
Setting up a VPN on a router can dramatically change your streaming, gaming, and browsing experience. Every smartphone, smart TV, and laptop under your roof can enjoy a VPN network simply by connecting to home Wi-Fi. Follow this guide to explore the 5 best router VPNs strictly tested in 2025, and unblock all possibilities of home Wi-Fi network.
Table of Contents
List of the Top 5 Router VPNs
- 1X-VPN:Overall best router VPN with universal compatibility.
- 2CyberGhost:Robust VPN service supports OpenVPN protocol.
- 3Proton VPN:Free router VPN at medium speed and 3 locations.
- 4ExpressVPN:VPN router with ExpressVPN software built-in.
- 5NordVPN:VPN router with NordVPN software built-in.
What Is A Router VPN?
A router VPN refers to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that can be configured with a Wi-Fi router. In this way, every device connecting to the home Wi-Fi can enjoy a VPN network without setting up a VPN on each device respectively. According to how the VPN is configured with a router, there are basically 3 types of router VPNs.
3 Types of Router VPNs
- VPNs Compatible with Routers: This type of router VPN can be manually set up on most modern routers, requiring only the purchase of a VPN service.
- VPNs Compatible with Fireware: Some routers are not compatible with VPN but can be flashed to be compatible with 3rd party firmware. This type of router VPN can then be configured through firmware such as DD-WRT.
- VPNs Pre-Configured on Routers: This type of router VPN sells its own routers with the VPN app built-in. You can also call it a VPN router. It takes less effort to configure but requires you to buy both a VPN router and a VPN package from the service provider.
Why Use A Router VPN?
As configuring VPNs for routers requires more technical setup, why still recommend using a router VPN? The benefits are far beyond your imagination.
Cost-Effective
Worldwide Streaming & Gaming
Enhanced & Simplified Device Management
How to Check If Your Router Supports VPN?
To check if your router supports VPN, the easiest way is to check the manual of your router or Google your router for a result. Don’t know what router are you using? Find the router model for labels on the side or back of the device. Otherwise, you need to follow these steps to check if your router supports VPN:
Step 1. Check the IP address of your router.
Step 2. Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address.
Step 3. Log into your router’s configuration panel with an admin account and password labeled on the router.
Step 4. Look for a “VPN client” tab in the advanced settings. The location may vary depending on your router’s model and brand.
Step 5. Search for OpenVPN, WireGuard, or L2TP client options in the router settings to know what protocols your router supports.
Step 6. Then you can look for a VPN that supports these protocols as well to set up.

If you can’t find the relevant VPN settings, your router may not be VPN-compatible. In this case, you have 2 options:
1. Flash your router with third-party firmware such as DD-WRT, OpenWRT, or Tomato to add VPN support.
2. Buy a VPN-compatible router.
Top 5 VPNs for Router
Here are 5 of the best VPNs selected working with Wi-Fi router networks. Each is carefully tested by speed, price, compatibility, and other VPN performances.
1. X-VPN
X-VPN is the top recommended VPN for routers in 2025. It is engineered for cross-platform versatility, effortlessly adapting to routers that support industry-standard protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and custom firmware such as OpenWRT. This industry-leading VPN service provider is compatible with most major routers in the market, offers blazing-fast VPN speed, and has 8000+ VPN servers worldwide.

- OpenVPNASU, DD-WRT, Tomato, and others
- L2TP/IPsecASUS, Linksys, Xiaomi, D-Link, TP-Link, Huawei, and Others
- OpenWRTASUS, Linksys, Netgear
- VPN ServersYou can choose servers from 8000+ across 225+ locations
- Blazing-Fast Speed10Gbps high-quality VPN servers allow for no buffering streaming and gaming.
- Leak ProtectionOffer robust DNS, WebRTC, IPV6 leak protection and free test
- Unlimited Wi-Fi ConnectionUnlimited devices can be connected to the VPN Wi-Fi router.
- Affordable Price$11.99 /mo, $47.99/year, $69.99/2-year
X-VPN offers a detailed router setup guide for different models. Allowing for even a technical idiot to handle the process effortlessly. Additionally, the 24/7 support team is always there to assist you in configuring.
2. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost is another VPN that allows for router setup. Unlike X-VPN which is compatible with OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and OpenWRT protocol routers, CyberGhost VPN only mentioned the OpenVPN protocol on their router setup page, making it probably less compatible with routers on the market.

- OpenVPNDD-WRT, Tomato, TomatoUSB Merlin Build
- VPN ServersChange your IP address on routers to 100 countries worldwide
- Iron-Clad EncryptionCyberGhost VPN protects all your WiFi-connected devices with strong encryption
- Unlimited Wi-Fi ConnectionYou can connect unlimited devices to the VPN router.
- DNS & IP Leak ProtectionProtect your network from DNS and IP leak
- Price$12.99 /mo, $41.94/6-month, $56.94 first 2 years
To set up CyberGhost VPN on your OpenVPN protocol-supported router, there’s also a detailed tutorial page showing up on “CyberGhost VPN router” Google results.
3. Proton VPN
Proton VPN also offers router support, the router version supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard router protocols. This free router VPN allows for a no-payment router setup, with only 3 locations available however, the Netherlands, the US, and Japan. Additionally, servers in the 3 locations could be slower as Proton introduced. For more VPN locations and faster speed, a VPN subscription is recommended.

