VPN alternatives for business and personal use

Alternatives to a VPN

Let’s explore some possible virtual private network (VPN) alternatives for both personal web browsing and business operations and break down the pros and cons of each option. Note that these alternatives use different technology than VPNs and may not be suitable for all cybersecurity use cases.

Zero trust network access (ZTNA)

ZTNA is a cybersecurity service built on the zero trust framework, enabling users to access an organization’s systems remotely at the application level instead of the network level. This approach minimizes exposure to external threats and ensures the privacy of application activity.

ZTNA verifies each user’s identity and device security before granting access to an application. Because it uses the zero trust principle, these checks are made every time a user requests access, regardless of their previous activity. 

Users only get access to the applications they need rather than getting access to the entire network. ZTNA also monitors user activity for anomalies and limits access if a threat emerges. 

Once users are inside the applications they need, their activity is kept private, meaning no one outside the system can view it. This feature helps reduce the chances of data breaches or other cyberattacks. 

Pros: 

• Keeps activity private. Like a VPN, ZTNA protects user activity from prying eyes outside your network. 
• Very secure. ZTNA performs multiple verification checks, uses ongoing monitoring, and limits the applications users have access to. These steps help protect against both internal and external threats. 
• Scalable for remote work. ZTNA is designed primarily for professional use and can be scaled to accommodate an entire team of remote workers. 

Cons:

• Complex implementation. ZTNA often requires organizations to restructure their network, making it difficult to implement this security solution. 
• Expensive. Setup costs for ZTNA are high, so this solution isn’t accessible to organizations with a limited budget. 
• Resource use. Running ZTNA requires more computing resources than other VPN alternatives because it needs to monitor user activity and perform frequent security checks. 

ZTNA is a professional cybersecurity tool for growing organizations. It’s best for companies that have remote or hybrid teams spread across multiple locations. It also works well for organizations with a multi-cloud setup. ZTNA is not for personal cybersecurity use and may be too complex for companies with small teams as well. When comparing ZTNA vs. VPNs, a VPN is more appropriate for individual security needs. 

Secure access service edge (SASE)

SASE bundles network and security features into a cloud-based architecture. This feature allows employees to work remotely with a security architecture that’s similar to what they would receive in an office. It uses SD-WAN for networking and combines it with ZTNA, SWG, CASB, and NGFW. 

SASE provides remote access to an organization’s network and security framework. Users can log on from their home, satellite office, or public network via the cloud, and all traffic is routed through the SASE. 

Since SASE contains ZTNA technology, it verifies the user’s identity and monitors their activity. Like a VPN, SASE encrypts web traffic to keep it private. In addition to ZTNA, SASE contains numerous other cybersecurity tools. These tools include a firewall to filter out malicious web traffic and threat protection features to protect against malware or data breaches. 

Pros:

• Remote access. SASE allows employees to work remotely without compromising the cybersecurity benefits they receive in the office. Instead of having to install multiple cybersecurity tools individually, users can access them all through the same platform. 
• Cohesive security. Instead of using multiple security tools from different providers, businesses can use one SASE platform to handle everything. 
• Scalable. SASE is a comprehensive cybersecurity approach that can scale with your organization as it grows. 

Cons:

• Not suitable for personal use. SASE is a large-scale tool designed for organizations with remote teams or multiple locations. It’s not a viable VPN alternative for individuals. 
• Duplication. If you’re already using an SD-WAN network or cybersecurity tools like firewalls and malware detection, SASE will create duplication, making your network overly complex. 
• Time-consuming setup. Switching to a SASE framework for your organization is a complex process that requires buy-in from your entire team. 

SASE is designed for organizations with multiple offices or remote teams that need comprehensive security support. Its complexity means that it isn’t ideal for smaller organizations or individuals. 

Software-defined WAN (SD-WAN)

A wide area network, or WAN, is a network that allows hardware to communicate with each other across large distances. A WAN can connect devices across multiple cities or even multiple countries. Each WAN is made up of multiple LANs, or local area networks, which contain devices, servers, and data centers. An SD-WAN uses software to manage these networks, routing traffic through optimal pathways. SD-WANs use multiple connection types for maximum efficiency. 

