If you’re looking to set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your OpenWrt router, then you’re making a smart move. An OpenWrt VPN will encrypt all the traffic flowing to and from any device connected to that router. It tunnels the traffic through an intermediary server of your choice, which enables you to access geo-restricted content by spoofing your location. What’s more, most VPN packages offer a limited number of simultaneous connections, but a router counts as one device. This means you can secure all of your home devices while using up only one of your available connections.

OpenWrt is a relatively new open source firmware for routers that’s gaining popularity. With a wide range of add-ons, it is highly customizable and a popular choice among developers. And with an improved user interface, it’s becoming simpler to navigate and more suitable for less advanced users.

We get into a lot of detail on the best VPNs that support OpenWrt below, but if you don’t have the time to read the whole piece, here are our top selections:

  • NordVPN Our top choice. An exceptionally fast provider with detailed setup instructions for OpenWrt. Strong on security. 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark Affordable all-rounder with good speeds and solid security features. Provides installation instructions for all kinds of routers.
  • ExpressVPN Confirmed support for OpenWrt and knowledgeable support staff can assist with installation. Fast servers and a good reputation for privacy.
  • PrivateVPN Can be configured with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware. Will need to contact support for installation guidance.
  • VyprVPN OpenWrt setup instructions are on the website, but support for troubleshooting is limited. Compatible with DD-WRT and Tomato firmware.
  • PureVPN Live support on the ready to give you bespoke step-by-step instructions for setting up OpenWrt.

While you might not find a ton of documentation on it, many VPN services are compatible with OpenWrt. That being said, those that do provide guides typically issue a disclaimer stating that it is not guaranteed to work. As such, one of the main things to look out for with an OpenWrt VPN is excellent support. Of course, there are plenty of other important factors, and we’ve based our list of the best VPNs for OpenWrt on the following criteria:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

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

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 is our list of the best VPNs for OpenWrt:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our first choice for router setup. You can manually configure the VPN to a compatible router or you can opt to purchase a pre-configured router sold by third-party affiliate, FlashRouter. Although, the latter only makes NordVPN routers using the Tomato and DD-WRT firmware. For OpenWrt, you’ll have to manually configure.

NordVPN has posted a tutorial for configuring the VPN with a router running OpenWrt firmware (we’ve included it in our tutorial list below). And if you have any issues, the live chat team is just a click away to offer assistance.

This service uses 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy. A kill switch and DNS leak protection are built-in. This means you can rest assured your information will never leave the encrypted tunnel. NordVPN keeps no logs at all. This service also includes automatic wifi protection and its own protocol, NordLynx, which is faster and easier to audit than OpenVPN.

A plan enables you to connect to six devices simultaneously, which makes it ideal for families or those with a lot of devices. Desktop clients are available for Windows and MacOS and mobile apps can be downloaded for iOS and Android.

BEST VPN FOR OpenWrt:NordVPN is our top pick. A great value option that works tirelessly with torrenting & P2P. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. Also works well with most popular streaming services and achieves consistently good speeds. Provides a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Manual configuration available for OpenWrt with tutorial assistance
  • Live chat can assist you with manual configurations
  • Vast server network is great for streaming
  • Very high speeds
  • Strong encryption and no logs make for top security and privacy

Cons:

  • Automatic server selection may not fit all use cases

Our score:

Read our in-depth review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a speedy, low-cost option that works well with routers. The service’s website offers step-by-step tutorials for OpenWrt, ASUS-WRT, Mikrotik, Tomato, and DD-WRT routers, plus with over 3,000 servers to choose from, you shouldn’t have any issues getting a low-latency, high-speed connection.

So what else does this VPN have to offer? First, it excels at securely accessing geo-restricted streaming platforms like Netflix. Second, it allows you to secure any number of devices at once, something very few major providers do.

Finally, it offers an impressive array of security features. These include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, not to mention a feature that turns the VPN on automatically whenever you use an unsecured wifi network. Crucially, Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs.

