VPN – virtual private network – used to have a slightly dubious reputation. It was once considered a means of conducting nefarious activities online. These days, it makes sense for everyone to have an extra layer of security when browsing online. Especially with things like checking your online banking.
Without a VPN, your data is effectively open to everyone because it is not encrypted. While most people don't need to worry too much about surveillance, it's still an unnecessary risk. Bypass this risk by installing a VPN. It's easy enough to find Good quality VPN.
But before you just buy yourself a VPN, we recommend purchasing a router and installing it first. It's easier than installing a VPN client on every device. Embarrassed? This sounds a little 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 quickly become quite complex, but we'll give you the rundown. A virtual private network encrypts your activity to protect your data and allow you to surf the Internet anonymously. This gives you an extra layer of privacy and security from hackers and data miners. A VPN on your device will make your IP address untraceable and keep your data safe, which is especially useful if you're using an unsecured public Wi-Fi network. Even at home, a VPN is useful for secure web browsing, bypassing some regional restrictions, and more.
How to install a VPN?
Setup is where things can get tricky. One way is to install a VPN client on every device in your home. However, chances are you have multiple devices that connect to your Wi-Fi network, from your laptop to your phone to your TV—maybe even kitchen appliances if you've gone all out with your smart home. Installing a VPN on every device takes time and effort. Instead, you can download one VPN client directly to your router. This way, every device connected to your router will automatically use the VPN. This is the safest option, especially if you have children or are new to technology at home and want to keep things safe with minimal hassle.
What is a VPN router?
Routers (usually) don't come with a VPN pre-installed, but you can download a VPN onto them. Some support the OpenVPN standard, which means you can set up a VPN with any provider that supports it, while others can be updated with firmware to a third-party alternative that supports VPN. Setting up a VPN on your router can be challenging. But if you know what you're doing and you have a bunch of devices you want covered by a centralized VPN, you'll likely find that the benefits outweigh the problems—it's certainly less of a hassle than setting up a VPN on each device separately.
Should you use a VPN with a router?
Setting up your router with VPN means that any device connected to your router is protected by this VPN. This way, you don't have to purchase multiple VPNs, and smart devices that otherwise can't be configured to use a VPN are protected. Most VPN subscriptions limit the number of devices you can connect to, and you'll have to pay extra if you want to add any additional devices. Configuring your router to use a VPN acts as a sort of backdoor to get around these restrictions. Because the router connects to any device connected to your wireless network, they are all protected by the same VPN.
One of the cases where a VPN router is actually very useful is if you have a small business, like a cafe, where random people will be connecting to your Wi-Fi throughout the day. A VPN router can help protect customers' data, and it's up to the individual to decide whether they want to protect their devices after they leave.
What are the disadvantages of using a VPN on your router?
As mentioned, setting up a VPN can be difficult. It's not the same as downloading an app on your phone. Just looking at ExpressVPN's setup instructions may be enough to dissuade the average person from trying. But if you're tech savvy or good at following instructions, you can master it. We believe in you. And remember that protecting your devices with VPN on your router means that devices will not be protected when you leave home and will no longer be connected to your network.
Additionally, not all services you use work properly on a VPN. Streaming services like Netflix And Hulu work to block the use of VPNs so that users cannot access geo-blocked content (i.e. only available in other 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 probably NordVPN And ExpressVPN. It's worth taking the time to choose a VPN, as there are many different services that offer a similar range of features. Luckily, we can help you find best VPN.
What is the best VPN router?
The decision is ultimately yours and depends on your smart home setup and internet usage, but we've done the hard work of research and compiled this list of the best VPN routers. There is something for everyone here.
These are the best VPN routers of 2025.
