Wondering if hooking up a VPN to your Eero router is a good idea and if it’s even safe? The quick answer is: yes, using a VPN with your Eero router can be really safe and boost your online privacy and security, but you can’t just install it directly on the Eero itself. Setting up a VPN for your entire home network, including all devices connected to your Eero, is a bit more involved than just clicking a button, but it’s definitely doable and totally worth the effort for that peace of mind.

Here’s the deal: Eero routers are super popular for making Wi-Fi simple and reliable, especially with their mesh system that covers your whole house. But unlike some other routers out there, Eero wasn’t built with a spot for you to install VPN software right on the router. That’s a key thing to remember. So, if you’re picturing a simple app installation, that’s not quite how it works with Eero.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck! Many of us still want that full home network protection, where every device – from your phone and laptop to your smart TV and gaming console – gets the VPN benefits. We want to keep our online activities private, stay safe from potential threats, and maybe even access content that’s usually geo-restricted. This guide will walk you through exactly what you need to know, from understanding Eero’s capabilities to the best ways to get that sweet VPN security running smoothly across your entire network.

Table of Contents

What’s an Eero Router Anyway, and What’s its Deal with VPNs?

So, you’ve got an Eero, right? Most likely, you picked it because you wanted a simple, reliable Wi-Fi experience, especially if you have a larger home where dead spots used to be a problem. Eero mesh Wi-Fi systems are fantastic for blanketing your space with strong, consistent internet. They’re known for being super easy to set up, usually managed through a sleek phone app, and they just work.

But here’s the kicker when it comes to VPNs: Eero routers don’t have what’s called a “VPN client” built-in. What does that even mean? Well, most traditional routers that do support VPNs let you log into their settings, enter your VPN provider’s details, and then the router itself establishes an encrypted connection to the VPN server. Every device connected to that router then automatically uses the VPN. Pretty neat, right?

Eero, unfortunately, doesn’t offer that direct, router-level VPN client functionality. It’s a design choice that prioritizes simplicity and user-friendliness over advanced networking features like built-in VPN client support. This has been a consistent point among users and reviews.

Eero’s Own Take: Guardian VPN and Eero Plus

Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, I saw something about a VPN with Eero Plus!” And you’d be right. If you subscribe to Eero Plus, you do get access to a VPN service powered by Guardian. It sounds like a perfect match, but there’s a catch: this Guardian VPN is installed on individual devices, like your phone or tablet, not directly on the Eero router itself.

It means that while your individual device say, your phone will be protected when you enable the Guardian VPN app on it, your smart TV, gaming console, or any other device connected to your Eero that doesn’t have the Guardian app installed won’t be covered. Eero Plus usually gives you protection for up to five devices this way. It’s good for on-the-go protection or securing a few key devices, but it’s not a whole-home solution from the router. Is VPN Safe for Eero 6? Unpacking the Truth for Your Home Network

What is “VPN Passthrough” on Eero?

Another term you might hear floating around is “VPN passthrough.” And guess what? Eero does support VPN passthrough. But let’s clarify what that means, because it’s often misunderstood. VPN passthrough simply means that if you have a device like your computer running its own VPN software, the Eero router won’t block that VPN connection. It “passes through” the encrypted traffic without interfering. It doesn’t mean the Eero itself is providing VPN protection to all devices. It just lets your device’s VPN do its thing.

So, to sum it up, if you want full network VPN protection for all devices connected to your Eero, including those that can’t run their own VPN apps, you’ll need a different approach.

Why Even Bother with a VPN on Your Eero Indirectly?

You might be asking yourself, “If it’s this complicated, why bother?” And that’s a fair question! But trust me, the benefits of having a VPN cover your whole home network are pretty significant. It’s about taking control of your online world.

Enhanced Privacy and Security for Everyone

This is probably the biggest reason folks look into router-level VPNs. When a VPN is active on your router, it encrypts all internet traffic flowing through it. This means: Is VPN Safe for Dynamic IP Addresses? Absolutely, and Here’s Why!

Your Internet Service Provider ISP can’t snoop on your online activities. Without a VPN, your ISP can see every website you visit, every app you use, and a lot more. With a VPN, they just see encrypted data going to a VPN server.
Protection against hackers and malicious actors. Especially if you’re concerned about your smart home devices or other IoT gadgets, a router-level VPN acts as a blanket of security. If any device has a vulnerability, its traffic is still encrypted by the VPN, making it much harder for bad actors to intercept data.
Safety on public Wi-Fi even from home. While your Eero is at home, if you connect to it with your devices, that traffic is encrypted before it leaves your network. It adds an extra layer of defense against various online threats like phishing attacks and viruses. The Eero Plus also has “Active Threat Protection” and “Ad Blocking” which help, but a VPN adds another layer of security at a different level.

