The Definitive Guide to VPN Clients Software: Everything You Need to Know

The Rise of VPN Clients Software and Why It’s Important Today

Greetings, dear readers. In today’s digital age, online privacy and security have become a top concern for individuals, businesses, and governments alike. As we rely more and more on the internet for our communication, work, leisure, and transactions, we expose ourselves to various risks, such as hackers, snoopers, advertisers, governments, and ISPs. Fortunately, there is a solution that can help us mitigate these risks and protect our data, identity, and freedom: VPN (Virtual Private Network) technology.

VPN allows you to create a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, through which you access the internet. By doing so, VPN masks your IP address, encrypts your traffic, and routes it through a secure tunnel, making it difficult for anyone to spy on or intercept your communication. Moreover, VPN can bypass geo-restrictions, censorship, and throttling, by letting you connect to servers in different countries, and thus access websites, apps, and content that may be blocked or limited in your location.

VPN can be used for various purposes, such as:

• Browsing securely and privately, without leaving any trace of your activity.
• Protecting your online banking, shopping, and other sensitive transactions from prying eyes.
• Accessing your work network or files remotely, as if you were in the same office.
• Streaming or downloading content without buffering, lagging, or getting throttled by your ISP.
• Sharing files, messages, or voice calls with others securely and anonymously.

What Are VPN Clients Software and How Do They Work?

VPN Clients Software is the application or program that you install on your device (such as a computer, smartphone, tablet, router) to connect to a VPN server and use VPN. VPN clients may differ in terms of features, protocols, usability, compatibility, and pricing, depending on the provider and your needs. However, their basic functionality is the same: to establish a VPN connection between your device and the server.

Here is how VPN clients software works:

1. You download and install the VPN client software on your device.
2. You open the VPN client software and log in to your VPN account.
3. You choose a VPN server from the list of available locations, or let the software choose the best one for you.
4. You click on the Connect button to establish a VPN connection.
5. You use the internet as you normally do, but with the added security and privacy of VPN.

Once you have connected to a VPN server through the client software, your device’s IP address is replaced by the server’s IP address, and your traffic is encrypted and tunneled through the server. This means that your online activity is shielded from anyone who tries to monitor, track, or intercept it.

The Pros and Cons of VPN Clients Software

Now that you know what VPN clients software is and how it works, let’s examine its advantages and disadvantages, to help you make an informed decision about whether to use it or not. As with any technology, VPN clients software has both benefits and drawbacks, depending on your perspective, needs, and circumstances.

Advantages of VPN Clients Software

Here are some of the main benefits of using VPN clients software:

1. Security: VPN clients software encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, making it harder for hackers, snoopers, and advertisers to exploit your data or identity.
2. Privacy: VPN clients software masks your online activity and location, preventing ISPs, governments, or websites from tracking, profiling, or censoring you.
3. Freedom: VPN clients software allows you to bypass geo-restrictions, censorship, and throttling, and access the internet as if you were in a different location or country.
4. Usability: VPN clients software is easy to install, configure, and use, and can be customized according to your preferences or needs.
5. Compatibility: VPN clients software can be used on various devices and platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and browsers.
6. Customer support: VPN clients software providers usually offer 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, or phone, to help you resolve any issues or questions.
7. Cost-effectiveness: VPN clients software is usually affordable, with monthly or annual subscriptions that offer multiple benefits and features.

Disadvantages of VPN Clients Software

On the other hand, using VPN clients software may have some disadvantages:

1. Speed: VPN clients software may slow down your internet connection, due to the encryption and routing overhead.
2. Reliability: VPN clients software may sometimes disconnect or fail, especially when you switch between networks, or when the server is overloaded.
3. Logging: VPN clients software providers may collect some logs or metadata about your connection, such as timestamps, bandwidth usage, or server location, which may compromise your privacy or security.
4. Compatibility: VPN clients software may not work with certain apps, services, or devices, such as Netflix, Hulu, or smart TVs, due to their advanced detection methods.
5. Legality: VPN clients software may be illegal or restricted in some countries or regions, such as China, Russia, or Iran, where the government controls the internet and blocks VPN sites.
6. Trustworthiness: VPN clients software providers may have different policies, practices, or affiliations that may affect their reputation, transparency, or ethics.
7. False sense of security: VPN clients software may give you a false sense of security, thinking that you are completely protected from all threats, when in fact, VPN is not a panacea, and cannot prevent all types of attacks or breaches.

