Best VPNs for routers – Find the best VPN to use on a router

Want the best VPN for routers? A router VPN protects your entire family without needing to connect to the VPN on individual devices. Discover the best VPNs for routers.

Want the best VPN for routers? Setting up a VPN on your WiFi router is the easiest way to protect every single device in your home. A router-installed VPN allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices to your VPN. Plus, it enables devices that usually don't support VPNs, like gaming consoles and streaming media devices, to benefit from VPN protection.

Many WiFi routers nowadays have native VPN support for protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. If your router isn't compatible, you can upgrade a router’s firmware to DD-WRT. This free, open-source router application can be installed on many different wireless routers, allowing you to configure OpenVPN connections directly on your router.

With a router-based VPN, your family can connect all their devices without needing to remember to use a VPN each time they turn on their device. This ensures that your family's privacy and any smart home devices are automatically protected by the VPN at the network level. This is by far the easiest way to protect devices that don’t typically support VPN software, such as PlayStation, Xbox, Chromecast, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.

In this guide, we’ve explained how to set up a VPN on a router and provided our recommendations for the best VPNs for routers. Keep scrolling to learn everything there is to know about router VPNs.

The best VPNs for routers:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for routers. NordVPN has superb router installation guides for many models and brands. Bespoke pre-configured routers are available. Impressive security, fast speeds, and amazing value for money. Works with Netflix US and other popular streaming platforms. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Top budget VPN for routers. Surfshark has detailed setup instructions for popular router models. Pre-flashed routers are available. Known for its robust privacy, high speeds, and excellent security features. Allows torrenting and works with Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, and many others.
3. IPVanish: A US-based VPN with router setup files and guides on its website. Offers servers in 20+ US cities, ideal for bypassing blackout games. Fast speeds and robust encryption. Allows unlimited connections.  
4. ExpressVPN: Offers outstanding support to set up OpenVPN on routers. Custom router available that comes pre-set for ExpressVPN. Fast servers and top-notch privacy and security. Works to access international streaming services.
5. CyberGhost VPN: A beginner-friendly all-rounder. CyberGhost provides an easy router setup tutorial for OpenVPN. It has streaming-optimized servers listed by country and platform. Decent speeds for torrenting. Lacks some advanced features in the main clients, such as port forwarding.
6. PrivateVPN: Reliable VPN based in Sweden. A privacy-focused service that is also great for streaming. Offers extensive compatibility with popular router models and brands. Servers in 60+ countries. Works with a dozen Netflix regions.

Summary Table

How did we pick the best VPNs for routers?

We understand that many VPNs that promise router compatibility can be fairly lackluster. Some VPNs fail to provide compatibility with secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, while others work on just a couple of router models only. 

To help our readers, we searched far and wide for VPNs compatible with a wide selection of popular routers. We rigorously tested those VPNs – checking their privacy policies and testing their security features.

The VPNs selected for this guide do not retain logs of your activities or the servers you connect to. They also provide decent speeds for browsing, streaming, gaming, and torrenting. 

Later in this guide, we will provide additional information about our VPN testing methodology. 

For now, here are the key criteria we used to make our picks:

• Router compatibility: The VPN must be compatible with a wide range of router models, facilitating seamless integration directly on the router.
• Committed to privacy: We only endorse VPNs that assure no data logging and no selling of user information.
• Decent support: Includes setup guides and access to the necessary config files or information.
• Provides multiple server locations: Allows users to connect their entire home network to a remote IP address.
• Secure VPN protocols: These guarantee robust protection against snooping and protect against hackers when torrenting or on public WiFi.

Best VPNs for routers: Detailed reviews

All the VPNs recommended below are compatible with routers. We have included information about the types of routers each VPN works with in the summaries. However, it is worth checking the VPN’s website to see if it works with your specific router. 

If you prefer to buy a router that comes pre-set to work with a VPN, you can head over to Flashrouters. They sell preconfigured routers that come ready for you to log in using your credentials.  

If this sounds more convenient, simply click one of the links in this guide to purchase a VPN subscription. Then, head over to Flashrouters to buy a router that is preconfigured for that VPN provider. When your router arrives in the post, you can log in and start using it right away.

NordVPN is a highly trusted VPN provider that has been around since 2012. It is well-known for its robust security, apps for all platforms, and superb router compatibility. It employs military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring top-notch security for your online activities.

With over 6,000 servers globally, NordVPN is optimized for both speed and security. Once installed on your router, all the devices in your home, including smart TVs, consoles, and IoT devices, will be protected behind the VPN tunnel. This ensures all your devices have a remote IP address, allowing you to access international platforms like Hulu, Netflix US, and Amazon Prime Video.

