Free IP Tools, Speedtest, Proxies & VPN Servers

Features are easy to access and work as expected on all platforms we tested, but it would be nice to see wider support from Mullvad for streaming devices. Power users should appreciate Proton’s customizable apps, which feature connection profiles that allow users to specify specific servers or protocols. If you’re into streaming, Surfshark does well to unblock content on most platforms and streaming services and offers apps for smart TVs as well as streaming devices. Its RAM-only servers are wiped of data each time they are rebooted or shut down, so theoretically, none of your browsing data should be saved to a disk anyway. For enhanced privacy, you’ll find Onion Over VPN servers (which rely on Tor to make it even more difficult to trace your traffic back to you) and double VPN servers (which beef up your privacy using a pair of VPN connections). When considering VPN server networks, look at the overall number of servers, as well as the individual country locations to ensure the VPN offers servers in the countries you need.

Complete Online Security

Although some people say “VPN network”, the term is redundant because the “N” in “VPN” already stands for Network. They are also portable and can be installed in any environment with an Internet connection. Users also gain privacy because a VPN server covers their virtual location with its own IP address.

• Once you have the basics out of the way, it’s time for improvements.
• Some websites and streaming platforms restrict access based on geographic location.
• – Unblock websites, apps, and streaming platforms worldwide.
• Check if your email address, password, and other personal information has been exposed in a data breach.
• Consumer-grade VPNs are equally insufficient for personal security purposes.

NordVPN ticks all of the privacy basics and then some, providing unique features for privacy-critical users. On MacOS, both NordLynx and OpenVPN speed test results were faster than my base internet speed, which is extremely uncommon, but can happen in cases where internet providers are spars casino limiting bandwidth. We find anything under an average 25% download speed loss perfectly acceptable, so Nord’s blisteringly fast server performance should be virtually unnoticeable. In our 2025 speed tests, NordVPN emerged as the uncontested fastest VPN with a 3% average internet download speed loss.
Many VPN providers offer cross-platform support, meaning you can use their service on multiple devices with one account. Modern VPNs use a range of encryption protocols, including OpenVPN, IPSec, and WireGuard, to create secure connections over the internet. PPTP allowed users to create a secure connection between their computer and a remote server, using a username and password for authentication. This allowed users to access resources on a remote network, but it was slow, expensive, and not very secure.

Cross App Access: Securing AI agent and app-to-app connections

To secure and encrypt all network traffic, you’ll also need a VPN router. It’s easy to add new users or groups of users to networks using flexible VPN software tools. The actual geographic locations of users are protected and not exposed to public or shared networks like the Internet. The VPN lets remote devices, like laptops, operate as though they’re on the same local network. A VPN creates a “tunnel” where you can send data securely using encryption and authentication tools. Your ISP uses your IP address to track everything you do online and log it in their servers.
Older protocols, such as Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), aren’t as secure as modern ones, such as OpenVPN or WireGuard. The encrypted link between your system and the outside network is called a Virtual Private Network (VPN) tunnel. Remember, the internet can be a dangerous place, but by taking the necessary precautions, you can surf the web with confidence and peace of mind. However, using a VPN alone is not enough to protect your online presence from cyber threats.
Site-to-site VPNs are used to create secure tunnels between sites rather than a specific user location or device. Even if someone intercepts the data, they can’t decipher its contents easily. They focus on privacy, anonymity, and open internet access. The process differs slightly between business and personal virtual private network products.

Early VPNs

Regardless of the VPN protocol or server we used, Proton provided usable speeds for bandwidth-demanding activities like streaming 4K video or online gaming. Boasting an impressive 16% average internet download speed loss in our 2025 benchmarking, Proton VPN remained snappy even on geographically distant servers. Despite a few limitations with Proton’s free plan — you can’t manually select a server, and you’re limited to one connection at a time — it doesn’t sacrifice privacy, sell your data or plaster your screen with ads. Its privacy features, like discreet app icons on Android and guest modes, coupled with fast speeds and outstanding streaming service unblocking, make Proton VPN a solid option for casual users and privacy buffs alike. While Proton VPN’s free plan is excellent, its premium plan holds its own against the likes of ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark, and is a fantastic upgrade path for anyone who needs more servers for streaming and travel.

