VPN apps at a glance: How to find the VPN that offers all the features you need

We often read that VPN apps increase security. But what does VPN actually mean and what can VPN apps be used for?

Why should you download a VPN app?

VPN service providers focused primarily on desktop PC users. In recent years, however, more and more VPN apps installed on smartphones and tablets. Due to the fact that people are increasingly surfing with mobile devices, there are special VPN services that have been created exclusively for smartphones and tablets.

The VPN app ensures a secure connection to the Internet. An encrypted tunnel is created so that personal data and communication can be protected. The IP address remains hidden. You can also use VPN apps to use public Wi-Fi networks securely.

Other special features: VPN apps can be used to bypass geographical blocks or censorship. As the data is encrypted, not only the IP address but also the physical location remains undetected. It is impossible to detect or track identity, location or online activity when using a VPN app.

How to use the VPN app

The VPN app establishes a secure and encrypted connection between the VPN server and the tablet, smartphone or desktop PC. The VPN provider's server can be anywhere in the world.

The device on which the VPN app was started is authenticated by the VPN server. The connection is only established after verification. The login is carried out using certificates or by checking user login information.

Once authentication has been completed, there is an encrypted tunnel between the server and the device used to surf the Internet. The tunnel protects all data traffic.

All data that is transferred now passes through the tunnel. This means that there is no information about online activities, personal data or even via the IP address. However, once the data has reached the VPN server, decryption begins - the data is made readable.

Which functions should be offered?

If you want to use a VPN app, you will find that there are many providers. But which provider is the best? And what makes a good VPN app?

It is primarily about strong protocols. This means that a robust encryption protocol must be selected. Well-established protocols include SSTP, OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv/IPSec. Providers that work with outdated protocols, such as PPTP, should be avoided.
It should also be possible to hide the IP address with the VPN app. Good VPN apps offer options for redirection so that security and anonymity on the Internet can be guaranteed.

Furthermore, it is important that the VPN provider pursues a so-called no-log policy. This means that no information about the customer's online activities is stored. This ensures that privacy is protected and sensitive data cannot fall into the wrong hands.

Another security mechanism: Kill Switch. The user's identity is protected by the app interrupting the internet connection if - for whatever reason - there is an interruption to the VPN server. This prevents the real IP address from appearing. If there is a broad server network at different locations, this ensures better flexibility and performance. This is helpful if regional content is to be accessed or geographical restrictions are to be circumvented. This allows the customer to decide for themselves which server they want to access, so that they can then establish a secure connection.

Customer service, usability and price

But it's also about usability: Additional authentication methods such as the use of a physical security key or multi-factor authentication increase the security of VP access; moreover, there is no need to worry about third parties logging in.

If difficulties arise, it is important that employees can be reached easily. In other words, what channels are available and at what times are the employees available?

Finally, it is also about the price. However, this should never be considered in isolation. VPN apps cost money - but in the end it's all about the price-performance ratio. If you start a VPN app comparison, you should not only look at the price, but also at the functions.

Pictures:

VPN apps at a glance: How to find the VPN that offers all the features you need

We often read that VPN apps increase security. But what does VPN actually mean and what can VPN apps be used for?

Why should you download a VPN app?

VPN service providers focused primarily on desktop PC users. In recent years, however, more and more VPN apps installed on smartphones and tablets. Due to the fact that people are increasingly surfing with mobile devices, there are special VPN services that have been created exclusively for smartphones and tablets.

The VPN app ensures a secure connection to the Internet. An encrypted tunnel is created so that personal data and communication can be protected. The IP address remains hidden. You can also use VPN apps to use public Wi-Fi networks securely.

Other special features: VPN apps can be used to bypass geographical blocks or censorship. As the data is encrypted, not only the IP address but also the physical location remains undetected. It is impossible to detect or track identity, location or online activity when using a VPN app.

How to use the VPN app

The VPN app establishes a secure and encrypted connection between the VPN server and the tablet, smartphone or desktop PC. The VPN provider's server can be anywhere in the world.

The device on which the VPN app was started is authenticated by the VPN server. The connection is only established after verification. The login is carried out using certificates or by checking user login information.

Once authentication has been completed, there is an encrypted tunnel between the server and the device used to surf the Internet. The tunnel protects all data traffic.

All data that is transferred now passes through the tunnel. This means that there is no information about online activities, personal data or even via the IP address. However, once the data has reached the VPN server, decryption begins - the data is made readable.

Which functions should be offered?

If you want to use a VPN app, you will find that there are many providers. But which provider is the best? And what makes a good VPN app?

It is primarily about strong protocols. This means that a robust encryption protocol must be selected. Well-established protocols include SSTP, OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv/IPSec. Providers that work with outdated protocols, such as PPTP, should be avoided.

It should also be possible to hide the IP address with the VPN app. Good VPN apps offer options for redirection so that security and anonymity on the Internet can be guaranteed.

Furthermore, it is important that the VPN provider pursues a so-called no-log policy. This means that no information about the customer's online activities is stored. This ensures that privacy is protected and sensitive data cannot fall into the wrong hands.

Another security mechanism: Kill Switch. The user's identity is protected by the app interrupting the internet connection if - for whatever reason - there is an interruption to the VPN server. This prevents the real IP address from appearing.

If there is a broad server network at different locations, this ensures better flexibility and performance. This is helpful when accessing regional content or circumventing geographical restrictions. This allows the customer to decide for themselves which server they want to access, so that they can then establish a secure connection.

Customer service, usability and price

But it's also about usability: Additional authentication methods such as the use of a physical security key or multi-factor authentication increase the security of VP access; moreover, there is no need to worry about third parties logging in.

If difficulties arise, it is important that employees can be reached easily. In other words, what channels are available and at what times are the employees available?

Finally, it is also about the price. However, this should never be considered in isolation. VPN apps cost money - but in the end it's all about the price-performance ratio. If you start a VPN app comparison, you should not only look at the price, but also at the functions.

Pictures:

https://www.pexels.com/de-de/foto/person-die-eine-tablette-halt-3949101/ (https://www.pexels.com/de-de/foto/person-die-eine-tablette-halt-3949101/)

https://www.pexels.com/de-de/foto/person-hand-festhalten-gerate-5117989/ (https://www.pexels.com/de-de/foto/person-hand-festhalten-gerate-5117989/)