The VPN is based in Panama, a country that lacks invasive surveillance agencies or data retention directives. NordVPN has completed full third-party audits that revealed the VPN never keeps records of your browsing history. NordVPN supports simultaneous connections on up to 10 devices, but installing it on a router lets all your devices connect with just one. This saves up connections for use at work or when out of the home on public WiFi.

NordVPN provides detailed tutorials for DD-WRT and setup guides for major brands like Linksys, Netgear, and Asus. You can also purchase routers with DD-WRT pre-installed and NordVPN pre-configured from Flashrouters. The router setup even lets you use advanced features like double-hop VPN and Tor over VPN, which puts it ahead of many other competitors.

Torrenting is allowed throughout this VPN’s network, and the VPN provides split tunneling in the Windows app. However, it does not have port forwarding, which is really the only downside. 24/7 live chat support is on hand to provide help or advice, and you can test the VPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

BEST ROUTER VPN: NordVPN is fast and secure. This VPN has everything you need to prevent online tracking and surveillance. It protects against hackers when torrenting and provides router setup guides. It includes a kill switch, MultiHop, and a free Smart DNS service. DNS-based ad blocking. 24/7 live chat support. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark stands out as a top VPN for routers, particularly if you are in the market for something that offers next-level value for money. The VPN has a proven track record of providing privacy for its users. It runs on a network of diskless servers and has completed a full audit of its apps and policies, proving the VPN lives up to its privacy claims.

Despite offering blinding value, the VPN comes with a wide array of security features usually found in costlier alternatives. This includes compatibility with most router models and brands, along with guides for setting up the VPN using config files you can download from its website.

Connections to its servers are available in 100+ countries, and they provide robust protection with built-in malware and spam filters, ad blocking, dark web monitoring, and IP rotation. Its stealth mode employs server obfuscation technology to conceal VPN usage, making it ideal for use in regions where VPNs are restricted or frowned upon, including China.

Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, meaning no records of your online activities are stored. This VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data against hackers and government snoops.

Users less confident in their technical skills can buy pre-configured Linksys and Netgear routers from FlashRouters with Surfshark installed. This makes it easy to secure every device in your home. Surfshark also supports unlimited device connections, making it one of the few VPNs you can share with friends and family on an unlimited basis.

We scoured the Surfshark website and discovered that Surfshark can be set up with Asus, TP-Link, D-Link, and other routers that support OpenVPN (including routers flashed with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware).

You can get help via live chat at any time of day and can test the VPN thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, this VPN works with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, YouTube TV, Peacock, and dozens of other streaming services around the world.

OUTSTANDING VALUE: Surfshark is the best cheap VPN for routers. Fully audited platform trusted for privacy purposes. Includes obfuscation to conceal VPN use in countries like China and the UAE. Servers in more than 100 countries. Works to watch Netflix US. Can be set up easily on routers. Pre-configured routers are available on Flashrouters. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

IPVanish is a US-based VPN that is a decent option for routers, combining robust security features with user-friendly setup guides. The service provides a comprehensive directory of OpenVPN configuration files for all of its server locations, as well as detailed instructions that simplify the setup process.

The service is compatible with a variety of OpenVPN-compatible routers and routers that support DD-WRT firmware, including models from major brands like Asus, Linksys, and Netgear. Those looking for an even easier installation can purchase pre-configured DD-WRT routers through Flashrouters.

IPVanish is equipped with various robust privacy features, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation, and DNS leak protection to ensure that your online activities and identity are secure. IPVanish also adheres to a strict zero-logs policy, ensuring that no user activity is recorded. Just bear in mind that you can set up IPVanish VPN on routers using PPTP or OpenVPN, and the former is out of date and unsuitable for gaining online privacy, so you must stick to OpenVPN.

Despite being based in the US, which is a member of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance, IPVanish has demonstrated its commitment to privacy and security through third-party security audits. IPVanish has over 2,200 servers across more than 50 countries, including servers in 25+ US cities. This makes it a fantastic option for accessing regional US services and for bypassing blackout games.

The VPN works to watch Netflix US, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, but it may not work with all international streaming services, so we recommend testing it with your accounts to be sure you are satisfied.

In addition to router compatibility, IPVanish allows unlimited device connections on a single plan. This means you can secure every device in your home individually if needed, and share your account with friends and family living in different households.

