs a dual-core 1.8 GHz processor to optimize network traffic from the USB 3 and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
4. ASUS Gaming Router Tri-band Wi-Fi (Up to 5334 Mbps) For VR & 4K streaming, 1.8GHz Quad-Core processor, Gaming Port, Whole Home Mesh System, & AiProtection Network With 8 x Gigabit LAN ports(GT-AC5300)
The Asus RT-AC5300 tri-band router is an excellent high-end gaming router that comes with a range of advanced features to make online and network gaming as lag-free and frustrating as possible.
The spider-like style may not be to the tastes of everyone, but the eight antennas serve a purpose, as they can be used to direct your Wi-Fi signal in your house, providing an excellent range for this router.
It utilizes a 1.8GHz 64bit Quad-Core processor to maximize data throughput from the 8 Ethernet ports and dual USB 3.0.
Pros
Cons
With a guide price of just over $280, this is an expensive router, yet if you want your VPN on WiFi router without affecting games, this can be one of the best options for the setup VPN on router.
Best Router VPN Service
1. ExpressVPN
Pros
Cons
Get ExpressVPN for Your Router
ExpressVPN delivers in every department. The VPN provider isn’t content to offer the best service and streaming on everyday devices; the British Virgin Islands-based VPN company provides the easiest way to install a router VPN. You can access any of the 3,000 + servers in 94 countries.
ExpressVPN offers custom router firmware you can use on a range of compatible routers. With this, you can control your router VPN from ExpressVPN’s easy-to-use dashboard. You can also get routers pre-flashed with the firmware.
One benefit when using a compatible ExpressVPN router is that you can set up split tunnelling to select which devices use the VPN connection and those that don’t. ExpressVPN has industry-leading 24/7 live-chat support in case you get stuck or have issues.
To thoroughly test ExpressVPN, you can try all the features using the 30-day money-back guarantee. (Read ExpressVPN Review Australia)
2. NordVPN
Pros
Cons
NordVPN is the most privacy-focused of all VPN providers and offers comfortable, efficient ways of remaining anonymous online.
Unfortunately, NordVPN doesn’t offer a dedicated router VPN app, but they collaborate with FlashRouters, where you can get a pre-configured router instead of messing around.
Nord has many uses, including streaming, unblocking Netflix, Hulu, etc., and works with devices that do not natively support VPNs.
A NordVPN router setup gives you access to a vast number of VPN servers around the world. (Read NordVPN Review)
3. Surfshark
Pros
Cons
Surfshark could be a good option if you want a budget VPN that doesn’t skimp on features.
Surfshark does not have its VPN client, but it may be worth a tradeoff in price and results. The service is easy, has great apps on other devices, and has unlimited connections and.
Surfshark comes with features such as Whitelister (split tunnelling). Ad-blocker and ad and malware blocker. Your entire home or office network can be ad-free in no time at all.
Surfshark can be set up manually on VPNs, or there is the FlashRouter app to make it easier to change your VPN’s settings. (Read Surfshark VPN Review)
How to Install a VPN on Router
When you want to know, can I put a VPN on my router? As you can see from above, not all VPN’s have a dedicated app you can install. Besides this, not all VPN’s offer the installation onto routers
However, when you want a VPN on a Wi-Fi router, it will depend on the firmware. In most cases, it can be a painless VPN setup process; just make sure you have a VPN compatible router.
Most VPN providers offer step-by-step guides on how to do this; the three here are among the best.
Here’s a quick overview of how you’d install a VPN on your router. It will differ depending on your VPN and your router model.
Choosing your router
Select one of the recommended routers from above.
Select one of the recommended VPN services and sign up for the plan you desire. (Read British Open Stream)
Once you sign up, you can find the configuration settings you require for your device to configure
Protocol configuration
Although new ones make headway, OpenVPN is the primary protocol, such as WireGuard and ExpressVPN’s Lightway.
Once you click ‘Configure OpenVPN, ‘you have two boxes to contain username and password. Underneath is drop-down menus listing major regions you can select a VPN server. Choose one and click the configuration file you want.
Save the .ovpn file (or other protocol) to a location on your computer.
Log in to your router
Open the web browser, then navigate to your router login page. Many routers use the IP address of 192.168.1.1.
Once you have logged in, on the left, you can select ‘VPN.’
Add new profile
On this VPN page, select your ‘VPN Client’ tab and click ‘Add Profile.’
Uploading Your VPN file
Select ‘OpenVPN’ and enter all the details. In ‘Description,’ enter anything you know what your VPN connection is for.
Username and password will be the same as earlier.
Select ‘Choose File’ and locate your .ovpn file and click ‘Upload.’
Once done, click on ‘OK.’
Activate your VPN
Once done, it should all be ready to go.
Select the ‘Activate’ button beside the account you created, and you should connect.
To verify the VPN is working, carry out a speed test and DNS leak test from your chosen VPN provider.
And Finally…
It may sound like too much effort for setting up a VPN on a router for some users. However, in Australia, the case use is very different.
The ISPs are ordered to retain user metadata for two years; thus, this is a hefty amount of data from your home IP address.
Once you have a VPN on a Wi-Fi router, they can’t see what any member of your family is accessing, and to benefit, your connections won’t be throttled when streaming.
You can make sure your VPN is set to the USA, and every family member can bypass the geo-restrictions and access their chosen streaming service without dealing with their VPN client app.
Now, regardless of which VPN account you have, you can support many devices up to what is supported by your Wi-Fi router. Every device, be it family or a friend visiting, has the same protection and online freedom inside the VPN world.
