Best VPN for Routers: Get Secure & Private Wi-Fi

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  • What Is a VPN Router?
  • VPN Router vs. VPN Apps: What’s the Difference?
  • Why Do You Need a VPN Router?
  • How To Choose the Best VPN Router
  • Top VPN Routers for Your Home in 2025
  • Meet Aircove: The Future of VPN Routers
  • How To Configure a VPN on Your Router
  • Free vs Premium VPNs for Routers
  • Try a VPN Router Risk-Free Today
  • What People Are Saying About ExpressVPN
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Related Posts
  • What Is a VPN Router?
  • VPN Router vs. VPN Apps: What’s the Difference?
  • Why Do You Need a VPN Router?
  • How To Choose the Best VPN Router
  • Top VPN Routers for Your Home in 2025
  • Meet Aircove: The Future of VPN Routers
  • How To Configure a VPN on Your Router
  • Free vs Premium VPNs for Routers
  • Try a VPN Router Risk-Free Today
  • What People Are Saying About ExpressVPN
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Related Posts

What Is a VPN Router?

How a Router with a VPN Connection Works

  • Encryption Protects Your Data

    Once your router connects to the VPN server, your data is protected with 256-bit AES encryption.

    This market-leading encryption standard helps keep your personal information safe while you check your home cameras, pay bills, shop, and work online.

  • A VPN Server Masks Your Virtual Location

    When you connect to a VPN server, you’re assigned a different IP address. As a result, your online activity appears to come from that server’s location.

    Plus, IP addresses are shared among VPN users, which prevents snoops from tracing your activity to you.

  • VPN Tunneling Prevents Snooping

    A tunneling protocol protects your router’s traffic to the VPN server, keeping your connection secure.

    This hides your IP address to prevent third parties—such as your ISP, network managers, or hackers—from seeing what you do online.

VPN Router vs. VPN Apps: What’s the Difference?

  • Coverage and Device Management

    VPN router: Protects all devices connected to the network (including those that can’t run VPN apps) with a single VPN connection.

    VPN app: Protects only the individual devices that it’s installed on. Requires separate installation on each device.

  • Setup, Flexibility, and Control

    VPN router: Manual setup and settings changes affect the whole network. Offers always-on protection but less control over individual device connections.

    VPN app: Easy to install and use with flexible, per-device control. Quick server changes and on/off toggling.

  • Performance and Best Use Cases

    VPN router: May affect speeds as all traffic goes through a single VPN tunnel. Best for teams, large households, or devices that don’t support VPN apps.

    VPN app: Typically fast and reliable. Ideal for flexible, device-specific VPN use or occasional connections.


Why Do You Need a VPN Router?

  • 24/7 VPN Protection for All Devices

    Every device on your network is automatically protected around the clock. This shields your entire network from potential online threats without you having to manage individual devices.

  • Stronger Security & Privacy

    A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your data, making it harder for third parties to intercept your online activity. This enhances your online privacy by securing your data from surveillance.

  • More Flexibility With Your Devices

    You can have secure connections on a wide range of devices with a router VPN. Even on smart TVs and gaming consoles that don’t natively support VPN apps. It also lets you avoid ISP content-based throttling for interruption-free streaming.

  • Easier VPN Connection Management

    VPN routers make management and troubleshooting easier with a central place to control all your device connections. ExpressVPN’s router software comes packed with intuitive controls.


How To Choose the Best VPN Router

Here are some key factors to consider when comparing routers for VPN use

Speed and Performance

Newer Wi-Fi technology integrates better with VPNs, with potentially less impact on speed when you have multiple devices actively devouring bandwidth. If you’ll be using your VPN-enabled router for gaming, streaming, or downloading, then high performance is essential.

Your internet plan should also match your performance needs. Even a fast VPN router won’t improve speeds beyond what your ISP provides.


VPN Compatibility

If you’re buying a new router and plan to install VPN software on it, you’ll need one that’s compatible with your VPN of choice.

Another option is to purchase a router with a VPN pre-configured. ExpressVPN offers Aircove router models as a hassle-free plug-and-play solution. Aircove is a great VPN router for home use, while our portable model, Aircove Go is perfect for remote work and travel.

Security Features

If you’re buying a router with a VPN preinstalled, consider the VPN’s features. With Aircove, you get access to essentials, like Network Lock (a kill switch that cuts your traffic until the VPN connection is restored if your internet disconnects) and robust encryption. Plus, we bolster your security with advanced features, like ad blocking, parental controls, and split tunneling.


Ease of Setup

You have a few different options for configuring a VPN on your router, should you opt for a model that doesn’t come pre-configured. ExpressVPN offers custom router firmware for popular router models to keep installation quick and easy. We also have a user-friendly router dashboard where you can customize your device connections.

