When you talk about VPN services, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Or rather, what are the common thoughts or questions that you might have?
For most users, they often wonder how to protect all their devices with just one VPN subscription, but, then, there are some devices that do not support VPN apps. What then?
How are you going to protect all your devices with a VPN? How will you be able to stream international movies on devices like Apple TV?
This is where using the best VPN router comes handy. There are many perks of adding a VPN on your router, rather than downloading the VPN app continuously on multiple devices – especially if there is a device that does not support a VPN app.
In this guide, we will discuss whether a VPN on multiple devices is better or whether a VPN on a router brings more benefits.
VPN router vs. install a VPN on devices
Most users often require a VPN for one or two devices. So, for that, all you need to do is download a reliable VPN on your device, after having created your account with the provider. Through that, you will be able to use the internet while being anonymous.
However, there are some devices that do not support VPN apps. What happens then?
The best thing about a VPN router is that when you download and set up a VPN on a router with the right firmware, you can pretty much extend that connection to particular devices that do not support a VPN app.
That’s not the only thing. Another advantage that a VPN router has is that you can limit what device uses the VPN router connection, while restricting access to others. The other devices can still use the router to connect to the internet without a VPN.
So, in short, yes, a VPN router is slightly more preferred than manually installing a VPN app over and over on multiple devices.
A few advantages of using a VPN router
- Instead of downloading and installing a VPN on multiple devices continuously, a VPN router offers a one stop solution to connect as many devices as possible and at one time. This allows you to connect WiFi supported and wired devices to your router VPN, even those devices that do not support a native VPN app.
- If you plan on watching Netflix on your smartphone, gaming on your PlayStation or even torrenting on your laptop, your internet service provider won’t be able to track you nor your activities while connected to a VPN router.
- You will be able to customize all devices over your home network using a router VPN.
- It will allow you to secure and encrypt your connection much better, allowing maximum security by default over all your connected devices.
How to choose a VPN that supports routers
Just because you need a VPN for your router, does not mean you overlook all other aspects of a reliable VPN. To choose a VPN for your router, make sure you look for all round features. Here is a guide showing you what to look for when you choose a router VPN:
- Make sure that the VPN you choose offers numerous servers to connect to. This way, you will be able to virtually appear and access numerous international content from anywhere in the world.
- Choose a VPN that supports multiple devices and multiple device connections. You will not only need a VPN to add on your router, but on other devices, if ever you go outside or connect to another network.
- Security and privacy features are crucial. Choose a VPN that offers top of the line encryption, a Kill Switch, Split-Tunneling, DNS leak protection and much more!
- Fast speeds are another thing to look into. Have you heard about ISP throttling? It’s when your service provider fiddles with the speeds and bandwidth, causing buffering issues. Choose a VPN that can bypass it.
- It is quite common to want to test a VPN. With that said, make sure you choose a VPN that allows you to test it or atleast offer a money-back guarantee. So, in this way, if you don’t like how the VPN works, you can always ask for a refund.
- Don’t know how to set the VPN on your device? Choose a provider with reliable customer support. They will and should be able to help you set up and use the VPN on your router and other devices.
Are there any drawbacks to a VPN router?
Yes, even though there are many perks that come with using a VPN router, there are a few setbacks.
For starters, not every router comes with the appropriate firmware, which means, it might not be compatible enough to set up a VPN on it. To get the appropriate firmware, you are going to need to flash it – not the safest option. The best and most reliable firmware for routers are DD-WRT, Sabai OS, and Tomato.
You could always buy a router that comes with compatible firmware, but it costs way more than you’d expect apart from already paying for VPN services. Another thing to note is that there are some VPN features that might not be fully accessible when you use it on a router. To gain access to the complete features, you will be able to install it on your smartphone or other devices to fully experience it.
Another thing to note, when you usually install a VPN on your Windows, iOS or Android smartphone, it barely takes any time. However, the same cannot be said for setting it up on your router.
To add a VPN on a router, you will need to manually configure it, and changing the servers for it can be a little annoying.
Either way, if you’re looking to use just one server and protect a large number of devices just once, a VPN router is the best!
