Installing a VPN on your Arris router will provide VPN protection for all devices attached to it. While it can be easy to set up, some are easier to set up than others. If your router only supports VPN server mode, you have two options. You can either get a separate router to handle the VPN client option or set it up in bridged mode. Routers ensure all devices on the network can talk to each other without using the internet, while modems provide a link between your home network and the internet. Although you can install VPN software on a router, you can’t on a modem. What’s the difference, you ask? Before we get into specifics, please look at our best VPNs for Arris routers.
Short on time? Here are the best VPNs for Arris routers
- ExpressVPN – our top VPN to use with Arris routers. Strong encryption and security features will help protect your privacy and unblock content. Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days.
- NordVPN – independently audited, no-log VPN with a good reputation for privacy.
- Private Internet Access – their custom VPN app is available in 19 languages.
- CyberGhost – you can reach out to tech support via live chat with any questions.
- IPVanish – solid performing VPN with low pricing on the initial duration of your account.
For demonstration purposes, we’ll use the example of ExpressVPN and an Arris router that offers VPN client mode. We’ll use PPTP in this example, but if your router supports OpenVPN, you’ll want to use it for better security.
How to set up VPN on Arris router
While the directions to set up OpenVPN and PPTP are slightly different, you’ll be able to adapt the procedure.
- Start by signing up for ExpressVPN, which includes a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.
- With your router connected to the modem, go to the Arris router control panel by typing in the web address 192.168.0.1.
- Next, select the Firewall tab at the top of the screen and enable the PTPP Pass Through option.
- Now, go to the WAN Setup tab and choose PPTP.
- Once you see PPTP settings, go ahead and enable the PPTP box.
- From here, enter your username and password.
- In the server address, type in the domain of your VPN server at the server address (if you are using ExpressVPN, they’ll have that information for you).
- Click apply.
- Depending on which server you used, you can easily verify whether or not it changed.
- Enjoy the benefits of using a VPN on your router.
After seeing the setup, you may wonder what the advantages are of doing it this way instead of per device. Since using PPTP or OpenVPN can protect all devices on your network, this method has its benefits. Not all devices that connect to your network have a way to set up a VPN. That includes smart devices like washers, dryers, fridges, thermostats, litter boxes, and more. While those devices connect to your WiFi, they have notoriously bad security. If you have multiple smart appliances, the VPN provider will count them all, and you’ll quickly run out of connections. Using a VPN on the router instead only counts as one connection. That way, you can free up your connections for other purposes.
The downside of using this method can happen if you want to stream content from a different region. If you’re going to stream content from Canada or the UK and you are in the US, you won’t be able to with this setup. Another downside involves security. Using the PPTP setup won’t be as secure as OpenVPN, WireGuard, ExpressVPN’s exclusive Lightway, or the IKEv2 protocols.
Choosing the best VPN for Arris routers
The competition is stiff when selecting a provider to use with Arris routers. However, these are the factors we focused on the most.
- Strong encryption – Since the goal is to protect your devices, you’ll want to be sure that you can get strong encryption while on your Arris router. Be sure to check if the VPN client router you choose supports OpenVPN and PPTP.
- Ability to get around censorship or geo-restrictions – Depending on where you are in the world, some governments censor websites. If you have multiple devices that need to get around those types of restrictions, you’ll want to ensure your provider will. You may also find that websites or streaming services may only work in some areas.
- Providers with a strict no-logs policy – If you’re trying to keep your whole network safe, your provider needs to have a strict no-logs policy. That way, you can make sure none of your devices have logs.
- Providers with stable networks – Because the VPN will always be on, a drop can range from annoying to dangerous (if you don’t have the kill switch on). As long as the provider has a stable network, you should not have to worry about what happens if the VPN disconnects at the wrong time with your Arris router.
Here is a more extended look at the best VPNs to use with Arris routers.
1. ExpressVPN
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One of the high-security features of ExpressVPN is the VPN kill switch. While it is not unique to the provider, it is certainly important. What that does is literally “kill” your internet connection while you are disconnected. While some people may not care for that feature, others realize that if their VPN connection drops, they are vulnerable to being identified online. ExpressVPN will make sure you are protected by shutting down your internet connection until you reconnect. Doing so will help you stay safe.
A benefit that you can take advantage of when connecting to a VPN is to help you access sites like YouTube and Amazon Prime Video in different areas. Because of licensing rights, not everything is available in every country. As connected as the world is, ExpressVPN feels you should be able to see your favorite movies and TV shows everywhere. To do so, you would need to connect to a VPN in the country that offers the content. That way, you’ll be able to see it no matter where you are.
