Electronics

5 Best VPNs for DD-WRT Routers in 2024

By Novak Bozovic / February 28, 2024

Some devices, like DD-WRT routers, don't support native VPN apps. This causes issues for those who want to set up a VPN on their router to increase the security of their home or office networks. Plus, they want to maintain privacy for all their Wi-Fi-connected devices. This is why they look for a compatible VPN that is easy to set up and configure. 

The solution is to find the best VPN for DD-WRT routers. By setting up a VPN on your router, or more precisely - configuring OpenVPN on DD-WRT, you’ll ensure automatic protection for every device connected to your Wi-Fi network, which is very handy for devices that can’t use VPN software on their own. Moreover, the VPN will increase your overall network security and privacy.

In this article, we’ll reveal the best DD-WRT VPNs. We’ll also explain how to set up a VPN on a DD-WRT router, why you need a VPN, how to choose the best provider, how to compare the best options, how to set up OpenVPN on DD-WRT, and we'll finish with a round of FAQs. 

Best DD-WRT VPNs - Our Shortlist

  1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best DD-WRT VPN in 2024
  2. Surfshark – VPN for DD-WRT Routers with Unlimited Connections
  3. ExpressVPN – DD-WRT VPN Client with Next-Level Security
  4. CyberGhost VPN – Fully Automated VPN Protection for Any Router
  5. Private Internet Access – Highly Advanced VPN with Plenty of Servers

How to Set Up a VPN on a DD-WRT Router

To set up a VPN on DD-WRT router units, you need to subscribe to a provider that works with this kind of router. Then, you can manually configure it. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add a VPN on DD-WRT router devices:

  1. Subscribe to a VPN that is compatible with DD-WRT (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download your chosen configuration file from your VPN’s website to your computer. 
  3. Log in to your router’s dashboard via its IP (usually 192.168.1.1).
  4. Configure the OpenVPN Client on your router. 
  5. That’s it! Now, your whole network and all its connected devices will be protected.

The Best VPNs for DD-WRT Routers in 2024

To choose the best VPN for DD-WRT routers, you need to follow our criteria from the best VPN for multiple devices guide. First, the VPN must use the OpenVPN protocol so it is compatible with DD-WRT routers via OpenVPN Client configuration. It should also allow numerous simultaneous connections and support other devices like phones, computers, and more.

Furthermore, your chosen VPN must have a big server network and include a no-logs policy, robust VPN protocols and encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, ad blocking, and obfuscation. Moreover, it’s important that the VPN possesses strong unblocking capabilities while delivering fast speeds and stable performance.

You'll also want a good price and plenty of value overall. Also, your chosen VPN should offer a generous money-back guarantee, allowing you to test its services before purchasing it. Lastly, ensure that it has 24/7 customer support, so you can get help resolving any issue that may arise.

Based on these criteria, here are the 5 best DD-WRT VPNs in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best DD-WRT VPN in 2024

Editor's Pick
Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
Chromecast
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

NordVPN is the best VPN for DD-WRT router devices via the OpenVPN Client option. It also works with smartphones, computers, game consoles, tablets, and smart TVs. However, it allows 6 simultaneous connections. Check our in-depth guide on how to use NordVPN on a DD-WRT router if you want further instructions.

NordVPN provides you with 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries. It comes with a hard-hitting security suite, including AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch that cuts your connection if the VPN fails, an audited no-logs policy, split tunneling, obfuscation, an ad and malware blocker, and strong VPN protocols like NordLynx, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN.

Its unblocking capabilities are stellar as they allow you to bypass geo-blocks on streaming platforms and other websites. This DD-WRT VPN boasts fast speeds and reliable performance. In fact, NordVPN is among the fastest VPN providers on the global market - based on our own hands-on tests.

Furthermore, NordVPN is priced at $3.39/month (2-year subscription plan), and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that grants a refund if you are not satisfied with the VPN’s services. Lastly, it also has 24/7 customer support that will help solve any issue.

PROS

  • Offers DD-WRT router support.
  • 6,000+ servers across 60+ countries
  • Strong unblocking capabilities.
  • Industry-leading security and privacy.
  • 24/7 live chat customer support.
  • 30-day refund period.

CONS

  • 6 simultaneous connections.

2. Surfshark – VPN for DD-WRT Routers with Unlimited Connections

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
Amazon Fire TV
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

Next up is Surfshark, an impressive provider that works with DD-WRT routers, thanks to the OpenVPN Client option. However, you can also use it on your computer, gaming console, smartphone, tablet, and more. On top of that, you’ll enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections.

Regarding servers, Surfshark has less than its competitors, but it still has a decent network with 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. The VPN also employs VPN protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN, along with AES-256 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, a kill switch, obfuscation, an ad and malware blocker, and split tunneling.

Surfshark is impressively fast and has consistent performance. This VPN client also has the ability to unblock geo-restricted content, such as websites and streaming services.

