Programs for VPN connection. The best VPN programs for your computer

Recently, the issue of changing location on the Internet has become especially relevant. Users are trying to find the most convenient and fast server to use for their own purposes. The best free VPN is difficult to determine, but there are several decent options.

Why do you need a VPN?

A VPN is a virtual private network that allows a user to change their location on the network by using a third-party IP address.

This server is used for several purposes:

  • gaining access to a resource that is prohibited in the user’s country;
  • purchasing from an online store that does not cooperate with the buyer’s country;
  • for work (services, programs, etc.);
  • carrying out unlawful and illegal actions;
  • and much more.

Now let’s look at the programs and services that best cope with the task.

Applications for iOS and Android

There are a huge number of applications for smartphones that provide VPN services. The following are considered the most popular and proven.

The program is in the TOP of both application stores. There are two use cases:

  1. Free - after connecting to the network, one ad block will be displayed, which disappears after minimizing the application. Only a small number of countries are available for connection (this is enough for everyday tasks).
  2. Paid - no advertising and full access to the list of countries. Paid servers are faster than free ones.

The interface is intuitive - when starting, just press the central button.

You can install the application on iOS and Android from the store.

Another popular smartphone application that is shareware. If you use the free version, then after connecting to the VPN, one ad block will be displayed, which you can simply close.

There are also several countries to choose from through which the connection will occur. Of course not the fastest options.

Computer programs

Now let's talk about anonymizers that need to be installed on your computer.

A very popular client that can be installed on any operating system (Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Routers).

To use, just download the program, run it and press the connect button. The number of countries is limited in the free version. If you want to diversify your choice, you can buy the Premium version.

From the official website you can download the version for your operating system. Click below to go.

Hotspot Shield

This application, like the previous one, can be installed for free with the option to purchase a Premium account. Connection is fast, the client interface is intuitive and simple.


Click the button below to go to the official website and install the program.

Browser extensions

If you just need to change the location while using the browser, you can install extensions.

Important! The utilities are designed for Google Chrome.

A convenient extension that can be accessed with one click. Once installed, an icon will appear on the toolbar. Connecting to a virtual private network is easy. It is possible to select a country.


This utility is installed through the Google Chrome store. The Touch VPN link is below.

On the official website you can select the extension version. Once clicked, you will be taken to the store for installation.

conclusions

A variety of services allows you to choose the best option specifically for you. You can use a virtual network on any type of device. We looked at the most popular programs that are relatively free.

To download the latest version of HideGuard VPN for Windows, use one of the links below. The recommended method of installing the program is an online installer, with instant download of the program.

HideGuardVPN installation package in archive
In zip archive Version: 2.6.1, 2.7 Mb., October 29, 2017

The software product has a digital signature confirmed VeriSign.

HideGuard VPN Installation Steps

HideGuard VPN License Agreement

Official page .

The simplest procedure for downloading and installing the application

If you decide to ensure complete security for your online work, then it’s time to download a VPN client. This program will allow you not to bother with issues of detection, theft of personal data and other hacker attacks. The program operates on the basis of a reliable protocol that ensures complete security of the connection and your IP address.

By installing the program on your computer, you can use a reliable defender all the time or only when a specific connection must be protected by VPN. Downloading the program is very simple. You need to choose the option that is convenient for you and click on the appropriate link.

Download options

Please note that the program is downloaded via a direct link. Downloading the program is absolutely free. Click on the link and save the installation program on your personal computer.

You are offered two links. Both links allow you to download the first version of the assistant 2.6.1. The first link is the installation client of the program, which is provided in full size. You simply download the program and install it on your computer. The second link is a compressed version of the file, which is smaller in size. After downloading the file, you need to unpack it using an archiver and then start installing the program.

Please also note that the product provided has a digital signature verified by VeriSign. From here you can be sure of the originality and authenticity of the program you are using. The VPN client is optimized for use on Windows operating systems.

How to uninstall HideGuard VPN?

You may remove the HideGuard VPN Software from your computer at any time. All elements of the operating system on which the HideGuard VPN Software was installed are returned to their previous form. HideGuard VPN executable files are also removed from the operating system.

You can remove HideGuard VPN software in the Microsoft Windows operating system through the "Programs and Features" menu by selecting "HideGuard VPN" from the menu, or from the installed Programs menu by selecting "Uninstall HideGuard VPN".

