Whether you’re an experienced tech geek or just getting started, a VPN router is a powerful solution that protects all your devices. It’s also easier to use than a VPN app, even for newbies.
Choosing the Right VPN Router
You can buy a router with open-source firmware and flash it yourself or purchase a pre-flash VPN-ready router from companies like FlashRouters. These are more expensive but much easier to set up.
Speed
A VPN router can provide a more reliable connection than a standard router, as it can use multiple networks to connect your devices. This means you will get higher internet speeds on a wired connection and faster streaming on a wireless one.
In addition to a better internet speed, a VPN router can also offer increased privacy. A VPN server encrypts your data, which prevents your ISP and sites from being able to identify your location. This helps to protect your privacy, and it can even prevent hackers from accessing your data.
The downside of VPN routers is that they can be more expensive than a standard router and require some technical knowledge to set up. However, the benefits of having a VPN service tethered to your router can outweigh the upfront costs. NordVPN has a partnership with FlashRouters that provides a variety of routers that are pre-configured to work with their service, making it easy for anyone to enjoy the privacy and security of a VPN.
Security
Many people are familiar with VPNs, software that protects internet activity by scrambling data to keep it secure. These services can also help users avoid regional restrictions, save money on travel expenses, and more.
While most VPN services offer apps to download and use on computers, tablets, and phones, some provide router firmware that can be installed to automatically connect all devices in your home or office to the same virtual private network. This can be a handy feature for families with kids who forget to turn on the VPN or anyone who wants to keep a constant connection.
Consumer routers usually don’t support this functionality and attempting to flash third-party firmware can render your router unusable or even void its warranty. That’s why choosing a router that supports this feature out of the box or installing a third-party solution is essential. It’s also possible to buy a router that comes pre-flashed with the proper firmware, though these can be expensive.
Reliability
A reliable router VPN can protect your home network and keep you secure without using too much of your data plan. You’ll want to choose a provider offering military-grade encryption, protocol protection against DNS leaks, and automatic disconnection.
It’s important to remember that not all VPNs are created equal. Some have been known to slow down connections significantly, whereas others have an imperceptible impact on speed. For the best results, look for a provider with a large server fleet and advanced security features.
Many providers also partner with router manufacturers like Asus to offer pre-configured devices with their service built in. This saves you the hassle of flashing new firmware, and you can be sure you’re getting a top-notch service with all the benefits of a VPN router.
Convenience
A VPN router is a powerful privacy solution protecting all your devices. Unlike downloadable and browser VPNs that require you to log in every time, a router-based VPN service is always running. Depending on the setup, that can save you time, data, and battery.
The best VPN routers have a built-in interface to manage the service and change settings. They’re also easier to use than per-device solutions.
It’s important to remember that your router will need to be compatible with the VPN provider you choose. Most routers are compatible, but if not, some can be flashed with third-party firmware. However, this can be tricky, and doing it wrong can leave you with an expensive-looking paperweight.
Another downside is that a whole-network VPN can increase latency for multiplayer games and other bandwidth-intensive activities, and it’ll also use your data cap more quickly. If you have a limited data plan, this could prove expensive in the long run. Make sure to choose a provider that offers a large and geographically diverse server fleet to help with this.
Cost
A VPN router is a good investment for any business that does a lot of remote work or whose employees frequently connect to a public WiFi network. It’s beneficial for small businesses where multiple employees may work from home or on the go and need a secure way to access company data over untrusted connections.
Most major VPN providers offer a router VPN app that can be installed on any router brand, including those sold by large retail chains. However, installing this software can be complex and tricky, and you could brick your router by trying to flash (install) incompatible firmware.
A much easier solution is to purchase a router pre-flashed with the specific firmware your chosen VPN provider needs. Several companies provide this service at reasonable prices. Alternatively, you can get a router with a simplified app-based VPN solution. While these solutions may be more expensive than purchasing a standard router, they can save you time and hassle and still provide all the benefits of a VPN.