A common issue with VPNs is the fact that many of them impose strict limits on the amount of devices you can use them on simultaneously. However, the best router VPNs let you bypass device limits on your VPN subscription and protect every single gadget in your home at once. Because they’re integrated directly into your Wi-Fi, you can even use them on devices that don’t natively support VPN connections, from PlayStations, Xboxes, and smart TVs to smart lights, doorbells, and other IoT devices.
While setting up a router VPN is not quite as simple as installing one on your PC or phone, things have come a long way. Many of the best VPNs now offer dedicated router VPN apps and even custom-built routers with the VPN software pre-installed, making the process far easier than it was just a few years ago.
Our experts at Tom’s Guide have tested dozens of providers to narrow down the very best VPNs for routers. In this guide, we’ll break down the top five, with all the details you need to make the right choice. If you’re short on time, though, our top three recommendations are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
The 3 best router VPNs at a glance
How we chose the best router VPNs
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To make sure we narrowed down the very best VPNs for routers, our experts at Tom’s Guide tested dozens of providers using a meticulous VPN testing framework.
Strong router support was arguably the biggest factor in deciding which VPNs made it into our top five. We checked whether each VPN offered robust options, such as a dedicated router app, detailed setup guides, and responsive 24/7 live chat support. We also tested how capable the support teams were at handling technical router configurations, not just basic app-related queries.
In addition to testing VPNs on routers, we also looked at providers like Surfshark and IPVanish that offer unlimited device connections. For these, we installed the VPN apps on every compatible platform, including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux, and carefully evaluated features like the kill switch, encryption standards, leak protection, and split tunneling. This helped us see how well they perform as router VPN alternatives, especially for folks that may not want to go through the technical process of configuring a router.
Next, we evaluated each VPN for security, privacy, performance, unblocking capabilities, and value for money. On the performance side, we ran multiple rounds of speed testing to ensure our results were consistent and accurate. For unblocking, we tried to access region-restricted content across popular streaming services in different locations worldwide, which gave us a realistic picture of each VPN’s global unblocking ability.
This update saw us re-check all the key facts and figures, including router support, pricing, server count, top speeds, and streaming performance, to make sure all the information is as up-to-date as possible.
The best router VPN overall
What we like:
ExpressVPN is hands down the best router VPN in our rankings, mainly because it is the only one that comes with its own in-house router line, called Aircove. The Aircove routers ship with ExpressVPN’s software pre-installed, which makes setup incredibly simple.
This also means you can control the router VPN directly from ExpressVPN’s easy-to-use dashboard, without having to tinker with complicated router settings like you would with other VPNs on this list. If you do not have a compatible router or don't want to buy ExpressVPN’s Aircove, setting up a manual VPN connection on your router is made easier through ExpressVPN’s detailed guides and tutorials.
On top of that, ExpressVPN offers class-leading 24/7 live chat support. So if you ever need an expert to step in, help is only a minute or two away. Speaking of controlling your router settings, ExpressVPN’s setup comes with a Device Groups feature. This lets you decide which devices you want excluded from the VPN, and also set default locations and protocol preferences for each device individually.
ExpressVPN is also incredibly secure. All of your devices connected to the router benefit from rock-solid AES-256 encryption, tried-and-tested kill switches, secure DNS, IPv6 leak protection, and even post-quantum encryption, which means your data will remain secure even against future quantum-computer attacks.
Plus, all ExpressVPN servers run on RAM only via its TrustedServer technology. This ensures that all data is wiped with every reboot, so even if authorities ever came knocking, ExpressVPN would have nothing to hand over, guaranteeing maximum privacy for your data.
As for trust, ExpressVPN has undergone more independent audits than any other VPN, with 18 in total. The most recent was conducted by KPMG, which confirmed that ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer system and no-logs policy are functioning exactly as the company claims.
It’s also worth noting that with an ExpressVPN subscription, you also get a wide range of extra cybersecurity tools, including an ad and tracker blocker, a password manager, ID theft insurance, personal data leak monitoring, and even an adult site blocker. In short, you’re paying for a full-fledged internet security suite rather than just a VPN.
What could improve:
While ExpressVPN has recently reduced its prices by introducing new pricing tiers, at around $3.50 per month for a two-year subscription, it's still pretty pricey, especially when compared to that of Surfshark or PIA.
Another gripe I have with ExpressVPN is that while it was able to unblock every streaming service and app we tested, there were still a few hiccups along the way. For instance, when trying to access the Australian Netflix library or the streaming site 10 Play, we had to switch servers because not all of the Australian ones worked. The same happened when we tried to access Netflix Japan from the US.