Latest updates

October 29, 2017

New version of HideGuard 2.6.1
- Bug fix
- Updated list of servers

March 29, 2017

HideGuard version 2.6
- Bug fix
- The program has been restored (you need to install the latest version)

July 11, 2016

HideGuard version 2.5
- Server list update
- Added a button to close the program window

February 10, 2016

HideGuard version 2.4
- New VPN servers in Canada
- Optimization for Windows 10

June 17, 2015

HideGuard VPN version 2.3
- Fixed server list

March 17, 2014

HideGuard VPN version 2.2
- New VPN server in Germany
- Fixed an error that occurred periodically when the program was first launched

March 4, 2014

HideGuard VPN version 2.1
- Stable performance of the program and VPN connection

October 17, 2013

HideGuard VPN version 2.0
- Country selection
- Fast connection to VPN server
- Checking the received IP

September 18, 2013

HideGuard VPN version 1.2
- Connection speeded up
- New information window
- Fixed errors in the program

September 9, 2013

HideGuard VPN version 1.1
- Connection to servers has been accelerated
- Improved algorithm for selecting available servers
- Improved compatibility with older versions of Windows
- Added support for Windows 8.1
- Tooltips disabled

August 27, 2013

HideGuard VPN 1.0 launched
Release of the first version of HideGuard VPN
26 servers all over the world, free access.

If you want to get complete security, anonymity on the Internet, and open access to blocked resources, we recommend that you immediately purchase ZenMate. Analogues, especially non-commercial ones, cannot be compared with this program, since they cannot boast of the stability and high data transfer speeds of ZenMate.

hide.me VPN It will appeal to both specialists. as well as for amateurs. The client is easy to use, but very finely customized to suit any requirements and tasks. Costs from $5 per month (there is a free mode with a limited number of countries and traffic), supports all current protocols, allows port forwarding and protects against DNS leaks. It is curious that with such an extensive list of features, its interface is user-friendly. Beginners will only use the “connect” button and be bored with viewing blocked sites, while pros will find any options of interest in the settings, including Kill Switch technology.

CyberGhost– the choice of those who cannot live without torrents. When you connect to a server in a certain country, you immediately see whether it supports p2p (most of these servers can be found in the United States of America). Also, the utility is not “heavy” for the system - it cannot slow down, which is good news. It's only lighter and more stable NordVPN And PureVPN- large and well-known Western providers. They are focused not only on banal bypass of blocking, but also on high-quality protection of personal data. The NordVPN client does not write logs, and the company itself is registered in Panama, which allows it to ignore any requests from the authorities to release users’ personal data.

PureVPN implements double tunneling technology, eliminating the possibility of interception of information and provides users with 700,000 IP addresses with the ability to configure different IPs for different programs and services. For example, a separate address for the browser, a separate one for the torrent, etc. You get a reliable firewall, and the web service provides access to any site.

Surfshark VPN boasts MultiHop technology, which allows you to connect to 2 VPN servers simultaneously to ensure the highest connection stability. A powerful computer network allows developers to guarantee a good connection, and together with a VPN you get a much more reliable firewall than the standard one in Microsoft Windows.

VPN Unlimited- on the contrary, it does not impose any special requirements on hardware, is cheaper and offers a choice of several servers with torrents. This means that you get consistently high speed, and if you notice a slowdown, you simply switch to a free server (there are more than 50 of them in 35 countries around the world). VPN Unlimited also allows you to remove Internet Security and ad blockers from your computer. The program contains Anti-Malware and Adblock. You just need to activate them in the settings. For $39 a year, it's hard to imagine anything better!

Hideman VPN And OpenVPN- products for professionals. They do not need advertising or detailed descriptions. Let us only note that Hideman has a port forwarding function, which is not available in similar utilities.

Completely free projects Betternet And Psiphon Suitable for inexperienced users, especially for bypassing blocking. The developers do not guarantee the security of your data and do not position the programs as secure surfing tools.

Hotspot Shield, on the contrary, was created to protect connections on free networks, but also helps to bypass restrictions on visiting certain resources. Available both by subscription and in a free edition with limited speed. It is the best choice for those who always forget to pay for a subscription in advance. Firstly, it provides a significant discount on a six-month to annual license. Secondly, it does not stop working, but simply limits speeds after the subscription expires.

TunnelBear for Microsoft Windows – a completely new look at the VPN interface. The utility is unusual, made with humor and style. We recommend downloading the trial version just for fun if you have a free minute.

Russian HideGuard VPN It attracts with its lack of a paid subscription and good characteristics, but it raises questions regarding security, to which the developers do not provide answers. The same can be said about Hola VPN– free software is not recommended by security experts, although it is popular among users. There are also many browser extensions - speedify, frigate and others. We haven't mentioned them because there are no full versions for PC. But you can find separate reviews of these services on the pages of our website.

