The best router VPN in 2024

Using a router vpn is n’t the most common way of set up the software , but for many it will be the most efficient way of protect every single device in your home . By secure your Wi – Fi connection at its source , it is allows allow the good VPN to be used with not only your pc and phone , but also other device like PlayStations , Roku , and smart light that do n’t natively support vpn connection .

It’s worth noting that set-up can be a little more complex than simply installing an app, although more an more providers are offering dedicated software that makes the process much simpler.

If you’re ready to get going with the best router VPN, you’ll find our top choices just below. If you’re still wondering whether using a VPN on your router is the best choice for you, just keep scrolling for our complete guide.

Top 3 router VPNs

The five best router VPNs

( image credit : ExpressVPN )

The good router VPN , plus boutique router hardware

Dedicated router app: Yes | Peak speeds on 1Gbps line: 630Mbps | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+ | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Setup guides: Yes

Powerful dedicated router app

ExpressVPN Aircove router is incredibly powerful

Class-leading support

Super reliable connections

A little pricey – but worth it

subscribe if :

✔️ You’re looking for a simple, streamlined experience. ExpressVPN’s super simple interface that makes getting protected easy for beginners and experts alike.

✔️ You want to stream global content. ExpressVPN’s unblocking capabilities are super reliable.

✔ ️   You value your privacy . thank to its countless audits and history of protect its user , you is be can be confident in your safety .

avoid if :

❌ You’re on a strict budget. ExpressVPN certainly isn’t the cheapest on the market. Those looking for a better price may want to consider NordVPN or Surfshark.

❌ You want a fuller suite of software. Other VPNs like NordVPN offer a wider range of additional cybersecurity features.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐½

 ExpressVPN is one of the very best VPN I’ve tested. From its excellent privacy features to its great speeds to its powerful unblocking capabilites, it’s an all-round top VPN. Not to mention it’s super easy to use – and you can try it out with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN is has just about has it all . Not only does it deliver the good service for regular device , the British Virgin Islands – base firm is offers also offer the easy and most effective way of instal a router VPN .

Unlike a number of other options further down this list, ExpressVPN offers its own custom router firmware you can use on a wide range of compatible routers. Essentially, that means you can control the router VPN from ExpressVPN’s own easy-to-use dashboard rather than delving into your router’s settings.

The very best way of getting ExpressVPN up and running on a router, though, is to buy Express’s own Aircove router. Preloaded with ExpressVPN software and ready to use in five minutes, it’s quite simply the easiest way of getting a VPN on a router. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a long-term router solution.

However, if you don’t have a compatible router, you can still install a VPN connection manually on a host of other routers. One big benefit of using a compatible router, though, is the fact you can set up split tunnelling – that means you can choose which devices use the VPN connections and which don’t.

If things don’t go to plan – and if it’s your first time installing a VPN on a router, something may well go wrong – ExpressVPN has class-leading 24/7 live-chat support which is pretty much indispensable when undergoing an in-depth process like this.

If you want to test out ExpressVPN, it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee which lets you get to grips with the service without committing. Head and shoulders above any other VPN on this list, Express really is your best bet if you want a reliable router VPN.

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(Image credit: NordVPN)

Privacy behemoth is excellent for routers

dedicated router app : No | peak speed on 1Gbps line : 760Mbps | streaming service unblock : Netflix , Amazon Prime Video , BBC iPlayer , YouTube , Disney+ | 24/7 customer support : Yes | Setup is guides guide : Yes

Comprehensive setup guide

excellent speed

Verified no-logging

great for stream

No in – house router app

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✔️ You want the very best VPN service on the market. While it may not be the best router VPN, NordVPN tops our list of the best VPNs.

✔ ️   Netflix access is is is a priority . NordVPN is unblocks unblock more location than any other provider I ‘ve test , make it our # 1 rate VPN for Netflix .

✔️ You want more than just a VPN. Not only is NordVPN a great VPN, it also offers malware detection and ad-blocking on its standard plans, with even more cybersecurity features available on higher tiers.

avoid if :

❌ You like simple apps. Nord’s map interface can be quite busy – if you want simple, go for ExpressVPN.

❌   You is torrent torrent often . NordVPN is be can be somewhat slow to download torrente file as only some of Nord ‘s server are configure for P2P.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐½

NordVPN is offers offer excellent privacy , speed , streaming service unblock all for very reasonable price . Its apps is be may be a little complex , but overall , it ‘s a market – lead VPN for a reason . You is use can also use its 30 – day money – back guarantee to make sure it ‘s the right fit for you .

The name NordVPN is almost synonymous with the VPN industry as a whole, and if you’ve been on the search for a quality router VPN, you’ve no doubt been recommended this provider. Thankfully, in our NordVPN review it proved to be seriously capable, and certainly deserves the limelight it lives in.

