ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Google Nest WiFi routers because of its easy installation with dedicated router firmware, incomparable speeds, and seamless server switching.
If you want a more budget solution, try Surfshark for unlimited simultaneous connections, NordVPN for remarkable security, CyberGhost for gaming servers, and Private Internet Access for most servers.
Keep reading my detailed Google Nest WiFi VPN guide to discover how to set up a VPN on Google Nest WiFi router.
Top 3 VPNs for Google Nest WiFi
Surfshark is a pocket-friendly VPN for Google Nest routers with excellent content unlocking capabilities and infinite simultaneous devices. It also has Multihop servers, an inbuilt ad blocker, and camouflage mode (obfuscation).
ExpressVPN is the only VPN with dedicated router firmware and a router app for easy server switching. It even offers blazing-fast speeds on all the devices on your Google Nest WiFi router.
NordVPN provides phenomenal security with its unbreakable 256-bit encryption to your Google Nest mesh network. Connect to its specialty servers for Double VPN and P2P sharing.
A major concern with Google Nest routers is bleak security features.
They lack protection against viruses and cyberattacks. These devices are even connected to your Google account, so if a hacker succeeds in breaking into your account, they can access your router settings and snoop on your internet traffic.
To avoid this, you need a reliable VPN for Google Nest to encrypt all the traffic.
A VPN will also enable you to stream geo-restricted content on all devices on the mesh network on platforms like Netflix, HBO, Sling TV, and more.
However, one problem is that none of the Nest WiFi routers offer VPN support, so you’ll need a dual router setup which requires an extra VPN-enabled router.
I’m going to unveil this setup procedure later but let’s first get you the best VPN for Google Nest WiFI routers.
Encrypt Traffic and Bypass Censorship on All Your Devices With These 5 Best Google Nest WiFi VPNs
Take a glimpse at my top VPN picks to secure your home or office mesh network.
- ExpressVPN: Blazing-fast speeds with an Intuitive router setup via custom firmware and easy server-switching from the app.
- Surfshark: Get unlimited VPN connections simultaneously on all devices, which is often why people primarily install VPNs on routers.
- NordVPN: Achieve unmatchable security on your entire Google Nest mesh network and smart DNS for quick setup.
- CyberGhost: Perfect gaming VPN for Google nest WiFi routers with optimized servers for even streaming and P2P sharing.
- Private Internet Access: Get access to over 30,000 servers in 84 countries and split tunneling to exclude devices from the VPN.
Reviews and Comparisons of My Best VPNs for Google Nest WiFi
To compile this list of Top Google Nest WiFi router VPNs, I tested 21+ VPN services based on router support, security, server switching, split tunneling, server catalog, and other relevant areas concerning Google Nest.
Every speed test you’re about to witness is recorded using a 100 Mbps connection.
ExpressVPN - Dedicated Router Firmware With Group Device Feature
| Location | Servers | Available countries | Router Support | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Virgin Islands | 3000+ | 94 | Custom firmware | 95 Mbps | Show Offer |
If you want only the best connection speeds on your Google Nest WiFi network, ExpressVPN should be your VPN of choice.
It’s the only VPN with dedicated router firmware and an easy installation wizard. I had ExpressVPN running on my Linksys router in under ten minutes.
If you’d like to save this time, it also offers pre-configured routers via Flashrouters.
The dedicated firmware supports various routers, including DD-WRT, Tomato, Linksys, Asus, TP-Link, Sabai, Netgear, MikroTik, and Netduma.
It allows for configuration for Lightway, OpenVPN, PPTP, and L2TP protocols.
I suggest you set up the router with its exclusive Lightway protocol to get the best possible results. In case you run into any problems during the setup, the live chat is available 24/7.
Also, if you’re okay with a VPN connection for unblocking content without encryption, utilize its SmartDNS service “Mediastreamer” on your Google Nest.
ExpressVPN will relentlessly secure your Google Nest Mesh network with its unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption. It also has a kill switch (Network lock) to avert data leakage from the Mesh-connected devices during sudden connection drops.
There’s a no-logs policy, so your internet traffic history stays within your Nest network. I was pleased to encounter zero IP/DNS leaks during my testing.
One appealing feature focused on routers is its device-based split tunneling, which lets you configure the devices whose traffic travels through the VPN tunnel. I leave my Xbox out of the VPN encryption since I enjoy playing Fortnite with my friends on local servers.
