Secure, private, and easy-to-use VPN software (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest VPN client to use? ›

TunnelBear VPN is a great choice for anyone new to VPNs, thanks to its simple and friendly interface. It's also a strong option for anyone who just needs a general purpose VPN and isn't going to fuss with network settings.

Using a reliable virtual private network (VPN) can be a safe way to browse the internet. VPN security can protect from IP and encrypt internet history and is increasingly being used to prevent snooping on by government agencies. However, VPNs won't be able to keep you safe in all scenarios.

OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP support AES encryption, considered the gold standard, while WireGuard uses ChaCha20, which is also secure. PPTP uses the least secure encryption standard, MPPE.

Tor is better to use than or in addition to a VPN in situations where privacy and anonymity are paramount. VPNs are easier to use and don't reduce your internet speeds as much as The Onion Router, making virtual private networks more suitable for everyday needs.

OpenVPN is the most secure VPN protocol and the safest choice thanks to its near-unbreakable encryption, which keeps users' data private even when using public Wi-Fi. Because it's open source, users can check the source code for vulnerabilities and reassure themselves that there are no weaknesses in its security.

Are free VPNs risky? ›

When it comes to exposure to malware, using a free VPN is also riskier than having no VPN at all. That's because some free VPNs may contain malware or adware, infecting your device and compromising your security. Of course, it's important to note that not all free VPN providers sell your data or expose you to malware.

VPNs are not designed to protect your device from malware, viruses or other cyber threats. They secure your data transmission and mask your online identity, but they don't have the ability to scan or block malicious software. Therefore, it's essential to use additional security measures alongside a VPN.

In short, most free VPNs just can't do what a premium VPN can—but they're not supposed to. The best VPNs give you far more than most free services (despite their claims), while a free VPN is designed to give you the most basic level of protection—everything else is a bonus.

If you're doing a manual installation, IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP are the easiest to set up, because they are built into most computers. You can use those three protocols without third-party software when setting up a VPN manually on Android, for example.

The basic process for using a VPN is to install a VPN app on your device, fire it up, log into your account and select a server. For the fastest speeds, you'll typically want to choose a server geographically nearby, but for accessing region-specific content, pick a VPN server in your desired country.

WireGuard^® is an extremely simple yet fast and modern VPN that utilizes state-of-the-art cryptography.