Using A Router With A VPN
A VPN-capable router is a convenient device — it can provide VPN connections to your computers and mobile devices via Wi-Fi. You won’t have to install a VPN client on each device. Instead, all your devices are routed via one connection to your VPN provider. Also, you can connect devices incapable of running a VPN client (such as Kindles, Netflix boxes, Apple TVs, and Xbox).
The easiest way to get a VPN Router running is to buy one pre-flashed and pre-configured for a specific VPN service. This means the router has VPN firmware installed on it (DD-WRT or Tomato). The firmware replaces the router’s original built-in OS, allowing VPN installation.
FlashRouters: Routers That Are VPN Ready
FlashRouters is a company that is focused on supporting VPNs on open routers. They sell routers from these three vendors: NetGear, Asus, and Linksys. The routers come pre-installed with VPN configurations using in-house software. However, you will still need to purchase a VPN service separately from the router.
The people at FlashRouters are experts in open-source routers. They have extensive articles that offer step-by-step help in their Support Center, and they also offer personal support for their customers. This is a good thing because installing and optimizing these routers often requires a few extra steps.
They have routers that are pre-configured for the following VPNs providers:
- Private Internet Access
- ExpressVPN
- IPVanish
- HMA
- Perfect Privacy
- iVPN
- VPN Unlimited
- VPNArea
- SaferVPN
- NordVPN
- Spy Off
- BufferedVPN
- Windscribe
- PureVPN
- Le VPN
- VPNSecure
- Smart DNS Proxy
- Foxy Proxy
Vilfo Router
Vilfo is a new dedicated VPN router that was crowdfunded on Indiegogo. Because it’s built to be a VPN router, the Vilfo interface provides robust access to the VPN and offers many pre-installed VPN configurations. The hardware can encrypt VPN traffic at 600 mbit/s.
The VPN pre-integrated is quite useful; it means:
- You don’t need to upload any configuration files to use the provider
- Vilfo automatically fetches an updated server list from the provider every day
During testing, I found the set-up well organized and documented. During set-up, I did have to change my computer’s DNS settings to reach the Admin interface. I then entered the VPN credentials of my provider.
Vilfo also allows you to organize your devices into groups. For example, you can place your TV, Chromecast, or Apple TV in a group that you connect to a USA server to access restricted streaming content.
Vilfo has a built-in killswitch that will work for any OpenVPN provider.
If you want to use another router with great wireless connectivity, you can change its settings to work as an access point and then connect it to one of the LAN ports to Vilfo.
Flashing Your Own Router
The DIY option is to flash a suitable router that supports DD-WRT or Tomato firmware. A good place to find information on flashing routers is the DDWRT website.
Re: Mike vs vpn_CZAR’s comments. Mike is ultimately correct. It is not hard for Netflix admin to look up the finite number of IP addresses used by the finite number of VPN providers and put them into a blacklist. In the past, vpn_CZAR was correct, as Netflix had not yet begun this practice. And merely that vpn_CZAR had not yet experienced this is not proof of his argument’s correctness but merely evidence that these posts occured during a transitional time. VPN may still be of value, but I fear the trend will only continue, to simply identify anyone using a VPN and shut them down. If history serves as any indicator, first this will happen at the service level such as with Netflix or any streaming content provider mired in IP/Copyright/Distribution law, but likely will advance to the ISP level as enterprise level hardware such as Cisco routers will incorporate advanced algorithms to detect and block VPN traffic from certain VPN providers.
Which router would you recommend to set up a limited PUBLIC proxy server with DynDNS capabilities for friends who wish to view OnDemand TV in my country and bypass GeoLocation restrictions? Although I say PUBLIC it will be for a selected group only.
I know it is possible to set up a dedicated computer for this process but this is just another piece of equipment running 24/7. Many thanks for your time.
I’d use a Flashrouter or your own DD-WRT router to set this up. Good luck.
What happens if I buy one of these routers, then decide down the road that I do not want a VPN or want to change it?
The Flashrouters can be uploaded with open source firmware such as DD-WRT. You can also just turn off the VPN on the router.
How strange. The article is titled “Best VPN Routers of ==>2018<==" but the older comments are dated March 2014.
Yes — you’ve uncovered the fact that I update the articles every year.
What I’m wondering is what are some good VPN service providers FOR routers?
ExpressVPN is good on routers and in general.
I echo that sentiment. There are very few VPN providers that I have not tried and ExpressVPN stands out as the clear winner. I have had them for 2 years now and I have zero complaints.
I stream USA Netflix everyday from my location in SE Asia all day using ExpressVPN on my routers, androids, Macs, smart TV’s etc etc, and I can unblock USA netflix NO PROBLEM with expressVPN servers!!
