Best VPNs to Install on a Router [Top 5]

Gizmodo

a day ago

Imagine how convenient it is to use some of the best VPNs on your router. Connecting all your devices to a VPN-enabled router means protection for all of them. Additionally, such a router ensures privacy for all incoming and outbound traffic, including that of your small devices.
As a result, you're creating a shrouded network with the highest level of privacy, safe from ISPs, snoopers, and hackers. Be aware that not all VPN services are compatible with routers, especially those that are free of charge. They're limited and lack many features you'll find in premium choices.
Today's list will consist of premium picks you'll enjoy fully. We ensured they support all popular router models and even offer options to buy VPN-compatible routers for added convenience. Read on to discover some of the most impressive VPNs your money can buy!
Table of Contents
We'll begin our guide with the most important thing — the list of our favorite providers. After testing probably dozens, our team was confident these five are the most befitting according to their performance, security, privacy, and much more:
Now that you have the list, feel free to use it right away. If not, we suggest going through our opinions on each router VPN, where we explain their most vital features.
Pros
Cons
NordVPN takes the #1 spot as the clear winner. It's not just the best VPN for routers, but a fantastic package overall. This service supports a wide range of firmware, including DD-WRT, AsusWRT Merlin, pfSense, OpenWRT, Tomato, Sabai, and many more.
Additionally, it is compatible with popular router manufacturers, including Asus, Netgear, and MikroTik, among others, which will likely result in native compatibility with your router. To accompany its versatility, NordVPN lets you buy VPN-ready routers directly from its site.
These devices already have NordVPN installed and are ready to use with its modern NordLynx protocol right away. Best of all, we found that these routers support up to 30 simultaneous connections, which is ideal for larger families or groups of friends.
Apart from this vast compatibility, NordVPN offers many additional qualities, as explained in our review. You'll enjoy bank-grade encryption, Double VPN servers, and even built-in obfuscation to help you bypass censorship. Another perk is the performance!
NordVPN performs like Usain Bolt, with 10 Gbps servers in 118 countries. It's also the fastest provider for routers, making it perfect for gaming or watching 4K Netflix series. More impressively, users can enjoy Meshnet, which offers extensive file-sharing features.
Accompanied by a no-log policy, RAM-only servers, and Threat Protection Pro for blocking ads and trackers, NordVPN is a state-of-the-art router VPN for all users. We say for all users because it's very affordable and offers a 30-day refund policy if you change your mind.
Visit NordVPN
Pros
Cons
Like our #1-rated VPN for routers, ExpressVPN supports a wide range of models and firmware. This amazing router VPN is compatible with firmware from Asus, Linksys, and Netgear. However, users can also opt for a manual setup on DD-WRT, D-Link, Netduma, Tomato, and Sabai models.
We love ExpressVPN's Aircove routers, which the company has recently started offering. These WiFi 6 routers offer built-in VPN protection, eliminating the need for manual setup. Purchase the model you want, subscribe to ExpressVPN risk-free, and enjoy.
The best thing about ExpressVPN is its ease of use. You can control your routers through a simple dashboard where you can engage with many of its features. For example, you can enable Network Lock, a kill switch, to protect your devices against IP leaks.
In addition, users can take advantage of ExpressVPN's Advanced Protection. It's ideal for blocking pesky websites, trackers, and ads. We love ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway Turbo protocol, which offers impeccable performance aided by over 3,000 10 Gbps servers.
ExpressVPN is secure enough to satisfy even the most advanced users. With a no-logging policy, AES encryption, Private DNS, and over 18 security audits, you can be sure this VPN is a bulwark of privacy. Best of all, it's excellent for other activities, such as streaming and peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing.
This means it can unblock Netflix and conceal your torrenting activities from your ISP or other government bodies. ExpressVPN requires a bit of extra money compared to the best VPN for routers (NordVPN) but there's a 61% discount (+ 4 free months) to make up for it.
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Pros
Cons
Private Internet Access is a highly reliable VPN compatible with many routers. However, it also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making its router setup a bit unnecessary. If you'd still like to use it, you'll be happy to hear about its compatibility.
It's not as great as NordVPN, but you can still install it on Merlin, ASUS WRT, pfSense, OpenWRT/LEDE, and DD-WRT firmware. If your router is unsupported, flashing its firmware is an option; however, you should only do this if you're tech-savvy.
PIA's appeal lies in its security and privacy. Although it is a VPN based in the USA, it doesn't store any logs and utilizes the strongest 256-bit encryption. We must mention its WireGuard support, which works flawlessly in this router VPN and ensures excellent performance.
Private Internet Access does many things right, including MultiHop connections, ad-blocking, and obfuscation. Installing this VPN on a router yields the benefit of anonymous torrenting plus the option to watch American Netflix and BBC on all your devices.