The Best VPN Clients Software in 2021

Now that you are familiar with the benefits and drawbacks of VPN clients software, you may wonder which one to choose. There are dozens of VPN clients software providers on the market, each with its own features, protocols, prices, and user base. Therefore, it may be hard to pick the right one for you, especially if you are not well-versed in VPN technology.

To help you out, we have researched and tested some of the most popular VPN clients software in 2021, and come up with a list of the best ones, based on various criteria, such as:

• Encryption and protocols: How strong and reliable is the encryption used by the VPN?
• Server network and locations: How many servers does the VPN offer, and in which countries?
• Speed and performance: How fast and stable is the VPN connection, and how much does it affect the internet speed?
• Usability and compatibility: How easy is it to install, set up, and use the VPN client software, and on which devices?
• Privacy and logging policy: How transparent and trustworthy is the VPN provider in terms of privacy and logging?
• Customer support and pricing: How responsive and helpful is the VPN provider’s customer support, and how affordable is the pricing?

Based on these criteria, here are our top picks for the best VPN clients software in 2021:

VPN Clients Software	Encryption and Protocols	Server Network and Locations	Speed and Performance	Usability and Compatibility	Privacy and Logging Policy	Customer Support and Pricing
ExpressVPN	AES-256, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP	3,000+ servers in 94 countries	Very fast and reliable, minimal speed loss	Easy to use, compatible with all major platforms and devices	No logs, based in the British Virgin Islands	24/7 live chat, 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN	AES-256, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx (WireGuard-based)	5,500+ servers in 59 countries	Fast and stable, may experience some slowdowns	Intuitive and feature-rich, supports up to 6 devices simultaneously	No-logs policy, based in Panama	24/7 live chat, 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark	AES-256, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard	3,200+ servers in 65 countries	Fast and reliable, may struggle with high-demand tasks	User-friendly and versatile, offers unlimited simultaneous connections	No logs, based in the British Virgin Islands	24/7 live chat, 30-day money-back guarantee

Note: The above table is not exhaustive, and there may be other VPN clients software that may suit your needs better. We encourage you to do your own research and testing before making a decision.

FAQs About VPN Clients Software

1. What is the difference between a VPN and a proxy?

A VPN and a proxy both serve as intermediaries between your device and the internet, but their purposes and mechanisms are different. A proxy can be used to hide your IP address, bypass filters, or access restricted content, but it does not encrypt your traffic or protect your privacy as VPN does. A VPN, on the other hand, encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address, making your online activities private, secure, and anonymous.

2. Can VPN clients software protect me from malware or viruses?

No, VPN clients software is not designed to protect you from malware or viruses, although some VPN providers may offer additional security features, such as ad-blocking, malware scanning, or antivirus integration. To protect yourself from malware or viruses, you should use a reliable antivirus program, keep your software up to date, and avoid downloading or clicking on suspicious links or attachments.

3. Is it legal to use VPN clients software?

The legality of using VPN clients software depends on your location and the VPN provider’s policies. In most countries, VPN clients software is legal and widely used, but in some countries, such as China, Russia, or Iran, VPN clients software is restricted or banned, and using it may lead to fines, imprisonment, or other penalties. Moreover, some VPN providers may have restrictions on their usage, such as forbidding illegal activities, spamming, or hacking.