Affordability

Price should be weighed alongside performance needs to avoid paying for unnecessary VPN features or settling for an underpowered router.

Consider the VPN subscription cost and possible price of a new router. Check for factors like VPN protocol support and compatibility with your VPN provider. Routers with at least 1/5-2Ghz CPU strength are considered ideal for maintaining fast and stable speeds across your devices—the router’s processing power will also affect how well it handles VPN traffic.

Top VPN Routers for Your Home in 2025

Our top VPN-compatible router picks for fast, reliable connections

  • 1. Aircove VPN Router — Best Built-in VPN Solution

    Aircove and Aircove Go (a compact, travel-friendly version) are ExpressVPN’s proprietary routers. These give you built-in VPN protection for all your Wi-Fi enabled devices—without complex setup. Our Lightway Protocol delivers fast, reliable speeds. Advanced features like device grouping and parental controls make network management simple.

  • 2. Asus Rt-ax86u — Best for Speed and Performance

    This Asus model is a high-performance Wi-Fi router featuring a 1.8GHz quad-core processor and WireGuard support for lightning-fast VPN speeds. Advanced features include Mobile Game Mode, beamforming, and a 2.5G multi-gig port for low-latency connections. It’s ideal if you’re a gamer or a heavy network user.

  • 3. Linksys Wrt3200acm — Best for Customization and Advanced Users

    This powerful, dual-band Linksys model supports VPN fast speeds, is highly customizable, and comes open-source ready. It makes installing custom firmware like OpenWrt or DD-WRT for tailored network control less stressful. Its dual-band Wi-Fi with MU-MIMO and Tri-Stream 160 technologies help keep VPN traffic fast and responsive to reduce latency and buffering.


  • 4. Netgear Nighthawk R7000 — Best for Reliability and Security

    With its 1GHz dual-core processor and AC1900 dual-band technology, Netgear’s Nighthawk is ideal for gaming and streaming. Its Netgear Armor can help protect your home network from cyber threats alongside a VPN. Beamforming+, high-power antennas, and dynamic QoS can support stable high-bandwidth VPN connections throughout large homes.

  • 5. Asus Rt-ac68u — Best Budget-Friendly Option

    This dual-band router comes with TurboQAM technology for faster performance. Its dual-core processor supports smooth streaming, low latency for gaming, and stable connections— even on busy networks using a single VPN tunnel. Strong signal range, multiple Gigabit ports, and USB 3.0 support add value.


Meet Aircove: The Future of VPN Routers

Hassle-free, fast, and secure VPN protection for your entire home network

Easy Setup and Control

Simply plug it in, connect it to your modem, and follow the quick setup guide at expressvpnrouter.com. You can connect your device via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, or scan a QR code to instantly join the network, and complete activation in just a few minutes.

Its intuitive dashboard lets you easily manage your VPN settings, create device groups, and optimize connections with simple controls.


Built-in ExpressVPN Security

Aircove’s built-in VPN protects every device on your network, including those that can't run VPN apps. This always-on security encrypts all your internet traffic by default, reducing the risk of accidental exposure.

ExpressVPN secures your network with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IP leak protection, and a kill switch. You also get customization options, like split tunneling and a set of blocking features (for ads, malicious sites, and trackers).

Supports Unlimited Devices

ExpressVPN supports up to 14 simultaneous device connections with each plan—and your Aircove router counts as a single connection. That means you can protect all the Wi-Fi enabled devices on your network, plus, install our VPN apps on your gadgets to keep them secured while you’re on the go.

Aircove lets you create up to 5 groups for your devices, each with its own VPN location and custom connection settings.


High-Speed VPN Performance

Unlike older VPN routers, AircoveOS v5 supports speeds up to 330Mbps with ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol. Its powerful quad-core CPU and Wi-Fi 6 technology can support 4K streaming speeds and stable connections across your entire network.

Plus, with ExpressVPN’s upgraded 10Gbps servers, you can get lightning-fast connections to 105+ locations worldwide.

How To Configure a VPN on Your Router

Option 1: Install ExpressVPN’s Firmware

  • How to sign up for ExpressVPN

    Step 1

    Check Compatibility and Sign Up

    Confirm your router model supports ExpressVPN firmware, then choose a subscription plan and sign up. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Step 2

    Download and Install Firmware

    Download the firmware for your router model from your ExpressVPN account dashboard. Follow the official instructions to flash your router with the new firmware.

  • Step 3

    Set Up and Connect

    Visit expressvpnrouter.com and sign in with your ExpressVPN credentials to access the router interface. Choose a VPN server location and connect your devices to the secured Wi-Fi network.