All in all, ExpressVPN is certainly a great streaming VPN, and it will give you access, but if you want something that works on the very first try every single time, NordVPN or Surfshark are the better plug-and-play options.
Last but not least, while ExpressVPN’s Lightway Turbo protocol delivers the fastest speeds we have ever seen from any VPN at over 1,600 Mbps, the catch is that it’s only available on Windows. If you’re on Mac, Linux, or using the mobile VPN app, you will have to rely on the original Lightway or OpenVPN.
Unfortunately, Lightway peaked at just 359 Mbps on a UK-UK connection, which is middle of the pack at best, and rivals like NordVPN and Surfshark are significantly faster. That said, OpenVPN managed an impressive 898 Mbps, which puts it among the very best OpenVPN speeds in the industry.
🔒 Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review for all the details.
Buy ExpressVPN if:
✅ You want the simplest router VPN experience. ExpressVPN is the only provider on this list with a dedicated router VPN app, plus its own Aircove router lineup that comes with the ExpressVPN software pre-installed.
✅ You’re after unmatched privacy. With AES-256 encryption, advanced obfuscation, a repeatedly audited no-logs policy, and a reliable kill switch, ExpressVPN ensures your router traffic stays secure.
✅ You want a full security package. Beyond the VPN itself, ExpressVPN includes extras like a password manager, ad and tracker blocking, malware protection, and even ID theft insurance.
Don't buy ExpressVPN if:
❌ You’re on a tight budget. Although ExpressVPN’s simplicity makes it well worth the splurge, those looking for a budget-friendly option will be better off with Surfshark or IPVanish.
❌ You need ultra-fast speeds. Aside from its Windows-only Lightway Turbo protocol, ExpressVPN’s recent speed results have fallen short of expectations.
The best router VPN for privacy
What we like:
Although NordVPN does not offer its own dedicated router app, it’s far from lacking. NordVPN partners with FlashRouters, giving you a wide range of router options that come pre-configured with the firmware you need to run OpenVPN.
It’s worth noting that NordVPN is a ‘premium partner,’ so while you can use the FlashRouters Privacy app with several other non-premium VPNs, including ExpressVPN, premium partners (like NordVPN) get additional perks like automatic server updates and smart server sorting.
The standout option is the Privacy Hero 2 router, which is the only one that supports NordVPN’s custom NordLynx protocol on a router. Speaking of NordLynx, in our latest round of testing it absolutely delivered, hitting peak speeds of 901 Mbps. While this is a little slower than it has been in previous testing (previous speed test saw it achieve results of over 950 Mbps), it is still the third fastest VPN we’ve tested, sitting just behind ExpressVPN’s Lightway Turbo and ProtonVPN.
On the support front, NordVPN also offers 24/7 live chat and a large library of how-to articles, including step-by-step guides for almost every major firmware type. So, whether you run into issues during the router setup or while using the VPN, there’s always quick help available.
If you use your Wi-Fi primarily for entertainment purposes, you’ll be glad to know that NordVPN is the best streaming VPN around. In our latest tests, it unblocked every streaming site on the very first try, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and many more. Even better, if you have NordVPN set up on your router, you can stream on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as gaming consoles and smart TVs.
NordVPN also shines as one of the most well-rounded security services available. Features like Double VPN, which encrypts your connection twice, and Tor over VPN, which gives you direct access to the secure Tor network, add serious privacy layers. Then there’s NordWhisper, NordVPN's proprietary obfuscation technology, which can sidestep even the strongest network restrictions to hide your VPN usage.
Finally, the centerpiece is NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro, a fully-fledged anti-malware and anti-tracker system that blocks malicious sites, prevents downloads of infected files, and even stops intrusive ads. From top to bottom, NordVPN truly covers every angle of online security.
What could improve:
While NordVPN offers plenty of setup resources, it doesn’t have a dedicated router VPN app, unlike ExpressVPN. So, you’ll need to manually configure it using OpenVPN settings or rely on a pre-configured router like the Privacy Hero 2 from FlashRouters. This may feel a bit more technical or time-consuming, even though the step-by-step guides are generally helpful
Another minor downside is the mobile app’s map-based interface. It’s intuitive and fun on larger screens, but on smaller devices it can be clumsy and not very thumb-friendly. Sure, it’s a subjective issue, but it’s worth noting for users who rely heavily on mobile.