VPN or Virtual Private Network- a tool for a truly free and secure Internet. It is a virtual private intermediary network between the end user and the World Wide Web. The technology allows you to access the network from a foreign IP address, which is required to access resources blocked in your home region. In addition, VPN should be used in public Wi-Fi networks to anonymize and protect against interception of transmitted data. VPN applications are the easiest way to evaluate all the advantages of the technology, about them below the cut.



Opera VPN- a client from the well-known Opera Software, created after the takeover of SurfEasy, one of the leaders in this field.

The appearance of the application is at the proper level: it looks modern and works smoothly. I was pleased with the mascot - a Scandinavian warrior, who symbolizes the security of VPN networks and notifies about the status of the application.

Connecting to a secure network is done in one click. By default, the nearest VPN server is used. The list of available regions is as follows: Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, Singapore and the USA.

A separate section is devoted to the security of Wi-Fi connections. The developers recommend activating VPN on public Wi-Fi networks to anonymize and prevent traffic interception.

An interesting feature of Opera VPN is that it blocks ad trackers that collect users' online activity for use for advertising purposes.
The service is provided absolutely free, without restrictions on the amount of traffic. There are no paid plans. The application has built-in unobtrusive advertising.

To test the service, we used a recommended VPN network located in the Netherlands.


Speed ​​measurements were carried out using the Speedtest.net service in two stages. First of all, the speed was tested to the server closest to the VPN network, located in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. Afterwards, the connection speed was measured to the server closest to the actual location.

Connection speed without VPN.

Testing in real conditions is much more interesting. Here Opera VPN shows itself extremely positively. Connecting to the network hardly affected the responsiveness of web pages and applications, however, from time to time the access speed drops, this manifests itself in noticeable delays. At the same time, through a VPN you can watch online videos up to 1080p.


Hola is one of the most common VPN services. In addition to the Android application, plugins for various browsers are available.

The application interface is designed in a modern flat style. Unlike other clients, the VPN connection is opened for a specific application. At the same time, other programs continue to transmit data directly.

In addition, the Hola client app comes with a built-in browser that allows you to visit web pages at your desired online location without creating a system-level VPN connection.

The list of available regions is the widest among free VPN clients. Among them are the usual Netherlands, Germany, the USA, and Angola, Indonesia, Italy, Estonia and others.
The service is provided free of charge and without restrictions on the amount of data transferred.

There are no banner ads in the application, however, unlike other solutions, Hola works on the principle of a peer-to-peer network. Each connected smartphone is used to transmit traffic to other participants. This approach allows you to reduce the cost of maintaining the main VPN servers by placing part of the load on users.

It is argued that the resources of user devices are consumed only when idle, when connected via Wi-Fi. To disconnect from the P2P network, you will need a paid Hola Premium subscription, costing $5 per month.


Connection speed was tested when connecting to a Dutch server. The VPN network exhibits excellent latency performance, especially when working with the server closest to the actual location.


When other regions connect to the network, the trend continues. Germany.


USA.

Hola is a service originally designed to work with services: hulu, Netflix, Pandora, Spotify. Thanks to this, streaming video is played without problems, including 1080p. There is nothing to say about the web pages; they work as expected.


CyberGhost- VPN service with an unusual client application aimed at the average user.

The main menu is divided into 4 banner sections with pre-configured modes of use.

The first one is Secure Wi-Fi Hotspot designed to work on public networks. After its activation, the ability to intercept traffic, as well as malicious sites, is blocked. Changing the region is not possible; the most optimal one is used by default.

I liked the ability to automatically activate protection when connecting to selected networks.

Safe streaming- catalog of services with regional reference.

The corresponding online location is used to connect.

Anonymous navigation - connect to a VPN network with options to ensure anonymity and security. The service can compress data on the fly to save traffic on mobile networks.

By default, the optimal VPN server is used, the list includes Germany, Canada, the Netherlands and Ukraine.

The last tab is connecting to a VPN with the ability to select a server manually, based on load data.

Anonymization and protection against malicious sites can be activated separately.

The free plan includes unlimited traffic and access to VPN servers in 30 regions. For 229 rubles per month you can get a higher connection speed.


The application has the function of automatically selecting a suitable server; during testing, a recommended server located in Ukraine was used. The service demonstrates high connection speed.


The remaining regions show comparable figures. Netherlands.

