Types of VPN: Which do you need?

A VPN uses encryption to keep your online activities private. It works by routing your traffic to a remote server. This masks your home IP address and prevents ISPs, hackers, and other third parties from monitoring your traffic. There are many types of VPN – keep reading to learn which type you need.

A primary business application for VPNs is secure remote access. Businesses rely on Remote Access VPNs to let employees connect to corporate networks from home. However, VPNs aren’t just for businesses. A Personal VPN improves your online privacy and ensures freedom of access.

VPNs vary widely in features, protocols, and server availability, so you must pick one that aligns with your needs. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of VPNs, their use cases, and the main factors to consider when choosing the best VPN for your needs.

Different types of VPNs and when to use them

A VPN is a privacy tool designed to encrypt your internet traffic. It works by using encryption to create a secure “tunnel” for your data, routing it through a remote server location. Some people use VPNs to access network resources remotely. This makes them popular with businesses or individuals who want to securely access a home server or NAS device.

Others use VPNs to bypass network restrictions or other online blocks. The encryption provided by a VPN ensures you can bypass blocks at work, in school, or on public wifi without being monitored by network administrators. This is useful for streaming Netflix, accessing Discord, or accessing Facebook without detection at work.

A VPN can also bypass government censorship in countries like the UAE and China. It also allows users to access regional services, such as Internet banking or streaming platforms, while traveling for work or on vacation.

You must understand the various types available to choose the right kind of VPN for your needs.

VPNs generally fall into two main categories:

1. Personal VPNs (Consumer-facing VPNs)
2. Corporate VPNs (Business VPNs)

Most home internet users require a personal, client-based VPN. This type of personal VPN is available online via subscription. They can be used on a wide variety of devices because they offer apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Firestick, and routers.

What are the five main types of VPN?

Although VPNs can generally be categorized into personal and corporate VPNs, they can also be divided into additional subcategories. Here are the five most common VPN types:

Types of personal VPNs:

1. Client-Based Consumer VPN: The most common personal VPN, used by individuals to enhance privacy, engage in location spoofing, and bypass network restrictions such as geo-blocks or government censorship.
2. Roll-Your-Own VPN: A personal VPN that users set up on their own server or computer. While it provides control over setup, it requires technical expertise and is limited in privacy and location flexibility compared to subscription-based VPNs.

Types of corporate VPNs:

1. Remote Access VPN: A client-based VPN used by employees to securely connect to their company’s network from remote locations. Consumers can also use it to access home resources securely.
2. Site-to-Site VPN: A VPN used to connect multiple office locations securely. Often implemented by larger organizations with distributed offices or partners.
3. Corporate Network VPN: Provides encrypted access to internal or external corporate networks (intranets and extranets), enabling secure data sharing, accessibility, and collaboration within a protected environment.

When should I use a personal VPN?

If you’re a home internet user looking for online privacy or a way to bypass restrictions, you’ll want a consumer-facing VPN. There are dozens of consumer VPNs available at various price points, each offering different features and use cases. That’s why it’s essential to carefully evaluate VPN providers before choosing.

A key thing to remember is that price is not always an indicator of quality. Some affordable VPNs perform above their price point. On the other hand, we have reviewed certain expensive VPNs that lack essential security features or suffer from leaks. This is why choosing a VPN provider is crucial based on its security, reliability, and features rather than just price. Later in this guide, we have pinpointed reliable personal VPNs that are highly effective and affordable.

To help consumers avoid unreliable VPNs, we use a meticulous VPN testing methodology to identify the most secure, reliable, and versatile personal VPNs. Our recommendations offer feature-rich apps for all popular platforms and fully tested networks capable of giving you online security and access to restricted websites.

Here are some common reasons why individuals use a personal VPN:

1. Prevent ISPs from tracking your browsing activity or engaging in mandatory data retention.
2. Stop local networks and ISPs from harvesting your web history for marketing or surveillance purposes.
3. Communicate online without having your metadata collected by ISPs and government agencies.
4. Browse the internet free from government surveillance and data collection programs.
5. Prevent network administrators from monitoring your activity on home Wi-Fi, public hotspots, work networks, or school wifi.
6. Bypass government-imposed online censorship that restricts access to specific websites.
7. Use public Wi-Fi privately without the risk of hackers intercepting your data.
8. Hide your IP address from websites, apps, and services to maintain online privacy.
9. Protect your IP address using peer-to-peer services like BitTorrent to avoid tracking and potential cyber threats.
10. Unblock social media, news sites, and other restricted content that ISPs, workplaces, or schools may block.
11. Use VoIP apps in countries where they are blocked.
12. Access regional services to bypass blackout games or use home services on vacation.
13. Stretch your dollar by accessing more video titles when watching popular streaming subscription services.

