5 Best VPNs for TP-Link Routers — Compatible & Fast in 2025

Most VPNs aren't compatible with TP-Link routers, and the ones that are can be difficult to set up. Most VPNs also slow down connections significantly or can't reliably access popular streaming services like Netflix US and Hulu.

My team and I tested over 40 VPNs with various TP-Link router models. We focused on services that offer straightforward setup processes and maintain fast speeds when protecting your entire home network. Only a handful provided the right combination of router compatibility, detailed setup guides, and reliable performance.

ExpressVPN ranked first in our tests because of its consistently fast speeds across all server locations. It even works with newer TP-Link Deco mesh systems to protect every device on your network without noticeable slowdowns. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for TP-Link Routers in 2025

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for TP-Link Routers — Full Analysis (Updated 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds on TP-Link Routers and Deco Mesh Systems for a Smooth Online Experience

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested March 2025

Available on:

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www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is faster than all other VPNs we tested on TP-Link routers. Most VPNs slow your connection down significantly when used with routers due to the encryption overhead. However, ExpressVPN has consistently been fast enough for 4K streams, even when watching live sports. During tests on a TP-Link Archer AX6000, our average download speeds clocked in at 249.76Mbps.

Most TP-Link routers don’t support VPNs, but with ExpressVPN, you can manually configure MediaStreamer as a smart DNS workaround. It won’t encrypt your traffic, but you’ll get faster streaming speeds and change your DNS. MediaStreamer works on any device, including smart TVs and gaming consoles. It can also access US and UK platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer in HD from anywhere.

It took me around 10 minutes to set it up on my old router

With military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, ExpressVPN on your TP-Link router secures all network traffic, protecting against hackers and ISP snooping. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited by PwC and Cure53, confirming it doesn’t track or store your online activity. I particularly liked that its DNS leak protection worked flawlessly on my router — none of my DNS requests leaked during testing.

ExpressVPN's higher price point of $4.99/month might seem steep initially. However, it regularly offers discounts of up to 61% on long-term plans, which makes it more affordable. You can try it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested the refund process through its 24/7 live chat and got my money back in 2 days.

Useful Features

• TrustedServer technology. ExpressVPN runs on RAM-only servers, meaning all data is wiped with every reboot, preventing any sensitive information from being stored.
• OpenVPN manual configuration. While there’s no native app for TP-Link routers, ExpressVPN makes it easy to set up OpenVPN right through your account page.
• Advanced leak protection. Multiple security layers prevent IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks even when the VPN runs on router firmware.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy. The VPN generates a new encryption key for each session, so even if one key is compromised, previous or future data remains secure.

2. CyberGhost — Blocks Malicious Sites, Trackers, and Malware With Manual TP-Link Configurations

Available on:

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Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost's content-blocking system strengthens your TP-Link router's security by filtering malicious content at the network level. We tested this by connecting multiple devices through a TP-Link router with CyberGhost installed. It blocked suspicious domains during tests and prevented our devices from connecting to known malware sources.

These servers provide low ping and DDOS protection

You can set up CyberGhost using OpenVPN UDP and TCP, including versions <=2.3, and the efficient (but slightly less secure) IPSec protocol. Depending on your chosen protocol, you'll see different server options, but OpenVPN UDP offers the best selection. While it wasn’t as easy as ExpressVPN’s setup, it provides more security options.

In my tests, its built-in DNS and IP leak protection worked as intended, keeping my real location hidden at all times. AES 256-bit encryption keeps your data safe from hackers and surveillance. Plus, it’s headquartered in privacy-friendly Romania (outside intrusive surveillance alliances) and follows a strict no-logs policy.

On the downside, CyberGhost's monthly plan is expensive and has a shorter refund than most premium VPNs. However, long-term subscriptions are much more affordable at $2.19/month. With long-term plans, you also get a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test it thoroughly with your TP-Link router setup.

Useful Features

• Dedicated IP addresses. For a small extra fee, you can get a unique IP that only you can use, reducing the chance of your router's VPN connection being blocked by online services.
• 24/7 support. CyberGhost's support team is available 24/7 through live chat if you need additional help with setup or troubleshooting.
• No Spy servers. Located in Romania and managed exclusively by CyberGhost's team, these servers give you an extra layer of privacy. However, you need to upgrade to access them.

