8 Best VPNs for Router

Introduction

Setting up a VPN directly on your router is one of the smartest ways to secure every device connected to your home or office network. Whether it’s a smart TV, gaming console, or smartphone, all traffic will be encrypted automatically, offering peace of mind and improved privacy. vpns for router eliminate the need to install apps on each device and provide a seamless online security experience. However, not all vpns for router work well with routers, and performance can vary widely. In this guide, we’ve tested and reviewed the eight best VPNs for routers based on compatibility, speed, security, and ease of use.

Whether you’re streaming content, bypassing geo-restrictions, or safeguarding sensitive data, there’s a VPN here to match your needs. Read on to discover which VPN service will deliver the best performance, value, and features for your specific router setup.

Why Use a VPN on Your Router?

Using a VPN on your router ensures that every connected device benefits from the same level of encryption and privacy. It protects your data from hackers, ISPs, and even government surveillance, all without having to configure each device individually. This setup is especially useful for households with multiple devices or smart home systems. A router-based VPN also helps you bypass geographic restrictions for streaming or accessing blocked content. It’s a one-time setup that delivers continuous protection across your entire network, 24/7.

Key Benefits of Router-Level VPNs

Vpns for router provide several advantages over traditional VPN apps. First, they cover all devices on your network, including those that don’t support VPN software, like smart TVs and gaming consoles. Second, once the VPN is configured, there’s no need to turn it on manually—it’s always active. This offers convenience, consistency, and reliable protection. Additionally, vpns for router help improve bandwidth usage by managing connections efficiently. They’re ideal for families or businesses looking for a secure, set-it-and-forget-it solution to protect online activity.

What to Look for in a Router VPN

Not every VPN works well with routers, so choosing the right one is crucial. Start by checking for router compatibility—OpenVPN and WireGuard support are essential for most setups. Look for fast connection speeds, strong encryption protocols, and a strict no-logs policy to ensure privacy. The VPN should also provide clear installation guides or even pre-configured routers. If you need help, responsive customer support is a big plus. A good router VPN balances performance, security, and ease of use effectively.

Compatibility: VPNs and Router Types

Before choosing a VPN, it’s essential to ensure it’s compatible with your router model. Not all routers support VPN connections by default, so you may need a firmware upgrade like DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato. Some high-end routers come with built-in VPN support, which makes the setup easier. Popular brands like ASUS, Netgear, and Linksys often offer models with VPN features. Check both your router’s firmware and the VPN provider’s documentation to ensure a smooth and supported installation process.

How We Selected the Best VPNs for Routers

To create this list, we evaluated vpns for router based on several key criteria: router compatibility, ease of installation, connection speeds, security features, customer support, and price. We tested each VPN with popular router brands and firmwares to assess real-world performance. We also considered whether the provider offers dedicated router apps, detailed setup guides, or pre-configured routers for purchase. Only those that consistently delivered strong, secure, and reliable router-level protection made it into our top eight.

ExpressVPN – Best Overall for Routers

ExpressVPN tops our list due to its outstanding balance of speed, security, and ease of use. It offers a dedicated router app that works with a wide range of models, making installation simple even for beginners. ExpressVPN supports OpenVPN and Lightway protocols, ensuring fast and reliable connections. Its strong privacy policy, 24/7 customer support, and ability to unblock streaming services make it ideal for all-around use. With pre-configured routers also available, ExpressVPN is a premium but highly reliable choice.

NordVPN – Best for Security and Speed

NordVPN is a top choice for users who prioritize security without sacrificing speed. It supports OpenVPN and WireGuard (via NordLynx), making it highly compatible with various router firmware. NordVPN also offers detailed setup tutorials for DD-WRT, Tomato, and other popular platforms. With features like Double VPN and Threat Protection, it goes beyond basic encryption. NordVPN consistently delivers fast, stable connections, ideal for streaming and gaming. Its strong no-logs policy and 24/7 support make it a dependable router VPN solution.

Surfshark – Best Budget-Friendly Option

Surfshark is a powerful VPN that delivers premium features at an affordable price, making it perfect for budget-conscious users. It supports manual router setup and is compatible with OpenVPN, which works with most VPN-capable routers. One standout feature is unlimited device connections—perfect for large households. Surfshark also includes CleanWeb (ad blocker) and MultiHop for extra privacy. While it doesn’t offer a dedicated router app, its detailed setup guides and responsive support team make the installation process manageable for most users.

