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VPN Services

VPN software, or Virtual Private Network software, is a technology that allows users to create a secure and encrypted connection over a less secure network,

Overview

A VPN is a service that creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, protecting your online privacy and data from hackers and snooping. It effectively extends a private network across a public network.

Top Brands

Some of the top VPN brands include:

  • ExpressVPN
  • NordVPN
  • Surfshark
  • CyberGhost
  • IPVanish
  • Hotspot Shield.

Types

VPNs can be categorized into different types based on their configuration and use case:

  • Remote Access VPN: Allows users to connect to a private network remotely.
  • Site-to-Site VPN: Connects entire networks, typically used in corporate environments.
  • Client-to-Server VPN: Involves software installed on a client device, which connects to a VPN server3.

Features

  • Encryption: Encrypts data to protect it from being read by unauthorized parties.
  • Anonymity: Masks your IP address to provide anonymity online.
  • Access Control: Restricts access to certain networks or resources.
  • Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Allows users to access content restricted to certain geographical areas.

Usage

VPNs are used for:

  • Privacy Protection: Keeping online activities private and secure.
  • Secure Data Transmission: Protecting data when using public Wi-Fi.
  • Bypassing Censorship: Accessing restricted content by appearing as though you are in a different location.

How They Work

VPNs work by routing your device’s internet connection through your chosen VPN’s private server rather than your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This means that when your data is transmitted over the internet, it comes from the VPN rather than your computer.

Considerations When Buying a VPN

  • Security Features: Look for strong encryption standards and secure protocols.
  • No-Logs Policy: Ensure the VPN does not keep logs of your activity.
  • Speed: Choose a VPN that offers high-speed connections.
  • Number of Servers and Locations: More servers and locations can provide better performance and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
  • Cost: Consider whether the cost fits your budget and offers value for the features provided
Jump To Detail

Mullvad VPN

Starting Monthly Fee:

Original price was: $9.90.Current price is: $5.50.

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Mullvad VPN is an outstanding service for individuals who value privacy and transparency. Its numbered account model is relatively unique in the industry and allows users to sign up without an email address, password or username. IVPN is another vendor that uses a similar anonymous registration solution. Cash and crypto payment options provide additional anonymity. We appreciate that founders Fredrik Strömberg and Daniel Berntsson entirely own Mullvad VPN AB and its parent company, Amagicom AB, and remain actively involved. The VPN provider’s transparency extends to every part of its service, from open-source code and yearly audits to detailed server information and a robust no-logs policy. Still, its small server network and device limitations may not appeal to everyone. If you’re willing to pay up front for longer terms, some alternatives have cheaper rates for more simultaneous connections on networks extending across double the number of countries with thousands of servers.

Features

Mullvad VPN’s functionality and tools are more than enough for personal use. It features an integrated kill switch, OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols and split tunneling on Windows, Linux and Android devices. The server network is considerably smaller than competitors’ but spread across 45 countries. Mullvad’s browser support is more limited than that of hide.me or Surfshark. Mullvad only works with Mullvad or Firefox-based browsers, whereas rivals typically support Chrome. We like that Mullvad rolls out new features, such as its Defense against AI-guided Traffic Analysis (DAITA), which fights sophisticated artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance. The desktop-enabled quantum-resistant VPN tunnels solve a problem we haven’t encountered yet: powerful quantum computers.

Pricing

Mullvad’s gimmick-free pricing model is refreshing. The VPN provider charges €5 (around $5.50) monthly, and you can add funds to your account to pay ahead for a few months, a year or a decade. The rates haven’t increased since Mullvad launched in 2009. Customers paying with accepted cryptocurrencies receive a 10% discount. It offers a standard 30-day money-back guarantee, but the refund doesn’t cover cash or crypto payments.

Customer Service

For U.S.-based customers, Mullvad’s customer support options could be a drawback. The Sweden-based team operates on Central European Time. You can email Mullvad’s in-house support team, but they only respond during weekday office hours. So, if you live in America and have an issue after lunch, chances are good that Mullvad offices are closed. If you’re wondering how responsive Mullvad’s customer support team is, though, I can tell you Mullvad does not play around. I sent an email asking for help with a technical issue, and I received a response in under an hour, which is exceptional.

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