Bypass Geo-Restrictions for Allowed Content

Ever tried to watch a show or access a service only to be told, “This isn’t available in your region”? Yeah, it’s frustrating. A VPN can help with that. By connecting to a server in a different country, you can make it look like your entire home network is located somewhere else. This is super handy for:

Streaming services: Accessing your favorite movies and shows from libraries that are only available in certain countries. Many people on Reddit mention this as a primary reason to get a VPN for their Eero indirectly, of course.
Gaming: Sometimes, connecting to a server closer to game servers can even reduce lag, or let you play with friends in other regions.
Accessing region-locked websites or apps: If a particular website or online service is blocked in your country, a VPN can help you get around that restriction.

Protect Devices That Can’t Run VPN Apps

This is a huge one. Many smart devices, like smart TVs, gaming consoles PlayStation, Xbox, security cameras, and other Internet of Things IoT gadgets, don’t have the option to install a VPN app directly. If you want them to benefit from VPN protection, a router-level VPN is your best bet. This way, all their traffic is automatically secured by the VPN connection established by your upstream router, before it even reaches the Eero.

Prevent ISP Throttling

Some ISPs might slow down your internet speed when they detect certain activities, like heavy streaming or gaming. When your traffic is encrypted by a VPN, your ISP can’t see what you’re doing, making it harder for them to selectively throttle your connection.

Is it “Safe”? Understanding the Nuances and Potential Downsides

We’ve talked about the “why.” Now let’s hit the core question: is it actually safe to use a VPN with an Eero router? Absolutely, yes, it can be very safe and beneficial. However, “safe” doesn’t mean “without any considerations.” There are a few things you should be aware of. Is a VPN Safe for Your DTS Server? Let’s Unpack the Real Deal

Potential Speed Reduction

Encrypting your data and routing it through a VPN server naturally adds a few extra steps, which can lead to a slight decrease in internet speed. Think of it like taking a slightly longer, more secure route to your destination. The impact usually depends on a few factors:

Your original internet speed: If you have a super-fast fiber connection, you might barely notice a difference with a good VPN.
VPN server distance: Connecting to a server across the globe will almost always be slower than connecting to one nearby.
VPN provider quality: Premium VPNs invest in fast servers and efficient protocols like WireGuard, minimizing speed loss.
Router processing power: If you’re using a separate VPN-enabled router, its processing power matters. Some older routers might struggle with encryption, leading to more significant slowdowns.

While a VPN can slow things down, choosing a high-quality VPN and optimizing your settings can make the speed difference negligible for most daily tasks.

Setup Complexity

As we’ve established, you can’t just install a VPN app on your Eero. The main way to get whole-home VPN protection is to use a separate VPN-compatible router before your Eero network, then put your Eero into “bridge mode.” This is more complex than installing an app on a single device.

It involves:

Buying a second router that’s compatible with VPN firmware like Asuswrt-Merlin, DD-WRT, or specific models from brands like Asus, Linksys, or Netgear.
Configuring that second router with your VPN provider’s settings often using OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols.
Connecting this VPN router to your Eero and setting your Eero to “bridge mode” or “DHCP & NAT” depending on your specific Eero model and network setup.

This isn’t rocket science, but it does require a bit of technical comfort and patience. Some Reddit users have found this setup challenging. Is VPN Safe for DraftKings Sportsbook? The Real Deal

Trusting Your VPN Provider

When you use a VPN, you’re essentially trusting that VPN provider with your internet traffic. So, the safety aspect isn’t just about Eero, it’s about the VPN service you choose. A reputable VPN provider should have:

A strict no-logs policy: Meaning they don’t record your online activities.
Strong encryption standards: Like AES-256.
Reliable kill switch: To prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
Independently audited security: To verify their claims.

Steering clear of free VPNs is a good rule of thumb here, as many compromise your privacy by selling data or have weaker security.

How to Actually Get a VPN Working with Your Eero Router

Alright, let’s get into the practical side. Since direct installation on Eero isn’t an option, we’re talking about workarounds. The most robust and widely recommended method for whole-home VPN protection with Eero involves using a second, VPN-enabled router.

