Netgear routers have a built-in VPN. However, it doesn’t let you bypass geoblocks or browse privately — it just works as a server for remote control of your network. In contrast, the best VPNs for Netgear routers let you access worldwide content safely at top speeds.
My team and I tested how 60+ VPNs work for different Netgear models — from Nighthawk R7000 to Orbi RBR20. Our shortlisted services are easy to install on your router and offer detailed setup tutorials. They have fast servers worldwide for smoothly streaming geo-restricted platforms, and safeguard your data with strong security and privacy features.
ExpressVPN is my favorite option for Netgear routers. It has an intuitive web interface for effortless device management and 3,000 servers worldwide to unblock content. It also provides advanced tunneling protocols to protect your data without sacrificing speeds. If you want to test it yourself, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free (it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee).
Get the Best VPN for Your Netgear Router
Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Netgear Routers that Work in November 2022
- ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for Netgear routers with exceptionally fast servers worldwide to stream geoblocked content at top speeds. Plus, you can try it with confidence as it offers a 30-day refund policy.
- CyberGhost — An immense global server network that unblocks popular streaming platforms on any device linked to your router.
- Private Internet Access — Extends strong security to all your router-connected devices, but doesn’t allow torrenting on US-based servers.
- IPVanish — In-depth installation guides for easy setup on your Netgear router, but can’t unblock Amazon Prime Video.
- PrivateVPN — P2P-friendly server to torrent reliably on your WiFi, but doesn’t have firmware for Netgear routers.
5 Best VPNs for Netgear Routers — Full Analysis (Updated in 2022)
I made sure the VPNs on this list work with the majority of Netgear router models. Their fast servers give you great internet speeds, even when connecting to your router over WiFi. They have unlimited bandwidth too, so you don’t run into data caps. Usually there’s a device limit, but this doesn’t apply when you’re using any of these VPNs with your router.
Additionally, these VPNs protect your data from prying eyes with strong encryption and reliable kill switches. All of my recommendations also offer a reliable money-back guarantee, so you can try them without risk.
1. ExpressVPN — Impressive Speeds for Uninterrupted Streaming on Your Netgear Router Network
Try Risk-Free for 30 DaysTested November 2022
- Lightway tunneling protocol provides secure connections without lowering speeds
- Device Management lets you easily manage devices connected to your router
- Access worldwide online services with a vast network across 94 countries
- Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol extends fast speeds to all the devices on your network. Finding the fastest server takes one click with the Smart Location feature. My speeds were excellent while testing ExpressVPN's servers. The connection only decreased from my base speed of 91Mbps to 77Mbps — a mere 15% drop. This means you can game online or watch UHD videos without buffering (4K streaming only requires 25Mbps).
The vast network distributed over 94 countries helped me get around geo-restrictions. This VPN also has an obfuscation feature that can help bypass VPN blocks used by some streaming sites. I had no issues accessing my HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ accounts from anywhere. For instance, I watched Shameless (US) on my Netflix US account from outside the country.
This VPN supports the P2P traffic required for file sharing and some multiplayer games. Besides, the provider doesn’t limit your bandwidth, so you can route all your traffic via the VPN all the time for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
Unlike many VPNs, ExpressVPN offers firmware for several Netgear routers. After installing, you can assign VPN servers to specific devices on your network via the Device Groups feature. I appointed the US server to my Nvidia Shield TV for permanent access to my Hulu account. You may also exclude some devices from the VPN. For example, I whitelisted my smartphone so I used my online banking app with my usual IP address.
Manual connection is possible on Netgear routers with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware, and those that support OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec protocols. The official website offers many tutorials and videos on configuring the VPN with your router. There’s also a 24/7 email and live chat support to help you with the setup.
Your data is protected by military-grade encryption (AES 256-bit). All traffic is tunneled using high-standard OpenVPN, Lightway, or L2TP/IPsec protocols. Lightway gave me the best speeds for gaming and streaming, while I used OpenVPN for enhanced security when paying for shopping online.
