WireGuard seems to be the future of VPN protocols due to its simplicity and performance. The best VPN providers were involved in testing and supported the development of WireGuard in the last few years. And now, WireGuard is ready for broad-scale adoption.

You may test the new VPN protocol yourself by subscribing to one of the WireGuard VPN providers listed below.

Why is WireGuard the next generation VPN protocol

WireGuard is a relatively new VPN protocol developed by Jason A. Donenfeld that brings significant benefits to VPN users. It is important to know that:

• WireGuard is free and open-source.
• The project has about 4,000 lines of code and a smaller attack surface compared to other VPN protocols. Also, the codebase can be easily audited.
• It uses the latest, high-speed, state of the art cryptography (ChaCha20 for symmetric encryption, Poly1305 for authentication, Curve25519 for ECDH, BLAKE2s for hashing and keyed hashing, SipHash24 for hashtable keys, HKDF for key derivation).
• It uses the concept of crypto-key routing.
• It runs at Layer 3, and it was recently included in the Linux kernel.

Comparing to other VPN protocols, WireGuard is:

• faster than OpenVPN on UDP;
• uses less memory and CPU than IPSec;
• works well on any device, uses less bandwidth, offers better performance, and seamlessly switches between mobile and WiFi connections.
• more secure.

Additionally, it seems that, due to its stateless nature, WireGuard improves the battery life of mobile devices.

All these make WireGuard ideal for streaming with VPN (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer) and torrenting.

Of course, WireGuard also has some drawbacks. You may read more about them here.

WireGuard VPN providers

VPN providers have started to implement WireGuard for several years but only recently have released stable solutions (after the official WireGuard launch on March 30th, 2020).

Basically, there are two approaches:

• Some VPN services offer access to a WireGuard config generator to create configuration files for their VPN servers. A user may import the config file(s) into the WireGuard client apps (available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) or use the config(s) from the command line on Linux.
• Other VPN service providers have implemented WireGuard in their applications for a more user-friendly experience.

You may find below the list of WireGuard VPN providers and their implementation.

[1] NordVPN – Advanced WireGuard support

NordVPN is one of the first VPN providers that has implemented WireGuard in its native apps.

NordLynx (the NordVPN WireGuard implementation) is available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It is super easy to configure, as all you have to do is to change the VPN protocol (Settings > General > VPN protocol > NordLynx protocol) in the NordVPN apps.

NordLynx is not simply a WireGuard implementation as it is enhanced with a double NAT system (Network Address Translation) for increased security. The double NAT firewall creates two local network interfaces for each user, and it assigns a dynamic IP address for each secure VPN connection such that no identifiable data is stored on the server.

This is consistent with the NordVPN zero-logs policy.

[2] Mullvad – Impressive WireGuard options

Mullvad, the privacy-oriented VPN provider, started to offer the WireGuard protocol as part of its service in 2017. It is one of the few VPNs that expose WireGuard both through the WireGuard apps by generating config files and from within its own VPN clients.

Mullvad apps implement WireGuard as follows:

• The Android VPN and iOS VPN apps only offer access to the WireGuard protocol.
• For macOS and Linux, WireGuard is the default protocol, but you may switch to OpenVPN if you want to.
• For Windows, you need to select the WireGuard protocol (gear icon > Advanced > Tunnel protocol > WireGuard).

Mullvad stands out as a WireGuard VPN provider by the advanced options available. For WireGuard, you may select the port (Automatic or 53), bridge mode (Automatic/On/Off), MTU (1280-1420), and you may reset your WireGuard key anytime you want.

The WireGuard configuration file generator is … impressive. Firstly, take note that:

We [Mullvad] never get access to your private key; only the public key is sent to us. The private key is stored locally in your browser so that you can create multiple files from the same key, and as soon as you leave this page, it is deleted.

Secondly, you may generate a config file or a QR code that can be imported by the WireGuard apps. Start by generating a new WireGuard key (you have 5 slots available for apps and manually generated configs) and choose a location/server.

You may even enable the Multihop (double VPN) option and have two VPN servers to secure your data on your chosen port. And, you may opt-in for a VPN kill switch (only on Linux).

[3] PrivateInternetAccess – WireGuard on all apps

PrivateInternetAccess was involved in funding the WireGuard development, and, as soon as it was released publicly, PIA has added WireGuard as an additional VPN protocol for its VPN software.

To ensure that the server-client connection remains private, no IP addresses are leaked, and no logs are kept, PrivateInternetAccess has extended the WireGuard VPN tunneling kernel with additional protections:

• PIA WireGuard servers run RESTful APIs protected by RSA certificates;
• A daemon deletes connection data at regular intervals when keepalives are no longer being sent for three minutes.

[4] StrongVPN – WireGuard on apps and routers

StrongVPN started to deploy WireGuard in September 2019.

The WireGuard protocol is integrated into the StrongVPN apps (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) along with OpenVPN and IKEv2.

StrongVPN with WireGuard can also be set up on various routers. You may get started with your router VPN on steroids by following these guides.

[5] IVPN – WireGuard with extra privacy protection

IVPN is one of the early adopters of the new technology. WireGuard is available for all IVPN subscribers on all available servers.

To solve potential privacy issues regarding WireGuard, IVPN proposes the following approaches:

• No connection data or metadata about your keys are stored, and IVPN takes care to ensure that data is not held longer than required for optimal usage.
• IVPN allocates random VPN tunnel IP addresses and rotates them at your request.
• The apps support periodically changing IP addresses. This process is implemented together with key regeneration.
• All IVPN apps support periodic, automatic key regeneration, which also changes the internal IP address.

[6] CyberGhost – WireGuard for Linux and iOS

CyberGhost is also a WireGuard VPN provider. At this time, WireGuard is available in the Linux and iOS apps. It will probably be added soon to the other apps as well.

[7] AzireVPN – Simple WireGuard config

AzireVPN is another Swedish VPN provider that implements WireGuard. At this time, AzireVPN offers access to a config file generator that lets you select the location, file extension type, port, and IP (IPv4/IPv6).

Additionally, you may install WireGuard on Linux (CLI), the Android VPN app, or use the pre-alpha Windows VPN client.

[8] VyprVPN – Apps with WireGuard support

VyprVPN released version 4.0 of their apps (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) with full WireGuard support. It supports all servers.

Golden Frog (the company behind VyprVPN) does not explain how they implement WireGuard in their apps; therefore, I suppose it is pretty standard.

[9] VPN.ac – Basic WireGuard config file generator

VPN.ac offers access to a basic WireGuard config generator. Thus, you need to install the official WireGuard client apps and import the config files.

You may add up to 6 devices for a VPN.ac account.

[10] TorGuard – WireGuard on all apps + config generator

TorGuard also offers access to WireGuard from all its apps (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android). On Android, you need to tap the VPN Tunnel option and choose the WireGuard protocol. On iOS, tap the settings icon and change Connection Type to WireGuard, from OpenVPN, IKEv2, or IPSec.

A WireGuard config generator is still available from the Client Area, and you may activate access to 25+ WireGuard tunnels from around the World. All you have to do is generate a config file and import it to the WireGuard app corresponding to your operating system.

Dedicated IPs through WireGuard are also available, and they can be added to every app.

[11] Mozilla VPN – New WireGuard VPN service from Mozilla

The recently launched secure VPN service from Mozilla uses the server network powered by Mullvad and the WireGuard protocol. At this time, Mozilla VPN is available in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore, and it works on Windows 10, Android, iOS, and Chrome OS.

[12] Hide.me – Hassle-free in-app WireGuard access

Hide.me team took its time to implement WireGuard to offer the desired quality of service. WireGuard is available on all Hide.me apps, and the activation is hassle-free. Access the app settings, select the VPN protocol menu, and check the WireGuard option.

It is important to note that Hide.me implements a secure key exchange mechanism. Thus, when you connect to a Hide.me WireGuard server, a new private key is generated on your device. The private key never leaves your device; only the public one is sent to the server. The connection is double encrypted with an ephemeral session shared key.

[13] Surfshark – Secure WireGuard implementation

Surfshark addresses the concern on WireGuard about assigning the same static IP address to a user every time a connection is established by implementing double NAT (similarly to NordVPN). Thus, as a user gets a different IP address each time, there is no purpose in saving any identifiable data on the server. This is consistent with the Surfshark no-log policy.

Surfshark supports the WireGuard protocol on its iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS apps!

[14] OVPN – WireGuard config generator and more to come

OVPN offers access to a basic WireGuard config generator. Thus, you will need to install the WireGuard client app suitable for your device, generate the configs from the OVPN client area, and connect to the OVPN servers.

Port forwarding has been integrated into the OVPN WireGuard implementation, and Public IPv4 and Multihop functions will follow it. Also, WireGuard is the default protocol in the OVPN Android app (you may also set it up with the WireGuard client app on Android), and WireGuard will soon become available in the OVPN desktop apps for Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu.

[15] Other commercial WireGuard VPN providers

As all major VPN players have adopted WireGuard (except ExpressVPN that recently presented Lightway), most VPN services started to add the WireGuard protocol to their services. I will list them here as soon as I find out about them (you may let me know in the comments if I missed any):

• CactusVPN offers WireGuard on its Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android apps, as well as a WireGuard config generator for its servers;
• WideVPN with a WireGuard config generator;
• Windscribe with a config generator and WireGuard implementation on all its VPN apps.

A special case of WireGuard VPN service is the Cloudflare WARP. Built as an extension of the 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver, WARP uses WireGuard to add more privacy and security to its users. And it is free!

WireGuard VPN FAQ

Summary

We have listed more than 10 VPN providers that already offer access to the WireGuard protocol. In the next months, more and more services will get in line and implement WireGuard.

Do you know another WireGuard VPN provider that is not on the list? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.

Would you like to be notified when we add new VPN services to the WireGuard list? Subscribe to our newsletter! It will make a Transylvanian baby-bat happy.

WireGuard is an open-source VPN that uses state of the art cryptography while at the same time being easy to configure, fast, and secure.

During the last 10 years, OpenVPN has been the de-facto standard in the VPN industry. Now, a new VPN protocol is on everyone’s lips: WireGuard. Let’s take a look at its features, and let’s find out how to get started with it.

This article explains what WireGuard is, how it works, how to get it on your devices, and lists several VPN services that allow WireGuard connections.

WireGuard – The new VPN on the block

It was a sunny day in Castlevania, when a wandering bat arrived at the TomBat‘s cave. In a matter of minutes, he improvised a stage and started to sing. He was good, really, really good. All bats but one (can you guess who?) were overjoyed to dance and sing along with the newcomer.

WireBat and TomBat immediately felt a special connection, and WireBat was invited to stay with their pack for a while. WireBat gladly accepted.

In a corner, not far away, AnonymousBat (the bat that was not able to enjoy the concert) had a dilemma: should he accept NVOTB (the New VPN On The Block) or not?

On the positive side, he could learn new tricks, he could better help TomBat to deliver messages securely, and learn how to fly faster.

But, what if WireBat would prove himself untrustworthy and betrayed them to the Megabats? A tough dilemma indeed.

After some deep thinking, AnonymousBat decided to give WireBat a chance, but to keep an eye on him for a while.

This is exactly what we should all do regarding WireGuard: give it a try, but be vigilant and keep in mind that the new VPN protocol still needs to pass the test of time.

Now, it’s time to talk tech!

What is WireGuard?

WireGuard is a new VPN protocol that started as an experiment. It gradually evolved as an OpenVPN and IPSec alternative (considered by many as being difficult to configure and to manage properly).

