Latest news with #WireGuard
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Best VPN for Streaming (2025): IPVanish Recognized as Top Streaming VPN by Software Experts
Software Experts has recognized IPVanish as the Best VPN for Streaming in 2025 NEW YORK CITY, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Software Experts has recognized IPVanish as the Best VPN for Streaming in 2025, citing its strong performance across speed, server coverage, privacy features, and usability. The review highlights IPVanish's consistency in unlocking geo-restricted content and delivering smooth streaming experiences across major platforms. Best VPN for Streaming IPVanish: known for providing secure, encrypted connections that protect user privacy while offering access to a global network of servers. The recognition comes amid the growing relevance of VPNs for online content consumption. As streaming platforms continue to regionalize content libraries, users increasingly turn to VPNs to access media unavailable in their current location. VPNs allow users to connect to servers in other countries, bypassing regional restrictions while masking their IP addresses to maintain privacy. Software Experts identified IPVanish as a standout for its ability to reliably stream content from services such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Max, Disney Plus, and ESPN Plus. The platform consistently provided access without interruptions, buffering, or failed connections during review tests. With more than 2,400 servers in over 140 locations and access to over 40,000 shared IP addresses, IPVanish offers geographic diversity that many VPNs lack. Its network includes servers in regions that are often underserved by competitors, such as Africa and South America. This wide footprint enables greater flexibility for users looking to stream regional content or access faster local connections while traveling. Speed remains a critical factor in evaluating VPN services, particularly when streaming high-definition or 4K content. IPVanish demonstrated reliable performance across its network, supported by the modern WireGuard protocol. Engineering improvements have made WireGuard significantly faster than older VPN protocols, with speed tests showing download rates consistently exceeding 80 Mbps. IPVanish's self-owned infrastructure also minimizes reliance on third-party providers, allowing for better optimization and reduced latency. The service's Optimal Location feature automatically connects users to the fastest available server, eliminating guesswork and enhancing performance. IPVanish also supports split tunneling, enabling users to route some traffic through the VPN while allowing other apps to use a direct connection. This flexibility can improve streaming quality and reduce unnecessary bandwidth usage. In terms of security, IPVanish incorporates essential safeguards that enhance both privacy and reliability. DNS leak protection ensures that domain name requests remain within the encrypted VPN tunnel, preventing unintentional data exposure. The Kill Switch feature disconnects internet access if the VPN connection drops, protecting users from accidental leaks. IPVanish operates under a verified no-logs policy, meaning it does not monitor, record, or store browsing activity or connection data. The policy has been independently audited, offering transparency and reinforcing the platform's privacy commitments. VPNs have also gained attention for their role in avoiding internet throttling. Internet service providers may reduce connection speeds during high-bandwidth activities such as streaming. A VPN can help mask this activity, leading to more stable connections. As part of its ongoing service, IPVanish has introduced a new offering in collaboration with global eSIM provider aloSIM. New subscribers to the IPVanish Advanced 1-Year or 2-Year plan will receive a 3GB eSIM data gift. Valid in over 200 countries, the eSIM provides secure mobile data without the need for a physical SIM card. The data gift can be redeemed for local connectivity in the country of the user's choice and is available through July 31, 2025. This addition supports users who travel frequently or work remotely, allowing them to access mobile data and stay connected with fewer complications. Instant activation through the aloSIM app streamlines setup, while no-contract pricing models offer flexibility. Together, IPVanish and aloSIM provide a bundled solution that combines secure browsing with dependable mobile data access, especially valuable for users navigating public Wi-Fi or network restrictions abroad. As consumer demand grows for digital tools that support privacy, security, and open access, VPNs like IPVanish are playing a more central role. The service continues to evolve to meet the expectations of users who value not just access to content but protection of their online activity across borders and platforms. Software Experts' full review of IPVanish and its performance as the Best VPN for Streaming in 2025 is now available at Software Experts. About IPVanish: IPVanish, a Ziff Davis company, is an award-winning cybersecurity provider whose tools and products support internet safety, digital privacy, and online freedom. With a commitment to innovation, transparency, and user-centric solutions, IPVanish is a leading name in the VPN industry. About Software Experts: Software Experts provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. CONTACT: Drew Thomas (press@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Best VPNs U.S.A. 2025: NordVPN Ranked Top of VPN Services
