The Best VPNs with WireGuard

The era of active use of the Internet has dramatically changed modern people’s lives. Every day we make purchases via the Internet, watch videos and photos, work and communicate with people, and share data. So, staying anonymous and secure online is extremely important but difficult to achieve in the Internet age.

Encrypting our current IP address and data is vital so that the information remains only in our hands and those we trust. However, how can such an effect be achieved? 

With modern technology and companies willing to provide you with what you need for a small fee, anything is possible. So, one example of modern security methods is VPNs. Many services use different encryption methods and protocols, but they all perform a crucial function – to protect the user.

We will tell you about the best services that use only modern encryption methods, leaving you protected and explain to you why you need to stop using free VPNs.

What Makes WireGuard VPNs so Good?

One of the newest VPN security protocols is WireGuard. Although it has existed for several years, its active use only began in 2021-2022. Introduced back in 2016, the technology was used by only four donation-based VPN services and was not popular but seemed to have some potential. From 2018 to 2020, this technology was being actively implemented in Linux and Android. Today, WireGuard is the future of the VPN world, and here are a few reasons why.

Easy to set up	This technology is much easier to set up, as it has only 4,000 lines of code, while popular VPNs like OpenVPN and IPsec have 400,000 and 600,000 lines of code, respectively.
Stable connection	The protocol allows you to keep a more stable connection and reconnect faster if necessary.
Open source code	WireGuard VPN server is also based on open source code that you can explore and see what’s inside the program.
Cross-platform	The variability of devices supported by the protocol also pleases users.
Less vulnerable to hacker attacks	Due to the small number of code lines, it will be more difficult for hackers to attack technology vulnerabilities since they may not exist. And in such a small number of lines of code, possible vulnerabilities are easier to optimize and close.
Speed boost	Although many VPN reviews often say that they noticed an increase in speed when checking services, something that WireFuard can do, no one can perform. So, during the test with a speed of 500 Mbps, the speed with this protocol enabled was 456 Mbps.

Although this may sound like a typical description of any VPN service, this protocol provides new opportunities and excellent stability when working with private networks.

How Do I Set up a WireGuard Connection Manually?

With the recent release of WireGuard, many people wonder how to use WireGuard connection. While WireGuard is still in its early stages, it is possible to set up a connection manually. In this block, we will show you how to do that.

Before we begin, there are a few things you will need to set up a WireGuard connection:

• A router that supports WireGuard (most routers released in the last 2 years should support WireGuard). 
• A computer that supports WireGuard (again, most computers released in the last 2 years should support WireGuard).
• The latest version of the WireGuard software for your router and computer.
• A VPN account with a WireGuard-compatible provider.

Once you have all of the things listed above, you can start to set up your WireGuard connection using the steps below

1. The first thing you will need to do is open the WireGuard VPN client software on your computer and router. 
2. Once you have done this, you will need to generate a keypair for each device. To do this, click on the “Generate Keypair” button in the software.
3. Once you have generated a keypair for each device, you need to add them to each other’s list of authorized keys. To do this, simply click on the “Add Key” button and enter the other device’s public key.
4. Next, you will need to select a VPN server that supports Wireguard.
5. Once you have found a suitable server, simply connect to it by clicking on the “Connect” button.
6. Once you are connected, your devices should now be able to communicate with each other via the VPN tunnel. If everything is working correctly, you should now be able to browse the internet securely and anonymously.

N.B. Unfortunately, this technology does not allow users to take full advantage of the major platforms, although it has been announced that WireGuard VPN server will work on various operating systems. The protocol simply did not have time to be introduced into the systems since it is still new. Therefore, the only method that can allow you to use WireGuard is to install it on a router or use a VPN that supports its function.

Safety of WireGuard VPN Server

Unfortunately, WireGuard technology has one significant drawback. Since the technology was developed to provide users with high connection speed and security, the developer had to sacrifice anonymity. Thanks to this, the technology stores user IP addresses indefinitely. You can delete user address data from the system after the program server is restarted.

From this, the following problem arises: each VPN service is tasked with independently solving the problem of saving users’ IP addresses, and many companies offer different solutions.

Among them, the most popular are:

1. Deletion of user data after the end of a VPN session.
2. Providing a double Network Address Translation system.

While the first system is easy to understand, double NAT can be problematic.

So, the double Network Address Translation system works as follows:

• You are connecting to a VPN.
• Your actual address is stored on an encrypted server that does not belong to the VPN service.
• The VPN system assigns the same IP address and millions of other devices to your device.
• After that, you go through the connection to the server, and your new address changes again, but for each user, a different address is given.

Now let’s look at the weaknesses of these two systems for bypassing saving user IP addresses while working with WireGuard VPN server:

1. Erasing a user’s data after a session can be vulnerable during an active session, as an attacker can break the server while users are working with a VPN and steal data.
2. At the same time, double NAT can also be vulnerable since the VPN service needs to create a separate server to store user’s data, which an attacker can steal.

Whether to use WireGuard or not is up to you, as the technology is relatively fresh and may still have vulnerabilities as it is constantly evolving and improving.

