
Here are some of the main pros and cons found while using a VPN router: You can never be sure, which is why using a VPN is recommended for almost any online task. For example, in 2017 Chinese flat-panel display maker Vizio “agreed to pay $2.2 million to settle charges by the Federal Trade Commission and the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General that it installed software on its TVs to collect viewing data on 11 million consumer TVs without consumers’ knowledge or consent.” Hackers could potentially find a backdoor, or your smart TV could already be snooping on you. The same goes for any device with a mic, which is increasingly common due to the popularity of voice assistant technology. But, why use a VPN router instead of a normal app?Īnything with a camera in the home that is on and connected to the internet should be secured.

We’ve mentioned that VPNs are often used for privacy or to access geo-restricted content. In other words, when you pair your router to a VPN, it extends protection to all of your devices as long as they’re connected to WiFi. This does come with some drawbacks as the majority of providers limit the number of active devices that can be connected at one time with a single account.Ī VPN router will bypass the need to download apps to every device since it’ll work to secure every Wi-Fi-enabled device connected to your home network. Normally, you’d download a VPN app directly to your device, be it Windows, iOS, etc. (Think Netflix, BBC iPlayer, news channels) It provides privacy by masking your movements on the network while also having the ability to unblock geo-restricted content. This provides a layer of anonymity online so snoopers don’t see your every move. What is a VPN router?Ī virtual private network (VPN) is software that establishes an encrypted connection with a server of your choosing. Get the lowdown on the pros and cons and what models are available on the market right now. Here’s everything you need to know about setting up a VPN router.


There are numerous advantages, and a few trade-offs to consider, but it does make sense if you’d like to protect every device connected to your home network. The technology has drastically improved in recent years, where manufacturers are now building routers with VPN compatibility in mind. Installing a VPN on a router is easier than it used to be, depending on the model you have. Learn how.Ī VPN router is a nifty piece of hardware that allows the user to protect every device connected to their home network. Disclaimer: Partnerships & affiliate links help us create better content.
