5 Best VPNs for Netgear Routers in 2024 — Fast & Easy Install

A VPN is recommended if you want to use the internet safely, securely, and privately. Some Netgear routers have built-in VPNs. However, built-in VPNs aren’t as secure as premium VPNs as they don’t have the same advanced security features and aren’t as fast.

Sadly, not all premium VPNs are compatible with all Netgear routers. I tested over 50 VPNs with Netgear’s Nighthawk RAXE300, Orbi Quad-Band, and R6700AX router models to find out which VPNs worked well with them.

ExpressVPN is the best premium VPN for Netgear routers as it works natively. In addition, it’s the fastest and has the best features to keep you safe and anonymous online. You can get ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get ExpressVPN for Netgear Routers

Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Netgear routers in 2024

The Best VPNs for Netgear routers (Tested in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — The Only Top VPN With Dedicated Firmware for Netgear Routers

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN is the only premium VPN I tested that has native Netgear firmware. The VPN’s website offers firmware for models, including the R6300v2, R6400v2, and others. The installation process is straightforward, allowing easy configuration to protect your entire network. Detailed tutorials will guide you, and there’s 24/7 customer support if you need help.

One advantage of installing a VPN on a router is that the VPN connection will protect any device on the network. There is no limit to the number of devices that can use the VPN simultaneously. I connected 2 smartphones, a Smart TV, a PlayStation, and two PCs to the router’s ExpressVPN connection and only had an average of 3% slowdown across devices.

This was also the fastest VPN I tried with Netgear routers. I watched BBC Earth videos on YouTube in 4K while also downloading music and video-calling friends on Discord — all with no lag.

The functionalities with Netgear routers are also extremely useful. The Device Groups feature lets you assign servers to specific devices — I assigned a server in LA to my PlayStation and played Fortnite with American friends with only 10ms ping. You can also change server locations for Device Groups by selecting “VPN LOCATIONS”.

In tests, ExpressVPN servers seamlessly accessed various streaming services, including:

To keep you safe and anonymous while you use the internet with your Netgear router, ExpressVPN has strong data leak protection measures to prevent any of your DNS or IP information from passing through encryption ciphers. No data was exposed in my leak tests. Other security and privacy-protecting features include:

• AES 256-bit encryption — protects your data with a level of encryption that has never been cracked and is used by the US military.
• Network Lock kill switch — this feature instantly blocks all internet traffic if your Netgear router loses connection to the VPN, ensuring your data remains protected.
• RAM-based servers — ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology is based on RAM rather than physical hardware, and all data is deleted at the end of each session. This means none of your online activity with your Netgear router is stored anywhere.
• Independently audited — cybersecurity audit firms PwC, KPMG, and Cure53 have all verified that ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy is accurate.
• British Virgin Islands jurisdiction — ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands — one of the most privacy-friendly jurisdictions in the world. Authorities never request or grant access to any of your data.

While its price isn’t the lowest ($6.67 a month for the 1-year + 3 months plan), ExpressVPN offers great value thanks to the dedicated Netgear firmware and the quality of its features. Choosing longer subscription plans also significantly reduces the cost. What’s best, ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers For Smooth Streaming on a Netgear Router

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	11,800+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost boasts a dedicated network of streaming-optimized servers to deliver smooth and buffer-free streaming experiences on your Netgear router. You can also switch servers by manually changing the configuration on the router to your chosen location and then restarting your router to access other libraries’ content.

When it comes to compatibility, CyberGhost works with DD-WRT routers, including many Netgear models. Although you have to install it manually, the installation process is user-friendly — CyberGhost provides detailed guides on its website to help you configure it on your router.

With CyberGhost, your online identity remains safe because of military-grade encryption and advanced leak protection mechanisms. Other useful features include:

• WiFi Protection — when connected to your Netgear router, CyberGhost safeguards your data even on public WiFi networks. It immediately encrypts your traffic, preventing potential eavesdropping.
• Kill switch — this fail-safe mechanism cuts off your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. This prevents data leaks and keeps your browsing secure.
• Privacy-friendly jurisdiction — CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, which isn’t part of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance or any other international intelligence-sharing agreements.
• Strict no-logs policy — this policy has been independently audited by Deloitte, providing assurance of CyberGhost’s commitment to user privacy.

Although CyberGhost’s overall speeds are extremely fast — second only to ExpressVPN’s — faraway servers can vary in their speed. However, it isn’t hard to switch to a new server if one gets a little slow. I connected to a server in New York, and my speeds only reduced by 9% despite the 3000+ mile distance. I watched videos in UHD on YouTube with no lag.

In terms of pricing, the 2-year + 2 months plan is pretty affordable at just $2.19 per month, and CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can give it a try without any worries. I personally checked this by reaching out to their 24/7 live chat support, and I got my refund in less than a week.

3. PIA — More Servers to Connect to With Netgear Routers Than Any Other VPN

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Private Internet Access (PIA) has more individual servers to connect your Netgear router to than any of my top premium VPNs. This means that it’s extremely unlikely any server will become overcrowded and slow.

You can also change servers when using PIA through a router. To change to a new server, you just need to reconfigure the files and server location directly on your router. During tests, PIA servers allowed me to access popular streaming platforms like:

This is a very fast VPN, too — I only experienced an 11-12% slowdown when I connected to servers in New York and New Jersey. I downloaded a 10GB video file while talking to friends on Skype and browsing in another tab, all without lag.

