Your personal data is only as secure as your least protected device. In short, it’s not enough to use a VPN on just your computer—every single one of your devices needs to be secured. That’s why we put a major emphasis on simultaneous connections in our reviews. It’s easy to forget to use a VPN if you have to always log in and out of commonly used devices because of a strict connection limit.
Luckily, there are a couple of ways to ensure that all of your devices are always connected. The easiest is to subscribe to a service with unlimited connections. The second is to set up a VPN on your router. I’m here to walk you through the intricacies of connection limits and help you decide the best solution for your needs.
What Is a VPN Connection Limit?
Many VPNs offer a limited number of connections, which means you’ll likely face a block if you try to connect more than your given device allotment. You might also find that one of your other connections gets cut to make room for the new device, which can be frustrating if you’re in the middle of a task that relies on your VPN connection remaining stable, such as torrenting or streaming a regional show on Netflix. The sudden drop in protection can cause your data to leak to your internet service provider (ISP) or streaming service. Most VPNs have some form of kill switch or firewall, but that only tends to apply to devices actively being protected; a voluntary disconnect won’t trigger every kill switch. So, make sure your kill switch is set to always-on mode (if available) or only disconnect devices that aren’t in use.
The Easy Solution: Get a VPN With Unlimited Device Connections
Five simultaneous connections used to be standard, but that’s a sparse allotment these days. If your old VPN is still stuck in the past, you might find it impossible to protect your entire household of smartphones, laptops, PCs, TVs, and game consoles. While most companies have upped their connection allowances, you still have to deal with the ever-looming anxiety of hitting that limit. Sharing a VPN with other members of your household can quickly become a frustrating game of logistics.
If you choose a VPN with support for unlimited simultaneous connections, you can avoid having to compromise. Most of our top picks are moving toward removing device limits entirely, so there is a wealth of great choices.
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The Best VPNs We’ve Tested
For a VPN that offers unlimited connections, you won’t hit any bandwidth or other limits as long as you use the service within reason. That said, you can’t connect every device in the world under one account. Most VPNs have clauses in their terms of service that stipulate what you can use the service for. This means you won’t be allowed to connect entire server farms or hundreds of devices with a single plan designed for personal use. If you need that kind of coverage, your best bet is to get a business plan. Otherwise, you might end up blocked or banned from your VPN.
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The Complex Solution: Secure Your Whole Household With a VPN on Your Router
It’s also possible to install a VPN on your router to protect every connection on your local network. However, this alternative only covers your household, so it won’t provide protection if you frequently travel. In addition, depending on your router and home network, it can be expensive or complicated to configure. So, I only recommend this method if you absolutely need comprehensive home coverage and are looking for a project (see my article on how to do it when you’re ready). Alternatively, some VPNs will sell you a router that’s preconfigured with their client on it, so check with your provider to see if that’s an option for you.
Finally, keep in mind that connection limits are just one of many important factors to consider when it comes to VPNs. For more, check out all of my top tips for setting up and using your VPN.
About Justyn Newman
Senior Writer, Security
