Best VPN for Router: 5 Safe, Fast, and Reliable Options for 2026

Using the best VPN for a router is convenient for protecting all devices in your home. Such a setup offers privacy for all incoming and outbound traffic, including that of small devices. As a result, you’re creating a shrouded network with the highest level of privacy, safe from ISPs, snoopers, hackers, and other nasties.

Be aware that not all VPN services are compatible with routers, especially free providers. In most cases, they deliberately limit router VPN support and lack security features. For this and many other reasons, we emphasized a premium router VPN selection. Simultaneously, they are some of the most impressive VPNs overall.

Best VPN for Router: Top 5 Picks Reviewed

We’ll begin our guide with the most important thing—our top five favorites. After testing 40, we found these five to be the most befitting based on their performance, security, privacy, and other relevant factors:

Now that you have the list, feel free to use it right away. If not, we suggest reading our opinions on each router VPN, where we explain its most vital features.

1. NordVPN: Best Overall

NordVPN takes the #1 spot as the best VPN for a router. It’s a fantastic package with wide support for OpenWRT, AsusWRT, Merslin, pfSense, Tomato, and other routers. For those that it doesn’t support, it offers in-depth setup guides, so you’re covered. Performance-wise, the VPN excels; again, the reason we love it.

It supports both OpenVPN and NordLynx (WireGuard), so using a router VPN setup lets you stream or download without slowdowns. During our NordVPN review, we also found that it offers other features, mostly present in its desktop apps. For instance, there’s Double VPN routing that encrypts traffic twice.

By default, it uses 256-bit encryption, improved to post-quantum with NordLynx. Plus, there are over 9,000 servers in 130 countries, all accessible in the router VPN app. Privacy-wise, it does everything right. It doesn’t keep logs, uses RAM (diskless) servers, and has malware protection in Threat Protection Pro.

NordVPN isn’t just the best VPN for routers in 2026. It’s a top-to-bottom package with apps for all systems and ten simultaneous connections. If you need the best VPN for routers that does everything, it also doesn’t cost much. The Basic biennial plan at $3.39 per month, often less, is our recommended choice.

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2. ExpressVPN: Best for Speed

ExpressVPN isn’t our #1-rated VPN for routers because it lacks a few advanced features from NordVPN. However, its router support is pristine, and it natively works on D-Link, DD-WRT, Tomato, Sabai, and other models. Like NordVPN, it includes comprehensive tutorials for all non-VPN-supported routers.

The main advantage is exactly that: ease of use. ExpressVPN is simple to set up and offers one-click connections. Depending on the router, this means protection for dozens of devices in your household. During our assessment, we tested its speeds, and with Lightway, an in-house protocol, it nearly rivaled our #1 router VPN.

The provider also includes Threat Manager, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites, so it’s ideal for parental control. Additionally, it employs a kill switch that prevents data leaks, crucial when you want to stay anonymous online. Finally, there’s an audited no-log policy and a wide server fleet in 105 countries.

You can try ExpressVPN risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, to get it, you first must claim a discount below. We advise the biennial Basic plan with four months free on top. Alternatively, explore the Advanced plan, which offers more features and backs you up with a high-quality eSIM.

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3. Private Internet Access: Best for Security

Private Internet Access is a highly reliable VPN compatible with routers. However, it also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you may not have to use it on a router. If you decide to proceed, it works on Merlin, ASUS WRT, pfSense, OpenWRT/LEDE, and DD-WRT router firmware, so it’s well stacked.

PIA’s appeal lies in security and privacy. Although it is a VPN from the USA, it doesn’t log any user data and relies on the strongest 256-bit GCM encryption. WireGuard, widely supported on routers, is also available for decent performance and speed. Private Internet Access also includes MultiHop for double encryption.

Additionally, it offers MACE to block ads and trackers. Installing this VPN on your router lets you unblock streaming services and download torrents safely. However, you can also use it for Tor over VPN connections. Private Internet Access has round-the-clock 24/7 support to help you set up this router VPN.

On the downside, it lacks a native Fire TV Stick app, so if you need one, pick a Fire TV VPN from this comprehensive list. While also not the speediest, it’s because it’s a lot cheaper, at around $2.03 to $2.19 per month for the biennial plan. As the best VPN for routers, it’s fully refundable for 30-days, so take a peek risk-free.

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4. Proton VPN: Best for Privacy

Proton VPN supports various router models and firmware, so you don’t need a VPN router for home. It installs effortlessly on AsusWRT, DD-WRT, FreshTomato, MikroTik, OpenWRT, pfSense, and Vilfo, supporting both OpenVPN and WireGuard. The best thing is that the VPN automatically secures your traffic.