Free VPNs vs. Paid VPNs – What is the difference?

When it comes to picking a consumer VPN for personal use, there are 2 main types of VPN  to consider: Free VPNs and Premium VPNs.

Free personal VPNs

Free VPNs can feel tempting, but they often carry serious risks and performance caveats. The free VPNs advertised on popular app stores usually have limitations such as data caps, slow speeds, and weak security measures (or serious vulnerabilities). Some free VPNs even track and sell user data to third parties. This makes using free VPNs a threat to the safety of your devices.

If you want a free VPN, it is essential to stick to a reputable premium VPN that offers a basic free plan. This type of free VPN is reliable because it provides robust privacy and security features. However, it limits users to several server locations and enforces monthly download caps. This restricts how much VPN use you get each month, meaning you will need to upgrade if you intend to stream or do other data-intensive tasks.

Paid personal VPNs

Paid VPNs offer their services to consumers via a subscription model. The end user can pay for a subscription that lasts between 1 month and 2 years (available options will depend on the VPN provider, so check its website). Popular consumer VPNs provide discounts for users who commit longer. This means you can save cash by getting a longer plan.

Paid VPNs offer better security, faster speeds, reliable customer support, and advanced privacy features, such as a no-logs policy and a choice of protocols. Premium VPNs are also much more reliable for bypassing blocks. For example, you will need a paid VPN to access your Netflix account on vacation. This is because leading streaming services have already blocked free VPNs.

The critical thing to remember is that when choosing a VPN, opting for a paid service ensures greater security and reliability. This makes paid VPNs a much better choice for privacy-conscious users.

How do consumer VPNs vary? How to choose a Personal VPN

There are dozens of consumer VPNs available online. Not all consumer VPNs are created equal, so you must choose a provider carefully. Some VPNs excel in speed, which makes them great for streaming, making video calls, torrenting, and gaming. Other VPNs prioritize security or affordability.

Consumers can choose a personal VPN based on their specific needs. Thankfully, some VPNs are impressive all-rounders. This means you can get a VPN that is fast, secure, and versatile – for a cost that represents superb value.

Key differences between personal VPNs include:

• Features: Personal VPNs vary significantly in terms of the features they provide. The best consumer VPNs come with a wide choice of apps, global server networks, and valuable privacy features such as AES encryption, a kill switch, multi-hop connections, dedicated IP addresses, and obfuscation to conceal VPN use from ISPs.
• Reliability: Premium VPNs invest in secure servers and strong encryption, while free or cheap types of VPNs may suffer from downtime or weak security. The best VPNs provide a no-logging policy, meaning they never record their users’ activities.
• Usability: Some VPNs cater specifically to streaming, torrenting, or gaming, while others are general-purpose. We always try to find VPNs that offer a side feature set and servers for multiple purposes, including access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
• Price: A personal VPN can cost between $2 and $15 monthly. The important thing to remember is that there are plenty of outstanding VPNs in the $2 to $5 price range, so there is no need to overspend to get a reliable VPN.

What are the best personal VPNs?

Below, we have pinpointed the best VPNs for Individuals looking for online privacy, security, and unrestricted access to content. Our experts have thoroughly tested these VPNs and chosen them because they represent the best value for money.

Popular consumer-facing VPNs:

• NordVPN: Best personal VPN currently available. NordVPN is a feature-rich VPN with strong encryption, fast speeds, and a vast global server network. It is perfect for privacy-conscious users thanks to its no-log policy, a kill switch, and a choice of servers in 100+ countries.
• Surfshark: Best budget VPN for consumers. Allows unlimited device connections. Offers strong encryption, fast speeds, and a built-in ad blocker. It’s ideal for families and users who want a simple yet powerful VPN for streaming and security.
• IPVanish: A high-speed VPN optimized for torrenting and streaming. Provides strong security features, including a no-logs policy and advanced encryption. It is ideal for users who need consistent speeds and reliable security.
• ExpressVPN: Known for its blazing-fast speeds and strong privacy features, ExpressVPN is perfect for streaming, gaming, and bypassing censorship. Its proprietary Lightway protocol ensures smooth performance.
• CyberGhost: Ideal for beginners. Offers dedicated streaming servers, a no-logs policy, and excellent security features—a great option for hassle-free protection online.
• PureVPN: A cost-effective option with robust encryption and an extensive server network. It offers dedicated IPs and port forwarding, making it a solid choice for users who need more control over their VPN settings.
• Proton VPN: A highly advanced VPN from Switzerland. Offers multi-hop connections and Secure Core servers. No logs policy has been fully audited. Has servers in 90+ countries.