Many global businesses have multiple internet connections as part of their networking setup. This setup could include broadband, MPLS, or mobile internet connections. SD-WAN monitors these connections for speed, lag, and congestion. When someone needs to send data through the network, the SD-WAN routes this traffic through the most efficient connection to prevent disruptions. Like a VPN, an SD-WAN encrypts traffic for security. 

Pros:

• Efficient connection. SD-WANs use multiple connection types to maintain speed. This means that users avoid interruptions, even when the network is busy. 
• Strong security. Like a VPN, SD-WANs encrypt traffic, which keeps data safe while it is in transit. SD-WANs also integrate easily with other cybersecurity tools.
• Reduced networking costs. SD-WAN routes web traffic along the most efficient path in the network, which helps cut down on broadband usage and reduce total networking costs. 

Cons:

• Complex setup. SD-WANs connect multiple channels and locations, so they take time to implement. This also means they’re not ideal for personal use or for small businesses with only one location. 
• High investment cost. Setting up an SD-WAN requires a significant investment in both hardware and software, which means it isn’t the most cost-effective option. When comparing an SD-WAN vs. a VPN, a VPN secures your traffic in a more cost-efficient way. 

SD-WANs are designed for organizations with multiple offices or locations in different geographical areas. They’re best for companies that need efficient network connectivity with no disruptions. 

Proxy servers

A proxy server acts as an intermediary between your computer and the internet. Like a VPN, it masks your IP address, which can keep your virtual location secure and allow you to access your paid home content when you’re abroad. Proxy servers can also be used to filter web traffic or block certain types of content. 

When you use the internet with a proxy server, all requests are sent through that server instead of going directly through the websites you’re using. Then, the website sends data back through the proxy server, which then sends it to you. Proxy servers have their own IP address separate from your computer, so the websites you visit won’t see your IP address. 

Pros:

• Keeps information private. Since traffic is routed through the proxy server, the websites you visit can't track your activities based on an IP address.
• Blocks malicious web traffic. Proxy servers can act as blocklists, filtering traffic and blocking access to harmful or unwanted websites. However, they offer more limited protection than firewalls.
• Can improve speed. Proxy servers cache websites you visit often, which can help improve the speed of your connection. 

Cons:

• Does not encrypt traffic. The biggest difference when comparing a VPN and proxy server is that proxy servers usually do not encrypt your web traffic. This means that your web traffic could still be visible if it were intercepted by a third party. 
• Requires programming skills. Configuring a proxy server to meet your needs can be complicated and requires technical programming experience. 

Many people use personal proxy servers to change their IP address. Many companies and schools also use them to block certain websites or types of traffic. For example, they might block websites associated with malicious activity or illegal content. They might also block videos and other high-bandwidth content to improve functionality. 

Smart domain name system (DNS)

Smart DNS is a technology that reroutes your device’s DNS queries to a remote server. When you visit a website, the first thing your device does is make a DNS query. With Smart DNS, this query goes through a remote server. This indicates to the website that your DNS query came from a different virtual location. 

Pros:

• Works on a wide range of devices. You can enable Smart DNS on devices like smart TVs and video game systems, which aren’t always compatible with other cybersecurity tools. 

Cons:

• Doesn’t encrypt traffic. Smart DNS doesn’t encrypt your traffic, which means it could still be intercepted by threat actors. 
• Doesn’t change your IP address. Smart DNS just reroutes your requests rather than fully masking your IP address and location. 
• Requires complex manual setup. Setting up Smart DNS requires you to manually reconfigure your router, which can be complicated for those who aren’t tech-savvy. 

Smart DNS is often used to access paid services that are limited to a specific country while you are temporarily abroad. Many people install such DNS services on their TVs to expand their options. Smart DNS does not offer the security options that a VPN does, so it’s not ideal for protecting your digital privacy. However, you don’t necessarily have to choose between a VPN or Smart DNS, because you can use both on the same system. 