All you must do is fire up Proton VPN, and it’ll do its job. Additionally, you can access more than 18,000 servers in 130 countries, with a selection of P2P- and streaming-friendly options. Proton VPN is mostly about privacy, so it uses full-disk encryption and relies on a no-log policy to safely handle your data.

Our Proton VPN tests also showcased its stability and speed, with the VPN Accelerator that further improves the performance. Advanced security features, like Secure Core servers (it’s double VPN routing) and NetShield (it’s an ad blocker), make every trip online safe. On top of that, the VPN isn’t all that expensive.

The biennial plan is usually $2.99 to $3.59 per month with a discount through our link. Actually, it also offers a free VPN for routers with unlimited data and apps for all other major systems and platforms. Finally, you get 24/7 customer support and allowance for up to ten simultaneous connections per subscription.

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5. Surfshark: The Best Cheap Router VPN

You don’t need a VPN router when you can set up Surfshark on just about any model. Above all, you get unlimited simultaneous connections, so you may not need a router VPN setup. It supports many models: OPNsense, Tomato, Keenetic, Asus Merlin, Freebox, pfSense, Synology NAS, QNAP, and MikroTik.

On some models, primarily Linksys, flashing may be required. Other than that, it’s perfect if you need advanced protection, fast speeds with WireGuard, and impeccable streaming in 4K without traces of buffering. Surfshark’s best feature is unblocking Netflix, and it works with over thirty catalogs; that’s massive.

With one of the fastest VPNs for routers comes rock-solid security. Surfsahrk uses powerful encryption, Multi-hop servers, and IP Rotation to conceal your footprints. You can also use CleanWeb to block ads and install its antivirus software for full protection. One of its best features is a kill switch for leak prevention.

Surfshark’s confusing UI isn’t the best, but that’s a nitpick. It’s one of the most compelling and most equipped VPNs for routers in 2026. Security, privacy, streaming, torrenting, you get everything. And what about the price? Well, it’s peanuts: Surfshark costs only $1.99 per month for the cheapest, Starter plan.

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What to Look for in a Router-Compatible VPN?

Most people need a VPN for their iPhone, Windows computer, or any other typical device. Very few users will bother to install a VPN on a router. Well, those who do will need to consider a few important factors, such as:

✅ Router Compatibility

The best VPN for routers can’t be the one that doesn’t support them. You want a provider that supports as many models as possible to ensure yours is on the list. We selected NordVPN and ExpressVPN as the two leading providers because of this criterion. These two work on a variety of routers.

In addition, they sometimes offer the option of buying a router with a preinstalled VPN. This might cost a tad more at first, but you’ll rid yourself of the manual setup, which, if you’re inexperienced, you might not know how to perform.

🔒 Protocol Support

In addition to sheer, also consider protocols. Our favorite picks offer modern protocols that work with routers. NordVPN’s NordLynx works seamlessly with most models, and so does ExpressVPN’s Lightway Turbo. WireGuard in the rest of the VPNs is no less essential. It also works with the majority of firmware.

⚡ Connection Speed

Connection speed was one of our most important aspects. Some VPNs can degrade your performance, especially true for free options with slow 1 Gbps servers. These providers reach speeds of up to 300 Mbps in our tests, making them impressively fast (our base speed was 324.25 Mbps, as you see below).

However, your router’s connection speed also affects the overall connection speed. Some are optimized for speed but not coverage. Conversely, some prioritize coverage while limiting connection speed to 50-100 Mbps.

🛡️ Security Features

We often mention the importance of a kill switch that disables internet traffic if the VPN connection breaks to keep your IP private. What are the other features? Some of these features are AES-256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, RAM servers, Private DNS servers, MultiHop, no logging, and more.

You won’t be using a VPN on a router only. Instead, you’ll also install it on your computer or phone, and these devices benefit from added security and privacy.

How to Install a VPN on a Router?

The setup phase is what bothers most users. What is a VPN router setup? Is it safe? How do you do it? These are just some of the questions. A VPN router setup is rather simple, and it is safe if you’re not flashing your router. To be clear, this can also be safe if you know what you are doing. If not, you can brick the device.

