The Best VPNs for OpenWRT to Secure Your Devices
Virtual private networks offer a fast, secure and hassle-free method to keep all your online activity safe. They are very convenient to use on almost any device, although the only drawback is that you have to install an application on each piece of hardware that you want to keep safe.
This is fine with common things like smartphones and PCs, but if you have many types of devices that you want to protect, installing a unique software on each one is not always an option.
This is fine with common things like smartphones and PCs, but if you have many types of devices that you want to protect, installing a unique software on each one is not always an option.
One of the best ways to avoid this VPN limitation is to install the software directly on your router, avoiding the need to use a separate application for each device. A VPN router can protect your entire home network automatically. You can even secure the connections of people who visit your home and borrow your Wi-Fi!
OpenWRT is one of the best pieces of open source router software available today. By installing it on your device, then adding a VPN, you will have quick access to incredibly powerful features, perfectly designed to maintain your security and that of your home. Then you can safely connect game consoles, smart devices, laptops, tablets, smartphones and much more!
Choose the best VPN for OpenWRT routers
Installing a VPN directly on your router requires a little more knowledge than just downloading an application. Despite this, it is still a quick and easy way to protect the Internet at home. Once you've set things up, you'll be safe and sound forever, you don't need to recheck to make sure the app doesn't crash or accidentally disconnect.
However, choosing the right VPN for your OpenWRT connection will take a bit of research. Not all services meet the promises made in their marketing publications, and not all will support OpenWRT by default. Here are some of the most important criteria to prioritize when looking for a reliable VPN for your router.
- Router support : your VPN must indicate that it is compatible with OpenWRT, otherwise you will not be lucky.
- Registration policy : To preserve your privacy, always look for VPN with a strict zero registration policy.
- Reputation : a good VPN must have many satisfied customers who pay.
- Security : Solid privacy features such as 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection and an automatic delete switch are vital for online security.
Get OpenWRT on a router
Some routers come preinstalled with OpenWRT. Others require manual installation after unpacking and setting up everything. Let's take a look at both scenarios.
Method 1: install it yourself
OpenWRT is a free and open source software. It is maintained by the community and can be downloaded and installed by anyone in the world. This makes it an incredibly useful version, but the disadvantage of installing OpenWRT can be immensely complex.
If you are familiar with updating firmware to devices or have installed DD-WRT or Tomato on a router before, you will definitely be ready to deal with OpenWRT. If it is not, carefully consider whether you want to install it or not. Any error in the long and complex process can ruin your router, even permanently. The method below might be more suitable if it is new in the firmware flash of the router.
To install OpenWRT yourself, visit the official installation guide on the wiki. Read everything, assemble your materials, then cross your fingers and begin the process.
Method 2: Buy a router with OpenWRT preinstalled
A more expensive but easier solution to get OpenWRT on a router is to buy hardware with OpenWRT preinstalled. This is becoming increasingly common as more and more users turn to open source solutions to power their devices.
Many VPNs even offer router sales with OpenWRT and its VPN connection installed, configured and ready to use. Check with your VPN provider before activating your subscription to see if they offer sales of preinstalled routers. You will pay a little more for the hardware, but it is difficult to overcome the convenience of an OpenWRT ready to use.
If you only want one router with OpenWRT installed, check with any retailer that sells routers. Stores like Best Buy and Amazon often have a selection of OpenWRT routers that you can choose to start the process immediately.
Using a VPN with OpenWRT
If you have a VPN service and a router running OpenWRT, how do you get the two to work together? The configuration process is not as complicated as OpenWRT itself, but it is not as simple as running a VPN application.
Below is a quick overview of what you need to know before using a VPN with your OpenWRT router. Always check the support guides of your VPN service for specific instructions on how to configure everything, as the details will change depending on the VPN you are using.
What is OpenVPN?
Using a VPN with your router does not mean installing an application directly on the hardware. Instead, take advantage of an OpenVPN connection built into the OpenWRT firmware itself. This allows almost any VPN to work with your hardware, provided it comes with the correct and compatible encryption methods.
OpenVPN can be confusing for newcomers, which refers to both a piece of software and a protocol used by the VPN. The good news is that you don't have to worry about anything when a VPN is installed on your router. OpenWRT includes OpenVPN as part of its service, you simply need to configure it with the details of your VPN and you are ready to communicate.
What are PPTP, L2TP and IPSec?
Some VPNs use alternative encryption methods instead of OpenVPN, such as PPTP, L2TP and IPSec. These are simply different encryption styles and connection protocols that can be faster than OpenVPN, slower and more or less secure. If you are at your VPN service, you can use one of these methods, as well as follow the instructions to install it on your OpenWRT router. If you have an option, always stick to the OpenVPN protocols for the best performance.
What is an .ovpn configuration file?
When it comes to actually adding the VPN service to your device, most companies take one of two routes: completely manual installations and downloadable .ovpn files. The first one will provide you with a list of details that you will have to copy and paste manually in your OpenWRT configuration. Once this is done, you will restart your router and be able to connect.
The configuration of the .ovpn file is much faster than the manual method. Here, the VPN provider provides you with a file with all the information that your router needs for the VPN. Simply download this from the company and then upload through OpenWRT. All the details are completed by themselves, and you can start browsing with full encryption and privacy immediately.
conclusion
It is not easy to keep all devices safe with a VPN, especially when so many things need an Internet connection. Installing applications on each piece of hardware is an option, but for fast and infallible protection, you can always add a VPN to your router. OpenWRT and VPN get along pretty well together. If you have the first one, try adding a VPN by default and it will improve your online security.
Having trouble protecting your router equipped with OpenWRT with a VPN? Ask for help in the comments below!