Top VPNs with WireGuard Protocol

Well, now it’s time to choose the best service that can provide you with the highest connection speed, good file download and upload speed, provide you with reliable solutions to protect your data and your location, and will be perfectly integrated into your operating system and not conflict with other applications.

Our team has selected the 5 best services to provide you with the maximum number of key features that any reliable VPN service must have. We also compared different service prices and conducted rigorous application testing to see the reliability of private networks.

So, let’s plunge into the world of a safe and reliable Internet and find out about the best services on the market today.

NordVPN

First on our list is NordVPN. This Panama-based VPN offers its services for $3.09 per month and is ready to help with your problem anytime. As for the WireGuard protocol, we can say that this VPN is the best among all other services in integrating this protocol.. So, the new protocol can be found in the VPN service as NordLynx. To activate this protocol, you need:

1. Go to app settings.
2. Turn off automatic protocol and VPN server selection.
3. From the drop-down window of the “VPN protocol” section, select NordLynx.
4. Then restart the application and connect to the server.

As stated above, to successfully implement the WireGuard VPN server protocol, developers need to solve the confidentiality problem since the protocol itself does not provide user anonymity. NordVPN uses a double NAT method, whichallows the developers to eliminate any data leaks and holes in the system.
NordVPN also offers many other valuable features for the user’s experience. For a more advanced level of using the VPN service, you can use the next features.

Double VPN servers	This feature allows the user to connect to two servers in different countries, making it impossible for you to be spotted. No one can see what you are doing online and where you are moving on the global Internet.
Onion-over-VPN servers	This useful feature allows users to use the Tor Browser even more securely. Everything happens thanks to the additional data encryption before you connect to Tor.
Cybersec	This feature works like AdBlock and is even a little better. So, by enabling this feature, you can stay protected from ads or dangerous sites.

SurfShark

This Dutch WireGuard VPN client can get you connected for as little as $2.30 per month and can help you with your daily and night queries.

This service offers you high speeds, a reliable connection, a large number of servers, valuable tools to ensure the security of your device, as well as the latest WireGuard protocol. In addition, you can significantly improve your experience using the service thanks to an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. If you are a gamer and you are worried about your safety, SurfShark can definitely help you in this case.

As for WireGuard, this VPN service also uses a double NAT system and can provide maximum security and privacy on the network. To activate the feature, you need:

1. Open VPN service settings.
2. Go to the section “WireGuard.”
3. Enable feature.

Now you can connect to servers using the new protocol and notice a significant increase in the speed of downloading and uploading files, and your connection will become even more stable. However, SurfShark also offers many other great features other than the WireGuard protocol. So, you can also get the following features.

Double VPN	Like the previous service, this WireGuard VPN client also offers connections to two different servers in different countries. Now you don’t have to worry about someone watching your traffic. You can finally become completely invisible online.
NoBorders Mode	This mode allows you to bypass restrictions that may be set for specific networks. So, for example, you can completely bypass all the limitations that the institution’s administration could set while at school or work.
СleanWeb	This mode allows users to block ads and malicious sites or files. Now you can load web pages many times faster and not see the visual garbage that people like to insert in the form of ads.

OVPN

OVPN is a service from a Swedish company that is primarily engaged in providing a secure connection and user anonymity on the network. So, starting from 2020, the application has already been able to get the limited functionality of WireGuard. And in 2022, the company was able to fully integrate this protocol into its system.

So, activating WireGuard in this VPN is quite simple – you don’t need to do anything at all. The protocol has been integrated into the application itself and already works without restrictions.

However, this service has one significant drawback. If you are a fan of watching evening TV shows and YouTube channels, this service most likely will not suit you since it cannot provide a high transfer speed of data.

However, it is ideal for encrypted connections and secure web browsing. With it, you can safely exchange messages, photos, or short videos and navigate the expanses of the World Wide Web.

In addition, the service also offers many valuable features that are necessary for any VPN service to work.

Kill switch	This function allows you to turn off the Internet connection if the VPN service has been disrupted. This will enable you to keep your data secure and prevent an attacker from getting to your connection.
Enable streaming services	This makes it possible to increase the connection speed and try to watch streaming platforms, but you should not expect the best video quality.

As a result, this VPN is a great alternative to many other services on the modern market. It provides a reliable connection to the network and provides the necessary tools to work with a VPN, but it does not cope well with the streaming data task.

VyprVPN

It offers its users many features for just $8 a month. So, paying for a subscription will give you a high connection speed, many servers for your choice, a no-logs policy, and many other useful features. In addition, in 2022, all users were able to use the new WireGuard VPN server protocol.

So, this service offers users a reliable implementation of this protocol. However, it is worth noting that it works slightly differently compared to previous services. Your actual address will be stored on a secure server until you end your VPN session. Although this method sounds less reliable, it turns out that its work is protected by additional measures and will not allow an attacker to get your data.

As tests have shown, when connected at a speed of 500 Mbps, this WireGuard VPN client can provide a connection of up to 300 Mbps. This result suggests that this service can provide one of the highest speeds and be convenient for everyone.

