Best Free VPNs for routers

Best Free VPN For Routers : Are free VPNs worth it & Why?

What We Have Covered in This Article

Last Updated on April 8, 2022 by Editor Futurescope

Not all free VPNs are compatible with routers, but we have a workable solution for you.

Best free VPNs for routers are ExpressVPN, ProtonVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost.

Most  free VPNs can’t secure your home connections or unblock the best streaming platforms for you. These include providers who promise 100% free VPNs for keeping you anonymous online. 

Whereas this is possible, your router requires a sturdy VPN with additional specs from those offered by free VPNs.

A 100% free VPN provides only the basic privacy and security services and may not match your router. But we still have free VPNs that are up to talk with your home or office connections. They unblock for you geo-restricted TV channels, research websites, and other streaming website content.

Our list outlines some absolute free VPNs that you can try, but the most outstanding are those that offer you free trials and give you a window period to examine their services.

If you are tempted to use a 100% free VPN, you must beware that such a service can leak your data to third parties like your ISP and online hackers. You are also risking your devices from malware attacks. 

It is worth considering the free trials that come with premiums as they are the only genuine and best VPNs. Besides enjoying the freebies, you will have more secure options, unlimited data, consistent speeds, and reliable customer support.  

Why You Need A VPN Router?

Stats show that a large number of internet users are not aware that their routers require a VPN. But the fact is a router connects to all your devices, including your computer, tablet, and smartphone, and these devices allow you to walk through the internet! 

The above is an apparent reason why you may need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in place. But you can install a VPN on each device. 

Why do you need a router VPN? Figure out that you have other intelligent devices besides phones and computers in your home. An example is your TVwashing machine, digital food thermometers, microwave, fridge, and many more.

These have intelligent features but do not have software that works with a VPN. It’s helpful to route the devices through a router VPN to hide their online traffic. This way, you prevent your ISP and other third parties from gathering your data for whatever creepy business they may be up to.

In addition, snoopers on the internet streets make it risky to steal your data and go ahead to infect your devices with malware even in the full watch of an antivirus.

Your router is an intermediary between your devices and your ISP. Use a reputable VPN for routers if you do not want them to sell you off your data or forward crucial information to the government and other third parties. 

Agood VPN service will encrypt all online traffic to and from every device connecting to the internet. That way, DNS and other types of leakage are made impossible.

Best Free VPN For Routers

If you genuinely want the best free VPN for routers, we advocate for the paid packages. This may sound mean, but the fact remains, absolutely free VPNs have several drawbacks;

  • No guaranteed data encryption (they promise to encrypt)
  • Limited data bandwidth 
  • Slow speed.

Most premium packages give you a free trial for up to a month, with others exceeding up to 45 days. 

The VPNs have an option that allows you to use the free trial without paying a penny, after which when the period expires, you begin paying the subscriptions. 

The other option is to pay upfront but with a promise to refund your cash if the service is not satisfactory. Either way, both options are free.

But isn’t it obvious that a VPN for a router will be sluggish due to the number of connected devices in your home? Of course, this slow speed is a drawback because of the many devices that connect to the router device.

The way to overcome this is through a super robust VPN. And this has to be a paid package. Such router VPNs will have strong encryption, blazing speed, wide server selection, and unlimited bandwidth. 

They are temporarily free but offer more features that add up to solid security and privacy.

Facts: Free VPNs For Routers

Our guideline does not limit you to free trials that eventually turn into subscriptions; we have 100% free VPNs for routers.

But before you select any of the free VPNs for routers, get the facts right! 

Facts about free VPNs for routers

  • The services are free, and so you may not get the best out of a free VPN.
  • Free VPNs have sluggish download and upload speeds.
  • Free VPNs come with limited bandwidth, which does not favor many devices connecting to your router.
  • You have to bear with intrusive adverts.
  • Free VPNs have limited server options.
  • Less customer support for free users.

Look Beyond Your Best router that supports VPN!

Your router gets data packets from your ISP and distributes them into your devices like computers and phones. You can have a VPN for each one of these devices, but, isn’t it more sensible to consider a VPN for your router?

Remember that you have got other devices that run on networks but have no screens or VPN enabled.

Look beyond your router device and see a need to protect these devices as they have apps running on them. With a VPN for your router, you are not only protecting your router device but all the connecting ones.  

