However, some VPN services have made the process far simpler than expected – one of which being ExpressVPN.

A company called FlashRouters does provide a very useful router setup service, plus a great app that makes things a lot easier – but it's expensive. Any alterations will have to be done through your router’s dashboard on a PC, some of which are still very basic and difficult to use. The other problem is that it’s more difficult to change your VPN’s settings because your router doesn’t have a screen or interface. There are also some other options, including Tomato. You’ll have to either buy a new router that does, or install DD-WRT firmware to allow you to manually set up a VPN connection – a list of DD-WRT-compatible routers is here. And, as you'll notice in the next couple of paragraphs, it can get a bit confusing. The biggest drawback is that you may well discover that your current router can’t support your chosen VPN’s dedicated router VPN app, if it has one at all.

Check out how to set up a virtual router and share VPN.

If you install a router VPN, then any number of devices or individuals can use your VPN connection – friends, family, your date that you’ve wooed with your intimate knowledge of the Netgear Nighthawk AX8 (RAX80) Wi-Fi 6 router. Plus, most VPNs have a limit to how many devices can use a single subscription. That includes Smart TVs and Apple TV, games consoles, Roku, and many others, and means you’ll be able to access blocked streaming content and stay anonymous on any device attached to your Wi-Fi connection. Your traffic is encrypted in the process, meaning you’ll be able to surf in peace, knowing that no one can see or track your activity.īut why would you want one on your router? Most commonly, router VPNs are used so that a VPN-protected connection can be used by devices that can’t have a VPN installed directly. In essence, a router VPN is exactly the same as any VPN you might install on your phone or PC – it diverts your internet traffic away from your ISP’s servers towards its own.

Install expressvpn on router