FAST SPEEDS: IPVanish consistently provides excellent speeds for gaming, torrenting, and streaming. Offers everything you need to set up the VPN on compatible routers. Offers pre-flashed routers via Flashrouters. Works to unblock US streaming platforms on vacation. Fully audited privacy policy and decent security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

ExpressVPN is a highly reputable service based in the British Virgin Islands, a location that is strong in terms of privacy. The VPN is a decent choice for VPN-enabled routers, offering comprehensive support and robust security features that will secure your entire home WiFi network. 

On the Express website, you can find easy-to-follow tutorials, OpenVPN configuration files, and live chat support that can help you set up the VPN on DD-WRT and a variety of router brands and models – including Asus, Linksys, Netgear, and TP-Link. For those seeking an easier setup, pre-configured routers for ExpressVPN are available on Flashrouters.

Impressively, ExpressVPN has developed its own router firmware that can be installed onto some routers. This makes setting up the VPN super easy and gives you greater control over ExpressVPN's features, such as split tunneling, from right within your admin panel.

ExpressVPN is known for its robust security, including DNS leak protection and 256-bit AES encryption with perfect forward secrecy. OpenVPN also implements obfuscation natively for added privacy. These features ensure that local networks and ISPs can't track your web visits and metadata.  

When it comes to performance, ExpressVPN is fast and provides access to Netflix US, Hulu, and other popular services. Users can connect to over 3,000 servers in 105+ countries. 

The only slight downside is that it is a bit more expensive. However, it is a highly reliable VPN with top-tier security, exceptional speeds, and user-friendly apps that make it well worth testing on a router. Plus, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out. 

FAST AND SECURE: ExpressVPN is a highly reliable all-rounder that is great for securing your data and accessing regional services. OpenVPN can be set up on routers. Offers fast speeds for streaming and gaming. No-logs policy and strong encryption provide complete confidentiality online. Also prevents ISP throttling and tracking. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost VPN is a user-friendly VPN option for anybody looking to set up a VPN on their router. It provides detailed tutorials and config files to set up the VPN on various router brands and models, such as Asus, Linksys, Netgear, and TP-Link, as well as other routers that support VPN connections using OpenVPN or WireGuard. Users can easily customize their router settings via the user dashboard, adjusting features like ad blocking, tracking prevention, forced HTTPS, and data compression to suit their needs.

CyberGhost is relatively cheap but adheres to a strict no-logs policy and RAM-only servers that can be erased instantly in an emergency. The provider's commitment to privacy has been validated by regular independent security audits. The VPN employs 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection, offering robust defense against ISP and government snooping.

The CyberGhost network consists of 11,500+ servers spread across 100+ countries. Many of these servers are optimized for streaming, providing reliable access to popular platforms such as Netflix, Paramount+, and Hulu. To make things even easier it lists streaming optimized servers in its apps.

CyberGhost supports up to seven simultaneous connections and offers user-friendly applications for various devices, including Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, Mac, and smart TVs. Its compatibility extends to a wide range of routers, and you can buy a pre-flashed router with DD-WRT from Flashrouters if you prefer.

Live chat support is available on its website to help get you set up and it offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test its features and performance on your own devices.

IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS: CyberGhost makes it easy to access streaming-optimized servers in dozens of countries. Large server network extends to more than 100 countries. Offers setup guides for VPN-compatible routers. OpenVPN protocol with robust AES-256 encryption. WireGuard protocol offers faster speeds. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

PrivateVPN is a smaller provider based in Sweden that is an excellent option for routers. It offers strong privacy features, robust security measures, and excellent compatibility with routers. PrivateVPN offers a strict no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption that provides a high level of security. This is complemented by DNS leak protection, obfuscation, and a kill switch. 

The service has setup guides for different router firmware types, including DD-WRT, Tomato, and others. It is also compatible with any router that supports OpenVPN connections, including major brands such as Asus, Linksys, Netgear, and more. This makes it easy to provide privacy for all devices in your home, including devices that don't allow direct VPN installation, such as consoles and smart TVs. 

PrivateVPN’s server network is smaller than our other recommendations, but it still extends to  60+ countries, which gives you plenty of options for bypassing censorship and accessing regional services. Our tests revealed that PrivateVPN works to watch a variety of geo-restricted streaming platforms. This includes accessing the Netflix libraries from over a dozen regions.

A single PrivateVPN account lets you use the VPN on up to 10 devices, and this is one of the few VPNs that includes port forwarding at no extra cost, which makes it a fantastic option for torrenting. You can test it using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

STRONG PROTECTION: PrivateVPN is fast, secure, and offers decent value for money. Servers in 60+ countries. Works with many popular streaming platforms. Solid no-logs policy and robust AES encryption. Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

VPN for routers – testing methodology

To identify the best VPNs for routers, we carried out various tests to check that each recommendation meets the highest standards of privacy and security. Our focus was on finding VPNs with robust privacy policies and reliable encryption, ideal for concealing your online activities from online services, government snoops, nosy ISPs, and local networks.

