Setting up a VPN on your TP-Link router might sound like a task for tech wizards, but fear not! It's a straightforward process, and immediately boosts your online privacy and access to unrestricted content.
So, let’s get your TP-Link router equipped with that extra layer of security, shall we?
First, if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick intro to the top three VPNs for TP-Link routers:
- ExpressVPN - The best VPN for TP-Link routers. Plenty of fast, reliable servers that deliver stable connections across the globe.
- Surfshark - Budget-friendly VPN for unlimited devices and open, secure, private internet.
- NordVPN - Offers a massive global server network, industry-leading security, additional privacy tools, and low-cost subscriptions.
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Why set up a VPN on a TP-Link router?
Setting up a VPN on your TP-Link router is a good idea for many reasons. Some common motivations include:
- Protect your privacy and security: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, effectively shielding your online activities from your ISP and potential eavesdroppers.
- Bypass geo-restrictions: With a VPN, you can navigate past geographical limitations on websites and streaming platforms, granting you access to content that might not be available in your location.
- Improve your online gaming experience: VPNs can decrease lag, improve ping times, and heighten your defense against DDoS attacks and other online gaming threats.
How to install a VPN on TP-Link Wi-Fi router
Follow these steps to set up a VPN on your TP-Link router:
- Ensure router compatibility: Confirm that your TP-Link router is compatible with VPN connections, particularly OpenVPN clients. Check TP-Link's documentation for a list of suitable models.
- Subscribe to your chosen VPN: We recommend ExpressVPN for router installations.
- Log into your router: Visit http://tplinkwifi.net and log in using your TP-Link ID or the router's password.
- Enable the VPN client:
- Navigate to 'Advanced' and select 'VPN Client’.
- Activate the VPN Client and save your changes.
- Set Up the VPN Server:
- Click 'Add' in the 'Server List’.
- In the new profile configuration window, fill in the required fields:
- Description: Name your VPN connection.
- VPN Type: Choose OpenVPN (or PPTP and L2TP/IPSec).
- Username and Password: Enter your chosen VPN credentials.
- Download the necessary OpenVPN (PPTP or L2TP/IPSec) configuration files from your VPN’s website.
- Upload configuration files:
- Select 'Browse' in the configuration window in the router control panel.
- Locate and select the downloaded VPN configuration file, then click 'Open’.
- Confirm your settings by clicking 'Save'.
- In the Server List, turn on the VPN server you've configured.
- Configure devices for VPN usage:
- Under 'Device List,' click 'Add.'
- Choose the devices using the VPN connection and confirm by clicking 'OK’.
- Switch on VPN access for the selected devices.
With these steps, all the devices you've added to the Device List will use the VPN connection. To include more devices in the future, simply repeat steps 10 and 11.
| TEST WINNER ExpressVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN |
| Ranking for TP-Link routers | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Performance | 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Reliability | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Free trial | |||
| Total servers | 3000 | 3200 | 6200 |
| Payment | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency | PayPal Visa/MasterCard Amex Cryptocurrency |
| Unblocks: | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu | Netflix iPlayer Disney+ Amazon Prime Hulu |
| Supported platforms | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android |
The best 3 VPNs for TP-Link routers
Let's explore the three best VPNs for TP-Link routers, delving into the specifics of each to understand their standout features and compatibility strengths with TP-Link devices. We'll examine why these VPNs are particularly suited for enhancing your TP-Link router's functionality.
Remember to check our comprehensive VPN reviews for a broader perspective.
