There are three reliable methods to get your home VPN up and running. You can configure a VPN on your router, create your own VPN server, or use a third-party VPN app. The first two options can be a bit of a project, and both demand time and solid technical skills. You’ll need to understand network management and security, and be able to troubleshoot complex issues.
Using a third-party VPN app is the simplest way to set up a VPN on your home network. You don’t have to do any manual setup; just download the app and you’re ready to go. If you want to cover all your devices at once, though, configuring a third-party VPN on your router may be a better option, even if the initial setup process is a bit more complicated. If you don’t want to use a third-party service, then creating your own VPN server is an option but it’s the most complicated option and comes with drawbacks.
Want to find the VPN setup that works for you? Our helpful guide will explain the pros and cons of each option and help you set up your VPN at home.
CyberGhost VPN offers dedicated apps for all major operating systems, has strong security, and is easy to use. You can also configure our VPN on your router, with detailed guides to help you through the process. We provide a 45-day money-back guarantee with your subscription, which lets you test out the VPN with zero risk.
Why Use a VPN at Home?
Using a VPN at home gives you several benefits:
-
- 🔐 Upgrade your online security. A VPN encrypts your connection to protect your private data. If you work from home, this helps you safely access your company’s network and resources, and protect sensitive data.
- 🙊 Protect your personal privacy. When you access a site, it only sees the VPN’s IP address, not your real one. Because your IP address is linked to your location, this keeps your physical whereabouts private. You can also use this to spoof your location in order to view websites (like social media and news blogs) that aren’t usually available in your country.
- 🏃♀️ Boost your internet speed. ISPs can throttle your connection if they don’t like what you’re using the internet for (for example, if you’re streaming or torrenting). A VPN hides your activity, which can help you bypass ISP content-based throttling.
- 🕹️ Improve your gaming experience. A VPN can reduce your lag and protect against DDoS attacks to give you a safer gaming experience. It also lets you play on servers in other countries, so you can compete with friends from different areas. Some multiplayer PC games only work over a local area network (LAN). Setting up a VPN server with port forwarding at home helps you create a secure virtual LAN, letting you and your friends play together as if you’re on the same network.
- 💲 Save money. Some online stores charge more depending on what region you’re in. Using a VPN can help you get better deals and prevent location-based price differences for hotels, flights, car rentals, and other online services.
How to Add a VPN to Your Home Network
There are several ways to add a VPN to your network. One option is to set up a VPN on your router. With this method, every device on your Wi-Fi network will automatically connect to the VPN. You won’t need to install a separate app on each device – and all of all of them are protected simultaneously, even if they aren’t typically compatible with VPNs (including smart TVs and game consoles).
That said, configuring a VPN on your router comes with some downsides. You need a VPN-compatible router, and it may slow your connection speed a little because the VPN has to encrypt all your traffic. It also isn’t very flexible: You’re stuck with the VPN features the router’s interface comes with, and you can’t customize your settings very much. Switching to a different VPN server to change your IP location also
Alternatively, setting up your own VPN on a home server offers extensive flexibility and customization options. You can choose your protocol, encryption methods, authentication, and network rules. Managing your own server also means you have full control over your data, without relying on third-party providers. The downside is that it demands a great deal more technical expertise and resources than using a pre-configured app. It can also use a lot of data, which might hit data caps on your home internet plan, potentially leading to extra charges or throttling.
The easiest way to add a VPN to your home network is to use native VPN apps on individual devices. This lets you choose which devices are protected. You can also keep using the VPN whenever you leave the house. It’s straightforward to set up and minimally affects network performance. However, managing VPN settings on multiple devices separately may be inconvenient, and not all devices support VPN apps.
