If you’re here then you may have heard about what you can use a VPN for, but now the question becomes – how do you use one? That’s where VPN clients come in. They’re the software that help you connect to a VPN server, encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address in the process. This means you can browse the web, stream content, and access information without the fear of being tracked.
Do you really need a client to access a VPN provider’s services though? Yes and no. Most people prefer using VPN clients on their devices but not everyone uses the same kind of client, and some even prefer configuring their VPNs on their routers instead.
Using a VPN via a client is easy as pie once you understand the basics. You don’t even need to be tech-savvy to get the most out of your VPN.
Quick Guide: How to Use a VPN Client on Your Devices in 3 Steps:
CyberGhost VPN offers easy-to-use apps for all major operating systems. With one subscription, you can install our VPN client on up to seven devices simultaneously. Here’s how it works:
- Get CyberGhost VPN. It’s fast and easy.
- Download and install the app for your device.
- Open the VPN and log in then tap the big power button to connect.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet. When you use a VPN, it routes your internet traffic through a remote server, masking your IP address with the server’s address and making it appear as if you’re browsing from the server’s location. This process enhances your online privacy and security by making it difficult for others to intercept and read your data or track down your whereabouts.
In addition to masking your IP address, a VPN encrypts your internet connection using a specific security protocol. It sets up the encryption protocol and starts the process of securing your data. This means all the data you send and receive is transformed into an encoded format that’s unreadable to anyone who might intercept it.
Encryption is especially crucial when you’re using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and vulnerable to attacks. By using a VPN, you ensure that your personal information, such as passwords, banking details, and private communications, has enhanced protection against cybercriminals and snoopers.
While a VPN offers significant privacy and security benefits, it’s important to understand that your internet connection still passes through your ISP. Your ISP can see you’re connecting to a VPN server and the amount of data you’re transmitting. The content of your online activity and the websites you visit are encrypted and hidden, though. Essentially, your ISP may know you’re using a VPN but can’t see what you’re doing online.
Websites and online services, on the other hand, see only the VPN server’s IP address instead of yours. As a result, websites can’t track your actual location or link your browsing activity to your real identity.
All you need to do is connect to a VPN server and go about your business as normal. This is where the VPN client comes in. The software will handle all the hard work for you in the background.
What Is a VPN Client?
To connect to the internet through a VPN, you typically need a client. Without the VPN client, you can’t use all those advanced VPN features that help you improve your privacy and protect your data.
A VPN client is a software application you can install on devices like your computer or smartphone to establish an encrypted connection to a secure VPN server. Once you activate it, the VPN client automatically does the rest, protecting your online activity from potential surveillance. Different types of VPN clients exist – but more on that a bit later. Not all VPN software is built to the same quality standards either, so don’t start installing the first VPN client you see just yet.
How Does a VPN Client Work?
When you turn on a VPN using the client, it creates a secure, private tunnel for your data’s path through the internet. The client encrypts your data before sending it through this tunnel to a VPN server.
Your client creates a unique key that it shares with the server when it establishes the connection. The server then uses this key to decrypt your data as it arrives before sending that data to the appropriate destination, such as a website or a streaming service. On the way back, the VPN server encrypts and sends the website’s response to you through the same secure tunnel. Your VPN client then decrypts this data so you can view it.
Throughout this process, your online activity remains hidden from prying eyes, whether it’s cybercriminals or your ISP trying to snoop on you. The VPN client and VPN server are the only things that have the key to lock and unlock your data.
Types of VPN Clients
VPN clients fall into 3 main categories. Each type of VPN client has benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to decide which one works best for you and your device setup.
1. Built-In VPN Clients on Operating Systems
Some operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, can connect to a VPN without needing additional software. These built-in VPN clients typically support various VPN protocols and offer a basic level of functionality suitable for people with less intensive VPN needs.
While they may lack some of the advanced features found in standalone VPN clients, built-in clients are a good option if you prefer not to install additional software. They’re also a suitable option if you need a quick way to secure your internet connection occasionally. You’ll still need to sign up for a VPN service to get a working VPN connection. Many third-party VPN providers support manual installation but each provider has its own setup instructions for each device.
The downside to this option is that you have to manually configure your VPN connection settings which takes time and technical know-how. You can’t easily switch between VPN server locations either, as you’ll need to set up a new connection for each server. Finally, you lose out on any additional features and benefits the provider offers via its own client.