In real operation, the service shows itself positively. Web pages load quickly, but there is a slight delay due to high ping. Video content is provided without problems.


Turbo VPN- an alternative service that provides access to a secure channel without traffic restrictions.

The application interface is made in Material Design and looks modern. They couldn't do without a mascot; the developers used a hare.

There are no additional functions other than the VPN itself. Servers located in the following countries are available for connection: Germany, Canada, Great Britain, the Netherlands, France, the United States, India and Singapore. By default, the most optimal server is selected.

Using the service is absolutely free, the amount of traffic is not limited. There are no paid plans. The application is filled with advertisements, including full-screen ones.


In everyday use, the experience is similar: web pages load without significant delays. Online videos in 1080p work; delays when rewinding are comparable to connecting directly.


TouchVPN- free VPN service without traffic restrictions from North Ghost.

The client's style is reminiscent of MIUI. The interface is focused on connecting in one click.

An unusual feature is statistics of the current session. The application also draws graphs, but their information content and usefulness are questionable.

The list of available servers includes 19 countries, including: Germany, Russia, Hong Kong, Italy, Sweden and Japan.

Among the additional options, noteworthy is the warning about connecting to an unsecured network, which is triggered when using public Wi-Fi networks.

The service is provided absolutely free of charge without restrictions on traffic and connection time. There are no paid plans. The client uses full-screen advertising.

The client considers the Russian server to be optimal; it doesn’t make much sense. Therefore, a VPN server located in France was used for testing and speed measurements. The connection speed was a pleasant surprise! However, Speedtest.net is unstable on the network, and it was not possible to get speed results to the server closest to the actual location. Changing the region does not change the situation.

The unstable operation of the speed measurement service does not affect normal web surfing in any way; even heavy sites load normally. There were no problems with online videos.


Hideman Free VPN- a free version of the well-known service, unlimited in the amount of data transferred.

The application interface looks minimalistic, the main menu is to select the region to connect to. Available in the free version: Canada, Ukraine, Moldova, Türkiye, Romania and Bulgaria.

An interesting feature is support for the UDP protocol. It is faster than the usual TCP, although the latter is more reliable. Additional options include protection against malicious and spy sites, and Anti-DPI to bypass government firewalls.

In the free version of the service, only 6 regions are available. There are no restrictions on the amount of data transferred. The client uses unobtrusive banner advertising.


Along with other services, Hideman performed well in everyday use. Internet surfing and video streaming are provided without any noticeable problems.

About anonymity in public networks

Like any business, public VPN networks should not be unprofitable. At the same time, enormous amounts of money are spent on maintaining and supporting servers. If the service is provided free of charge, the monetization mechanisms are unclear, and it is unlikely that the advertising built into clients can recoup a significant part of the costs. Therefore, it is recommended to trust really important data to paid services that value their reputation and the anonymity of users. Free services are nothing more than a means of bypassing regional restrictions. That is, they are provided as is, without responsibility for users’ private data. You should take developers' claims about data security with skepticism.

In 2015, there was a scandal with the above-mentioned service, which was caught selling traffic to third-party companies. In one episode, users turned out to be unwitting participants in a botnet. After the scandal, the company changed the user agreement, and those who do not want to share device resources were offered a paid Hola Premium subscription.

To download Free VPN, follow the simple instructions.

  1. To start downloading the installation file, click on the blue “Download from server” button located just above.
  2. After which, the server will prepare and check the installation file for viruses.
  3. If the file is not infected and everything is fine with it, a gray “Download” button will appear.
  4. By clicking on the “Download” button, the file will begin downloading to your computer.

We do not ask you to go through a tedious registration process or send any SMS for confirmation. Just download and enjoy for your health =)

How to install Free VPN for Windows XP

To install the program, follow simple instructions that apply to most programs.

  1. Launch the downloaded file by double-clicking on it. All installation files are taken from the official websites of the developers.The last update date of the Free VPN version 1.0 file was January 10, 2017 at 14:58.
  2. In the window that appears, accept the license agreement. You can also read the license agreement on the official website of the program developer.
  3. Select the required components you want to install. Uncheck the boxes that may be selected to install additional programs.
  4. Select the folder on your computer where you want to install the program. In most cases, the program automatically selects a folder, for example in Windows it is C:\Program Files\
  5. Finally, the program installation manager may suggest creating a “Desktop Shortcut” or “Start Menu Folder.”
  6. After which the installation process will begin. After completion, the installation manager may ask you to restart the computer for the program to work more correctly.