What VPN protocols are offered by consumer VPNs?

Consumer VPNs leverage various protocols to secure user data. Some have better privacy and performance, so they have become the leading VPN protocols. You can find out more about VPN protocols by clicking the link.

Here is a quick breakdown of the different protocols found in popular consumer VPNs:

• WireGuard: Modern, fast, and lightweight. The best protocol for users seeking fast speeds and reliable security. Great for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and making video calls.
• OpenVPN: A highly trusted open-source VPN protocol. It can be implemented with AES-256 encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy.
• IKEv2/IPSec: A reliable VPN protocol that can be implemented using AES-256 encryption. It is great for mobile devices due to fast reconnection. It is often the best protocol available on iOS devices.
• L2TP/IPSec: An older VPN protocol that still offers secure connections. It is often used by users setting up a manual VPN connection on their router.
• SSTP: A proprietary type of VPN protocol developed by Microsoft.
• PPTP: An old VPN protocol that is no longer secure for privacy purposes. It offers fast speeds, making it worthwhile for streaming or other location-spoofing applications that don’t require privacy.
• NordLynx: A custom protocol developed by NordVPN. It is a fork of the secure  WireGuard protocol designed to provide NordVPN users with faster connections.
• Lightway: A custom VPN protocol developed by ExpressVPN. It is a custom, open-source protocol that provides speedy, secure connections.

What features must a personal VPN have?

If you are looking for a secure and reliable personal VPN, you must look for a service that includes the following features:

• No-logs policy: This policy ensures that your activities and the servers you use are never recorded. The VPN will never keep records of your web browsing history and will not share your information with third parties.
• Kill switch: This VPN feature prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops.
• DNS/IP leak protection: Stops the VPN from leaking unprotected data outside the VPN tunnel. These leaks can expose your real IP address to the websites you visit, so leak protection is critical.
• Split tunneling: This lets you choose which apps use the VPN.
• Obfuscation: An advanced VPN feature designed to help you connect on strict networks that block VPNs. Helps to conceal VPN use from ISPs and government agencies.

What is an always-on VPN?

An always-on VPN is a VPN configuration or feature designed to ensure that your device is continuously connected to a VPN server whenever it is active. Although it works differently, an always-on VPN provides functionality similar to a VPN kill switch. This is because it prevents any internet access without the VPN.

This functionality prevents internet traffic from flowing outside the encrypted VPN tunnel, even if there are interruptions or restarts in the connection. Always-on VPN benefits users who prioritize privacy and security, as it provides consistent protection without manual reconnection.

Examples of always-on VPNs:

• Corporate VPNs: Always-on types of VPNs can be deployed via mobile device management (MDM) tools to ensure employees remain connected to a secure network while using work devices. This prevents access to corporate resources or the internet without an active VPN connection.
• Mobile operating systems: Android and iOS both support always-on VPN features, allowing users to configure their devices to stay connected. This provides kill-switch-like capabilities for personal VPNs on mobile apps.
• Consumer VPNs: Many premium VPN services (like NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN) offer kill switches and automatic reconnection settings that simulate or leverage mobile OS always-on types of VPN features.

What are the key features of an always-on VPN?

1. Automatic connection: This type of VPN reconnects automatically if the connection is interrupted or when the device restarts, ensuring no lapse in protection.
2. No internet access without the VPN: Most always-on VPNs block internet access if the VPN connection is lost, preventing unencrypted data from being exposed.
3. Background operation: The VPN runs in the background, providing seamless protection.
4. Persistent protection: Always-on VPN ensures that all apps and services on the device use the VPN connection, safeguarding your data at all times.

What is a roll-your-own VPN?

