VPN Device Compatibility: On Which Devices You Can Use VPN

With the increasing concern for online privacy and security, virtual private networks (VPNs) have become a popular tool for internet users to protect their online activity. VPNs work by creating a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server, which can help prevent unauthorized access to your data and hide your online activity from prying eyes. But on which devices can you use a VPN? In this article, we’ll explore the different devices on which VPNs can be used.

How The VPN Works

When you connect to a VPN server, a VPN tunnel is generated. Your online traffic is encrypted by the VPN server before being forwarded through a secure tunnel to a website, server, or private network. Your internet activity is secure and unreadable to anyone attempting to intercept it thanks to its encryption. Along with disguising your online activities and making it challenging for advertising to follow you, the VPN tunnel also gives you a new virtual IP address that can be situated anywhere in the world. Your identity and location are protected since the traffic is decrypted on the VPN server before being sent to the website or server.

Advantages Of Using VPN Services

There are plenty of advantages to using a VPN in this digitally advanced world where your online data is prone to cybercriminals and data harvesters. Some of the major advantages are mentioned below:

Security: VPNs encrypt your internet connection, making it more difficult for hackers or third-party entities to intercept your online activity and steal your personal information.

• For privacy:
  VPNs hide your IP address and online activity from your internet service provider (ISP), government agencies, and other online entities, which can help protect your online privacy.

• To access geo-restricted content:
  With the help of a VPN, you can access content that may be restricted based on your geographic location, such as streaming services, websites, and social media platforms.
  
• For safe browsing on public Wi-Fi:
  A VPN service can protect your online activity and browsing when using public Wi-Fi networks. The usage of the internet on public wifi is often unsecured and can leave your personal and sensitive information vulnerable to hackers.

• For anonymity:
  VPNs provide anonymity to the user when browsing the internet. It masks your actual physical IP address and your data by assigning you a different IP address of a VPN server you are connected to.

The Devices You Can Use VPN On

Computer/Desktop

VPNs can be used on a variety of computers, including those running Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Most VPN providers provide dedicated apps for these operating systems, which can be downloaded and installed on your device. Once installed, the VPN app can be used to encrypt your internet connection and protect your online privacy.

In addition, some VPNs also offer browser extensions that can be used to encrypt your browsing activity. You can also easily manually configure the VPN client on your device from the setting if your device and VPN provider support it.

Smartphones and tablets

VPNs can also be used on smartphones and tablets if they support it. You can easily set up VPN in your iOS, Huawei, Amazon, or Android smartphones or tablet. VPN apps can be downloaded from the App Store, Amazon Store, or Google Play Store and installed on your device. Once installed, you can use the VPN app to encrypt your mobile data and protect your sensitive information while using the internet.

Browser extensions cannot be installed on your smartphones but you can easily configure VPN manually on your smartphones and tablets from the settings tab if they support it.

Routers

VPNs can also be set up on compatible routers, which can protect all devices on your home network. To use a VPN on a router, you will need to purchase a router that is supported by your VPN provider and follow the instructions provided by the VPN provider to set up the connection. Once set up, all devices connected to your router will be protected by the VPN connection.

Streaming Devices

VPNs can also be used on streaming devices, such as Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Android TV boxes, and Apple TV. VPN apps can be downloaded from the app store on your streaming device, and once installed, you can use the VPN app to access geo-restricted content and protect your online privacy. However, it’s important to note that not all VPN providers support all streaming devices, so be sure to check with your VPN provider before purchasing a subscription.

Browsers

Finally, some VPNs offer browser extensions that can be installed on popular web browsers, such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. These browser extensions can be used to encrypt your browsing activity and protect your online privacy, without the need to install a dedicated VPN app on your device. However, it’s important to note that browser extensions only protect your browsing activity and not other online activities, such as email or online gaming.

Some Common VPN Providers

There are several VPN service providers with different expertise and capacities throughout the world. VPN service providers come in both paid and unpaid varieties. Here is a list of some of the top VPN service providers, from which you may pick the one that best meets your requirements:

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the major VPN service providers in the VPN industry and is recommended the most. ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than the other VPN provider but it possesses certain features and connection quality that is unmatchable.

Features

• It contains more than 3000+ servers in 94 countries.
• High-Speed Lightway Protocol- an expression customized protocol
• Proves to be the one providing fast speed while streaming.
• Privacy with AES256  Encryption
• 30 days Money back guarantee
• P2P and Split Tunneling Feature
• 5 simultaneous connections at a time
• Kill Switch
• MediaStreamer – a streaming-specific feature for non-vpn supported devices.
• 24/ Support

Plans

• 1 Month Plan: $10.95
• 6 Months Plan: $59.95
• 12 Months Plan: $99.95

NordVPN

NordVPN is also considered one of the most popular VPN providers in the VPN industry. It’s a bit cheaper than ExpressVPN and provides good quality of connection and speed. Some of the features of NordVPN are mentioned below:

Features

• It contains more than 5300+ servers in 60 countries.
• High-Speed NordLynx Protocol- a Nordvpn customized WireGuard protocol- proves to be the one providing fast speed while streaming.
• Privacy with AES256  Encryption
• Automatic Kill Switch, P2P sharing, dedicated IP, and DNS leak protection
• 6 simultaneous connections at a time
• Zero log policy
• 30 days Money back guarantee
• 24/7 Support
• Built-in Malware blocker
• Privacy with AES256  Encryption

Plans

• 1 Month Plan: $11.99
• 12 Months Plan: $4.99 per month
• 24 Months Plan: $3.99 per month

SurfShark

Surfshark is also counted as one of the best VPN service providers. The key main features of Surf shark include

Features

• It contains more than 3200+ servers in 99+ countries.
• Supports protocols like WireGuard, and OpenVPN.
• Internet Kill Switch and DNS leak protection
• Diskless (RAM-based) servers & Double VPN
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Zero log policy
• Privacy with AES256  Encryption
• 24/7 Support

Plans

• 1 Month Plan: $12.95
• 12 Months Plan: $3.99 per month
• 24 Months Plan: $2.30 per month

FAQs

Conclusion

VPN has become a need of today’s digital world, where all your sensitive data is stored online and your online activities are monitored. VPN keeps you safe, secure and anonymous online. VPNs are software that has to be installed on your devices so for that you have to make sure if your devices are compatible with the specific VPN services. Generally all the major devices like Desktop/computers, smartphones, tablets and some routers are compatible with VPN services.