What is a VPN Router? How do you choose the right one?

If you have ever used a VPN service to get around content blocks and unlock website restrictions, you probably have a good idea about what VPNs are. But have you ever thought about using a VPN router to enjoy VPN services on multiple devices? This way, you could skip out on paying higher premiums for more devices.

Here, we’ll introduce a new way to use a VPN service and tell you how to choose the right VPN router for your setup.

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. A VPN helps you access internet resources remotely, securely, and privately with tunneling technology. The VPN encrypts your personal information and hides your IP address from the public when you use the internet. This way, no one can tell who you are, where you are, and what you’re doing online. A VPN protects your data from being stolen by hackers or censored by unwanted organizations.

What is a VPN router?

A router that has built-in VPN software installed is called a VPN router. It can provide VPN connections for its connected devices. Before choosing a VPN router, you need to know more about what a VPN router can do and what benefits you can get from one.

What does a VPN router do?

A VPN connection consists of a VPN server and a VPN client. If you configure the router as a VPN server, you need to install VPN client software on each device to establish VPN connections between the router and your devices. In this case, the data transmitted between your router and devices are encrypted in a private tunnel, keeping your data safe. If you configure the router as a VPN client, after connecting it to a VPN server, all of its connected devices can enjoy the VPN service, and you don’t need install VPN software on every device.

Benefits of a VPN server router

Encryption Access

A VPN server router not only acts as a gateway to provide network sharing, but it can also allow you to freely access VPN services. By setting up a VPN server on your router, your connections to the router will become invisible to the internet, making each device anonymous.

Remote work

The confidentiality of the VPN makes it possible to work remotely. It will encrypt the data transmitted between you and the company, and the encrypted data will be securely transmitted on a dedicated data link, just like in a dedicated network. You can ensure that you have access to your company's network remotely without worrying about the risk of data leakage.

Benefits of a VPN client router

No need to install and configure software for each device

Unlike traditional VPN client software, the VPN Client routers allow devices in your home network to access remote VPN servers without installing VPN client software on every device.

No more account restrictions for VPN services

Some VPN service providers may have some account restrictions for VPN services. For example, some services only allow five devices to use the VPN service simultaneously. With a VPN client router, you no longer have these limits. You only need one account for all devices. The router will be recognized as an account, and all the devices connected to the router’s network can use the VPN service.

Now, you probably know which type of VPN router to choose based on your actual network needs. If you are interested in buying a VPN router, TP-Link VPN routers are a solid choice. A TP-Link VPN router is recommended because of the following advantages:

Can act as both VPN server and VPN client simultaneously

A TP-Link VPN router can act as both VPN server and VPN client to meet all your VPN service needs.

Can be set up as most types of VPN servers

The router can be set as a L2TP VPN server, PPTP VPN server, OpenVPN server, and IPsec VPN server.

Works with most third-party VPN servers

When set as a VPN client, the router can work with TP-Link VPN servers and most third-party VPN servers, including Surfshark, NordVPN, Mullvad VPN, ProtonVPN, ExpressVPN, PrivateTunnel, OVPN.com, and PIA.

Note: If the above VPN service providers update their VPN settings or protocols, you may need to update the router firmware to support them in the future.

Provides secure VPN connections for smart home devices

Many smart home devices let you enjoy a convenient lifestyle but can increase security and privacy risks. TP-Link routers use HomeShield to provide real-time IoT protection. You can also use a VPN connection to hide smart home devices from the internet, creating a new layer of security.

Currently, a series of TP-Link Archer WiFi routers support VPN Client, such as Archer AX20, Archer AX1800, Archer AX21, Archer AX73, and Archer AX90. Visit TP-Link VPN Routers list to find the best VPN routers for you.