Additionally, the Network Lock (ExpressVPN’s kill switch) prevents accidental data leaks. It automatically terminates your internet access if the VPN server for your router disconnects. Although I didn't experience any connection issues, this feature gave me confidence that my traffic is always secure. There weren’t any IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks on all servers I tested.
ExpressVPN doesn’t share or collect your confidential information, as shown by the PwC audit of its strict no-logs policy. To boot, its RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology) wipe your online data clean with every server reboot. Finally, the provider is located in the British Virgin Islands, so your information is processed outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances intelligence-sharing pact.
My only drawback is that the plans are a bit pricey, with subscriptions starting at $6.67/month. At the same time, ExpressVPN regularly runs generous discounts — I got 49% off and 3 extra free months with mine. The 12-month subscription is the most wallet-friendly option and you can pay with most popular methods, including PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, and PaymentWall.
I tested the 30-day refund policy myself. Turns out, you can quickly get your money back if you’re not fully satisfied. I spent about 5 minutes applying for a refund via the online chat. The provider sent my payment to my bank card in just 2 days.
Try ExpressVPN Without Risk Today
2. CyberGhost — Global Servers to Access Streaming Platforms From Router-Connected Devices
- Get around geoblocks for streaming platforms with servers in 91 countries
- Fast speeds to watch UHD videos and play online games without slowdowns
- Strict no-logs policy to keep your online activities and personal data private
- Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
CyberGhost’s vast network lets you unblock popular streaming platforms and other online services. You have over 9,229 servers across 91 countries to choose from for your router. I accessed my Netflix US and Disney+ accounts while testing CyberGhost’s US servers on my Netgear router. That means watching shows like Dancing with the Stars on your Smart TV isn’t a problem even if you’re outside the US.
My WiFi was fast and stable — excellent for streaming and gaming. Even though CyberGhost isn’t as swift as ExpressVPN, I still had over 70Mbps on the Chicago server. You may also connect your Netgear router to P2P-optimized servers for faster torrenting. There's no cap on the amount of data you get, so nothing prevents you from running the VPN on all your tech non-stop.
You can get a Netgear router with CyberGhost pre-installed, but it can be a bit expensive. Besides, this VPN offers custom firmware for easy installation on several Netgear routers. There are comprehensible guides to help you configure the VPN connection for DD-WRT and Tomato-compatible devices too. Plus, the 24/7 live chat support helped me find the right firmware and tutorials.
OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec tunneling protocol safeguard your router traffic. The even faster WireGuard protocol is available for PC, Mac, and smartphone apps (which also come with a built-in ad blocker). The VPN keeps your router data encrypted with AES 256-bit encryption, while HTTPS protection automatically redirects you to the secure version of websites.
The automatic kill switch keeps your network safe from accidental leaks. I also saw no data exposure while running IP/DNS/WebRTC leak tests. What’s more, the provider has a strict no-logs policy and is based in Romania (outside of the EU’s data retention laws). For an extra fee, you can use CyberGhost’s extra-secure NoSpy servers managed exclusively by the VPN team.
On the downside, the monthly plans are a bit costly and have a limited 14-day refund policy. However, the most affordable long-term subscription starts at only $2.03/month. I signed up for a 3-year plan and paid with PayPal (other options, like credit card and Bitcoin, are available too).
With extended plans, you can try CyberGhost for free during the 45-day money-back guarantee period. I requested a refund using email (without talking to the support agent). My payment was back in my PayPal account 3 days after cancellation.
3. Private Internet Access — Protects Your Netgear Router Traffic With Advanced Security Settings
- Customizable encryption to prioritize security or speeds for your router network
- Easily access geo-restricted online services with 29,650 servers across the globe
- IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection safeguards your personal data online
- Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
PIA’s customizable security features let you balance protection and speeds on your network. I use the fast (but secure) AES 128-bit for streaming but switch to AES 256-bit to manage my bank account safely. This VPN also supports OpenVPN — the optimal tunneling protocol for routers.
