Hey there! Got an Eero mesh wifi system set up in your home? Nice!
But are you taking full advantage of its capabilities by adding an extra layer of security through a virtual private network (VPN)?
If not, I‘m here to explain why using a VPN on your Eero router is so important for online privacy – as well as recommend the top 3 services that I personally vetted and tested for speed, security, and ease of use.
By the end of this guide, your network will be locked down and anonymous, allowing you to browse, stream, and download freely across all your devices. Let‘s get started!
Contents
Why Your Eero Router Needs a VPN in 2023
Before jumping into VPN suggestions, you may be wondering why your Eero even needs one in the first place. Fair question!
The risks from using unsecured public networks have only grown over the years:
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89% of Americans feel that internet companies and websites aren‘t doing enough to protect their data privacy, according to Pew Research.
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148 million Americans were affected by cybercrimes like identify theft and financial fraud in 2021 alone, reports Norton.
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The global cost of cyberattacks will reach a staggering $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, projects Cybersecurity Ventures.
And those are just the big picture stats – on an individual level, you need to safeguard your home network for activities like:
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Streaming – Access shows and movies not available in your region. Stop ISP throttling of sites like Netflix and Hulu.
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Online shopping – Keep payment information secure when buying from ecommerce sites. Prevent price discrimination based on location.
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General browsing – Stop advertisers from tracking which pages you visit. Keep your search history private. Avoid public WiFi snooping.
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File downloading – Safely torrent movies, music, and more without receiving infringement notices.
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Travel – Securely access your accounts and sensitive data on public networks in hotels, cafes, and airports.
A premium VPN is the solution to all these use cases. But not just any VPN – it needs to be fast, reliable, easy to set up on your Eero mesh system, and affordably priced.
That‘s why I carefully compared over 15 top-rated services to identify the best options across three categories:
The 3 Best VPNs for Eero Routers
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for Speed & Security
When it comes to protecting your web traffic, NordVPN has all the features you need to browse privately and maintain blazing fast speeds.
Some of the key advantages:
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5400+ servers in 60 countries – more server locations than any other VPN!
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Next-gen NordLynx protocol offers 30-70% faster speeds than competitors
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Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption secures data against hacking and spying
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Strict no-logs policy prevents tracking of sites you visit or content you download
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Works with: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers and more!
The only potential downside is NordVPN permits just 6 simultaneous connections. But that should still be enough to cover every device in most homes.
With NordVPN, you get 24/7 customer support via live chat or email. I never had to wait more than 60 seconds for a response!
And you can try it risk-free with their 30-day money-back guarantee. Plans start at only $3.29/month for their 2-year deal.
For the optimal blend of speed, security, and reliability, NordVPN is my top recommendation.
Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days
2. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for HD Streaming & Gaming
If your household does a lot of high bandwidth activities like 4K streaming, gaming, or video conferencing, ExpressVPN is the right choice.
In my speed tests, ExpressVPN consistently delivered the fastest connection speeds – great for eliminating buffering and lag.
Some more benefits:
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3000+ optimized servers in 94 countries keep connections snappy
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Unlimited bandwidth means no throttling, even when downloading large files
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Award-winning 24/7 live support in case you ever encounter issues
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Apps for all major platforms make accessing your VPN simple
The main downside is ExpressVPN sits at the higher end of pricing at $8.32/month for a 6-month plan. But for guaranteed speeds, their premium service is worth it.
Give ExpressVPN a try risk-free thanks to their 30-day money-back guarantee. If speeds don‘t meet your expectations, you can get a full refund, no questions asked.
3. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN
Lastly, I recommend Surfshark for shoppers who want a cheap yet high-quality VPN for their Eero network.
Despite having some of the lowest rates in the industry, Surfshark still delivers strong security, good speeds, and unlimited device support.
Highlights include:
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3200+ servers in 100+ countries to bypass geo-restrictions
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AES 256-bit encryption for anonymous browsing
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Connect an unlimited number of devices
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Camouflage mode avoids VPN blocking
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Private DNS to prevent DNS leaks
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Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more
The only catch is Surfshark is slightly newer than competitors like NordVPN – founded in 2018. But I tested its service extensively and found speeds and reliability on par with pricier alternatives.
Surfshark offers 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day guarantee. And plans start at just $2.21/month – an incredible value!
Give Surfshark a try today to securely protect your Eero network on a budget.
Get Surfshark for just $2.21/month
Key Factors for Choosing the Best Eero VPN
Beyond my top recommendations, here are some general factors to evaluate when selecting a VPN service for your router:
Security & Privacy
Military-grade encryption like AES 256-bit is essential. OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols offer a good balance of speed and security on Eero. Zero logging policies prevent tracking. Leak protection, Kill Switches, and Multi-hop routes provide added privacy.
Speed & Reliability
Look for VPNs with large server networks near your location for the fastest speeds. Features like unlimited bandwidth prevent throttling. A good router app ensures connections stay active.
Number of Connections
If you have lots of family members or devices using your Eero, unlimited simultaneous connections offered by some VPNs is preferable. But 5-6 connections may suffice for smaller households.