The Two-Router Method: Your Best Bet

This is the golden standard for getting a VPN to work with your Eero mesh system, and it’s what most experts and experienced users recommend. Is VPN Safe for Drinking Water? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion!

Here’s the basic idea:
You’ll set up a separate router that does support VPN client software. This “VPN router” will handle the encrypted connection. Then, your Eero system will connect to this VPN router and essentially extend the already-protected network throughout your home.

Step-by-Step Guide for the Two-Router Setup:

Choose a VPN Provider: This is your first and most crucial step. You need a VPN service that is known for its router compatibility and provides detailed setup guides. Top recommendations often include:
- ExpressVPN: Often lauded for its dedicated router app firmware that makes setup on compatible routers easier, and offers excellent speeds and security.
- NordVPN: Known for strong security, a vast server network, and compatibility with various router firmware often via OpenVPN.
- Surfshark: A budget-friendly option that offers unlimited device connections and supports manual setup on many routers using WireGuard or OpenVPN.
- Other reliable options: IPVanish, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access PIA also get mentions for router compatibility.
When choosing, look for providers that explicitly support flashing routers with custom firmware like DD-WRT, Tomato, Asuswrt-Merlin or offer their own router firmware/configuration files.

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Get a VPN-Compatible Router: This is your “Router A.” It needs to be a router that you can install VPN client software on. Popular options include:
- Asus routers: Many models from the Asus RT and AX series are highly recommended because they often have built-in VPN client support in their native firmware Asuswrt or Asuswrt-Merlin for enhanced features.
- Routers compatible with custom firmware: Brands like TP-Link Archer series, Linksys, and Netgear can often be flashed with open-source firmware like DD-WRT or Tomato, which then allows for VPN client installation.
- Pre-flashed VPN routers: Some companies sell routers with VPN software already installed and configured, which can simplify the process but might be pricier.
Configure the VPN on Your VPN-Compatible Router Router A:
- Connect Router A: Plug this router into your computer via an Ethernet cable and access its administration panel through a web browser usually by typing 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1.
- Install/Configure VPN: Follow your chosen VPN provider’s specific guide for your router model. This typically involves:
  - Downloading OpenVPN or WireGuard configuration files from your VPN provider’s website.
  - Entering your VPN service credentials which are often different from your account login, so check your provider’s “manual setup” or “service credentials” section.
  - Uploading the configuration file to Router A’s VPN client settings.
  - Activating the VPN connection on Router A.
Connect Router A to Your Eero Network:
- Take an Ethernet cable and connect one end to a LAN port on Router A.
- Connect the other end of that Ethernet cable to the WAN/Uplink port on your main Eero gateway device. This effectively places Router A before your Eero network.
Configure Your Eero for “Bridge Mode” or “DHCP & NAT”:
- Open your Eero app on your phone.
- Go to Settings and then Network settings.
- Look for DHCP & NAT or a similar option.
- Change the setting to Bridge Mode or Manual this will depend on your specific Eero model and overall network setup. In Bridge Mode, your Eero acts more like an access point, letting the upstream router your VPN router handle the network’s IP addressing and DHCP. This is crucial to avoid “double NAT” issues, which can cause connectivity problems.
- Save your settings. You might need to restart your Eero system.

Once this is all set up, all devices connected wirelessly or via Ethernet to any of your Eero units will have their internet traffic routed through the VPN-enabled Router A. This means whole-home VPN protection! Is VPN Safe for DPS?

Alternative: Device-Specific VPNs

If the two-router method sounds like too much hassle, remember you can always install VPN software directly on individual devices. This works great for laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Most premium VPNs offer user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This method is simpler, but it only protects the device where the VPN app is running, leaving other devices on your Eero network unprotected.

Performance Impact: What to Expect

When you use a VPN, especially with a router-level setup, it’s natural to wonder about performance.

Speed Reduction is Normal: As mentioned, encryption and routing traffic through a remote server will introduce some latency and reduce overall speed. Data from VPN speed tests consistently shows some level of speed drop. For example, even with top-tier VPNs, you might see a 10-20% reduction, or more depending on server distance and protocol.
Factors Influencing Speed:
- VPN Protocol: WireGuard is generally faster than OpenVPN, but not all routers support WireGuard natively.
- Server Load and Distance: Choosing a VPN server that’s geographically closer and not overloaded will yield better speeds.
- Router CPU Power: Your dedicated VPN router’s processor handles the encryption/decryption. A more powerful router will do this more efficiently.
- ISP Speed: If you have a gigabit internet connection, a 20% speed drop still leaves you with plenty of bandwidth. If your starting speed is lower, the impact will be more noticeable.