In a landmark 2025 review backed by cybersecurity experts and privacy advocates, NordVPN has claimed the top spot as the best VPN in the United States—delivering unmatched speed, security, transparency, and user-friendly design to meet the evolving digital protection needs of Americans. Chicago, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following a comprehensive evaluation, NordVPN, a VPN service that encrypts internet connections, hides IP addresses, and keeps online activities private, has outpaced its competitors and emerged as the clear leader among the crowded field of virtual private networks. CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST VPN IN THE UNITED STATES: NORDVPN In recent times, internet users across the United States have become increasingly conscious of online security, data privacy, and the growing threat of surveillance, making the use of VPN move from just another niche tool to a digital utility. And with a swarm of VPNs available in the market now, a coalition of privacy advocates, technology journalists, and cybersecurity experts has come to a common ground regarding NordVPN being the ultimate VPN for the American user. CLICK HERE TO GET THE BEST VPN IN THE UNITED STATES: NORDVPN NordVPN has distinguished itself from the rest of the VPNs available in the U.S. by having a combination of technology and relentless focus on user empowerment. The effect of putting these two together, as noted by most users, is that the VPN gets better with time. By having users give feedback and, in turn, implementing the same by utilizing cutting-edge technologies to solve any issue, NordVPN has soared above the rest of its competitors, allowing it to clinch the top spot. Getting started with NordVPN is as easy as following the steps below: Click here to visit the official NordVPN website. Choose a subscription plan. Create your account. Select a payment method to complete your purchase. Sign in to NordVPN to access your virtual private network. Another aspect that has gone a long way in the top ranking of NordVPN as the best VPN service in the U.S., as seen by the experts, is its technical superiority. This is evident from the platform's proprietary NordLynx protocol, which leverages WireGuard's technology to ensure that the speed of connections is maintained without compromising security. For this reason, users have highlighted that they can stream, play online games, and even browse without any delays, which has long plagued the VPN services in the country. In addition to its technical superiority, NordVPN has an unwavering commitment to transparency, which has significantly affected its ranking. Concerning this, NordVPN has implemented a no-logs policy, which independent parties frequently audit. By doing so, many users have reported that they are guaranteed their privacy, which they hold so precious. And, since data breaches and unauthorized tracking have become disturbingly common, such guarantees offer invaluable peace of mind to the users. When it comes to its infrastructure, NordVPN still leads the field. With over 7,000 servers spread across 118 countries worldwide, including hundreds spread across major cities in the U.S., NordVPN has continually provided its users with fast, stable, and secure connections no matter where they are located. Also, courtesy of the broad coverage, data from users reveals that American users can bypass regional restrictions, access global content, and maintain consistent speeds even during peak usage times. Experts have also observed that this is possible since, by distributing traffic across its vast infrastructure, NordVPN minimizes congestion and latency. Another cornerstone of NordVPN's success is its exceptional user interface that makes advanced online privacy accessible to everyone, from newcomers to the tech world to seasoned professionals. First-hand experiences describe the platform as sleek and easy to maneuver across all major devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even smart TVs. This is evident through some of its features, such as Quick Connect, which automatically selects the fastest and most secure server, and clear navigation menus, which make it easy to explore the platform. By incorporating all these, NordVPN has balanced simplicity and prowess, making it the best VPN service in the U.S. in 2025. Another differentiator that has seen NordVPN cling to the top ranking as the best VPN service in the U.S. is its customer support team. Looking at the platform, it is clear that it offers a 24/7 live chat service that offers not only a detailed knowledge base but also rapid response times. With all these in play, users and industry experts agreed that this is part of NordVPN's winning formula. With this ability to maintain high customer satisfaction while extending its user base, NordVPN displays its operational excellence, making it the best in the virtual private network space. As digital threats evolve, NordVPN has also demonstrated leadership in proactive security measures. For instance, over the past year, NordVPN launched a new feature, which includes, but is not limited