VPN: Essential Tools for Privacy and Security
In today’s digital age, maintaining online privacy and security has become more critical than ever. One of the most effective tools to achieve this is a VPN (Virtual Private Network). This comprehensive guide (You Should Get a VPN) will explore what VPNs are, why they are indispensable for privacy and security, compare some of the most popular VPN services, and conclude by highlighting why Mullvad VPN stands out as the best option considering price and performance. Additionally, we’ll provide a detailed tutorial on how to install Mullvad VPN on Linux openSUSE, even though it’s not officially supported.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and a remote server. This process hides your IP address, protects your data from hackers and other threats, and allows you to access content that may be restricted based on your geographical location. It’s clear: you should get a VPN.
Why Use a VPN?
- Privacy: By masking your IP address, a VPN makes it difficult for websites, advertisers, and even your ISP to track your online activities.
- Security: VPNs encrypt your data, making it nearly impossible for cybercriminals to intercept and steal your sensitive information.
- Access to Restricted Content: Many streaming services and websites restrict content based on your geographical location. A VPN lets you bypass these restrictions by routing your connection through a server in a different location.
- Protection on Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them a prime target for hackers. Using a VPN on these networks protects your data from being intercepted.
Comparing Popular VPNs
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular VPN services on the market and compare their features:
| VPN | Price Monthly (USD) | Price Monthly (EUR) | Servers | Privacy | Security | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $12.99 | €12,99 | 6700 | High | High | Excellent |
| ExpressVPN | $12.99 | €12,90 | 3000 | High | High | Excellent |
| Surfshark | $15.45 | €15,45 | 3200 | High | High | Good |
| Mullvad VPN | $5.00 | €5 | 700 | High | High | Good |
| ProtonVPN | $9.99 | €9,99 | 1500 | High | High | Good |
Why Mullvad VPN?
When it comes to evaluating VPN services, Mullvad VPN stands out as the best option for several reasons:
- Privacy Commitment: Mullvad VPN has a strong commitment to privacy. They do not require an email address or personal information to sign up, and they follow a strict no-logs policy.
- Transparent Pricing: Mullvad offers a flat rate of €5 per month ($5.00), without any long-term commitment or promotional pricing.
- Open Source Software: Mullvad’s software is open source, meaning anyone can review the code to ensure there are no security vulnerabilities or backdoors.
- High Security Standards: Mullvad uses industry-leading encryption standards to protect your data.
- Ease of Use: The Mullvad app is user-friendly and easy to set up, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
Installing Mullvad VPN on Linux
The Mullvad VPN app is available via repository servers only for Ubuntu, Debian and Fedora.
You can get full instructions on this page: https://mullvad.net/en/download/vpn/linux
If you use another unsupported distribution based on Ubuntu or Debian that uses systemd then you can try to install it using the manual .deb installation instructions.
Although Mullvad VPN does not officially support openSUSE, you can still install it using the Fedora .rpm package.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download the .rpm package: Go to the Mullvad VPN download page and download the Fedora .rpm package.
- Open the terminal: Access your terminal in openSUSE.
- Install the necessary library:
sudo zypper in libnotify - Run the installation command: Use the following command to install the package:
sudo rpm -i --nosignature /path/to/mullvad-vpn.rpm
Replace/path/to/mullvad-vpn.rpmwith the actual path to the downloaded file. - Launch Mullvad VPN: After installation, you can launch the Mullvad VPN app from your application menu.
In-Depth VPN Comparison
To further understand the strengths and weaknesses of different VPN services, let’s delve deeper into each one:
NordVPN
Privacy and Security: NordVPN is renowned for its robust privacy features, including a strict no-logs policy and advanced security protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. They also offer a Double VPN feature, which routes your traffic through two different servers for extra security.
Performance: NordVPN boasts over 6,700 servers in 59 countries, providing excellent speed and reliability. Their SmartPlay technology ensures a smooth streaming experience by bypassing geo-restrictions.
User Experience: The NordVPN app is intuitive and easy to use, available on all major platforms. They also offer 24/7 customer support.
Link: https://nordvpn.com/
ExpressVPN
Privacy and Security: ExpressVPN is another top contender with a strict no-logs policy and high-level encryption standards. They use TrustedServer technology, which ensures that their servers run on RAM only, meaning all data is wiped with every reboot.
Performance: With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN offers impressive speeds and reliability. Their servers are optimized for streaming, torrenting, and secure browsing.
User Experience: ExpressVPN is known for its user-friendly interface and excellent customer support. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving users peace of mind when trying out the service.
Link: https://www.expressvpn.com/
Surfshark
Privacy and Security: Surfshark provides a no-logs policy and strong encryption standards. They offer additional features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and MultiHop, which routes your traffic through multiple countries for extra security.
Performance: Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, providing reliable speeds and performance. Their NoBorders mode ensures that the VPN works in restrictive regions.
User Experience: Surfshark’s app is easy to navigate and available on multiple platforms. They offer 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Link: https://surfshark.com/
ProtonVPN
Privacy and Security: ProtonVPN is developed by the same team behind ProtonMail, known for its commitment to privacy. They follow a strict no-logs policy and use secure core architecture to route traffic through privacy-friendly countries.
Performance: ProtonVPN offers over 1,500 servers in 63 countries. Their speeds are generally good, and they provide unlimited bandwidth on all plans.
User Experience: The ProtonVPN app is user-friendly and available on all major platforms. They offer a free plan with limited features, which is a great way to test the service before committing.
Link: https://protonvpn.com/
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing a VPN, Mullvad VPN stands out for its strong commitment to privacy, transparent pricing, and high security standards. Although it may not have as many servers as some competitors, its focus on user privacy and open-source software make it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable and trustworthy VPN service.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily install Mullvad VPN on openSUSE, ensuring your online privacy and security without any hassle. Happy surfing!