The creator of WireGuard, Jason Donenfeld, succeeded in writing less than 4,000 lines of code, keeping the project easily auditable and enjoyable to read.

WireGuard aims to provide a general-purpose VPN technology that is more secure, simpler, and faster. It can be deployed easily on anything from high-end servers to low-end devices (such as Raspberry PI).

WireGuard was officially released publicly on March 30th, 2020, being included in version 5.6 of the Linux kernel.

VPN providers have gradually started to adopt WireGuard alongside OpenVPN: NordVPN, CyberGhost, PrivateInternetAccess, VyprVPN, to name a few.

Although WireGuard was originally developed for Linux, it can now provide VPN on macOS, VPN on Windows, VPN on Android, VPN on iOS, or BSD.

How does WireGuard work?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) works as an intermediate between your device(s) and the Internet. The data transfer is encrypted and carried from the device to a VPN server and from there to the destination network. The way your data routes between your computer or device and the VPN server is determined by the VPN protocol.

WireGuard is a VPN protocol that has some interesting functioning principles.

It was designed to be as “stealth” as possible. WireGuard does not send any packets that do not contain data, reducing the “chatter” between the server and the VPN client and cutting down the information available for packet sniffers or eavesdroppers.

The WireGuard encryption is based on Cryptokey Routing, and it works by associating public keys with a list of VPN tunnel IPs that are accepted to use the tunnel.

Additionally, a unique private key and a list of peers is associated with each network interface. Every VPN client can send packets to the network interface having a source IP address matching its corresponding list of allowed IP addresses. When the network interface wants to transmit a packet to a peer (VPN client), it looks at the destination IP address of the data packet and compares it to each peer’s list of allowed IP addresses to determine which peer to send it to.

Why do you need WireGuard?

You probably already know what the advantages of using a VPN are. They include enhanced security and anonymity, access to blocked Internet resources, safe file sharing, secure remote access, hiding your IP address.

All these are true with WireGuard. Furthermore, WireGuard is (at least it looks to be at this point) more secure, faster, and easier to configure than other VPN protocols. Thus, it should be the logical choice for those looking to improve their experience with VPNs.

Advantages and disadvantages of WireGuard

Before setting up a WireGuard VPN, you should be aware of the pros and cons of this VPN protocol.

Advantages of using WireGuard

WireGuard offers a number of important advantages.

Updated encryption

WireGuard uses the latest and most robust encryption algorithms. According to the WireGuard website:

• ChaCha20 for symmetric encryption, authenticated with Poly1305, using RFC7539’s AEAD construction;
• Curve25519 for ECDH;
• BLAKE2s for hashing and keyed hashing, described in RFC7693;
• SipHash24 for hashtable keys;
• HKDF for key derivation, as described in RFC5869.

Simple and minimal code base

WireGuard really stands out in that its codebase currently only contains about 4,000 lines. This is in stark contrast to other solutions, which typically consist of between 400,000 and 600,000 lines. 

Although the smaller codebase is a massive advantage (as the attack surface is very small), it also introduces some limitations, as discussed below.

Performance improvements

VPNs often suffer speed limitations for various reasons. WireGuard has been designed to offer significant improvements in VPN speed.

As WireGuard was primarily designed for Linux and uses a combination of high-speed cryptographic primitives, it ensures that secure tunneling can be done at very high speeds. It is suitable for fully loaded backbone routers and small embedded devices like smartphones. It uses low CPU resources compared to other VPN protocols (e.g., OpenVPN).

WireGuard offers great roaming support, and it accommodates hassle-free switch from Wi-Fi to mobile data.

Due to the high throughput, WireGuard is much better for VPN gaming or VPN streaming.

Ease of use across platforms

Although WireGuard works extremely well across various platforms. WireGuard currently supports Android, macOS, Linux, and iOS, while Windows support is still under development.

WireGuard has another interesting feature in that it uses public keys for identification and encryption, as opposed to OpenVPN, which uses certificates. However, this does create some challenges for utilizing WireGuard within a VPN client, including key generation and management.

Disadvantages of using WireGuard

Although WireGuard includes many exciting advantages, it does currently have some noteworthy drawbacks.

Still under development

WireGuard has released public versions for Linux and Android, but it is still under substantial development for Windows, macOS, iOS. However, many users are already looking at using it right away as their primary VPN protocol. 

However, it should be noted that WireGuard is not complete and has not passed any security audits. Despite this, there are a handful of VPNs already offering, or getting ready to offer, WireGuard support. 

Privacy concerns

Although WireGuard offers advantages in terms of security and performance, its design still raises some privacy questions.

Several VPN providers have expressed concerns about the ability of WireGuard to be used without logs and the effect this may have on user privacy.

Other VPN services are already rolling out full WireGuard support despite these concerns. And a few VPNs monitor the project and plan to implement WireGuard once it has been thoroughly improved and audited.

New and untested

Although OpenVPN has issues, it does have a long track record and has been proven as a VPN protocol with extensive auditing. Although Jason Donenfeld, the author of WireGuard, may refer to OpenVPN as “outdated,” others view it as trustworthy and proven, and WireGuard currently lacks these qualities.

Although WireGuard has undergone a formal verification, it is still brand new and is still in the development phases. Even once WireGuard has officially been released, users would do well to proceed with caution.

What is the developement status of WireGuard?

Many security experts and WireGuard’s own team consider it stable. This was already the case before March 2020, when it was initially implemented into the Linux 5.6 kernel.

It is generally believed that WireGuard’s security as a protocol and its implementation in the Linux kernel is superior to other alternatives. Project age and code audits serve as signals for decision-makers, but there are other, often stronger signals as you delve deeper.

The cryptographic primitives used, the fact that it can be implemented without dynamic memory allocation, and the protocol state machine’s simplicity are all arguably equally or even more useful.

How to set up WireGuard

The first step in establishing a WireGuard connection is to get access to a VPN server that runs WireGuard.

The simplest way is to use a VPN client from a VPN provider that offers access to WireGuard.

Alternatively, you use the WireGuard VPN client applications or the command line.

In this care, you need to know the server address (name or IP address), the public key of the server, the communication port, and the authentication credentials (the private key). Or, you may use a WireGuard configuration file.

Use VPN software

For non-techies, the simplest approach is to subscribe to a VPN service that offers WireGuard from its applications. Several VPN providers already offer access to the WireGuard protocol like NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost VPN, Private Internet Access, VPN.ac, Mullvad, AzireVPN.

The advantage is that you don’t need to know anything about how WireGuard works, you may just benefit from its security and speed.

Most of the time WireGuard is not the default protocol, thus you need to change the app settings and activate WireGuard.

Use the WireGuard VPN clients

The WireGuard project also consists of easy-to-use VPN clients for several platforms: Linux, Windows (learn how to set up WireGuard on Windows 10), macOS, iOS (here is how to set up WireGuard on iOS), Android (check our tutorial on how to use WireGuard on Android), OpenWRT.

Thus, if you have access to a WireGuard config file or you know the server connection details you may set a WireGuard connection in a matter of minutes:

1. Download the WireGuard client app.
2. Install the app.
3. Import the config file or add a new tunnel.
4. Initiate the VPN connection by clicking the Activate button.

Use WireGuard from the command line

If you like to have a little more control, you may use the command line to configure a WireGuard VPN connection. Here is a tutorial that explains how to install a WireGuard server, how to generate the public and private keys, how to connect to the server, how to enable IP forwarding, how to configure the firewall and DNS.

Test your WireGuard VPN connection

Of course, after you connect, you need to test the VPN connection! The simplest test is to load an IP locator website and check your public IP address. It should show the IP and location of the WireGuard server.

The best VPN services with WireGuard

We have tested several services that offer access to the WireGuard servers. As WireGuard is still on its way to widespread adoption there are various approaches to the WireGuard implementation.

Some VPN providers offer access to WireGuard config generators, others have included WireGuard in their applications. Others, like NordVPN, have further developed WireGuard into their own protocols.

We consider the following VPN services the best that offer access to the new VPN protocol, but there are other WireGuard VPN providers as well.

NordVPN

NordVPN is one of our favorite VPN providers due to its nice-looking apps, speed, number of servers, security options, fair price, and reliability.

NordLynx is the name chosen by NordVPN for its WireGuard implementation. Thus, you should look for NordLynx in the NordVPN applications in order to activate WireGuard. NordLynx is available for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.

There is not much to say about NordLynx. It works smoothly and the speed is fantastic!

Private Internet Access

PrivateInternetAccess is another great VPN provider that offers WireGuard on its large server network (more than 3,000 servers in 60+ countries).

Private Internet Access has supplemented the WireGuard standard implementation with supplementary protections to ensure that the server-client connection remains private and no IP addresses are leaked.

WireGuard is available on the Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS PIA apps.

Mullvad

Mullvad is a privacy-oriented VPN provider and WireGuard could not be absent from the list of available protocols.

The nice thing about Mullvad regarding WireGuard is that you may either use the Mullvad apps or the WireGuard configuration file generator. Moreover, some advanced settings are available: IPv4/IPv6 selection, multihop, kill switch (only for Linux), custom port selection.

If you decide you use the WireGuard config files you will need to install the WireGuard client apps and import the configurations.

Tips to get the most from WireGuard

Most probably, if you try WireGuard you will not get back to other VPN protocols. But, how to make sure you get access to all benefits exposed by WireGuard? Here are several tips:

• If you are already subscribed to a VPN service that offers WireGuard make sure you read the details regarding the way they implement WireGuard.
• If the VPN provider exposes a config generator, give the WireGuard VPN clients a try. They are slim, easy to use, and they may be exactly what you need to get the maximum VPN speed and security.
• If your VPN provider does not offer WireGuard, my advice is to create a one month account for one of the VPN services recommended above. Use WireGuard for a while and see how you feel about it.

WireGuard FAQ

Summary

Although WireGuard is not yet at the stage that it is ready for mainstream implementation and adaptation, this open-source VPN holds plenty of promise for becoming the de-facto standard for security and privacy in the future. 

Several VPN providers already adopted WireGuard, and some, like NordVPN, have further developed it. All this is for the benefit of the VPN users as WireGuard is fast and secure.

We believe that WireGuard is part of the VPN future, and we are glad to cover it on our tech blog.

Finally, please subscribe to our newsletter (below) and we promise to keep you updated with news and tutorials on how to use WireGuard. Plus, you will make a Transylvanian baby-bat very happy.

May your Chromebook be a lightweight laptop, but that does not mean you have to be light on security and privacy. As your device is connected to the Internet and the Internet is no longer a safe place, you need to get a VPN for Chromebook.

The latest Chromebooks are able to run Android apps. Thus, solutions to get connected to a VPN are at hand. Simply, download a VPN app for Android, and you are ready to browse the Internet safely.

Additionally, the Chrome OS makes it easy to create a VPN connection using the built-in VPN client. This article explains how to get a VPN for Chromebook, to set up an Android VPN app, how to set up a manual VPN connection, and lists two remarkable Chromebook VPN services.

How to use a VPN on Chromebook – Is there a spell here?

When not checking our Instagram account, PonyBat is an avid reader. As she just finished a book on Internet censorship (sic!), she sent TomBat to get her an easy read from the library of Vlad’s castle.

And here is TomBat flying around for inspiration in a dark room full of books.

Suddenly, he felt some kind of attraction coming from the top shelf. He spotted THE book and read the title on the cover: “A Discovery of Witches“. For a moment, he thought it was a good pick for PonyBat, but, when he opened it, he had a huge surprise: there were no leaves between the covers. A device with a shield-like drawing on it was shining mysteriously.