Scan through the quick comparison table below to find the best option for you:
| A VPN on Your Router | Your Own VPN Server | Using a VPN Service | |
| Setup Time | Typically 1–3 hours | Several hours to a day | A few minutes |
| Technical Expertise | Basic networking knowledge required, familiarity with router settings is helpful | Requires understanding of server management, network configuration, and VPN protocols | No technical knowledge required |
| Cost | Moderate: Cost of a compatible router ($100–$300) and subscription fees for VPN software | High: Cost of server hardware or rental ($5-$50/month) and maintenance, possibly software costs | Variable: Subscription fees range from $3 to $15/month |
| Control and Customization | Moderate: Limited to router’s capabilities, can choose VPN provider and configure settings | High: Full control over server configuration, choice of software, and security protocols | Moderate: Customization through the VPN provider’s app and settings |
| Security | High: Strong security if properly configured, protects all devices on the network | High: Full control over security measures, can implement advanced protocols and configurations | High: Reputable services offer strong encryption and security features |
| Privacy | Variable: Privacy depends on router capabilities and VPN provider’s policies | High: Full control over data privacy, no third-party involvement if self-managed properly | Variable: Depends on the VPN provider’s logging policies, system management, and jurisdiction |
| Maintenance | Moderate: Occasional updates and troubleshooting required | High: Ongoing maintenance, updates, and potential troubleshooting | Low: Minimal maintenance required, handled by VPN provider |
| Convenience | Moderate: Covers all devices on the network without individual configuration | Low: Each device may need configuration, unless using a centralized method | High: Easy to use apps for all devices, simple to switch servers and configurations |
| Speed and Performance | Variable: Depends on router’s processing power and network speed, potential for reduced speeds | Variable: Depends on server specs, internet connection, and network load | Variable: Depends on provider’s server network and infrastructure, generally optimized for performance |
| Support and Reliability | Moderate: Limited to router manufacturer and VPN provider’s customer support | None: Self-managed, no external support, reliant on own troubleshooting | High: Professional customer support available |
| Portability | Low: Limited to home network, not accessible remotely | High: Can access from anywhere if configured properly | High: Can access from anywhere with internet connection, easy to switch devices |
How to Set Up a VPN at Home
Install Your VPN on Individual Devices
- Subscribe to CyberGhost VPN.
- Download the VPN app on your preferred devices (e.g. PC, smartphone, laptop, tablet). You can use it on up to 7 devices at once.
- Log in using your credentials and connect to a VPN server location. CyberGhost VPN has servers in 100 countries, so you can always find a fast server near your location.
If you opt for a VPN service, check out our complete guides to help you set up a VPN on your Android or iPhone device, and operating systems, including macOS, Windows, or Linux.
How to Set Up a Home VPN on Your Router
- Check your router’s compatibility. Some routers come with built-in VPN functionality, while others may require firmware updates or need to be flashed with custom firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato. Note that some ISP routers and modems don’t support VPNs, but you can set up a VPN by pairing an ISP modem with a VPN-compatible router.
- Sign up for CyberGhost VPN.
- Open a web browser and enter your router’s IP address (look for your IP address on the back of your router or check this full guide on how to find your router’s IP Address) to access the admin interface. Log in using your router’s admin credentials.
- Navigate to your router’s VPN settings (they should be under Advanced settings or a similar tab). Identify the correct VPN server address and tunnel protocol provided by your VPN provider. Enter these details in the text boxes set out for them along with your VPN username and password when prompted.
- After saving and restarting the router, simply type “what is my IP” in your browser to check if your IP address has changed to the VPN server’s IP address.
Take a look at our blog post on How to Install a VPN on Your Router (And Why You Should) for more detailed instructions.
How to Set Up a VPN Server at Home
- Choose your setup method.
Router with custom firmware: First, see if your router has built-in VPN server settings, as some newer routers come with this feature out of the box. If not, find out if your router supports custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt. If supported, flash your router with the chosen firmware that includes VPN server capabilities. Note that if something goes wrong during this process, it may brick your router – making it unusable.
Dedicated VPN server on a computer: Use a computer to host your dedicated VPN server. It needs to be a device that’s on all the time.
For setting up a VPN server on Windows, you can set up a VPN server using a built-in Network setting called New Incoming Connection or VPN Server (depending on your Windows version). This feature lets your Windows computer act as a VPN server, so local and remote devices can connect to it securely. You’ll have to navigate to Network Connections in your control panel and adjust some settings on your preferred connection to open up this feature.