A roll-your-own VPN is a personal VPN that users set up and manage themselves. Instead of subscribing to a third-party VPN provider, individuals create their own VPN server on a home computer or a rented server in a preferred location. This allows complete control over security settings, server location, and overall network management.

Benefits of a roll-your-own VPN:

• Full control: Users can configure encryption protocols and security measures to meet their exact needs.
• Custom location selection: Renting a server in a specific country ensures a stable IP address in that region.
• Self-sufficiency: A roll-your-own VPN removes relying on third-party VPN services. This reduces the need to trust a third-party service and reduces potential logging concerns.

Downsides of a roll-your-own VPN:

• Technical knowledge required: Setting up and maintaining a VPN server requires networking and security expertise.
• Higher costs: Renting a server incurs ongoing expenses that may be higher than a standard VPN subscription.
• Limited features: Home-rolled VPNs usually lack advanced features and useful security tools provided by commercial VPNs. This includes a kill switch, protocol selection options, multi-hop, and obfuscation.
• Fewer server locations: A roll-your-own VPN will only usually provide you with an IP address in one location. This differs from consumer VPNs, which offer IPs in hundreds of cities worldwide.
• Privacy considerations: A roll-your-own VPN is not as robust for privacy as a consumer VPN. This is because you are the only user of the VPN, which could potentially allow for a correlation attack to link online activities back to you.

Despite the technical challenges in setting up these VPNs, it can be an excellent option for users who prefer to maintain complete control over their network security and IP management. However,  it is important to remember that shared IPs offer an additional layer of privacy by mixing your data with that of hundreds of other users.

What is a double VPN (multi-hop)?

A Multi-Hop VPN or Double VPN is a VPN connection that bounces your data through two separate VPN servers. This improves your privacy by concealing your home IP address behind two IP addresses. This setup encrypts your data twice on the way to its final destination.

The main benefit of a multi-hop VPN is that it reduces the opportunity for correlation attacks. Due to the double VPN server configuration, the IP address used to connect to the website differs from the IP address used to send data back to your home network. This additional step adds an extra layer of obfuscation of privacy.

One slight caveat is that Multi-Hop VPN setups can increase lag and reduce internet speeds. For this reason, it is not advisable to use this feature for streaming or other data-intensive tasks. However, if privacy is paramount, you may want to opt for a VPN that includes this feature, such as NordVPN.

What are the different types of Corporate VPNs?

So far, we’ve explored personal VPNs, the most common type home users use for privacy, streaming, and security. To give you a complete picture of the different types of VPNs available, we will cover the various types of corporate VPNs below.

Remote access VPN

A Remote Access VPN (client-to-server VPN) is designed to provide a secure connection from a user’s device to a private network. It creates an encrypted tunnel for data in transit, allowing employees to work remotely without exposing corporate data to the threat of surveillance or hacking.

This type of VPN is most commonly used to access corporate networks remotely. However, it can also be leveraged by individuals who need secure remote access to personal servers, NAS devices, and other private resources.

Authentication methods for Remote Access VPNs include username/password, digital certificates, multi-factor authentication (MFA), or single sign-on (SSO). These security features prevent unauthorized access to company data when employees work from home, from an off-site office, or while connected to public wifi.

Businesses can configure Remote Access VPNs to enforce role-based access control (RBAC) and hierarchical security restrictions. This setup permits network administrators to restrict access to network resources and maintain strict control over network security.

Who should use a remote access VPN?

Below, we have listed the types of people who may require access to a Remote Access VPN:

1. Remote employees who need secure access to company systems.
2. Freelancers or contractors who need access to sensitive business data or resources.
3. Small businesses who want to provide employees with a secure connection to internal resources.
4. Corporate teams that need to protect business communications on unsecured networks.
5. People who require secure access to a home network, NAS drive, or other personal system offering shared or remote access.

What are some popular remote access VPN options?

There are many competing enterprise-grade Remote Access VPN solutions designed to cater to businesses of all sizes. These VPNs provide secure and scalable access to internal systems, ensuring employees and freelancers can work remotely without increasing the business’s exposure to unwanted attack surfaces.

• Cisco AnyConnect: An enterprise-grade remote access VPN with multi-factor authentication.
• Perimeter 81 Remote Access VPN: A cloud-based VPN designed to provide encrypted VPN connections for remote teams. A highly scalable Remote Access VPN that offers an affordable solution for small and medium-sized businesses.
• Checkpoint Remote Access VPN: A corporate VPN that provides organizations with secure remote connectivity to business resources using checkpoint firewalls and encrypted tunnels.
• Fortinet FortiClient: An advanced security suite with zero-trust VPN functionality. It provides IPSec or SSL VPN for secure remote access.