My IP/DNS/WebRTC information was safe when I ran leak tests on PIA’s servers. Plus, the private DNS and kill switch protect your network from accidental data exposure. There’s a trustworthy zero-logs policy too. As evident by several court hearings, the VPN has proved it doesn’t collect or share your confidential information. I also use its ad blocker (MACE) to stop annoying ads and trackers — it works the same as CyberGhost’s blocker.
There are detailed guides for setting up the VPN on your Netgear router. The 24/7 live chat team helped me find the right configuration files for my Nighthawk R6400v2. You can also get firmware for Pfsense, DD-WRT, and OpenVPN-supported models on the official website.
Servers in 84 countries let you access your favorite online services from anywhere. Connecting my router to the New York server allowed me to watch The Boys on Amazon Prime Video from abroad. Additionally, the obfuscation technology makes your VPN traffic appear like regular online activity. That way, you can avoid the robust VPN blocks used by platforms like BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and CBS.
Sadly, the servers in the US don’t support torrenting traffic. However, there are many P2P-ready servers around the globe and unlimited bandwidth for unrestricted file sharing. Speeds are great for downloading too — I averaged 64Mbps while testing the VPN with BitTorrent. This meant I could download a 5GB file in 11 minutes. PIA’s extra-fast NetGen servers are also available in the US, UK, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong.
All subscriptions offer the same features, but extended plans are more wallet-friendly overall. You can get PIA for as low as $2.03/month. To save the most, I got the 2-year plan.
A reliable refund policy covers your first 30 days. I made sure that getting your money back is as easy as advertised. To get a refund, I canceled my plan via the Client Control Panel and asked for my money back on the live chat. My refund was sent to my credit card in 4 days.
4. IPVanish — Easily Configure Your Netgear Router With In-Depth Tutorials
- Detailed tutorials for effortless firmware installation on your Netgear router
- Firmware lets you quickly turn the VPN connection on and off for your network
- Bypass international geoblocks with servers in 75 countries
- Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more
Configuring IPVanish on Netgear routers is stress-free, thanks to the in-depth tutorials and 24/7 online support. You can install custom firmware for several dozen Netgear models to access router-specific features. I tested how fast I could set up IPVanish for my router — it took me less than 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can buy a new router with the VPN pre-flashed. However, I don’t think it’s necessary as installation is so easy.
You can set up your Netgear router manually with OpenVPN or L2TP/IPSec protocol too. However, the custom firmware makes connection management easier. The Dual Router feature lets you seamlessly switch between the VPN and your normal connection. So you don’t need to reconfigure your router’s settings each time you want to encrypt your WiFi network or use your regular IP address.
My connection was consistently above 55Mbps — fast enough for bufferless UHD streaming and lag-free online gaming. File sharing was easy too because the VPN supports P2P traffic. There are also no bandwidth limits to stop you from enabling the VPN on your router 24/7.
All the servers are privately owned by the provider to prevent interference with your data. The VPN also safeguards your online activities with strong security protocols, encryption (AES 256-bit), and an independently audited no-logs policy. Like ExpressVPN, it offers a reliable kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection too.
The only problem I experienced was that I couldn't get past the Amazon Prime Video firewall during my tests. But the servers work with most popular streaming platforms besides APV, including FOX, NBC, and DAZN. That makes it easy to connect your router to a US server to binge-watch The Mandalorian on your Disney+ account.
The subscriptions start at $3.19/month. Of course, you can get shorter plans, but they are considerably more costly than long-term ones. That’s why I got the yearly plan to save the most money.
Trying IPVanish is free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t 100% like it, you can quickly cancel via the website’s dashboard (that's how I did it). In 5 days, my PayPal account was fully reimbursed.
5. PrivateVPN — P2P-Friendly Servers for Reliable File Sharing on Your Netgear Network
- P2P traffic support on all of its 200 servers to torrent from anywhere
- A kill switch prevents data leaks on devices connected to your Netgear router
- Get past international geo-restrictions with a global server network
- Can unblock: Netflix, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
Download and share files freely on your home network, with PrivateVPN’s network-wide P2P support. Port forwarding is also available to improve your speeds. My connection was fast enough for torrenting when I tested PrivateVPN’s servers. It took me about 3 minutes to download a 1GB file. The VPN doesn’t have data caps either, so you can torrent on one device while streaming or gaming on other devices connected to your router.
