How to Install a VPN on Your Router: Easy Guide 2025

Setting up your router with a VPN can be complicated. But, if you want hassle-free protection for an entire network of connected devices, it's absolutely worth the effort.

Our step-by-step VPN router setup guide can help you. Whether for your home or business, a VPN on your router can bring many benefits. For example, it lets you use the VPN to safely access streaming platforms in UHD on devices that aren’t usually compatible with VPNs, like game consoles and smart TVs.

Why You (May) Need a VPN Router?

If you’re already using a premium VPN, you likely know that it encrypts your connection by routing your traffic through a private server. But that only goes as far as the number of allowed connections by your provider. VPN routers offer a workaround to this potential limitation by covering all your WiFi-connected devices.

Other unique advantages to getting your VPN protection straight from your router include:

• Unlimited connections. When connecting to VPN servers via your router, you can use as many devices as you like. All WiFi-enabled devices will benefit from robust, secure encryption and easy access to global servers.
• Better device compatibility. Devices like Smart TVs and gaming consoles don’t have native VPN support. Using a VPN router adds them to the list of protected devices.
• Only one login required. A VPN router requires a single login — you don't have to worry about forgetting to switch on your VPN, leaving devices vulnerable to hackers and snoops. This removes the need to log into the VPN application on each device.
• A secure connection 24/7. If you have a favorite VPN server you’re constantly using, you can stay connected to it all the time (provided your router is turned on). Although this is easily achieved with auto-connect features on VPN clients, VPN routers offer an even easier way.

How to Install a VPN to Your Router

Installing a VPN to your router can be done in just a few steps.

1. Sign in to your VPN account.
2. You will see multiple installation options on the main settings page. Here, choose “more” and then click on manual configuration.
3. A new page will pop up where you will see two options: OpenVPN and L2TP. OpenVPN is more secure. But for streaming, you are good to go with either of the two. Since we are using OpenVPN for this example, choose OpenVPN.
4. Note down the username and password appearing in the boxes — it will be used later. Then choose your preferred server from the list below. After choosing a server, an ovpn file will be downloaded to your computer.
5. Log in to your router. To do that, type 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 in the address bar in a new tab. If you are using an Asus router, you can also visit router.asus.com.
6. Enter your username and password. The back of the router typically has the default password and username written on it.

   Screenshot of Asus login screen to connect your VPN

7. After signing in, you will see several options on the left bar. Scroll down and choose “VPN” which will pop up a new window.
8. In the new window, choose “OpenVPN” and create a new profile by entering the description, username, and password.

   You can install your VPN on Asus routers that support OpenVPN

9. After that, upload and attach the ovpn file that we downloaded earlier against the “import.ovpn file” field. Once done, click “ok”.
10. Lastly, you have to activate the connection by clicking on “Activate,”.

Types of VPN Router Set-Up Options

Before deciding on a VPN router, it's crucial to understand the different setup options available to you. You can opt for a pre-configured router, a VPN-compatible router, or a router that necessitates manual flashing. The following discussion provides more in-depth information about these choices:

VPN-compatible routers

A VPN-compatible router is flashed with firmware such as OpenVPN that supports different VPNs. This means that you can configure a VPN on your own and choose your desired settings. Many top companies provide VPN-compatible routers, such as Asus, Linksys, Netgear, Buffalo, and Synology.

Pre-configured VPN routers

These routers come pre-flashed with VPN firmware and a compatible VPN. They are ready to use out of the box and do not require additional setup. For example, FlashRouters is a well-known service that offers routers pre-configured with top VPNs.

Sabai Technology is another similar service that sells pre-flashed VPN routers featuring the company’s custom firmware called SabaiOS. You can buy these with or without the pre-configuration with a specific VPN.

Manually flashed VPN routers

This is an option if you’re looking for the cheapest way to upgrade your current router. However, flashing a router is highly complex and can render your router useless or void its warranty. Before configuring a VPN on these routers, you will have to flash them with compatible firmware, for example, DD-WRT or Tomato.

TomatoUSB is an alternate firmware that supports more routers and has extra features such as wireless-N mode and USB port support. Popular TomatoUSB forks include Shibby, Victek, Teaman, and Toastman.

What to Consider When Choosing a VPN Router

Although the installation of a VPN on a smartphone or desktop computer is straightforward, configuring a VPN on a router tends to be more complicated. Before you opt for a VPN router, take the following factors into consideration:

Setup complexity

The simplicity of the setup process is determined by the kind of router you select. Pre-flashed routers that are already configured with a VPN can be used right away, making them usually the most suitable choice for novices.

VPN compatible routers are already flashed with the compatible firmware but still require some configuration. However, configuring a VPN on a VPN-compatible router is generally easy. The best VPNs for routers offer detailed setup guides on their official website. Upgrading your current router to become VPN compatible is the most complex as it requires you to flash the router with VPN firmware.

Speed

Make sure the connection is fast enough to cover your day-to-day activity online. All VPNs reduce your base internet speed by some degree due to encrypting your data. But with a premium VPN, you won’t notice the difference — you can enjoy buffer-free UHD streaming, fast torrenting, and lag-free gaming. Another factor that can affect your internet speed is the processor of your VPN router. Your router should have a minimum of 800 MHz CPU to handle the encryption.

Cost

How much you’ll pay depends on your type of VPN router. Pre-configured routers are the most expensive, costing a couple of hundred dollars, including the VPN costs. However, the setup and VPN configuration is already done, so they are ready to use out of the box. VPN-enabled routers are relatively cheap but need some basic VPN configuration. Lastly, unflashed routers can cost as little as $50 but are very complicated to set up.

