A Virtual Private Network or popularly referred to as a VPN, helps secure your internet connection by routing all your internet activity through a secure network. There are two different types of VPNs you can use, a router VPN or a VPN app.

If you find yourself on a crossroad, having to choose between router VPNs and VPN apps, select the one that benefits you more. Rather than choosing whatever is thrown at you as an option.

Of course, the factors which affect the performance and functionality may differ here and there. But that's the point, knowing what type of VPN brings you the most advantage, be it a router VPN or an app.

Distinctions Between Router VPNs and VPN Apps

A router VPN is a device to which you can connect multiple other devices (mobile, laptops) to use the VPN connection. Just like how a WiFi router works after you configure a secure connection, every device connected to the router will be able to use the VPN network.

But an app, on the other hand, just like any other app on a smartphone, needs to be installed individually on each required device to use the VPN connection. The other thing you should keep in mind is that when using a VPN app, to get a secure connection, you should open and launch the app.

As per Dataprot, 31% of internet users use a VPN connection, and of course, there are pros and cons of both VPNs, and that is where you start drawing comparisons between the two to choose the better suit.  Almost 50% of VPN users, as reported by security.org, use it against identity theft and to protect their data on public networks.

Pros and Cons Of Using Different Types of VPN

Router VPNs Pros

Here are some of the pros of using a router VPN

• It provides a secure network even to devices which not support native VPN.
• Every device on the router is protected automatically and does not require extra setup.
• You can connect as many devices as you want. Even if you're connecting 20/30 devices, it is still counted as one connection. This will not be the case with VPN apps.
• You can just set it up, switch it on, and leave it on. This is not a feasible option with apps.

Router VPN Cons

Here are some of the cons of using VPN apps

• Not a user-friendly option. You need to set it up manually, and you'll have to do it the right way or face problems while switching connections.
• This point follows the previous; it can be quite the hassle to set up a router VPN.
• The cost of purchasing a router VPN is much higher.
• Not every router is compatible with VPNs.
• Your network speed may reduce if you connect several devices at once.

VPN Apps Pros

Here are some of the pros of using VPN apps

• It's much more user-friendly.
• Accessing features on a VPN app is easy.
• Installation and setting up is much easier and efficient.
• You have the option of switching connections whenever you want.
• You can use it anywhere and is not limited to your house.
• You can also use VPN apps to connect different servers to different network locations.
• As per minutehack, you can also maximize the performance of your VPN apps.

VPN Apps Cons

Here are some cons of using VPN apps

• You cannot connect multiple devices at once. You must install and launch it on every device.
• You might have to purchase subscriptions to use the VPN apps.
• Not every device supports a native VPN.

Which One Should You Choose?

Again, that depends on the reason you need it for. If you're looking for versatility, user-friendliness, and ease of use are better options for you.

If you're looking for a stable connection for several devices, then we suggest you opt for the router, it provides a lot of stability and saves a lot of money. If you're looking at VPN security for businesses, then this is a good option.

Another solution for you would be to combine both of them, a dual-router configuration. But ensure you do this, only if it is feasible for you. You can connect important devices to the VPN router and send the other devices through the primary router. You can also split the channels, if you're technically sound. By doing so, you can connect a few devices to the VPN router and the others through the primary router.

Whatever you choose, make sure it perfectly fits your requirements.