Your network traffic is shielded from hackers and snoops with AES 256-bit encryption, security protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec), and a kill switch. The VPN doesn’t log or share your web data either, so your activities remain private. I had no IPv6/DNS leaks as I tested the VPN on my Netgear router across several servers.
The servers are located in 63 countries for reliable access to geo-restricted online services. There’s also a Stealth Mode that helps you get around strict firewalls. When I enabled Stealth Mode, I watched Dead to Me on my Netflix account without the platform detecting I was using a VPN.
The only issue is that PrivateVPN doesn't have custom firmware for Netgear routers. Still, it works on any Netgear model compatible with DD-WRT and Tomato firmware. I easily set up the VPN manually on my router using the configuration files (downloadable in digitally certified ZIP archives). The provider also has step-by-step setup guides and a 24/7 live chat with the developers to help you get started.
Every subscription is pocket-friendly; you can try PrivateVPN for only $2/month. The 3-year plan was my choice, as it offered the lowest monthly fee. I paid with my card but PayPal and Bitcoin are available too.
It was easy to get my money back during the 30-day refund period. I used the 24/7 live chat to apply for a refund and cancel. In just a week, they transferred my money back to my credit card.
Quick Comparison Table: 6 VPN Features for Netgear Routers
| Setup type |
% speed drop while testing on Netgear |
Kill switch | 24/7 online support |
Countries with server locations |
Unblocks Netflix US |
|
 ExpressVPN |
Custom firmware/Manual setup | 15% | Yes | Yes | 94 | Yes |
 CyberGhost |
Custom firmware/Manual setup | 23% | Yes | Yes | 91 | Yes |
 PIA |
Config files/Manual setup | 29.6% | Yes | Yes | 84 | Yes |
| IPVanish | Custom firmware/Manual setup | 39.5% | Yes | Yes | 75 | Yes |
| PrivateVPN | Manual setup | 45% | Yes | Yes | 63 | Yes |
Quick Guide: Set Up a VPN for Netgear Routers in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a reliable VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its custom Netgear firmware, detailed installation guides, and manual connection support. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free (it’s backed by a 30 money-back period).
- Connect to a server. Once you’ve got the compatible firmware, log in to your router’s admin section. Next, navigate to the Router Update tab in the Administration section to install the firmware.
- Start browsing. Log in to ExpressVPN’s router interface and follow the instructions to finish the setup. You’re all set to browse securely without geo-restrictions on all your router-linked devices.
Note: Be mindful when modifying Netgear router with third-party firmware — you may damage your device if you don’t follow instructions properly. Flashing your router may also void your warranty, so check your documentation beforehand.
Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for a Netgear Router
All the VPNs on my list work perfectly on the majority of Netgear routers. They provide fast speeds and online protection, and let you bypass global geoblocks. However, if you prefer doing VPN research yourself, these testing criteria can make a helpful checklist:
- Compatibility and ease of use — Your VPN must support your Netgear model, provide clear setup guides, and have a 24/7 live chat to help with installation. Ideally, your provider should have custom Netgear firmware with extra router features.
- High-grade security and privacy features — Leading encryption (AES 256-bit), tunneling protocols (like OpenVPN or IKEV2), kill switches, and IP/DNS leak protection safeguard your data.
- Fast connection speeds — The best VPNs let you maintain fast speeds for streaming, online gaming, and torrenting while encrypting your traffic. Look for a service that doesn’t slow your base connection by more than 50%.
- Global server network — VPNs with global coverage let you access most websites, streaming platforms (including Netflix US), and other online services from anywhere. Nearby servers also provide the fastest speeds.
- Trustworthy money-back guarantee — A tried-and-tested refund policy lets you test a VPN on your Netgear router without risking your money.
Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today
FAQs on VPNs for Netgear Routers
Do all Netgear routers work with VPNs?