TomBat rapidly flew to Vlad:

“Master Vlad, what is this?“

“Ooo, that is my travel book.“

“But, this is not a book!“

“Well, it is a Chromebook. And it is already prepared for traveling. As the manuscript from ‘A Discovery of Witches’ was protected by a powerful spell, my Chromebook is protected by a strong VPN. It is what I need to be safe while connecting to the Internet from random castles.”

“Very impressive, Master Vlad! Very impressive!“

Now, let’s find out how to get a VPN spell on your Chromebook.

How does a VPN work on Chromebook?

A Virtual Private Network or VPN serves as a buffer between a computer and the Internet. When browsing the Internet with a VPN, a computer (in this case, the Chromebook) firstly connects to the VPN server using an encrypted connection (the level of encryption depends on the VPN protocol).

Once the data reaches the VPN server, the encryption is stripped, and the data is sent on to the Internet. The response received by the VPN server is then encrypted and sent back to the VPN client (the Chromebook).

Why do you need a VPN on your Chromebook?

Chromebooks are more secure than devices using Windows. Viruses are mainly built to attack computers that use Windows. As a result, Chromebooks generally don’t need antivirus software.

Chromebooks have limited storage and specs and are best used for browsing the web and answering emails. The operating system is sound from a security viewpoint.

Network-based threats that are OS-agnostic, whether they be simple snooping or man-in-the-middle attacks, can be used to attack Chromebooks.

The advantage of connecting to the Internet using a VPN is that it masks the origin IP address and traffic. The encryption of the initial connection means the requests coming from a specific device, or who they are coming from, can not be tracked. The connection appears to come from the VPN server.

Thus, while using a VPN, the communication between the Chromebook and the Internet is encrypted and protected. A Chromebook VPN also provides online anonymity (it hides your IP address) and helps you unblock restricted websites by changing your virtual location (a valid workaround for China too), or it helps you secure your torrenting activities.

To sum up, a VPN for Chromebook offers many benefits:

• Data encryption.
• IP address hiding while browsing the Internet.
• Restricted websites unblocking.
• Protection while using public Wi-Fi connections.

How to get a VPN for Chromebook

Chrome OS is not Android, but it looks somehow similar and has a lot of functions you may be accustomed to from your Android devices.

Similar to Android, the Chrome OS offers access to its own built-in free VPN client. Thus, you may easily set up a VPN connection from your Chromebook by manually filling in the required parameters. However, this approach is not necessarily the best one. A more user-friendly solution is to install Android VPN software.

But, firstly, to be able to set up a VPN connection, you need access to a VPN server, which means that you need to know the server address (IP address or name) and the authentication credentials (username, password, security certificate).

On your Chromebook you may:

• Download and install an Android VPN app offered by a VPN service;
• Set a manual connection and access a VPN server managed by your company or school.

How to set up a VPN for Chromebook

As the Android apps can run on Chrome OS, the fastest and most straightforward way to set up a Chromebook VPN is to download a VPN app from Google Play. Easy to do. No technical knowledge is required.

If you need to connect to a VPN server administrated by your company or your school, you will need to set up the VPN connection manually or to install a third-party application (e.g., the OpenVPN client app).

There are three main ways to protect a Chromebook with a VPN: using Android VPN apps, using Chrome browser VPN extensions, or configuring Chrome OS’ VPN client manually.

Use an Android VPN app from a VPN provider

Using an Android VPN app on your Chromebook is the most reliable way to secure all your web traffic. Simply download the VPN app you want to use from the Play Store and activate it:

• Open the Play Store.
• Type “vpn” in the Search box.
• Choose a VPN client app, install it, open it.

Next, if required, create an account and subscribe. Further, select a location or server and connect to the VPN.

The first time the application tries to connect to the VPN, it requires explicit permissions. It is a security measure to protect your private data.

You should only click OK if you trust the VPN provider. If you don’t, you should better uninstall the app and take a look at the services I recommend below.

A problem with using an Android VPN app on your Chromebook is that older Chromebooks don’t support Android apps. The list of Chrome OS devices supporting the Google Play store is growing, but if you have a device that is not on the list, you won’t be able to set up a VPN on your Chromebook by using an Android app. 

If your device is supported, you will need to have Chrome OS’ latest version. You must also use the Settings menu to activate the Google Play store. Open Settings, search Google Play, and switch it on. Note that users with corporate Google accounts may not have the right to activate the Google Play store.

Use Chrome browser VPN extensions

The simplest way to secure web traffic is to use a Chrome browser extension. Several VPN services have Chrome browser extensions. Simply select one from the Chrome Extensions Webstore and install it.

It should be noted that a Chrome VPN extension will only secure traffic from your web browser and not network traffic from other apps. Make sure you understand the differences between VPN apps and VPN extensions.

Did you know that you may use Chrome VPN extensions on Microsoft Edge as well? Thus, if you have the Edge browser installed on your Chromebook you may install and use your preferred Chrome VPN browser extension with the Microsoft browser.

Manually configure a VPN connection on Chromebook

Although using an Android VPN app to set up a VPN on your Chromebook is the preferred solution, manual configuration is the next best. If your Chromebook can’t run Android apps, it may, in fact, be your only option. Doing so does, however, require some work. 

When you set up a Chromebook’s VPN connection manually, you have two options: L2TP/IPSec or OpenVPN. Both of these are VPN protocols, but they use different methods to create a VPN connection. Of the two, OpenVPN is probably better due to it being open-source. This means it’s been checked extensively for any potential vulnerabilities. It also has a reputation for being reliable and fast.

Before starting to configure a manual connection, make sure you have access to the VPN server credentials (server address, username, password):

1. From the Home screen, go to the Settings app.
2. Select Network.
3. Click on Add connection and Add OpenVPN / L2TP.
4. Enter the Server hostname (VPN server name or IP address) and the Service name (choose a name for your VPN connection).
5. Select Provider Type. Choose the VPN type or protocol (OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec + preshared key, L2TP/IPSec + user certificate). If you don’t know what to choose, you should ask the VPN administrator.
6. Type your authentication login, i.e., your Username and Password.
7. For L2TP/IPSec + preshared key, you also need to type in the Preshared key. For L2TP/IPSec + user certificate and OpenVPN, you may need to install and provide certificates. You may find more details here.
8. Tap Connect. If the server information and the credential are good, you will get connected.
9. To turn the VPN off, click on the bottom right of the screen, click on the VPN icon, and click on the Disconnect button next to the active connection.

Test run your VPN connection

Once you have successfully connected, don’t forget to test your VPN.

The quick test consists of the following:

1. At the bottom right, select the time. Check the VPN status. It should be ON.
   
2. Check your public IP address with an IP locator website.

If the VPN status is OFF and the IP checker website shows your real IP address, you should try to re-connect. If the issue persists, you need to contact the VPN provider or administrator.

How to use a VPN on Chromebook with a router

Connecting to a VPN router is a quick method to get access to a VPN. However, you should remember the connection between your Chromebook and the router is not encrypted.

The most important benefit of using a VPN router is that you don’t need to install any VPN app or set up anything on your Chromebook.

The setup of a VPN on a router is not difficult, but you may need some technical skills to understand the steps described in the tutorials. And here is how to do it:

• How to set up a VPN on a DD-WRT router
• How to set up OpenVPN on a TomatoUSB router

After the setup is completed, all you need to do is to connect your Chromebook to the router (Settings > Wi-Fi > select the network exposed by the router). Hurray, you are now connected to the VPN.

The Best Chromebook VPN services

As you may install Android VPN apps on your Chromebook, you have access to a plethora of free apps. However, here at VladTalks, we do not recommend free VPN apps and lifetime subscriptions due to security and privacy concerns.

When we enlisted the best Android VPN apps, we took into consideration the reputation, logging policy, performance/VPN speed, reliability, and support offered by the VPN providers. As one of the options to quickly change your IP address on Chromebooks is to use VPN extensions, we chose VPN services that also provide access to excellent browser extensions.

NordVPN

The NordVPN app for Android works smoothly on Chromebooks that are able to run Android apps. It is fast, secure, and it comes from a trustful provider.

Additionally, NordVPN exposes a great VPN extension that you may use for unblocking restricted websites or hiding your public IP address while browsing the Internet with Google Chrome.

The first step is to create a NordVPN account. Then you may log in to the app or to the Chrome extension, and press the Connect button. It selects the closest server to your location and creates a VPN or proxy connection.

CyberGhost

The CyberGhost Android app is smooth and fast, but the nicest feature of CyberGhost is that it offers the Chrome VPN extension for free. As it comes from a trustful provider you may use it with confidence.

Build safety habits – How to use a VPN on Chromebook on a daily basis

You probably use your Chromebook mostly to navigate the Internet, watch streaming channels and check your emails. You probably take it with you while traveling (as Vlad does). But, do you protect your data?

You need to take care of your private data and you need to do it every day, everywhere you go.

Using a VPN on your Chromebook is not a geeky approach to online security. It is a must-have and you should have a VPN at hand.

Make sure that you:

• Have a VPN app or VPN extension installed on your Chromebook.
• After you find a worthy VPN provider and you find out about a VPN deal subscribe to the annual plan. Thus, you make sure you have the account active when you need it.
• Enable the Always-On VPN feature (if available) to ensure that all Internet traffic on your Chromebook will go through the VPN tunnel.
• Do not install VPN apps from obscure VPN providers. Take your time and inform yourself or ask a friend.

Summary

Although Chromebooks generally don’t need antivirus software and are more secure than devices using Windows, they are still vulnerable to network-based threats that are OS-agnostic.

Protecting yourself against these is easy to do by using a VPN. It can be implemented by using a Chrome browser extension, using an Android app, or manually configuring the VPN client.

Of the three methods, using an Android app is probably the best, providing your Chromebook is supported and runs the latest version of Chrome OS.

Finally, I am sure that you will need more tips on how to use a VPN on your devices. Subscribe to our newsletter (below) and we will send you regular and funny updates. You will make a Transylvanian baby-bat happy.

Grab
your popcorn! We’re
about to learn what is a VPN for streaming blocked websites and how
to choose the one that best meets your streaming needs.

Things have changed so much on the Internet, as is no longer the Information Superhighway it used to be. These days the Internet is more like a dirt road filled with potholes, or like an electrical installation that always seems to fail.

To fix these bat bad problems and enhance your online experience, you will need a very special toolbox consisting of patience, few technical pieces of knowledge, a VPN (Very Pointy Needle), and, of course, the popcorn I previously told you about.

The VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, a technology that, in reality, acts like a Pointy Needle, allowing you to reach “narrow areas”.

Why am I
saying this?
You’re just about to find out.

But first…

The Transylvanian explanation of a VPN for streaming.

The
wedding bells are ringing in Castlevania. TomBat is about to marry the love of his life
– the bat-iful PonyBat. After all, his perseverance paid off. Not only that the
most beautiful lady-bat in Castlevania is about to marry him, but feelings are
mutual.

It seems that you don’t have to be the coolest guy around to win a girl’s heart. Cleverness, a funny spirit, and a few sweet gifts will do the job.

And what
happens before a wedding? Yes, exactly, a bachelor party, which in Castlevania is a BATchelor
party. As it all needs to be a surprise, the bat gang was in charge of all
the details, so TomBat was completely clueless.

How did all these things make PonyBat feel? Worried! Will there be booze, will there be kinky surprises, or, even worse, will there be any strippers?

Just like any girl on this planet, PonyBat overthinks the situation, and she suddenly becomes jealous.

As the other bat’s girlfriends and the future bride are not invited to the BATchelor party, PonyBat needs to make sure TomBat won’t cross the line, by any means.

