NordVPN on Routers: Setup for TP-Link and MikroTik (Advanced)

Running NordVPN on your router protects every device at home — including TVs and consoles. This guide explains what works on TP‑Link and MikroTik, the limitations, and better alternatives for stability and speed.

What to know before you start

NordVPN’s fastest protocol (NordLynx/WireGuard) isn’t available on most stock routers
Manual configs usually use OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) with lower throughput than apps
Some router firmwares lack a VPN client — check your exact model

TP-Link: options and limitations

Many consumer TP‑Link models don’t support a VPN client, only a server
A few models support OpenVPN/L2TP clients, but performance may be limited
Workarounds:
- Use a secondary VPN‑capable router behind your TP‑Link (e.g., with OpenWrt/AsusWRT)
- Share a VPN connection from a PC/Mac to your network/TV

MikroTik: options and limitations

MikroTik RouterOS supports an OpenVPN client, but with limited cipher/protocol support; performance is generally lower
IKEv2/IPsec setups are possible in advanced configurations but may require manual adjustments and are not officially the primary NordVPN router method
Expect to spend time on firewall, DNS and MTU tuning

Recommended alternatives

Buy a VPN‑ready router (e.g., AsusWRT, GL.iNet) and load NordVPN OpenVPN configs
Flash compatible hardware with OpenWrt and use an OpenVPN client package
Keep the VPN at device level for the fastest speeds (desktop/TV apps)

For end‑to‑end TV coverage, see Smart TV & Firestick. For privacy background and server types, review Is NordVPN Safe?

Smart TV use-cases

Samsung Tizen: Router VPN or SmartDNS is the practical choice
Android TV/Google TV: Use the native app — easier and faster than router VPN

Hit a snag? Visit Troubleshooting for DNS leaks, routing and speed fixes.