What the providers count
A VPN device limit counts active tunnels to the provider, not the gadgets behind them. A router holds one tunnel and shares it with every device on its network, which is why both providers count it once. Proton Unlimited device count is from the proton.me pricing table. [1][2][3][5]
| Provider and plan | Simultaneous connections | How a router counts | Extra rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Up to 10 | One slot, protects all connected devices | Same server needs different protocols; five devices per server in total |
| Proton VPN Free | 1 | One connection regardless of devices behind it | Free servers in 10 countries |
| Proton VPN Plus | Up to 10 | One connection | Plus servers in over 140 countries |
| Proton Unlimited | 10 (VPN devices row on proton.me pricing) | One slot, per Proton's general router guidance | Bundle with other Proton apps |
The NordVPN per-server catch
NordVPN adds a rule most people miss: if devices connect to the same server they must use different VPN protocols. NordVPN lists HTTP proxy, SOCKS5, NordLynx, NordWhisper, OpenVPN TCP and OpenVPN UDP as connection types and says a total of five devices can be on one server at once. [1]
In practice: if your router and laptop both point at the same NordVPN server using the same protocol, one of them may fail. Pick a different server for the second device. [1]
Worked example: a family of four on a hotel trip
A fictional family travels with two phones, two laptops, a tablet and a streaming stick: six devices. The stick cannot run a VPN app. Counts below follow the provider rules above. [1][2]
- The router alone is the only way the family fits on Proton Free, and only while everyone stays on the router Wi-Fi.
- A device that runs its own VPN app while behind the router opens a second tunnel, so it uses its own slot as well.
- On Proton Free, the router path also accepts Free limits: Free servers only, in 10 randomly selected countries. [2][3]
| Setup | NordVPN slots used | Proton Free | Proton Plus slots used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apps on the five app-capable devices, stick unprotected | 5 of 10 | Not possible: 1 allowed | 5 of 10 |
| Travel router tunnel, all six devices on router Wi-Fi | 1 of 10 | 1 of 1, works | 1 of 10 |
| Router tunnel plus both phones on mobile data with apps at the beach | 3 of 10 | Not possible: 3 needed | 3 of 10 |
| Router tunnel plus a work laptop running its own app behind the router | 2 of 10 | Not possible: 2 needed | 2 of 10 |
When the router is the better use of slots
A router earns its place when you have devices that cannot run a VPN app, such as smart TVs and smart speakers, or guests you do not want to give your VPN password. Proton lists both as reasons to use a VPN router. [2]
GL.iNet's VPN Dashboard can also send only some devices through the tunnel: rules can apply to all clients, specified devices, or exclude specified devices by MAC address. That is useful when a work laptop must stay on its corporate VPN instead of yours. [4]
When the router is not worth it
Proton's router guidance also lists downsides: some local services may stop working, some sites block known VPN IP addresses, switching servers is harder than in an app, and speed can drop. If you have two devices and both run the app, you are well inside every paid limit without a router. [2]
Quick checklist
- Count devices that cannot run an app; if the answer is zero, apps alone may be simpler.
- Count devices that will leave the router network and need their own tunnel.
- Add one for the router and compare against your plan: 10 on NordVPN, 1 on Proton Free, up to 10 on Proton Plus. [1][2]
- On NordVPN, put the router and app devices on different servers or protocols. [1]
- Label each router config so you know which connection to revoke if the router is lost.
Questions before you decide
How many devices can I use with NordVPN?
NordVPN states up to 10 devices at the same time on one account. Devices on the same server must use different protocols, and a total of five can be connected to one server at the same time.
Does Proton VPN Free work through a router for several devices?
Proton's router blog says the router counts as one connection on a Free plan no matter how many devices you connect to it. Free is limited to one connection and servers in 10 countries.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- NordVPN Help Center: How many devices can I use with NordVPN? Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Proton VPN blog: How to set up a VPN router Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Proton VPN pricing (USD) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- GL.iNet Router Docs 4: VPN Dashboard Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Proton pricing: all plans (USD) Accessed 30 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.