In the realm of internet security and privacy, Virtual Private Networks (VPN) have become a crucial tool. They provide a secure connection to another network over the internet, masking your IP address and encrypting your data. However, not all VPNs are the same. The two main types of VPNs are Desktop VPNs and Browser VPNs, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. This article will delve into the differences between these two types of VPNs, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.
What is a Desktop VPN?
A Desktop VPN is a standalone application that you download and install on your device. It encrypts all the data leaving your device, regardless of whether it’s coming from your browser or another app. This means that all your online activities, from browsing to messaging to streaming, are secured. Desktop VPNs are generally more robust and offer more features than their browser counterparts. They often come with options to switch between different encryption protocols, use a kill switch, or even block ads and trackers.
Desktop VPNs are typically paid services, although some offer limited free versions. They provide a wide range of servers across the globe, allowing you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that might be blocked in your region. Some popular Desktop VPNs include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA. These VPNs are renowned for their extensive server networks, strong encryption protocols, and user-friendly interfaces.
Smartphone and Tablet VPN Apps
It should also be mentioned that similar to the Desktop App, VPN services also have mobile apps for smartphones and tablets. Similar to Desktop VPNs, they need to be downloaded and installed, and will provide just about the same options since it is also a stand alone application but designed for mobile devices such as iOS and Android.
What is a Browser VPN (Browser VPN Extension)?
A Browser VPN, also known as a VPN extension, is a plugin that you add to your web browser. Unlike a Desktop VPN, it only encrypts the data within your browser. This means that any activity outside your browser, such as a separate email client or a gaming app, is not protected by the VPN. Most VPN services also have browser extensions as a option, and can be used in conjunction with the desktop or mobile apps.
Browser VPNs are easy to install and use. Some rather unknown providers are often offering free or cheaper than Desktop VPN servicers as a standalone browser VPN option, making them an attractive option for casual users. However, they usually offer fewer features and may not be as secure as Desktop VPNs. Some Browser VPNs are actually proxies that do not encrypt your data but simply reroute your IP address and unfortunately fly under the radar as legitimate VPNs. This can help with bypassing geo-restrictions, but it does not provide the security that a true VPN does with encryption. It’s important to understand this distinction when choosing a VPN solution for your needs.
Desktop VPN vs Browser VPN: The Comparison
When comparing Desktop VPNs and Browser VPNs, several factors can be compared. These include ease of use, accessibility, reliability, security, interface and design, speed, and cost.
Ease of Use
Browser VPNs are generally simpler in design. They do not require initial or advanced configuration, and you can easily switch them on and off directly from your browser. Desktop VPNs, on the other hand, require you to install a separate app and might have more complex settings that could be daunting at first.
However, a closer look shows that it’s really quite easy to figure out how a desktop VPN application works, and you can usually get connected to a server just as quickly as a browser extension. Additionally, the lack of features of a browser extension, and the difficulty of finding the options page can actually prove to be a negative for browser VPN extension ease of use for some people.
Interface and Design
Both Desktop and Browser VPNs come with user-friendly interfaces. However, Browser VPNs are integrated into your browser and might be easier to navigate for some users in terms of having the service on and off. The downside with the browser VPN extension is that it provides a lot less features and you need to bring up the extension settings to even see what configurable options may be available. Overall, Desktop VPNs will provide a much better graphical experience with all the config options and server data you need compared to a browser extension.
Accessibility
Browser VPNs are more accessible than Desktop VPNs. They are lightweight and do not consume as much of your device’s resources. Since they are simply browser extensions, browser VPNs can also carry over from one device to another by using the same browser profile across multiple devices. However, it’s important to remember that their protection is limited to your browser.
Reliability
Desktop VPNs are usually more reliable than Browser VPNs. They offer more stable connections and have better performance in terms of speed and latency. Desktop VPNs provide better visibility on the connection statistics that allow to diagnose problems that would not be detectable when using a browser extension. Desktop VPNs, while requiring more resources, offer comprehensive and configurable protection for all your online activities based on your custom needs.
Security
Desktop VPNs typically offer stronger security features than Browser VPNs. As mentioned multiple times now, they encrypt all your data, not just your browsing activity, and often come with additional features like a kill switch, which automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops.
You will have access to all protocols and the latest and highest level of encryption protection available through desktop and mobile apps, as well as specialized servers properly categorized by list for all sorts of different applications. Browser VPNs tend to provide a short list of servers and none of the special features that focus on security.
Speed
Desktop VPNs are generally faster than Browser VPNs. They offer more servers and better connections, which can significantly improve your browsing speed, especially if you’re connecting to a server in a different country. Having additional statistics also makes it easier to navigate server lists by ping response speeds to ensure you have the best possible connection. Especially important for gaming, or even streaming.
Conclusion – Desktop VPN or Browser VPN Extension?
It should be clear as day by now that a Desktop VPN and Mobile (smartphone and tablet) VPN app will always be better than a Browser extension VPN. However, using both is actually the best way to utilize the extension. Often offered by VPN service providers, a browser extension is a nice addition to VPN desktop and smartphone applications. Overall, the standalone VPN applications always work better than a browser extension, providing superior performance and capabilities on all fronts.
Personally, I avoid using browser extensions where I can. I prefer to use a tunneling option direction on the desktop app to configure specific browsers and applications to the VPN, and always turn the kill switch on in case the server disconnects.