3. Private Internet Access — Adjustable Settings to Balance Speed With Security for Your TP-Link Router

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

When using the OpenVPN protocol, PIA lets you choose between AES 256-bit encryption for maximum security or AES 128-bit for better speed. We tested both encryption options on a Deco X60 mesh system. AES 256-bit slowed down our connection significantly, while AES 128-bit maintained speeds fast enough for 4K streaming during all tests.

I used DNS+Streaming+MACE and it worked perfectly well

It’s an excellent option for US citizens, as it offers servers in every US state. With so many servers, I could always connect to a nearby location for optimal speeds. In addition to your router, you can use PIA on an unlimited number of devices at the same time. This is great if your household has a ton of mobile devices that aren’t always near your router.

PIA is based in the US, the heart of global surveillance alliances. However, its no-logs policy has been verified through multiple court cases where it couldn't provide user data because none existed.

Plans start at just $2.19/month per month. With its 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test PIA's features without risk. Additionally, PIA offers 24/7 customer support through live chat and email, so you can get help whenever you need it.

Useful Features

• MACE ad blocker. Blocks ads and trackers at the DNS level for all devices connected to your TP-Link router, improving browsing speeds and security.
• Port forwarding. Helps optimize connection speeds through your router by allowing incoming connections to bypass NAT firewalls.
• 10 Gbps network cards. Protects your router's VPN connection from being bottlenecked by server hardware limitations.

4. NordVPN — Easy Router Setup with Extensive TP-Link Guides

Available on:

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Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

The router setup process is straightforward, thanks to detailed guides for different TP-Link models. I followed Nord VPN's step-by-step instructions and configured OpenVPN on my router in under 15 minutes. The guides include screenshots and troubleshooting tips specific to TP-Link firmware, making it easy even if you're not very technical.

NordVPN delivered decent speeds in our tests, usually hovering between 160 and 146Mbps. It’s a bit slower than ExpressVPN, but it’s still plenty fast for streaming Netflix in 4K (which needs 25Mbps) from anywhere. You can also simultaneously use NordVPN on up to 10 devices without significantly decreasing performance.

The Double VPN servers route your traffic through Canada and the US

One minor issue I found in NordVPN’s privacy policy is that it might share user data with foreign governments if requested. However, this shouldn't be a concern since NordVPN doesn't log any identifying information like browsing history or IP addresses, plus its no-logs policy has been independently audited.

You can get a long-term plans for only $3.39/month and try it free on your TP-Link router thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Like other VPNs on this list, NordVPN offers 24/7 support so you can ask for help or a refund whenever you want.

Useful Features

• Obfuscated servers. Hide VPN usage by masking traffic to bypass network restrictions, like those at public libraries and work.
• P2P support. Allows fast and secure torrenting on dedicated servers optimized for peer-to-peer sharing.

5. Surfshark — WireGuard Support to Reduce Performance Issues on TP-Link Routers

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark stands out by offering WireGuard protocol support for TP-Link routers, which is rare among VPN providers. WireGuard is a good option for routers with limited CPU power, as WireGuard has a more efficient and lightweight codebase, almost as good as ExpressVPN's Lightway. It is also easier to configure on routers than OpenVPN.

During our tests, Surfshark’s WireGuard delivered better speeds than OpenVPN, measuring up to 141.30Mbps on local servers. This is great for any online activity, including HD streaming and fast torrenting. The VPN can also access most popular streaming platforms in HD from anywhere, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.

You can pick any of its 100+ supported countries

One problem I have is how long it took to connect with Surfshark. At times, it took nearly 30 seconds just to form a connection. However, it’s a relatively short time to wait to protect all the devices in your household, and Surfshark is pretty fast once it’s connected.

Surfshark’s most cost-effective option is the long-term plan at $2.19/month. All subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it free for a short while.

Useful Features

• IKEv2 and OpenVPN support. You can also configure Surfshark on your router using the secure OpenVPN or the fast IKEv2 protocol.
• TP-Link router setup guides. Surfshark offers easy-to-follow TP-Link router setup guides on its website to help you configure a secure VPN connection.

