7 Best VPNs for OpenWrt so you can protect all your devices

Installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your Openwrt router is a great way to secure your entire home network. After all, this allows you to bypass simultaneous connection limits and encrypt traffic from devices that don’t have full VPN support, like Smart TVs and games consoles.

The problem is that not every VPN works with Openwrt or other popular router firmware. Don’t worry, though: our team of experts has searched high and low to find services with large networks, high speeds, and powerful security tools so that you can stream, torrent, and browse the web safely on every device you own.

We’ll go into more detail on each service below, but if you don’t have the time to read the whole post, here are the best VPNs with Openwrt support:

1. NordVPN Our first choice. Boasts excellent speeds, a high level of security, and a risk-free money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark The top budget VPN for Openwrt users. Has an extensive server network and a wide variety of advanced features. Great streaming ability too.
3. ExpressVPN Quick speeds, 100+ server locations, and custom firmware for routers. An excellent choice for day-to-day browsing.
4. PrivateVPN In-house support staff can walk you through the installation process. No-logs policy, steady speeds, and a strong security toolkit.
5. Private Internet Access Fast and reliable, with knowledgeable support staff and a good set of security features.
6. PureVPN Large network of servers and a real streaming potential. 24/7 customer support makes router installation as painless as possible.
7. ProtonVPN A highly advanced and technical VPN with a setup guide for OpenWRT.

How we selected the best VPNs for OpenWrt

While you might not find a ton of documentation on it, many VPN services are compatible with OpenWrt. But that’s not the only thing you need to look for when choosing your VPN. When we put together this list of the best VPNs for OpenWrt, we looked at the following criteria:

• Compatibility with routers
• Responsive and knowledgeable customer support
• Fast and reliable connections
• Strong encryption and no logs of personally identifiable information
• Large choice of server locations

This is just a selection of the things we look for, but you can read more about our testing and ranking process in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that impressed us.

The best VPNs for OpenWrt: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for OpenWrt.

The best VPNs for OpenWrt

Here’s our list of the highest-quality VPNs for OpenWrt devices:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is the best overall VPN for Openwrt. Its support section has detailed step-by-step guides to installing it via command line or a GUI interface, so you should be able to protect your entire network in no time at all. This provider offers access to more than 6,000 RAM-only servers in 100+ countries and works with a variety of streaming services, so there really isn’t much it can’t handle.

This service uses AES-256 encryption with a kill switch and DNS leak protection built-in. This means you can rest assured your information will never leave the encrypted tunnel. It also blocks ads, trackers, and malware automatically, and has been audited multiple times to prove that it doesn’t store connection or activity logs. Support staff are on-hand 24/7 to provide assistance via live chat.

NordVPN permits up to 10 simultaneous connections, though a router only counts as one, regardless of how many devices are connected. Clients are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

BEST VPN FOR OpenWrt:NordVPN is our top pick. Delivers first-class speeds, supports P2P traffic, and can be installed relatively easily on Openwrt systems. Provides a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for Openwrt. Its website walks you through the entire installation process but live chat is available 24/7 in case you’d prefer one-on-one support. This provider has RAM-only servers in 100+ countries and can unblock a wide range of geo-restricted content; plus, its speeds are some of the fastest we’ve seen.

This VPN hides your activities using 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and automatic tracker-blocking. It can even swap your IP address periodically for an extra layer of privacy. Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs and has been audited several times. Users can pay in cryptocurrency too, so there’s no need to provide personally-identifiable info when signing up.

Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, even if it’s not installed on a router. Just install the iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, or Linux apps.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a great low-cost VPN for OpenWrt. Boasts solid speeds, a wealth of security features, and a no-logs policy. Connect as many devices as you like. Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the only major provider that has its own firmware for routers (and this has been revamped with a new and improved interface). Alternatively, you can buy a pre-configured router. It works with a wide variety of streaming services and even works in China, so you can browse safely wherever you are in the world. On that note, there are VPN servers in 100+ countries and the customer support team is accessible 24/7 via live chat.

In our opinion, this is one of the easiest VPNs to use. That’s because it blocks malicious websites and trackers automatically, and obfuscation kicks in whenever it’s needed. Your connection is secured using 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, plus ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy, a fact that has been verified by independent auditors.

Eight simultaneous connections are allowed, so you can cover your home with a router VPN and still be able to protect a couple of mobile devices, too. Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux.

HIGHLY VERSATILE OPTION:ExpressVPN is reliable and newcomer-friendly. Has a vast server network that is optimized for high-speed connections. Hard to beat on privacy and security. Works with all major streaming services. There is a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee included.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a smaller network of servers (roughly 200 in 63 countries), but unlike most of its competitors, it owns these outright. It works with Openwrt and most other open-source firmware, plus it delivers reliable speeds. Better still, it easily unblocks stubborn platforms like Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Live chat is available at most times of the day, though not quite 24/7, unfortunately.

As its name suggests, PrivateVPN has robust security features. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a stealth mode capable of beating the world’s strictest online censorship. This provider doesn’t keep any logs, so your privacy is in good hands.

PrivateVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, which is double the industry standard of five. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is easy to use and supports Openwrt. Allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Fast connections but could do with an independent audit. 30-day money-back guarantee.

See our full review of PrivateVPN.