Mike’s comments above are mis-guided, USA Netflix is unblocked easily from anywhere in the world using expressVPN. I use Asus AC86U and AC88U routers with with usa VPN servers configured and USA netflix streams seamlessly…from Asia.
Pay no attention to this dude, he knows NOT what he’s talking about.
There’s just 1 problem with Express VPN. No matter what you’ve read, it does NOT work in acquiring USA Netflix (as of Jan 2018) on routers, in my case an ASUS RT-AC86U. They say it does but it doesn’t. They say it works on the 87U except it doesn’t. (Purchased and returned both.)
Express VPN provides all sorts of server locations in the USA and Canada that they claim can still access Netflix. NOT ON THE ROUTER LEVEL, THEY CAN’T. I actually spent/wasted a ton of time trying every one of Express VPN’s USA as well as Canadian servers that they claim can still access Netflix USA and Express VPN’s Netflix USA as well as Canada access is blocked across the board!
How do I know this? I am in Canada. If I bypass Express VPN (and disable it in my router) I can then access Netflix Canada’s content without issue. As soon as I set up VPN on my router, and then tried to access Netflix through one of Express VPN’s ‘CANADIAN’ server locations – again NETFLIX blocked me. They’ve clearly been targeted by Netflix and continue false advertising claims to suggest that many of the VPN servers in the USA and Canada can still access it. It’s bull-s–t. Fortunately they do give refunds.
And the same identical situation with NORD VPN.
So if you’re thinking of buying a pre-configured router, or you’re tech savvy enough to set up VPN on your router, save your money if the goal is to access Netflix USA content. It won’t happen. On the upside, and if all you want it a really good, strong wireless signal in your home and something good for streaming, than many of the current AC-enabled routers should provide that.
I stream USA Netflix everyday from my location in SE Asia all day using ExpressVPN on my routers, androids, Macs, smart TV’s etc etc, and I can unblock USA netflix NO PROBLEM with expressVPN servers!!
Mike’s comments above are mis-guided, USA Netflix is unblocked easily from anywhere in the world using expressVPN. I use Asus AC86U and AC88U routers with with usa VPN servers configured and USA netflix streams seamlessly…from Asia.
Pay no attention to this dude, he knows NOT what he’s talking about.
I have a Netgear N900 wireless router with 8 ports in the back but there’s no VPN software on it and I don’t have a modem (my router apparently acts as my modem and wireless router). I have a PUREVPN subscription but it won’t work with my router. My question is whether buying a new router with PURE VPN already installed on it will protect my privacy and security while using KODI. Do I need to get a modem so I have something between my ISP connection and the new VPN router? I am installing cat6 wire in 6 rooms and want to plug my Nvidia Shield and Amazon fire tv boxes directly into the back of my router via a 6 port connection that I’m installing in the wall literally right next to my router. Will the VPN work with them plugged in directly into a VPN router or does it have to be over WiFi?
As you can see, I’m not an IT guy but I can run cables and wire ethernet cable plugs myself. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
As far I as know, any device using a VPN router will have it’s network connections routed through the VPN (for both wired and wireless connections).
This is one of the main reasons why people use VPN routers — it’s the only way to protect devices that can’t run a VPN client.
I do not know if this will help.. but….. I’ll explain my set up….
I have 2 routers. They are both hooked into the same modem. One has a vpn service on it and the other does not. I have several (too many actually ! :). ) devices that connect wirelessly. Including: Desktop, laptop, ipad, ipod, android tablets, smart tv…
I switch between the vpn and non-vpn on the devices by signing in to either my local isp or the vpn. Very simple once you set it up. Because going through a vpn will slow down the speed (you are going from your isp, then through the vpn, which could be in a different country, then to your destination ), I have my smart tv through the local iSP (Non-vpn) so I can stream watch. I.E.: Netflix, you tube, on demand…. I have a KODI box which definately goes through the vpn flashed router. Actually, it’s an Amzon fire tv box that I put KODI on. When I am viewing regular Amzon apps/programs, I use the local. This way I don’t have to keep signing in every time the VPN uses a different IP address. I went to flashrouters.com to purchase a router that they configured/set up with the vpn service I subscribe to. Yes… I could have purchased a used router online, flashed it (set it up for the vpn by changing the operating system) by going online for directions…. but seriously, I didn’t have the time or energy. Besides… if I made a mistake; expensive router in trash can! It came in the mail and I set it up the same way that I set up the netgear router (non-vpn) that I already owned. I was able to secure it as well. I can’t suggest a router because it really depends on your configuration, number of devices, etc… Privacy is important to me because of the work I do and because it is my human right! 🙂 Good luck!