Secure shell (SSH) tunnel

A secure shell tunnel, or SSH tunnel, creates an encrypted connection between a port on your computer and a port on a remote server. Some SSH tunnels can be configured to work similarly to a proxy server.

When you connect to a remote SSH server, it creates an encrypted tunnel between a specific application on your computer and that server, keeping the traffic safer in transit. Once it reaches the SSH server, the data is decrypted. 

Pros:

• Secure connection. An SSH tunnel creates a secure encrypted connection, which helps protect against data theft and other privacy risks. 
• Affordable. Setting up an SSH tunnel is usually free or very cheap, depending on your existing network structure. This makes it a cost-effective way to encrypt traffic.

Cons:

• Application level. An SSH tunnel encrypts traffic from a specific application rather than across your entire network. This means you would need to set up a separate SSH tunnel for each application you’re using. 
• Difficult to configure. If you don’t have previous experience in IT, setting up an SSH tunnel could be a difficult process. 
• Doesn’t change IP addresses. When comparing SSH vs. VPN, an SSH tunnel won’t mask your IP address or location, while a VPN does. 

SSH tunnels are often used to send sensitive or secure data over an unsecured network. For example, if an employee needs to work from an unsecured public network, they could set up an SSH tunnel to communicate with their work network securely. 

Tor

The Onion Router, abbreviated as Tor, is open-source software designed for anonymous web browsing. Tor routes your web traffic through multiple servers, encrypting your connection in the process to keep your traffic private.

Tor operates like a web browser and has a network of volunteer-run servers all over the world. When you visit a website on Tor, it routes the request through three random servers from the network. Each server receives limited information, helping to keep your identity and virtual location private. 

Pros:

• Free software. Tor is free to download, so it’s a cost-effective way to encrypt traffic. 
• Very strong encryption. Because traffic passes through three different servers before reaching its destination, chances of interception are very low. 
• Easy to use. Since Tor works like a web browser, it’s easy to use even if you have limited technical knowledge. 

Cons:

• Volunteer network. Tor’s server network is run by volunteers, but there’s little transparency regarding who has control of the servers. 
• Slow. Because traffic passes through multiple servers, Tor runs very slowly. 
• Not available for all operating systems. Due to Tor’s connection to the dark web, it’s not available for all devices. 
• Limited location control. The biggest difference between Tor vs. a VPN is that VPNs let you choose a specific server location, while Tor only allows general exit node preferences, offering less precise control.

Tor is often used by cybercriminals to access the dark web. However, Tor has some legal uses. Some people use Tor to avoid political surveillance and keep sensitive information private and untraceable. Tor also provides more online privacy than a standard browser and helps you avoid third-party ads. 

Why do people look for VPN alternatives? 

People might be looking for a VPN replacement for several reasons. These include:

• Price. Some consumers may be worried that a VPN is too expensive and consider other options despite various VPN benefits. However, many low-cost and free VPNs can be found on the market, and VPNs are actually cheaper than many other security solutions. 
• Speed. Using a VPN can affect internet speed, which causes some people to look for other options. However, high-quality VPNs have robust server networks designed to handle a high traffic load. If you choose your VPN wisely, you shouldn’t notice much of a difference in your internet speed. 
• Restrictions. Some websites and organizations block the use of VPNs. If you choose a VPN with a larger network, you’re less likely to encounter this problem, as there will be more servers to choose from. 
• Scalability. Many people are looking for an alternative to corporate VPNs that can scale to meet their organization’s needs. However, choosing a VPN with additional security features can be an effective solution instead. 

Is it worth trying VPN alternatives? 

Ultimately, it depends on what you’re looking for and what your cybersecurity needs are. If you know that you need a specific network configuration or security feature for your organization, a VPN alternative might suit your needs. 

However, VPNs are one of the most accessible and cost-effective ways to increase security and privacy when browsing online. Special VPN deals and VPN discount codes make this technology affordable, and it’s simple and easy to use on a variety of devices. VPNs help both individuals and businesses protect their online activity and keep their virtual location private.