There are plenty of features to keep you safe and private online with PIA on a Netgear router. In addition to 256-bit encryption and leak protection safeguards, there are also:

• RAM-based servers — PIA uses RAM-based servers, meaning no data is stored on these servers permanently. This enhances your privacy, as there’s no risk of data retention or exposure.
• MACE blocker — the built-in MACE feature not only prevents annoying ads but also protects you from potential threats while you use the internet on your Netgear router.
• No-logs policy — PIA’s commitment to user privacy is backed by an independently audited no-logs policy, verified by Deloitte.

Unfortunately, PIA doesn’t include instructions on flashing your router. However, it does provide instructions on installing the VPN on firmware for Netgear routers. You can also find instructions on flashing your router elsewhere online.

At just $2.19 a month with the 2-year + 2 months plan, PIA has one of the best monthly VPN plans in terms of value for money. PIA offers a generous 30-day refund window in case you’re not satisfied. I tested this out by using their online support ticket system to ask for a refund, and I received a confirmation on the same day. I had my money back in just 5 days.

4. NordVPN — Specialized P2P Servers Let You Torrent Safely On Netgear Routers

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	6,300+
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Most of NordVPN’s servers are optimized for P2P file sharing, so you can torrent using your Netgear router connection securely and with high speeds. However, remember to only download legal, non-copyrighted files — even with a strong VPN like NordVPN.

There are plenty of other features that keep your identity private on Netgear. NordVPN uses the military-grade encryption and leak protection defenses expected from premium VPNs. It’s also based in one of the most privacy-friendly countries in the world — Panama — and its no-logs policy is verified by PwC. Its kill switch also worked without fail when I tested it.

There are servers in 110 countries, and in tests they easily accessed services like:

If you want to set NordVPN up on your Netgear router, there are detailed guides online to help you configure this. You’ll need to set up DD-WRT firmware, but the instructions explain how you can do this. I tried this out (with no previous experience or technical knowledge of DD-WRT), and it only took me 20 minutes.

One potential drawback of this VPN is that the Double VPN feature — which gives you an extra layer of protection by routing your traffic through two servers — isn’t available on routers. However, NordVPN’s encryption and other security features are more than strong enough for safe, anonymous internet use.

You can get NordVPN for $3.09 with the 2-year + 3 months plan, and it also has a 30-day refund policy in case you change your mind. I put their money-back guarantee to the test by reaching out via the 24/7 live chat, and I had my money back in my account in less than a week.

5. Surfshark — Built-in Malware Blocker Keeps You Safe On Netgear Routers

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	3,200+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Surfshark’s CleanWeb is a powerful tool designed to keep your Netgear online experience free from malware, phishing attempts, and intrusive ads. CleanWeb blocks access to malicious websites, shields you from online threats, and even eliminates ads. To use it on a router, change the router’s DNS to 151.236.14.64 and 62.216.95.100, then press “Apply”.

Surfshark also has 256-bit encryption and leak protection for extra security and privacy. Camouflage Mode disguises your VPN traffic to appear like regular internet traffic, enhancing your online privacy. RAM-based servers and a no-logs policy mean that none of your data is collected or stored.

It’s a fast VPN as well as a secure one — I connected to a server in New York and only had an 18% slowdown. During tests, One Piece on Netflix loaded in less than 10 seconds and played lag-free.

In tests, Surfshark’s servers accessed:

The VPN is compatible with various Netgear router models, and its installation process is straightforward. You can easily configure Surfshark on your Netgear router by following Surfshark’s user-friendly online setup guides.

Although Surfshark’s 1-month plan is pretty expensive at $12.95, you can get a 2-year + 2 months subscription for just $2.29. Plus, you have 30 days to get a refund if you change your mind. I tried this out through their 24/7 live chat, and I had my money back within a week.

Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Netgear Routers

How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Netgear Routers in 2024

I judged each premium VPN on a list of criteria to narrow the selection down to the top 5:

• Compatible with Netgear routers — the first thing I tested was whether or not each VPN worked with Netgear routers. Only Netgear-compatible VPNs made the final list.
• Strong security features — the best VPNs for Netgear routers have features like military-grade encryption, kill switches, and data leak protection. My list only includes VPNs with these features to protect your data.
• No-logs policy — unfortunately, some VPNs log your online activity and data. I only included VPNs with no-logs policies.
• Fast speeds — whether you just want to check Facebook or play Call of Duty: Warzone online, you want a VPN with fast speeds. No VPNs in the final running slowed my speeds too much.
• Large server networks — unlike Netgear’s built-in VPNs, the best VPNs should give you a range of locations to route your traffic through. Only VPNs with servers all over the world made my top 5 list.
• Customer support — setting up a VPN on your Netgear router isn’t always easy, and there are often multiple ways to configure it. I only picked VPNs with accessible customer support to give advice on this.

Quick Guide: How to Install a VPN on Netgear Router 

FAQs About VPNs for Netgear Routers

Get a VPN For Your Netgear Router Today

A VPN is crucial to safeguard your online privacy and security. While some Netgear routers offer built-in VPNs, they lack the functionality to route your traffic through remote servers. Many of Netgear’s built-in VPNs are also on blocklists, so they may not work with all the services you are trying to access.

I suggest using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN with your Netgear router to protect your entire home network. ExpressVPN has robust security features, a vast choice of servers in numerous locations, and blazing-fast speeds. Its 30-day money-back guarantee also means you can use it without risk.

Summary: 5 Best VPNs for Netgear Routers 2024

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Ranked Top Choice

1.

9.8

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$6.67 / month Save 49%

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2.

9.6

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$2.19 / month Save 83%

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3.

9.4

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$2.19 / month Save 82%

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4.

9.4

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$3.09 / month Save 76%

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5.

9.4

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$2.29 / month Save 85%

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