If using a VPN router, wired and wireless connections will go through VPN. Netgear n900 is a good router, you don’t need to replace it. I found this service https://www.privacyhero.com which adds VPN to your existing router.
You’re good plugging them directly into the router. By default, any device connecting to a VPN router, whether it uses WiFi or is hard wired, will be routed through the VPN.
As an aside, Tomato firmware does allow you to do selective routing (I’m not sure about DD-WRT, but I imagine it’s the same) if you want to have certain devices not use the VPN while all others do (or vice versa). It’s useful if you want to have your KODI device always use a VPN but not, for example, your smartphone. I use a setup along those lines and it works great.
Hi .I need one new router mit VPN ,,and good one wich can working in china….
Check out another option, the Easy VPN Router https://easyvpnrouter.com/
For people who do not want to replace their routers: You could try HomeTunnel (https://hometunnel.net). There is a Kickstarter campaign for it right now (https://goo.gl/iyY6cu)!
Uhh, that comes with dd-wrt/openwrt. VPN server, Samba server, etc.
It’s combined with a TP-Link TL-MR3020 which is a N router which tops its Wi-Fi at 150mbps. I don’t understand why, it’s like going back more than 10 years ago, very insufficient for any media streaming. That’s not an option.
I’ve been recently using an Asus RT-AC66U (DD-WRT) for a VPN connection to PIA over a Time-Warner Cable modem that gives me up to 300mbs download speeds (it can vary from 25mb-200+mbs, but still pretty fast overall). The problem is that no matter how I configure or tweak the Asus router settings, I can never get beyond about 8.5mbs download speeds–though the upload speeds are almost double the download speed.
I’ve seen online in places that this router simply bottlenecks at about the 8mbs download mark when used as a VPN router, and I’m wondering if someone could verify that. If so, time to dump it I guess even though I’ve read that overall it’s a great router (which is why I bought it.) Of course, why would it go so high in the upload speed if it’s still going thru the VPN?
Still, I’d appreciate any info on this problem.
I can confirm that. I have 200Mbs connection that drops to 6 with the VPN turned on at the router. The CPU gets pegged on the router. Shopping for something better.
Im looking for at least a 6 port firewall/router (prefer wired only but if wireless comes with it thats fine). Current home network has mobile devices, (iPhones only, Macbook and x2 Windows Laptop, video game systems x2, IP camera’s x4 and NAS. I already have wifi via my Airport Extreme…Ideas?? Currently I have a nether FVS318G but after extensive testing that device has network speed issues and drops my 100MB cable modem connection speed to 15-20
Kevin, I have a similar setup with the same FVS router that I would like to replace. Did you ever find a good solution?
Hello Grey, if Flash router firmware is better than our firmware feature wise, I will give you our router for free. We support 8 VPN protocols, non complicated and not technical DIY setup, or we can preset. We support PPTP, L2TP, IPSecure, IKEv2, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSecure, SSTP and SSL VPN dial in or dial out VPN. And more features that go beyond just VPN.
Thanks for the list
The best place to get a router is sabaitechnology.com they will set you up and give you a year of tech support. Ask for rhett he set it up via remote session and I didn’t have to do anything
Thank you very much fpr the desciption. What about the Netgear R7000 Nitghhawk?
Is it comparable?
Let me just say that the NETGEAR Nighthawk AC1900 Router is NOT a good wifi router – range is not as good as my ancient Linksys WRT-54GL. As a Tomato capable router though it’s brilliant!
Could I get contact details of VPN routers from Hyderabad /Bengaluru
Hi guys,
I plan to do a review on some OpenVPN routers:
http://usefulvid.com/openvpn-router-speeds-review/
Should I consider any other routers which are missing in this list?
Try ours. http://www.customrouter.com
We support PPTP, L2TP, IPSecure, IKEv2, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSecure, SSTP and SSL VPN dial in or dial out VPN. Can’t think of any provider that won’t work with at least one of these VPN protocols.
Heinz,
I’m getting 45MB on my Asus 68U. Hit me up for settings if you want. Williams.Carl.481@gmail
Did you try B1 Router? It works very well and It has VPN onboard.
I have been using VPN on my computer with Private Internet Access following your recommendation with great success. I was wondering why all the router options are wireless. Would it not be simpler to use a wired VPN router and then wireless access points for the wireless devices? This is only for my house, but I was surprised not to see that type of option. Could you please help explain? Thanks so much for this resource. The information is fantastic.
Thanks for the write up. Another good option, IMHO, is to use a Mikrotik router.
Although the learning curver is steep(er) the capability of the router can do anything you want.
If you like to tweak stuff, Openwrt is the best. Its linux for the routers. If you dont like to setup Openwrt your self, you can buy punchvpn router which uses Openwrt.