CyberGhost – Best for Streaming and Ease of Use

CyberGhost is a great option for users who want hassle-free access to geo-restricted content. It offers specialized servers for streaming and gaming, ensuring smooth performance across various platforms. CyberGhost is compatible with many routers using OpenVPN, and its user-friendly setup guides make installation straightforward. With a strict no-logs policy and AES 256-bit encryption, it delivers strong privacy protection. It also provides 24/7 customer support and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free choice for first-time VPN users.

Private Internet Access – Best for Customization

Private Internet Access (PIA) is known for its flexibility and deep customization options, making it ideal for tech-savvy users. It supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols and works well with DD-WRT, Tomato, and other firmware. PIA allows users to fine-tune encryption levels and connection settings for optimal performance. It also includes features like a kill switch, ad blocker, and port forwarding. While it may require a more hands-on setup, its strong privacy credentials and vast server network make it a solid router VPN choice.

IPVanish – Best for Advanced Users

IPVanish offers robust router compatibility and is a good choice for users who want control over their VPN settings. It supports OpenVPN and WireGuard, and its setup guides cover a wide range of routers and firmware types. IPVanish provides unlimited simultaneous connections, strong encryption, and fast servers ideal for streaming and torrenting. While it lacks a dedicated router app, it compensates with advanced features and reliable performance. It’s a top pick for users who don’t mind a bit of manual configuration.

VyprVPN – Best for Privacy and Transparency

VyprVPN is a solid choice for users who value transparency and privacy. It owns and operates all of its servers, which adds a layer of trust and performance control. VyprVPN supports OpenVPN and is compatible with several router firmware types, including DD-WRT and Tomato. It offers decent speeds, strong 256-bit encryption, and a strict no-logs policy that’s been independently audited. While it doesn’t have a dedicated router app, its straightforward setup instructions make it accessible for intermediate users.

Asus VPN (with OpenVPN Support) – Best Free Alternative

For users with compatible Asus routers, the built-in Asus VPN feature is a great starting point. While not a VPN provider itself, Asus routers support OpenVPN configuration with many third-party services like NordVPN and Surfshark. This makes it easy to set up a VPN directly through the router interface without third-party firmware. While it depends on the VPN provider you choose, the native support in Asus routers adds flexibility and saves time during configuration—perfect for DIY-minded users on a budget.

Conclusion

Installing a VPN on your router is one of the best ways to secure all your connected devices with a single setup. Whether you want stronger privacy, access to geo-restricted content, or protection for smart home systems, the right router VPN can make all the difference. From the user-friendly ExpressVPN to the customizable PIA, each VPN in this list has something unique to offer. Consider your budget, technical skill level, and router compatibility when making your choice—and enjoy secure browsing across your entire network.

FAQS

What is the best VPN for my router?

Best router VPNs

• Best VPN for router overall – NordVPN. …
• Budget-friendly router VPN – Surfshark. …
• Customizable and flexible router VPN – Proton VPN. …
• Router VPN with solid performance – IPVanish. …
• Easy-to-setup VPN for routers – ExpressVPN. …
• Router VPN for bypassing geo-blocked content – CyberGhost.

Which VPN boost Wi-Fi speed?

Luckily, we managed to find some Vvpns for router that provide very fast speeds for all online activities. We spent weeks testing all of the top vpns for router in 2025 and ultimately decided that NordVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, IPVanish, and Proton VPN are the best options.

Is VPN on router faster?

In terms of speed, your VPN can only be as fast as your internet connection. In fact, slight drops of around 10-20% in speed are absolutely normal when using a VPN since its main priority should always be security and privacy.

Which VPN is safest?

• An audited no-logs policy and sleek apps. …
• The best all-in-one security suite. …
• Private Internet Access (PIA) My top pick for Linux with a full stack of security tools. …
• Proton VPN. A privacy-focused provider that you can try for free. 
• Great value for a secure VPN that scores well in every area.

Which is the best VPN?

• NordVPN: super-fast, with extras like multi-hop VPNs.
• Privado: best if you’re looking to dip a toe into vpns for router.
• ExpressVPN: not as many features as other vpns for router, but fast and safe.
• Me: an impressive 10GB month free, although the best features are on the paid tiers.