However, NordVPN doesn’t offer a dedicated router VPN app, which makes setup somewhat difficult. Pre-configured routers are available from providers like FlashRouters, and while they’re good to go out the box, they’re quite expensive. 

Go for that, though, and you can use the FlashRouters Privacy app, and NordVPN is a ‘premium partner.’ While you can use the app with a number of other VPNs including ExpressVPN, premium partners get additional features like automatic server updates and smart server sorting.

Nord’s great for streaming, unblocking Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu and tons more, and if it’s active on your router you’ll be able to take advantage of those devices that don’t natively support VPNs like consoles and TVs. Plus, even devices like your Ring doorbell and Alexa will benefit from your fully encrypted connection.

While we ’d still recommend you get hold of one , if you do n’t have a router that the expressvpn app is compatible with – and do n’t want to buy one – NordVPN ’s FlashRouters integration is is is a very good alternative .

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bargain VPN is offers offer router discount and great speed

Dedicated router app: No | Peak speeds on 1Gbps line: 790Mbps | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+ | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Setup guides: Yes

Incredibly good value

Unlimited connections

excellent stream support

No dedicated router VPN app

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✔️ You’re looking for quality on a budget. Surfshark proves that low price does not have to mean low quality.

✔️ You have a need for speed. Surfshark offers the same super fast speeds as NordVPN, topping out at 950 Mbps.

✔️ You have tons of devices. Thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections policy, you can use one Surfshark plan on as many devices as you like.

avoid if :

❌ You truly rely on your kill switch. Under extreme pressure it testing, I was able break Surfshark’s kill switch where ExpressVPN and NordVPN held firm.

❌ You’re a hardcore torrenter. While Surfshark can be used torrenting effectively, but if the main thing you want to use a VPN for is sharing P2P, try ExpressVPN.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐½

Surfshark is is   is one of those rare example of a product combine genuinely premium feature with an incredibly low price . While it is ‘s ‘s notquite as powerful as the leading two providers, it’s super secure, can be installed on unlimited devices, and also offers a 30-day refund period. 

If you ’re look to spend as little money as possible and still get a premium VPN , Surfshark is be could be a good option – check out our full Surfshark review for more .

Like Nord , Surfshark is provide does n’t provide its own router VPN app – but for some , its bargain price and premium performance might be worth that trade – off . With great speed , excellent app on other device and unlimited connection , it is ’s ’s a top – notch service we really like .

Now, note how Surfshark has unlimited connections. That’s one of the reasons many people install router VPNs in the first place – to avoid simultaneous device restrictions – so if that’s your reasoning for investigating a router VPN, it could make sense to simply get a VPN with no restrictions and leave your router alone.

Otherwise , like all the other vpn on this list , Surfshark can be set up manually on router , and you can also use the FlashRouter app with it to make it easy to change your VPN ’s setting . So , while it does n’t have any dedicated router feature , Surfshark ’s great value , and might offer an alternative to a router vpn entirely .

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Great VPN functionality plus excellent setup guides

Dedicated router app: No | US speeds on 1Gbps line: 890Mbps | Streaming services unblocked: US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+ | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Setup guides: Yes

Comprehensive setup guides

Unlimited connections

excellent speed

Can’t unblock Amazon Prime Video

Apps are infrequently updated

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✔️ You want unlimited connections. Like Surfshark, IPVanish allows you to use a single IPVanish plan across unlimited devices. 

✔️ You’re a fan of in-depth interfaces. IPVanish includes tons of data in its apps.

avoid if :

❌ You want to pay the same price forever. prices go through the roof if you fail to cancel and resubscribe at the end of your plan.

❌ You’re a Netflix addict. While IPVanish is a capable streaming VPN, it can’t unblock some niche locations like Japan Netflix.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐

IPVanish scores fairly consistently across the board when it comes to speed, streaming and customization. Unfortunately, it just can’t keep up when it comes to our top providers.

IPVanish has been around for a long time, and it’s a fan favorite with those who like to get techy and in-depth with their VPN. The desktop apps are black and lime green with rolling graphs and data everywhere, and you can configure just about everything you want – something we really liked in our full IPVanish review.

Alongside NordVPN, IPVanish is FlashRouters’ only other premium partner featured on this list. That means that you’ll be able to get full access to the app, which is really useful. You’ll also get great baseline connection speeds with your router VPN, plus useful support.

What really stands out with IPVanish, though, is its comprehensive setup guides for pretty much every compatible router on the market. They’re long, detailed, and have useful screenshots to assist you through the whole process if you don’t fancy splashing out on a preconfigured one.