On both macOS and Linux, you can set up a VPN server using free open-source software like OpenVPN or WireGuard. macOS used to have a built-in VPN server feature but Apple discontinued this option so you’ll have to rely on third-party software to get it working.
Raspberry Pi VPN server: Get a Raspberry Pi device and install OpenVPN server software on it. Configure the Raspberry Pi as your dedicated VPN server.
Hosted VPN server. Choose a web hosting provider, like AWS, Google Cloud, or DigitalOcean, and rent a server. Install VPN server software on the rented server and configure it.
- Prepare your network. Contact your ISP to request a static IP address for your home network. If your ISP provides this service, it will add an extra monthly charge to your contract. Unfortunately, many ISPs don’t offer static residential IP addresses, but there is a workaround for this. Instead, you can register with a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service provider (e.g., No-IP, DynDNS). A DDNS service facilitates remote access to your network using a fixed domain name, even when your public IP address changes frequently. If your router doesn’t support the DDNS provider’s settings, you may have to flash your router with custom firmware like DD-WRT or OpenWrt.
- Configure your VPN server.
Router with custom firmware: Access the router’s web interface by typing your router’s IP address into your browser (typically 192.168.1.1 or similar) and logging in with your admin credentials. Navigate to the VPN settings menu and enable the VPN server. Configure your VPN server settings, including information such as your chosen authentication and encryption methods.
Dedicated VPN server (computer or Raspberry Pi): Use the system’s built-in VPN server settings or install the VPN server software of your choice (e.g., OpenVPN). Configure the server settings, including your VPN protocol, port forwarding for remote access (if necessary), and client authentication.
Hosted VPN server: Sign up for a cloud service and create a Virtual Private Server (VPS) instance. Log in to your hosted server via SSH or a control panel. Install the VPN server software (e.g., OpenVPN) using package management tools. Configure the VPN server settings according to the provider’s instructions.
- Secure your VPN server
Set up strong authentication methods (e.g., certificate-based authentication for OpenVPN). Use the Easy-RSA tool to generate the necessary certificates and keys for your VPN server.
Remember to regularly update your VPN server software and operating system to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Test your VPN connection
Use a client device (e.g., laptop, smartphone) to connect to your VPN via its network settings. You’ll have to manually connect to your VPN server using the device’s built-in VPN support or third-party VPN client software. Verify connectivity and ensure that your internet traffic is routed securely through your home VPN network.
For even more detailed instructions on how to set up a VPN server at home, check out our step-by-step guide on how to create your own VPN.
Is a VPN Home Server Worth It?
Yes, it can be a worthwhile investment if you prioritize security, privacy, and remote access – as long as you have the technical expertise to set it up. With a home VPN server, you have complete control over your data and connections without involving third parties.
You can also apply advanced security measures to your home server that VPN companies don’t typically use, such as multi-factor authentication and custom firewall rules. This setup is also great for safely accessing your home network remotely.
In contrast, VPN apps direct your traffic through third-party servers. This means you must trust the provider to uphold the best security and privacy standards while you’re using the service.
That said, setting up and maintaining a VPN server at home can be complex and will only offer reliably private and secure connections if you handle it correctly. Otherwise, a mistake could introduce new vulnerabilities to your home network instead. It also involves upfront costs for hardware and may increase your internet or electricity bills. Finally, unlike commercial VPN services with servers worldwide, your home server is limited to one location – your home. This means changing your virtual location isn’t an option, unless you want to use your home’s IP location while traveling.
Can You Use a VPN to Access Your Home Network?
Yes, setting up a VPN server lets your remote device behave as if it’s physically connected to your home network. This provides secure access to local resources, like your files and apps.
Here’s how to set up remote devices to connect to your VPN:
- Obtain the VPN configuration files. If you use OpenVPN, you’ll need to generate and download configuration files (e.g., .ovpn files) for the client devices. Visit the OpenVPN website and download the appropriate software for your operating system.