The service will allow you to access geo-restricted websites and keep you pseudonymous on the internet. That includes covering security in all your connections by encrypting both incoming and outgoing traffic. Not even your ISP or hackers will snoop into your data.

Risks To Using Free VPNs: What Providers May Not Tell You

Many Virtual Private Network providers do not tell you that using free VPNs is a risky affair. They go ahead to lure you to their free signups for free services, but the fact is top-notch internet privacy features are not cheap. For the providers to give you an excellent service, they incur enormous costs, so they have to pass the cost to the users.

The VPNs scramble or encrypt your data such that no one can track you. But some VPNs keep your data for business purposes. They can sell it to hackers and even hand you over to the government. 

Doing your due diligence is key to getting a trustworthy VPN provider who does not have a loggings policy. Positive reviews will not lie to you.

So, before you engage the free VPNs, remember that they are not all the same and that you can fall into untrustworthy ones. 

Have a look at the risks of using free VPNs;

1. Embedded Third-party tracking  

A study by CSIRO in 201 discovered that only 72% of free VPNs use embedded third-party tracking for analytics and advertising purposes. The ad server trackers get all your internet traffic and sell it to hackers and the government.

2. Malware Infection

The same study above reviewed several VPNs and found that out of ten, six had malware. Unfortunately, the six were free VPNs.

3. Most free VPNs do not unblock content

Free VPNs promise that they will unblock content not available in your region. Most of them do not work. You will be risking malware, tracking, and other vices by installing free VPNs that do not work.

4. Intrusive ads

Who wants ads on their screens? Free VPNs allow such ads which keep on redirecting you and slowing down your connectivity.  

5. Sluggish connection

If you are looking for constant and reliable speed, a free VPN service may fail you. Just sign up for paid versions. You will not experience delays and buffering.

6. Allow the government to collect user data

Countries that have weak privacy laws are a no-go zone for free VPNs. The government will get your data through a free VPN and track your businesses, movements, and any other private data that they want from you.   

In summary, free VPN providers will not tell you any of the above six risks. You will only realize when you are in muck, and it is too late. It’s a prudent idea to add up a paid VPN service to your router to guard yourself.  

Top Highly Recommended VPN for Routers

After thorough testing of over 100 VPNs for routers, we settled on the top cream; powerful encryptions, reliable speed, advanced security features, and device and Operating System compatible VPNs.

Have a glance!

1. ExpressVPN: Best Free VPN For Routers

ExpressVPN is a popular VPN among tech savvies. It comes with its custom firmware for routers which is simple to install and operate. If your router is VPN-enabled, that’s not a problem. The VPN is compatible with many firmware such as OpenWrt, Gargoyle, Tomato, Asus, and DD-WRT.

With ExpressVPN, you can unblock a wide range of streaming platforms, including Netflix, Vimeo, Panopto, IBM Cloud Video, and many others. Its military-grade encryption scrambles data tracks left by all your smart devices that connect to your router. These include washing machines and TVs.

Besides securing your router connections, ExpressVPN is compatible with apps for all operating systems. The VPN covers Windows, Androids, Linux, macOS, et cetera.  

ExpressVPN is free for thirty days if you are willing to try its services. You can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee, which comes with speed and unlimited data. 

If you have trouble connecting your router with ExpressVPN, the 24/7 live chat customer support is within your reach for help.

Features

  • Proven no-logs policy
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Kill switch
  • 24/7 live chat for customer support

Pros

  • Many setup options for routers.
  • Works with many router firmware Tomato, Asus, and DD-WRT
  • The wide accessibility of content platforms.
  • Comprehensive server options in 94 countries

Cons

  • Expensive.

2. CyberGhost: Best free VPN for home router

CyberGhost is famous for its proven no-logs policy. Not even your router’s ISP can get on your track with this beast VPN in place. The leak protection features are top grade and come with a reinforcement known as a kill switch. This is not an ordinary one as it is automatic. It keeps your traffic secure whenever your VPN is off or not stable.

The VPN will unblock twitch, Netflix, and other geo-blocked platforms without leaving a trace of your location through military-grade encryption. Other than the encryption, you have a VPN with an inbuilt kill switch, automatic WiFi protection, and DNS leak protection. 

CyberGhost is easy to configure with your router. The VPN supports firmware such as DD-WRT and Tomato. You can also get specially CyberGhost pre-configured routers for easy setup. 