Unlike NordVPN and ExpressVPN, PIA doesn't let you buy a VPN-ready router. However, if you already have a compatible model, you likely don't need a new one. Private Internet Access's obvious quality is impeccable device support, which, sadly, only excludes the Firestick.
On the brighter side, you'll get other commodities like dedicated IP addresses, Smart DNS, and even antivirus at just $1/mo. PIA's prices are remarkably modest, and at just over $2 a month for the 2-year plan, it isn't easy to find a more impressive choice.Visit Private Internet Access
Pros
Cons
Or is it? We have Surfshark as a strong contender for the best VPN for routers. This provider has all you need, including simultaneous connections, top-tier WireGuard implementation, and a no-logging policy audited by Deloitte and Cure53.
When it comes to router support, Surfshark has an extensive list. It includes OPNsense, Tomato, Keenetic, Asus Merlin, Freebox, pfSense, Synology NAS, QNAP, MikroTik, and many others. Most of these models rely on OpenVPN, but WireGuard is also a viable option.
It's worth noting that Surfshark requires firmware flashing on Linksys routers, while others work perfectly fine. For WireGuard, we recommend using either OpenWRT or DD-WRT software, as they provide full support and offer fast VPN speeds. So far, so good.
But let's move to better stuff. Surfshark is powerful enough for streaming. Protecting all your devices means you'll also be able to watch over 30 Netflix libraries. Its desktop and mobile apps also include bonus features, such as static IP addresses and MultiHop for added security.
Surfshark's One plan offers improvements such as antivirus protection and Search Features. The former removes threats from all your devices, while the latter is a true incognito browser for searching without ISP monitoring. Surfshark also includes basic VPN features.
These include split tunneling, a kill switch, IP leak protection, and many more. Following in the PIA's footsteps, Surfshark keeps the price at bay and won't cost over $3 a month. That said, you don't have to spend a mini-fortune on the best VPN for routers in 2025.Visit Surfshark
Pros
Cons
CyberGhost boasts over 12,000 servers in 100 countries worldwide. It's a well-equipped VPN for routers, supporting Tomato, Raspberry Pi, Synology NAS, and many more. On its site, you'll find a heap of router VPN setup guides, so everything is simple.
We also appreciate that you can visit Flashrouters and find routers with CyberGhost pre-installed. Once you have one, you need to connect your devices to it (with a valid CyberGhost subscription) and enjoy all the security and privacy it provides.
Even if you opt for the manual setup, CyberGhost will provide you with the necessary configuration files, which can be easily implemented afterward. CyberGhost's WireGuard support is welcome because it works with specific router models, allowing you to experience it in the best light.
In our test of CyberGhost, we praised it for its streaming and P2P capabilities. This will be particularly prevalent in this case, especially if you use multiple devices to go online. CyberGhost can also protect your IPv6 address against leaks, a feature some of its rivals lack.
Additionally, as one of the top VPNs for routers, it excels in privacy and security. It doesn't keep any traffic logs, which Deloitte confirmed in a recent audit. The provider offers optional extras, including dedicated IP addresses and Smart DNS, which is compatible with all devices.
CyberGhost lacks obfuscated connections, so it's a poor choice in China. This is countered by a relatively affordable price for its 2-year plan, which includes a few free months. The service costs a small amount above $2 monthly and offers a substantial 45-day money-back guarantee. Excellent stuff!Visit CyberGhost
Let's face it. Most people need a VPN for their iPhone, Windows computer, or any other 'typical' device. Very few users will bother to install a VPN on a router. Well, those who do will need to take into account a few important factors, such as:
The best VPN for routers can't be the one that doesn't support them. You want a provider that supports as many models as possible to ensure yours is on the list. We selected NordVPN and ExpressVPN as the two leading providers because of this criterion.
These two work on a variety of routers, and in addition, offer the option of buying a router with a preinstalled VPN. This might cost a tad more at first, but you'll rid yourself of the manual setup, which, if you're inexperienced, you might not know how to perform.
In addition to sheer compatibility, it's also beneficial to consider protocols. Our favorite picks offer modern protocols that work with routers. NordVPN's NordLynx works seamlessly with most models, and so does ExpressVPN's Lightway, which significantly enhances security.
WireGuard in the rest of the VPNs is no less awesome. Best of all, it works with the majority of firmware, including OpenVPN.
Connection speed was one of our most important criteria. Some VPNs can degrade your performance, which is especially true for free options with slow 1 Gbps servers. These providers reach speeds of up to 300 Mbps in our tests, making them impressively fast.
However, be aware that your router's connection speed also affects the overall connection speed. Some of them are optimized for speed but not coverage. Conversely, some prioritize coverage while limiting connection speed to 50-100 Mbps.
Last but not least, you should always pick a provider with at least standard security features. We often mention the importance of a kill switch that disables all internet traffic if the VPN connection breaks to keep your IP private. What are the other features?