“What should I do to bypass this stupid party restriction? I am a girl, and there is no way I can make it to the party. Of course not! Think, PonyBat, think!“

Then, a brilliant idea finally came to her mind – she will use RoboBat so she will be able to stream the wild party, live, from the comfort of her own cave.

RoboBat is the latest gimmick TomBat and AnonymousBat invented. A robotic bat was meant to help them around with different digital tasks.

As PonyBat is not only pretty but also very smart, she used RoboBat as her own drone. She is that sneaky!

She
connected her phone to the drone and guided it to the party location. In this
way, she was able to watch live the party that decided the faith of her
relationship with TomBat. And, I assure you, TomBat was very well-behaved, and
except his abuse of Transylwine, he did nothing wrong.

You should
take PonyBat’s example. If you want to live stream any blocked streaming
channel directly on your device, you can do it with a VPN. This technology is
not a drone, but it will definitely do the job.

What is geo-blocking?

Geo-blocking is one of the most popular internet censorship methods. China applies heavy censorship on its internet users, and without a VPN for China, you will have limited access to online resources there. Via this technique, certain media streaming providers can limit the availability of their service only to certain countries or locations.

What does this technique
imply?

Your IP address says a lot of information about you. Just like a flibbertigibbet, your IP can’t keep its mouth shut and will leak info about your location. For being able to restrict your access to their content, the media streaming giants will only need to check your IP address. Like in the case of BBC iPlayer, if you’re trying to access their content outside the UK, your access will be automatically blocked and denied.

Why are huge media
streaming services geo-blocked?

Lots of internet users are eaten away by this question. And the answer is not elaborated, nor very complex.

Let’s take a closer look at what BBC iPlayer or Netflix do.

BBC iPlayer
is available only for UK residents who pay for a UK TV license.

Netflix, on
the other hand, is available in several counties around the globe, providing
separate catalogs for each location.

Can we draw a conclusion? Yes! Applying geo-restriction is a legitimate decision for both of these two popular streaming services. Maybe you think I’m crazy, while actually, I am not! It’s 100% normal for BBC to be available only in the UK as it’s mandatory to have a UK TV cable subscription. While, just like in the case of Netflix, we also talk about copyrighted content. The copyrights allow these services to display certain TV shows, movies, or series only in some countries. So, we can say that these geo-restrictions are somehow legitimate, having a legal basis.

Still, it’s a little unfair to have a subscription for a service and not be able to access it while you travel or relocate. That’s why we can totally understand why VPNs for streaming are this popular nowadays.

What is a VPN for
streaming channels?

I get the
sense that I was able to arouse your interest in learning more about the best
VPNs for streaming. That’s why it’s time to focus on the subject and debate all
the important aspects you need to know about choosing, installing, and using a
VPN for unblocking websites.

Without
wasting any more time, let’s grab our popcorn and dig into the subject.

A VPN is hype and valuable technology that helps you accomplish a few important things that will enhance not only your online experience, but will also help you ensure your online security, privacy, anonymity, and freedom via solutions like Double VPN or Tor over VPN.

The most
important things you can do with a VPN are:

• Change and hide your IP address.
• Encrypt your web traffic.
• Bypass firewalls.
• Bypass internet censorship and geo-restrictions.

An idea that wanders the internet these days is that for accessing blocked content, you can use proxy technology. There’s nothing wrong with this affirmation, however, an important detail is missing.

So, follow me! You need to access the websites you pay for (Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max) when you travel for different purposes, meaning that besides the possibility to change your IP and access blocked content, you also need a highly-secured Internet connection.

Therefore,
the best way to unblock websites in complete anonymity and security is to use a
VPN.

Why?
Here’s the secret!

How does a VPN for
accessing streaming websites work?

A VPN combines a series of components that will take your overall online experience to the next level.

As a result, anytime you will enable a VPN connection, you will connect to a VPN server first. The VPN server, helped by an encryption standard and a VPN protocol, will encrypt and safely guide your data to its destination on the web. As this process is reversible, all your online activities are encrypted and private, meaning that your ISP (Internet Service Provider) or any other curious entity won’t be able to lay its eyes on your data.

Other options that help
you access BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Hulu anywhere in the world.

Let’s bring to light other options that you have for streaming your favorite movies, TV shows, and documentaries from any place in the world.

As the most
important thing you need to do to bypass restrictions is to change your IP
address, you will need to find tools or technologies that can help you do so.
Here are a few great solutions you may wanna try:

Proxy technology. A proxy is like a low-cost VPN. A VPN provides a brand-new IP address, complete anonymity, security, and encryption, while the proxy can change your IP, and… that’s all. Plus, based on the fact that it does not imply any encryption at all, the proxy will not affect the speed of your connection, allowing you a flawless streaming experience.

SmartDNS technology. Compared to the proxy or VPN, SmartDNS will not encrypt your traffic or chance your IP. Instead, it will do some magic and will trick streaming websites into seeing your location as a legitimate one. In very easy terms, we can say that with the SmartDNS you can spoof your location like a high-skilled magician. Easy-peasy-SmartDNS-squeezy.

Use a remote-control application. This may sound really dumb, but it’s a highly effective solution. So, if you travel for a short time and need to stay up to date with the latest episodes of your series, you may want to install on your home computer an RDP app like TeamViewer. The app will allow you to remotely access your home computer located in the UK for example, a fact that grants you access not only to your personal documents but also to any online service you may need to access with a British IP.

Why are Netflix and BBC
iPlayer blocking VPNs?

Did you know that millions of people living outside the UK use a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer?

Just the
legal basis imposed by copyrights is a good reason to block VPN access to media
streaming services, so these huge providers can avoid infringements.

Media giants
allocate a lot of resources like money or countless hours of work to develop
and implement algorithms able to detect and block VPN usage.

As they are
unstoppable, the task of keeping pace with their updated algorithms became a
pretty challenging task for VPN providers. That’s why there are only a series
of VPN services on the market that can provide a seamless streaming experience.

What’s the best VPN for
streaming?

Sorry to spoil your expectations, but when it comes to VPNs, there’s no such thing as THE BEST VPN. There are a lot of VPNs like Surfshark VPN, Buffered VPN, IPVanish VPN, Norton Secure VPN, or Hotspot Shield that may work for streaming sports channels or media services. Even so, the performance of a VPN is influenced by many factors and there are a few important highlights that may indicate that a VPN works for bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking websites.

Here are
the most important things a VPN for streaming needs to provide to be able to
bypass Netflix’s advanced blocking algorithms:

• The number of VPN server locations. Let’s say that you may want to access Netflix Japan. For this, you will need not one, but plenty of VPN servers located in Japan, so you can be sure that your mission can be accomplished. Moreover, the most common situation when a media streaming service blocks VPN is when a user connects to the VPN with a shared IP address. This means that the VPN server you connect to shares the same IP address with hundreds of other users. Such a thing can happen in the case of using a bulk IP address, which is easily detectable by Netflix or BBC player. Therefore, the VPN servers’ quality matters.
• VPN apps. You can always use a VPN app to enable a VPN connection like a Transylvanian guru. Of course, there are other ways you may follow to enable a VPN connection. But who has the time to manually set up a VPN connection on Windows, VPN on Mac, VPN on iOS, or even VPN on Chromebook while on vacation or in an airport, during a layover? A mobile VPN software makes miracles as with a single click on a button, you can enable the world of countless online possibilities.
• Performance and reliability. Buffering/connection interrupted – are two mighty online vampires lurking at the internet’s corners, ready to jump in front of you, as soon as the VPN connection drops. Therefore, another important aspect you must take into consideration is the overall performance of the VPN and the stability of your connection.
• The VPN protocols selection. When it comes to VPNs, the size of the features list matters. The VPN protocol dictates not only the speed of the connection, as this component is also responsible for your… online freedom. Mainstream protocols like PPTP or L2TP are great when you want to surf fast, but when it comes to bypassing internet censorship, they are not the best options. Therefore, if you live in a country with high censorship and want to unblock streaming websites, you have double trouble. A powerful VPN protocol like Stealth VPN (which uses the obfuscation technology), OpenVPN, or Shadowsocks can help. So, don’t forget to scan your provider’s feature list, and look for out-of-the-box features.
• VPN trial. Not many VPN providers allow their potential customers to test the service before subscribing. Signing-up for a free VPN trial is the smart thing to do, especially when we talk about getting a VPN for streaming. If a provider does not allow a free trial, it should clearly provide a money-back guarantee policy, that may save you from misery, in case you will face connection issues.
• Customer support. Yes, VPNs are fun and stuff, but from time to time, these services can make you wanna throw your laptop out of the window. In such a situation, a customer support rep is really helpful and ready to solve your issue within minutes. The best VPNs for streaming offer live customer support, so that’s another thing you should aim for.

Even if there’s no such thing as the best VPN for torrenting, streaming, gaming, or different other online activities, there are a handful of services on the market that do a pretty good job.

As Transylvanians, we are honest and helpful, so we won’t keep this information for ourselves. Sharing is caring, so here’s a list of well-performing VPNs for streaming sites or media services:

NordVPN

NordVPN needs no further presentation as you can read about this service on almost all reviews-specialized websites. It made our list as this popular provider can access the websites beyond the wall (if you know what I mean). And if you don’t know what I mean, you never watched Game of Thrones. The good news is that you can do it right away with your HBO Go subscription.

NordVPN offers a complete service with an impressive experience on the market, providing VPN, as well as, and SmartDNS solutions. It provides access to high-speed servers, has a strict no-logs policy, offers live chat support, and I believe is one of the best streaming VPN providers.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is a powerful VPN provider, and it’s a project started in Romania. So, vampires and geo-restrictions don’t scare this VPN either.

CyberGhost VPN provides fast speeds, simultaneous connections, a powerful Windows VPN client, filled with features, and super-easy to use.

When it
comes to unblocking services, CyberGhost can unblock Netflix or BBC iPlayer,
meaning that you will be able to access the streaming media services you’re
paying for wherever you are in the world.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN just works and… unblocks. In my opinion, is one of the most stable VPNs on the market, with a perfect VPN server network distribution. As they provide plenty of servers in popular locations around the world, it can help its users easily access a series of blocked streaming websites. And, this is something valuable, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Thus, you may subscribe confidently and, if it does not unblock the streaming platforms that you are interested in, you may simply ask for a refund.

And, yes, you may use ExpressVPN to unblock BBC iPlayer outside the UK even on your iOS device.

Streaming FAQs.

The whole VPN for blocked websites concept may be intriguing. Plus, there’s a different discussion about copyright infringement, so the following info may answer your questions.

Let’s rewind.

Learning can be as fun as watching your favorite movie. As we need to make sure that we don’t miss a thing, let’s rewind and recap.

Online restrictions can frustrate any internet user. Just imagine that you’re traveling for 3 weeks when a new season of your favorite series is launched. All your friends are sending spoilers in WhatsApp groups, and you’re not able to access Netflix or BBC as are geo-restricted in the country you visit.

With a VPN you can circumvent restrictions and watch your favorite movies from a beach in the Maldives or from the foot of the Himalayas, if you’re connected to a public WiFi, of course.

Even if the
media streaming giants acknowledged the VPN traffic and decided to block it,
there are powerful VPN services that can bypass restrictions. Your task is to
do a bit of research and find the VPN that works for you. From that point on,
you’re a few clicks away from watching your favorite shows.

Let’s not forget about the other benefits of a VPN like the private internet access you can enjoy anytime, the unlimited bandwidth, and security features like Kill Switches or DNS leak protection that are keeping your data secure and your online activity anonymous.

Is there any popcorn left, because you can start to stream videos right away!