In addition to WireGuard, VyprVPN gives the user the ability to use the following features.

Connection to streaming platforms	With the help of this service, you can enjoy streaming videos and not lose speed while watching. The application is perfectly compatible with all modern operating systems and allows open access to blocked content in other countries.
Kill switch	As we previously indicated, this feature helps users disconnect from the Internet automatically if an error occurs with the VPN connection.
Protocol selection	You can also choose the protocol for connecting to different servers. This approach will help you achieve maximum productivity even on the busiest days.

AtlasVPN

This Panama-based cross-platform service offers users many helpful features and tools for networking. For just $2 a month, you can get many valuable features, including the following.

An unlimited number of simultaneous connections	If you want to pay for your VPN, but you are not going to use it alone, this service will be able to meet the needs of your entire family.
Access to blocked content	With this service, you can watch any series and movies on popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. You will be able to access libraries with content from different countries.
High safety standards	With such a service, your data can remain safe at any time, no matter what site you visit. You will receive top-notch data encryption and change your address.
WireGuard protocol	Thanks to it, this VPN is among our top best WireGuard tools. Due to the features of the application, you will be able to get the best method of encrypting your data and protecting your IP address. To activate this function, you need to go to the application settings section and enable the WireGuard function in the protocol selection settings for the connection.

However, the application has one small drawback, which, fortunately, does not significantly affect the service’s performance. Still, busy days can significantly reduce the connection speed and file downloads. The downside is that the service has a small number of servers.

The above VPN services are great for working with streaming platforms and torrents. You can both upload and download files at the maximum available speed and not waste time in vain.

What to Pay Attention to When Testing a WireGuard VPN?

When testing VPNs, there are a few key things you should pay attention to in order to determine whether a given VPN is right for you. 

When testing different VPN services, pay close attention to logging policies, encryption methods, and speed. These factors will help you determine which WireGuard VPN service best suits your needs.

N.B. We also highly recommend you to pay attention to where you are testing your application. The main rule in this case is not to use a device with sensitive data during the service test. This rule, of course, does not apply to popular and proven solutions by professionals. However, if you don’t want to risk your data, you’d better consider using a virtual machine that can protect your data during the testing. This solution allows you to create a virtual environment that is identical to your software, but does not relate to it in any way. Relatively speaking, you will use a computer within a computer. Be sure to watch the tutorials and read articles on how to do it right.

In next sections, we’ll discuss five things all users should look at when testing out different VPN services:

Encryption

A critical factor to consider when testing VPNs is encryption. Encryption is the process of encoding data so that only authorized individuals can access it. The stronger the encryption, the more secure your data will be. When testing different VPNs, pay attention to the encryption methods each uses and how strong those methods are.

Logging Policies

When it comes to privacy and security, a VPN’s logging policy is one of the most important factors to consider. This refers to the practice of a VPN service keeping records of their users’ activities while connected to the VPN. Ideally, you want to use a VPN service that does not keep logs of its users’ activities. This ensures that your activities cannot be traced back to you, even if the VPN service were to be hacked or subpoenaed for its records.

Speed

You’ll want to pay attention to speed when testing different VPNs. A good VPN should not noticeably slow down your internet connection. If you find that a particular VPN significantly slows down your connection, it’s likely due to weaknesses in that infrastructure or encryption methods.

Ease of Use

You also want to ensure the VPN is easy to use. Some VPNs can be complicated to set up and use. Make sure that the VPN you choose is user-friendly and easy to understand.

Price

You’ll want to consider price when choosing a VPN. There are many different options, so make sure you find one that fits your budget.

What About Free VPNs for Anonimity?

In addition to the above paid services, companies also offer free solutions. However, there are some pitfalls and critical nuances.

Most often, free services do not offer reliable and secure solutions for users, as developers do not have the money and motivation to develop complex algorithms to ensure user security.

So, free VPNs often: 

• Sell user data for personalized advertising.
• Are exposed to attacks by hackers as they do not have reliable security features.
• Store user’s data.
• Slow down the device due to poor application optimization.
• They annoy the user with many ads that appear literally during each click on the screen.

Considering all of the above and that the WireGuard system requires much more features and sophisticated approaches to ensure security, we highly recommend not using free VPNs that can work with WireGuard. Most likely, these statements are made to advertise and get more active users. However, free VPNs have so many holes in the system that they are unsuitable for working with such complex technology.

Bottom Line

While the WireGuard protocol is designed to help stabilize VPN services and improve your overall experience,it is still a fresh product that is constantly being developed and improved. 

Therefore, using this security protocol may still bring some concerns and disadvantages. However, VPN services are rapidly improving the protocol’s operation, and operating systems are increasingly implementing support for this program.

It is also very important to pay attention to the issue of free VPN services. So, if you want to use them as a common internet safety precaution and don’t use highly sensitive data, you can use free solutions. However, if you decide that you want to use WireGuard, you should definitely consider using only paid products, as only they can provide the necessary level of protection for your data.

Also, don’t forget to properly test your app, as some of them can carry malware and can only slow down your device and ruin your experience.

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