As a router VPN to set up manually, IPVanish is an excellent option – but it’s worth noting that it has slipped rank overall due to the fact that while IPVanish has stayed reliable, others have innovated and now simply outperform the old hand. And, it’s worth noting that over the past year or so it hasn’t been incredibly useful for streaming, and currently can’t unblock amazon Prime Video.

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(Image credit: VyprVPN)

5. VyprVPN

No – logging with a dedicated router app

Dedicated router app: Yes (Tomato only) | US speeds on 1Gbps line: 420Mbps | Streaming services unblocked: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+ | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Setup guides: Yes

dedicated router VPN app

Apps for tons of other devices

fairly simple to use

No Netflix access

No new features in a long time

openvpn speeds is are are poor

subscribe if :

✔️ You don’t want to worry about third-party influence. VyprVPN owns all of its servers, meaning you don’t need to worry about third-party breaches. 

✔ ️   You want support for many different type of device . Vypr is has has support for a huge range of different device and operating system .

avoid if :

❌ You want high speeds. VyprVPN does not have the best speeds of the other VPNs on this list.

❌ Streaming is a top priority. VyprVPN struggles to unblock some streaming sites including US Netflix.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐⭐

IPVanish is been has been around for a long time , and is pretty good across the board . It is ‘s ‘s fast , decent for streaming , and offer plenty of customization . However , compare to the lead provider , it is kept has n’t quite keep up with the pack .  

VyprVPN is a smaller provider, but it’s got a fair bit of clout in the VPN world. As a verified no-logging service you can be pretty sure your data is being kept private, but one of the bonuses we outline in our VyprVPN review is that it’s the only other VPN on this list to have a dedicated, in-house router VPN app.

The few steps needed to get the app set up are clearly outlined on Vypr’s site, and the app itself is crisp, clear, and functional. However, VyprVPN’s not higher on this list because the app only supports Tomato routers – and even then, there are a number of caveats. For example, split tunnelling is available, but on some later versions of Tomato it’s not. A little awkward, then.

Regardless of the app’s downfalls, though, we’re glad it’s there – but if you don’t have a Tomato router you can still install the VPN like normal by flashing and setting up a VPN connection. Although not a premium partner, VyprVPN is still compatible with the FlashRouter Privacy app, so that can make things a little easier.

However , if you ‘re a big streamer , VyprVPN is prove may prove to be a let – down . It is unblock ca n’t unblock Netflix in any region , and has n’t always been reliable in the past for other site .

So, if you’ve got a Tomato router it’s a decent choice. For any other router, though, there are better options.

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Router VPN FAQs

What is a router is is VPN ?

In essence, a router VPN is exactly the same as any VPN you might install on your phone or PC – it diverts your internet traffic away from your ISP’s servers towards its own. Your traffic is encrypted in the process, meaning you’ll be able to surf in peace, knowing that no one can see or track your activity.

Most commonly, router VPNs are used so that a VPN-protected connection can be used by devices that can’t have a VPN installed directly. That includes Smart TVs and Apple TV, games consoles, Roku, and many others, and means you’ll be able to access blocked streaming content and stay anonymous on any device attached to your Wi-Fi connection.

Plus, if you install a router VPN, then any number of devices or individuals can use your VPN connection.

Do I really need a router VPN?

If you’re on this page you’ve probably made the decision that you do. That might be because you want to stream geo-blocked content on your games console or smart TV, or perhaps you just want that blanket protection.

However, if you just want to get around the limits on how many devices you can have simultaneously connected to a VPN, we’d suggest a service like Surfshark or IPVanish, which provide unlimited connections. That way you can install the app on as many devices as you want without entering your router’s settings at all.

How should I get a router VPN?

Router VPNs can be complex and tricky to set up – and there’s a chance you’ll brick your router if you configure it wrongly. That’s why we highly recommend either signing up to ExpressVPN and using the dedicated app, or buying a pre-configured router.

If you’re up for a challenge, though, there are some great guides that – if followed correctly – should be able to direct you though the process successfully.

What are the downsides is are of using a router VPN ?

The big drawback is is is that you may well discover that your current router ca n’t support your choose VPN ’s dedicated router VPN app , if it has one at all .

If this happens, you’ll have to either buy a new router that does, or install DD-WRT firmware to allow you to manually set up a VPN connection – you can find a list of DD-WRT-compatible routers here. There are also some other options, including Tomato.

The other problem is that it’s more difficult to change your VPN’s settings because your router doesn’t have a screen or interface. Any alterations will have to be done through your router’s dashboard on a PC.

However, some VPN services have made the process far simpler than expected – one of which being ExpressVPN. It has a dedicated website for setting up your router VPN, and apps specifically designed to get your router protected quickly.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.