to, Threat Protection Pro, an advanced tool that blocks malware, trackers, and intrusive ads even when users are not connected to the VPN. Another security measure that NordVPN has incorporated into its platform is the Double VPN (multi-hop) option, which has proved useful to people who demand the highest level of anonymity. It functions by routing internet traffic through two separate servers, adding an extra layer of security that makes it even harder for anyone to trace online activity. With these, among other features such as the Onion Over VPN, American users and industry experts agree that NordVPN is the best VPN service in the U.S. With this latest ranking, NordVPN reaffirms its position as the leading VPN choice for American users in 2025 and beyond. As online privacy becomes more essential than ever, NordVPN remains committed to delivering secure, fast, and user-friendly solutions that empower people to take control of their digital lives. NordVPN Support: support@ Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure The information provided in this article is for general informational and promotional purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, no guarantees are made regarding its completeness, timeliness, or factual accuracy. Any opinions expressed are those of independent analysts and contributors, not necessarily reflective of any official position or endorsement by the publisher or its syndication partners. This article may contain references to products or services for which compensation is received through affiliate partnerships. This means that, at no additional cost to the reader, the publisher may earn a commission if a purchase is made through a featured link. These affiliate relationships do not influence the objectivity of the content, which is intended to offer insight based on publicly available data and user feedback. All product names, logos, brands, and trademarks featured are the property of their respective owners. Any mention of third-party trademarks or brand names does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with those entities. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence before making any purchasing decisions. Neither the publisher, contributors, nor syndication partners accept responsibility for any loss or damage resulting directly or indirectly from the use of the information or reliance upon the content presented herein. Furthermore, this content is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, including but not limited to legal, financial, or cybersecurity guidance. Should there be any inadvertent typographical errors, omissions, or factual inaccuracies, they are unintentional, and appropriate corrections will be made upon verification. This release may be syndicated or republished by third-party distribution channels, all of whom are held harmless and are not responsible for the article's original content or any conclusions drawn therefrom. CONTACT: NordVPN Support: support@
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ditch Lackluster VPNs: This Pro-Grade Tool Has Everything You Need at $10/Year
This site may earn affiliate commissions from the links on this page. Terms of use(Opens in a new window) . (Credit: StackSocial) If you've bounced between free VPNs and overpriced plans, you've probably noticed the same problem: The features you really need are locked behind steep monthly fees. But one VPN is quietly offering premium-level performance, from global streaming to deep security controls, for less than the price of a sandwich per year. Don't believe us? Grab an iProVPN 3-year subscription for $29.99 while this price is still hot (reg. $324). If you'd like to try only one year, that option is also available. Real Security, Not Marketing Fluff Encryption is standard on any VPN, but iProVPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, the same used by militaries and governments, paired with multiple protocols, including WireGuard, to offer fast, flexible protection. And it doesn't stop there. The built-in NAT firewall adds an extra layer of security by blocking unwanted inbound traffic, while IP/DNS/IPv6 leak protection ensures your real identity never slips through, even on unstable networks. And if your connection suddenly drops? The kill switch cuts off internet traffic instantly to keep your data from leaking into the open. Combine that with their zero-logs policy, and you're covered even if the unexpected happens. Control Freaks, Rejoice iProVPN doesn't just keep you safe, it puts you in control. Having a split tunneling VPN lets you route only select apps or websites through the VPN while leaving others untouched, so you can access local services (like your banking site) while still watching BBC iPlayer or Hotstar abroad. The Smart Connect feature takes the guesswork out of server selection by automatically connecting to the fastest available server—no manual testing required. Need even more visibility? The client displays latency stats per server, so you can manually hop between them with precision. And with unlimited bandwidth and 10Gbps servers, power users who download, stream, and game won't hit slowdowns even during peak hours. Bottom Line This affordable VPN deal could expire at any moment, so get yours for $29.99 while it lasts (reg. $324). StackSocial prices subject to change.
