We have all faced a common issue with VPNs- strict limits on the number of devices that can be used at the same time. However, the best router VPN allows you to bypass device limits on your VPN subscription and safeguard every device you use at home. Since they are integrated directly into your Wi-Fi network, you can even use them on devices that do not support VPN connections. This can be used for PlayStations, Xboxes, and smart TVs, along with smart lights, doorbells, and other IoT devices.
Although setting up a router VPN is not a simple as installing one on your PC or phone, things have become much better these days. Many of the best VPNs now deliver tailored apps and even customised routers with the VPN software pre-installed, which makes the procedure easier than ever before.
We have tested some of the router VPN providers to find the best one. This guide will explore the five best options with all descriptions needed to make an informed decision.
How Does a Router VPN Work?
A router VPN works similar to any other VPN installed on your mobile device or computer. It diverts your internet traffic from your ISP servers and directs it through its own. This secures your traffic throughout and allows you to browse or stream seamlessly, providing that no one can see or track your online activity. For more information on VPN, you can explore how does it work against cyberattack.
Along with securing your data that scrambling it and making it accessible to snoopers, a router VPN also hides your real IP address and swaps it with one from the VPN server you are connected to. This not only keeps your location a secret from hackers and trackers but also allows you to break regional restrictions and access international content libraries on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It can enable access to international news websites, banned applications, and limited social media platforms if you are in a country with strict internet censorship.
How to Choose the Best Router VPN?
At first, you should enquire yourself about whether you really want a router VPN. If your main purpose is simply to protect all your devices, go with providers like Surfshark or IPVanish that enable unlimited connections at once. However, if you want to stream restricted content on gaming consoles or smart TVs, then go for a router VPN.
When choosing the right one, the level of technical know-how is very important. If you are new to VPNs or looking for a simple, plug-and-play setup, ExpressVPN is a good choice. It is the only provider with a dedicated router VPN app that allows you to handle settings directly from the user-friendly dashboard. Above all, ExpressVPN also sells its own custom Aircove router line with the VPN pre-installed, which eases the overall setup.
For many other VPNs, manual setup is needed, which increases the need for quality setup guides and customer support. Hence, you should find a VPN that provides detailed, step-by-step resources, along with 24/7 live chat, so that you never feel confused during setup. No doubt you cannot ignore security. A strong router VPN must deliver robust security protocols, a proven no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and a potential kill switch. Suppose you are looking for additional lfeatures ike password management, ad and tracker blockers, and malware protection. In that case, you can choose from NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, which combine all of these features into their plans at little or no additional cost.
Another critical factor is speed. Generally, you may look for a VPN that improves performance after installing it, which means it should offer consistent speed. Although almost every VPN on our list works well but you can choose from Express VPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark if you want a reasonable speed. For the best deals on VPN, you can check Black Friday deals.
5 Best Router VPNs
ExpressVPN- The Best
ExpressVPN is no doubt the best router VPN in our list, mainly due to the fact that it comes with its own in-house router line, named Aircove. The setup of this router VPN is very easy because of the pre-installed software and Aircove routers. Some of the best features of this solution are its powerful dedicated app, top-class support, reliable privacy, and good unblocking. It comes with a setup guide and a 24/7 live chat option. However, it is a little pricey at USD 3.49 per month for 24 months.
NordVPN- Privacy
Although this tool does not provide a dedicated router app, it is far from lacking. NordVPN partners with FlashRouters to provide you with a range of router options that come pre-configured with the firmware needed to launch OpenVPN. Noteworthy is that NordVPN is a premium option if you wish to use the FlashRouters Privacy app with multiple non-premium VPNs. The best features include great speeds with NordLynx, comprehensive setup guides, good for streaming, and verified no-logging. However, there is no in-house router app or price hike on renewal.
Surfshark- Cheaper Option
If you want to avoid the device limits used simultaneously and cover the overall household under a single subscription, then Surfshark is a good choice. It comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, outstanding value, great streaming support, and the fastest speed. Although setting it up is a bit technical, Surfshark eases things with 24/7 live chat support and a vast library of step-by-step guides to guide you throughout. However, the main things to be considered are a lack of a dedicated router VPN app and steep price increases.
IPVanish- Customer Support
Although IPVanish does not pair up with a dedicated app, it is one of the premium partners of FlashRouters same as NordVPN. This means you can purchase a router pre-installed with IPVanish. It simplifies setup and offers strong connection speeds and reliable support. The best thing about this is the unlimited connections and cheap price at $2 per month. However, the sleep price increase and frequent updates are some downsides of this tool. IPVanish is a great option if you prefer to configure your router on your own.
CyberGhost- A Free Trial
Although the absence of recent updates on CyberGhost means it no longer competes for the number one position but it still has great features. It is one of the cheapest VPNs on the list with an effective unblocking feature. The verified no-logs policy and decent speeds are add-ons. However, it only supports 7 simultaneous connections, and articles are not as in-depth as others.
Summary
Now that you are aware of the best router VPNs, you should make the right choice. These are tried and tested options that you choose. However, if you still want to narrow down the choices, then we recommend ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Lastly, do not avoid the downsides for better use.
