You are in the right place to learn how to choose the best VPN for your router while protecting your entire network. Why would you want VPN in the first place? Some good reasons for setting up a VPN (virtual private network) on your router include:

• VPN on your router can secure all the devices on your network.
• It protects your privacy every minute of every day.
• It works even for devices that don't support router VPNs.

Steps for setting up a VPN router

Follow these steps and secure your entire home in one go:

Choose a VPN with router support

Before going any further, the first thing that you, as a VPN client, should make sure to do is select a VPN provider that allows set-ups on a VPN router. And not all routers offer this VPN functionality. So, our advice is to pay close attention if you plan to choose a VPN. In any case, the VPN providers below do support routers:

• NordVPN
• Surfshark
• ExpressVPN
• CyberGhost
• ProtonVPN

There are other VPNs with router support that can provide helpful advice on doing an installation on their websites, meaning that you will have instructions and clarity on doing this task.

Purchase a VPN-ready router

Once you have chosen the right VPN, the router itself must also be capable of allowing a VPN service to be installed. Most modems that you get from your ISP have a built-in router, but they are usually not VPN compatible. This means that most likely you will have to purchase a new router for this purpose.

If you need a new router, make your selection from the following VPN routers:

• Asus WRT firmware routers
• Tomato firmware routers
• GL.iNet routers

Some widely supported routers are the Netgear R7000, the Linksys WRT3200ACM and the ASUS RT-AC models. First, make sure that the router works with your VPN provider! Next, take a look at your VPN provider's support page to see which routers they recommend for your VPN.

Install a VPN on your router

Once you have a suitable VPN and router, you can start setting up the VPN client on your router.

The steps you will need to take to install the VPN will mainly depend on:

• The VPN services you choose (such as ExpressVPN or Surfshark)
• The type of router (so, know your router settings)
• The protocol you will be using (e.g., OpenVPN)

We recommend seeking out information from the support department of your VPN provider, as the instructions will be different with each provider. You will often find a clear step-by-step plan for each router with an explanation of how to set it up.

Definitely take the time, after doing the VPN set-up, to test and make sure that everything works correctly. Make sure you note what IP address you have. Keeping a record of your router's IP address may save you some puzzlement later.

How does a router with a VPN work?

A VPN on your router works the same way a VPN app works on your laptop or phone. It's all about internet security and privacy.

The idea is that you set up your router to connect to a VPN service. This way you create a secure gateway to the internet. All the connected devices behind your router are protected — even devices that don't support VPNs.

Wireless or not

With a VPN on your router, it doesn't matter whether your smartphone, tablet, laptop or TV connects via WiFi or via an internet cable. Any device connected will enjoy online privacy.

Consider a VPN server

In addition to combining a VPN client with a router, it is also possible to set up a VPN server yourself, so that you can remotely make a secure connection with your data at the office or at home.

Which routers support a VPN?

When using a VPN on your router, the most important choice is not which VPN to use, but which router to start with. Not many routers work equally well in combination with a VPN service. Always check to see which routers are best supported by your VPN provider. If necessary, contact customer service. They can often be reached 24/7 via live chat.

You are looking for a VPN compatible router. Start by searching by the router's brand

A quick survey of VPN providers shows that the following router manufacturers are generally well supported:

• Asus WRT firmware router
• Tomato firmware routers
• Certain NetGear routers
• GL.iNet routers

Why VPN routers?

Here are some reasons why you might or might not want to set-up a VPN on your router.

VPN client benefits

• You can connect an unlimited number of devices and users in your home (whether a wired or using a Wi Fi network) with just one account from the VPN service.
• You can also secure devices that don't support VPNs, such as Internet of Things (IoT) refrigerators, lawn mowers and vacuum cleaners.
• Your entire Wi Fi network gets a different IP address that cannot be traced back to your location.
• You don't have to switch on the VPN service every time you do something: your internet connection is encrypted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• You and your devices can connect to your home network safely from outside the house.

Disadvantages

• You will likely need to buy a new router for a VPN connection.
• Finding a compatible router for this project is a complicated as they are not offered by major internet service providers.
• Setting up VPN software on your router can be tricky without previous knowledge or experience.