Best VPN for Router in 2026: Protect Every Device at Home

Installing a VPN on your router rather than individual devices means every device that connects to your home network is automatically protected. Smart TVs, games consoles, smart speakers, and any device that cannot install a VPN app directly will all have their traffic encrypted. Here is how to set this up.

Benefits of router-level VPN

Every device is protected automatically without installing apps individually. Devices that cannot run VPN apps natively, like PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, and smart home devices, get VPN protection. One VPN connection protects unlimited devices simultaneously. You manage the VPN connection from one place.

Which VPN works best on routers

ExpressVPN has the most polished router support with their own router firmware called ExpressVPN Aircove and integration with many popular router brands including Asus and Netgear. NordVPN supports OpenVPN on most DD-WRT and Tomato routers and has detailed setup guides for common router models. Surfshark also supports router installation and the unlimited connections policy means there is no per-device limit.

Which routers support VPN installation

Not all routers can run VPN software. Routers that run DD-WRT, OpenWrt, or Tomato firmware can be configured with any OpenVPN-compatible VPN. Some Asus, Netgear Nighthawk, and Linksys routers support VPN client mode natively. Check your router model against your VPN provider compatibility list before purchasing.

Setting up ExpressVPN on a compatible router

Log into your router admin panel typically at 192.168.1.1. Find the VPN client section, usually under Advanced settings. Select OpenVPN as the protocol. Download the OpenVPN configuration files from your ExpressVPN account dashboard. Upload the configuration file to your router. Enter your VPN credentials. Connect. All devices on your network are now routing through ExpressVPN.

Performance considerations

Router-level VPN uses your router processor to encrypt and decrypt traffic. Older or lower-powered routers may see significant speed reduction. A dedicated VPN router with a powerful processor like an Asus RT-AX88U handles VPN encryption with minimal speed impact.