Also, while NordVPN starts off reasonably affordable for new customers, things get a little less appealing when it comes time to renew. The price hike after the first term is steeper than most would like. Thankfully, there’s a simple workaround: cancel your subscription when your initial term ends and then resubscribe as a new customer to keep the lower rate.
🔒 Read our in-depth NordVPN review for all the details.
Buy NordVPN if:
✅ You want more than just a VPN. Not only is NordVPN a great VPN, it also offers malware detection and ad-blocking, plus extras like a password manager and cyber insurance.
✅ Streaming is a top priority. NordVPN unblocked every content library we tried it with on the very first try, making it our #1 rated VPN for streaming.
✅ You want fast router speeds. NordVPN has partnered with FlashRouters to offer routers that support NordLynx, its custom-built protocol designed for faster speeds and stronger privacy.
Don't buy NordVPN if:
❌ You dislike price hikes. NordVPN is reasonably affordable to get started with, but renewal prices jump sharply after the first term.
❌ You want simple mobile apps. NordVPN’s mobile apps aren’t the most intuitive, feeling more cluttered than the clean, streamlined interfaces of ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
The best cheap router VPN
What we like:
One of the biggest reasons people install router VPNs is to avoid simultaneous device limits and cover the entire household under a single subscription. If that sounds like you, Surfshark is a perfect fit.
It’s one of the very few VPNs that don’t come with any restrictions on simultaneous connections, meaning one subscription is enough to protect every device in your home, and you could even share access with your friends at no extra cost.
That said, if you want to set up Surfshark on your router, you can do so manually, and even use the FlashRouters app to make changing VPN settings much simpler. While setting up a router is inherently slightly technical, Surfshark makes things easier with 24/7 live chat support and a large library of step-by-step articles to guide you through the process.
And guess what? Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections are not even its best part. It also happens to be the best cheap VPN on the market, delivering excellent speeds, reliable unblocking, and top-notch security, all for under $2 per month.
Do not think that just because Surfshark is cheap, it skimps on performance; it’s actually one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested. On our 10 Gbps UK connection using the WireGuard protocol, Surfshark hit top speeds of 848 Mbps. Even better, it managed 436 Mbps on OpenVPN, which is among the fastest OpenVPN speeds in the industry, firmly cementing Surfshark’s place as one of the best router VPNs available today.
While these results are slightly slower than what we’ve seen from Surfshark in the past, they’re still blazing fast by industry standards and more than enough for streaming, gaming, and heavy browsing.
Combined with excellent unblocking skills, Surfshark’s near-class-leading speeds make it a fantastic choice for streaming. In our latest tests, it cleared every platform we tried, from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video to Disney+ and BBC iPlayer, giving seamless access to geo-restricted content worldwide.
There’s no shortage of extras with Surfshark either. For starters, its rotating IP feature changes your IP address every few minutes, making it much harder for prying eyes to track you. Add to that Surfshark’s Camouflage mode, which is its VPN obfuscation technology, and it becomes virtually impossible for anyone to tell you are using a VPN.
Then there’s the NoBorders mode, which automatically detects if your current network is restricted. If it is, Surfshark will provide a list of servers specifically designed to bypass those restrictions. This makes Surfshark an excellent choice for use in countries with heavy internet censorship.
One of Surfshark’s standout extras, though, is its Alternative ID feature, a dedicated tool within the app that creates an entirely new online identity for you. It generates a realistic email, name, and physical address so you don’t have to hand out your real details to every site, newsletter, or one-time signup. This keeps your private information hidden, protects you from spam, and reduces the risk of your data being exposed in a breach.
What could improve:
Probably the biggest “issue” with Surfshark is that it does not subject its no-logs policy and privacy claims to independent audits as often as rivals like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Its most recent audit was back in 2023, which is now nearly two years old. On top of that, not all of its apps have been independently audited, and they’re not open source, either, meaning you cannot fully verify the company’s claims yourself.
That being said, this does not mean Surfshark is unreliable. In all of our tests, including kill switch performance and DNS leak checks, it passed without a hitch. So while it may not match its top rivals in terms of transparency, you can rest assured that its lower price does not come at the cost of privacy.
Moreover, Surfshark’s renewal prices are painfully high. While the first term on a two-year plan costs under $2 per month, the second term jumps to nearly $7 per month. The good news is that you can work around this by canceling at the end of your plan and resubscribing to lock back into the lower rate.
🔒 Read our in-depth Surfshark review for all the details.
