What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Amazon eero supports VPN passthrough, but it does not provide a built-in VPN that routes every device on your home network through a VPN. For whole-network coverage, eero’s documented option is to add a VPN-capable router between your modem and the gateway eero. For protection on selected devices, you can use a VPN app; eero Plus also includes Guardian VPN for up to five supported devices.
Does eero support VPNs?
Yes, with an important distinction: eero supports VPN passthrough, not native network-wide VPN routing. Passthrough lets encrypted traffic from a VPN connection pass through the eero network; it does not make eero itself the VPN router. eero’s VPN support FAQ explains the difference.
The right setup depends on whether you want VPN coverage for every device or only for devices where you install and activate a VPN app. Neither option guarantees uninterrupted access to every streaming service: some platforms may block VPN connections, and eero says you may need to disconnect the VPN to watch. eero’s streaming guidance describes this limitation.
Recommended Free Tools
Choose between a VPN router and device apps
| Approach | Coverage | What setup involves | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| VPN-capable router upstream of eero | Network-wide routing through the VPN, subject to the VPN router’s configuration | Add a VPN-capable router between the modem and gateway eero | Requires another router and a compatible network configuration; the cited eero documentation does not specify models, protocols, or performance |
| VPN app on each device | Only devices with the app configured and VPN active | Install and manage VPN software on each supported device | Does not automatically cover other devices connected to eero |
| Guardian VPN through eero Plus | Up to five supported devices | Enable it in the eero app, then complete setup in Guardian | Device-level coverage, not a VPN for every device on the eero network |
eero documents the upstream VPN-router arrangement as its option for network-wide VPN use, but does not publish a compatibility list or performance measurements in the cited support material. Do not assume a particular router, VPN protocol, or speed will work without checking the router and VPN providers’ instructions for your setup.
#1 Best Overall
How to route the eero network through a VPN
The documented topology places a VPN-capable router between the modem and the gateway eero. Because existing modem/router equipment and ISP arrangements vary, use the setup instructions from eero and the router manufacturer for the exact cabling and mode; there is no universal sequence established by eero’s support page.
- Confirm that the router you plan to use supports the VPN configuration you need. eero does not provide a validated model list in its support documentation.
- Connect the VPN-capable router between the modem and the gateway eero, following the manufacturers’ instructions for your equipment.
- Review whether your existing router or the eero network should be in bridge mode. eero recommends bridging either the existing router or eero when using multiple routers, rather than leaving both in routing roles.
- Verify which device is routing traffic and test the devices and services you use. If streaming access fails while the VPN is active, try disconnecting the VPN for that service.
Understand bridge mode before changing it
Bridge mode turns off eero’s routing capabilities while allowing eero units to function as access points. Some eero Plus features remain available and some do not. eero says that bridging the existing router preserves eero app features; bridging eero makes it an access point and removes access to some advanced eero features. Check eero’s bridge-mode guidance and its explanation of features affected before deciding which device to bridge.
Rank #2
How to enable Guardian VPN on supported devices
eero Plus includes Guardian VPN for up to five supported devices. This protects participating devices when the VPN is active; it does not route all traffic from the home network through the VPN. eero’s setup guide lists minimum eero app versions of 6.32.0 on iOS and 6.32.1 on Android; app requirements and screens can change.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Open the eero app and select Security & privacy.
- Choose VPN powered by Guardian and enable the VPN.
- Finish setup in Guardian, following the prompts for the supported device.
According to eero’s Guardian VPN setup guide, the VPN is visible in the eero app to the network owner, not network admins. For subscription inclusion and current availability, check eero’s eero Plus information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which eero VPN option fits your needs?
- Choose an upstream VPN router if your goal is to send the network through a VPN and you are comfortable adding and configuring another router. Check bridge-mode effects and confirm the topology with the equipment manufacturers.
- Choose device-level VPN apps if you need coverage only on selected phones, computers, or other supported devices and prefer to manage VPN settings on those devices.
- Consider Guardian VPN through eero Plus if you want eero’s documented app-based option for up to five supported devices.
Do not choose a specific VPN router based on eero compatibility claims alone: the cited eero support pages do not identify tested models, supported protocols, VPN throughput, latency, or independent security evaluations.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
