This page is all about VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) and if / how you can install them on your home or business internet router (Hard Wired ISPs such as BT and SKY)
Yes, you can, generally but some routers just don't allow you to set them up, especially newer ones. Below is a list of makes, models and providers we have tested or know if you can use a ROUTER based VPN system.
Software VPN
All most all PCs, MACs and Android Devices can be setup using software VPN, this is an app on your device that manages the network connection, providers like NordVPN offer these services.
Hardware VPN
VPN Hardware is generally more for a business or pro install such as a Liberty Shield Lite VPN Router, can be expensive but there are some "homebrew" options using things like a RaspberryPi - This video by TechsPassion on youtube has a good example of this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oy_lRdiEXmo
Do It yourself, with no extra equipment
A simple way to get a networkwide VPN is using your own Router, you might want to this to protect your whole network and allow your network to hide its location or IP address.
Below we have some basic information how this would work
ISP Routers - Which allow VPNs
The list below is based on 2026 Models of routers - older router may work
| ISP | Current Router/Hub | VPN Client Support | VPN Server Support | Custom Firmware |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT | BT Smart Hub 2 | ❌ No | ❌ No practical support | ❌ Locked down |
| EE | Smart Hub Plus / BT-derived hubs | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Locked down |
| Plusnet | Hub Two | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Locked down |
| Sky | Sky Broadband Hub / Sky Max Hub | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Locked down |
| TalkTalk | Wi-Fi Hub / Amazon eero bundles | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Locked down |
| Virgin Media | Hub 3 / 4 / 5 | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Locked down |
| Vodafone UK | Vodafone WiFi Hub | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Locked down |
| NOW Broadband | Hub Two | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ Locked down |
| Zen Internet | Fritz!Box models on some packages | ✅ Often yes | ✅ Yes | N/A |
| Andrews & Arnold | Usually BYO router | Depends on router | Depends on router | BYO |
| IDNet | BYO-friendly | Depends on router | Depends on router | BYO |
Your Own Router
Almost all brands of router will allow you to setup your VPN login on the router directly includeing below
- ASUS
- GL.iNet
- AVM Fritz!Box
- Ubiquiti
- MikroTik
- TP-Link
- Netgear
- Linksys
- Synology
- DrayTek
- Cisco
- Peplink
- Firewalla
- QNAP
- OpenWrt
- pfSense
- OPNsense
- Turris
- Buffalo
- D-Link
So in short its better to have older ISP gear or your own device to setup a home wide VPN system - with netgear being a great well known brand that is quite easy to setup.
Netgear VPN Setup
We sell these devices pre-configured, but if you wanted to build your own here is some basic details
In case you have a Netgear router, check if your router supports DD-WRT firmware here. If it does, you can flash your router with it. More information on how to install this firmware can be found here.
Note: If you decide to flash your router, you do so at your own risk. Flashing may potentially damage your router and void the warranty, so we cannot help you with the flashing process.
Once done, you can follow our tutorial on how to connect to the NordVPN service with DD-WRT firmware.
If you run into any issues, make a screenshot of your router’s VPN configuration page along with the connection log, which can be found under the Status > OpenVPN tab, and send this information to us using the email or chat buttons below the article.
If you want an out-of-the-box solution that offers NordVPN’s security and privacy, head over to our partners at FlashRouters. They will provide you with a pre-configured router that will deliver top-notch security and performance.
Thank to NordVPN for this information
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