Best VPNs for Linksys router
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Linksys routers are a common choice in many homes, and the good news is that most models support VPNs. The catch is that not every VPN works well at the router level, which can leave your whole network exposed. That’s where choosing the best one really matters.
A properly configured VPN encrypts all your internet traffic, keeps prying eyes away, and protects every connected device at once. It also unlocks geo-restricted content without extra apps or manual setup.
Together with our research team, I tested leading providers for compatibility, security, and ease of use. Below, I share the best VPNs for Linksys router setups and walk you through exactly how to set them up.
5 best Linksys router VPNs
- NordVPN – best VPN for Linksys router overall
- Surfshark VPN – budget-friendly VPN for Linksys routers
- IPVanish – security-first VPN to protect your Linksys router
- ExpressVPN – performance-focused Linksys router VPN
- CyberGhost – Linksys VPN with the biggest server fleet
Best VPNs for Linksys router – my detailed list
Together with the Cybernews research team, I tested multiple reputable VPN providers and ranked them accordingly. The ones that made it to my list of the best VPN for Linksys routers are compatible with this router and offer detailed installation guides. Furthermore, they come with robust security features, superb connection speeds, and plenty of useful perks for an affordable price.
1. NordVPN – best and most secure VPN for Linksys routers
| Linksys compatible: | ✅ Yes |
| Servers/countries: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| No logs: | No logs, independently audited |
| Current deal: | Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is the best VPN for Linksys routers. The service is compatible with many Linksys router models, offers industry-leading security features, and facilitates the fastest connection speeds in the market. Add an easy-to-follow installation process, and it’s no wonder why this provider is such a great choice.
Compatibility. NordVPN works with various Linksys models, and you can install it by flashing your router with DD-WRT, Tomato, or OpenWRT firmware. It uses the OpenVPN protocol to integrate with Linksys, providing excellent speed and security.
Servers. Accessing global content is easy with NordVPN, thanks to the fleet of 9,500+ servers in 149 countries. All hardware runs solely on RAM modules, meaning no data can be stored long-term. Plus, depending on your needs, you can connect to specialized servers – P2P-optimized, obfuscated, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN.
Security. NordVPN shields your data with AES-256 encryption, a robust kill switch, and leak protection. There are also features for blocking ads and malware (Threat Protection) and split tunneling for customizing the VPN connection, among others.
Pricing. NordVPN subscriptions start at $3.49/month and are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also test the service via the free 3-day trial, available on Android devices.
Learn more in our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – affordable and easy-to-use Linksys router VPN
| Linksys compatible: | ✅ Yes |
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| No logs: | No logs, independently audited |
| Current deal: | Now up to 85% OFF Surfshark + 3 months FREE |
Another suitable Linksys router VPN is Surfshark. Coming at a wallet-friendly price, the provider includes plenty of security perks. Plus, every subscription comes with unlimited simultaneous connections. It's one of the most affordable options, and you can save even more with the Surfshark promo code "OFFCN".
Compatibility. You can set up Surfshark to work on your Linksys router via the OpenVPN protocol. However, the device has to be flashed with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware beforehand. The VPN offers detailed installation instructions on its page, just in case.
Servers. Surfshark comes with 4,500+ RAM-only servers in 100 countries – enough to unblock all kinds of foreign content. There’s even an option to pick from Static IP and MultiHop servers. The former gives you the same IP address whenever you connect to a specific server, while the latter doubles the encryption.
Security. This VPN comes with all the necessary protection features and then some. These include DNS, WebRTC, IPv6 leak protection, a customizable kill switch, and industry-standard encryption. Surfshark also includes a GPS spoofer, Camouflage and NoBorders modes, Bypasser (split tunneling), and CleanWeb.
Pricing. You can get this great Linksys router VPN for as little as $2.49/month. A 30-day money-back guarantee protects all annual plans, so subscribing is not risky. And you can always try Surfshark for free via the 7-day mobile trial.
Still can’t decide? Check out our Surfshark VPN review or compare Surfshark vs NordVPN to find the perfect fit.
3. IPVanish – feature-packed Linksys router VPN
| Linksys compatible: | ✅ Yes |
| Servers/countries: | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries |
| No logs: | No logs, independently audited |
| Current deal: | Now up to 83% OFF IPVanish |
IPVanish is highly compatible with Linksys routers. You get great performance, an easily configurable client, and a customizable VPN experience. Plus, there’s no device limit, meaning you can connect as many devices as you want, via the router or not.
Compatibility. By flashing it with DD-WRT firmware, you can configure IPVanish on your Linksys router with the OpenVPN protocol. The installation process is relatively easy, but you can also follow a detailed guide on the provider’s website. And if you need a new Linksys router altogether, there is an option to purchase one with IPVanish pre-installed.
