Topic: List of VPN Service Providers - 2023 - page 8. (Read 3513 times)

And, I'm not using them, especially extensions, I'm just testing some VPNs and their extensions, additional softwares, etc for long-term, for weeks. That's why I posted here that since it happened to me on Opera browser, there is a good chance that other Opera users will experience this unpleasant situation.
Btw the problem is not in kill-switch but in the fact that extension somehow gets disabled without any reason. Maybe it happens because you have to install Windscribe extension from Chrome Extensions and not from Opera Addons, I don't know actually but it happens.

If you can't predict when this happens, it sounds like you shouldn't use it at all. I always enable Mullvad's kill switch (now called lockdown mode), which prevents this.

I'm not one of its users, but IIRC, it used to have a bug in its auto-connect feature that despite being connected, it kept showing it was disconnected ^{[perhaps it's back]}... Have you tried checking your IP address whenever this happens?

You might want to try reinstalling the extension and while you're at it, make sure you're using the latest version of Opera.

For everyone who plans to use Windscribe's Chrome Extension.

I don't know if that problem exists only for me but Windscribe's Chrome Extension for Opera browser gets automatically disabled on my pc. Sometimes, when I open Opera browser, extension is automatically unconnected and removed from Opera extension bar, l mean the area left to URL bar where you can pin extensions. So, I have to go into Opera settings -> extensions and manually enable extension and connect to Windscribe.
So, there is a chance that Windscribe extension will close automatically and if you have left some website tabs opened into browser, you may leak your IP. Definitely, no one wants to get such an unexpected surprise. That's why I am warning you, be careful!

Mullvad does have a tremendous focus on protecting their users identity and information that they have about them. This is their latest blog entry[1] regarding ending support for cryptocurrency refunds:
I've been keeping tabs on this company for a while and I honestly can't say bad things about them (so far). I'm really looking forward for their upcoming products from their hardware company[2] in the upcoming months. Their first product - Tillitis Key (competitor to a Yubico key) - is already very promising (both software and hardware are open source!)!

PS: If you want to increase even further your privacy you can use this store[3] to buy Mullvad vouchers through either BTC or XMR, which you can then redeem in their website.

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[1] https://mullvad.net/en/blog/2022/12/1/ending-support-for-cryptocurrency-refunds/
[2] https://www.tillitis.se/
[3] https://digitalgoods.proxysto.re/

Good call. I was ExpressVPN user for a couple of years (it was mainly for the streaming purposes) until I stumbled upon this topic, that made me look at them from a different angle. I switched to Mullvad soon after, and I must say that I am very satisfied with it.

I updated the thread with a new guide for you.

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How to be sure that your VPN is really protecting you?

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While I try to bring you the list of best VPN service providers, you still need to ensure that everything works as planned and promised. Actually, there are three major tests that you can do yourself to be sure that your VPN doesn't leak:

1. IP Leak Test
The purpose of using a VPN is to hide your real IP address. There are moments when connection lost and then gets restored, this is the moment when some VPN providers fail. To avoid this issue, definitely, you should enable the kill switch feature on any VPN.
Simply google: Show my real IP address and run test on any website. If the test shows your VPN address & location instead of the real one, then your IP isn't leaking.

2. DNS Leak Test
DNS is responsible for translating the domain name into an IP address. Your ISP assigns you with a DNS server which they control, so they can log and record your internet usage. When the time comes, they know what you did and what you do.
Usually, users only check IP Leak Test and don't pay attention to the DNS leak test,  sometimes this gives them a false sense of security.
You should run DNS Leak Test to eliminate DNS leakage.
Visit the website for test and further information: DNS leak test

3. WebRTC Leak Test
WebRTC stands for Web Real-Time Communication. This technology gives you the possibility to have fast & smooth voice/video calls in your browser. If you come positive in this step, keep calm, there is nothing to worry about with your VPN service provider because the problem lies in your browser. No, you don't need to uninstall your browser because every top browser uses WebRTC technology but you should disable it. (click for the guide)
Click for WebRTC Leak Test

Yeah, I am thinking how I can improve my list, as a list A-Z of many providers is not a best idea.
One of ideas - make a 10 best providers ( most trustworthy, reliable, etc )  shortlist and than a list of all other providers. I still want to give a possibility to find all providers, which accepts Crypto.