Some of these features include AES-256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, RAM servers, Private DNS servers, MultiHop, no logging, and more. You won't be using a VPN on a router only.
Instead, you'll also install it on your computer or phone, and these devices benefit from added security and privacy.
The setup phase is what bothers most users. Is it safe? How do you do it? These are just some of the questions.
We can answer the first question with a YES, as long as you're not flashing your router. Flashing your router's firmware isn't always a good idea if you're inexperienced.
You can brick the device, potentially voiding your warranty. The second question requires a bit more coverage because there are dozens of router manufacturers and hundreds, if not thousands, of models you can have. This is how the process looks roughly:
This is the base for a router VPN setup if the router you're using is VPN-friendly. You should be able to find the VPN section in the control panel and work your way from there. The process differs from that of DD-WRT and OpenWRT, making it challenging to provide a definitive guide.
We suggest reading this page from NordVPN to find out more about the setup process for at least 10 different firmware versions. Simply find your router/firmware, click on it, and you'll get step-by-step instructions with images on how to install this great VPN on your router.
Bear in mind that if your router isn't VPN-friendly, you'll first need to flash it. After this is done—hopefully with success—you can proceed with the instructions on your selected provider's website.
The question of why to use a VPN is typical for people with no experience with them. However, you might be wondering what kind of specific benefits you can get by installing a VPN on your router. Lots of them are there, but we listed the most prominent ones.
By far, the best benefit is security for ALL your devices. Think about this. Instead of connecting to a VPN on each device individually, you can just connect to a VPN-enabled router and call it a day. This makes things so much simpler!
Since all devices in your home are already hooked up to the router wirelessly, all of them will have added security and privacy. Think about your washing machine or boiler. These devices can be connected to the network and ALSO protected by a VPN — sounds silly, but it's true.
That said, if you worry about leaking your browsing history or any internet activity to the public, using the best VPN for routers is a blessing. With every device connected to it, there's no chance your ISP can track you or your online footprints.
All five providers we presented are fully compatible with P2P. A simple connection to one of their many servers offers anonymous torrenting, which many users desire. This is especially welcome in the USA, where torrenting activities are often frowned upon.
Streaming is another huge factor for many. You can use this service to bypass geo-blocks and unblock restricted sites in a blink. This allows access to sites like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, or even gambling sites and adult platforms. Again, this will apply to all devices.
As a result, your family can watch one movie on Netflix US while you, in your room, can watch something else at the same time simply by connecting to a VPN router.
ISP throttling spoils the fun by trumping your speed and destroying your connection stability. Don't ask us how we know it! Well, we're glad the torture can be cut short with a VPN that eliminates your ISP from the equation and prevents it from harming you.
Once your connection is encrypted, your ISP can't track or limit you in any way. This allows you to enjoy the full speed of our favorite VPNs (up to 300+ Mbps in our tests), which is ideal for gaming. It's even better if you have a gaming router with neck-breaking speeds.
That, in itself, is a joy for multi-player gaming sessions combined with the safety of a VPN.
We must address bypassing censorship because many people struggle with it. Blocked websites and the lack of freedom of speech already sound infuriating. If you're feeling nauseated by just thinking of them, a router VPN can help you in many ways.
Its ability to hide your IP address and obfuscate your traffic effectively counters deep-packet inspection. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are your best picks in this regard, especially if you're in China. These will work flawlessly thanks to built-in obfuscation.
In summary, the top VPNs for routers are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), Surfshark, and CyberGhost. If you want the most juice out of your squeeze, consider NordVPN as the end-all-be-all solution for privacy, security, speed, and stability.
ExpressVPN costs a bit extra but provides excellent Advanced Protection, the Lightway Turbo protocol, and exclusive access to its powerful Aircove routers. PIA's compatibility isn't impressive, but that can't be said about its privacy and unlimited simultaneous connections.
Surfshark's affordability makes it an attractive option for users who prioritize unique security features, robust streaming capabilities, and dedicated IP addresses. Finally, we have CyberGhost, which works fine on all popular router firmware and costs less than a cup of coffee per month.
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We're not done yet! Let us quench your thirst for more information by answering your questions.
It is. The VPNs we presented have no security vulnerabilities and can be used without worry. If you have a router that requires a firmware update, it's another story, because if you're inexperienced, you can brick it and likely void your warranty. Apart from this minor inconvenience, there's nothing to be scared of.
Some of them are, but generally, free VPNs are never as good as paid VPNs. They lack pretty much everything. From speed and security to device compatibility, streaming prowess, torrenting allowance, customer support, etc. We'd always choose a premium router VPN instead.
Generally speaking, VPNs are not always necessary, but they're beneficial for added privacy and security. Similarly, you don't need to install a VPN on your router if you don't want to. Instead, you can install it on your other devices because the setup is much simpler. It's your call.