A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, creates a tunnel between your computer and its servers, encrypting your data as it travels back and forth between you and the internet. By doing so, a VPN protects your data from hackers and spammers and essentially blocks any third party from looking at your data; meanwhile, it protects your identity by hiding your IP address and ensuring you are completely anonymous as you browse. It does this by using VPN protocols, such as PPTP and SSTP.
VPN Protocols: Point to Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP)
Possibly the most popular VPN protocol, point to point tunneling protocol (or PPTP, as it’s more usually known), provides a weak 128-bit encryption that is faster than most other VPN protocols because of the lower encryption overhead. It can be used on almost any platform and operating system and doesn’t require a software installation, because most operating systems have built in support for it. These features make this VPN protocol easy to use and a great choice if you use mobile devices to access the internet, but do also mean that your VPN is less secure than some other alternatives and easy to detect and block.
VPN Protocols: Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP)
Unlike PPTP, Layer Two Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) uses Internet Protocol Security and provides a high 128-bit or 256-bit protection. It supports a wide range of operating systems and devices and, again, requires no software installation. It’s usually preferred over PPTP by people who want high levels of security when browsing the internet.
VPN Protocols: OpenVPN
The most secure VPN protocol of all, OpenVPN will work in situations where no other VPN protocol can. It both has the most secure 256-bit encryption and the highest price tag of all the VPN options out there. It requires a client to be installed on the system and works on multiple ports, which makes it the ideal choice for people who need high levels of anonymity and security. On the downside, there are particular operating systems and devices with which you’ll have trouble making OpenVPN work, such as Android and iOS (although it’s usually possible with some tinkering).
VPN Protocols: Choosing the Right One For You
Many VPN providers will offer you a selection of VPN protocols, and allow you to choose between them as the situation you find yourself in dictates. Others will only offer one option. When choosing the right VPN, deciding beforehand which VPN protocol you will be most comfortable using is key. You’ll find our comparison tables below to help you get started with your search – happy safe browsing!
| Rank | Provider Name | Starting Price | Money Back Guarantee |
Visit Provider Site |
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ExpressVPN | $6.67/month | 30 Days |  |
| 2 | IPVanish | $10.00/month | 7 Days | |
| 3 | Hidemyass | $11.52/month | 30 Days | |
| 4 | VyprVPN | $10.00/month | 7 Days | |
| 5 | StrongVPN | $21/ 3 months | 7 Days | |