Buy Surfshark if:
✅ You have tons of devices. Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections let you cover all your devices under one plan, saving you from the hassle of complicated router setup if your main goal is blanket protection.
✅ You're looking for quality on a budget. Surfshark combines low prices with premium features, making it one of the best-value VPNs you can get.
✅ You have a need for speed. With ultra-fast speeds on both WireGuard and OpenVPN, Surfshark is a great choice for routers as well as all your other devices.
Don't buy Surfshark if:
❌ You like consistent prices. Surfshark is cheap upfront, but renewal rates are super steep, so you'll need to cancel and resubscribe to keep the low price.
❌ You want to torrent. Surfshark is pretty bare-bones for torrenting, lacking the advanced P2P tools and dedicated servers offered by rivals like ExpressVPN or IPVanish.
The best router VPN for customer support
What we like:
Although IPVanish does not come with a dedicated router app (only ExpressVPN does), it’s one of FlashRouters’ premium partners, just like NordVPN. This means you can buy a router pre-installed with IPVanish, which simplifies setup significantly while still delivering solid connection speeds and reliable support.
For those who prefer to configure their router manually, IPVanish really is a standout option, seeing as it provides some of the most comprehensive setup guides we’ve seen, covering virtually every comparable router on the market. These guides are long, detailed, and packed with screenshots to walk you through the process step by step.
On top of that, IPVanish’s website includes a handy search tool where you can check your specific router model for compatibility and instantly access tailored setup instructions. Put together, all of this makes IPVanish one of the easiest VPNs to set up manually on a router.
IPVanish also delivers solid speeds across the board. In our tests, it peaked at 770 Mbps on WireGuard and 230 Mbps on OpenVPN. That means whether you’re using it on a router or directly on your device, you’ll have more than enough speed for high-bandwidth tasks like torrenting, streaming, or large downloads. Speaking of which, IPVanish is one of the best VPNs for torrenting, since every single one of its servers supports P2P traffic.
Just like Surfshark, IPVanish also removes the need for a router if your main goal is bypassing device limits. With unlimited simultaneous connections, one IPVanish subscription can cover as many devices as you want. Even better, it offers all this at just over $2 per month on a two-year plan, making it one of the best-value VPNs out there.
The value does not stop there, though. IPVanish recently had its no-logs policy independently audited in February 2025, adding credibility to its privacy claims. It also bundles in VIPRE antivirus along with a Threat Protection feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites.
Finally, IPVanish has made big strides in streaming. While it once struggled with Netflix’s foreign libraries, our latest tests showed it could successfully unblock content from the UK, US, Australia, Japan, and Canada.
What could improve:
At 770 Mbps, IPVanish’s isn’t slow by any means, but if you want to squeeze out the absolute maximum performance, especially if you have on super-fast Wi-Fi that supports Gigabit speeds, you’ll be better off with ExpressVPN (particularly for high OpenVPN speeds – 898 Mbps – on a router), NordVPN (848 Mbps), or Surfshark (901 Mbps).
Another drawback is pricing after the initial term. While IPVanish starts at just over $2 per month on a two-year plan, that affordability only applies to your first subscription. Once it renews, the cost jumps sharply to $12.99 per month, even if you pay for two years upfront. That’s a steep hike compared to its rivals.
🔒 Read our in-depth IPVanish review for all the details.
Buy IPVanish if:
✅ You want unlimited connections. Like Surfshark, IPVanish lets you use one plan across as many devices as you want, possibly even sparing you the hassle of setting up a router.
✅ You’re a hardcore torrenter. IPVanish is one of the best VPNs for P2P sharing, since every single server in its network supports torrenting.
✅ You want access to global content. IPVanish unblocked nearly every streaming platform in our tests, making it a reliable choice for accessing geo-restricted content.
Don't buy IPVanish if:
❌ You have a need for speed. IPVanish isn’t slow by any means, but if you’re looking for the best possible performance, you’ll be better served by ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark.
❌ You want a VPN for the very long term. On renewal, IPVanish’s two-year plan jumps to $12.99 per month, the steepest price hike of any VPN on this list.
The best router VPN with a free trial
What we like:
Although CyberGhost’s lack of recent updates means it no longer competes for the very top spots, it still brings plenty to the table as a router VPN.
Plus, it helps CyberGhost’s case that it’s also one of the most affordable options, with its two-year plan priced at just $2.19 per month.
Like Surfshark, setting up CyberGhost on a router can only be done manually. The good news, though, is that CyberGhost provides detailed step-by-step guides for a wide range of firmware, including DD-WRT, Tomato, Synology, Raspberry Pi, and more. These walk you through configuring your router with OpenVPN or other supported protocols.