All known devices and apps are compatible with CyberGhost, but if you are stuck, a live chat agent is at your disposal to help you out. 

Features

  • No-logging policy
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Automatic kill switch
  • DNS leak protector
  • Automatic WiFiwifi protection

Pros

  • It doesn’t slow your router.
  • Speed and reliability
  • Provides for seven simultaneous device connections
  • Reliable live chat.

Cons

  • Inability to unblock some streaming platforms.

3. ProtonVPN: Top free VPN for your router

ProtonVPN is one of the most reputable free VPN services around. It provides users with unlimited data for free surfing and downloading. ProtonVPN’s free offer is impressive since most free VPNs give users limited data between 500MB – 10GB per month.

With the VPN, you will never run out of data, but the best part is the robust security features that keep you safe on the internet. 

ProtonVPN has a powerful AES 256-bit encryption and an automatic kill switch feature. Its protocol is OpenVPN, which is the safest so far. With the IP, WebRTC, and DNS leak protection, you have security guarantees for your data.

ProtonVPN has a strictly enforced and straightforward zero-logging policy. To prove this, all the apps are open-source and have also undergone security scrutiny. 

All the above measures are to ensure transparency and an extra layer of online security.

Features

  • Unlimited bandwidth.
  • AES 256 encryption
  • Automatic kill switch
  • No logs policy
  • Open-source apps
  • OpenVPN protocol
  • Three free server locations

Pros

  • Router support
  • Extra features like split tunneling and custom DNS settings.
  • No ads
  • Keeps no logs
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Limited server locations.

4. NordVPN: Top rated free VPN for home router

NordVPN operates 5,000+ servers and thus is an excellent choice for your router. It has a wide variety of security protocols with optimized features for various tasks. 

It is easy to use NordVPN with your router as the provider has a support page that offers a general explanation on setting up your router with the VPN’s connection.   

The tutorials include a setup for OpenWrt firmware which is rare among VPN providers. No worries about getting stuck, as the live chat support team agents are available around the clock to solve any puzzle you encounter setting up NordVPN with your router.

If you’re looking for streaming, NordVPN will help you secure access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and many other premium content platforms. It is also available for all major devices, apps, and operating systems, including Windows, Amazon Fire TV, and macOS.

NordVPN allows up to six devices simultaneous connections, all under one plan but counting your router as one. Plus, we can’t leave out the security guarantee that comes with this VPN. The encryption, DNS leak protection, WiFiwifi protection, and the kill switch are all top-grade.

Features

  • Kill switch
  • Automatic WiFiwifi and DNS protection
  • AES encryption
  • OpenWRT firmware support
  • 5000+ servers
  • Support page

Pros

  • Pre-configured router option
  • Router setup guides
  • Massive server selection
  • Multiple devices simultaneous connections on a single plan.

Cons

  • The VPN slows down your router.

Free vs. Paid VPNs — Pros and Cons

Clearly, there might be nothing to complain about freebies, but a free VPN comes with several pros and cons. Same case with paid ones. Whichever angle you look at free vs. paid VPN, your online security and privacy should be on the top-most gear. But let’s delve into each one of these for you to make up an informed decision. 

  1. Free VPN

A free VPN is a bestowal, but it bears both sides of the coin;

Pros

  • No payments. 
  • Keep you anonymous.
  • Provide security features though not all.
  • Allows you to bypass censorship.

Cons

  • Bombards you with ads
  • Log in to your data
  • Can sell your data to hackers and the government
  • Unreliable speed
  • Poor encryptions
  • They use third-party servers
  1. Paid VPNs

A paid VPN requires that you pay subscriptions as a one-off payment or a periodical payment. This, too, has its pros and cons.

Pros

  • No speed throttles
  • There are no ads
  • It gives you unlimited bandwidth.
  • VPN offers many security protocols and features.
  • It gives you customer support.

Cons

  • Costly.
  • Some VPNs may not offer what they promise.

Free VPNs You Should Avoid

If you stick with the free VPN decision, be sure to avoid some providers. Online security experts warn that some of the free VPNs are worse than leaving your devices unprotected. The VPNs do not deliver any security features, but instead, they hack your data and go ahead to sell it to criminals.

Watch out for these free VPNs 

1. DotVPN: Questionable encryption and may not block trackers, ads, spies, analytics, and integrate firewalls as it claims.  

