VPN Brands You Haven’t Heard of but Are Worth Checking Out
In the modern computer age, online privacy and security matter the most. Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs for short, have also taken their place in the mainstream for those users who look for encryption of internet traffic, geo-restriction bypassing, and online activity shielding from prying eyes.
However, giants who have been in business for so long appear to rule the world of VPNs, and they’re constantly trying to get your attention. Sure, those big players have a lot to offer, but there is a whole bank of trustworthy companies, often well-equipped with features, waiting to be discovered. Here, we will review some of the best lesser-known VPN brands that should be on your shortlist.
Top Lesser-Known VPN Providers
Beyond the big names, here are some lesser-known VPN brands that offer great features that may meet your needs:
Ivacy
Singapore-based Ivacy offers a feature-laden VPN service at an attractive price. It has over 100 locations in 50+ countries for a seamless global connection and follows a no-logs policy to keep your online activities private. It also allows you to access geo-restricted content with ease. Ivacy has 256-bit strong encryption and multiple security protocols, including IKEv2, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec, plus ten multi-logins for simultaneous device protection.
Pros:
- Swiss jurisdiction (strong privacy laws)
- Secure core infrastructure for enhanced anonymity
- Strong encryption and security protocols
- Strict no-logs policy
Cons:
- A free tier with limited features
- Lacks the more secure WireGuard and OpenVPN
- May not be the fastest option compared to some competitors
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield, a US provider, is widely known for its friendly navigation and good-quality connections. It has a well-distributed network with locations in more than 80 countries. The service uses 256-bit AES encryption, supporting many protocols for creating secure connections, namely OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec. While the service supports a freemium model, the free version is limited, including limited data usage, server selection, or potential ad injection. Unlimited data, access to unrestricted servers, and higher speeds are among the perks available for those upgrading to any of the premium plans.
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent connection speeds
- Freemium model available
Cons:
- US jurisdiction (potential for data retention laws)
- A freemium model with limitations
Mullvad
Owned privately and based in Sweden, Mullvad is very particular about the anonymity of the users. They accept several anonymous payment techniques, including popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, and no personal information is required during sign-up. Mullvad provides robust encryption protocols along with a kill switch to provide the highest security. The number of servers may be fewer than some competitors, though nearly 700 in 30+ countries. But, they have placed them all in the most strategic locations, leaving no weak corners. Mullvad is very useful for people who need anonymity the most.
Pros:
- Anonymous payment options
- Strong encryption and security protocols
- Strict no-logging policy
- Simple and transparent pricing
Cons:
- Smaller server network compared to some competitors
- Doesn’t unblock some streaming platforms
Windscribe
This Canadian provider offers a free tier plan with a generous 10GB monthly data, making it perfect for casual VPN users. The paid plans are very affordable and provide unlimited data, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch. Windscribe also has a unique feature called “Windflix.” This feature is specifically designed to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services. While Windscribe’s server network is smaller compared to some competitors, it still offers access to the most popular streaming sites.
Pros:
- A generous free tier with a data allowance
- Flexible freemium model with paid plans offering more features
- Strong encryption and security protocols
- No-logs policy (with minimal metadata collection)
Cons:
- Free tier limitations on data and server access
- Limited metadata collection may raise concerns for some users
Portals
Portals is a relatively new player in the VPN market, based in the US. It uses a decentralized network instead of traditional servers. It operates on top of a peer-to-peer network of independent computers operated by unaffiliated people forming a decentralized virtual private network, or dVPN for short. This means your traffic is routed through multiple devices in the Portals network. This gives you an additional layer of anonymity and potentially bypasses geo-restrictions more effectively. With its robust encryption protocols and security, Portals is making a mark. While their server network is still growing, Portals offers competitive pricing, making them worth keeping an eye on for future development.
Pros:
- Decentralized network for enhanced privacy and potential geo-restriction bypassing
- Military-grade encryption and WireGuard protocol
- Strict no-logs policy
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
Cons:
- Decentralized network may be less stable or offer slower speeds compared to traditional VPN
- A relatively new provider with a less established reputation compared to some competitors
Choosing the Right VPN
The “best” VPN depends on your individual needs. Consider factors like:
- Privacy Policy: Does the provider log any data?
- Security Features: What encryption protocols do they offer?
- Server Network: Does it cover the locations you need?
- Speed and Performance: Is the connection fast and reliable?
- Price: Does the cost fit your budget?
Final Thoughts
Always research the best VPN provider by assessing reviews, comparing features, and taking advantage of a free trial, if available, before going for a paid plan. When you go for lesser-known brands, you are more likely to get an ideal VPN. This VPN may perfectly fit your online privacy requirements without necessarily going for the big names. This way, you can have the ultimate protection you need as you navigate the internet.