Additionally, I tested its Device Groups functionality, allowing users to connect to multiple VPN locations via a router. You can create up to five groups with different VPN locations and sort different devices on your Nest network into these groups.
It’s also an excellent choice for anyone installing a VPN on Google Nest to watch geo-blocked content on all connected devices. This is because it boasts 3000+ servers in 94 countries, allowing users to unblock almost everything on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.
I tried streaming Wednesday on Netflix using ExpressVPN’s US server, and it was a buttery smooth experience in 4K.
ExpressVPN also has the top-rated obfuscated servers in the industry, but the traffic will not be obfuscated unless you use the router app with the protocol set to automatic.
Also, the app makes it seamless to switch VPN servers on the router.
Finally, the last reason for ExpressVPN being my top pick for Google Nest is its ruthless speeds that no other VPN can match.
I got a breathtaking 95.09 Mbps in my testing via its Lightway protocol.
These speeds can handle any task, from downloading heavy torrent files to streaming buffer-free 4K content. It even supports port forwarding on routers for faster torrenting speeds.
The only thing I’m not a fan of is its pricing. But if you want only the most reliable VPN for Google Nest WiFi, then ExpressVPN is a no-brainer.
You can test it risk-free using the 30-day refund policy.
Thankfully, we’ve got a limited deal so that you can save up on ExpressVPN’s subscription. Ensure to claim it before it runs out.
Pros
- 3000+ servers in 94 countries to watch geo-blocked content
- Custom router firmware for numerous routers
- Unmatchable speeds via Lightway protocol
- Device-based split tunneling & the ability to use multiple VPN locations on different devices
- Military-grade encryption with a no-logs policy for Google Nest WiFi
Cons
- The most expensive VPN for Google Nest
Surfshark - Next-Generation WireGuard Protocol on Routers
| Location | Servers | Available countries | Router Support | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Netherlands | 3200+ | 100 | Manual | 87 Mbps | Show Offer |
Surfshark should be your top choice if you want a Google Nest VPN with an optimal price-quality ratio. What sets it apart from the other routers is that it can provide a VPN connection to infinite devices.
This is why most people set out to install the VPN on their Google Nest network in the first place. However, if you don’t want the hassle of installing Surfshark on every device separately, it still allows for a router connection.
Although there’s no dedicated router firmware like ExpressVPN, it provides detailed instructions for manual installation on routers, including OpenWRT, DD-WRT, AsusWRT, Sabai, Linksys, Tomato, pfSense, Mikrotik, etc.
Supported protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec.
You can also buy a router with Surfshark pre-installed from Flashrouters.
It has all the standard security features you’d want in your Google Nest, including high-quality 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, Ram-volatile servers, & IP/DNS leak protection.
It’s also pretty good in terms of complete privacy features like CleanWeb – an inbuilt ad blocker & Camouflage mode – a slightly slower version of ExpressVPN’s obfuscation.
You also get Multihop servers that double your encryption by rerouting the Google Nest traffic through two VPN locations. Plus, an advanced feature called IP rotator changes your router’s IP address while the VPN location stays the same.
Although sadly, Surfshark doesn’t have a device-based split tunneling feature like ExpressVPN, it does include a Bypasser in its app with app-based and URL-based split tunneling.
One department where it’s ahead of ExpressVPN is the global server coverage featuring 3200+ servers in 100 countries, the highest country coverage on this list, allowing you to be virtually present almost anywhere through your Google Nest WiFi.
These servers have no compassion for platforms that enforce geo-restrictions. Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Plex are among the victims.
Surfshark allowed me to unblock the Indian library of Amazon Prime in seconds. All its servers are also P2P friendly and support unlimited bandwidth. However, there’s no port forwarding like in ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Switching servers is also not as swift as ExpressVPN since you will have to download the config file of your desired server and upload it to your router’s admin panel to change it.
Surfshark is impeccable at connection speeds, featuring an 87.27 Mbps download speed using its WireGuard protocol. It’s only behind ExpressVPN and NordVPN in terms of stability in speeds.
The focal point of Surfshark is that even with unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s among the most budget-friendly options, making it a perfect affordable VPN for your Google Nest WiFi.
