VPNs are no longer just tools for privacy-conscious individuals or businesses; they have become a necessity for households and professionals who want to protect all their devices from prying eyes.
But when it comes to choosing a VPN for multiple devices, not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPNs offer limited connections, while others provide extensive device support, making it difficult to find the right one.
In this guide, we will delve into the best VPNs for multiple devices, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of their features, pricing, and how they can enhance your online security.
Why You Need a VPN for Multiple Devices
Before jumping into the list of the best VPNs, it’s important to understand why having a VPN for multiple devices is crucial.
1. Comprehensive Protection
Whether you’re working from home on your laptop, streaming movies on your smart TV, or browsing social media on your phone, each of these activities exposes you to potential cyber threats. Hackers, snoopers, and malicious websites are always looking for vulnerabilities in your connection.
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic across all your devices, providing comprehensive protection no matter what device you’re using.
2. Privacy Across the Board
With the rise of smart devices, from phones to tablets to gaming consoles, your digital footprint is constantly expanding. Every online action you take—whether on a mobile app or while streaming content—can be tracked by ISPs, advertisers, or even governments.
A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your connection, ensuring that no one can see what you’re doing online, no matter which device you’re using.
3. Simultaneous Connections
Many VPN providers limit the number of devices you can protect at once. If you have a VPN that supports only one or two devices, you’ll quickly find it inconvenient, especially if you’re part of a household where everyone has multiple gadgets.
VPNs that support multiple simultaneous connections allow you to protect all your devices without needing separate subscriptions for each one.
4. Bypass Geographical Restrictions
If you travel frequently or want to access content available only in specific regions (such as Netflix libraries, streaming services, or even news sites), a VPN for multiple devices can ensure that you can access geo-blocked content on all your devices, no matter where you are.
5. Cost Efficiency
A VPN that supports multiple devices can save you money. Instead of purchasing individual VPN plans for each device or family member, a single VPN subscription with support for numerous connections ensures everyone is protected without breaking the bank.
The Best VPNs for Multiple Devices
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is known for its top-tier security and fast speeds, making it a reliable option for users who prioritize performance and privacy.
- Simultaneous Connections: With ExpressVPN, you can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously, which should be enough for most users.
- Device Compatibility: It supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and even smart TVs.
- Key Features: ExpressVPN uses TrustedServer technology, which ensures that all data is wiped after every reboot, and it has a strict no-logs policy. It also offers split tunneling, a kill switch, and supports Lightway protocol, designed for better speed and security.
- Performance: ExpressVPN consistently ranks as one of the fastest VPNs available, making it a solid choice for streaming, gaming, and heavy browsing.
- Pricing: ExpressVPN is on the pricier side, with plans starting at around $6.67 per month, but the quality of service justifies the cost.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN services in the market, known for its robust security features, speed, and ability to support multiple devices.
- Simultaneous Connections: NordVPN allows you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously with a single subscription, making it a great option for households or individuals with multiple gadgets.
- Device Compatibility: It is compatible with all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and more. It also supports routers, meaning you can protect all devices connected to your home network.
- Key Features: NordVPN offers a wide range of features, such as Double VPN, which routes your connection through two servers for added security, and CyberSec, which blocks malicious websites and ads. Additionally, it has over 5,500 servers in 60+ countries, ensuring you have plenty of options to choose from.
- Performance: NordVPN is known for its excellent speed performance, thanks to its NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard technology.
- Pricing: NordVPN offers various pricing plans, with an average monthly cost of around $3 to $4, depending on the subscription length.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is a great choice for anyone looking for a cost-effective VPN with support for unlimited devices.
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlike many other VPNs, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can connect as many devices as you want with one subscription.
- Device Compatibility: Surfshark is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and also supports router configurations. You can also install it on gaming consoles and smart TVs.
- Key Features: Surfshark is packed with features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and trackers, and MultiHop, which allows you to connect via multiple countries for enhanced privacy. It also offers split tunneling, so you can choose which apps or websites bypass the VPN.
- Performance: Despite being a budget-friendly VPN, Surfshark offers excellent speeds, making it suitable for activities like streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
- Pricing: Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs, with prices starting as low as $2.49 per month on longer subscription plans.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN that offers a large server network and strong privacy features.
- Simultaneous Connections: CyberGhost allows 7 simultaneous connections per subscription.