What is a remote-access VPN?

In addition to encrypting your internet traffic, VPNs hide your IP address and location, making it harder for others to know who you are or what you’re doing. VPN services help you bypass censorship, get around content blocks, and unlock website restrictions. A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts the data you send and receive online.

Most users shouldn’t be worried, but anyone with serious privacy concerns about having their user data transferred in the event of a merger may want to consider a different VPN provider. Thankfully, you can save money on your VPN service by stacking subscriptions, meaning you can buy a discounted NordVPN plan at Black Friday and add that to your existing account to avoid an exorbitant price hike. NordVPN remains the fastest VPN we tested, making it an excellent choice for bandwidth-intensive activities such as 4K video streaming, competitive online gaming or file sharing on remote teams.
However, VPNs are not a one-stop solution for all online threats. This function is mostly application-specific, affecting traffic from a certain browser or application. A VPN and a proxy are like two different masks you can put on when you’re online, and they both help you hide your real face (or, in this case, your real online identity). While VPNs offer enhanced privacy and security, responsible and legal use is the key. Also, opt for a reputable VPN service that respects user privacy and follows legal standards. However, in some countries, VPN use is more controlled, and government-approved VPN services are the legal choices.
The primary feature of a personal is hiding your device’s real IP address by assigning a different one from the VPN server. They can see the device type, software versions, encryption settings, or whether backups are enabled. Host information profiles check details about the device before granting access. This step verifies that the right person is trying to access the network. A VPN includes a range of features that help protect data and manage access.
Some are built for cloud access or rely on browser-based encryption. It’s designed for internet users who want maximum anonymity, but it may reduce browsing speed due to the extra layers of routing. Some providers include obfuscated servers as an optional feature.

Real Protection, Real Stories

• Things can shift rapidly in the VPN industry — performance can fluctuate, server networks may expand or contract, policies change and features come and go.
• However, people and companies also started demanding encryption software that could hide their browsing history on the internet.
• They’re scalable, customizable, and equipped with advanced security features like malware protection and DNS filtering.
• The best VPNs for Netflix — and streaming in general — all allow you to access geo-restricted content without buffering.
• PrivadoVPN delivers unlimited VPN access with high-speed servers in cities around the world.
• It provides a secure, encrypted connection via your VPN provider’s server so that websites can’t see your location and no one can track your online activity or communications.

With fewer interruptions and less surveillance, you can browse faster, use less data, and avoid common tracking scripts that target your personal information. A virtual private network allows you to connect remotely to the university network. By submitting this form, you consent to Malwarebytes contacting you regarding products and services and using your personal data as described in our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. They also own the servers that cover your IP address with a virtual one. It allows users to pretend that they’re connecting from a VPN server instead of their ISP’s server.
VPNs allowed users to connect to a private network over the public internet, using encryption to keep their data secure. Personal virtual private networks prevent this by routing traffic through external servers, which helps reduce the visibility of online behavior. A virtual private network, or VPN, is an encrypted connection that secures data transmission between devices over the Internet. VPNs are the preferred choice for robust online security and privacy, particularly when accessing the internet over unsecured public Wi-Fi networks or handling sensitive information.
As long as your base internet speeds aren’t a slow crawl, you’ll have no issues streaming, gaming, torrenting or hopping on video calls while connected to ExpressVPN. However, ExpressVPN is also one of the most expensive VPNs on the market, even after a major price overhaul in September 2025 that we were hoping would make the service more attractive to budget-conscious users. The VPN also now has servers in all 50 of the United States, making it great for getting around regional sports blackouts. You’ll even find servers across all 50 states in the US, making it a great choice for travel throughout the country and unblocking regional sports, such as NFL games. ExpressVPN is the best VPN overall thanks to its streamlined apps, fast server speeds, excellent streaming capabilities and strong privacy.