Ready,
steady, stream!

You have probably heard about VPN technology, and you asked yourself how to use a VPN. After digging into the subject more, you might feel overwhelmed by all the new/technical information.

Have no fear, Vlad is here to help you rest assured that even if the VPN is a complex technology, is not rocket science to use it, as there are plenty of ways, suitable even for newbies.

We have prepared a (long) article that presents most of the things you should be aware of related to VPN usage. Start reading the short bat-related explanation and continue with our in-depth presentation of the available options.

How to use a VPN – The Transylvanian explanation

Romance is possible even in the World of vampire bats. At least, this is what we would like to believe.

Long story short: our TomBat has a crush on a she-bat who recently joined the colony. PonyBat, that is her name, is … well … bloody beautiful. Of course, she has a lot of pretenders. To make things worse: TomBat is a little bit shy.

TomBat’s strategy is to get to PonyBat’s heart by sending her some impressive love letters. But, TomBat does not want to disclose his identity before he is 100% sure of his success. And here it is what he did.

TomBat (the VPN client) established a coding convention (VPN protocol) with the AnonymousBat (the VPN server). TomBat sent encrypted messages to AnonymousBat that decoded them and passed them forward to PonyBat (the destination). Thus, PonyBat did not know the (real) sender of the message. Additionally, as the communication between TomBat and AnonymousBat was coded (encrypted), the messages remained a secret for all the other bats in the colony.

As PonyBat was truly impressed, she formulated an answer (or more, who knows?) and asked AnonymousBat to intermediate the communication again. Thus, AnonymousBat (the VPN server) encrypted the PonyBat’s message and sent it back to TomBat (the VPN client). As TomBat was aware of the encryption type (the VPN protocol), he could decipher the message and enjoy it.

The communication within a virtual private network works similarly. The data from the sender (the VPN client) is encrypted and passed to the middle man (the VPN server). Next, the data is forwarded, decrypted, and sent to the destination. Backward, the destination sends data to the VPN server, where data is encrypted and sent to the VPN client.

To use a VPN, you need access to the necessary components (client, server) and to set up the communication channel (using an encryption protocol).

What you need to get a VPN working – VPN components

As “bat-ifully” explained here, VPN technology relies on several components that work together to achieve secure communication and online anonymity. The usage of VPN involves access to VPN client applications and VPN servers, that utilize VPN protocols to exchange data.

As all operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, Android) have built-in components that can act as VPN clients, the key component of accessing a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the VPN server.

How to get a VPN

The first step in using a VPN is getting access to a Virtual Private Network. And, here are the available options.

Connect to a private VPN

The VPN is a legal and valuable technology, and many companies use it to restrict access to private resources (documents, intranet) and secure communication between remote team members. Similarly, schools and universities use VPN to implement content access policies.

Connecting to such private VPN networks requires permissions granted by the network administrators. You need to receive login credentials (server address, username, password) or certificate profiles. Additionally, VPN setup instructions are mandatory, and they should also specify the VPN protocol to be configured.

Subscribe to a VPN service (free or paid)

VPN services are very popular nowadays as they provide easy access to already configured VPN servers, available in hundreds of locations, 24 hours a day.

VPN providers enable smooth access to secure servers through easy to use VPN client apps (one-click connect) compatible with the most popular OSes like Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Chrome OS.

All you need to do is install a VPN application (VPN software) and connect it to the desired server location. Sometimes, you may choose the level of encryption, the VPN protocol, the communication port.

Just like proxies, totally free VPN services exist, but we do not recommend them. They may be either selling your private data, be malware, or adware applications.

Freemium or premium services are the way to go when it comes to online privacy or security. Freemium VPN services are built to promote their paid versions, and they come with certain limitations. However, most of them can be trusted.

If you take your online privacy seriously, premium or paid VPN services are a must.

By subscribing to a VPN service, you receive all the information necessary to start using the VPN (login credentials, setup instructions, download links).

Set up your own VPN server (Advanced)

Setting up your own dedicated VPN server is not as difficult as it may sound. However, it requires some basic tech knowledge.

It is beyond the scope of this article to explain how to set up a VPN server manually. But we recommend the following tutorials:

• How to set up your VPN server in Cloud
• How to deploy Algo VPN
• How to install a VPN server on Raspberry Pi
• How to set up a VPN server at home

How to set up a VPN connection

After you get access to a VPN, setting up the VPN connection is pretty straight forward.

Option 1 – Manually set up a VPN connection.

Major operating systems (Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android) can act as VPN clients and establish VPN connections to VPN servers using various VPN protocols.

The manual setup involves several basic steps that can be performed even by users that are not tech gurus.

For example, to set up an L2TP VPN connection on a Mac (learn more on how to use a VPN on Mac here), you need to:

1. Choose Apple menu  > System Preferences, then click Network.
2. Click on the “+” sign to add a new connection.
3. Select VPN as an interface type and L2TP over IPSec as VPN type.
4. Click Create.
5. Fill in the Server Address and the Account Name (username).
6. Complete the Authentication Settings.
7. The VPN connection is set up. Next, click Connect.

Option 2 – Install and run a VPN client application

Many VPN providers offer access to custom VPN clients that can be used to choose a VPN server or location, select a VPN protocol, and connect with one click.

Here are the steps to be performed when using a VPN client application:

1. Download and install the VPN software. 
2. Run the client (on desktop computers) or the app (mobile devices). Note that a client and an app is actually the same thing.
3. Sign in to the app or client with the login details provided when you subscribed to the VPN service. 
4. On most VPN applications, there is a big Connect button. Clicking on or tapping this button will connect your device to a VPN server nearby that has been selected by the VPN provider. This will likely give you the fastest VPN connection that is available.
   To use a server located in a different country or region, some VPNs provide a map you can use to select the region you want to connect to by clicking on that region or country on the map. If the VPN does not have this functionality, clicking on the menu button will probably allow you to select from a list of VPN servers available. 

Generally, VPN software is designed to be user-friendly, and you should be able to use it without having to do any configuration.

Major open-source VPN projects, like OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, SoftEther, and WireGuard, also expose VPN clients on various devices and operating systems. They are less user-friendly than commercial ones, but they do their job well.

How to use VPN on mobile devices

The options presented above are available for mobile devices as well.

There are normally two ways to configure VPN on mobile devices. The first is to manually configure VPN, and the second is to install a VPN app. Before you start, you should select the VPN service you would like to use on your mobile devices.

Configuring the mobile device VPN manually

For Android devices, go to Settings > More > VPN > +. Enter the required info, and you’ll be connected.

For iOS devices (iPhone, iPad), go to Settings > General > VPN > Add VPN configuration. Enter the required info like VPN connection name and VPN server address, and you’ll be connected.

Installing a VPN app

You may start with a search in the Apple App Store or Google Play. Try “vpn”, “unlimited vpn”, “unlimited bandwidth VPN”, or the name of the VPN service you subscribed to.

Install the VPN app, then run it and log in to your account. Select the preferred server you want to use, and you’ll be connected. It’s easy to use a VPN app.

In the case of WireGuard, you may install the WireGuard app for iOS, import a configuration file or create one from scratch, and activate the VPN tunnel.

How to install a VPN on a router

By installing a VPN on a router, you can make sure that everything connected to the router communicates safely through a VPN connection. By doing this, you will no longer have to install an individual app on anything that has web access, including your smart TVs, laptops, and mobile devices.

Before installing a VPN on a router, make sure that the router is, in fact, compatible with VPNs. This can be done by checking the website of the router’s manufacturer. Most Tomato-boosted and DD-WRT routers are VPN compatible.

Installation is easy and is done by logging into the router and then entering data in a few standard forms – you should handle this quite easily.

Here are several tutorials you can follow:

• How to set up OpenVPN on a DD-WRT router
• How to set up a VPN on a Tomato router

How to use VPN on a Smart TV or game consoles

Apple TVs, Smart TVs, Roku, devices like Chromecast, and several video gaming consoles (such as Xbox and PlayStation) often don’t have the option to be configured for VPNs.

There is however a number of different ways you can use to benefit from the advantages offered by a VPN connection.

Router configuration

Configuring a router is a bit more complicated, and not all routers can be configured to use VPN. It is, however, a very effective way of securing the whole household or business. Once this has been done, each device that uses the router will be secured, including TVs, game controllers, and other devices that don’t support VPN.

VPN Sharing from a Windows device

The alternative is to configure VPN sharing from a Windows device. After the connection to a VPN has been achieved on Windows, share the Internet from it. This will enable connections from other devices like you would connect to a router.

VPN apps on Smart TVs

Some Smart TVs can run VPN applications directly. For example, those using Android TVs may install VPN apps from Google Play and run them in the same manner as on an Android phone or tablet.

How to use a VPN on a daily basis [Useful tips]

VPN is the kind of technology that you should use regularly for your own online security and privacy.

Using a VPN daily involves less effort than checking your email. Here are a few tips you can apply right away:

• Use a trustworthy VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access, probably the best VPN services available on the market.
• Subscribe to the VPN service for a longer period. Ensure your access to VPN servers is not cut off when you need it the most due to the expired subscription. By subscribing to annual or biannual plans, you reduce this risk to a minimum.
• Alternatively, install a free VPN app that you can use in case you get out of money and don’t want to continue with your subscription.
• Install the VPN or VPN apps on all your devices. Even if you don’t need a VPN on all devices at a specific time, it is useful to set them all (or almost) once you subscribed to the service. You save yourself time.
• Choose the VPN protocol based on the online activity you are performing. For example, if you need high-speed connections for your daily VPN routine or for downloading torrents, use PPTP or IKEv2. If you need to bypass specific filtering systems, for example, imposed by your ISP (Internet Service Provider), or by the Great Firewall, use robust protocols like SSTP, Stealth VPN.
• If you’re deeply preoccupied with your online security, and you need to stay away from prying eyes, make sure to make the most of what your VPN provider has to offer. Look for advanced VPN features and make sure to use them. Such features might be the VPN Kill Switch (Internet Kill Switch or Application KillSwitch), of different options that keep you away from IP leaking or DNS leaks. Additionally, split tunneling is highly useful.
• Are you into multiplayer gaming? Use a gaming VPN to increase the connection speed or use an obfuscated VPN server to gain access to geo-blocked games.
• Turn on the “run at startup” and “VPN on-demand” options (if available). Again, you save time by not searching for the app. Click and connect should be your goal.
• Set the VPN apps on your mobile devices to automatically connect to the VPN when switching to unsecured Wi-Fi networks. You don’t need to check whether the public WiFi hotspot from the coffee shop you are trying to connect to is secured or not. The VPN app will check it for you and turn the VPN protection on if necessary. You will even be able to use your credit cards for online purchases confidently.
• If you’re into free VPNs, you probably are into Tor too. Yes, Tor is like a free VPN, but we need to be honest, and we have to admit that it’s known as “the dark web” for a few good reasons. Since you are/will be the proud owner of a VPN subscription, make sure to combine Tor with your VPN to be sure that you’re enjoying a 100% secured internet connection. Additionally, I highly recommend testing your free VPN connection every time you use it.
• Use browser extensions. If you’ve opted for a VPN provider that puts a lot on the table, check if you can use VPN browser extensions for Chrome and Opera, or VPN addons for Firefox. Even if these tools are not encrypting your traffic, they are great at bypassing geo-restrictions, changing your IP address, and hiding your virtual location, plus are perfect for streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer), like accessing blocked Youtube videos or P2P file-sharing activities.

Thus, every time you need to use a VPN, you can use it with one or two (ok, maybe three) clicks or taps.