ExpressVPN launched in 2009 and has grown into a premier VPN service. Whether you want to protect your privacy online, enjoy your favorite streaming services while traveling, or watch live sports, ExpressVPN is a great choice. You can rely on their network for fast, stable connections. This is true for VPN users and those who rely on their MediaStreamer feature to extend functionality to game consoles and more. We suggest signing up for our ExpressVPN deal which includes 3 months free when you subscribe for 12 months. The savings, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee make ExpressVPN an excellent choice.
Want to learn more? Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Pros:
- Works with streaming services including US Netflix
- Split tunneling
- Exceptional Internet speed
- 160 server locations in 94 countries
- Smart location server selector
- Obfuscated servers
Cons:
- A little pricey
- No dedicated IP option
2. NordVPN
Whether you like to travel abroad, are an ex-patriot, or just want to stream from other parts in the world, NordVPN can help you. Built into their service is a feature they refer to as “SmartPlay.” It combines aspects of a SmartDNS service and a VPN to allow the user to stream from everywhere. Unlike some SmartDNS services, NordVPN encrypts the connection by having it built-in directly to their VPN. That way, you do not have to worry about taking extra steps to configure the service. All you have to do is connect.
NordVPN does a great job of protecting your privacy when you use their service. One of the ways they do that is by offering you a kill switch feature. When you turn it on, it will ensure that all of your traffic is protected. It does that by shutting down your internet traffic if the VPN disconnects. That way, you won’t have to worry about unprotected data getting into the hands of others so you won’t leave yourself vulnerable to theft or attack.
Want to learn more? Read our full NordVPN review.
Pros:
- No logging policy
- Specialty servers for P2P and Double VPN
- NordLynx WireGaurd protocol
- Firestick app good for streaming
- Accepts Bitcoin payments
- Multi-hop servers
Cons:
- Renewal prices are higher
- Linux client lacks a GUI
3. Private Internet Access
For everyone looking for specific privacy features, Private Internet Access uses an integrated firewall that has the advanced filtering abilities of the Netfilter Project. In other words, you won’t get any unwanted connections to your mobile device or computer. The filtering software delivers the best possible performance and keeps all of the network intrusions away. That way, the only outside openings to the internet are the ones you create. That is one of the ways that Private Internet Access helps keep you safe.
If you like to stream content, there are times when you may get fed up with watching the same thing. Of course, connecting to a Private Internet Access VPN server will help you fight that. An example of that is the biggest streaming company in the world, Netflix. Whether you are traveling abroad or just want to access content from different libraries, all you have to do is connect to a VPN server in the area you want to see. You can say the same for other services like Amazon Prime Video as well.
Want to learn more? Read our full Private Internet Access review.
Pros:
- VPN kill switch feature
- Good torrent download speeds
- Allow torrenting on all servers
- Dedicated IPs in US, CA, UK, DE, and AU
- Kill switch feature in all apps
- Works with US Netflix
Cons:
- Does not unblock some streaming services
- Average speeds in the US
4. CyberGhost
Once you sign up for your VPN service with CyberGhost, the company provides you with seven simultaneous connections. While that will take care of most families or groups, it may not solve the problems of everyone. If you are worried about running out of connections, setting up your VPN through a router may help you. When you do so, you will ensure that all of the devices that you attach to your network are protected. Of course, that will help you free up some connections.
If you enjoy streaming sports from a particular country or region, you may need to connect to a VPN like CyberGhost. For more than 80 years, sports fans have enjoyed watching sports on their TV. These days, however, you can also watch them on your favorite mobile device or computer. If you follow a sport that is not available in your region, you simply need to connect to a VPN server where it is. That way, you can stream it live instead of only seeing the highlights online.
Want to learn more? Read our full CyberGhost review.
Pros:
- Based in Romania (outside 14 eyes)
- Zero log VPN – no activity logs
- Unblocks many streaming sites
- Similar UI across all VPN apps
- Automatic kill switch option
Cons:
- Mac and iOS app lack OpenvPN
- Does not offer double VPN connections
5. IPVanish
If you are worried about getting things set up correctly or need help, IPVanish has you covered. On their site, you can find many VPN set up guides to help you get everything going. If you can not find the answer you need, they offer an email ticketing system. While they do not give a specific time as to when they will get back to you, they state it will be as soon as possible. If you would rather talk to someone in person, they also offer a live 24/7 chat feature. This is our recommendation for getting quick answers from their customer support team.
If you are worried about protecting your online activities, IPVanish has you covered. Despite being located in the United States, the company has a no-logs policy. That means they do not keep logs or records of activity history. By not doing so, they do not have data to share when requests for that information come in. If you, too, believe that the internet should be open and free of censorship or prying eyes of governments, you can’t go wrong by choosing IPVanish as your VPN provider.
Want to learn more? Read our full IPVanish review.
Pros:
- They do not use virtual servers
- Own their DNS servers for better privacy
- No IP or DNS leaks
- Kill switch for Windows, Mac and Android
- Supports P2P / torrent users
Cons:
- Price increases after first term
- Fails to unblock DAZN