Worst of all, you’ll void your warranty. Now, in terms of how to set up a VPN on a router, it depends on the manufacturer. We can explain broadly, but you’ll need to find a tutorial for your specific model online. So, this is how it goes:

• You first subscribe to a VPN service. NordVPN is our recommendation because of its extensive router support and impressive performance.
• Go to your account and find router configuration files. Download them.
• Open the web browser and type in your router’s IP address. Press Enter.
• You now need to sign in to access the router’s control panel. These credentials should be at the bottom or the back of your router. Provide them and sign in.

This is the base for a router VPN setup if the router is VPN-friendly. You should be able to find the VPN section in the control panel and work your way from there. The process differs from that of DD-WRT and OpenWRT. Read this page from NordVPN to learn more about the setup for at least 10 different firmware versions.

Find your router/firmware, click on it, and you’ll get step-by-step instructions with images on how to install this great VPN on your router. If your router isn’t VPN-friendly, you’ll first need to flash it. After this is done—hopefully with success—you can proceed with the instructions on your selected provider’s website.

Why Use a VPN on Your Router?

The question of why to use a VPN is typical for people with no experience. However, you might be wondering what kind of benefits you can get by installing a VPN on your router. Many are there, but we listed the most prominent ones.

📱 Security for All Devices

By far, the best benefit is security for all your devices. Instead of connecting to a VPN on each device, you can connect to a VPN-enabled router. Since all devices in your home are already hooked up to the router wirelessly, all will have security and privacy. That said, using the best router VPN is very beneficial.

You’ll shield yourself from ISP tracking and throttling, while simultaneously bypassing specky geo-blocks and accessing content worldwide. But it’s just the beginning.

📺 Safe Torrenting and Streaming

All five providers we presented are compatible with P2P. A connection to one of their many servers offers anonymous torrenting, which many users desire. This is especially welcome in the USA, where VPNs for torrenting are often used to dodge copyright trolls. Streaming is another huge factor for many.

You can use this service to bypass geo-blocks and unblock restricted sites. This allows access to BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, or even gambling sites and adult platforms. Again, this applies to all devices. While your family watches Netflix US in one room, in another, you can watch something else by using a router VPN.

👾 Gaming With No ISP Throttling

ISP throttling spoils the fun by decreasing connection speed and stability. Well, we’re glad the torture can be cut short with a VPN that eliminates your ISP from the equation and prevents it from harming you. Once your connection is encrypted by a VPN for router, your ISP can’t track or limit you in any way.

This allows you to enjoy the full speed of our favorite VPNs (up to 300+ Mbps in our tests), ideal for gaming, streaming, downloading, and browsing. It’s even better if you have a gaming router with neck-breaking speeds. That is joy for multi-player gaming sessions combined with the safety of a VPN.

🛑 Bypassing Censorship

We must address bypassing censorship because many people struggle with it. Blocked sites and the lack of freedom of speech sound infuriating. If you’re feeling nauseated by thinking of them, a router VPN can help you. Its ability to hide your IP address and obfuscate your traffic counters deep-packet inspection.

NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are your best picks, especially if you’re in China. These will work thanks to built-in obfuscation and robust security features.

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Summary

The top VPNs for routers in 2026 are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), Proton VPN, and Surfshark. If you want the most juice for your squeeze, consider NordVPN as the most compelling solution for privacy, speed, security, and stability. Though we would not discard other router VPN picks.

ExpressVPN excels at speed and ease of use, PIA is amazing for security, Proton VPN is built for privacy, and Surfshark is cheap and reliable. Our list of the best VPN for routers is over, and now, you have five top-tier choices. To remind you, all are risk-free thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee. Take your shot.

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Router VPN: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to install a VPN on my router?

Yes, it is. The VPNs we presented have no security vulnerabilities and can be used without worry. If you have a router that requires a firmware update, it’s another story, because if you’re inexperienced, you can brick it and void your warranty. Apart from this inconvenience, there’s nothing to be scared of.

Are free VPNs usable on a router?

Yes, some are, but generally, free VPNs are never as good as paid VPNs. They lack pretty much everything. From speed and security to device compatibility, streaming prowess, torrenting allowance, customer support, etc.

Is it necessary to use a VPN on my router?

No, it isn’t. Generally speaking, VPNs are not always necessary, but they’re beneficial for privacy and security. Similarly, you don’t need to install a VPN on your router if you don’t want to. Instead, you can install it on your other devices because the setup is much simpler and you’ll get almost the same effect.

What is a VPN router?

A VPN router refers to a regular router with a VPN installed. It’s also a router that supports VPN services without flashing its firmware. Good examples of supported routers are many Asus, Aircove, and DD-WRT routers that work flawlessly. Some, like Aircove models, already have a VPN pre-installed.