- Install VPN client software on your devices. OpenVPN has clients for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
- Import the configuration files. Open the VPN client software and import the configuration files you obtained earlier.
- Launch the VPN client. Connect using the imported configuration. Enter your username and password if required.
- Verify your connection. Try accessing your home server, shared folders, or other network services.
Another option is to set up port forwarding on your router. Port forwarding allows specific incoming traffic to reach certain devices or services on your network. For example, if you want to access your home computer remotely, you would forward a specific port (like 3389 for Remote Desktop) to your computer’s IP address.
While port forwarding lets you connect to your home network from afar, it does create some security vulnerabilities. Using a third-party VPN service while having port forwarding enabled on your network keeps your information safe from potential threats.
How to Choose a VPN for Home Use
To choose a VPN for home use, look for the following factors:
- Security and Privacy Practices
Look for a VPN provider that has a strong no-logs policy and doesn’t collect any data that could be linked back to you. You also need a VPN with strong encryption algorithms and tunneling protocols.
Check if the provider is regularly audited by independent entities to ensure they keep their promises. Make sure your VPN has a kill switch feature that temporarily cuts off your traffic if your connection drops or changes, preventing data leaks until the VPN reconnects. DNS leak protection is also important in order to route your DNS requests through the VPN without exposing any data to your ISP.
- Speed and Performance
Choose a VPN that provides fast protocols and reliable servers across different countries. This way, you can stream, game, and download large files without interruptions. Also, make sure the VPN doesn’t limit your bandwidth or data usage.
- Device Compatibility
Ensure the VPN supports all the operating systems you plan to use it on (e.g. Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux). A user-friendly interface and easy setup process are also important, especially if you aren’t tech-savvy.
Take a look at the VPN’s YouTube channel or other video platforms for guides. These videos show how the app works, its setup, and its interface on various devices, helping you understand if it suits your needs. Also, find out how many devices you can connect simultaneously under one subscription.
- Money-back Guarantee and Customer Support
When selecting a VPN, prioritize those offering a money-back guarantee. CyberGhost VPN offers an industry-leading 45-day money-back guarantee. This way, you can try all its features at your own pace and see if the VPN service is the right fit for you.
Look for a VPN with 24/7 customer support too, ideally with live chat for fast feedback when you need it. See if the VPN service has comprehensive resources like guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting articles for quick reference.
FAQ
The easiest way to set up a VPN in your home is to use a VPN service. Get CyberGhost VPN which has dedicated apps for all major operating systems. You can configure CyberGhost VPN on your router to protect all the devices in your home, including devices like smart TVs and game consoles that don’t natively support VPN connections.
If you have enough technical know-how, you can also set up a home VPN server using an old computer, a Raspberry Pi device, or a VPS rented from a cloud service.
Yes, you can set up a VPN for free in a few different ways.
You can use a free VPN service. While free VPNs can provide basic VPN functionality, they come with limitations like slower speeds, data caps, fewer server locations, and potential privacy concerns. Paid VPN services offer more robust security, faster performance, and strong security features.
To protect your browsing, use CyberGhost VPN’s free extensions for Chrome and Firefox. These extensions encrypt your traffic and mask your IP address with just a few clicks.
You can also set up your own VPN server at home for free using an extra computer or VPS. It’s more secure than relying on a free VPN service, but setting it up requires complex technical knowledge.
Yes, using a VPN is generally simple. Most providers offer user-friendly apps. To set up a VPN, you typically download the app, install it, and log in with your credentials and it’s ready to go. Connecting to a VPN server usually involves just a single click.
To set up a VPN on your network, first, choose a VPN provider and subscribe. Download and install the VPN app on your devices then open it and connect to the server of your choice.
For router-level setup, log in to your router’s admin panel, usually accessed via a web browser. Find the VPN section in the settings, then input the VPN server details provided by your VPN provider. Save the settings and restart the router. This setup secures all devices on your network. Consult your VPN provider’s guides for specific instructions tailored to your router model.
Leave a comment