In today’s digital landscape, with cyber threats more prevalent than ever, having a VPN is crucial to ensure your online privacy and security. Whether you are casually browsing at home, working in an office, or working remotely from a café, VPNs can provide the anonymity and security you need to keep your internet traffic secure. Not all VPNs are equal, and there are different types of VPNs that serve different purposes. Understanding these types can help you decide on the VPN best suited to your needs.

What Is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that provides anonymity and security for online activities. A VPN routes your internet traffic through a VPN server, which masks your IP address and creates an encrypted tunnel that keeps your data safe from prying eyes. There are many reasons why people use VPNs, with the most common being safe online browsing. Other reasons include avoiding ISP throttling, bypassing geo-restrictions, securing public Wi-Fi connections, and evading censorship.

What Are the Different Types of VPNs?

There are various types of VPN available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Generally, all types aim to increase security however there are different features available which suit each to a specific need. VPN services differ based on the type of customer the provider is looking to attract. Below are the different types of VPN which are usually available:

VPNs For Business

VPNs which are targeted at businesses usually offer features helping them to set up, deploy and manage connections on a large scale. They may offer the chance to combine cloud technology and be easy to use because they will be operating on a large scale. There should be an intuitive control panel in place and the opportunity to scale the VPN based on how many users it has at any one time.

VPNs For Pleasure and Browsing

VPNs which are used for pleasure are essentially the opposite of those which are used for business. They are designed to cater for individual users who value good performance. There should be an array of features available and outstanding privacy and security options. These VPNs are also frequently used by small businesses with a limited number of employees who will be using the VPN. Organisations which need a package specifically for business or access to the same private network should use the ones specifically designed with larger organisations in mind. These are usually described as mobile or personal VPNs.

Multi-Protocol VPN

Multi-protocol VPNs should provide an array of options and support all major protocols. They usually offer TLS and SSL encryption and proprietary protocols. The variety offered by a multi-protocol VPN means that users may be able to bypass censorship, eliminate any VPN blockers and stream content online effectively. These VPNs are particularly versatile and are ideal for users who want to cater to a variety of needs.

Single-Protocol VPN

A single-protocol VPN will not have the same amount of options available as a multi-protocol VPN. These are also usually considered a secure option, but there are no specific advantages to having a single-protocol VPN instead of a multi-protocol.

No-Logging VPN

A no-logging VPN will come from a provider who us not storing any sensitive user information regarding connection or bandwidth. This information should also not be shared with any third parties. If a user is unsure whether a VPN provider logs their data or information, they should refer to the provider’s privacy policy or the terms and conditions of their agreement. The VPN provider will be forced to operate under the jurisdiction that doesn’t prevent no-logs claims due to regulations which are in place. These can include laws surrounding data retention and alternative concerns about privacy.

These VPNs are usually based in more exotic locations. This may be because the provider is basing itself in a region where the legislations surrounding VPNs are slightly more lenient, or countries which are choosing to respect user privacy. Some countries completely prohibit the use of VPNs, and this means that providers will be unable to operate out of those countries. Some providers store minimal logs of information, but this may not appear obvious in the privacy policy. This does not mean that these providers should not be used or that they are unreliable, however users should check the agreements in advance if they are concerned about their data being stored by a VPN provider.

Premium VPNs

A premium VPN will usually be offered by a leading VPN provider. These services should offer top of the range equipment and increased privacy and performance. Premium services also typically offer the fastest speeds, split tunnelling and obfuscation in place to challenge VPN blocks. Customer support should also be available with live chat options 24/7. These are usually the more expensive VPNs available, but they may be more worthwhile in the long term. Larger organisations frequently use premium VPNs to ensure that are receiving the better service, but for an additional cost.

Budget VPNs

Budget VPNs are typically a cheaper option than a premium VPN. They usually offer the same security packages as other VPN services, but do not offer features which are considered to be as advanced. There may not be the same customer support or live chat options available, however this is not valued by all users. Budget VPNs should still offer a kill switch, in place and activated automatically in case there are ever technical issues with the VPN itself.

The speed of the VPN provider may also not be as fast as a premium VPN, however this is to be expected. Many users will not usually notice the difference between the speed of the premium compared with the budget. Services are compact and low-profile but will operate in line with a user’s basic needs.

Free VPNs

A free VPN is one which a user is not required to pay for. They are usually good for casual use but have additional security risks associated with them that are not associated with VPNs which must be paid for. Some premium VPN providers will offer free trials for customers who are not sure which service would be best for them, and these can sometimes be cancelled before a user has paid for the service the following month.

Choosing The Right VPN Provider

It is vital to choose the best VPN provider for you to ensure you receive a safe service that actually works and doesn’t put you in harm’s way. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a provider:

• Use: Why do you need a VPN? Is it for a large business, or is it for personal use at home?

• Number of Users: How many people will use this VPN?

• Set Up: Do you require a basic setup, or do you need a more complex configuration, for instance, for a business?

• Security Level: Do you need robust security to protect sensitive information, or just basic protection for your browsing?

These questions can help ensure you choose the right VPN provider suited to your needs.

Are VPNs Worth It?

VPNs are handy tools that provide security and privacy for casual browsing or even large businesses. Understanding the different types of VPNs—remote access, site-to-site, cloud-based, or protocol-specific—can help you choose the right solution for your needs.

As cyber threats continue to grow every day, so does the need for VPNs. This ensures that VPNs are constantly evolving to provide robust security and privacy.