Summary

There are plenty of options when it comes to VPN usage. You may set a VPN on various devices, including mobile phones, tablets, routers, or game consoles. You may even install your private VPN server.

Using a VPN will keep internet traffic secure and you will gain access to restricted content. As many different devices and computers are used to access the internet nowadays, it makes sense to secure all connections to the internet via a VPN.

Have you enjoyed our article? Subscribe to our newsletter (below), and we promise to keep you updated with news and tutorials on how to use VPN as a guru. Additionally, you will make a Transylvanian baby-bat very happy.

To understand how a VPN can come in handy for helping you in extreme online situations, you need to understand its components.

You are in the right place, at the right moment, as when it comes to extreme situations, Transylvanians are experts at defying any challenge.

You need to be aware that not only humans need to obey orders or follow the rules, in order for societies to work, but software solutions need too.

When it comes to a VPN connection or VPN software, the rules are made by the one and only – VPN protocol.

So, let’s see what is so important about this VPN component.

The Transylvanian explanation of a VPN protocol.

Inhale and
exhale… the Transylvanian explanation part in our articles is like a piece of
cake, both in the metaphorical form and plain speech:

1. Metaphorical – an explanation that is super easy to understand.
2. Plain speech – it’s good and enjoyable, just like a piece of your favorite cake. You’ll just want more.

This time, before digging into the cake, first, you must know a few general aspects regarding the VPN protocols. So, the protocol in a VPN connection is a set of rules that will determine exactly how your data routes between your computer and the VPN server.

Transposing this into our explanation, we could refer to the VPN protocol like the alphabet; sorry, I meant alpha bat in the bats’ social structure.

If you’re wondering if I am delusional, you
must know that I am not. Bats are super-smart creatures who have a social structure dominated
by a leader. This leader is responsible for the group’s well-being.

Just like a VPN protocol, the bat leader will apply a set of rules that the rest of the group needs to follow to stay safe and sound.

Of course, there are different bat species. There can be powerful leaders and more clumsy ones, just like virtual private network protocols.

The most powerful bat leader would be the Vampire Bat, which would be the OpenVPN protocol, which, in the VPN industry, is fierce and popular among VPN users. On the list, we must add the Brazilian free-tailed bat, a super-fast bat, just like PPTP VPN protocol.

And, not to bore you, I will end this list with the rare Honduran white bat, a beautiful snow-white species that could be the out-of-the-box SoftEther VPN – a powerful protocol that no many VPN services provide.

What is an Internet protocol?

A baby-bat is not flying right after it is born. It takes a few months of learning before being able to be Nightcrawler. Just like a baby bat, you need to learn what is an Internet protocol, before getting more specific, and to learn what a VPN protocol is.

In IT, an internet protocol is a set of special rules that apply to how data is transmitted over the internet. A protocol governs all the steps implied in the data transmission between two or more devices.

There are different protocols based on the process that needs to be performed. As protocols specify the right standards for communication between two computers, providing detailed information about the processes involved in the data transmission, we can talk about the following types of protocols, based on the processes. Here are just a few examples:

• HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure)
• TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol)
• IP (Internet Protocol)
• DNS (Domain Name System)
• SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)
• FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

As these
are the most common protocols, let’s find more, shall we?

1. HTTPS – is the young son of HTTP, the notorious protocol you’re using at this very moment. HTTPS is a client-server model of protocol and is used for displaying information in web pages by creating a connection between a web client and a web server.
2. TCP – breaks traffic into small data packets of information and sends it to its destination, being used for communication over a network.
3. IP – is TCP’s best friend and are working together. It’s just like TomBat and me – an unstoppable team.
4. DNS – defines how Internet domain names are located and, after that, translated into IP addresses.
5. SMTP – is the boss of e-mails. This mail transfer protocol manages the transmission of your e-mails over the world wide web.
6. FTP – a protocol used for transferring files to different networks.

What is a VPN protocol?

Let’s focus now on this very-important VPN component that rules the way your data is managed during your VPN connection.

VPN protocols explained

A VPN protocol is a technology that uses different encryption algorithms for data transmission. During your active VPN tunnel, the VPN protocol will lead the data between your device and the VPN server and back.

Based on VPN users’ requirements, the VPN protocols can be grouped on protocols that favor the security level in your VPN tunnel, stability, VPN speed, level of encryption, and the capacity to bypass online restrictions/deep packaging inspection.

Sometimes, a VPN provider’s popularity is given by the number of VPN protocols allowing its users to access. That’s why most of the VPN services are investing a lot of time and hard work to provide the most popular VPN protocols and differentiate by the others by the number of rare protocols providing.

Currently, the VPN protocols that you get to see advertised in VPN providers’ lists are OpenVPN, PPTP, IPsec, SSTP, L2TP, IKEv2, SoftEther VPN, Stealth VPN, or Shadowsocks VPN.

Now, let’s put under the magnifying glass all the above-mentioned protocols by grouping them based on what defines them the most.

VPN protocols for online security

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is the VPN protocols’ gang leader, as it is perfectly balanced in terms of security, speed, and stability. It is also super-configurable, and it works on multiple platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS). As it is hard to be detected by firewalls and ISPs, Open VPN might come in handy for users who need to bypass online restrictions.

As it does
not come as a native protocol integrated into certain OSes, it requires
third-party software.

Another plus? OpenVPN uses the highest encryption standards (256bit encryption provided by the OpenSSL library), assuring super-secure VPN connections. It can run on any port, including the 443 HTTPS port, using both UDP and TCP protocols.

SSTP

SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol), an SSL/TLS VPN, is OpenVPN’s brother from another mother as these two protocols assure the same security level for your VPN connection.

SSTP enables traffic transportation via the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) over TCP port 443. Like in OpenVPN’s case, it makes it hard to be detected by firewalls.

The only downside of this protocol is its compatibility – it can be used only on Windows operating systems developed by Microsoft (XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10). We will provide you more details about VPN protocol compatibility later on in this article.

IPsec

Another popular VPN protocol used for security reasons is IPsec (Internet Protocol Security). Its high security is granted by the Authentication Header, the Encapsulating Security Payload mechanisms, and the fact that it encrypts the Internet traffic in such a way that the endpoint application will not be aware that you’re using a VPN.

Wireguard

Another open-source VPN protocol, super-easy to use, is now provided by several VPN services. It’s known that Wireguard is pretty secure and often compared with OpenVPN.

After it was released for Linux kernel, the protocol was developed and now is a cross-platform VPN protocol available on different OSes like Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and on various devices, including routers. It seems to be a great choice for mobile devices, as it is capable of seamless switching between mobile networks and Wi-Fi.

VPN protocols for fast VPN connections

While using a highly-secure VPN protocol, your connection speed can be affected. You need to be aware that a VPN that favors high speeds won’t provide high security. Here are a few VPN protocols that are super-fast.

PPTP

PPTP or Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, it’s like the oldest bat ever. Developed by Microsoft back in the 90s, PPTP still exists and serves some purposes. It cannot be compared to the best VPN protocols for security purposes as it is susceptible to attacks, it has security vulnerabilities, and NSA cracked it. However, PPTP provides fast connections, making it the right solution for users to stream geo-restricted content, Youtube videos, or access blocked games.

L2TP

L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) is PPTP’s successor, and it’s often described as an improved PPTP extension, the only difference being the double encapsulation.

• The first encapsulation is for setting up the PPP connection.
• The second one uses the IPsec encryption (so the protocol itself uses no encryption, that’s why it is always paired with IPsec).

Looking at L2TP from this perspective, we can say that due to the better encryption is a little slower than PPTP, but faster than OpenVPN, SSTP, and other secure VPN protocols.

IKEv2

Something’s funny about the IKEv2 (Internet Key Exchange version 2) protocol. This technology is like a clumsy kid who dreams about becoming a superhero… Why am I making this comparison? Because IKEv2 is not actually a protocol, but it behaves like one.

Developed by Microsoft and Cisco together, IKEv2 kept under the pillow a picture of IPsec, as this protocol uses IPsec as a ground technology. Also, it is known as a relatively safe, fast, and stable protocol in the VPN market.

VPN Protocols for online freedom

The VPN protocols developed to help VPN users bypass online restrictions, firewalls, and DPI are like majestic creatures. These technologies are a little bit more complex; that’s why not many VPN services provide such out-of-the-box features.

SoftEther VPN

Even though it is pretty new on the market, SoftEther is a multi-protocol, started as a project at the University of Tsukuba.

Something
that seemed to be just a regular project ended up being one of the most known
open-source multi-protocol VPN software, so don’t be fooled by the fact that it
has “Soft” in its name.

As it uses AES 256 bit-encryption, it’s hard to be detected, so it can easily help your VPN bypass any restriction.

Stealth VPN

This sophisticated technology called Stealth VPN uses an advanced technique called obfuscation (ObfsProxy) to make your VPN traffic look like HTTPS traffic. Because it can mask your VPN traffic, its name was given after the Stealth Airforce planes, which can overfly any area without being detected.

Shadowsocks VPN

Last but not least, Shadowsocks VPN is not truly a protocol, but it acts like one. Compared to IKEv2, which, as well, is not a protocol, Shadowsocks is super-powerful and capable of bypassing even the Great Firewall of China’s DPI. If you decide to configure Shadowsocks manually on your device, you must know that your connection won’t be encrypted. If you’re lucky enough to have it configured into a VPN client, then you can enjoy a 100% encrypted, secured, and anonymous online experience.

VPN protocols – comparison table

If there would be a fight between OpenVPN vs. PPTP vs. L2TP vs. other VPN protocols, which one would win based on its stability, encryption, and compatibility with other devices?

Let’s take a look at the information structured below.

How to use a VPN protocol?

Now that you know who’s making the rules in your VPN connection, it is time for you to learn how to use a VPN protocol. As some of these technologies are pretty complicated, you probably think that you need to install additional software on your device to enjoy stable and reliable VPN connections via secure VPN protocols.

Even if it might sound strange, these protocols are not additional software but build-in features. The trustworthy VPN providers have implemented these VPN protocols directly into the VPN clients so you can enable a VPN connection via a protocol with just a click.

Withal, if you want, you can configure one VPN protocol directly on your device, if your device allows you to, of course. So, to do this, make sure to check first if your OS supports different VPN protocols. To help you have a smooth VPN journey, some VPNs will provide tutorials on how to configure a VPN protocol on your device. Cool, isn’t it?

If your VPN provider is not that awesome, have no fear, Vlad is here, and it might be able to help you. Just drop me a line on the contact page, and I will try to provide you with a link to a proper tutorial.

You make the rules. What will you choose?

Do you know the idiom Don’t judge a book by its cover? When it comes to VPN protocols, you must be a little bit fastidious and judge your provider based on its features list. Why? It would be best if you never chose a VPN provider that allows only low-performance protocols like PPTP.

Pick the provider that meets your needs and expectations, and when it comes to choosing the VPN protocol for your connection, keep in mind that you need to define your online goal.

Should you need the VPN to stream some videos? Then try PPTP, as it is fast and can do the job.

Do you need to stay secure and bypass firewalls? Use something powerful like OpenVPN, SSTP, or Shadowsocks VPN.

Don’t
forget that the VPN protocol is making the rules for your VPN connection, but
you’re the one to decide what you want to use TODAY.

Stay thirsty for learning and subscribe to our newsletter below!

Every computer connected to the Internet exposes an IP address that can be logged and tracked by websites and various apps. To increase your online privacy and anonymity you should, learn how to hide your public IP address.

This article explains what an IP address is, what can your public IP address reveal about you, how to hide your IP address, and what is the difference between hiding your IP and changing your IP address.