I can list hundreds of VPN service providers that accept Bitcoin and cryptocurrency payments but that's not my goal. I prefer quality over quantity.
What's more comfortable for you, a list of 100 VPN service providers where 90% are garbage and you struggle with which one to choose or a list of trusted and quality 10 VPN service providers where you can choose either one without regret?

The aim of my thread is to create a great list, the most trustworthy list. I'll be more than happy if people discuss VPN service providers and share their own experiences. I'm glad for these people who posted: RickDeckard's post, o_e_l_e_o's post, LoyceV's post, Rikafip's post. There were some other good posts posted by them.

Bitcoin-vpn
I'm glad if my thread inspired you.

Thank you for mentioning my website, really worked hard to make this list   I will take care to check all listed providers again soon. Hope it helps to others to find their best provider.

I would suggest you to check Mullvad. Price is reasonable ($5 per month), it has good amount of available servers and speed is also very good. The best thing about it is that is very privacy oriented (probably the best one in that regard I tried so far) so if that is high on your priority list you should definitely check it out. And yeah it has iOS app, I tried it on iPad.

That's usually the length of your subscription. You usually get a discount if you pay for a year instead of every month. Or the difference can be a dedicated IP, more servers worldwide so more IPs to be behind, more devices to use the VPN, and stuff like that...

I have never seen a VPN not available for US residents so I would say all of them. If there is any not accepting the USA, a hand is probably enough to count them

For an app on IOS, I guess it's up to you to visit the service, we can't always put the spoon in your mouth

what are the reasons for the price difference with the same VPN? what are the difference in services as well?
Can we have names of VPN available for USA residents and for IOS phone?

I wasn't aware that he is on Bitcointalk, thanks. Great stuff, I already bookmarked both his websites on my browser.

Today I was browsing one forum and accidentally noticed this website:
https://www.bitcoin-vpn.com/
It's huge list of VPN providers with Bitcoin and other crypto payment option, currently there 83 websites listed. I have never saw such big list of VPN services. There is also information which payment proccessor they're using. Offcourse, I can't vouch for every service listed there, but I think it's worth to check it out.

Yeah, I have even mention that before. Since your quoted my last post, I assume I forgot to edit the text.
It's correct now: The first one privacy-focused and the next three non-privacy-focused providers offer you this benefit: Windscribe, Surfshark, CyberGhost & NordVPN.

I also updated thread two days ago and added NordVPN and SurfShark because not all people are prioritizing privacy and some people simply want to unlock netflix and other platforms. But to make things clear, I put Non-Privacy Focused Mainstream VPNs title on them.

Oh, didn't know that news. If NordVPN bought SurfShark, then sure I'll move SurfShark into a non-privacy-focused VPNs list.

Correct, but their mobile apps and router software are still closed source. I'm also not very confident in their security practices: https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/07/vpn-servers-seized-by-ukrainian-authorities-werent-encrypted/. TL;DR, they did not encrypt some of their servers, and stored unencrypted private keys on these servers.

I don't I'm afraid, and I don't think such a list would be helpful, since there is far more that needs to be considering when picking a VPN than just if it appears on a list of open source ones. Doesn't matter if the VPN is open source if it collects all your data.

Hmmm thanks for this info.
I didn't know that connection between Nord and SurfShark, and I just wanted to test and see how SurfShark is working :/

I think that windscribe desktop application v2 and browser extension are open source, and you can use login credentials with open vpn.
Do you by any chance have any list of open source vpn providers, I would love to check it out?
Last time I checked I think Mullvad and ProtonVPN claimed they are open source.

You're correct, I do know for a fact that certain services only accept the usage of VPN considering the fact that you share with them a dedicated IP. Otherwise they won't allow the usage of VPN (using shared IP's).
Sorry, I misused the words - indeed a VPN doesn't offer anonymity (specially considering if you pay with fiat / direct from your bank account). What it does provide is privacy mostly related to what your ISP sees regarding your activity. Even so, I consider it a must in these days since I'm sure ISP make their best to sell whatever data they are able to extract from us...

Nord have just bought over SufShark, so they are now owned by the same company. The same company that got hacked, tried to cover it up, and then only admitted it to their users months later when they were exposed.

CyberGhost are owned by Kape, and should be avoided at all costs: https://bitcointalksearch.org/topic/m.58547859

Windscribe are still largely closed source.

Depends on why you are using a VPN. A VPN will never provide anonymity, as you suggest. A dedicated IP is certainly worse than a shared IP in terms of privacy, though, since all your traffic can be linked together via that IP rather than "lost in the crowd" of different shared IPs.