Site-to-Site VPN

A Site-to-Site VPN allows businesses to connect multiple office locations or data centers securely. Unlike a Remote Access VPN, which connects individual devices to a corporate network, a Site-to-Site VPN creates an encrypted bridge between two or more entire networks. This allows multiple locations to function as a coherent unit. This removes the need for employees to log in to remote resources using a remote access connection.

Large companies with multiple branch locations use site-to-site VPNs to permit multiple office locations to operate like a single private network.

A Site-to-Site VPN is the best solution for organizations regularly sharing large volumes of data between offices. A site-to-site VPN can also help businesses maintain unified network policies across multiple locations, which may be necessary for compliance.

What are the different types of Site-to-Site VPNs?

• Intranet-based Site-to-Site VPN: These connect multiple branches of the same organization, ensuring all locations operate under a single, secure private network.
• Extranet-based Site-to-Site VPN: These are used to connect an organization’s internal network with external partners, suppliers, or contractors while maintaining strict access controls.

Who should use a Site-to-Site VPN?

This type of VPN is used by larger businesses with multiple office locations. You can expect to find site-to-site VPNS being used by companies with global teams needing high-speed and reliable network access. They are also leveraged by organizations that frequently collaborate with external business partners or affiliates.

What are some popular site-to-site VPN solutions?

• AWS Site-to-Site VPN: Scalable VPN for securely connecting on-premises networks to AWS cloud infrastructure.
• Fortinet SD-WAN: SD-WAN combines VPN security with smart networking technology to improve speed, reliability, and security for businesses.
• Zscaler Private Access (ZPA): A cloud-based zero-trust VPN alternative for enterprises.

What is a Corporate Intranet VPN?

Large organizations use a Corporate Intranet VPN to provide secure internal communication and access to private company resources. A Corporate Intranet VPN is built to protect internal systems, ensuring that employees can communicate, collaborate, and share sensitive data without exposing their activities to the broader internet.

This VPN allows companies to enforce strict security policies, preventing unauthorized users from accessing confidential documents, proprietary software, or sensitive customer data.

Corporate Intranet VPNs are often used in highly regulated industries like finance, healthcare, and government. It allows those businesses to maintain compliance with data protection laws by preventing data from being exposed in plain text, even when being communicated internally.

What type of businesses use a Corporate Intranet VPN?

1. Enterprises that manage highly confidential internal communications.
2. Government agencies that require strict network segmentation.
3. Financial institutions that protect sensitive transactions and data.
4. Healthcare organizations handling electronic medical records (EMRs).

What are some advanced corporate types of VPNs?

There are various types of advanced VPN configurations available for businesses that need remote access or site-to-site security. These advanced corporate VPN solutions provide enhanced access control, cloud-native security, and increased network protection. Below, we have listed three technologies that businesses leverage alongside traditional VPN configs in order to gain additional control and security.

1. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

ZTNA helps businesses secure network resources by continuously verifying user identity and device security. Unlike traditional VPNs, which assume anyone inside the network is trusted, ZTNA operates on a “never trust, always verify” model. This ensures that only authorized users can access specific resources. This prevents lateral movement by attackers if credentials are stolen or a device is compromised.

2. Software-Defined Perimeter (SDP)

An SDP (Software-Defined Perimeter) makes a company’s network invisible to unauthorized users, so only approved users can access network resources. Unlike regular VPNs, which give users access to the entire network, an SDP only grants access to what the user needs. This gives SCOs great network control and reduces the chance of hackers finding weak points to attack.

3. Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)

SASE combines VPN security with cloud protection techiques. Instead of sending traffic through a central server, it leverages cloud servers to make remote work faster. It also includes firewall protection and Zero Trust security to improve network security.

What is a VPS?

A Virtual Private Server (VPS) is different from a VPN. A VPS is a virtual server that you rent from a hosting provider. VPS servers are used for web hosting or other private applications. Unlike a VPN, a VPS does not encrypt your internet connection. However, using a VPS to set up a self-hosted VPN (roll-your-own VPN) is possible.

Types of VPN FAQs