If you’ve ever used a VPN before, then you already know the basics. You install a VPN app on your device, open it up, and connect to a server to encrypt all your internet traffic. Although this straightforward process is quick and easy enough for anyone to set up a VPN to protect themselves, there is another option that allows you to connect multiple devices at no extra cost. Typically, VPN providers will allow a select number of simultaneous connections, meaning that you have a limited number of device ‘slots’.
By configuring a VPN on your router, you can protect every single device under your home network whilst only using up a single device slot, enabling you to enjoy a safer online experience on all your devices. Setting up a VPN on your router also allows you to protect any devices that do not have native support for VPNs. Another benefit of configuring a VPN on your routers is that it can ensure that your traffic is encrypted whenever you are online as all devices will automatically have VPN protection as long as the router is working. This is especially important in situations where devices may initiate an automatic connection such as an account update whilst a user is asleep. In this article, we’ll let you know how to install a VPN on your router and give a detailed breakdown of the best VPNs with router support in 2022!
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How to install a VPN on your router quick guide
Configuring a VPN on a router is incredibly simple and can be done in just a few minutes! All you need to do is follow our easy step-by-step guide –
- Log in to your router
Open up your browser and enter your router’s IP address (usually found on the bottom or back of the router box) along with your password to log in to the router’s admin/control panel.
- Configure router
Look for the VPN section in the advanced settings section (the location of this section will vary between router brands). Next, tick the option for a VPN client.
- Test your VPN connection
We suggest checking that the VPN connection is working before heading online. You can do this by heading to an IP address lookup tool like this one to see if your device’s IP address is that of the server rather than your real IP.
- Enjoy a safer online experience with all your devices
Once you’ve confirmed that your VPN has successfully been configured on your router, you can enjoy participating in online activities knowing that all your devices are protected and your sensitive information is not exposed. Happy surfing!
Top tip – Remember that your router must support VPN clients. To check this, head to the manufacturer’s website or look through your router’s configuration interface! If your router doesn’t support VPN clients, then you will need to install third-party firmware.
The best VPNs that you can configure on your router in 2022
Now you know how to install a VPN on your router, you just need to find a suitable provider. The best VPNs to configure on your router will have fast connection speeds, a large server network, robust security, and, of course, router support. Additionally, your chosen VPN should have a strict no-logs policy to ensure that you can stay anonymous online and not have your sensitive information at risk of being exposed. Not sure what all this means? Check out our in-depth guide of useful VPN features! Taking these factors into consideration, we’ve carefully researched and gathered the top three best VPNs to configure on your home router in 2022! Let’s find out more –
- NordVPN
NordVPN is a highly reputable and powerful VPN that provides all the features you need to stay private and secure when online. This VPN supports router configuration and even provides users with a selection of how-to articles to assist them with the setup of the service on their router. If you’re looking for a fantastic all-around VPN that uses unbeatable security measures to protect users from a range of cyber threats, then you can’t do any better than NordVPN.
With NordVPN, you have over 5400 top-speed servers to choose from in 60 countries, giving you the opportunity to spoof your location and access geo-blocked content that is restricted to certain areas around the world. Users have the choice between three highly secure VPN protocols – IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx, and OpenVPN (our recommended protocol for router configuration). This VPN provides unlimited bandwidth for all users, so you don’t have to worry about running into any bandwidth caps when protecting all the devices under your home network.
In regards to security, NordVPN is a top performer. This VPN uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and provides an impressive selection of security features including obfuscated servers, a kill switch, private DNS, MFA, split tunnelling support, dedicated IP, double VPN protection, a dark web monitor, and built-in threat protection. Additionally, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited to confirm that the provider does not, under any circumstances, monitor or collect private user data such as IP addresses, browsing history, bandwidth usage, connection timestamps, and data transfer.
NordVPN has a knowledgeable customer support team available 24/7 to assist with any issues you might run into when using your VPN or configuring it on your router. This VPN also has an extensive knowledge base where you can find a range of helpful articles and tutorials. Here you can find a list of routers that don’t support NordVPN and various setup tutorials for supported routers.
Try out NordVPN* on your router for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!
- Surfshark
Surfshark is an affordable yet still reliable and secure VPN that offers feature-rich and low-cost plans. This VPN has full router support, so you can save money whilst protecting every single one of your devices simultaneously. Due to its affordability and ease of use, Surfshark is ideal for users who are on a tighter budget or have not previously used VPNs.
You can connect to one of Surfshark’s 3200 servers which are based in 65 countries. These RAM-only servers are super-fast, so you can browse, stream, torrent, or play games on all your devices without any lag, buffering, or other interruptions. Additionally, Surfshark uses only the most trusted VPN protocols – WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. As this VPN provides unlimited bandwidth, you can use your VPN as often as you want without having to face any extra charges or restrictions.
Surfshark uses the almost uncrackable AES 256-bit encryption to secure all of its user’s data and ensure it is protected against cyber attacks. Other security features provided by this VPN include a kill switch, NoBorders mode, camouflage mode (obfuscation), private DNS with leak protection, and a built-in ad blocking tool. Surfshark has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited and since the provider is based in the Netherlands, there are no obligatory data retention laws that require them to collect or monitor user data.
There is a friendly and helpful customer service team who are available 24/7 via email and live chat to help resolve any problems. Surfshark also has a selection of informative resources located in its massive knowledge base such as this router setup guide which walks users through the configuration of this VPN on their routers.
Try out Surfshark* on your router for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!
- ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a fast, secure, dependable VPN that has been designed with security as its main focus to ensure a safe and private online experience for all users. With this VPN’s full router support, you can protect all your devices from dangerous cyber attacks and have peace of mind knowing that you can browse the web completely anonymously.
This VPN has over 1700 high-speed servers based in 63 countries and many of which are part of ProtonVPN’s Secure Core Architecture. This further protects users and helps to defend against network-based attacks by routing user traffic through multiple servers rather than just one. Additionally, ProtonVPN only uses the world’s most trusted VPN protocols – IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN. ProtonVPN offers all users unlimited bandwidth, so after you configure this VPN on your router, you can protect all your devices simultaneously and even participate in heavy-bandwidth activities (streaming, torrenting, gaming) without running into any caps or additional charges.
As ProtonVPN takes extreme pride in protecting its users, this service encrypts all traffic with the highest strength encryption, AES-256. This VPN also provides a range of security features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, full disk encryption, and a built-in ad blocking tool (NetShield). The ProtonVPN app is open-source and the provider has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited, so you can enjoy the benefits of a VPN without any concern that your sensitive information such as your browsing history and IP address is being monitored, collected, or shared.
Unfortunately, ProtonVPN currently does not offer 24/7 customer support. However, you can still complete a support form outlining your issue or query and expect a prompt and informative reply. In the ProtonVPN support center, you can find various tutorials including several detailed setup guides on different routers as well as a router FAQs section.
Try out ProtonVPN* on your router for free for 30 days with their money-back guarantee!