Last Updated: November 21, 2025
VPN Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Speed | Security | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | Fastest | Excellent (modern crypto) | Best overall choice for most users |
| OpenVPN (UDP) | Fast | Excellent (proven) | General use, reliable |
| OpenVPN (TCP) | Slower | Excellent | Restrictive networks, reliable delivery |
| IKEv2/IPSec | Fast | Very Good | Mobile devices, auto-reconnect |
| L2TP/IPSec | Moderate | Good | Legacy compatibility |
| PPTP | Fast | Weak (deprecated) | Avoid - known vulnerabilities |
| SSTP | Moderate | Good | Windows environments, firewall bypass |
Top VPN Provider Comparison
| Provider | Jurisdiction | No-Logs Policy | Price/Month | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad | Sweden (14-eyes) | Audited | $5.50 | True privacy, anonymous accounts |
| ProtonVPN | Switzerland | Audited | $4-10 | Secure Core, open source |
| NordVPN | Panama | Audited | $3-13 | Large server network, features |
| ExpressVPN | British Virgin Islands | Yes | $7-13 | Speed, ease of use |
| Surfshark | Netherlands (9-eyes) | Audited | $2-13 | Unlimited devices, budget |
| IVPN | Gibraltar | Audited | $6-10 | Privacy-focused, transparent |
VPN Selection Criteria
No-logs policy (audited)
Independently verified not to store user activity
Jurisdiction outside 5/9/14-eyes
Not subject to mass surveillance alliances
Strong encryption (AES-256, ChaCha20)
Military-grade encryption standards
Kill switch
Blocks traffic if VPN disconnects
DNS leak protection
Prevents DNS queries from leaking
WireGuard or OpenVPN support
Modern, secure protocols
Own DNS servers
No third-party DNS dependencies
RAM-only servers
No data persistence on hardware
Multi-hop/Double VPN
Route through multiple servers for extra security
Anonymous payment options
Cryptocurrency, cash accepted
WireGuard Setup (Linux)
sudo apt install wireguard
Install WireGuard (Debian/Ubuntu)
wg genkey | tee privatekey | wg pubkey > publickey
Generate key pair
sudo nano /etc/wireguard/wg0.conf
Create configuration file
sudo wg-quick up wg0
Start VPN tunnel
sudo wg-quick down wg0
Stop VPN tunnel
sudo wg show
Display VPN status
sudo systemctl enable wg-quick@wg0
Auto-start on boot
WireGuard Configuration Example
[Interface]
Client configuration section
PrivateKey = CLIENT_PRIVATE_KEY
Your private key (keep secret)
Address = 10.0.0.2/24
Client VPN IP address
DNS = 1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1
DNS servers to use
[Peer]
Server configuration section
PublicKey = SERVER_PUBLIC_KEY
Server's public key
Endpoint = vpn.example.com:51820
VPN server address and port
AllowedIPs = 0.0.0.0/0
Route all traffic through VPN
PersistentKeepalive = 25
Keep connection alive (NAT)
OpenVPN Setup (Linux)
sudo apt install openvpn
Install OpenVPN client
sudo openvpn --config client.ovpn
Connect with config file
sudo openvpn --config client.ovpn --daemon
Run in background
sudo systemctl start openvpn@client
Start as service
sudo systemctl enable openvpn@client
Auto-start on boot
VPN Testing & Verification
curl ifconfig.me
Check your public IP address
curl https://am.i.mullvad.net/json
Check VPN connection (Mullvad)
Visit ipleak.net
Comprehensive leak test (DNS, WebRTC, IP)
Visit dnsleaktest.com
Test for DNS leaks
Visit browserleaks.com
Check WebRTC, IP, browser leaks
ping 1.1.1.1
Test latency through VPN
speedtest-cli
Test VPN speed (install first)
Common VPN Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| DNS Leak | Using ISP DNS instead of VPN | Enable DNS leak protection, use VPN's DNS |
| WebRTC Leak | Browser exposing real IP | Disable WebRTC or use browser extension |
| Slow Speed | Server overload, distance, encryption | Switch servers, try WireGuard, use closer location |
| Connection Drops | Network instability | Enable kill switch, try TCP instead of UDP |
| Can't Connect | Port blocked, firewall | Try different protocol, port, or obfuscation |
| IPv6 Leak | VPN doesn't support IPv6 | Disable IPv6 or use VPN with IPv6 support |
VPN Kill Switch Setup
Built-in kill switch (most VPN apps)
Enable in VPN client settings
UFW firewall rules (Linux)
Block non-VPN traffic with iptables/ufw
sudo ufw default deny outgoing
Block all outgoing by default
sudo ufw allow out on tun0
Allow VPN interface only
sudo ufw allow out to VPN_SERVER_IP
Allow connection to VPN server
Split Tunneling Scenarios
| Scenario | Configuration | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Exclude Local Network | AllowedIPs = 0.0.0.0/0, !192.168.1.0/24 | Access local printers, NAS |
| Route Specific Apps | App-level split tunneling | VPN only for browser, not games |
| Bypass Streaming | Exclude Netflix, Hulu IPs | Avoid VPN detection |
| Corporate + Personal | Work traffic via VPN, personal direct | Remote work setup |
VPN for Different Use Cases
| Use Case | Recommended Setup | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy/Anonymity | Mullvad, IVPN with WireGuard, multi-hop | No-logs, jurisdiction, payment anonymity |
| Streaming | NordVPN, ExpressVPN | Speed, server locations, unblocking |
| Torrenting | Mullvad, ProtonVPN with port forwarding | No-logs, kill switch, P2P-friendly |
| Gaming | Closest server, WireGuard protocol | Low latency, speed |
| Public WiFi | Any reputable VPN, IKEv2 for mobile | Auto-reconnect, encryption |
| Bypass Censorship | Shadowsocks, obfuscation, multi-hop | Stealth, obfuscation, reliability |
VPN Security Best Practices
Always use kill switch
Prevent IP leaks on disconnection
Enable DNS leak protection
Use VPN provider's DNS servers
Disable IPv6
Prevent IPv6 leaks if VPN doesn't support it
Use WireGuard or OpenVPN only
Avoid deprecated protocols (PPTP, L2TP)
Regularly test for leaks
Use ipleak.net, dnsleaktest.com monthly
Don't use free VPNs
Free services often log and sell data
Choose servers wisely
Balance speed, location, and server load
Keep VPN software updated
Get latest security patches
Use multi-factor authentication
Protect VPN account access
Review privacy policy
Understand data collection and jurisdiction
Mobile VPN Setup
iOS: Settings > VPN > Add Configuration
Native VPN setup or use provider app
Android: Settings > Network > VPN
Add VPN configuration
IKEv2 recommended for mobile
Handles network switching better
Always-on VPN (Android/iOS)
Auto-connect on boot, block without VPN
WireGuard app (cross-platform)
Fast, open source mobile client
💡 Pro Tip:
WireGuard is the best choice for most users - it's faster, uses modern cryptography, and has a smaller attack surface. Always test for DNS/IP leaks after connecting. Consider using a VPN with RAM-only servers for maximum privacy. For critical privacy needs, combine VPN with Tor (VPN → Tor) and use providers that accept cryptocurrency or cash payments!