Surfshark offers iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and 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.

  • Works great on routers, well-documented setup procedures

  • Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth

  • Connect as many devices as you like

  • Great streaming ability

  • Impressive security offering

  • Has the occasional slow server

Read the full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

When it comes to setting up a router VPN, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice. It actually makes its own custom firmware which can be used with any compatible router. Alternatively, it offers pre-configured wifi routers flashed with its own firmware and configured to all servers. It can also be installed on other routers running compatible firmware and ExpressVPN has confirmed that OpenWrt is supported. There is no online tutorial available yet, but you can contact the reliable and knowledgeable live chat customer support team for help with setup.

On the security side, this VPN service uses 256-bit encryption along with perfect forward secrecy and uses the OpenVPN protocol (though a faster proprietary protocol named Lightway is available too). It has a built-in kill switch and DNS leak protection to ensure your information never falls into the wrong hands. ExpressVPN never records any activity logs and has been independently audited to prove this.

A plan enables up to five simultaneous connections, so you can cover your home with a configured router and still be able to protect a couple of mobile devices, too. Apps are available for Android and iOS and there are clients for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, should you need to protect a desktop computer or laptop separately.

HIGHLY VERSATILE OPTION:ExpressVPN is reliable and easy to use. 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.

  • Support OpenWrt, offer pre-configured routers, or installation on compatible routers

  • Support staff are helpful, knowledgable and operate around the clock

  • Fast, reliable speeds – streaming HD content or downloading/uploading large files

  • High-grade encryption, security and privacy throughout

  • Advanced configuration for power-users is a little limited

  • Costs slightly more than some of its rivals

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is actually a great all-rounder. It works with OpenWrt, although you’ll probably need to contact customer support for help with setup. The support is all in-house but live chat isn’t quite available 24/7. In other words, you’re never more than a few hours away from help and it will be from someone who knows what they’re talking about. PrivateVPN can also be configured with routers running a variety of other firmware, including DD-WRT or Tomato.

If you’re concerned about security and privacy, as its name suggests, PrivateVPN has you covered. It uses 128-bit or 256-bit encryption, depending on which protocol you choose (OpenVPN or WireGuard are recommended). This is alongside perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. The latter will kill the internet connection should the VPN connection drop.

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

GREAT SPEEDS:. Allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Fast connections but could do with having more servers to chose from. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Work with OpenWrt, in house support assistance will get you going

  • Fast servers, also great for  streaming sites

  • They log no personally identifiable information on their users

  • Kill switch and automatic wifi protection activate when connection drops

  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat

  • Few servers to choose from

See our full review of PrivateVPN.

5. VyprVPN

Website: www.VyprVPN.com

VyprVPN notes that it offers limited support for OpenWrt, but it does provide setup instructions on the website. If you need additional help, 24/7 live chat is available. VyprVPN is also compatible with DD-WRT and Tomato firmware. It isn’t the fastest service we’ve tested but it is reliable. It can enable access to plenty of streaming services and is a solid option for use in China.

VyprVPN provides excellent security in the form of 256-bit encryption and offers an adapted OpenVPN protocol called Chameleon. It owns its own servers, which is great for performance and security. This service does log your IP address and the VPN address you connect to, which is a strike for privacy-conscious users. VyprVPN says the info is only used for billing and troubleshooting and is deleted after 30 days.

A basic plan enables up to 10 simultaneous connections with apps available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

HAS AN EASY SET UP:VyprVPN is user friendly. A solid choice. Stores no logs, offers great security and unblocks most streaming services. More pricey than some. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Limited support for OpenWrt, provides detailed instructions on their website

  • Fast speeds are perfect for streaming

  • Exceptional security and privacy features

  • Cheaper providers higher on the list

  • No pre-configured OpenWrt or DD-WRT routers available

Find out more in our VyprVPN review.

