Online world is the primary source of threat for any computer user. A router is the most common device for connecting devices to the internet. You need to add a security layer at the source to protect the connected devices from online threats. That is where the virtual private network(VPN) comes into the scene. VPN is a security software you must configure for your router to secure the internet connection.
VPN encrypts all traffic and diverts them to an intermediary VPN server instead of an ISP server. Therefore, no one can track your internet activities, and you can protect your routers from infringement. Besides, you can access geo-specific websites and apps by deceiving the location of your computer using VPN. We have selected the best VPN for routers and reviewed them so that you can pick the best one.
How Does VPN For a Router Work?
When configuring VPN for your router, you are routing all connecting devices from the router to the private network instead of the ISP network. Since traffic is getting diverted from the ISP server to a virtual network, there is no way for someone to track you back. Not just your activities and data, VPN secures to all the connected devices at the source by being an intermediary, and hence, devices are safe from hacking.
Since you are disguising your ISP server with a VPN server, it is a cloud server that can be situated in any location and mask your true location. That is why you can deceive websites into believing you are accessing the internet from anywhere worldwide and unlock geo-specific websites banned in your region. Basically, VPN secures your network, devices, and browsing activities.
Best VPN For Routers
1. Express VPN
Express VPN is the best candidate if you are looking for a VPN service with superb global access without degradation in speed. You can set the server location to any of the 94 popular countries for accessing geo-location websites and apps. You can get instant protection with a single click. The platform offers best-in-class security for safety and privacy.
Apart from the basic features, the platform has advanced features like a threat manager to eliminate malicious sites and apps. There is a unique split tunneling option through which you can route some devices through VPN while letting others access the internet without VPN. Express VPN does not log any activity, so your online activities and data are completely safe.
Features:
- VPN server connection in over 90 countries.
- Browse anonymously with IP address masking.
- Compatible with almost any device.
- AES-256 encryption and threat manager.
Pros:
- Unique split tunnelling option.
- Faster and more secure VPN service.
- One subscription for 5 devices.
Cons:
- It is more expensive than many VPN services.
2. Nord VPN
Nord VPN is one of the most popular VPNs across the world. It hides your IP address and location and protects you from malware and trackers. Therefore, you can enjoy a safe and secure browsing experience without worrying about your data getting leaked or monitored. That is why all the devices connecting to your router with Nord VPN always stay safe.
While most VPN services slow down the internet speed of the router depending on the location server you set, Nord VPN ensures you enjoy fast and stable internet speed across all popular countries. There are over 6000 servers deployed across 60 countries for streaming and gaming without internet speed issues. Besides, you can create private networks to share important files securely. To Explore More – Click Here
Features:
- Stops malware, trackers, and even advertisements.
- Allows you to create an encrypted private network.
- Hides IP address and provides a virtual IP address.
- Split tunnelling, private DNS, and smart DNS.
Pros:
- Ensures faster internet speed that stays stable.
- Option to opt for double VPN for more protection.
- Relatively cheap price plans with different payment options.
Cons:
- Limited global coverage in comparison to its competitors.
3. Surf Shark
Surf Shark is one of the cheapest VPN services available that does not comprise features and functionalities. You can set it up perfectly for your router, and the connected devices will be completely secured. Surf Shark secures internet connection from trackers and malware, preventing phishing attempts.
Surf Shark has servers across over 100 countries; hence, you can choose any location without compromising speed. You can connect unlimited devices as it offers unlimited bandwidth. Like any professional VPN, it has a no-log policy so that your activities are not stored and stolen. Its real-time protection is unmatched, and you get alerts if something goes wrong.
Features:
- Complete online protection from all threats.
- Connect unlimited devices based on any OS.
- Private DNS option for next-level security.
- Superior security protocols with 256-bit encryption.
Pros:
- Camouflage mode to deceive even your ISP.
- Option to change IP address effectively.
- Consistent speed and good pricing plans.
Cons:
- The customer service team needs upgrading.
4. IP Vanish
IP Vanish is a fast-emerging VPN service provider that is particularly popular for its occasional offers that beat its competitor in terms of price plans. The platform offers advanced security protocols to ensure complete safety. Besides, it does not slow down the internet speed significantly.
You can protect your online identity and location and prevent tracks and hackers from hijacking your online activities. You can set up IP Vanish easily for your routers and protect all connected devices. The company had a share of controversy with the no-log policy, but it still happens to be a trusted brand.
Features:
- Proper IP address masking for anonymity.
