In allot of ways
@SmokingElectronics is correct. However, consider whether you want a total vpn solution, or individual vpn on selected media. i.e Kids xbox etc not connected, computers and Kodi boxes/android connected?
This is the advantage of using the apps provided by the vpn provider. Also, if you have a router vpn, you are fixed to one server (unless you physically change the vpn address on the router)
With apps you can set them to auto-connect / choose the fastest vpn connection available at the time.