By installing CyberGhost on your router, you can extend its strong unblocking abilities to every device in your household, so the whole family can enjoy unrestricted access at once. Speaking of which, CyberGhost performed a near clean sweep of streaming services in our latest tests, successfully unblocking Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more without any hiccups.
When it comes to performance, CyberGhost is not exactly a speed demon, but it is far from slow. In our most recent tests, it reached top speeds of 630 Mbps on the WireGuard protocol, which is more than enough for bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K streaming (for which you really only need 25 Mbps), high-octane gaming, large downloads, and even endless video calls.
There’s plenty to like on the security front, too. For starters, CyberGhost has backed up its no-logging claims with an independent audit by Deloitte in January 2025. On top of that, it uses rock-solid AES-256 encryption to protect your data, keeping it safe from prying eyes. Even better? It runs a bug bounty program, where it pays up to $1,250 to experts who find and report any vulnerabilities in the service.
A real highlight of CyberGhost is its generous 45-day money-back guarantee. That is 15 days longer than every other VPN on this list, giving you extra time to try the service risk-free and decide if it’s the right fit for you.
What could improve:
As you can tell, CyberGhost does not come with the bells and whistles that some of its rivals offer. So if you’re looking for a full-fledged internet security suite with extras like dark web monitoring, double encryption, or built-in ad and malware blockers, you’ll be better served by NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.
While CyberGhost is certainly one of the more capable streaming VPNs going around, it did stumble with Disney+ in our latest tests. This means it falls just short of the complete streaming coverage you get with top contenders like NordVPN or Surfshark.
You can set up CyberGhost manually on your router, but this process can be a bit complex. And if you don’t go through with it, you’re stuck with a strict limitation of just 7 simultaneous connections, which is the lowest on this list.
To make matters worse, CyberGhost measures installations rather than active connections. In practice, this means that if you want to use it on an eighth device, you will first need to uninstall it from another device before installing it again.
🔒 Read our in-depth CyberGhost review for all the details.
Buy CyberGhost if:
✅ You're looking for value for money. With proven privacy, dedicated servers, and a price tag of just over $2 per month, CyberGhost offers excellent value.
✅ You want support for many different types of devices. CyberGhost supports a large range of different devices, including gaming consoles and operating systems.
✅ You want a risk-free trial before committing. CyberGhost comes with a class-leading 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to test it for yourself.
Don't buy CyberGhost if:
❌ You want to use lots of devices. CyberGhost limits you to 7 installations instead of simultaneous connections. To add an eighth device, you’ll need to uninstall it from another first.
❌ You want a fuller suite of software. Other VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer a wider range of additional cybersecurity features.
Is it safe to use free VPNs on routers?
It’s generally not recommended. Most free VPNs, especially those that are not simply trial versions of premium services, are little more than shams. They often log your data, bombard you with ads, and in many cases even sell your browsing information to data brokers because that’s their only way of making money. Legitimate free VPNs that are tied to a paid product are somewhat safer, but even then, you need to be cautious.
Even if you did want to use a free VPN on your router, the reality is that most of them don’t support router installation at all, or they lack support for advanced protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. And in the rare case you find one that works, you’ll likely face serious limitations: overcrowded servers, painfully slow speeds, and unreliable connections.
To make matters worse, since free VPNs rarely provide proper setup guides or support for routers, you’ll be left completely on your own to troubleshoot, which is a big ask, given how technical manual router setup can be.
Which is the best overall VPN for routers in 2025?
ExpressVPN stands out as the best router VPN in 2025. It is the only provider with its own in-house router line, called Aircove, which ships with ExpressVPN software pre-installed. Combined with a dedicated router VPN app, you can control the VPN directly from ExpressVPN’s simple, user-friendly dashboard.
And if you don’t have a compatible router or don’t want to splurge on an Aircove, you can still set it up manually. ExpressVPN makes this painless with detailed tutorials and 24/7 live chat support from human experts. All in all, it’s hands down the easiest and most straightforward router VPN setup you will find.
Additionally, ExpressVPN is also one of the most secure VPNs on the market. It runs on RAM-only servers, uses secure DNS, reliable kill switches, cutting-edge encryption, and even post-quantum protection. On top of that, it has unmatched transparency, having undergone 18 independent audits to date, which is at least three times more than any other VPN provider.
