Best VPN for Netgear router (step-by-step setup guide)

If you are looking to enhance your online security, access geo-restricted content, or simply protect your privacy network-wide, setting a VPN on your router is a great solution. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of configuring a VPN for your Netgear router, ensuring all connected devices can enjoy the benefits of a VPN. 

Does Netgear support VPN?

When it comes to Netgear routers, there are two ways they can work with VPNs, depending on the model:

1. You can configure a VPN server directly on the router, granting remote access to your home network. This allows you to securely connect to devices like media servers, computers, and IoT devices in your home remotely. Essentially, the router acts as the VPN server.

2. You can establish a secure connection to a VPN server based in a different location. This option provides online security and also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions on all the devices connected to your network.

It is worth noting that the VPN feature included in Netgear router firmware only supports the first option. As for connecting your Netgear router to a VPN server in a different location, you will need to replace the firmware with alternatives like DD-WRT or Tomato. More on this below.

How to set up a VPN on Netgear routers

DD-WRT is customized firmware that supports the OpenVPN and works with various router models. You can check if your router is compatible with DD-WRT here and find step-by-step instructions to add DD-WRT on your router here.

Once done, you can follow the steps mentioned below to connect to PureVPN on Netgear using DD-WRT:

Things to consider:

• DD-WRT v24 Build 13309 or newer. (Go to the Status tab and look find your Firmware version under the System section)
• Supported builds include OpenVPN, Big, Mega, Giga.
• A router must have 8 MB flash memory for OpenVPN to be installed.

1. Log in to the router control panel by entering the router’s default IP address 192.168.1.1 in the address bar of your preferred browser. (If you have changed your router’s default IP address, enter that into your browser instead). Enter the Username and Password for your router, then click Sign in. 

2. In order to configure OpenVPN on DD-WRT, first download the required OpenVPN files from here and extract them.

3. Navigate to the Services tab, then open the VPN tab and click the Enable option next to Start OpenVPN Client.

4. Now configure your OpenVPN client as shown below:
   
   • OpenVPN Client: Enable
   • CVE Mitigation: Disable
   • Server IP/Name: Enter your desired location’s TCP/UDP server address. Server list can be accessed from here.
   • Port: 80 (For TCP)/ 53 (For UDP)
   • Tunnel Device: TUN
   • Tunnel Protocol: TCP/UDP
   • Encryption Cipher: AES-256-CBC
   • Hash Algorithm: SHA-1
   • Inbound Firewall on TUN: Uncheck
   • User Pass Authentication: Checked
   • Username and Password: Enter your VPN credentials. Here is how you can find your VPN credentials.
   • Advanced Options: Enabled
   • TLS Cipher: None
   • Compression: Adaptive
   • NAT: Enable
   • Firewall Protection: Disable
   • Tunnel UDP MSS-Fix: Disable
   • Verify Server Cert.: Checked
   • TLS Key Choice: TLS Auth
   • TLS Key: Copy/paste all the content from the tls Key file in the OpenVPN configuration files you downloaded earlier.
   • Additional Config:

persist-key

persist-tun

• CA Cert: Copy/paste all the content from the crt file in the OpenVPN configuration files you downloaded earlier.
• Click the Save and Apply Settings buttons.

5. Now navigate to Status and click the OpenVPN tab to check the connection status. (It should read Client: CONNECTED SUCCESS).

What makes PureVPN the best Netgear router VPN?

Here is why we are the best VPN for Netgear routers:

• Compatibility: PureVPN is compatible with a wide range of Netgear router models that support DD-WRT firmware, allowing seamless integration and easy setup.

• Robust protection: PureVPN employs strong encryption protocols like AES-256 to protect your data. It also offers features like DNS leak protection and a kill switch for added security and privacy.

• Global server network: PureVPN boasts 6,500 servers in 70 countries across the world, allowing you to access geo-restricted content, bypass censorship, and enjoy fast and reliable connections.

• Proven no-log policy: PureVPN follows a strict no-log policy and does not store any connection or usage logs. Our no-log promise has been verified by Well known audit firm and we are the only VPN with an always-on audit structure.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use a VPN on my Netgear Nighthawk router?

Yes, a VPN can work on your Nighthawk Netgear router. Netgear routers, including the Nighthawk series, typically have built-in support for VPN connections. 

If I configure a VPN on my router do I still need to use VPN software on my computer?

No, having a VPN on your router eliminates the need to install VPN clients on individual devices. After all, every device connected to the router is automatically protected by the VPN without the need for separate installations.

How do I know if my Netgear router is VPN compatible?

If you can locate VPN-related settings or options within your Netgear router’s admin interface, it indicates that your router is compatible with VPN. However, if you are still unsure, the easiest way to find out is by reaching out to Netgear support directly.