Quick Comparison Table: TP-Link Router VPN Features

I've created this comparison table to help you evaluate the key features that matter most for TP-Link router VPNs. Based on our testing with various TP-Link models, the table focuses on protocol support and performance metrics.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for TP-Link Routers

We focused on testing VPN compatibility with popular TP-Link router models, including the Archer and Deco mesh series. We evaluated setup complexity, connection stability, and impact on network speeds. Security features like encryption standards and leak protection were thoroughly tested to verify whole-network protection. We also assessed each VPN's customer support quality, specifically for router-related technical assistance.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

TP-Link VPN Troubleshooting Guide

Having tested multiple VPNs with various TP-Link routers, we've encountered and solved many common issues. Here are 10 effective troubleshooting tips:

1. Server congestion or technical issues. If your connection is slow or unstable, try switching to a different VPN server, as specific servers can become congested or encounter technical problems. If speed is your priority, check out this list of the fastest VPNs we tested.
2. The connection drops. Switch between UDP and TCP in your OpenVPN configuration. TCP is more stable but slower, while UDP is faster but less reliable.
3. DNS cache issues. Connection problems can arise from cached DNS entries. Access your router's admin panel to clear the DNS cache or restart your router to refresh DNS settings.
4. Outdated firmware. Outdated firmware can cause VPN connection issues. Visit TP-Link's website to check for the latest firmware for your model.
5. Packet loss. If you're experiencing packet loss, lower your router’s MTU value. Start at 1400 and adjust down in increments of 10 until the connection stabilizes.
6. Slow connection. If your connection is too slow, consider switching to lighter encryption (like AES 128-bit instead of AES 256-bit) if your VPN provider allows it.
7. Incorrect credentials. Double-check your VPN credentials in the router settings to ensure accuracy; even a small mistake can prevent a successful connection.
8. High CPU usage. If your router becomes slow when you have VPN enabled, check its CPU usage. High CPU utilization may indicate your router is struggling with VPN encryption.
9. Corrupted configuration. If all else fails, delete your VPN configuration and set it up again using fresh configuration files.
10. Hardware issues. Ensure that all cables are securely connected and that your router isn't experiencing hardware issues that could impact VPN performance.

TP-Link VPN Compatibility Table

Most TP-Link routers do not support VPN clients natively. They usually support VPN passthrough, meaning they allow VPN traffic but don’t establish a VPN connection themselves. In the table below, "Native Client" means the router supports VPN configuration through its built-in interface. "Manual Setup" indicates you must manually configure the VPN using OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2 configuration files.

FAQs on the Best VPNs for TP-Link Routers

Can I set up different VPN locations for different devices?

Yes, most TP-Link routers let you configure different VPN servers for specific devices. Just remember that setting up multiple VPN connections can impact your router's performance, so it's best to use this feature selectively. A better option would be to use a VPN that allows multiple simultaneous connections and install it directly on the devices to route traffic through different VPN servers.

Which VPN protocols work best with TP-Link Deco mesh systems?

OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols deliver the best performance on TP-Link Deco mesh systems. OpenVPN offers robust security and broad compatibility, while WireGuard provides faster speeds with lower CPU usage. WireGuard's efficient code also reduces CPU load, which is crucial to avoid common connection issues on routers and mesh systems handling multiple connected devices.

Is it safe to flash custom firmware on my TP-Link router?

While flashing custom firmware can be safe, it carries some risks. Custom firmware like DD-WRT can unlock advanced VPN features, but incorrect installation might brick your router. Some premium VPNs offer pre-flashed routers for those who don’t want to deal with complex configuration processes.

If you decide to proceed, download firmware only from official sources and follow the installation guide carefully. Several TP-Link models support custom firmware, but attempting to flash an incompatible version will damage your device.

Can I use free VPNs with my TP-Link router?

Using a free VPN on your TP-Link router is possible but risky. Most free services lack router support and proper security features. They often have data caps and speed restrictions that make them impractical for router-level VPN connections. Instead, try a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee to protect all devices connected to your TP-Link router.

Get the Best VPN for Your TP-Link Router

Setting up a VPN on a TP-Link router requires technical compatibility and reliable performance. Most VPNs either don't support TP-Link routers or cause significant speed drops when protecting your entire network. After testing dozens of VPNs, I found only a few that offer both easy setup and fast speeds.

ExpressVPN is my top choice for TP-Link routers because it maintains fast speeds across various server locations. Its excellent customer support makes installation straightforward, even on Deco mesh systems. Plus, it offers robust security to protect every device on your network. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for TP-Link routers...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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