5 Best VPN Services for Routers

There are many ways for a VPN to work on someone’s device. These services can be activated and used through applications or browser extensions, allowing a computer to get unrestricted access to the web.

However, certain devices have limited compatibility with these services, rendering some users unable to reap the benefits. Luckily, there are ways around this with a compatible router. Some of the best VPN services can be installed directly onto routers, allowing them to be used on practically any device out there.

Keep in mind that the ability to install VPNs onto a router still requires the router itself to be compatible. If you own many old devices that can’t effectively utilize a VPN service, it might be worth splurging on a great router with high compatibility.

Disclaimer: This article includes links to NordVPN and ExpressVPN. You won’t be charged anything extra for clicking on links to these services, but purchases made through these links will support the writer.

ExpressVPN covers just about every base a VPN can cover, including compatibility for routers. In fact, it recommends users to check out its own router with the service built-in, making its setup into a breeze. This specialized router is both fast and secure, but it only supports ExpressVPN. This isn’t too much of a problem, though, as ExpressVPN has a list of other routers that are compatible with the service.

A one-year subscription for ExpressVPN will cost around $8.32 USD per month, though finding a special deal — like the one from our link — will bring it down to around $6.67 per month. There are other options for those that want less commitment, but if you’re willing to install a VPN service directly onto your router, this likely won’t be very relevant. ExpressVPN is among the biggest and best in the world of VPNs, so if you decide to go all-in on them — complete with their unique router — you’re unlikely to be disappointed.

NordVPN is another service that stands above most, making it a top-notch choice even without considering how well it works with routers. It boasts a list of compatible routers on its website, even offering a coupon code for those wishing to purchase one. This code applies to any router that accepts NordVPN, including ones that support other services. NordVPN obviously has consumers in mind when it comes to routers in terms of both choice and accessibility, making it perfect for those devices.

NordVPN’s standard package is priced at around $3.29 per month for a 2-year subscription. The service also offers Plus and Complete packages for a slightly higher cost, including features such as a cross-platform password manager and cloud storage. When using a VPN on a router, it’s likely that multiple devices will be connected to it, so these features can be a massive benefit to the right buyers. Whether or not you need the additions, NordVPN is still worth looking into, even if you don’t already have a compatible router.

For the skeptics out there, CyberGhost offers some great benefits. Once more boasting its own selection of specialized routers, it provides great discounts and a wide selection of recommended devices. It also supports the FlashRouter Privacy App, making setup of such a specialized router exceedingly simple. Many of these traits are shared with other services, but one of CyberGhost’s greatest benefits is its pricing.

For a 2-year plan, CyberGhost is priced at around $2.11 per month. This includes 3 extra months free and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee, allowing users some more time to see if the service is right for them. If you’re looking to use CyberGhost solely on your router, you’ll likely not find much use for the optional antivirus and Security Updater apps, allowing you to keep costs low. When looking for a mix of low price and high quality, CyberGhost is an especially noteworthy choice.

ProtonVPN can be best described as a way to test your current router’s capabilities. Though it doesn’t widely advertise its own specialized router, it does offer an installation guide for numerous compatible devices. Combined with its free option, ProtonVPN can easily be set up on any device and tested without any risk. If your router is incompatible, the specialized router offered by ProtonVPN is relatively cheap when compared to its competitors. It even supports other services, just in case this one doesn’t live up to your expectations.

If you find yourself pleased with ProtonVPN, you can upgrade to its 2-year “Plus” plan, providing greater features and options for around €4.99 euros per month. You can also choose its “Unlimited” plan for around €7.99 per month instead, granting premium mail and drive services. There are few reasons to not at least try out ProtonVPN, especially since it can help you figure out how well your router will handle other VPNs.

IPVanish is similar to other options on this list in many ways. On top of offering a robust selection of pre-configured routers, it has its own guides on setup and compatibility that can make things simple even before getting the VPN ready. In truth, you’re likely to find everything IPVanish offers from its competitors — including some not found in this list. But the clarity and user-friendliness of IPVanish makes it a top contender as one of the best VPN services for routers.

A two-year plan for IPVanish costs around $3.33 per month. There are no extra features or optional packages here; what you see is what you get. IPVanish is simply a great option for those wishing to dive into a VPN-on-router setup without having to sift through endless guides and recommendations. For that reason alone, it takes the final spot on this list as one of the best VPNs you can get for a router.

Many VPNs support routers through use of basic protocols and firmware. Some are more dedicated to this support than others, but there are few good services that outright lack it. If your router is compatible with most services already, you’re unlikely to go wrong with any choice on this list!