Router with VPN Connector to Ideally NordVPN with Easy Interface/Management

geekcohen on 05/02/2025 - 14:53

Hi all,

I'm looking for a router with an easy-to-manage VPN integration, ideally compatible with services like NordVPN, that allows users to toggle the VPN on or off via a simple app interface or similar.

The main use case is for Starlink users, as its Point of Presence (POP) is in Sydney. This causes streaming services like 7Plus and 9Now to default to Sydney-based content. While some devices allow manual location adjustments, others—such as smart TVs—do not, making it difficult for users to change their streaming region to get the local news.

I need a reliable and straightforward solution that can be easily managed, as this will be installed in a customer’s home. The ability for them to quickly enable or disable the VPN when needed is essential.

I’m particularly interested in TP-Link’s Omada Cloud solution due to its remote management capabilities, but I’m also aware of potential security concerns with TP-Link devices. If there are better alternatives that offer remote management and a user-friendly VPN toggle, I’d love to hear your recommendations!

Whatever solution seems viable, I will test it on my own setup prior. I am trying to avoid anything like pfsense that could break. I also like NordVPN has it has multiple AU locations and is relatively cheap as well.

Looking forward to any insights/suggestions/experiences

Internet VPN Wireless Router

Comments

  • hilly1989 on 05/02/2025 - 15:51

    I'm just mid setting up NordVPN (and Adguard) on GL-MT6000, and very impressed with its web UI, and app.

    • geekcohen on 05/02/2025 - 16:13

      Looks impressive. What do you pay for the GL-MT6000? Aliexpress seems the cheapest at the moment?

        • geekcohen on 05/02/2025 - 17:17

          Yeah and comes from the US.

    • geekcohen on 05/02/2025 - 17:21

      I could go the GL.iNet GL-AX1800(Flint) which is still WiFi 6, only 1Gbps ports but that is more than enough for these scenarios. Most of the time they don't need 1Gbps local network and it is all WiFi.

  • hilly1989 on 05/02/2025 - 16:18
    +1

    I got for $259 from Amazon. Seemed to be the cheapest for Australian stock.

  • jv on 05/02/2025 - 16:42

    This causes streaming services like 7Plus and 9Now to default to Sydney-based content. While some devices allow manual location adjustments, others—such as smart TVs—do not, making it difficult for users to change their streaming region to get the local news.

    just use Kodi. you can choose which location's server to stream

    • geekcohen on 05/02/2025 - 16:54

      Unfortunately not all Smart TVs are running webOS.

      • jv on 05/02/2025 - 17:14

        Google TV, Fire TV stick, Nvidia Shield……..

        Kodi (and NordVPN) works great on them.

        • geekcohen on 05/02/2025 - 17:17

          hhhmmm…. that is an option, but would be per device/TV where I am trying to do something that would cover the entire network and probably be cheaper if multiple TVs are involved.

          • jv on 05/02/2025 - 17:21

            @geekcohen: True, it would be 'per device'….

            You may not want to do it for every device though at the same time as it will impact your pc, mobile, voip, smart devices etc.

            • geekcohen on 05/02/2025 - 17:21

              @jv: Yeah, there are pros and cons for both.

    • geekcohen on 20/02/2025 - 17:06

      @jv enlighten me on how to use Kodi. I've installed it on my JVC TV that is running Google TV. How to get Kodi going with say 7Plus and 9NOW with the ability to change location?

  • askbargain on 05/02/2025 - 21:21

    Don’t you have a ubiquiti setup?

    • geekcohen on 06/02/2025 - 05:36

      Yes I do. These are for Starlink installations.

  • vorsprung on 05/02/2025 - 21:25
    +1

    Might not be entirely what you’re after but I did use NordVPN WireGuard on my old Asus RT-AX86U running Merlin firmware. Maybe falls into your “don’t want it to break” bucket, but Merlin was solid for me.

    I could force individual local clients to route their traffic via the VPN. I believe it could also set up multiple VPN connections to different locations if desired.

    Remote management for the customer or you? Honestly don’t know what level of support it has for this. Could always VPN into the network?

    • geekcohen on 06/02/2025 - 05:37

      Remote management for the customer or you

      Both would be great.

      Could always VPN into the network?

      If there is the ability for a dynamic IP with the router solution, great.

  • kfp187 on 05/02/2025 - 21:49
    +1

    I would 2nd the glinet routers. But only look at it if you are going to run it as your main router. Otherwise probably cheaper to get a fire stick/google tv chromecast and use that and use the nord app on it.
    If you go with a glinet router you can access the router remotely too. WireGuard and I think there is another way to do it. You can choose which device uses the vpn client also.

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