- High internet speed for streaming and gaming.
- Strong security protocols and measures.
Pros:
- Wide range of device compatibility.
- Advanced level of encryption.
- Relatively cheaper price plans.
Cons:
- Certain controversies have lowered its brand value.
5. Vypr VPN
VyprVPN is a trusted brand in the VPN industry with 15 years of experience in the market. From split tunneling to DNS protection, the brand focuses on tight security for routers. Different types of VPN protocols are available to select from, and some are exclusive to Vypr.
You can connect 10 devices to the router and get equal protection for all of them. There is a no-log policy followed by the company strictly. Your IP address stays masked; you can access content by changing locations. The company has servers in over 96 countries all over the world.
Features:
- Top-notch level of security measures.
- Easy to set up and allows torrenting.
- One app is available for all devices.
Pros:
- The speed is relatively high in popular countries.
- Suitable for high-resolution
Cons:
- There are frequent cases of connection drop reported.
- All features do not apply to all devices.
6. Private VPN
It is one of those few VPNs that offer a free trial before you commit yourself to their service for your router. The VPN allows the connection of 10 devices simultaneously. The user interface is very easy to operate. The security protocols and encryptions are selectable. You can use the VPN to unblock apps and websites banned in your region.
The brand follows the standard no-log policy. It is particularly popular for private DNS and torrenting. The overall speed is on the higher side, and hence, streaming and gaming can be smooth. The setup is easy with a single click. You can instantly choose from 63 countries to spoof your location and IP address.
Features:
- High-speed internet with anonymous access.
- Dedicated IP servers and strong security protocols.
- Easy choice for torrenting and unblocking content.
- Military-grade encryption and no buffering any more.
Pros:
- Suitable for streaming content at high resolution.
- Relatively cheap price plans with full-fledged security.
Cons:
- The global reach is not very wide.
- There is no split tunnelling option.
7. Cyber Ghost
Cyber Ghost has nearly 1000 servers across over 90 countries so that you can spoof your location anywhere. The VPN solution masks your IP address so no one can track you. You get a dedicated IP which is based on a token. The speed of accessing the internet is decent as there is no bandwidth limitation.
The best part is that its servers are optimized for streaming videos, torrenting activities, and online gaming. You get 256-bit encryption for browsing data, ensuring complete protection from external intervention. Cyber Ghost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee over the usual 30-day standard.
Features:
- VPN server connection in over 90 countries.
- Stable speed, strong security features
- Dedicated IP address, split tunnelling.
- Compatible with almost any device.
Pros:
- Dedicated servers for gaming and streaming.
- Employs best security protocols.
- Relatively low price for long-term plans.
Cons:
- It is yet to be a reputed and popular choice.
8. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access claims to be the best VPN service provider for over a decade. It is a highly trusted platform to ensure a safe and secure browsing experience and protect your online data with more layers of security. From encrypting emails and photos to personal and bank details, the VPN service covers all data for protection.
You can get rid of the network restrictions and location-based content restrictions. The service has unlimited bandwidth to avoid any throttling issues. The platform claims to have over 15 million customers across the world. The best part is that it has open-source software for more transparency on its functioning. You also get live customer support from experts to solve any issue instantly.
Features:
- VPN server connection in over 80 countries.
- No limit on bandwidth, high-speed VPN.
- Does not track and store browsing data.
- Compatible with a wide range of devices.
Pros:
- Split tunnelling option for selective VPN service.
- No limit on the number of device connections.
- Extra security protocol blocks malware and trackers.
Cons:
- No option for whitelisting apps and websites.
VPN For Routers – FAQs
Ans: Yes, many routers are available with built-in VPN, referred to as VPN routers. For example, TP-Link AX3000 WiFi 6 Router is a VPN router. You do not have to purchase any VPN service externally.
Ans: A VPN router is a regular router, but it comes with a VPN installed on the device. There is a pre-installed firmware that provides VPN service to all connected devices. VPN is the private network that protects the established public networks when connecting devices to any regular router where it has to be installed externally.
Ans: Research shows that VPN does slow down the internet speed. However, if you opt for a high-quality, subscription-based VPN service, the internet speed does not slow down significantly.
Conclusion
Security is a priority when you are accessing the internet. Instead of availing security services for individual devices, you can set up security for all the devices connecting to your router using VPN. We have chosen the best VPN for routers and reviewed them for your understanding. As per your preference and judgment, you can choose any to ensure complete online protection for your router and connecting devices.