The Independent
27-02-2025
- The Independent
NordVPN vs Surfshark: Price, features and streaming compared for 2025
When it comes to picking the best virtual private network, it's not exactly easy. The best ones all offer a mix of security, speed and privacy, so it's not like there's a clear winner at first glance. NordVPN and Surfshark are two of the most popular options, consistently ranking among our pick of the best, but how do they differ? While both services offer a range of features designed to keep your browsing private – boasting fast and secure WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, thousands of servers and extras like Double VPN, kill switches and split tunnelling – there are some differences in pricing and features that might sway your decision. One thing to note is that both NordVPN and Surfshark are owned by the same company – Nord Security. They merged in 2022 under a bigger tech group called Cyberspace, but they still operate as separate services. This does mean that, despite operating as competitors, they share the same privacy policies and infrastructure, and their parent company ultimately controls both. With that said, below we're comparing the two VPNs to help you decide which one is right for you, whatever your need or budget. NordVPN vs Surfshark: Price If you're looking for a VPN that won't break the bank, both NordVPN and Surfshark are reasonably priced – though Surfshark is generally cheaper on long-term plans. NordVPN isn't exactly pricey, but it does cost about £1 more per month than Surfshark when you commit to a longer subscription. That said, it's still more affordable than ExpressVPN, and for what you get, we'd say it's worth considering. NordVPN has three tiers – basic, plus and ultimate. The cheapest option is the two-year basic plan, which costs £62.16 up-front (about £2.59 per month). The one-year plan costs £45.48 (£3.79 per month), and if you don't want to be locked into a long contract, the monthly plan costs £10.09. The plus plan, which adds malware protection and a password manager, costs £81.36 for two years (£3.39 per month), £55.08 for one year (£4.59 per month) or £10.79 per month. The ultimate plan, which includes 1TB of secure cloud storage and cyber insurance covering up to £5,000 if you get scammed online, costs £126.96 over two years (£5.29 per month), £77.87 for one year (£6.49 per month), or £12.79 monthly. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if it's not for you, you can cancel within a month for a full refund. Surfshark also has three tiers – starter, one and Surfshark one+. Prices fluctuate due to promotions, but generally, a 24-month Starter plan is the cheapest, costing £45.63 upfront (about £1.69 per month). A 12-month plan costs £38.85 (£2.59 per month), while the monthly plan is a steep £12.29 – making it more expensive than NordVPN's monthly option. Surfshark does offer a seven-day free trial on mobile, and like NordVPN, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide it's not for you. The biggest perk of Surfshark? Unlimited device connections. You don't need to worry about which devices are logged in – you can connect as many as you like. NordVPN recently upped its limit to 10, which is better than before, but still doesn't match Surfshark's unlimited number of devices. Also, one word of advice: If you go for a long-term NordVPN or Surfshark plan, set a reminder to cancel before it renews. Once the initial contract is up, the renewal price shoots up significantly, and you might not want to be locked into another two years at a much higher rate. We've seen customers locked in battles with VPN companies over unexpected auto-renewals, struggling to get refunds or cancel their plans. While both NordVPN and Surfshark allow cancellations, it's always better to be proactive than to deal with a frustrating back-and-forth with customer support. And if you think you won't need it for that long, just go for the one-month option, it'll work out cheaper in the long run. Winner: Surfshark Surfshark takes this one. It's cheaper on long-term plans, lets you connect unlimited devices and offers the same 30-day money-back guarantee. But if you don't want to commit to a lengthy subscription, NordVPN's one-month plan is actually the better deal. Both NordVPN and Surfshark come with all the security bells and whistles you'd expect from any bog-standard VPN. They both give you AES-256 encryption, support for WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, a kill switch and split tunnelling support. They also both offer multi-hop connections – NordVPN calls it Double VPN, a feature that routes your traffic through two servers for extra security. But there are