This article provides a detailed guide on choosing the best VPN protocols to stay secure and anonymous on web.
The robust VPN protocols help to form a strong connection between your device and the internet. VPN effectively send data through a secure tunnel from your devices to VPN servers along with other servers you are trying to connect with. This data transfer is only possible through different types of VPN encryption
VPN protocols are regarded as a set of instructions to deliver a secure connection. Various types of VPNs are architected for specific purposes and use case determines which protocols that are suitable for a user. The best VPNs will let you choose from various protocols while others will only give a single option. Despite having the basic function, it differs in terms of encryption, security, efficiency, and stability. Lets explore the best VPN protocols for various use cases.
Best VPN protocols for various use cases
Not a single VPN protocol can do all for you. The best VPN protocols depends upon the unique need the users want to fulfill while doing certain tasks on the internet. For instance, if you want to torrent large files , you would most likely rely on a different protocol in comparison with the person who streams Netflix or other streaming sites. Let’s dive right in to choose the best VPN protocols.
Streaming
If you stream a lot on the Internet, then you know speed is the utmost thing. For this scenario, VPN protocols that work best to avoid geo-blocks will provide access to your favorite show. For a better streaming experience, consider using NordVPNs NordLynx. Apart from it, the other alternatives for this include OpenVPN in UDP mode, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2 VPN protocols respectively.
ExpressVPN – Great Streaming VPN
ExpressVPN offers a great streaming experience for all its users . It lets the users toggle between UDP
(User Datagram Protocol) or TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) with in the application settings.
Gaming
For gaming, it is essential to choose a VPN protocol with slow ping time. WireGuard and IKEV2 allow you to connect with the nearest location in a matter of seconds and hence offer a great gaming experience. The lesser the distance between the signals, the lower the latency and faster the game.
NordVPN- Best VPN for Gaming
NordVPN being the reliable option for gaming offers IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN protocol for secure and stable connection . Along with this NordVPN has its own proprietary protocol named as NordLynx for the ultimate security of users.
Torrenting
Although, it is not encouraged to carry out copyright infringement activities through the use of VPN. Some VPNs offer the best speed for legal file sharing. Before making a selection of VPN , it is important to consider the following crucial questions: Does the VPN protocol collect any kinds of logs? Is a VPN fast enough to download large files? Is torrenting allowed or restricted at all? The best torrenting VPN protocol available in the market are NordLynx and OpenVPN. They both provide high level security, privacy to the users.
NordVPN – A better choice for torrenting
NordVPN is a viable option for torrenting with its optimized servers that are specially designed for P2P file sharing and torrenting. The specialized servers are effective in offering a great torrenting experience for all its users.
Downloads
When downloading torrents, making IP public in line with the transparency requirements of BitTorrent is a mandatory condition. This publicity makes you vulnerable to cyberattacks. To protect all your information, a VPN protocol that combines privacy, security, and speed is important for you. For downloading large files consider using WireGuard, OpenVPN in UDP mode, and NordLynx.
Security
One of the pivotal reasons why people use VPNs is its security issues. For all those whose main concern is security, consider using VPN that provides complete anonymity and security. WireGuard and OpenVPN are viable protocol options for high-level security.
VPN Protocols Comparison
| Protocol | Speed | Encryption | Stability | Streaming | P2P |
| OpenVPN | Fast with UDP, slow with TCP | Varies from high to very high | Good | Good | Good |
| WireGuard | Very Fast | High | Very good | Good | Good |
| IKEv2/IPSec | Moderate | High | Very good | Good | Good |
| L2TP/IPSec | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Poor | Poor |
| SSTP | Very Fast | Very High | Medium | Medium | Good |
| PPTP | Very Fast | Moderate | Good | Poor | Poor |
How to select VPN protocol in the application?
For most of the VPN service providers, you can change the VPN protocol within the application setting. All you have to do is to follow the simple guidelines:
Open the setting menu and then select your desired protocol.
If you are unable to change the protocol within the application, then you can manually install and configure the protocol. For instance, NordVPN is on NordLynx protocol but users can easily install the IKEv2 VPN protocol as well. When you are performing manual configurations , it is important to follow the guides on the official website.