Our rigorous VPN testing methodology included leak tests to detect any DNS or IP vulnerabilities, detailed assessments of encryption standards, and in-depth reviews of each VPN’s privacy policy to confirm that no user activity logs are kept. This ensures that the VPNs are genuinely committed to user privacy.

We also assessed the availability of applications across different platforms, including the ease of setup for routers, and the availability of important features such as automatic kill switches, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation. We also evaluated each VPN for speed and performance, ensuring the VPN is suitable for all your family's needs, including HD streaming, making video calls, gaming, and torrenting.

To qualify for our list of the best VPNs for routers, we checked that each VPN met the following criteria:

• Security: We only recommend VPNs that can protect all the data leaving your network. Each VPN has robust encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection that will prevent online surveillance and tracking whether at home, on public WiFi, or at work.
• Privacy: We checked each VPN's privacy policy to ensure that no important data is harvested or stored.
• Router compatibility: We checked that each VPN has setup guides and compatibility with a wide selection of popular router brands and firmware types.
• Fast speeds: Our recommendations offer exceptionally fast speeds for streaming in HD and torrenting.
• Global server network: These VPNs work to bypass local network blocks, government censorship, and region locks.  
• Apps for all devices: These VPNs offer user-friendly apps for a wide range of devices, ensuring privacy and accessibility across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
• Reliable customer service: We only recommend VPNs that offer decent support for their users. This ensures that you are never on your own should you need help or have questions.
• Advanced features: We try to recommend VPNs that offer value for money by providing a wide selection of features, including things like a kill switch, obfuscation, MultiHop, and Tor over VPN.

Additionally, our top three choices must have undergone comprehensive third-party audits and have a network of diskless servers. This ensures that the VPNs' privacy claims have been verified and enables the VPN provider to immediately wipe server data from any servers in an emergency or government raid.

How to use a VPN on a router

The exact method for setting up a VPN on a router will differ based on the router brand or model you have. The VPNs recommended on this page have setup guides for popular brands like Asus, Netgear, GL.iNet, Ubiquiti, Netduma, MikroTik, and third-party firmware versions such as DD-WRT, and Tomato.

We advise referring to these guides to get precise instructions for your router or firmware type. However, to help you out, we have outlined the basic steps needed below. This walkthrough is designed to give you an idea of how easy it is to set up a VPN on a router.

Setup a VPN on a router – how-to guide:

1. Select one of the best VPNs for routers: We recommend NordVPN because it is fast and secure. Alternatively, you can opt for Surfshark, which represents outstanding value for money, or IPVanish which is reliable and easy to set up on routers.
2. Subscribe to the VPN: You can follow the links on this page to get the VPN at the lowest possible cost. Our links implement an automatic coupon code that reduces the cost of a subscription to the lowest possible price.
3. Verify router compatibility: Check that your router is compatible with VPN connections. You can check your router’s documentation or website for VPN compatibility. If your router is not compatible, you can either flash it with alternate firmware like DD-WRT or purchase a new VPN-compatible router (which is safer and easier).
4. Download the VPN configuration files: All of the VPNs recommended in this guide offer the files you need to set up the VPN on your router. Check with your VPN to download the OpenVPN or WireGuard config files.
5. Access your router’s admin panel: You will need to connect to your router’s settings from a computer. Open any web browser and enter your router’s IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into the address bar.
6. Login to the router with your admin username and password: If you haven’t changed these from the default settings, check with your router’s manufacturer to get the username and password. 
7. Configure the VPN settings: Navigate to the VPN section of your router’s admin panel. You will find the VPN settings under ‘Advanced Settings’ or ‘Network Settings’.
8. Install the VPN config file: Some VPNs provide a configuration you can upload directly to your router. This file automatically configures your router to connect to the VPN server. Look for an option in your router's admin panel to "Import" a configuration file and select the file you downloaded from your VPN earlier (if your VPN requires manual setup – enter the VPN configuration details provided by your VPN service. This typically includes server addresses, protocol, username, and password).
9. Connect to the VPN: After importing or entering your VPN connection details, save the settings to your router.
10. Enable the VPN connection through your router’s admin panel: Now that you have saved the connection, you should see a Connect button that you can use to launch the VPN. Toggle it to On and wait for it to confirm the connection.
11. Test the connection: Now that the VPN has connected we recommend checking that it is working. Turn on a computer or mobile device connected to your WiFi and launch a browser. Now, check your IP and DNS address using this IP test website. You should detect an IP and DNS address for the VPN server location. Find out how to run the test using the link above.