ExpressVPN is the #1 VPN in the world and the absolute best for TP-Link routers. It offers fast speeds, strong security, stable connections, and is good value for money. Our extensive testing of ExpressVPN's connection speeds in various remote locations consistently revealed outstanding performance. Our team enjoyed smooth online experiences without interruptions or slow loading, even when connected to distant servers. They’re located across four continents (North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia). With a vast network covering over 90 countries, ExpressVPN ensures easy access to major websites and platforms, making it a reliable choice for gaming, streaming your favorite shows, or bypassing geo-restrictions. ExpressVPN's user-friendly apps are compatible with many devices, including routers, smartphones, computers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs, enhancing its versatility. ExpressVPN offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee on every new plan. Surfshark is the best budget VPN for TP-Link routers. It provides extensive privacy features and ensures quick, dependable connections – all at an affordable price. Surfshark has several features that make it a top choice for your TP-Link router. Its high-speed connections offer smooth HD streaming from almost any location. Our international team confirmed buffer-free streaming on all major platforms, including Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and some international favorites. Surfshark offers a range of advanced privacy tools, outperforming many of its more expensive competitors. These features include malware and spam detection, ad blocking, dark web monitoring, and an IP address rotator, all complemented by a stealth mode with powerful obfuscation software. This suite of tools enhances TP-Link routers and significantly strengthens your overall online security, protecting against online tracking, viruses, and other cyber threats. A big benefit of Surfshark is its support for unlimited device connections. This makes it an ideal option for families seeking a unified, improved online experience across all devices that’s less technical than a router installation. You will also be secured when you leave your home WiFi network. For new Surfshark users, each plan has a free 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN is a fast and reliable VPN for TP-Link routers. It's also known for its top-notch security features, ensuring your data and online activities are well-protected. NordVPN is notable for its vast network of over 5,000 servers around the globe, which are particularly effective in optimizing TP-Link routers. Our tests showed these servers provide swift access to popular streaming sites, video calls, banking, torrenting, and much more. Security-wise, NordVPN stands out with its industry-leading features. These include 256-bit AES encryption, 2,048-bit DH keys, DNS and IP leak protections, malware detections, a dark web monitor, automatic kill-switches, and DoubleVPN tools that 2x your encryption. Based in Panama, a country known for strict privacy laws, NordVPN is committed to a "no logs policy," ensuring that your browsing history is never recorded and its servers are wiped regularly. NordVPN allows up to six devices simultaneously, and each plan includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 1. ExpressVPN
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Methodology: how we tested the best VPNs for TP-Link routers
Our testing process for finding the best VPNs for TP-Link routers focused on critical features that ensure optimal content access and an enhanced online experience:
- Large server network: We specifically recommended VPNs that offer a comprehensive global network of secure servers.
- Universal content access: The selected VPNs provide worldwide access to streaming sites. They excel in bypassing geo-restrictions on multiple websites, including financial and personal portals, ensuring users can access content anywhere.
- Fast connection speeds: We only recommend VPNs that minimize the impact on your internet speeds. You shouldn’t notice any buffering or lag.
- Lightweight: No VPN on our list will affect battery life, CPU performance, browser speed, or page loading times of your mobile device. Some may even enhance your overall online experience by optimizing resource usage.
- Top-notch security: We looked for 256-bit AES encryption, IP leak protection, automatic kill-switches, and more – all rigorously tested for effectiveness.
- User-friendly interface: We prefer VPNs with straightforward, user-friendly apps and configuration. Any VPN that was difficult to use didn’t make the final selection.
- Affordability: We thoroughly scrutinized each VPN's pricing structure, money-back guarantee, refund policies, and customer support to ensure that users are protected from any unfair practices.
Our comprehensive testing process involved various methods, including server hopping, in-depth interactions with customer support, HD streaming sessions, and thorough checks for location and data leaks.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our comprehensive review process.
Can I use a free VPN with TP-Link routers?
We strongly discourage using a free VPN with your TP-Link router.
VPNs are complex and continually evolving software that require ongoing investments to stay ahead of the latest online threats and advanced hacking techniques. This is why premium services like ExpressVPN and Surfshark come with a reasonable monthly fee.
In contrast, free VPNs typically compensate for their lack of revenue through two main methods:
1. They provide a low-quality product.
Free VPNs are generally slow, unreliable, and often unable to access geo-restricted websites. They frequently impose data caps, leaving most of your online activities unprotected.
2. They practice shady, dishonest business practices.
Many free VPNs engage in questionable practices, such as recording and selling your private data, injecting ads into your browsing, or even hosting malware on their networks.
How to set up a VPN on TP-Link router FAQs
Conclusion
Setting up a VPN on your TP-Link router provides an essential layer of online security and privacy.
Our top three VPNs offer unrestricted access to content and robust data protection, effectively countering any bandwidth throttling from the router. These VPNs enhance the internet experience, making them suitable for personal and office use.
If you’re in a rush, stick to ExpressVPN – you can try it out risk-free for 30 days and see the difference it makes to your online experience.