Turn your router into a VPN router
Set up Atomic VPN once on your home router and every device on your Wi-Fi is covered, smart TVs and consoles included. The router doesn't use any of your 5 device slots
What is a VPN router?
A VPN router is a regular router that runs the VPN connection itself. Every device that joins your Wi-Fi goes through the encrypted tunnel, with nothing to install on any of them
You probably don't need to buy one. Plenty of home routers already have a VPN client in their settings. Routers running OpenWrt or DD-WRT can add one. If yours does, Atomic VPN turns it into a VPN router in about ten minutes
What a home VPN router covers that apps can't
Some devices will never run a VPN app. On a VPN router they don't have to
Smart TVs and streaming boxes
Watch the services you already pay for from a private connection. No TV app needed
Game consoles
PlayStation, Xbox and Switch can't install a VPN. Through the router they don't need to
Smart home devices
Cameras, speakers and plugs talk to the internet all day. Their traffic goes through the tunnel too
Guests' phones
Anyone on your Wi-Fi is covered, with nothing to set up and no account to share
Devices you forget about
That old tablet or the printer in the corner. If it's on the network, it's on the VPN
Your 5 slots stay free
The router counts as zero devices. Keep all 5 slots for phones and laptops you take outside
VPN router or VPN app: which one you need
Most people end up using both. The router covers the house, the app covers you when you leave it
Check if your router can run a VPN
Two minutes in the admin panel tells you if you need new hardware or not
Look for "VPN Client" in the settings. "VPN Server" alone is a different feature that lets you connect into your home network
Check which protocols it lists. WireGuard is the one to look for. OpenVPN works too, just slower
The box from your internet provider often has no VPN client. A second router behind it solves that
Older routers have slow processors. Encryption runs on that chip. A cheap router can cap your speed well below your plan
No VPN client at all? OpenWrt or DD-WRT firmware can add one on many models. Flashing firmware has risks. Check your model first
How to set up a VPN on your router
The menu names change from brand to brand. The steps stay the same
Get a config
Sign in to your Atomic VPN account and create a WireGuard config for the server you want
Open settings
Type your router's address in a browser, often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Then sign in
Add the profile
Find VPN Client, choose WireGuard and upload or paste the config
Connect
Turn the VPN client on and apply it to all devices on the network
Check for leaks
On any device at home, run an IP check and a DNS leak test. You should see the VPN server, not your provider
The downsides of a VPN on a router
It's a great setup for a home. It's not perfect, though. Know where it falls short before you start
Home only
Leave the house and your phone is back on the open internet. The app covers that part
One location for all
Every device shares the same server. Changing it means opening the router settings
Router speed limits
A weak router CPU can slow everything down. WireGuard helps, new hardware helps more
Picky apps
Some banking apps don't like VPN IPs. On a phone, split tunneling fixes it. On a router, it's harder
What to look for in a VPN router
The best VPN router for most homes is the one you already own, as long as it has a VPN client with WireGuard. Shopping for a new one? Check the processor first. Encryption runs on it. A weak chip caps your speed long before your internet plan does
Gigabit ports matter if your TV or console is wired. OpenWrt support is a good backup, since it adds a VPN client to many models. Stuck with your provider's box? A small VPN box plugged in behind it works as a dedicated VPN device without replacing your network. Pair it with Atomic VPN for $1.99 a month. The router doesn't use a device slot
Pick a term. Everything else is the same
VPN router questions
It puts every device on your home network behind a VPN at once. That includes devices that can't run a VPN app, like smart TVs, consoles and smart home gadgets
Many do. Look for a VPN Client section in the router's settings with WireGuard or OpenVPN. Some brands also sell routers with a VPN service already set up
If you have devices without VPN apps or a household that won't install one, yes. If you only need a phone and a laptop covered, the apps are simpler
It can. The router's processor does the encryption. An older model may cap your speed. WireGuard is much lighter than OpenVPN. Pick it when your router supports it
Yes. Just not on the same device at home. Your traffic would be encrypted twice and slow down. Turn the app off on your home Wi-Fi and on when you leave
No. A router setup covers your whole home network without using a device slot. All 5 stay free for your apps
Cover your whole home for $1.99 a month
Router at home, 5 devices on the go, 88+ countries. $23.99 billed once a year. Cancel in one click