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Follows

Follows March 1, 2025, 3:43 p.m.

HELP! Which best vpn for router should I get for apartment building?

So my situation is kinda complicated. Moved into this new apartment complex where everyone's wifi networks are showing up (counted 26 different ones!) and I'm paranoid about security.

I'm tired of installing VPN apps on every device and want to go router-level. Problem is I know NOTHING about networking beyond plugging things in.

My current setup:

  • Some basic Linksys router the previous tenant left
  • About 7-8 devices connecting regularly
  • Working remotely handling some sensitive data occasionally

Would really appreciate advice from people who've actually done this successfully. Is router-level overkill? Will it wreck my speeds? Any specific brands/models I should look at?

Complete noob here so please explain like I'm five! Budget up to $300 if necessary.

BSD57

BSD57 March 1, 2025, 10:56 p.m.

Wasting money on VPN for neighbor "protection" is like buying boat insurance in the desert. Enable WPA3, set strong password, and stop worrying. Regular wifi encryption already hides your traffic from other apartments

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/*/123

/*/123 March 2, 2025, 1:06 p.m.

Everyone jumping to VPNs when basic security hygiene would fix 90% of issues. Update firmware, change default credentials, disable WPS, boom done

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EMP_TIED

EMP_TIED March 3, 2025, 8:21 p.m.

Tried this exact setup last month. Speeds dropped from 300mbps to 75mbps. Ask yourself if you really need constant protection or just use device VPN when handling sensitive stuff

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ITQR

ITQR March 4, 2025, 4:31 p.m.

You need to specify what exactly you're trying to protect against? Random neighbors? Government? Your ISP selling browsing data?

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greenpeace

greenpeace March 4, 2025, 11:48 p.m.

this is crucial - most people dropping $$$ on solutions for threats that don't exist while ignoring actual vulnerabilities

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nmo_kvi-sd

nmo_kvi-sd March 6, 2025, 12:01 a.m.

Buy a new router period. That hand-me-down probably hasn't had a security update since Obama was president. TP-Link AX1800 supports VPN and won't break the bank

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kleo777

kleo777 March 8, 2025, 12:50 p.m.

Got curious and experimented with several options last year. Ended up with nordvpn on my ASUS router. Surprisingly easy setup with their guides and solid connection through multiple power outages

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Spoun

Spoun March 10, 2025, 10:29 p.m.

Apartment IT manager perspective: individual device protection > router level. When (not if) your VPN connection drops, router-level means EVERYTHING loses protection simultaneously

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TSA2302

TSA2302 March 11, 2025, 9:36 p.m.

just dual-router it. keep main connection for streaming/gaming and second router with vpn for your work devices. best of both worlds without complexity

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eD1

eD1 March 13, 2025, 3:12 p.m.

Unless you're a journalist in danger or hiding from a nation state, router VPN is ridiculously excessive for apartment living. Threat model matters

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AntidoTe

AntidoTe March 17, 2025, 5:18 p.m.

Make sure router CPU can handle cryptographic functions efficiently. Many consumer routers have weak processors that bottleneck when handling advanced encryption standards

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Sharli

Sharli March 22, 2025, 2:05 a.m.

OpenWrt firmware compatibility should be your first google search. That random Linksys might transform into enterprise-grade equipment with free software. Check their compatibility list before dropping cash on new hardware

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zzz181

zzz181 March 30, 2025, 7:11 p.m.

Made this exact switch last year. Single most important tip: screenshot EVERYTHING before changing settings. Router web interfaces time out during setup and you'll lose all progress

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grrrr

grrrr April 1, 2025, 8:44 p.m.

Learned this hard way. Nothing like explaining to partner why internet's down during their important Zoom meeting "because I was improving security"

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li22

li22 April 3, 2025, 6:55 p.m.

Consider just a dedicated travel router instead if occasional use. GL.iNet makes pocket-sized ones pre-configured for VPN that won't disturb main network

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test

test April 10, 2025, 11:10 p.m.

Honestly the surfshark implementation for home routers has been most straightforward in my experience. Good balance of simplicity and features without requiring networking PhD

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WW1SSXX

WW1SSXX April 17, 2025, 2:31 p.m.

Nothing says "I'm so sorry" like frantically resetting router configs at 11pm while partner misses deadline because "someone was improving our security." Ask how I know. ๐Ÿ’€

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