- OpenVPNAsus-WRT, Asus-WRT-Merlin, Gl.iNet Flint, pfSense, FreshTomato, OpenWrt, DD-WRT, Vilfo
- WireGuardAsus-WRT, MikroTik, pfSense
- VPN LocationsA free account can change IP to 3 locations while a paid account to 110+ countries
- VPN SpeedFree account at medium VPN speed while a paid account enjoys high speed
- PriceFree (limited server, speed, and features) Plus: $9.99 /mo, $59.88/year, $107.76/2-year Unlimited: $12.99 /mo, $119.88/year, $191.76/2-year
This free VPN also offers a VPN plus and a VPN unlimited plan, the latter one costs more but provides additional services in Proton Mail, Drive, Pass, and other coverage.
4. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the solution when your existing router does not support VPN and you don’t want to manually flash your router with firmware. This VPN provider developed their own VPN router called Aircove as well as the Aircove Go edition. You can buy the router VPN on Amazon or their own online store directly.

- VPN Built-In RouterSelf-developed router with ExpressVPN built-in
- Parental ControlsAllows for parental controls to block adult content
- Easy ConnectionConnect through a Wi-Fi link or USB-C, making it hotel-friendly
- Fast SpeedEnsure 330 Mbps internet speed
- VPN LocationsChange location to 105 countries
- PriceRouter: $127 to $142 vary on models and sales VPN: $12.95/mo, $99.95/15-month, $139.72/28-month
As the router and VPN subscription are sold separately, the overall price would be expensive. You can also refer to the ExpressVPN router setup guide to manually configure it on your existing routers.
5. NordVPN
Another VPN service that sells exclusive VPN routers is Nord. The Privacy Hero 2 VPN Router is powered by NordVPN & NordLynx technology, making it easy to set up and fast in streaming. With this router with pre-installed VPN software, all your connections are encrypted right out of the box.

- VPN Built-In RouterSelf-developed router with NordVPN built-in
- Ad BlockerAds are blocked automatically without browser plugins needed.
- Parental ControlsAllows for control screen time and blocks adult content
- Fast SpeedEnjoy speeds up to 200Mbps with WireGuard VPN protocol
- VPN LocationsChange your location to 118 countries
- Price$179.99 to $729.99 vary on models and sales with 1 year free NordVPN subscription
Same as ExpressVPN, if the prices are too expensive, you can also follow their manual router setup guide to configure NordVPN on your existing routers.
How to Pick the Best VPN for Routers?
All the 5 router VPNs offer brilliant VPN features, allowing you to change your IP directly on your router. All the devices connected to the router Wi-Fi can then enjoy unlimited streaming, gaming, and browsing experience. How to pick the best router VPN for your house?
1. Protocols Supported
The more adapted VPN protocols mean wider compatibility. X-VPN supports OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and OpenWRT for routers, making it compatible with more routers.
2. Ease of Setup
A VPN router with software built-in is more convenient to set up than configuring a VPN service in your existing routers. How to set up a VPN on your router also varies on the router model and VPN service you choose.
3. Pricing
Though a VPN router is more convenient, it costs more too. Taking your budget into consideration as well. Among the router VPN manually setup, the price between a short time pay and long-term use varies too. Pick one according to your VPN use habit.
4. VPN Performance
Check for the number of VPN servers, server locations, speed, and security features as well before choosing a router VPN.
With the 4 points clear in your mind, check the comparison table below to pick the router VPN that suits you best.
VPN | Protocols | Pricing | Server Locations | Speed |
---|---|---|---|---|
X-VPN | OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and OpenWRT | $11.99/mo | 225+ | 4.7/5 |
CyberGhost | OpenVPN | $12.99 /mo | 100 | 4.3/5 |
Proton VPN | OpenVPN & WireGuard | $9.99 /mo | Free: 3 Paid: 110+ | Free: 4.0/5 Paid: 4.5/5 |
ExpressVPN | OpenVPN | $12.95/mo | 105 | 4.7/5 |
ExpressVPN Router | / | $127 – $142 | 105 | 4.7/5 |
NordVPN | OpenVPN | $12.99/mo | 118 | 4.7/5 |
NordVPN Router | / | $179.99 – $729.99 | 118 | 4.7/5 |
According to the table, Express and Nord VPN stand out for easy setup. However, the expensive price puts many people off. In terms of setting up a VPN on your existing router instead, X-VPN is considered the overall best router VPN with universal compatibility, brilliant VPN performance, and affordable price.
Router VPN vs VPN Router
Though router VPN and VPN router are often used interchangeably, the 2 terms refer to distinct concepts. Here’s a clear breakdown of their differences, use cases, and pros/cons to help you make an informed decision.
1. Router VPN
Router VPN focuses more on VPN service providers. It is a relatively larger concept that can include the providers who sell VPN routers.
Pros
Cons
Best for: People who own a compatible router and have a limited budget.
2. VPN Router
VPN Router focuses on the routers. It is a type of router that is pre-configured with built-in VPN software. Generally sold by VPN service providers and is optimized for a more convenient setup.
Pros
Cons
Best for: People who hate manual setup and do not mind buying a new router.
Conclusion
Setting up a VPN for your home Wi-Fi router provides infinite benefits from safety to content. All the 5 router VPNs introduced above provide brilliant VPN features, among them, X-VPN stands out for universal compatibility and affordable price. Make sure your router is compatible with a VPN before making a purchase, or buy a router VPN for easy setup directly.
FAQs
Can I Install VPN on My Router?
You can not download and install a VPN app to your router but only to configure it following router setup guide. The steps vary on the router model and VPN service you choose.
How Can I Know If My Router Is VPN-Compatible?
You can either check the router manual or log in to your router admin panel to check if your router is VPN-compatible. The admin account and password are usually stickered on the side or back of your router.
What If My Router Is Not VPN-Compatible?
If your router is not compatible with a VPN, you can take the following 3 measures:
1. Install third-party firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt to add VPN support.
2. Purchase a VPN-compatible router.
3. Buy a VPN router that is built-in with VPN software.