Servers. Whether streaming, torrenting, or browsing, the 3,400+ servers in 112 countries let you do that anonymously from anywhere. Furthermore, all hardware is bare metal and owned solely by IPVanish. It means the provider has total control over quality and security.
Security. Besides the essential VPN security features, IPVanish has a few additional perks. The Scramble option hides all tracks of VPN usage, split tunneling lets you route the VPN connection via select apps, and the SOCKS5 proxy is useful for torrenting. Lastly, there’s a free antivirus included with every subscription.
Pricing. Secure your Linksys router with IPVanish for $2.19/month. While there is no trial version, you can technically test it for free with the help of the 30-day money-back guarantee.
You’ll find more in-depth information in our IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN – versatile VPN to secure your Linksys router
| Linksys compatible: | ✅ Yes |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 105 countries |
| No logs: | No logs, independently audited |
| Current deal: | Now up to 80% OFF ExpressVPN + 4 months FREE |
Another recommended VPN for Linksys routers is ExpressVPN. It supports plenty of Linksys models, facilitates solid connection speeds, and offers a powerful toolkit. Although the feature list could be longer, it’s not a service to pass up on.
Compatibility. ExpressVPN offers custom firmware for seamless integration with Linksys. Done via OpenVPN, you can install it on various models, from WRT1200AC to WRT3200ACM. The provider even has interactive VPN configuration guides for popular Linksys routers, making the process quicker and easier.
Servers. The service includes RAM-only servers in 105 countries, so there are plenty of options to pick from. Most are 10Gbps, meaning solid connectivity and speeds great enough for smooth streaming, file-sharing, and browsing. In addition, ExpressVPN’s obfuscation technology, called Stealth VPN, is integrated with every server to help bypass restrictions.
Security. ExpressVPN secures your internet traffic with secure tunneling protocols and AES-256 encryption. A reliable kill switch prevents accidental data leaks, while Threat Manager blocks online threats from causing damage. Finally, you can use split tunneling if you want particular applications to work only when you’re connected to a VPN server.
Pricing. The starting price for an ExpressVPN subscription is $2.49/month. You can take the service out for a spin with the 30-day money-back guarantee without any risks.
Gain insights from our ExpressVPN review or make a well-informed choice by comparing NordVPN vs ExpressVPN.
5. CyberGhost – fast Linksys router VPN
| Linksys compatible: | ✅ Yes |
| Servers/countries: | Servers in 100 countries |
| No logs: | No logs, independently audited |
| Current deal: | Get 88% OFF CyberGhost + 2 months FREE |
CyberGhost is a fast and affordable VPN for Linksys routers. The service boasts great unblocking capabilities, a vast server fleet, and speeds good enough for all online ventures.
Compatibility. Although there is no direct Linksys router support, you can easily install it on models flashed with DD-WRT firmware. If any questions arise during the process, there are plenty of tutorials on the provider’s knowledge base. And while CyberGhost works with just OpenVPN on routers, the results are great performance-wise.
Servers. CyberGhost is another service with an extensive fleet of servers across 100 countries. The connections remain stable, whether connecting near or far, with no significant performance drops. Finally, the service has switched to 10Gbps servers, meaning faster data transfers and better coverage.
Security. With CyberGhost, a functional kill switch and advanced encryption shield you from prying eyes. Subscribers also get access to the Security Suite (anti-malware and antivirus tool), split tunneling, ID Guard Monitoring, and more.
Pricing. This Linksys router VPN is available for $1.59/month, with the option to test it with various free trials. Plus, all plans are insured with the 45-day money-back guarantee, so the commitment isn’t absolute if you decide CyberGhost is not for you.
Check out our CyberGhost review and get to know more about it.
Comparison of the best VPNs for Linksys routers
| VPN | Compatible with Linksys | Price | Based in | No logs | Servers/countries | Streaming capabilities |
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | $3.49/month | Panama | No logs, independently audited by PwC and Deloitte | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | $2.49/month | The Netherlands | No logs, independently audited by Cure53 and Deloitte | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more |
| IPVanish | ✅ Yes | $2.19/month | United States | No logs, independently audited by Leviathan | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and more |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | $2.49/month | British Virgin Islands | No logs, independently audited by Cure53 | Undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| CyberGhost | ✅ Yes | $1.59/month | Romania | No logs, independently audited by Deloitte | Undisclosed number of servers in 100 countries | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
What are the reasons to use a VPN for Linksys?
Installing a VPN on your Linksys router is beneficial in several ways. First and foremost, it adds a much-needed boost in security across all household devices, including the router itself. It is the go-to target of cybercriminals, after all. But if your internet is encrypted, malicious parties can’t read your data or use it to hack into your router.
Building on the encryption aspect, no one will see what you’re doing online, your ISP included. It means you are free to engage in data-intensive activities without being throttled or share files via P2P without paranoia.
