Routers with DD-WRT installed offer a number of advantages, including giving users a greater level of control. They are capable of performing a number of different functions, but are extremely useful for increasing security and privacy when online, because DD-WRT routers are compatible with a number of VPN services.

When configured correctly, this means that any device connected to the router will benefit from the encryption and other benefits associated with VPNs. A number of major VPN providers, including ExpressVPN, TorGuard and ibVPN, offer support for DD-WRT routers, but which is the best service overall?

Security and Privacy

All three services place a great deal of emphasis on security and offer strong encryption support for multiple different protocols, including OpenVPN, which is the most secure. Moreover, all three services accept payment via Bitcoin, allowing for extra protection, and none of the services monitor or log user activity, in theory.

However, ExpressVPN’s no logging policy is not comprehensive, as some basic data such as usage times are stored and the service is subject to US data retention legislation. The ibVPN policy is also somewhat sketchy, as there are a number of conditions to its ‘no logs’ claim, meaning that TorGuard emerges as the best option in terms of privacy.

Pricing Strategies

Although there is not much between TorGuard and ExpressVPN in terms of price, TorGuard currently has the most expensive of the three services, with a starting price of $9.95 per month for its product. Both TorGuard and ExpressVPN make up for this with an excellent 30 day money back guarantee.

However, the best value for money is offered by ibVPN, which starts its service at a price of just $4.95 per month. In addition, it offers a 15-day money back guarantee, as well as a short term free trial, allowing customers to try before they spend any money.

Support

When it comes to VPN support for DD-WRT routers, TorGuard leads the way, selling pre-configured routers on their website and providing incredibly detailed guides on how to set up their service, making the service easy to use, even for complete beginners.

That said, both ExpressVPN and ibVPN (which also offers smart dns)  also offer good levels of support, with ExpressVPN providing excellent 24/7 customer service and ibVPN providing good setup guides, as well as selling pre-configured routers, albeit via a third party. Unfortunately, ibVPN has been known to experience extremely slow speeds from time to time.

Conclusion

Both ExpressVPN and TorGuard offer an excellent all-round service, while ibVPN is by far the most affordable option. However, ibVPN is hurt by its sketchy privacy policy, as well as the poor speeds which have been known to affect performance, while ExpressVPN does pose a minimal privacy risk due to US data retention laws.

TorGuard, therefore, provides the best all-round service for DD-WRT routers, as it offers excellent security and privacy, as well as strong customer support. The only downside is its price, which places it at the expensive end of the VPN market. That said, a lot of extra features are included, such as an encrypted email service.