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Option 2: Configure ExpressVPN manually

  • How to sign up for ExpressVPN

    Step 1

    Sign Up and Get VPN Configuration Details

    Choose a plan and sign up. Log in to your ExpressVPN account and head to the manual configuration section. Download the necessary OpenVPN or L2TP configuration files and note your credentials.

  • Step 2

    Access Your VPN Router Settings

    Open your router’s admin panel by entering its private IP address in your browser and logging in with the admin credentials. Locate the VPN or WAN settings section for manual configuration.

  • Step 3

    Activate the VPN

    Upload the configuration files to your router’s VPN setup interface (usually via an Import or Browse button). Enter your ExpressVPN credentials, save the settings and click Connect to activate the VPN.


Option 3: Use a Pre-Configured VPN Router

  • How to sign up for ExpressVPN

    Step 1

    Purchase a VPN Router and Sign Up

    Choose and order a router with ExpressVPN pre-configured and sign up for a plan. You can get Aircove and register for a plan directly from the ExpressVPN website.

  • Step 2

    Connect and Power Up

    Plug in the router and connect it to your modem using the provided cables. Power it on and wait for the indicator lights to show it’s ready. Connect to the router’s Wi-Fi.

  • Step 3

    Set Up ExpressVPN

    In your browser, log into your router’s settings panel using your admin credentials. Then, go to expressvpnrouter.com and log into your VPN account. Choose a server and connect.


Free vs Premium VPNs for Routers

Everyone likes the sound of “free”, but when it comes to router VPNs, there are always strings attached

A free VPN might cover the basics, but when you’re trying to protect every device on your network, you’ll quickly run into limits—it could be slow speeds, poor security, or a frustrating lack of router support.

Not every free VPN will expose your personal data, but most just aren't built for heavy lifting.

Free Router VPNs ExpressVPN for Routers
Bonus Router Features None Proprietary Lightway protocol, split tunneling, and automatic obfuscation

Try a VPN Router Risk-Free Today

Your full-featured router VPN comes with built-in peace of mind

  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

    ​ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time users. If you're not fully satisfied, get in touch with our support experts via live chat or email within 30 days of your purchase to claim a full refund.

  • 24/7 Customer Support

    Whether you wish to claim your refund or need support to set up or navigate ExpressVPN on your router, we have live representatives to help. You can contact us around the clock through our 24/7 live chat feature on the website.

What People Are Saying About ExpressVPN

Get an inside look at what customers have to say about their experiences with ExpressVPN


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Frequently Asked Questions

Addressing common questions about VPNs for routers


Do I need a special router for a VPN?

Not necessarily—but your router must support VPN functionality. Some stock routers don’t, so you may need to install custom firmware, such as free, open-source options like OpenWRT that support VPN configuration but aren’t tied to a specific VPN provider. Otherwise, you may need to purchase a VPN-compatible model.

You can find a list of compatible routers directly on the ExpressVPN website. We offer custom firmware for some popular routers, including Asus, Linksys, and Netgear models. You’ll also find router options pre-configured with ExpressVPN ready to go out of the box. This includes ExpressVPN’s proprietary Aircove and Aircove Go.

Can I use a VPN router with multiple devices?

Yes, one of the biggest advantages of a VPN router is that it automatically protects every device connected to your network—smart TVs, game consoles, phones, and more.

ExpressVPN makes this especially easy with a user-friendly router dashboard that you can access directly from your browser. Here, you can create device groups and customize the VPN protocols and servers used for your individual gadgets.

Which routers have built-in VPNs?

A few reputable router brands offer models with VPNs pre-configured. For example, you can get a router with ExpressVPN pre-configured from FlashRouters, including some Asus and Linksys models.

ExpressVPN also offers proprietary routers options called Aircove and Aircove Go—the latter is a portable version that's especially handy for remote workers and frequent travelers.

Is a VPN router worth it?

If you want always-on protection for your entire network, then yes—a VPN router is worth it. It’s a convenient, set-it-and-forget-it solution. Router VPNs are especially useful for securing devices that don’t natively support VPN apps. This includes some older smart TVs, game consoles, or IoT devices (for instance, smart home gadgets).

ExpressVPN offers solutions to simplify router VPN setup. With our custom firmware for popular models and pre-configured router options, you can enjoy the benefits of a VPN router with ease.

How do I check if my router supports VPNs?

You can check the router’s manual or the manufacturer’s website for details on VPN compatibility. Look for terms like “OpenVPN,” “L2TP,” or “PPTP” support. Alternatively, you can check ExpressVPN’s list of supported routers on our website.

What’s the difference between a VPN router and a regular router?

A regular router only handles internet traffic, while a VPN router encrypts that traffic and routes it through a secure VPN server first. This gives every connected device the same protection, without individual setup. ExpressVPN’s router app adds features like device grouping and split tunneling for extra flexibility.

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