3 Best VPN for Linksys Router in 2023

Many of your home gadgets require WiFi to perform basic functions, and rarely do any of them offer data encryption or identity protection. That leaves us with two options: unplugging all your devices or adding a VPN directly to your router. You already know which way to go, so let's talk about the Best Linksys Router VPN.

Securing your home network is a crucial matter, as a lot depends on encrypting your WiFi. That said, integrating your Linksys router with a VPN lets you protect all your devices at once, even the ones that don’t normally run VPN services, like game consoles and smart TVs.

Also, nothing comes close to the protection you get from setting up a VPN with your Linksys router. Most capable VPNs will help you pair strong protocols like OpenVPN with AES-256 data encryption, ensuring your home network stays private and away from online threats.

On top of that, working around Internet censorship, stable streaming, and protection against trackers are other benefits of setting up a VPN on your router. 

Now that we know the importance of using a VPN, here's our quick on Linksys router VPN setup and more. Keep reading!

How to Setup VPN on Linksys Router

Installing a VPN on a Linksys router can be tricky, as those routers support L2TP, which means no encryption is involved. So, to use a VPN on a Linksys router, it’s best to flash it with custom firmware, such as DD-WRT. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with Linksys routers (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Access your VPN's dashboard to obtain your OpenVPN username and password.
3. Pick a VPN server and download its OVPN (OpenVPN) files.
4. Flash your Linksys router using DD-WRT or other firmware of your choice.
5. Configure an OpenVPN connection manually on DD-WRT.
6. Restart your router to apply the changes.

Every VPN has a different method when it comes to configuring their connections manually on DD-WRT and other types of router firmware. So, we recommend you contact their customer support for more precise information.

Best Linksys Router VPN

You should consider several things before picking the best VPN for your Linksys router. For starters, you need a VPN that offers a dedicated router app or at least a simple manual setup. Apart from that, pick a VPN service that has OpenVPN support and reliable customer service (helping you resolve technical issues in no time). Of course, your chosen VPN should have a speedy and widespread server network alongside a no-logs privacy policy.

Based on the factors mentioned above, these are the 3 best VPN for Linksys routers:

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated Linksys router VPN
2. NordVPN - Best for High-End Security & Privacy Protection
3. CyberGhost VPN - Best Option for Privacy & Entertainment

1. ExpressVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN for Linksys Router

ExpressVPN is the best Linksys router VPN because its consistency in terms of providing exemplary service is what sets it apart from the competition.

Setting up ExpressVPN on a Linksys router is easy as this VPN has its own router firmware. Still, not all Linksys routers support ExpressVPN. Currently, there are 8 supporting Linksys models: EA6200, WRT1200AC, WRT1900AC 13J1, WRT1900AC 13J2, WRT1900ACS, WRT1900ACS V2, WRT3200ACM, and WRT32X.

When it comes to its performance, this VPN service has consistent speeds over both long and short distances. Also, its advanced filtering system lets you categorize devices between a VPN and a regular Internet connection.

Its widespread coverage across 94 countries has excellent P2P support with a strict no-logging policy. This only makes your online activities more private and secure.

Apart from offering a range of pre-configured VPN routers, the service also provides users with a structured tutorial and support system. In our experience, ExpressVPN's support team is fast with their responses and more than willing to help with the setup.

For any household or office that respects privacy, ExpressVPN is the VPN service to invest in.

2. NordVPN - Best for High-End Security & Privacy Protection

NordVPN lacks a dedicated router VPN app. This could make its setup process a little trickier for some. But that doesn’t stop it from being ranked among the most reliable VPNs on the market.

At the time of writing this guide, Linksys router models WRT32X and WRT32XB AC3200 are the only two devices that support the OpenVPN Client protocol, which is essential for setting up NordVPN directly on a router. Almost every other model would require you to flash them with the custom DD-WRT firmware.

NordVPN's manual setup process is one of the easiest to follow. The VPN service also offers a good selection of pre-configured VPN routers. Though that’s an expensive route, it does straighten a few corners for beginners.

During our tests, NordVPN's team was as responsive as they were concise with their solutions. In case you need more directions with the setup, contacting its 24x7 live support team could be an obvious next step.

For any reason, if you don’t want to subscribe to ExpressVPN, NordVPN could act as the next best VPN for Linksys routers. Especially for its smart server sorting and FlashRouters integration.

3. CyberGhost VPN - Best Option for Privacy & Entertainment

CyberGhost is a great alternative if you want to spend as little as possible on your VPN and still want premium features.

Like NordVPN, CyberGhost VPN doesn’t have a dedicated router VPN app. Still, CyberGhost's Wi-Fi routers can use the FlashRouters Privacy App for the same function.

Currently, the VPN supports the following Linksys router models: WRT1200AC, WRT1900ACv2, WRT1900ACv1, WRT3200ACM, WRT1900ACS, and WRT32X. Apart from that, CyberGhost VPN can also be installed manually on DD-WRT and TomatoUSB firmware-based routers.

Undeniably, the main attraction here is its advanced security features and large server fleet across 91 countries. The service delivers great speeds in a simple-to-use design and offers 7 simultaneous connections, which stops being a limitation when you set it up on a router.

We'll also mention that CyberGhost works great for media streaming. It unblocks dozens of popular and niche streaming platforms, giving you access to more entertainment on the Web.

For both small as well as big households who want 24x7 VPN support along with complete security coverage, CyberGhost VPN could be a great choice to explore.

Final Thoughts

If you are tired of setting up VPNs on every device in your home or business, maybe it’s time to add a VPN to your Linksys router. Doing that can protect any device you connect to it. 

With a dedicated router app, unrivaled customization, and 24x7 support - ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation. With plenty of guides and tutorials, you can set it up in minutes without any help. That's what makes it the best VPN for Linksys routers.

If you are not sure whether using a VPN on your Linksys router is the best way forward, consider checking our best VPN services, where you'll find more VPN options for individual devices.

That would be all on the best VPN for Linksys routers. If you have any questions, know that we’re here for you. So, make sure to use the comments section below. Thank you for reading!