Additionally, we offer lucrative offers to our beloved readers to save more on Surfshark’s subscription, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries to be anywhere virtually
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- WireGuard protocol on routers for faster speeds
- High-quality encryption with camouflage mode, IP rotator, and Multihop servers
- A pocket-friendly VPN for Google WiFi routers
Cons
- No device-based split tunneling
- No port-forwarding
NordVPN - Best-In-Class Security & Privacy on All Your Devices
| Location | Servers | Available countries | Router Support | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panama | 5478 | 59 | Manual | 89 Mbps | Show Offer |
NordVPN offers great speeds and stellar security to your Google Nest router, all at an affordable cost. Like ExpressVPN, it has partnered with Flashrouters to bring you routers with NordVPN pre-installed.
But If you’d like to save money, use the detailed installation guides from NordVPN’s site. The supported routers include OpenWRT, Tomato, Linksys, Netgear, Asus, Netduma, pfSense, MikroTik, and more.
Flashrouter app’s DD-WRT VPN software has quick server switching and device-based split-tunneling to manage which devices pass through the encrypted tunnel and which don’t.
Since there’s no dedicated router support, the installation is not as intuitive as ExpressVPN, but the process is still faster than the other VPNs.
It equips your Nest mesh network with military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, a global kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection, so there’s no chance of data leaks.
One exclusive function is its specialty servers optimized for specific tasks, including Double VPN, obfuscation, and P2P-sharing.
The Double VPN servers are the same as Surfshark’s Multihop servers, but they declined my speeds during the testing.
The P2P servers are great for downloading from torrenting sites like The Pirate Bay, Mega, etc., if they are banned in your region.
NordVPN has a server network of 5475 servers in 59 countries, which is the least on this list but don’t judge it by the looks yet since quality > quantity.
These servers cover most significant countries, so you can watch geo-blocked movies and TV shows on Netflix, France TV, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or any streaming platform.
As a big fan of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, I could instantly immerse myself into her quirky mini-series “Crashing” on Netflix in 4K after a hectic workday using NordVPN’s US server since it’s unavailable in my region.
You can also set up NordVPN’s Smart DNS on a Google WiFi router to stream geo-blocked content. However, it won’t offer you the VPN encryption you’d get after a standard router setup.
NordVPN stands only second to ExpressVPN in terms of speeds and only by a slight margin. It gave me an astonishing 89.13 Mbps during my tests via its proprietary NordLynx protocol.
The only thing I disliked is that the Nordlynx protocol is currently only limited to the NordVPN app on Linux, iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows.
So, you’ll need to settle for TCP or UDP protocol for router setup.
Even so, the speeds will be similar. Only one VPN-supported router supports WireGuard; I’ll unveil that in the next section.
So you get unbreakable security and great speeds on your Google Nest network at a much lower price than ExpressVPN.
Want more savings? Here’s a killer deal on NordVPN’s subscription paired with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- 5475 servers in 59 countries for server hopping
- Unbreakable encryption to protect all the devices on the Mesh network
- Smart server sorting, automatic updates, and split tunneling
- Specialty servers with Double VPN, obfuscation, and P2P support
- Easy installation on routers via instructions
Cons
- No Nordlynx protocol on routers
- No custom router firmware like ExpressVPN
CyberGhost - Dedicated Servers for Gaming & Streaming via Google Nest
| Location | Servers | Available countries | Router Support | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romania | 8976 | 91 | Manual | 82 Mbps | Show Offer |
CyberGhost is the right choice if you’re on a budget (and you probably are after buying a Nest router).
Furthermore, suppose you play online competitive games like PUBG, Fortnite, or Apex Legends on your Google Nest network. In that case, it’s a perfect choice since it’s equipped with dedicated servers optimized for gaming.
Like NordVPN, it also has servers dedicated to streaming and torrenting, but the difference is that its streaming servers are optimized for specific streaming platforms in certain regions.
For instance, I use my Google Nest router to primarily watch US-exclusive Netflix shows, So I’ve installed a server optimized to stream Netflix’s US library. Just last night, I binge-watched the first season of “Manifest.”
CyberGhost has partnered with Fashrouters to bring you pre-configured routers with the Flashrouters Privacy app, an easy-to-use VPN app for routers. You can set up CyberGhost on your router easily within 15 minutes.
Not many routers support CyberGhost since it offers instructions for DD-WRT and Tomato routers. However, it’s compatible with more protocols than NordVPN, including OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, PPTP, and IKev2.
CyberGhost also consistently prevents all your WiFi or Google Nest Mesh connected devices from cyber attacks by hackers and snoops using its AES 256 encryption tunnel, no-logs policy, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch.
