VPN for Linksys Router: Top 5 Picks for Network-wide Protection

It’s best to get a VPN for a Linksys router if you own one. Cyber threats and privacy concerns are on the rise and using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) has become a necessity. Once you set it up on your router, it’ll safeguard all devices connected to the Wi-Fi network.

So, which services work the best with Linksys routers?

Read on to learn more.

5 Best VPNs for Linksys Router

Here are my picks!

ExpressVPN – Best Overall for Linksys Models

ExpressVPN offers specialized firmware and setup instructions on its website for various Linksys models, such as the WRT32X, WRT1200AC, WRT3200ACM, WRT1900AC 13J2, WRT3200ACM, etc.

It has servers in 105 countries globally to allow you access to geo-restricted sites. Also, it protects your internet traffic with secure tunneling protocols and AES-256 encryption. 

This VPN service also has automatic obfuscation on all its servers to make your connection look like regular traffic. This will help you unblock more websites that have a VPN detection system.

Additionally, ExpressVPN has the Lightway Protocol, which is faster and more reliable than other protocols. It’s especially great for streaming.

To set up ExpressVPN on the Linksys router:

1. Get the ExpressVPN firmware.
2. Connect the router to the internet.
3. Load the firmware onto the router.
4. Connect your device to the VPN router.
5. Finish the router setup.

Pros:

• It’s compatible with Linksys.
• ExpressVPN is fast thanks to its Lightway protocol.
• It has servers in 105 countries.
• Offers automatic obfuscation on all its servers.
• 24/7 customer support.

Cons:

• It’s a pricey option.

Get ExpressVPN

NordVPN – Best for Security and Privacy

NordVPN is compatible with Linksys routers (WRT32X and WRT32XB AC3200 models) because it supports the OpenVPN protocol. However, you’ll need to flash your router with Tomato, DD-WRT, or OpenWRT firmware. 

It allows users to set up a secure connection directly on their router. Moreover, it has over 6,000 servers in 60+. 

NordVPN also has specialty servers including Double VPN,  Onion over VPN, obfuscated servers P2P-optimized, and Dedicated IP. Additionally, it has the Nordlyx protocol for faster and more secure VPN connections on your Linksys router. 

Here’s a quick guide to set it up:

1. Flash your router with Tomato, DD-WRT, or OpenWRT firmware.
2. Log into your router.
3. Find and click the VPN client tab.
4. Follow the instructions provided to complete the setup.
5. Check your VPN protection by searching “What is my IP” on Google to see if your virtual location has changed.

That’s it! However, note that flashing your Router might lead to damage if you aren’t careful.

Pros:

• You can set it up on a Linksys router.
• Offers strong security and privacy.
• Has dedicated IP addresses.
• Its connections are reliable and speedy thanks to its Nordlyx protocol. 

Cons:

• It doesn’t work with certain built-in Linksys router firmware.

Get NordVPN

Surfshark – Supports Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark is a reliable VPN provider that uses the OpenVPN protocol with Linksys routers. However, you must flash the router using DD-WRT or Tomato firmware beforehand. Luckily, the VPN provides detailed setup instructions on its website to assist with the process.

Furthermore, it has over 3,600 servers in over 100 countries for global access to geo-blocked content. Also, it allows you to connect to unlimited devices on a single subscription.

Moreover, this VPN offers several protection features including DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, a customizable kill switch, and industry-standard encryption. Additionally, Surfshark provides camouflage and NoBorders modes, CleanWeb, and Bypasser for additional security.

Here are the steps to install it on your Linksys router:

1. Flash your router with Tomato or DD-WRT.
2. Open the router configuration panel.
3. Click the VPN client tab.
4. Follow the guidelines on your client.
5. Make sure your connection is VPN-protected.
6. Enjoy your VPN router.

Pros:

• Utilizes OpenVPN protocol with Linksys routers.
• Wide server coverage with over 3,600 servers in 100+ countries.
• Allows unlimited device connections on a single subscription.
• Offers reliable protection features.
• It’s pocket-friendly.

Cons:

• Requires flashing the router with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware, which may be too technical for some users.

Get Surfshark

CyberGhost VPN – Large Server Network

CyberGhost VPN is compatible with WRT1200AC, WRT1900ACv2, WRT1900ACv1, WRT1900ACS, and WRT3200ACM Linksys models flashed with DD-WRT firmware. It boasts over 11,000 servers in 100 countries including China.

Furthermore, it has specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. They’re optimized for speed and security. Also, it has a 45-day money-guarantee policy if the service doesn’t impress you. 

Moreover, CyberGhost VPN has NoSpy servers in Romania’s secure data center.

Follow these quick steps to set up CyberGhost VPN on a router:

1. Flash your router with DD-WRT firmware.
2. Log into your VPN account on your browser.
3. Select “VPN” under advanced settings.
4. Tap “VPN Client,” select “Add profile” then fill in the boxes.
5. Hit the Activate button to establish a connection.

Pros:

• It works with Linksys routers.
• Offers over 11,000 servers in 100 countries.
• Has dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
• This provider has a 45-day money-back guarantee policy.
• It delivers high-quality and uninterrupted streaming experiences.

Cons:

• It doesn’t have a free plan.

Get CyberGhost VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) – A Budget-Friendly Option

Private Internet Access is compatible with Linksys routers. However, you must flash it using either Tomato or DD-WRT firmware. It’s among the pocket-friendliest VPN services, with the highest number of servers globally. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

What’s more, PIA has RAM-only servers designed to erase all data on every reboot. It doesn’t retain any residual data, even during potential service breaches.

Additionally, it has a zero-logs policy to ensure the app doesn’t retain any personal information like IP addresses, browsing histories, or geographic locations. Moreover, it offers an Identity Guard. It monitors your email for potential breaches and notifies you accordingly.

To set up Private Internet Access (PIA) on Linksys routers, follow the below steps:

1. Flash your router with Tomato or DD-WRT firmware.
2. Log in to your router’s web interface using its IP address.
3. Go to the VPN section (often under Advanced settings) and enter your VPN provider’s details.
4. Save the settings, restart the router, and test the VPN on a connected device.

Pros:

• It’s compatible with Linksys routers.
• Offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
• Has over 35,000 servers.
• It has a MACE feature for additional security.
• Budget-friendly.

Cons:

• It can’t unblock popular streaming sites like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

Get Private Internet Access

How I Chose a VPN for Linksys Router

While testing the services, I considered the following factors:

• Compatibility: I ensured each option works with Linksys routers.
• Protocols: I opted for VPNs supporting OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, or L2TP/IPsec.
• Server locations: I chose VPNs with servers in relevant locations.
• Security: I checked for AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.
• Logging policy: I chose VPNs with a strict no-logs policy.
• Customer support: I opted for providers with 24/7 support.
• Price and plans: I compared the pricing, payment options, and guarantees.
• User interface: I prioritized user-friendly interfaces for account and settings management.

Setting up a VPN on a Linksys router will protect all devices connected to it. The above services all work perfectly with various router models. They offer different features, so pick the one that meets your needs and budget.

Additionally, if you need to protect your Asus router, I’ve got you covered as well.