6. PureVPN

Website: www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

While PureVPN has a tutorial for OpenWrt configuration posted, plus you can contact a live chat agent for one-on-one support if you’d like. You can also get pre-configured FlashRouter routers, although OpenWrt isn’t an option. It can be manually configured with other router firmware, including Tomato and DD-WRT.

PureVPN is another so-so performer when it comes to speeds, but it’s inexpensive, offers a reliable connection, and can unblock plenty of streaming sites. Although some locations only have virtual servers, the network spans an impressive 78 countries, which means you can access content from across the globe.

Security is top-notch with 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Protocol options include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and L2TP, among others. There has been some controversy over logs maintained by PureVPN, namely recording your IP address, so some privacy-conscious users tend to shy away.

A basic plan gives you the option to connect up to 10 devices at the same time. Apps can be downloaded for MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android.

EASY TO USE:PureVPN has a great app. Offers strong security. Fast speeds but can have some connection issues. 31-day money-back guarantee.

  • Live chat agent can assist you to set up OpenWrt

  • Top-notch security setup with solid encryption, DNS leak protection and kill switch

  • Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously

  • Transfer speeds can be slow with some servers

  • Overcoming the stigma of earlier bad press surrounding privacy

  • Occasional connection issues for VoIP calls during our tests

Read our review of PureVPN.

Finding the best VPNs for OpenWrt: our methodology

The fact that you’re here tells us that you want a VPN that’s compatible with routers. Of course, there are other factors to take into account including server speed and level of security. Below, we outline our methodology for finding the best VPNs for OpenWrt.

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 steps are quite similar.

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

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

Setting up a VPN with OpenWrt

OpenWrt is an open-source firmware based on Linux. It has had a bit of a tumultuous last few years but is now going strong. After a brief split in 2016 where a side-project called LEDE was formed, the two projects officially merged early in 2018 to form the current OpenWrt.

One of the main attractions of this firmware is the range of add-ons available, making it highly customizable. In the past, its complicated interface made it more popular with developers than beginners. But the current version boasts an improved interface and is an increasingly solid option for less advanced users.

When it comes to configuring a VPN with OpenWrt, likely due to its relative newness, there isn’t a ton of literature out there to help you get set up. It would be impossible to provide a one-size-fits-all set of instructions here, but thankfully some providers have published guides to help you. Given the popularity of OpenWrt, it’s likely that others will follow.

Here are tutorials offered by some of the providers above, along with another that didn’t make the list but could be a good option:

  • NordVPN
  • VyprVPN
  • SaferVPN

Again, any other 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 that don’t work with OpenWrt

The VPN providers we’ve included in our list have confirmed that their services work with OpenWrt. They either offer online tutorials or customer support to help with setup. Other providers we contacted confirmed that they don’t currently support use with OpenWrt firmware:

  • CyberGhost
  • IPVanish
  • VPNArea
  • StrongVPN

However, it’s worth bearing in mind that due to the relative newness of the OpenWrt firmware, it’s understandable that it’s off the radar for many providers. As it grows in popularity and there is more demand for compatible VPNs, we could well see this list shrink as providers update their services.

And this isn’t the only reason you should avoid free VPN services. They typically have a very limited server network and a lot of users. Aside from only having access to a few locations, you’ll also endure long wait times for servers and poor connections.

Plus, the privacy facet of free VPNs brings more bad news. These providers have been known to use shady business strategies such as monitoring user activity and selling profiles to advertisers. This definitely isn’t the type of service you want “protecting” every device in your household.

A few companies have started selling routers with specific VPNs already installed, but there’s usually a pretty steep markup. Meanwhile, ExpressVPN offers its own Aircove router that comes pre-configured. Honestly, though, you can save yourself quite a bit of cash if you’re willing to spend an afternoon getting stuck into the router’s configuration menu.

In other words, yes, installing Openwrt is perfectly safe, so long as you follow instructions and don’t change any settings with a reason.