How to hide your IP address – The Transylvanian explanation

Did you know that bats are the most talkative animals and sometimes they argue? And they can argue pretty badly.

That is why, some time ago, TomBat made sure to keep his cave-mate, DarkBat, in the … dark (so to speak) regarding his surprise birthday party. TomBat knew that DarkBat did not like parties, and it was no place for an argument.

You probably don’t know TomBat that well, but he is not able to keep a secret. So, he was afraid to ask DarkBat to come with him to Vlad’s castle. He was sure that DarkBat would find out what was going on.

TomBat decided to send AnonymousBat to DarkBat with an ambiguous invitation regarding a bat gathering. As AnonymousBat knew nothing about the party and he was also not invited, he had no information to share with DarkBat. Additionally, AnonymousBat did not reveal the sender of the invitation.

Thus, TomBat used AnonymousBat as an intermediate, in the same way, VPNs, Tor, and proxies are used to hide users’ IP addresses.

When DarkBat reached the castle he was, of course, surprised and TomBat was pleased. Everybody was happy!

And now, let’s talk tech!

What is an IP address?

Each computer on a network has a unique identifier assigned to it. This identifier is called the IP address or Internet Protocol address.

Like street addresses are used to identify where homes and businesses are, IP addresses identify network computers. This enables traffic (webpages, files, messages) on the network to reach the computer it is intended for.

In an office or home network, IP addresses are normally assigned by routers. The router keeps track of these IP addresses and sends data to and from the right computer.

• An IP address assigned to a PC on an internal network is a local address. The IP addresses used on the Internet are separate from local addresses and are used to identify domains and other resources.
• The router connected to the internet is given an internet IP address by an ISP (Internet service provider). It is also called a public IP address.
• Computers on a network must each have a unique IP address.

What is your public IP address?

The real IP address or your public IP is the IP address your device or computer uses while connected to the Internet. As explained above, your public IP address is assigned by an ISP and allocated by a router.

You may see your real IP address at a given time by loading an IP locator website, like XMyIP or WhatIsMyIP.

What can someone learn from your public IP address?

Anyone that knows your public IP address can obtain certain information by querying an IP locator site. This information includes the country, state, city, zip code. That is why many Internet users choose to protect their IP addresses while browsing the Web.

Websites and apps that you use (like Google, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) track your public IP address, gather information about your location, and use the data for their benefits (profiling, ad targeting).

Further, it is possible to match an IP address with an exact location (country, state, city, street, street number, apartment) and even with a name. The complete information is not publicly available, but it can be obtained (in certain circumstances, e.g., by police official requests) from the Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

When a computer or a router is connected to the Internet for the first time, a contract with the ISP (Internet Service Provider) is signed, and the ISP assigns a static or dynamic IP address. The ISP keeps logs and knows precisely what IP address was assigned to a particular computer at a specific time. Thus, based on the signed contract an ISP can match an IP address with a precise location and even with a person or company.

What does hiding my IP address mean?

Let’s clarify: hiding your IP address and changing your IP address is not the same thing! We will get back to changing the IP address later in this article.

As your ISP assigns you with your public IP address, and you need that IP address to communicate back to them, you can never hide your IP address from your ISP – without it, communication to the Internet would not be possible. When you are however communicating to websites on the Internet, you can hide your IP address so that websites can’t see what it is, and can therefore not gather any private information about you.

Hiding your public IP address involves using a software or hardware tool that receives your Internet requests and forwards them to the destination website or server, thus acting as an intermediate. If correctly configured the hide IP tool completely masks the source of the requests (your device) including its IP address.

There are many reasons why you might decide that you want to hide your IP address. These are discussed in the next section.

Why hide your IP address?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to hide your IP address:

• Browsing the Internet without the fear of being monitored by the websites you visit (Google, Facebook, forums, etc.).
• Protect yourself when using public WiFi networks or public WiFi hotspots.
• Visit websites that block requests from your IP address’ geographic location.
• Access geoblocked, online streaming websites, access Youtube videos wherever you are.
• Prevent hackers from accessing your information. 
• Bypass surveillance and national internet censorship. 
• Bypass school or workplace restrictions and internet censorship. 
• Protect your anonymity and keep your private searches private (prevent Google monitoring).
• Hide Internet activities from your ISP (possible by also encrypting your Internet traffic).
• Hide your location when accessing booking websites or other websites that are interested in your physical location.

Ways of hiding your IP – VPN, Tor, Proxy

Do you wonder how to hide your IP address? Several technologies are available for hiding your IP address, and all involve third-party entities (computers, routers, devices). If your goal is to permanently change your IP address you may skip this section.

Proxies 

Proxies are the simplest and the most basic option to hide your IP address. There are several types of proxies, but they all have the same working principle.

Proxy servers sit between a computer (your computer) and the final web destination (the web site you want to visit), sending data back and forth as needed, just like it happens in the case of Shadowsocks solution. A connection through a proxy effectively reroutes traffic through another computer before going to the intended website.

This results in the proxy masking your IP address with its own, and the website server will never know you’ve visited it. If the logged IP address is checked against a geolocation database, the location of the proxy server can be found, but this may well be very far away from your own device.

Most proxy servers do however not encrypt data when connecting to a website. Although it is tricky, government agencies could still determine who you are and see everything you’ve been doing.

VPN

In the same way as proxies, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) acts as a middleman between a computer and a web server. The computer’s IP address is hidden by the VPN server’s IP.

But, most importantly, VPN connections also encrypt the traffic before it leaves the computer. This feature is possible as, besides the VPN server, the VPN technology uses an encryption standard and a VPN protocol to ensure a high level of security, privacy, and anonymity.

A higher level of encryption (like in the case of protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or SSTP) will assure you a more secure VPN connection. Plus, there’s a solution called Double VPN meant for double encrypting your connection, obfuscated VPN meant to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, or Onion over VPN for enhances security while visiting Tor websites. So, if someone does determine the real IP address, it won’t be useful as the sites that were browsed will be hidden in the encryption.

Moreover, VPN services anonymize all network activity from devices. This means your data is encrypted and your IP address is hidden no matter what you do – using a photo or email app, torrenting, or gaming. The huge plus is that VPNs are very easy to use, as you can enable a connection with just a click, via a VPN client.

Most of the time, VPNs slow down your Internet connection (not always, as shown here). However, you may get great connection speeds if you follow these VPN speed tips.

Tor (The Onion Routing)

Tor is an advanced solution that hides your real IP address. Instead of using a server as intermediate (as proxies and VPNs do), Tor interposes a network of computers between the Tor user and the destination.

Web connections with Tor are wrapped up in encrypted bundles and routed through several servers. Layers of encryption are added at each stage.

Each server used is only able to decrypt enough data to know where the request should be sent next. No single point on the data’s journey knows where the request originated — the first stop is not even aware that it is the first stop!

Tor is an incredibly secure system and it is often used by activists and journalists whose online activity could destroy lives.

Although Tor is very safe, law enforcement and other agencies use active nodes in the hope of reading the exit of Tor encryptions.

When network traffic gets to an exit node, the last stage before a destination server, the Tor encryption is removed. This has to be done so that the destination server can read the data. Although the IP address will remain hidden, the unencrypted data in the request can be read.

This has resulted in law enforcement agencies like the FBI and NSA, and other agencies abroad setting up numerous Tor exit nodes. As Tor is a tool often used for cybercrime, it is bound to be a major target for intelligence services.

Although Tor is the most secure option for hiding an IP address, it is simply not required for the average Internet user. 

IP hider software

The above-presented technologies are often packed in software applications that you can download and use on your computer or devices. They are generically called IP hider applications.

Most of the VPN providers and some proxy providers offer access to easy to use applications for different types of operating systems: Windows (learn how to use VPN on Windows), Mac OS (here it is how to use a VPN on macOS), Linux, Android (see how to use an Android VPN), iOS (learn how to use a VPN on iPhone or iPad), Chrome OS (here is how to use a VPN on Chromebook).

Another example of an IP hider software: the Tor Browser, a web browser that connects to the Tor network and automatically changes the public IP address for every web request.

VPN and proxy browser extensions

A very simple way to hide your IP address while browsing the Internet is to install a proxy or VPN extension on your browser. Such an extension uses the proxy technology (even though they are sometimes called VPN extensions) and they redirect your traffic data through third-party servers.

Important! Proxies do not offer the same level of security as VPNs, but they are an efficient way to hide your IP address.

Proxy/VPN extensions work on several popular browsers. Thus, you may:

• Install and run VPN extensions on Chrome;
• Install and run VPN add-ons on Firefox;
• Install and run VPN extensions on Opera;
• Use VPN Chrome extensions on Microsoft Edge.

Change IP vs hide IP

Changing your IP is NOT the same as hiding it. Changing your IP means you reset your public IP while hiding your IP means to mask your existing IP and hide behind another one.

How to change your IP address

Changing your public IP address may be necessary when the IP address you got assigned by your ISP is on a blacklist, thus, no allowing you to properly send emails, use search engines, access forums.

If you need to permanently change your IP address, this can be done in various ways, depending on how you connect to the Internet.

• If you use a Cable/DSL connection without a router, you can use the ‘ipconfig /release’ command followed by the ‘ipconfig /renew’ command on the command line to change your IP address.
• If you use a Cable/DSL connection with a router, turn the router off, wait several minutes, and turn it on again. Most of the time, the router will get a new IP address from the ISP.
• If the above options don’t work, contact your ISP and ask them to change your IP address. They are able to do so remotely or show you how to do it.

Does the incognito browser mode hide your IP address?

This is a question we hear quite often. The short answer is NO.

Most browsers have an incognito or private mode that generally allows you to open a separate browsing session that will not track browsing history when visiting different websites. When using these modes, browser history is not stored.

This makes it impossible to see the websites that were visited. An attempt to view browser history will simply return a blank page. This mode is handy if you, for example, want to order a present for someone without them knowing and you don’t want them ruining the surprise by going through your browser history.

Although the browser history stays hidden, private or incognito mode does not add any other security – the IP address will stay visible, and websites visited will still store data about your visit. If you accept cookies, these will still be stored on your computer. The incognito or private modes in web browsers will only hide browsing history and is not a security feature that will be able to protect you from attempts to retrieve your personal data or malicious attacks.

How to hide your IP address like the AnonymousBat

Hiding your IP address is a simple task if you use the right tools and if you pay attention to some key aspects.

Thus, make sure that:

• You have a hide IP solution installed on your device.
• You have tested your VPN, proxy, Tor application for leaks (WebRTC leak, DNS leak, IP leak) and they provide leak protection.
• The application you use offers Kill Switch, a solution that blocks your Internet connection when you are disconnected from the hide IP solution.

Summary

Every computer has to have a unique IP address so that it can communicate with other computers. This IP address can be used to track where you are and what you have been doing on your computer.

There are a number of reasons why you may want to learn how to hide your IP address, and we have discussed various ways in which this can be done. Which method is most suitable for you, will depend on your exact circumstances and what you want to achieve. 

Have you found my article useful? Subscribe to our newsletter (below) and we will send you regular and funny updates. Moreover, you will make a Transylvanian baby-bat happy.

I like the fact that we have one thing in common – the same thirst for learning as many things as we can… things about the online world in general and online security and privacy tools in particular.

As you might have already discovered on our About page, I am not tech-savvy. I went from being just another Internet user to becoming a responsible Internet user after getting my questions answered right.

Without much knowledge about the popular solution for private and secure surfing, I had many curiosities about what is a VPN service, or why do I need military-grade encryption for my Internet connection.

