This has to be one of the best additions we’ve seen in a long time. ExpressVPN recently rolled out a new router app. Customers can use firmware files provided by ExpressVPN to configure three popular Linksys router models with DD-WRT to protect your entire network with their VPN. In the past members had to rely on a third party supplier like FlashRouters (still a great source) or attempt to flash their own router. While you still need to flash the router, ExpressVPN is providing the firmware file along with instructions. All you need to get started is an ExpressVPN account. Once signed up you can configure your Linksys router to connect to the service.
Running DD-WRT gives you more features and better performance. While encryption adds overhead, you can expect faster VPN across all the devices on your network when using DD-WRT versus the factory Linksys firmware. ExpressVPN gives you three options to get started. The easiest method is to order a pre-configured device from FlashRouters. This is a hands off approach. You order the device and it comes ready for action. We’ve had the opportunity to test devices from FlashRouters over the years and stay in touch with their team. If you don’t mind spending more to have the router configured for you, then this is the way to go.
The second option is to purchase a router and flash it with a DD-WRT firmware file provided by ExpressVPN. You can visit their router page for a list of supported models. At the time of this post, they are supporting the following routers:
- Linksys WRT1200AC
- Linksys WRT1900AC
- Linksys WRT1900ACS
The routers range from $149 to $199 on Amazon. I would recommend spending the extra $50 and going with the Linksys WRT1900ACS model for the best range and performance. If you plan to connect to ExpressVPN (and that’s the point right) then you want the most powerful router.
ExpressVPN lists a final option for tech savvy users. You can configure your Asus, D-Link, Netduma, Sabai, or TP-Link router to connect to their network. This is for those users who have a technical background. Even ExpressVPN shows this as being difficult. If you are thinking about configuring your own device then I suggest you visit ExpressVPN and follow up with any questions. It’s too easy to brick a router so I suggest buying a router through FlashRouters or getting one of the supported routers from Amazon.
Regardless of whether you purchase a pre-configured router or flash your own with ExpressVPN firmware, the result is the same. You can encrypt the traffic for every device that runs through the router. Even if it doesn’t natively support VPN. This is a great solution. Visit ExpressVPN for more details and to get started.
