With more and more information attacks on the Internet every day, there is a growing possibility that they can reach you as well. One way to get protected is to use Virtual Private Network (VPN) services which encrypt users’ data and mask their IP address. It not only leaves one’s location and browsing history untraceable but also allows one to reach geo-blocked content.
But which VPN to choose? Prioritize decentralized or commercial VPNs? In this text, we will try to answer these questions by reviewing two different VPN services: PortalsVPN and ExpressVPN.
Why Should You Choose PortalsVPN?
PortalsVPN service provider poffers a decentralized VPN (dVPN) services which provides great anonymity as you are not connecting to Internet services but to an independent peer-to-peer network, operated by unaffiliated people. The network runs a node (piece of DVPN network software).
There are two types of nodes: residential and datacenter. The first one provides residential IP service and works well for reaching the content that has been unavailable for you because of your location of residence. The second one is used when high speed of the internet is needed.
It is significant to mention that the PortalsVPN network might monitor the bytes that come in and come out of the particular node. But all the information is encrypted using such protocols as TLS, which use at least two layers of security.
The main benefits of choosing PortalsVPN:
– It provides total privacy as well as anonymity;
– It does not traffic any of your browsing history;
– PortalsVPN hides your IP address and do not let for the third parties to see your physical location;
– Allows to browse the Internet freely regardless of the location;
– PortalsVPN runs on a modern WireGuard protocol, which is faster than older ones used by other VPN services;
– It allows you to connect to 600-700 servers which are located in different parts of the world;
– PortalsVPN accepts many payment methods (for example, Google Pay, Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and offers a 30-day money back guarantee.
The Benefits of Using ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN services help their clients to keep their online activity private and safe, especially when using public networks. This prevents information from leaking and falling into the wrong hands. It also often prevents websites and other third parties from seeing your IP address and location.
Using these services also gives you access to content that you previously could not access due to regional restrictions. This means that if you previously did not have the opportunity to watch the desired series or basketball match due to your location, with ExpressVPN services you will be able to forget about these problems.
Several reasons why you should choose ExpressVPN:
– It has thousands of servers all around the world to mask users IP addresses;
– ExpressVPN does not store activity logs or connection logs of the users;
– It provides Network Lock for leak protection;
– It uses Industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption;
– Even though it is a bit more expensive than other VPN services, it offers a discount for customers signing up for a one-year package. Also, one can earn 30 free days of using ExpressVPN after a friend signs up to use the service.
– In case of problems, you may contact their support team for help.
Comparison of PortalsVPN and ExpressVPN
The benefits of both PortalsVPN and ExpressVPN look impressive and promising. However, before choosing the service that best meets your expectations, you need to answer the question: why do you need it? Most will probably give a similar answer – that they expect privacy, anonymity when browsing the Internet, and the ability to access content that would otherwise be unavailable to them due to their location.
The thing is that if you want absolute privacy – PortalsVPN is a better choice. The provider of this service does not collect any data related to you or your activity at all. Meanwhile ExpressVPN collects minimal information about the usage of their services. Although the small amount of data collected is not a cause for concern, you can never be sure what specific information is collected by the service provider. It means that a VPN user has to trust the company and their staff that they will not check your personal information and will not use it for bad intentions.
Afterall, often this kind of data collection has a bad ending. VPN service providers are increasingly becoming the target of hackers precisely because of the amount of data they collect. Therefore, the probability of your data being leaked decreases on the one hand and increases on the other.
To Sum Up
All in all, it is important to note that decentralized VPNs are enhanced quality VPN services. Therefore, although in most cases millions of people will successfully use VPN services and not face any problems – those who are looking for guaranteed security should choose a decentralized VPN.
However, you always have to have in mind that certain apps or codes running on your laptop or mobile device might de-anonymize data and send it to third parties. Therefore, before using commercial or decentralized VPN services, it is necessary to find out what conditions are imposed so that the service provider can ensure your protection on the Internet.
Otherwise, as the saying goes, ignorance is no excuse. By using insecure apps, you run the risk of having to face the consequences. Although sometimes they may be insignificant, in other cases they cause serious inconvenience.