differences in the feature set. NordVPN throws in more security features up-front, like Onion over VPN, which lets you route your traffic through the Tor network for extra anonymity. It also has dedicated P2P servers for torrenting, optimised for faster speeds. Another small but handy perk NordVPN has is its pause feature, which lets you temporarily turn off the VPN without fully disconnecting – something Surfshark doesn't offer. NordVPN wins here when it comes to features at the basic tier. If you upgrade to a higher tier, things start to even out. NordVPN's plus and ultimate plans include NordPass, a password manager, and a dark web monitoring tool, which scans for leaked credentials. Surfshark's one and one plus plans include a password manager and data breach alerts too, so neither has an edge there. Both also offer ad and malware blockers – NordVPN calls it Threat Protection Pro, while Surfshark names it CleanWeb – but these are only available on paid plans above the base tier. We also found NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro better at filtering out ads and trackers than Surfshark's CleanWeb. Higher tiers of Surfshark also come with a handy search engine, a private search engine that delivers organic results without tracking or ads. It's nice and clean, and a nice perk over NordVPN. Where they really differ is extra cybersecurity tools. NordVPN's ultimate plan includes 1TB of encrypted cloud storage and cyber insurance that covers up to £5,000 if you get scammed online. Surfshark doesn't offer those, but its top-tier plan includes Alternative ID, which generates a fake email address and phone number for extra privacy. NordVPN gives you more security tools in its base plan without making you pay extra, making it better value for anyone serious about privacy. Surfshark is still a great option if you need unlimited devices, a private search tool or Alternative ID, but NordVPN includes more privacy features up-front without forcing an upgrade. Both NordVPN and Surfshark promise that they don't log user data, and both have been independently audited to prove it. NordVPN has had five separate audits – PWC checked its no-logs policy in 2018 and 2020, while Deloitte ran further audits in 2022, 2023 and the most recent one in late 2024, confirming it doesn't store user data. Surfshark has been audited fewer times, but it still passed its no-log audits. Cure53 assessed its browser extensions in 2018 and its server infrastructure in 2021, finding no major issue, and in late 2022, Deloitte verified Surfshark's no-logs claims, giving it the same kind of stamp of approval as NordVPN. Both VPNs also run on RAM-based servers, meaning no data is stored long-term, and everything is wiped on reboot. NordVPN operates out of Panama, a country with no mandatory data retention laws, while Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. Some privacy-conscious users might prefer NordVPN's location, but since neither VPN keeps logs, it shouldn't matter in practice. That said, NordVPN nor Surfshark have been completely free from security concerns. NordVPN suffered a server breach in 2018, where a hacker gained access to a third-party data centre in Finland. No user data was compromised, but NordVPN didn't disclose the breach until a year later, which understandably led to some trust issues. Surfshark hasn't had a breach like that, but in 2021, researchers found that some of its old Indian servers were still online after it claimed they had been shut down, so you might be concenred about how its infrastructure is managed. Winner: Draw Neither instance resulted in any leaked user data, and both VPNs have taken steps to improve their security since. Still, NordVPN has been more proactive with its third-party audits and Surfshark has worked on improving its infrastructure. If complete transparency is a dealbreaker, NordVPN's delayed breach disclosure might give you pause, but if audit frequency matters, it's ahead of Surfshark. They're both trustworthy VPNs, so there's no real winner in terms of logging. The NordVPN desktop app isn't the most visually appealing, with a large interactive map that takes up more space than it probably needs to. Surfshark's simpler layout is a bit easier to navigate, especially for beginners. That said, NordVPN does get a lot of things right. The pause button is easy to access, searching for specific servers is straightforward and useful settings like the kill switch are enabled by default, so you don't have to mess around with them. NordVPN's sidebar is also pretty handy, giving quick access to threat protection, dark web monitoring and usage stats. Mac users also get handy server presets for speed, downloads and browsing, and