4. Can VPN clients software be detected by my ISP or network administrator?

It depends on the level of detection and monitoring used by your ISP or network administrator. In most cases, VPN clients software can bypass most detection methods, as long as it uses strong encryption and hides your traffic. However, some advanced detection methods, such as Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) or domain whitelisting, may be able to detect or block VPN clients software. Therefore, you should choose a VPN provider that offers obfuscation or stealth modes, which can mask your VPN traffic as regular traffic.

5. How much does VPN clients software cost?

The cost of VPN clients software varies depending on the provider, the plan, and the features included. Most VPN providers offer monthly or yearly subscription plans, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 per month, and discounts for longer commitments. Some VPN providers may offer free plans or trials, but they usually come with limitations, such as data caps, speed throttling, or restricted features. You should also consider the payment methods and the refund policy of the VPN provider, to ensure that your payment information and your rights are protected.

6. How many devices can I use VPN clients software on?

Most VPN providers allow you to use their VPN clients software on multiple devices, depending on the plan you choose. Some providers offer a single-device plan, which allows you to use the VPN on one device only, while others offer multiple-device plans, which allow you to use the VPN on up to 5, 10, or unlimited devices simultaneously. You should check the provider’s pricing and device policy before subscribing, to make sure that it meets your needs.

7. Can VPN clients software be used for torrenting or P2P sharing?

Yes, VPN clients software can be used for torrenting or P2P sharing, as long as the VPN provider allows it and has optimized servers for it. Torrenting and P2P sharing may expose you to legal, privacy, and security risks, as well as slow down your internet speed, due to the large file sizes and the multiple connections involved. However, by using VPN clients software, you can hide your IP address, encrypt your traffic, and protect your identity and data from being exposed to others. You should also choose a VPN provider that has a no-logs policy and is located in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, to avoid any legal or regulatory issues.

8. Can VPN clients software be used on routers or smart TVs?

Yes, VPN clients software can be used on routers or smart TVs, but it may require some extra steps or configurations. Using VPN on routers can help you protect all the devices connected to the router, without having to install the VPN clients software on each device. However, not all routers support VPN, and you may need to replace or flash your router’s firmware to enable VPN compatibility. Using VPN on smart TVs can help you access geo-restricted content or enhance your privacy, but it may require a VPN-compatible router or a VPN-enabled media player, such as Fire TV or Chromecast.

9. Can VPN clients software bypass internet censorship or geo-restrictions?

Yes, VPN clients software can bypass internet censorship or geo-restrictions, by allowing you to connect to a VPN server in a different location or country. Internet censorship refers to the practice of blocking or filtering certain websites, apps, or content, usually by governments or ISPs, for political, religious, or moral reasons. By using VPN, you can bypass such censorship, by connecting to a VPN server in a country where the content is not censored or restricted. Geo-restrictions refer to the practice of limiting access to certain content or services, based on the user’s location or IP address. By using VPN, you can bypass such restrictions, by connecting to a VPN server in a country where the content or service is available.

10. Can VPN clients software be hacked or cracked?

While VPN clients software can provide a strong and reliable protection for your online privacy and security, it is not immune to hacking or cracking, especially if you use a weak password, outdated software, or unsecured networks. Moreover, some VPN clients software may have vulnerabilities or backdoors that can be exploited by hackers or governments. To minimize the risk of being hacked or cracked, you should use a strong and unique password, keep your software up to date, avoid using public or unsecured networks, and choose a VPN provider that has a good reputation and security features.

11. Can VPN clients software be used for online gaming?

Yes, VPN clients software can be used for online gaming, but it may affect your gaming performance, due to the encryption and routing overhead. If you use VPN for online gaming, it may increase your ping, or the amount of time it takes for your device to receive a response from the game server, which may result in lagging, buffering, or disconnection. However, VPN may also enhance your gaming experience, by allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions or DDoS attacks, and connect to servers with better performance or less latency. You should test your VPN connection before using it for online gaming, and choose a VPN provider that has optimized servers for gaming.

12. Can VPN clients software be used for remote work or telecommuting?

Yes, VPN clients software can be used for remote work or telecommuting,