But if you don’t fancy encryption and need the VPN to stream global content on BBC iPlayer, DAZN, or Netflix, then you can set up Smart DNS in Google Nest’s settings.
CyberGhost’s split tunneling functionality is labeled as Exceptions, and unlike ExpressVPN, it’s only limited to apps and URLs. So, If you want device-based split tunneling, you’ll need to spend more and get ExpressVPN.
It has a bigger server library, with 8967 servers from 91 countries.
Only PIA here has more servers. These servers can help you unblock the regional content of any country.
However, none of these servers support obfuscation which is a bummer if you’re in some place like China. If that’s the case, I discovered that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for China.
CyberGhost also provides fantastic speeds, averaging 82.27 Mbps during my testing. While this may not be as fast as the other VPNs, it’s still faster than PIA.
Unlike ExpressVPN, it’s available for a much lesser cost, with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Claim this steal deal on CyberGhost to get further discounts.
Pros
- 8976 servers in 91 countries to beat geo-restrictions
- Optimized servers for streaming, torrenting & gaming
- 256-bit encryption to safeguard your Mesh network
- Smart DNS function for a quick setup on Google Nest
- A budget-friendly VPN with a 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- No obfuscated servers
- No device-based split tunneling
Private Internet Access - Largest Server Network for Seamless Unblocking
| Location | Servers | Available countries | Router Support | Average Speeds | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The United States | 30000+ | 84 | Manual | 77 Mbps | Show Offer |
Private Internet Access is a VPN that boasts the largest server network you can find on your Google Nest router. The only downside is that it’s based in the US, making it a part of the Five Eyes Alliance. Although, it does make up for that with its no-logs policy.
Another reason why PIA ranks last is that it doesn’t support as many routers as the other VPNs. You can still install it on AsusWRT-Merlin and DD-WRT routers.
PIA has setup instructions that are long and intricate for routers, but that’s only for the first-time setup, and it’s worth it because once you’re done with it, you get absolute control over the VPN operations on your router.
These setup instructions include configuration files with multiple options for speed and privacy. It also has multiple types of Smart DNS, with my preferred being its in-house MACE DNS, which also works as an ad blocker on your Google Nest mesh network.
It has two options for encryption, including the more lightweight 128-bit or the more secure 256-bit protocol. When it comes to routers, the 256-bit one is always better. There’s also a kill switch to safeguard your cyberspace data.
One thing that PIA does better than CyberGhost, Surfshark, and NordVPN is advanced split tunneling since it allows you to exclude one or more devices from the VPN’s encryption.
That was not the only value factor. It even boasts a gigantic server collection, with at least 30,000+ servers in 84 countries, so it’s hard to ever come across an overcrowded server.
One area where PIA ranked the least was speed tests, but it still delivered a lovely 77.31 Mbps download speed, which is more than enough to stream 4K content on Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Additionally, It supports up to ten simultaneous devices to connect your Google router and smartphones, PCs, etc. This is better than ExpressVPN (five), NordVPN (six), and CyberGhost (seven).
PIA is also available at a very economical cost, similar to Surfshark and CyberGhost.
We have these exclusive discounts to save even more on PIA, plus you get to try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- 30,000+ in 84 countries to say goodbye to geo-restrictions forever
- MACE DNS with in-built ad-blocking for routers
- Multiple encryption options with a no-logs policy and a kill switch
- Device-based split tunneling at an affordable price
- Up to ten simultaneous connections
Cons
- Not supported with as many routers
- Based in the United States
After you’ve selected the right VPN, it’s time to set it up on a router to use with Google Nest WiFi. If you’re still unsure, here’s a quick VPN comparison table:
| VPN | Lowest Monthly Pricing | Custom Router Firmware? | Compatible Routers | Smart DNS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | $6.67 | Yes | DD-WRT, Tomato, Linksys, Asus, TP-Link, Sabai, Netgear, MikroTik, and Netduma | Yes |
| Surfshark | $2.05 | No | OpenWRT, DD-WRT, AsusWRT, Sabai, Linksys, Tomato, pfSense, and Mikrotik | Yes |
| NordVPN | $2.03 | No | OpenWRT, Tomato, Linksys, Netgear, Asus, Netduma, pfSense, and MikroTik | Yes |
| CyberGhost | $2.03 | No | DD-WRT and Tomato routers | Yes |
| Private Internet Access | $2.03 | No | AsusWRT-Merlin, pfSense, and DD-WRT routers | Yes |
How to Set up a Google Nest WiFi Router With a VPN (Step-By-Step Guide)
The biggest con of Google Nest WiFi routers is that they don’t natively support VPNs or third-party firmware. So, the only way to integrate a VPN connection is by joining an additional router with the Nest router in a parent-child relationship.
