VPN Recommendation
What is a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that creates a private network connection across a public network, such as the Internet. It provides privacy (obfuscation) and security (encryption) while on the public network but does not guarantee anonymity. To achieve anonymity, The Onion Routing (TOR) is required.
Beyond traditional VPNs, alternative tools like Cloudflare Tunnels, ZeroTier, Tailscale, and proprietary solutions like Apple Private Relay and Cloudflare WARP offer unique features and integrations. These tools can complement or replace VPNs depending on the use case.
Privacy Policy Comparison
As of 2023-03-19:
| Attribute from Privacy Policy | Mullvad VPN | IVPN | Proton VPN | Nord Security |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Data | Payment info, support/problem report info. | Account, payment, usage, crash logs, device permissions. | Account creation, support/bug reports. | User-provided data, automatic data, third-party data. |
| Data Retention | 40 days - statutory period, six months for support. | 90 days (mostly); accounting unlinked; logs as needed. | Retained for active accounts; deleted when closed. | Varies by data type. |
| Third-Parties | E-mail service providers, payment suppliers. | Braintree, PayPal. | Referrer platforms, routing technology. | Payment processors, support, analytics, marketing. |
| Transfer to Third Country | No, data stored in EU/EEA. | None (EU Data Protection Directive compliant). | No, data stored in Switzerland. | Yes, with appropriate safeguards from Panama. |
| Individual Rights | Correction, deletion, limitation, complaint. | Access, rectification, erasure, revoke permissions. | Access, edit, delete, export, complaint. | Access, rectification, erasure, etc. |
| Contact | [email protected] | [email protected] | Route de la Galaise 32, 1228 Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, Switzerland. | [email protected] |
| Policy Updates | Yes, updates published on the website. | Posted on the website, emailed to customers. | Yes, notification of changes for enabled users. | Yes, updates communicated on the website. |
| Cash Payments | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| $/Device/Month | $1 | $1.42 | $1 | $2.4 |
Recommended VPN
MullvadVPN
MullvadVPN is a privacy-focused VPN service with the following features:
- No email association.
- No-logging policy and encrypted traffic.
- Transparent privacy policy.
- Legally proven privacy record.
- Accepts multiple payment options, including cash or cryptocurrency.
- Works with OpenVPN configuration files for obfuscation and router clients.
- Integrates with Tailscale to route traffic through Mullvad's servers for enhanced privacy.[1]
- TOR .onion.
iVPN
iVPN is a reliable and privacy-focused VPN service with the following features:
- No-logging policy and encrypted traffic.
- Transparent privacy policy.
- Supports multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec.
- Wide range of servers in over 50 countries.
- Accepts multiple payment options, including cash or cryptocurrency.
- Dedicated IP available for an additional fee.
- Offers a 7-day money-back guarantee.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is another great option with a free tier available that does not require a billing address or phone number. It has the following features:
- Legally proven privacy record.
- Combined with ProtonMail.
- Free Tier does not always work with the ProtonVPN App, use pre-browsing checks.
- Works with OpenVPN configuration files for obfuscation and router clients.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular service with the following concerns:
- After merging with SurfShark, its privacy credibility is questionable.[2]
VPN Security Mechanisms
The section highlights a potentially sketchy VPN provider: KAPE Technologies. KAPE, formerly Crossrider, is operated by Teddy Sagi and Koby Menachemi, associated with Unit 8200 of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). KAPE Technologies has acquired multiple VPN services, including:
- CyberGhost VPN
- Zenmate VPN
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
- ExpressVPN
- SurfShark
KAPE's history and acquisitions raise privacy concerns. For instance:
- CyberGhost VPN was purchased by KAPE for $10 million in 2017.[3]
- Private Internet Access was bought for $127 million in 2019.[4]
- ExpressVPN was acquired for $936 million in 2021.[5]
Choosing a VPN with a proven record of transparency and privacy policies is critical to safeguarding online privacy and security.