While it’s admittedly a bit more expensive than most, you’re not just paying for a VPN. Instead, you get a full security suite that includes a password manager, ad and tracker blocking, personal data leak monitoring, an adult site blocker, and even ID theft insurance.
Will a VPN slow down my internet speed on a router?
Technically, yes. A VPN on a router can reduce your internet speed, but the extent of that slowdown really depends on a few key factors.
The first is your router itself. Entry-level models often struggle with the extra processing power needed for VPN encryption, while high-end routers handle it without breaking a sweat.
The VPN protocol also plays a big role. OpenVPN, which is the most common for routers, is secure but slower, whereas newer protocols like WireGuard are far lighter and much faster. Then comes the server distance. The further away the server, the longer your data has to travel, which naturally slows things down.
Finally, and most importantly, the VPN provider you choose will have a big impact. If you’re sticking to proven speed kings, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, the slowdown will most likely be barely noticeable.
The bottom line, therefore, is that with a capable router and a fast VPN, you’ll hardly notice any speed loss at all, even if you’re using heavy encryption or connecting to distant servers.
Do I really need a router VPN?
There are two main reasons you might consider a router VPN. The first is access to geo-restricted content on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, like gaming consoles or smart TVs. If this is you, then yes, a router VPN can be a must-have.
Secondly, some people set up a router VPN simply to get around the limits on how many devices they can have simultaneously connected to a VPN. But if this is your main goal, you don’t really need one.
That’s because affordable premium services like Surfshark and IPVanish already offer unlimited device connections, letting you install the VPN app on as many devices as you want without entering your router's settings at all.
How does a router VPN work?
A router VPN works just like any VPN you might install on your phone or PC. It diverts your internet traffic away from your ISP’s servers and routes it through its own, encrypting your traffic in the process. This means you’ll be able to browse, stream, or game in peace, knowing that no one can see or track your online activity
In addition to encrypting your data, which scrambles it and makes it unreadable to snoopers, a router VPN also masks your real IP address and replaces it with one from the VPN server you’re connected to.
This not only hides your location from hackers and trackers but also lets you bypass geo-restrictions and access foreign content libraries on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. It can even unlock international news sites, banned apps, and restricted social media platforms if you happen to be in a country with heavy internet censorship.
Back to the best router VPNs ^
How to choose the right router VPN
First, ask yourself whether you really need a router VPN. If your main goal is simply blanket protection for all your devices, you may be better off with services like Surfshark or IPVanish, which allow unlimited simultaneous connections. However, if you want to stream geo-restricted content on gaming consoles or smart TVs, then a router VPN makes perfect sense.
When it comes to picking the right one, your level of technical expertise is the biggest factor. If you’re new to VPNs or prefer a simple, plug-and-play setup, ExpressVPN is the clear winner. It’s the only provider with a dedicated router VPN app, letting you manage settings directly from its intuitive dashboard. On top of that, ExpressVPN also sells its own custom Aircove router line with the VPN pre-installed, making setup as easy as it gets.
For most other VPNs, manual setup is required, which makes the quality of their setup guides and customer support crucial. Ideally, you should look for a VPN that offers detailed, step-by-step resources along with 24/7 live chat so you’re never left stranded mid-setup.
Of course, you can’t overlook security. A strong router VPN should provide robust encryption protocols, a proven no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, and a reliable kill switch. And you might also go looking for extras like a password manager, ad and tracker blockers, and malware protection, especially since services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark bundle these into their plans at little to no extra cost, saving you from having to buy separate security tools.
The next big factor to consider is speed. Ideally, you want a VPN that makes the drop in performance after installing it on a router barely noticeable. That means it should deliver consistently fast connection speeds. While nearly every VPN on this list performs well, if you’re looking for an outright speed demon, you’ll be best served by ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark.
Last but not least, think about the balance between features and budget. The good news is that almost every option here is feature-packed, covering all the essentials and often throwing in a few extras. They’re also generally affordable, but if you’re after an absolute banger of a deal, low-cost services like Surfshark and IPVanish really stand out.
The experts that test VPNs at Tom's Guide
Mo has written about VPNs for Tom's Guide, day-in, day-out, for five years. He's an expert when it comes to what makes a VPN truly usable, and loves it when a VPN makes staying safe online as easy as possible. He is also a contributor to TechRadar, T3, and What Hi-Fi?.
Anthony Spadafora is the Senior Security and Networking Editor at Tom’s Guide where he covers everything from data breaches and malware to password managers. He also undertakes VPN testing for Tom's Guide and TechRadar, which includes running all of our US-based speed tests.
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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