5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has servers in 100+ countries and is more than fast enough for streaming HD content. As if that wasn’t enough, it’s one of the only VPN services that allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. While there are detailed instructions for setting up a VPN connection on your Openwrt router, PIA encourages users who are struggling to get in touch using the 24/7 live chat help desk.

Security is a top priority for PIA. It offers 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, plus there are plenty of advanced configuration options for more experienced users. This service has been independently audited, so when it says it keeps no logs, you can believe it.

PIA has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, plus a GUI-based Linux app.

WIREGUARD SUPPORT:PIA offers 24/7 live chat support, servers in 90+ countries, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

6. PureVPN

PureVPN offers detailed instructions for getting started with Openwrt systems and also works with other firmware, including Tomato and DD-WRT. There are servers in over 70 countries, and torrenting is permitted on any of them. This VPN’s speeds are reasonable (though far from the fastest we’ve seen), and support staff are ready to help at any moment via live chat.

This provider has robust security features, including 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Protocol options include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and L2TP, among others. Further, it refuses to keep any logs and has proven this with a third-party audit, so there’s no need to worry about your online privacy.

PureVPN apps can be downloaded for MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android. Up to 10 simultaneous connections are allowed, so you’re free to secure your entire home network and anything you take with you when you leave.

EASY TO USE:PureVPN has powerful encryption, decent speeds, and step-by-step guides to getting set up on Openwrt routers. Includes a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our review of PureVPN.

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7. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is reliable and advanced for users seeking VPN support on OpenWRT routers. It offers the perfect balance between robust security features and user-friendly setup options. Known for its strong stance on privacy, ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, a jurisdiction favorable for data protection. This positioning allows ProtonVPN to maintain a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user activity is not recorded.

ProtonVPN supports OpenWRT and has a detailed setup guide. This makes it a viable option for users who prefer to connect to their VPN on a customized router.

The service provides strong encryption protocols, secure core servers that route traffic through multiple servers, and a net shield to block ads, trackers, and malicious websites. For users interested in streaming or specific content access, ProtonVPN is known to effectively bypass geo-restrictions, supporting a range of streaming services, including Netflix US.

Live chat support is available on its website and you can try this VPN risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus this VPN is perfect for torrenting thanks to its split tunneling and port forwarding features.

HIGHLY ADVANCED:ProtonVPN is a popular service based in Switzerland, a location that is superb in terms of privacy. Strong AES encryption, kill switch, and stealth VPN. Servers in 85+ countries. Works with popular streaming services. Compatible with routers. 30-day money-back guarantee

Read our ProtonVPN review to find out more.

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Finding the best VPNs for OpenWrt: our methodology

It’s not enough to find a VPN that works with Openwrt. You also need to consider whether it’s capable of dealing with the stress of day-to-day browsing. Here are a few key areas we focused on when finding the top VPNs for Openwrt routers:

• Router support: First, we need Openwrt support. Ideally, there’d also be support for other router firmware and detailed guides to walk you through the installation process, plus 24/7 live chat in case you need additional advice.
• Speed: We perform hands-on testing and run dozens of speed tests to determine the fastest VPNs. After all, slow connections often lead to stuttering with HD content and random disconnections, which are terrible for your privacy.
• Security: VPNs installed on a router don’t provide all of the same benefits as traditional VPN app. However, in our opinion, they should still offer a high level of security, with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, a no-logs policy, and support for the most secure VPN protocols.
• Versatility: Plenty of VPNs are great for torrenting but struggle to access any streaming sites. That’s why we test them against platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. We also make sure they’re suitable for gaming, video calling, and other common activities.
• Value for money: We take into account all of the above and then take a closer look at their prices, any discounts they’re offering, and their money-back guarantees. We even provide VPN discount coupons so you can save as much as possible.

Our VPN testing methodology includes all of the above and more. Hands-on testing allows us to stay up-to-date with the best VPNs for OpenWrt so you can have all the information you need to make a decision.

How to set up a VPN on an OpenWrt router

The exact setup will depend on your router model and the VPN you’re installing. We provide links to some individual VPN guides below, but the general client configuration is quite similar, no matter which device you have.

Here’s how to configure an OpenWrt router with a VPN:

1. Select a suitable VPN provider and pay for your subscription. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Ensure your router is flashed with OpenWrt firmware.
3. Enable OpenVPN by changing the root password and installing the OpenVPN package.
4. Download your VPN provider’s OpenVPN client configuration files for the location you wish to use. Change the file extension from “ovpn” to “conf.”
5. Create a new network interface and firewall zone, and add a forwarding rule.
6. Configure DNS servers as per your provider’s instructions.

Openwrt VPN setup guides

Protecting your smart devices and hiding your real IP address doesn’t have to be difficult, but unless you’re an advanced user, it probably will take an afternoon to get everything configured properly. On the plus side, most major VPN providers have step-by-step guides to installing their service on open-source firmware like Openwrt.

Here are a few links to router setup instructions for each of the VPN’s above:

• NordVPN
• Surfshark
• ExpressVPN
• PrivateVPN
• VyprVPN
• PIA
• PureVPN
• Proton VPN

Again, all of the VPN providers on our list will be happy to help you via their customer support teams. But it’s also worth bearing in mind that most providers typically issue a disclaimer stating that the setup hasn’t been fully tested and isn’t guaranteed to work.

Note that flashing a router (replacing its firmware) could cause damage to a router. You should probably not experiment with this unless you’re fairly tech-savvy.

VPNs for OpenWrt: FAQs