Most VPNs work on Netgear routers that support OpenVPN or L2TP/IPsec standards. It's worth noting that the best Netgear VPNs provide custom firmware to flash your router and get access to extra device management features. The services on this list work with Netgear models including:
- Netgear R6300v2 and R6700v3
- Netgear Nighthawk Pro, R7000 dual-band, R7000p, X4, X4S, X10 XR1000,A X12 WiFi 6
- Netgear AC1750
- Netgear Orbi
Some VPNs require you to flash your router with DD-WRT firmware. You may need to use the Enable VPN Service option in the router’s admin section to configure a VPN for Netgear Orbi (Orbi RBK852, RBKE963, or RAXE500), and other models.
How can I install a VPN on my Netgear Nighthawk router?
You can flash your Netgear Nighthawk router with special firmware. Thankfully, some of the best VPNs have reliable tunneling protocols that work with most routers. Flashing your router gives you access to many convenient router-specific features. Here’s how the setup process looks for ExpressVPN on Netgear Nighthawk R6700:
- Download your chosen VPN’s firmware for Netgear Nighthawk.
- Log in to your router’s admin panel, available at 192.168.1.1 or routerlogin.net. (If you’re having trouble logging in, try the default username/password “admin” and “password”. Hard resetting can also work if you set a password but forgot it).
- Navigate to Router Update in the Advanced tab of the Administration section.
- Click Browse and select the firmware you downloaded. Your router will restart automatically after installation.
- Navigate to the VPN web client for the Netgear router to finalize the installation and group devices for specific VPN servers.
Just note that installing VPN firmware on your Netgear router will override your current settings, like your WiFi SSID and password. You can reset your router to go back to your default settings.
Does a Netgear router have a built-in VPN?
Yes, but it’s not the kind of VPN that protects your connection or helps you bypass geoblocks. If you want these benefits, it’s better to configure a premium VPN on your current Netgear router. Netgear’s existing VPN just lets you turn your home network into a server to control your devices remotely. While useful, this has none of the benefits of a traditional VPN.
You can also get a Netgear router with a pre-installed VPN (from FlashRouters), but they tend to be costly. It's much more affordable to flash your existing router with an easy-to-install VPN provider.
Why should I use a VPN on my Netgear Router?
Installing a VPN on your router helps you protect all the devices connected to your network 24/7. For example, you can safeguard your web data by connecting to a reliable VPN with strong encryption and leak protection. This makes all traffic to and from your home network unreadable to hackers and snoops — giving you enhanced online privacy.
Besides, a Netgear router VPN setup also helps you bypass geoblocks on devices without native VPN support. That means you get to watch geo-restricted content on your Netflix US or HBO Max accounts from your Xbox One or Android TV. Since you can connect as many devices to your router as you like, you get unlimited VPN connections at home too.
Can I use a free VPN with my Netgear router?
Not if you value speed or online privacy. Instead of risking your privacy or money, you can try a secure VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee. Most free VPNs lack robust security features and advanced protocols, which leaves your data vulnerable. Besides, these services can sell your personal data themselves or infect your router with malware.
Even if you find a secure free VPN for Netgear routers, no-cost services can rarely afford large server networks. This leads to network congestion and slow speeds — and it means you won’t be able to reliably unblock your streaming accounts. Lots of free VPNs even deliberately restrict your speeds, server access, and data usage to force you into paying.
Get a Reliable VPN for Your Netgear Router
Get the Best VPN for Netgear Router Today
Install a VPN on your Netgear router to use its features on unlimited connected devices. This includes high-speed access to geo-restricted websites and apps. It also lets you protect all your online activities and confidential data with cutting-edge security.
ExpressVPN is my best pick for Netgear routers. It has custom firmware for several Netgear models, plus manual connection options. Both options provide fast worldwide connections for UHD streaming on popular platforms without buffering. Additionally, military-grade security features provide online protection to every device in your router's range.
Another advantage is that you can try ExpressVPN without risk. The provider offers a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning it’s easy to get a refund if you’re not 100% happy with the service.
To summarize, the best VPNs for Netgear routers are…
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