Security features

Performance is crucial, but so is security — which is why a VPN is essential. Make sure your router’s firmware supports the OpenVPN protocol. This protocol offers the strongest protection and is the easiest-to-use VPN software. Your VPN must follow a no-logs policy if you care about your online privacy. Some other important security features to stay safe online include leak protection and policy-based routing (which allows you to manage internet traffic to different devices).

Number of ports

VPN routers usually come with ethernet ports that allow wired connections for the best speeds. However, some routers also contain additional USB ports that will enable you to wirelessly connect to devices such as printers or attach external storage devices.

Disadvantages of a VPN Router

While a VPN router offers many benefits, there are some drawbacks you should be aware of:

• Less server flexibility. Once you've set up your VPN router, you can't quickly change settings or server location. You'll be limited to whatever server you used in the configuration and have to change it via the router interface if you want something different.
• VPN routers can be expensive. In most cases, a VPN router is no small investment. You need the right features and specifications to run VPN software on a router, which often means baseline devices won't be able to do the job. There are ways to save money — for example, upgrading your router with advanced firmware (if it's suitable) or purchasing a VPN-compatible router if you already need a new one.
• Reduction in connection speeds. VPNs generally reduce your connection speeds by some factor. A larger number of connections means that there are higher chances for slowdowns. However, you can minimize this by choosing a premium VPN service.
• Weak security spots. The traffic between your router to your device will not be encrypted on the router level. So it can be a security risk if a malicious third party manages to connect to your router.

VPN-Enabled Routers That Support OpenVPN

Contrary to what companies may claim, not every VPN router delivers excellent performance. Some firms may even deceive you into purchasing a package that includes their subpar VPN service. To make a wise choice, opt for a VPN router from a trustworthy manufacturer. My team and I have assessed various well-known brands and selected the top 5 choices:

• Asus — These routers typically come with the AsusWRT firmware that supports OpenVPN and is easy to set up. You may get different firmware such as SabaiOS, OpenWrt, Tomato, and DD-WRT based on your chosen model.
• Linksys — These routers do not support OpenVPN out of the box. However, some sellers sell pre-flashed Linksys routers, so it is a good idea to ask beforehand. Otherwise, you can flash your Linksys router with firmware that supports OpenVPN, such as DD-WRT and Tomato.
• Netgear — Netgear routers are highly reputed among VPN users. But just like Linksys, they do not have support for OpenVPN out of the box. You can either buy a pre-flashed model or flash it yourself with firmware that supports OpenVPN.
• Buffalo — While this company does not offer a wide range of routers, some of them are relatively cheap and come with the DD-WRT firmware that supports OpenVPN.
• Synology — Synology offers two great options that support OpenVPN. Furthermore, its VPN Plus package allows you to turn your router into a VPN server.

FAQs on Installing a VPN on Your Router

Do all routers support VPNs?

No, not all routers are compatible with VPNs. You can check your router’s manual to determine whether it will support a VPN or request a list of routers compatible with VPNs from your preferred VPN provider. Here’s a list of VPN-compatible routers that support the OpenVPN protocol.

Are there routers with a built-in VPN?

Yes, many routers come with a built-in VPN. For example, FlashRouters have specific routers that are already flashed. While more expensive, this router-VPN combo is very convenient and an excellent option for beginners — your router uses the VPN as soon as you plug it in and connect.

How many router setups are there?

There are 3 router setup options, each with its pros and cons. Pre-flashed routers are ready to use with compatible firmware and a VPN pre-installed. VPN-compatible routers have compatible firmware, but you must manually configure the VPN. Unflashed routers do not have compatible firmware and require flashing, which is a complicated and risky process that can render your router useless.

Can you use a DNS proxy instead of VPN with routers?

Yes, you can use a DNS proxy on your router to change your virtual location. However, a DNS can leave your data vulnerable to hacking and monitoring. A VPN with robust security features and router compatibility is a safer option. A DNS proxy will not encrypt your data or hide your IP address. While it will reroute your DNS requests, your ISP can still monitor your internet activities.

Can I use a free VPN on my router?

Yes, you can use a free VPN on your router, provided that your router’s firmware supports the installation of a VPN. However, it’s not recommended because free VPNs typically limit your speed, bandwidth, and server locations, meaning they're not ideal for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. A VPN with a global network of fast servers is more reliable.

Free VPNs don’t have the security features needed to protect your online privacy, with some even selling your data for a profit.

Will using a VPN on my router slow down my internet?

Yes, all VPNs reduce your base internet speed. However, with a premium VPN, you won’t notice the difference. Just ensure you also use a high-quality router, like Asus or Netgear.

How can I check if my VPN is working on my router?

There are 3 ways you can check whether your VPN is working on your router:

1. Launch your VPN and connect to a server in a different country than the one you’re in. Go to Google.com and type in the search bar, “what is my IP”. If the IP address is different from your actual IP address, your VPN is working on the router
2. Go to ipleak.net and make sure your location is showing as the server you’re connected to. If it’s not, then your VPN might not be working.
3. Use the traceroute command in the command prompt to check the number of hops. This allows you to see the number of intermediaries in the way, including your VPN.

Install a VPN on Your Router Now

Installing a VPN on your router doesn’t have to be a difficult task, even if you go for a manual setup. With the right provider, you’ll have all the guidance you need to succeed.