Best VPNs for routers - FAQs

What is a VPN for routers?

A VPN for routers is a service that allows you to configure the VPN directly on your router. This setup protects all devices connected to your home network, providing privacy and security without the need to install VPN software on each individual device.

Why should I use a VPN on my router?

Using a VPN on your router ensures that every device connected to your network is protected. This is especially useful for devices that do not support VPN software, such as smart TVs , gaming consoles, and IoT devices. Setting up a VPN on your router also saves on connections by allowing you to connect every device in your home while only using up one of your allocated connections.

Can I get a free VPN for a router?

Although there are a few trustworthy free VPNs you can use on a router, it is important to be aware of their limitations. The free VPN plans offered by trusted VPNs are there to advertise their service, and to give users limited use of a VPN in an emergency. 

For this reason, the free plans have limitations, including fewer server locations, slower speeds, and download caps. Free VPN plans offered by reputable VPNs also block access to popular streaming services such as Netflix to force users to upgrade. 

You can find out more about reliable free VPN plans by following the link above. However, it is vital to understand that in addition to a few secure free VPNs, there are dozens of highly dubious free VPNs on the market.

App stores like Google Play, Amazon Appstore, and Apple App Store, are full of free VPNs with lousy privacy policies that allow them to harvest and sell user data. These VPNs will not only track your online activities but sell your information to advertisers and data brokers to spin up revenue. 

Studies have also revealed that the majority of free VPNs lack encryption, suffer from leaks, have server vulnerabilities, and even hide spyware in their apps. This makes it dangerous to use most free VPNs, so you must stick only to recommended providers that offer a basic free plan that does not compromise your data safety.

Do free VPNs work with all router models?

Whether a free VPN offers compatibility with routers depends on that specific service. Some VPNs may force users to upgrade to a paid plan to connect using a router. We recommend checking with the provider you are interested in to see whether it supports router connections on the free plan.

Can I use any router with a VPN?

No. Not all routers support VPN connections, so you must check whether your router is compatible. Routers with custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato are typically compatible with most VPNs. However, we still recommend checking that your VPN provider supports your router before subscribing. Alternatively, you can test the VPN yourself using the money-back guarantee.

Can I buy a router that is preset to work with my VPN?

Yes. All of the VPNs we have recommended in this guide can be purchased pre-configured from Flashrouters.com. This allows you to buy a VPN-ready router that is ready to use right out of the box. All you need to do is follow one of the links in that guide to get a VPN subscription at the lowest cost. Once you have a VPN subscription, you can sign in to the VPN on your preconfigured router, and protect every device on your network.

Will a VPN slow down my internet speed?

Yes. Even the fastest VPNs must encrypt your data and route your traffic to a remote server location. This will reduce the speed of your internet slightly. The best VPNs have super-fast servers and protocols that ensure you will not notice a drop in speed. These protocols are designed to route your traffic quickly, which means that although you will experience a small drop, it is almost imperceptible. 

The important thing to remember is that the speed of your internet is controlled by your ISP, and a VPN cannot speed up your internet unless you are suffering from bandwidth throttling. If you believe your ISP is purposely throttling your connection, we strongly recommend testing a VPN to check whether it speeds up your internet. 

Finally, it is important to note that a router without sufficient memory and processing power may not be suitable for running a VPN. A slow router may come to a grinding halt when attempting to run a VPN, which could cause your internet to slow to a snail's pace. If this happens it could be the hardware rather than the VPN that is causing your internet to be sluggish.

Is it difficult to set up a VPN on a router?

The best VPNs for routers have setup guides and live chat support agents on hand to help you set up your VPN. These VPNs offer compatibility with a wide variety of routers and provide the necessary information and config files for you to set up reliable VPN protocols such as OpenVPN on a router.

However, it is important to acknowledge that setting up a VPN on a router is more difficult than installing a VPN on individual devices such as computers and smartphones. It is also important to remember that it is easier to install a VPN on a compatible router that allows VPN connections, without requiring you to flash a third-party firmware like DD-WRT.

Flashing a router to change the firmware is fairly techy and can result in a router being "bricked." This can render your router completely unusable. For this reason, we recommend doing a lot of research before attempting to flash a router with alternative firmware. 

If the process sounds too involved you may prefer to buy a pre-flashed router or a router that offers OpenVPN compatibility natively. Flashing a router with new firmware can also invalidate the warranty, so if you have a new router take this into consideration.