You can get started with Surfshark for $2.29/month (2-year subscription). It allows you to test it and get a refund if you’re unsatisfied with its services, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. What’s even better is that you can reach its 24/7 live chat customer support and get assistance with any issue. 

PROS

  • Can be installed on DD-WRT.
  • Impressive speeds and performance.
  • Multi-hop feature for extra security.
  • Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • 24/7 live chat support.
  • 30-day money-back period.

CONS

  • Can take a while to connect.

3. ExpressVPN – DD-WRT VPN Client with Next-Level Security

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chromebook
Kindle
Nook
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Apple TV
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Chromecast
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

ExpressVPN is another solid option compatible with DD-WRT routers using OpenVPN Client configuration. Besides this, you can use it on your phone, computer, tablet, gaming console, and more because the VPN enables 8 simultaneous connections. Check out our instructions on how to set up ExpressVPN on a DD-WRT router.

The provider comes with 3,000+ servers located in 105 countries. You can enjoy top-notch security due to its AES 256-bit encryption, robust VPN protocols (such as Lightway, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec), and an audited no-logs policy. ExpressVPN also offers automatic obfuscation on all its servers, a robust kill switch feature, and split tunneling.

You can use ExpressVPN’s impressive unblocking abilities to access streaming platforms and other websites. This is also possible because the provider has lightning-fast speeds and consistent performance worldwide.

Lastly, everything listed above is available for $6.67/month (annual plan), and you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to test its services. On top of that, you can take advantage of its 24/7 customer support via different methods like live chat, email support, and support tickets.

PROS

  • Supports DD-WRT routers.
  • Easily unblocks geo-restricted content.
  • 3,000+ servers in 105 countries.
  • 24/7 live chat support.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee.

CONS

  • Limited customization.

4. CyberGhost VPN – Fully Automated VPN Protection for Any Router

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
Samsung Smart TV
All game consoles
All smart TVs
Roku
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

CyberGhost is also an excellent choice that's compatible with DD-WRT routers using the OpenVPN Client (how to use CyberGhost VPN on DD-WRT routers) and works with other devices like phones, tablets, laptops, PCs, and gaming consoles. Plus, this VPN also allows 7 simultaneous connections.

This provider comes with one of the biggest server networks on the market. With 11,500+ servers in 100 countries and strong content-unblocking capabilities, you can enjoy access to geo-restricted websites and streaming services. Plus, CyberGhost delivers medium-fast speeds and stable performance, making it a great choice for streaming.

With CyberGhost, you will get high-end security features, such as AES 256-bit encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. Additionally, it offers a kill switch, extra-private NoSpy servers, split tunneling that allows you to create a unique tunnel for a particular online activity, and an ad and malware blocker.

CyberGhost offers a great price as well; only $2.03/month for its 2-year plan. It even offers a 45-day money-back guarantee that comes in handy if you are not sure whether this is the right VPN for your needs. Lastly, this VPN has knowledgeable 24/7 customer support that you can always access.

PROS

  • Compatible with DD-WRT routers.
  • Servers in 100+ countries.
  • Streaming-optimized servers.
  • 24/7 live chat support.
  • 45-day money-back guarantee.

CONS

  • No obfuscated servers.
  • Medium-fast speeds.

5. Private Internet Access – Highly Advanced VPN with Plenty of Servers

Servers
Countries
Apps
Windows
Android
Mac
iOS
Linux
Router
Chrome
Firefox
PlayStation
Xbox
Amazon Fire TV
Nintendo Switch
Parallel Connections
Live Chat

If you want to install a VPN on DD-WRT router devices, then Private Internet Access (PIA) might be right for you. It works seamlessly with DD-WRT routers, as it can be configured using the OpenVPN Client feature. Also, you can use it on smartphones, tablets, computers, and gaming consoles, as it allows unlimited simultaneous connections

PIA excels when it comes to its server fleet—it has the largest one on the market, with thousands of servers in 90+ countries. On top of this, it comes with top-notch security measures, like military-grade encryption, split tunneling, VPN protocols (such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec), obfuscation, an ad blocker, and a kill switch.

One downside is that PIA’s speeds are on the slower side—the slowest of all the VPNs we tested, in fact. However, it still delivers reliable performance. On top of that, it also has robust unblocking abilities, so you can use it to access various websites and streaming platforms. 

Furthermore, you can become a subscriber for only $2.19/month (2-year plan), and you'll get a 30-day money-back guarantee that allows you to test its services before making an informed decision. Of course, 24/7 customer support is there as well.

PROS

  • Works for DD-WRT routers.
  • Extra-wide server network.
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • 24/7 live chat support.
  • 30-day refund policy.

CONS

  • Not the fastest option.
  • Best for advanced users.