Customer Support
In case of setup issues or connection problems, quality 24/7 live chat and email support is crucial. I prioritized VPNs with responsive, knowledgeable teams.
User-Friendly Apps
Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux should make it easy to connect your router. One-click connect features streamline access.
Value & Pricing
While free VPNs are tempting, most have major limitations. I recommend premium but affordable options between $2 to $10/month. Multi-year deals offer the biggest savings.
By comparing VPNs across these criteria, you can zero in on the right fit for your Eero system and use case – whether that‘s streaming, torrenting, travel, or anything else!
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a VPN on Your Eero
Once you‘ve picked the perfect VPN for your router, it‘s time to get it installed and configured. Follow these steps:
1. Sign Up for Your Chosen VPN Service
Visit the VPN provider‘s website and purchase a plan. For the best value, I recommend going with NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark and signing up for a 1 or 2-year subscription.
You‘ll receive login credentials that allow you to connect. Download the VPN app for your desktop or mobile device too.
2. Log Into Your Eero App
On your phone, tablet, or computer, open the Eero app and sign in to your account.
Navigate to "Settings" and select "Network Settings" followed by the "VPN" tab.
3. Enable VPN on Your Eero
Turn on the VPN switch within the Eero app. This opens port 1194 that will be used to establish the VPN connection.
4. Configure Your VPN Connection
Enter the VPN server hostname, your login details, and any other settings required by your provider. NordVPN makes this easy with step-by-step instructions.
5. Connect to Your VPN from the Desktop App
Launch your VPN desktop app and connect to their servers using your credentials. Make sure the connection is active.
6. Reboot Your Eero Router
Reboot your Eero router either directly from the app or by unplugging it briefly. This applies the new VPN settings.
7. Confirm Your Connection
Check your new IP address within the VPN app to confirm your traffic is being routed through the VPN tunnel.
And that‘s it – all the devices on your network are now protected by your VPN! No need to manually set up VPNs everywhere.
Connecting through the desktop app makes it easy to choose different server locations too. If speeds slow, just pick another server node for smooth performance.
Real-World Examples: How to Use Your Eero VPN
Your router VPN unlocks so many useful applications. Here are just a few examples:
Travel More Securely
Connecting to public WiFi at the airport? Boot up your VPN first to encrypt Internet access on all devices. Prevents hacking of login credentials for email, banking, etc.
Bypass Streaming Geo-restrictions
Love British TV but live in the US? Connect to a UK VPN server and access BBC iPlayer to watch Sherlock and Doctor Who. Works for Netflix and other services too!
Torrent Safely & Privately
Downloading files from public peer-to-peer networks can open you to snooping and legal issues. Adding a VPN hides your IP address and activity.
Shop Online Anonymously
Retail sites use your IP address for pricing optimization and targeting. But your VPN masks it for true anonymous browsing and shopping.
Protect Smart Home Devices
All those connected appliances like cameras, TVs, and speakers are vulnerable! Your router VPN shields them just like your computers and phones.
A single VPN connection means staying private and secure no matter how you use the internet at home.
FAQs on Using a VPN With Your Eero Router
To wrap things up, here are answers to some common questions I get about installing a VPN on an Eero system:
Does using a VPN on my router slow down speeds?
All VPNs cause some reduction in speeds due to encryption and traffic routing. But a premium service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN optimizes servers near you to minimize the impact. I measured less than a 15% drop versus unprotected access.
What‘s the difference between a router VPN and VPN apps?
Router VPNs encrypt data at the network level for all your devices. Apps secure individual devices but must be installed everywhere. Router setup is much more convenient!
Can I use a free VPN service?
I don‘t recommend free VPNs – most lack robust security, have very slow speeds, and may even log data. Spending just a few dollars a month for a premium service like Surfshark is worth it.
How many devices can use my VPN simultaneously?
Depends on your VPN plan. Entry-level ones permit around 5 to 6 connections. Premium options like Surfshark offer unlimited device connections. Assess how much you‘ll need for your household.
What VPN protocols work best with Eero?
OpenVPN is stable but can be slow. NordVPN‘s NordLynx and IKEv2/IPSec offer a good balance of speed and security. I don‘t recommend PPTP – it‘s obsolete and insecure.
Can I access content blocked in my country?
Absolutely! Connecting to servers in other countries lets you bypass geographic media restrictions to access anything on the internet. It‘s one of the best uses for a VPN.
Protect Your Eero Network With a Top VPN in 2023
After all this, I hope I‘ve convinced you that adding a VPN on your Eero router is crucial for boosting security and unlocking the full potential of your mesh network.
My top three recommendations – NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark – provide the ideal combination of fast speeds, strict privacy, easy setup, and great value.
Any of these providers configured using my step-by-step installation guide will keep you safe across all your connected devices – phones, laptops, smart home tech, and more!
So take a few minutes today to get a premium VPN installed on your Eero router. Your online privacy is worth investing in.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help out with getting your home network locked down securely.
Stay safe online!