2. Fast Secure Payment VPN: heavy malware infestations.

3. ZoogVPN: limited safety protocols and no kill switch.

4. Cross VPN: The VPN is full of ads and malware, therefore a risk to all your devices connecting to your router.

5. Flash Free VPN: Using this VPN invades your app permissions.

6. VPN OneClick Free: the VPN’s PPTP encryption for Android is outdated and prone to malware.  

Tips on How to Choose the Best Free VPN

1. Trust

VPNs are all about trusting the technology. When choosing a free VPN, get the history right. Some free VPNs have creepy businesses where they operate as VPNs, yet they are not. They have outright malicious practices where their core business is not to protect you but to steal and sell your data. The providers take advantage of the invisible world where no one knows what they do. Beware of such VPNs by taking all the reviews seriously.

2. Purpose of the VPN

Do you want periodic protection or a long-term one? Figure out your needs first. If it is a periodic VPN need, you can try out the free trials that protect you with premium features and ask for your refunds after the trial. There are free VPNs for long-term use, but we commend that you consider several other factors like the free VPNs to avoid and many more in this guide.

3. Examine the free VPN’s qualities

Scrutiny can land you into an excellent VPN. Take your time to compare the free VPNs and get hold of the features, pros, and cons before making that critical decision.

4. Device and App compatibility

You do not want to sign up for a free VPN that does not work with your devices, Operating Systems, and other platforms. It will be of no use.

5. User-friendly interface

If you find that VPN’s User Interface is complicated, just ditch it as it will give you sleepless nights. VPNs with foreign languages and have no translations are a costly affair.

6. Server locations coverage

Does the free VPN cover the locations that are your target? If not, it is not worth your disk space on your device.

7. Security protocols

It’s a free VPN, but it should offer crucial security protocols. Most Free VPNs lack security protocols as they rely on third parties, after which they then pass the services to you for free. 

But these security features are super expensive, so your free provider will look for a way to cover up the overheads. Of course, through bombarding ads and selling your data. 

FAQ

Should I use a free VPN with Tor?

Using a free VPN with Tor is not a bad idea. Only that you will not be getting the top security protocols that come with paid VPNs, but you can try free trials like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, SurfShark, and other top-range VPN providers.

Getting a solid VPN for using Tor relieves you from being flagged by your network. The VPN will encrypt your traffic to your VPN server. In addition, your VPN service will be barred from seeing your activities in the Tor network.

Do free VPNs work in China?

In China, you cannot access Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and many other websites. Using a VPN is the only option to crack the firewall. But VPNs are banned in the country. 

A free VPN will not work in China. To crack this great hindrance, you need a super-powerful premium VPN with strict security protocols.

 Such features miss out on free VPNs. So if you are a resident of China, get a paid VPN like CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and other paid VPNs. This way, you will enjoy your internet activities peacefully without interference from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

What’s the fastest free VPN?

We have several free VPNs that you can count on when it comes to speed. But the free VPNs are a free trial, where you test the experience for a period and begin paying for the services. The 100% free VPNs promise speed, but they are super slow. 

ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and NordVPN are some providers that offer free trial packages that will give you a super-fast experience in all your online activities.ProtonVPN is 100% free.

Do free VPNs sell my personal data?

Yes, free VPNs sell your personal data to meet their overhead costs. Some free VPNs log in to all your traffic that passes through their system. They go ahead and get your online browsing behavior, including website visits, shopping history, location, preferences, and interests. You can see that such information is vital to many interested parties like e-commerce platforms and others. Only a reputable paid VPN will not spy on its users, but many free VPNs do so.

Conclusion

We have no doubts that our guide will hold you into choosing a perfect free VPN solution for your router. In a pool of hundreds of VPNs, all promising to offer you top gear security and privacy, we have only a few that hold their reputation. 

We have numerous recommendations on free trials for paid VPNs because of the providers’ advanced security protocols, unlimited bandwidth, and flash speed. 

You will find a few 100% best free VPN for routers on our list. You can also pick any of them and try them for your router. After all, you will not lose a penny. But we still recommend the paid VPN for your router device for the top-most protection of your devices and keeping yourself pseudonymous.

You might be interested to know more facts & opportunity for VPN. Check out!

Editor Futurescope
Editor Futurescope

Founding writer of Futurescope. Nascent futures, foresight, future emerging technology, high-tech and amazing visions of the future change our world. The Future is closer than you think!

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