Skip to content Skip to navigation Skip to footer

What Are VPN Routers?

VPN Routers Definition

A virtual private network (VPN) router is like a normal router you would use in your home except it has a VPN installed inside it. It is powered by firmware that allows it to manage VPN connections and then allow various devices in the home to connect to the VPN service. The best VPN routers come with random access memory (RAM) that lets them efficiently manage their workloads. Once you get the VPN working, you can connect devices such as computers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and more.

With VPN Wi-Fi router protection, you can connect your local-area network (LAN) to your favorite VPN service or set up a site-to-site VPN. For a home-based connection, the wireless router security you get from a VPN router may preclude the need for extra firewall protection because the VPN encrypts your communications, providing you with a secure, anonymous tunnel through the internet.

What Is the Need for VPN Routers?

1. Protect Multiple Devices at Once

A VPN router allows you to connect several devices at the same time, protecting them all with a secure, encrypted connection. You can link to it through either a Wi-Fi connection or Ethernet, depending on the device and how you want to use it. Because they can handle multiple devices, VPN routers for home can provide safer internet browsing for every member of your household.

2. Extreme Convenience

Once you have installed your VPN router and connected to it, there is no need to remember to sign in to your VPN. You only have to enter the login credentials one time, which means you can connect automatically with several devices, providing you with a safe browsing experience without the hassle of reconnecting each time you get online.

3. Superior Compatibility

With a VPN router, you can connect a variety of different kinds of devices, regardless of the operating system. Many support macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and more. With this feature, you do not have to worry about whether the next device is going to work with your VPN router.

4. Completely Automated

With a VPN router, you can connect to your VPN service, such as OpenVPN routing, automatically. There is no need to assign each device its own password because once you connect to the router, you can access your VPN connection automatically.

5. Secure Non-native Devices

Many devices, despite being popular, do not typically support VPN use. For these kinds of non-native devices, a VPN router is an ideal solution. Some of such devices include Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Roku, and Apple TV. A VPN router provides these devices and more with secure, anonymous internet connections.

6. Unblock Applications and Content

For applications and content that require you to be in a specific location to access them, a VPN router can allow you to connect freely. You can choose a different Internet Protocol (IP) address, making it seem like you are connecting from an approved location.

Disadvantages of VPN Routers To Watch Out For

Expense

VPN routers are not cheap. They tend to cost significantly more than a regular router. For some users, it may not be worth the upfront investment.

Lack of Flexibility

With a VPN router, you are limited to using the server you set up when you first configured it. If you want to use a different server, you have to set that up on the router again.

The More Devices, the Lesser the Speed

As you connect more devices to the router, the speed each device receives drops accordingly. You may have to prioritize which devices can connect at one time.

Types of VPN Routers

VPN-compatible Routers

If you are not positive you want a VPN router but are considering the idea, you can get a normal router that is VPN-compatible. You may have to double-check to make sure it works with your favorite VPN service, but in many cases, a VPN-compatible router is a convenient solution.

Preconfigured Routers

A preconfigured router has already been flashed with the appropriate software. Therefore, they come with a higher price tag. You can inform the provider which VPN service you want the router to be used for, and they will install the necessary files for you.

Manually Flashed Routers

You can upgrade the router you already have by flashing it yourself. For those that do not mind taking on the technical task of installing the firmware, this can be an easy and inexpensive way to obtain a VPN router.

How To Get the Right VPN Router

Express VPN Router

Router: Netgear R6700 DD-WRT FlashRouter

Benefits: Firmware already installed, low cost, 1 GHz processor

NordVPN Router

Router: NordVPN Linksys WRT3200ACM AC3200 DD-WRT FlashRouter

Benefits: 1.8 GHz dual-core processor, four antennas, specifically configured for high performance with multiple devices

Surfshark Router

Router: Synology RT2600AC

Benefits: 4 LAN ports and antennas, 2.4 GHz with 800 Mbps speed and 5 GHz with 1,733 Mbps speed, online dashboard for custom configuration

How To Set Up VPN on a Router

To set up VPN on a router, it takes a few, fairly simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN service.
  2. Make sure the router you get is compatible with the service.
  3. Get provider-specific instructions for configuring your VPN on your router. This may vary from one provider to the next.
  4. Enter the login credentials your VPN provider gave you.

How Fortinet Can Help

The FortiGate scalable Crypto VPNs keep you protected from data breaches and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. The secure tunnel created by FortiGate can connect you to multiple networks and a variety of devices. FortiGate uses Internet Protocol security (IPsec) and secure sockets layer (SSL) technology to maintain safety for users. 

Also, FortiGate takes advantage of FortiASIC, which provides hardware dedicated to enhancing speed without sacrificing security.

FAQs

What are VPN routers?

A VPN router is like a normal router you would use in your home except it has a VPN installed inside it. It is powered by firmware that allows it to manage VPN connections and then allow various devices in the home to connect to the VPN service.

What is the need for VPN routers?

With a VPN router, you can:

  1. Protect multiple devices at once
  2. Enjoy convenient connections
  3. Benefit from superior compatibility
  4. Take advantage of automated functions
  5. Secure non-native devices
  6. Unblock applications and content

What are the disadvantages of VPN routers?

Some disadvantages include:

  1. High cost
  2. Lack of flexibility
  3. The more devices, the lesser the speed