Best DD-WRT VPNs: Compared

NordVPN Surfshark ExpressVPN CyberGhost VPN Private Internet Access
DD-WRT Support YES YES YES YES YES
Other Supported Platforms Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS/iPadOS
Apple TV
Fire TV
Android TV
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS/iPadOS
Fire TV
Android TV
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS/iPadOS
Apple TV
Fire TV
Android TV
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS/iPadOS
Fire TV
Android TV
Windows
macOS
Linux
Android
iOS/iPadOS
Fire TV
Android TV
Simultaneous Connections 6 Unlimited 8 7 Unlimited
Server Network Size 6,000+ servers
60+ countries
3,200+ servers
100 countries
3,000+ servers
105 countries
11,500+ servers
100+ countries
N/A
90+ countries
No-Logs Policy YES YES YES YES YES
VPN Protocols OpenVPN
NordLynx
IKEv2/IPsec
OpenVPN
WireGuard
IKEv2/IPsec
OpenVPN
Lightway
IKEv2/IPsec
OpenVPN
WireGuard
IKEv2/IPsec
OpenVPN
WireGuard
IKEv2/IPsec
Kill Switch YES YES YES YES YES
Performance Ultra-fast Fast Ultra-fast Medium Medium
Split Tunneling YES YES YES YES YES
Pricing $3.39/month
(2-year plan)
$2.29/month
(2-year plan)
$6.67/month
(1-year plan)
$2.03/month
(2-year plan)
$2.19/month
(2-year plan)
Money-Back Guarantees 30 days 30 days 30 days 45 days 30 days
Customer Support YES (24/7) YES (24/7) YES (24/7) YES (24/7) YES (24/7)
Get NordVPN Get Surfshark Get ExpressVPN Get CyberGhost Get PIA

Why Do You Need a VPN for a DD-WRT Router?

You need a VPN for a DD-WRT router so that you can improve your online security and privacy on all your devices and access geo-restricted content. Here are all the reasons why you should get a DD-WRT VPN:

How to Choose the Best VPN for DD-WRT Router?

To choose the best VPN for DD-WRT router devices, you will need to focus on some crucial criteria, such as compatibility with the router and strong security features. Here is a full list of factors you should consider:

How to Set Up OpenVPN on DD-WRT Routers?

To set up OpenVPN on DD-WRT routers, you first need to find a VPN that offers the protocol. Then, you need to download the OpenVPN configuration file(s) and follow the installation process. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

  1. Download the OpenVPN config files from your VPN’s site (.ovpn or .conf extensions).
  2. Connect to your router, preferably by LAN.
  3. Access the router’s control panel via its IP (usually 192.168.1.1) and log in.
  4. Find the Services tab and click on “VPN.” 
  5. Navigate to the OpenVPN Client section and click the “Enable” option.
  6. Open the config file in a text editor.
  7. Copy all the settings over to the router interface.
    DD-WRT Services VPN Settings for NordVPN
  8. If your firmware has User Pass Authentication, proceed to Step 11.
  9. If your firmware lacks User Pass Authentication, click in the “Additional Config” box.
  10. Enter “auth-user-pass /tmp/auth.txt” in the selected text box.
  11. Copy over all the necessary servers, keys, and certificates.
  12. Click “Save” and then choose “Apply Settings.”
  13. Scroll down and find “Start Now” under the OpenVPN Client section.
  14. Wait a few seconds and check your connection. A green checkmark means success!
    Connection Successful NordVPN on DD-WRT

Final Thoughts

Not all routers support VPN installation, and finding the best VPN for DD-WRT routers can be tricky. You may want to install a VPN to enhance the security of your network and protect any devices that are connected to it. On top of that, most VPNs will slow you down and won't unblock every website. Still, a top-rated DD-WRT VPN should not have those issues.

We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for DD-WRT routers because, thanks to its seamless compatibility with DD-WRT, you will enjoy VPN protection on your whole network. Moreover, it has super-fast speeds, high-end security features, impressive content-unblocking abilities, and a vast network of 6,000+ servers across 60+ countries.

FAQ

Which VPN Works Best with a DD-WRT Router?

NordVPN works best with a DD-WRT router. This is because it offers the OpenVPN protocol for DD-WRT firmware, delivers incredible speeds, allows numerous simultaneous connections, and is easy to set up.

Does DD-WRT Support VPN?

Yes, DD-WRT supports a VPN. This is because it has a VPN passthrough and an OpenVPN Client feature, allowing you to configure a VPN on the router. Keep in mind that this firmware is only compatible with the OpenVPN tunneling protocol, which is why we recommend NordVPN.

Can You Put a VPN on a DD-WRT Router?

Yes, you can put a VPN on a DD-WRT router. The router allows VPN configuration using its OpenVPN Client. However, this means the VPN must employ the OpenVPN protocol. Our strong recommendation is NordVPN, as it checks all the right boxes.

Can You Use a Free VPN for a DD-WRT Router?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for a DD-WRT router. However, we don’t recommend this. Free VPN services rarely come with OpenVPN config files that work with the respective router firmware. What you can do is get a free VPN trial to experience how a VPN should work. Take a look at NordVPN's free trial, which can be activated on Android and lasts for 7 days.

That’s all for our guide to choosing the best DD-WRT VPN. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!



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