Router VPNs

Best VPN for Router in 2026: Protect Every Device on Your Network

A router VPN protects every connected device — including smart TVs and IoT gadgets that can't run VPN apps. ExpressVPN's Aircove and NordVPN's router app lead our router VPN rankings.

By VPNRanker EditorialUpdated: May 18, 20269 min read✓ Independently Tested

Installing a VPN on your router protects every device that connects to your home network — smart TVs, game consoles, smart speakers, and other IoT devices that can't run a VPN app of their own — without hitting per-device connection limits. We tested router-specific apps, pre-configured VPN routers, and manual setups on DD-WRT and OpenWRT firmware to find the most practical options for different technical skill levels.

VPN Comparison

VPN	Rating	Price	Best For
ExpressVPN	★ 4.7	$6.67/mo (12-mo plan)	Aircove router is plug-and-play, no flashing required	View Deal →
NordVPN	★ 4.8	$3.09/mo (2-yr plan)	Dedicated router app with broad firmware compatibility	View Deal →
Surfshark	★ 4.6	$2.19/mo (2-yr plan)	Unlimited devices, ideal for routing the whole household	View Deal →
Private Internet Access	★ 4.4	$2.03/mo (2-yr plan)	Wide DD-WRT and Tomato firmware support for advanced users	View Deal →
Proton VPN	★ 4.5	$4.99/mo (2-yr plan)	WireGuard configs that work with most VPN-capable routers	View Deal →

Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

ExpressVPN's Aircove is a purpose-built router with the VPN pre-installed — no firmware flashing needed
NordVPN provides a dedicated router app and setup guides for popular routers including Asus and Netgear models
Surfshark's unlimited device policy means a single subscription can cover an entire household routed through one connection
PIA's broad compatibility with DD-WRT and Tomato firmware suits users who want full control over their router configuration
Router-level VPNs protect smart TVs, consoles, and IoT devices that don't support VPN apps individually

✗ Cons

Router CPUs can bottleneck VPN speeds, especially with AES-256 encryption on older hardware
Flashing custom firmware (DD-WRT/OpenWRT) can void warranties and carries a small risk of bricking the router if done incorrectly
Switching VPN server locations is less convenient at the router level than per-device, affecting all connected devices at once
Not all router models are supported — check compatibility lists before purchasing a router for VPN use
Purpose-built VPN routers like Aircove cost extra on top of the VPN subscription

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a VPN directly on my router?▾

Yes, if your router supports VPN client functionality natively, runs compatible firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWRT, or if you purchase a pre-configured VPN router like ExpressVPN's Aircove.

Does a VPN slow down my whole home network?▾

It can, since all traffic from connected devices is encrypted and routed through the VPN server, and router CPUs have limited processing power compared to a computer. Newer routers with dedicated hardware acceleration for WireGuard handle this much better.

What router brands support VPN firmware?▾

Many Asus, Netgear Nighthawk, and Linksys routers support DD-WRT or OpenWRT firmware, which can run a VPN client. Some manufacturers, like GL.iNet, sell routers with VPN client support built in from the factory.

Do I need a separate VPN router, or can I flash my existing one?▾

If your existing router is on a supported compatibility list for DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato, you can flash it yourself for free (with some risk). If not, or if you prefer a no-fuss option, a pre-configured router like Aircove is simpler.

Our Top Pick

Get ExpressVPN's Aircove Router

Aircove is a plug-and-play router with ExpressVPN built in — protect every device on your network without flashing firmware.

Explore Aircove →

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