To maintain optimal performance, always choose a high-quality VPN service with a large network of fast servers and experiment with different server locations and protocols.

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Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even with the best guides, sometimes things just don’t go as planned. Here are a few common issues and tips:

Double NAT: This happens when you have two routers your ISP modem/router and your VPN router, or your VPN router and your Eero both performing Network Address Translation. It can cause problems with online gaming, port forwarding, and certain applications. Setting your Eero to “bridge mode” is the primary way to avoid this.
Slow Speeds: Try connecting to a different VPN server, ideally one closer to your physical location. Experiment with different VPN protocols if your VPN router supports them. Ensure your VPN software and router firmware are up to date.
VPN Connection Drops: Check your VPN router’s logs for error messages. Ensure stable internet connection from your ISP. Sometimes, weak Wi-Fi signals on specific Eero units can affect VPN reliability for connected devices.
Accessing Local Network Devices: If you’re running a router-level VPN, some devices on your network might struggle to see each other e.g., a network printer. This usually requires advanced routing configurations on your VPN router or careful use of split tunneling if your VPN provider offers it.
Eero’s “Advanced Security” and VPNs: Eero Secure and Eero Plus offer features like ad blocking and threat protection. While a VPN encrypts your traffic, these Eero features work at a different layer. It’s generally safe to run both, but if you encounter unexpected issues, temporarily disabling Eero’s advanced features can help with troubleshooting.

When you’re dealing with a router and VPN setup, always remember that your VPN provider’s customer support is a valuable resource. They often have dedicated guides and troubleshooting teams for router configurations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is VPN safe for Eero router connection?

Yes, a VPN is safe for your Eero router connection. While Eero doesn’t natively host a VPN client, you can safely integrate a VPN by using a separate VPN-compatible router placed before your Eero network, with the Eero set to bridge mode. This setup encrypts all traffic from devices connected to your Eero, enhancing privacy and security without compromising the Eero’s mesh functionality.

Does Eero router support VPN server?

No, Eero routers do not have a built-in VPN server. A VPN server allows you to remotely access your home network securely from outside. If you need a VPN server feature, you would need to use a different router with this capability or a dedicated device like a NAS or a Firewalla appliance. Can You Safely Use a VPN with Your DHCP Server?

Can I install a VPN directly on my Eero router?

No, you cannot install a VPN directly onto your Eero router. Eero’s firmware does not include native support for VPN clients. The primary method for whole-network VPN protection with Eero involves using a separate VPN-compatible router and configuring Eero in bridge mode.

Is Eero Secure or Eero Plus the same as a VPN?

Eero Secure and Eero Plus are not the same as a router-level VPN. Eero Plus does include a VPN service Guardian VPN, but this is designed to be installed as an app on individual devices like phones or tablets, not on the Eero router itself. While Eero Plus offers features like active threat protection, ad blocking, and content filters, a dedicated router-level VPN provides a different layer of encryption and anonymity for all connected devices that Eero’s built-in features don’t cover.

Will a VPN slow down my internet speed on my Eero network?

Yes, using a VPN, especially a router-level VPN, can slow down your internet speed on your Eero network. This is because the VPN encrypts your data and routes it through an external server, adding extra steps. The actual speed reduction depends on factors like your original internet speed, the VPN provider’s quality, the distance to the VPN server, and the processing power of your VPN-enabled router.

What is VPN passthrough on Eero?

VPN passthrough on Eero means that the router will allow VPN traffic generated by individual devices e.g., a laptop running a VPN app to pass through its network without blocking it. It does not mean the Eero itself is providing VPN protection to all devices. It simply ensures compatibility if you have devices using their own VPN software.

What’s the best way to get a whole-home VPN with Eero?

The most effective way to get a whole-home VPN with an Eero system is to use a separate, VPN-compatible router Router A configured with your chosen VPN service. This Router A then connects to your Eero gateway, and you configure your Eero to run in bridge mode. This setup ensures all traffic flowing through your Eero network is encrypted by the VPN. Is VPN Safe for DJI Mini 3 Pro? Unpacking the Truth for Drone Pilots

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