VPN – virtual private network – used to have a bad reputation. It was once considered as a way to do bad things online. These days it just makes sense for everyone to have an extra layer of security when browsing online. Especially when you are doing things like checking your Internet banking.
Without a VPN, your data is open to anyone because it is not encrypted. While most people don’t worry too much about getting dressed, it’s an unnecessary risk. Avoid the risk by installing a VPN. It’s easy enough to find a good quality VPN.
But before you buy yourself a VPN, we would recommend getting a router to install it first. It’s easier than installing a VPN client on every single phone. Confused? It sounds a bit complicated if you are not tech-savvy. To help, we’ve put together a guide and list of the best VPN routers.
What is a VPN?
The world of VPNs can be quite complicated, but we’ll give you a quick rundown. A virtual private network encrypts your activity to protect your data and allows you to surf the Internet anonymously. It gives you an extra layer of privacy and security from hackers and data collectors. A VPN on your device will anonymize your IP address and keep your data safe, which is especially helpful if you’re using an unsecured public WiFi network. Even at your home, a VPN helps with security, bypasses some regional restrictions, and more.
How do you install a VPN?
The setup is where things can get filldly. Another way is to install a VPN client on every single phone in your home. ONDS though, you have many devices that connect to your WiFi network, from your laptop and into your TV – maybe kitchen appliances if you went all in with a smart home. Installing a VPN on all devices takes time and effort. Instead, you can download a single VPN client directly to your router. That way, all devices connected to your router will use the VPN automatically. It is the safest way, especially if you have children or tech novices in your home, and if you want to keep things secure with less hassle.
What is a vpn router?
Routers don’t (usually) have a VPN pre-installed, but you can download a VPN from them. Some support the OpenVPN standard which means you can configure a VPN with any provider that supports this, while others can have their firmware switched to another VPNS site that supports VPNS. Setting up a VPN on your router can be tricky. But if you know what you’re doing and you have multiple devices that you want to be covered by a centralized VPN, you’ll find that the benefit is the benefit rather than the resource of each device separately.
Should you use a VPN with your router?
Configuring your router By VPN it means that any device connected to your router is protected under that vpn. Therefore, you don’t have to find many VPNs, and smart devices that are not configured to use a VPN are protected. Most VPN subscriptions limit the number of devices you can connect to, and you have to pay extra if you want to add on any additional devices. Configuring your router for a VPN works as a kind of loophole around that limitation. Because both the router and any device connected to your wireless network, they are all protected by that one vpn.
One example where a VPN Router is very useful is if you own a small business like a cafe where random people will be connecting to your WIFI all day. A VPN router will help protect customer data and it falls to each individual if they want security on their devices when they’re on the go.
What is the downside of using a vpn on your router?
As mentioned, VPNs can be a pain to set up. It’s not like downloading an app to your phone. Just looking at the instructions to set up ExpressVP can be enough to discourage the average person from trying. But if you are smart – smart or good with the following instructions, you will be able to know it well. We believe in you. Also remember that protecting your devices with a vpn on your router means that the devices will not be protected when you leave your home and are no longer connected to your network.
Additionally, not every service you use works well under a VPN. Streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu work to block the use of a VPN to protect users from accessing geo-restricted content (ie only in certain countries). Banks can also block VPNS to prevent cybercriminals from accessing accounts.
What are the best VPNs to use with routers?
Our top picks are possible with nordvpn and ExpressVPN. It is worth taking your time when it comes to choosing a VPN, because there are many different services that offer similar sets of features. Fortunately, we can help you find the best VPN.
What is the best VPN router?
This decision is ultimately yours and depends on your home setup and internet usage, but we’ve done the hard work of research and put together this list of the top VPN routers. There is something for everyone here.
These are the best VPN routers in 2025.