To do this, you’ll require the following things:
- Google Nest WiFi router
- A VPN-supported router (I’ve recommended the best ones in the next section)
- An Ethernet cable
- A VPN subscription. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its intuitive router setup
Once you’ve got all these items, follow these instructions step-by-step.
- Change the subnet of your Google Nest WiFi router. Make sure it’s different from the other router so subnets don’t overlap.
Follow these steps on the Google Home app on your iOS or Android phone.
- Visit WiFi > Settings > Advanced Networking.
- Choose the LAN option.
- Change the Router LAN address to 192.168.2.1 and click Save.
- Activate DHCP, so the Nest router provides a unique IP address to other connected devices.
Repeat this same method on the VPN-supported router by reading the user manual. Make sure the subnet is different from 192.168.1.1.
- Connect the Nest router with the VPN-supported router using an ethernet cable. Plug one end of the LAN cable into the LAN port of the VPN router and the other into the WAN port of the Google WiFi router. The VPN router should be connected to the internet.
- Get a reliable VPN service to configure your router; I’ll use ExpressVPN on my Asus router for this demonstration. Go to the setup page of ExpressVPN.
- Choose the router option, select your router and download its latest firmware.
- Go to the admin panel of your Asus router and sign in using your credentials (this usually is 192.168.1.1).
- Select the VPN option from the “Advanced settings.”
- Click on the VPN client tab and select “Add profile.”
- Choose the “OpenVPN Protocol,” fill in the description and ExpressVPN credentials, and upload the .ovpn config file you downloaded in the fourth step.
- Continue by clicking OK and Activate.
- Connect to your Google Nest WiFi connection from any device and ensure the VPN connection is working properly by checking your IP address.
Go to DNS > Customized and change the DNS servers with the ones that your VPN service gave you.
Although, keep in mind that this is only for accessing geo-blocked content since you’ll not get any encryption with this method.
Best Routers for Google Nest WiFi + VPN
If your ISP provided your internet router, I hate to break it, but you can’t install any VPNs on it. The good news is that several VPN-supported routers are in the market to help you fix this. Some of my recommendations for VPN-supported routers are below.
- Aircover AX1800 – If you’ve decided to go with my top-rated VPN, ExpressVPN, this is the most preferred router since it allows you to utilize blazing-fast speeds with Dual-band WiFi 6. It comes pre-installed with ExpressVPN and connects with dozens of devices.
- InvizBox 2 – For Surfshark, the best choice is the open-source InvizBox 2 because it’s Surshark-ready with easy installation and multiple VPN protocols.
- Privacy Hero WiFi 6 – This is for the people who want the absolute security NordVPN offers. It’s also the only VPN that supports Nordlynx protocol for lightning speeds.
- Asus AC5300 DD-WRT – is the perfect high-end CyberGhost-compatible router for Large homes and offices. It’s ideal for home and office and allows for 10-15 devices.
- Netgear R6700 DD-WRT – If you’re looking for a budget PIA-supported router for small to medium homes, this is a good option with 1750 Mbps WiFi speeds.
FAQ
Can I Use a Free VPN With Google Nest WiFi?
No, you can’t use a free VPN with Google Nest WiFi because free VPNs don’t support routers. Even if you find one such free VPN, it’d be extremely unsafe to count on it, especially with routers.
Free VPN servers often use unethical practices to make money, like selling your private data to third parties, so relying on a free VPN for all the mesh-connected devices would be extremely risky. Instead, go with one of the many reliable cheap VPNs like Surfshark, CyberGhost, or PIA.
Wrapping Up!
You’ve made a stunning choice to pair your Google Nest mesh network with a VPN that spreads the encryption throughout your home or office. I hope this guide helped you comprehend everything you need to know to set up a VPN on Google Nest WiFi router.
After getting yourself a VPN-supported router, I’ll advise you to go with ExpressVPN because it’s the only solution with dedicated router firmware and seamless server switching via the router app.
So, what are you waiting for?
Get ExpressVPN to encrypt your entire Google Nest mesh network.