- Device Compatibility: It is compatible with all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and even routers.
- Key Features: CyberGhost offers specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, which ensures optimal performance for specific activities. It also has NoSpy servers, which are independently operated for added security.
- Performance: CyberGhost offers decent speeds, especially when connected to nearby servers, and it’s great for bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
- Pricing: CyberGhost’s long-term plans are reasonably priced, starting at around $2.25 per month.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access is a reliable VPN service that emphasizes user privacy and provides a high number of connections.
- Simultaneous Connections: PIA allows users to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, which is one of the highest limits among mainstream VPNs.
- Device Compatibility: PIA supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can also be set up on routers.
- Key Features: PIA offers strong privacy features, including an automatic kill switch, ad and tracker blocker (MACE), and a strict no-logs policy. It also offers customizable encryption settings.
- Performance: While PIA’s speeds are not the fastest, they are sufficient for most users, and it has a vast network of servers.
- Pricing: PIA offers competitive pricing, with plans starting at $2.19 per month for longer-term subscriptions.
Key Features to Look for in a VPN for Multiple Devices
When selecting a VPN to secure multiple devices, it’s crucial to consider the following features:
- Device Compatibility: The VPN should work seamlessly on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and even routers.
- Number of Simultaneous Connections: Look for VPNs that allow a high number of simultaneous connections (at least five, but ideally more).
- Speed and Performance: Using a VPN on multiple devices shouldn’t result in a significant drop in internet speed. Choose a VPN with fast servers and minimal latency.
- Ease of Use: The VPN app should be user-friendly, allowing easy setup and operation across all your devices.
- Security and Privacy Features: Make sure the VPN offers strong encryption (such as AES-256), a kill switch, no-logs policy, and leak protection.
How to Set Up a VPN on Your Router to Cover Multiple Devices
One of the most effective ways to secure multiple devices with a single VPN connection is to install the VPN on your home router. When you configure a VPN on your router, every device connected to that router’s Wi-Fi network automatically benefits from VPN protection, even if the device itself doesn’t support VPN apps.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choose a VPN-Compatible Router: Not all routers support VPN connections. You need to check whether your router allows manual VPN configuration. Some VPN providers also sell pre-configured routers that are VPN-ready.
- Get Your VPN Provider’s Configuration Files: Visit your VPN provider’s website and download the OpenVPN or PPTP configuration files for your specific router model. Many VPN providers offer detailed setup guides for various router brands, such as Asus, Linksys, or Netgear.
- Log Into Your Router: Access your router’s dashboard by typing your router’s IP address (commonly something like 192.168.1.1) into your web browser. You’ll need your router’s admin login credentials.
- Enter the VPN Configuration Settings: Once you’re logged in, navigate to the VPN setup section. This might be labeled under “VPN” or “Security.” Upload the configuration files you downloaded from your VPN provider, and enter any additional information required (such as your VPN username and password).
- Save and Activate the VPN Connection: After entering the necessary details, save your settings and activate the VPN connection. All devices connected to this router will now be protected by the VPN.
- Test the Connection: To ensure that the VPN is working correctly, test the IP address on a device connected to your router. You should see the VPN server’s IP address rather than your real one.
Conclusion
VPNs are a great way to protect your privacy and security online. They can also be used to access geo-restricted content. If you have multiple devices, it is important to choose a VPN that can handle them all.
The best VPNs for multiple devices include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access (PIA). When choosing a VPN, it is important to consider your needs and budget.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
FAQ
Can I use the same VPN account on multiple devices?
Yes, most VPN services allow you to use the same account on multiple devices. The number of devices you can connect simultaneously depends on the provider. Some VPNs, like Surfshark, offer unlimited connections, while others may limit you to 5-10 devices.
How many devices can I use with a VPN?
The number of devices you can use with a VPN depends on the VPN provider. Some VPNs have limited device connections, while others can handle an unlimited number of devices.
Which VPN is the best for multiple devices?
The best VPN for multiple devices depends on your needs and budget. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, Surfshark, and Private Internet Access (PIA) are all good options.
Are VPNs legal to use on multiple devices?
In most countries, using a VPN on multiple devices is completely legal. However, VPN use is restricted or banned in some countries with strict internet regulations, such as China, Russia, and North Korea. Always check the legalities of VPN usage in your country before using one.