I chose to pursue this journey by always keeping me curious, as the tech world never sleeps (just like the Transylvanian Vampires). Have no fear; Vlad is here and is ready to bring to light the most important things you need to know about the popular VPN technology.

So, stay with me if you’re curious to know what VPN technology is, how it works, and why you need to use it these days.

As the first things are to be done first (captain obvious here), check the VPN’s Transylvanian explanation – an easy version for beginners.

The Transylvanian explanation of the VPN

Let’s say that you could get back in the days when the myths about Transylvania were written. As these myths suggest, the vampires and other threats were lurking in the dark, on every corner. What could help you in such a situation? How could you possibly get from point A to point B unharmed? Maybe by always keeping with you a garlic clove or an invisible cloak?

To transpose this into the reality of our days on the internet, I guess there’s no fresh news that the World Wide Web can get dark and full of terrors. How can you ensure that your internet access is secured and no hacker is waiting for you to make a mistake? Or, maybe, how can you keep all your data private so your ISP will not be able to create your digital portrait?

No, a garlic clove won’t keep you safe, but there is an invisible cloak that you can use – the powerful VPN (Vampire Permanent Neutraliser).

I am just joking! VPN actually stands for Virtual Private Network, a complex technology specially designed to create a private and invisible tunnel between your device and the final destination on the web.

The VPN will not only make all your traffic invisible, but it will change your “online identity” by providing you a brand-new IP address associated with the VPN server you choose to connect to. Don’t panic! Below you will find in-depth information about VPN servers, or other definitory components of the VPN, so we make sure you won’t confuse this tool with the proxy technology.

So, to make sure that everything is clear, follow the logic line explained below (which maybe is logic only in my twisted mind):

• The Internet = Transylvania
• The online dangers = The Vampires
• The VPN = The invisible cloak you’re wearing to make sure you bypass Vampires (your ISP, hackers, even online restrictions).

Yes, it’s as easy as that, and it almost feels like magic, but it’s not… In reality, there are many years of intense development to create a tool this useful for plenty of purposes.

I hope things don’t get that scary around here. Keep on reading, as I can promise you that things will get even better from now on.

Next, VPN explained from scratch.

What is a VPN service?

The VPN or Virtual Private Network is a legal and valuable technology, and one of the most popular online privacy and security tools.

Launched as a solution to enable corporations to gain access to their local networks securely, the VPN is now used by an impressive number of people worldwide. Even if it might sound complicated at first, VPNs are quite easy to use and don’t require any technical knowledge.

The VPN’s components

To enable a VPN encrypted tunnel, you need a VPN client (VPN software/VPN app) installed on a device (or a router) and click on the Connect button. Or you may set up the operating system in-built VPN modules.

What elements is this technology combining in order to work?

The VPN connection’s key components are the VPN server, the VPN protocol, and the encryption level.

1. The VPN client – the VPN client is an automated and controlled software that uses a predefined configuration to work. A VPN software works just like any other application installed on a device (Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android). It can run on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android. Additionally, you may set up a VPN on a router and use it as a VPN client.
2. The VPN server – as its name suggests, the VPN server is a physical or virtual server that is specially set up to enable VPN connections. To be more specific, this server is a combination of VPN hardware and VPN software that allows a connection to a secure, and most importantly, private network. Based on this information, we can conclude that the VPN server plays a significant role in the whole Vampire Permanent Neutralizer Virtual Private Network thing.
3. The VPN protocol – this component of the VPN is actually like a slide that enables the data transmission. In straightforward words, we could say that as an internet protocol, the VPN protocol is a set of rules that manage the connection between the VPN app and the VPN server.
4. Last but not least – The encryption level – a security method used to enhance your data’s security and privacy. In the VPN connection, the encryption is established by the VPN protocol. In super simple words, all your Internet traffic is coded via encryption so that no one can read it. Logically, a higher level of encryption will ensure a more secure VPN connection.

I feel the need to put these components in my
perspective and give you another out of the box explanation.

So, let’s say that we’re in medieval Transylvania, where a Knight is ready to cross the distant lands to meet his beloved princess. To avoid any unwanted danger across his road, an old and trustworthy adviser suggests to take the road over the bridge (the VPN server) and always wear his strongest armor (VPN protocol + VPN encryption). In this way, he can travel safely to his destination. Just like your data, over the internet, via the VPN connection.

How does a VPN work?

For starters, all the information about this
technology’s components might feel overwhelming. The good thing is that you
don’t really need to know the technical part to use it.

To enable a VPN connection, you will need just a VPN app.

Right after the “Connect” button is accessed,
the VPN will create the private scoop of communication between your device and
the Internet.

The VPN server, VPN protocol, and the encryption will treat your data in such a manner that it will be encrypted within seconds and sent to the address you need to access. Its mission here is not done, as the VPN needs to process the information sent back to you to decrypt and, finally, display it.

The highlights:

1. A Virtual technology – because it enables you to have a private encrypted connection to any website or network you need to connect.
2. A Private technology – because all your online activities are kept private and away from any prying eyes (in simple words – private internet access).
3. It’s a Network – while you’re connected to the VPN, you use a special VPN servers network that can cover the entire world (a private network across a public network).

We can say that a VPN is PRIVACY, SECURITY, AND ONLINE FREEDOM at your fingertips.

The advantages of VPN technology

These days, we face many challenges while going online, from spams, malware, or keyloggers to mighty hackers and even internet censorship.

Luckily, the VPN is like a swiss knife that you
always carry on your device. The main benefits of the VPN are:

1. Enhanced online security. Beware the threats that can hide behind a public Wifi network. The main risks when using free Wifi are packet sniffing, MITM attacks, or rogue Wi-Fi networks.
2. Stay anonymous online. As you connect to a VPN server, this means that you get a brand-new IP address, hiding your real IP address. By surfing while having a new IP associated with your device and having all your personal data encrypted, you’re all anonymous and unrecognizable.
3. Access geographically restricted content. It’s no news that some of the most popular social media networks, games, Youtube videos, or streaming services can be geo-restricted in many countries worldwide. You can avoid these restrictions by using a VPN. In this way, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, or Facebook are always accessible, no matter in you live in Germany or China.
4. Bypass internet censorship. A VPN is able to bypass various types of restrictions, imposed either by ISPs or from the governmental level (e.g., the Great Firewall of China).
5. File sharing. The appliance of the VPN will not limit only to browsing. You can use it to share files in a secure manner or even for torrenting. Downloading various files is safer while using a VPN.
6. VPN port forwarding. Port forwarding goes hand in hand with P2P file sharing and is definitely huge plus brought to the VPN table.  
7. Remote access. If we talk about a company or a corporation, the VPN is a great way to access the company network by working remotely or traveling. This is the reason why VPN concentrators are so popular among big businesses.
8. Improved online experience. With the help of a VPN, you can avoid bandwidth throttling. As all your personal information is encrypted, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will not be able to track your traffic, and, in case you’re a heavy streamer, it can’t throttle your bandwidth to regulate the network traffic usage.
9. Enhanced security and privacy while using Tor. Because you’re doing your research to learn more about security tools, you might have heard about Tor. Compared to the VPN, Tor is less secure, and it definitely needs VPN’s help to keep its users’ activities unexposed.
10. Save money. It might sound crazy, but it’s a pure truth. Looking to buy plane tickets or book hotel rooms while using a VPN connection can help you save money. Some agencies can practice preferential prices for different regions around a country or a continent; that’s why we recommend you to use a VPN while looking to book a vacation.

VPN’s disadvantages

Just like any other thing in this world, a VPN
can have its ups and downs. The good thing is that this technology has more ups
than downs.

Here’s what you need to pay special attention
to while choosing a VPN:

1. A good VPN can be expensive. You need to pay a few bucks for a good antivirus, for example, right? When it comes to VPNs, the situation is no different. Usually, reputable VPN software can practice stiffed prices but trust us; usually, these VPNs are worth every penny. We do not recommend free VPNs due to security and privacy concerns.
2. It might affect your speed. Because a VPN implies a connection directed via a VPN server, based on the VPN server locations you choose to connect to, your speed can be affected. If you’re located in Germany, and you don’t necessarily need to connect to a server from the US, to avoid speed drops, we recommend you connect to a server located close to you. Another option that you can have is to use a VPN protocol that favors the connection speed. Such protocols are OpenVPN (open source, extremely reliable, AES encryption), WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec, IKeV2, or PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol, introduced by Microsoft – super fast, but less secure). Pursue some VPN speed tests and see which is the winning combo for your VPN secure connection.
3. Some VPN providers can log your connection. Connection logs are something VPN users need to avoid. As you use a VPN for PRIVACY and SECURITY, make sure that your VPN provider does not keep logs on your connection.
4. Some advanced settings need to be done manually. This can be a problem if you’re not that into tech and manual configuration. Some advanced features or protocols are accessible only if you manually configure it on your devices.

What to look for into a personal VPN?

Now that we know what a VPN service is, which are virtual private networking’s ups and downs, maybe you think you should start to look after a VPN provider.

These are the most important aspects that your
future provider must meet:

1. A clear privacy policy. As you’re about to put all web browsing information on the table, you need to make sure that you’re about to choose a secure VPN that does not keep logs and does not use your data for any purposes.
2. VPN apps are compatible with the most common operating systems. As soon as you test the VPN by yourself, you will definitely want to use it on as many devices as you can. Plus, it is super important to use a mobile VPN, as many of us use our smartphones to connect to public WiFi hotspots.
3. Simultaneous connections. The number of simultaneous connections is super important, as you might want to use your VPN subscription to connect to VPN from your laptop, Smart TV, and smartphone at the same time.
4. The free trial VPN. Everything is nice and shiny on the VPN reviews websites, but nothing compares to the possibility to test if a VPN meets your needs. So, before subscribing to a provider, make sure you get the chance to familiarize yourself with the VPN and see if it meets your expectations.
5. Advanced features. When I say advanced features, I don’t mean that these features are meant for advanced VPN users. No, these features are usually some extras that VPN providers struggle to put on the table to differentiate. The most popular advanced VPN features are VPN Kill Switches (Internet Kill Switch and Application Kill Switch), VPN split tunneling, obfuscated VPN servers, Double VPN servers (so you can enable two VPN tunnels), advanced VPN protocols, and even VPN extensions for the web browsers.
6. Customer support. Exceptional customer support can prove helpful both for advanced and beginners VPN users. Make sure to choose a VPN that is always ready to answer all of your questions.

Define your online goals and make the right choice

Are you preoccupied with streaming media websites while keeping all your activities private, or are you that kind of user that needs to download torrents safely?

Before choosing the best VPN for your needs, make sure you know what you want from your future VPN.

Take a piece of paper and write down anything you want to accomplish. Then, based on that, do some research on the available VPN options.

Choose the VPN with an easy-to-use app if this is what you’re looking for, or pick the VPN that allows you to perform advanced VPN settings within the app if you think about perfecting your VPN skills in the future.

Whatever you choose, make sure that (if possible) all your expectations will be accomplished.

The final thoughts about the bloody helpful VPN

So, what is a VPN service? Let’s make sure that everything is clear. A VPN is the perfect tool to accomplish online privacy, security, and freedom.

Based on its components, the VPN can change your IP and virtual location and encrypt your traffic so you can keep all your online activities private.

If you think that I have missed something or have any questions, make sure to drop me a line in the comments section below or complete the contact form on our Contact page.

I’ll make sure that my assistant TomBat, the Bat Pet, will reply to your questions with high priority. Don’t worry; even if he spends most of the time sitting upside-down, he provides competent answers.

Stay thirsty for tech!