Finally, you gain access to foreign content usually unavailable in your region. Most VPNs come with servers across all continents, letting you bypass geographical restrictions. Thus, you can peruse country-specific libraries of various streaming platforms, use locked services, enter blocked websites, and more.
How do I connect my Linksys router to a VPN?
At the time of writing this article, only the Linksys WRT32X model supports VPNs natively. If you have a different model, you’ll have to flash it with firmware – DD-WRT, Tomato, OpenWRT, or other. Ensure your Linksys model supports such firmware before attempting to configure the VPN on your router.
The setup process depends on your chosen VPN provider. I recommend checking whether your chosen service has detailed instructions on its website. For now, here’s a guide on how to set up NordVPN on a Linksys router using DD-WRT:
- Check if your Linksys router is compatible with DD-WRT firmware and install it on your device. You can find the installation process here.
- In the DD-WRT Administrative Interface, go to Setup > Basic Setup > Network Address Server Settings (DHCP). Enter NordVPN’s DNS addresses in the necessary fields. Then click Save and Apply Settings.
- Go to Setup > IPV6. Set IPv6 to Disable, click Save, and then Apply Settings. This step makes sure your IP doesn’t leak.
- Go to Service > VPN. Under OpenVPN Client, set Start OpenVPN Client to Enable.
- Enter the necessary details for the configuration. You can copy the information provided in NordVPN’s DD-WRT setup guide.
- Head to nordvpn.com/servers/tools/, choose a location from the drop-down menu, and click on Show available protocols. Download the UDP or TCP configuration file – you will need it later in the setup process.
- Open the OpenVPN configuration file using WordPad or Notepad++ and scroll until you find the field. Copy everything except for the "ca" and "/ca" tags and paste it in the CA Cert field.
- Now scroll down the OpenVPN file again until you find the key field. Again, copy the contents and paste them into the TLS Auth Key field.
- Click Save and then Apply Settings.
- To check if the VPN is working, go to Status > OpenVPN. Under State, you should see the message Client: CONNECTED SUCCESS.
How do I add the VPN to my Linksys Smart Wi-Fi?
Linksys Smart Wi-Fi routers let you give access to your home network via the OpenVPN client. Only the WRT3200ACM, WRT1900AC, WRT1900ACS, and WRT1200AC models have this feature. Before using it, you must ensure your router is running the latest firmware with OpenVPN support.
You also need to download and install the OpenVPN client software. A VPN is necessary, too. I covered how to do it here:
- Log in to your router using http://192.168.1.1. Click Local Access and enter the admin’s password.
- Click on OpenVPN Server on the tools navigation menu.
- Turn the server on and select Edit under the Configure OpenVPN Settings section.
- Head to Server Address, pick either IP Address x.x.x.x or Existing DNS name, and click Save.
- Under the Manage OpenVPN Users section, click on Edit and then + Add User. Create as many profiles as you need by entering the Username and Password for each user, and click Save.
- Navigate to Configure OpenVPN Settings, select OVPN Profile, and download it. You can send the file to people you wish to give access to your network.
- Enable the VPN, and that’s it.
You could use a free VPN for your Linksys router, but I recommend against it. Free services usually don’t support router devices in the first place. And even if you find one that does, you’ll be risking your security. Unfortunately, most free VPNs tend to spy on their users and sell their data.
Conclusion
Since routers often become targets of cyberattacks, it only makes sense to elevate their security with a VPN. This way, you’re eliminating vulnerabilities of your Linksys router and protecting all devices connected to it.
According to my research, the best VPN for Linksys routers is NordVPN. It works with various models, is fairly easy to configure, and provides excellent security measures along with superb performance. Plus, it comes with extra features useful for browsing, streaming, torrenting, and more.
FAQ
Can you put a VPN on a Linksys router?
Yes, you can configure a VPN to work on a Linksys router. Keep in mind that, depending on the service, you might need to flash the router with custom firmware such as DD-WRT to be able to install it.
Is it worth putting a VPN on a router?
Yes, it’s worth putting a VPN on your router, as it improves your security and privacy. Plus, everything connected to the router will be protected as well. That includes computers, phones, smart TVs, consoles, and every other smart device that has a Wi-Fi option.
What VPN works with Linksys router?
While many work with Linksys routers, the best one is NordVPN. It’s easy to install, supports plenty of Linksys models, and has detailed guides on how to set up the client with your router.
Do routers have a built-in VPN?
Yes, some routers come with built-in VPN software. This way, you don’t have to configure the VPN separately and benefit from extra security straight out of the box. Currently, Flashrouters offer a variety of such routers.
How do I enable VPN on my router?
You have to set up a VPN on your Linksys router first. After you’re done, simply connect to a VPN server, and you’re good to go.