we could even create custom presets with our preferred settings. The one downside is that split tunnelling is only available on Windows, and even then, we ran into occasional hiccups with certain streaming services detecting the VPN despite whitelisting them. Surfshark's interface is much more streamlined. Instead of a large map, it sticks to a simple alphabetical server list on the left, along with quick-connect buttons for static IP addresses and multi-hop servers. It feels more beginner-friendly, while still giving advanced users plenty of options. Surfshark's browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox also work well, mirroring the desktop experience, though they lack access to features like the kill switch and Whitelister. If you can, the desktop app is the better option. In terms of speed, NordVPN remains one of the fastest VPNs we've tested. Using its quick-connect UK server, we saw only a four per cent drop in download speed on a 67 Mbps connection, while connecting to the US only slowed things down by about nine per cent. That's incredibly fast, making it a great option for streaming, gaming and downloading content. Surfshark has also improved massively in this area and now keeps up with NordVPN. On the WireGuard protocol, Surfshark's UK servers only dropped speeds by around five per cent, while even more distant servers saw just an 11 per cent drop. Streaming on UK services like BBC iPlayer and ITVX was seamless, with no buffering or lag. In terms of raw speed, NordVPN takes the edge, but Surfshark has closed the gap significantly and is no longer sluggish like in previous tests. Surfshark also has a more user-friendly interface, whereas NordVPN offers more customisation and additional features. If speed is your main concern, NordVPN is the faster option, but for ease of use, Surfshark is the simpler choice. NordVPN vs Surfshark: Streaming If you're travelling abroad and want to stream your favourite shows or catch up on sports from back home, both NordVPN and Surfshark make that possible. While using a VPN to access geo-restricted content isn't illegal, it does violate most streaming services' terms of service, so there's always a risk of platforms cracking down on VPN usage. That said, both let us stream Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and more without running into annoying proxy errors. NordVPN is particularly good for streaming, thanks to its obfuscated servers, which masks VPN usage so platforms couldn't detect we were using one. In our tests, streaming services never flagged the connection, and we were able to watch BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, ITVX, Channel 4 and Prime Video on an iPhone, Mac and Windows laptop without interruption. Speeds were fast enough that we didn't experience buffering, even when streaming live sports. Another big plus is that NordVPN rarely requires switching servers – it just works straight away, without the hassle of finding a working connection. Winner: Draw Surfshark performs just as well for Netflix, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer, and in our tests, we could stream on desktop, iOS and Android with no buffering issues. Prime Video worked fine, though it's worth noting that Amazon ties accounts to billing regions, so if you try to access Prime Video from another country, it might still flag you as travelling rather than fully changing your region. Ultimately, both VPNs let us stream BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4, with very little buffering or proxy errors. NordVPN and Surfshark are two of the best VPNs out there, but which one is right for you depends on what you need. NordVPN is the better choice for security and performance, offering faster speeds, more privacy-focused features in its base plan and obfuscated servers that make streaming effortless. It also has a stronger track record with independent audits, proving its no-logs policy multiple times. Surfshark, however, is cheaper on the two-year plan, has a simpler UI and can be used on an unlimited number of devices. By a hair, NordVPN takes the edge – it's just a fuller product.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Yahoo
ExpressVPN Rolls Out Major Upgrade to Its Already Impressive Lightway Protocol
ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is getting a major upgrade -- one the company hopes makes it the VPN protocol of the future. On Monday, the VPN company announced the release of Lightway in Rust (essentially Lightway 2.0), which is designed for faster speeds, enhanced security and better overall performance. When ExpressVPN first developed Lightway in 2020, the protocol was written in C, a programming language originally developed in the early '70s but still widely popular because of its simplicity and flexibility. Along with the original version of Lightway, other VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard are also implemented in C. But ExpressVPN says that reimplementing Lightway in Rust offers several distinct advantages over the protocol's previous iteration in C. First is that Rust can make Lightway even more secure than it already is because using Rust eliminates certain vulnerabilities commonly found in C due to mishandling memory (Rust's memory safety features nullify such a risk). Also, Rust can give the protocol a boost when it comes to overall performance and battery life. Finally, Rust's codebase will allow ExpressVPN engineers to be more nimble and faster with updates and improvements to Lightway going forward. 'Upgrading Lightway from its previous C code to Rust was a strategic and straightforward decision to enhance performance, and security while ensuring longevity,' said Pete Membrey, ExpressVPN's chief research officer. 'With Rust widely recognized as the high-performing, secure, and reliable language, it was a natural choice for evolving Lightway.' Essentially, what this all means for you is that the new implementation of Lightway should make your experience with ExpressVPN faster, more secure and more reliable. That's saying a lot because ExpressVPN is already one of the most secure and reliable VPNs you can buy -- and further solidifies the VPN as one of my top recommendations for users with critical privacy needs like journalists, attorneys, physicians, activists and whistleblowers. Even if you're just looking for general privacy online, there's nothing wrong with giving your privacy an even greater boost with Lightway in Rust. And although it hasn't been the fastest VPN over the past few years, rolling out Lightway in Rust could give ExpressVPN a much-needed speed boost. This means that you should experience smoother streaming performance, faster downloads, uninterrupted video calls and lower ping during your gaming sessions while connected to ExpressVPN and using the new implementation of Lightway. So, in theory, Lightway's re-coding should be a major improvement all around to an already stellar VPN. But while a VPN's speed and reliability can be generally pretty evident to the average user, quantifying a VPN protocol's security isn't. ExpressVPN addresses this in a couple of important ways. For one, Lightway is an open-source VPN protocol, meaning that its codebase is publicly available online for anyone to scrutinize or even implement into their own VPN solutions. This makes it possible for experts to validate the security of the protocol and spot any potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, ExpressVPN commissioned two separate independent audits in late 2024 to validate the security of Lightway in Rust -- one by Cure53 and the other by Praetorian. The two cybersecurity firms worked independently of one another, and both delivered an overall positive assessment of Lightway in Rust's implementation. Cure53 identified one high-severity vulnerability and four 'general weaknesses with lower exploitation potential' while Praetorian found two low-risk vulnerabilities -- all of which were subsequently resolved by ExpressVPN. 'Overall…Cure53's very limited number of findings, especially with only one exploitable vulnerability, can be interpreted as a positive sign for the security of the ExpressVPN Lightway protocol,' Cure53 wrote in its audit report. ExpressVPN is the undisputed leader in the VPN industry when it comes to transparency through independent audits, undergoing multiple audits every year. While an audit can only validate the state of the VPN at the time of the audit itself, it serves as an important signal of trust and can give the public confidence in the VPN that it's doing what it says it's doing. But being open-source can help fill those gaps because it gives the entire security community the opportunity to examine the code at any time. 'ExpressVPN has always led the industry in third-party evaluation and verification of our software,technology and policies,' Aaron Engel, ExpressVPN's chief information security officer, said in a blog post. 'Having Lightway evaluated by two independent third-party auditors is our way of showing our commitment to transparency while demonstrating our confidence in the technology we have developed.' Lightway in Rust is being rolled out first to ExpressVPN's Aircove routers on Monday, followed by Android at the end of March, Linux early in the second quarter, MacOS toward the end of the second quarter and finally to Windows by the end of the third quarter.