2. Browser-Based VPNs
Browser clients are extensions or plugins you can add directly to your web browser, such as Chrome and Firefox. They’re generally easy to use as they don’t require any setup – you just install the extension and click a button to connect. The downside is this simplicity comes at the cost of useful features and customization options.
Browser-based VPNs only secure the traffic that flows through your browser. They don’t protect the communications from your apps or other device traffic. This type of VPN client is particularly useful for safely visiting websites if you don’t use any apps or maintaining privacy while browsing on devices you don’t own, like at school or work.
3. Standalone VPN Clients
A standalone VPN client is a dedicated application you install on your device specifically to manage your VPN connection. Third-party services provide these standalone apps to make it easy for you to connect to their VPN networks. CyberGhost VPN offers a standalone VPN client and you can download it from reputable app stores like the Google Play Store, the App Store, and the Microsoft Store.
The VPN client shows you which VPN servers are available and lets you switch between them whenever you like, lets you customize your connection and VPN app settings, and sometimes provides extra features like a built-in ad-blocker and split tunneling.
CyberGhost VPN’s apps, for example, come with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, automatic Wi-Fi protection, connection customization options, and VPN app smart rules settings. Browser VPNs and built-in OS clients rarely come with advanced protection features and configuration options. That means a standalone client is typically the best option for long-term VPN use.
Which Devices Support Standalone VPN Clients?
Most computer and mobile operating systems like Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android can run third-party VPN clients. On the other hand, most smart TVs, gaming consoles, and some mobile phones that use a restricted operating system won’t let you install a standalone VPN client and don’t support browser extensions. Does that mean some of your devices have to be left unprotected? Not necessarily – some VPN services offer workaround options.
If you can’t install our VPN client on your preferred devices, you can configure CyberGhost VPN on your router instead. If you set up a VPN on your router, every device in your household will send traffic through the VPN connection simultaneously. Just make sure your router is compatible with VPNs. If it supports OpenVPN protocols, you can set up CyberGhost VPN manually. Otherwise, you may need to install new software or buy a new router. You can get one that comes with a VPN client preinstalled which takes care of most of the setup requirements for you.
Why Use a Third-Party Standalone VPN Client?
A dedicated client equips you with advanced features that elevate your safety, privacy, and browsing experience. You’ll get to easily switch between servers across the VPN network, tailor your encryption settings, and access any extra security or app features the service built in. This gives you a more flexible experience, ideal for anyone looking to take their digital security and freedom to the next level.
In other words, it’s all about control. If you don’t need that level of advanced control over the VPN, you can always choose one of the other two options. If you do want everything a VPN client can offer, here are some examples of features you may be able to access:
- Change your virtual location with just a click
- Manage your VPN client settings to block DNS domains used for ads and tracking
- Customize your security rules and tell the VPN how to behave when you’re connecting to a new or known Wi-Fi network
- Switch between VPN protocols for maximum connection security or to favor speed
- Make exceptions for websites or apps whose traffic you don’t want to pass through the VPN server
- Rely on advanced security features like a kill switch that temporarily blocks your traffic if your connection is interrupted for any reason
The best way to protect your data and mask your IP address is to use a reliable VPN service and install its apps on your devices.
Privacy Made Easy with a VPN Client
Whether you’re browsing at home or on public Wi-Fi, a VPN client ensures that you can connect to a VPN so your data remains private and your online activity stays confidential. With a VPN, you can safely unlock restricted parts of the internet and browse with peace of mind knowing your data is encrypted. The good news is, you don’t even have to be tech-savvy to do it. After installing a VPN client, using the VPN is as easy as 1-2-3.
CyberGhost VPN improves your online experience in other ways too. You can overcome firewall blocks on restricted networks like at work or school, find great online deals by changing your virtual location, and avoid content-based ISP throttling. Are you ready to return to the glory days of a wild and free internet but without the security threats? You can try CyberGhost VPN with our 45-day money-back guarantee.
FAQ
Yes. A VPN client connects your device to a VPN server to mask your IP address and encrypts your connection to protect your privacy and security. It also helps you manage and configure all the features your VPN service provides. Without a VPN client, you can’t connect to a VPN server. If you’re not using a third-party VPN client you likely won’t get access to advanced security features like a kill switch either, and you can’t customize your privacy settings.
You can use the CyberGhost VPN client on up to 7 devices simultaneously to switch virtual locations and encrypt your traffic with just a click.
A VPN is a service that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet to protect your privacy and data. A VPN client is the software you need to access this service. When you subscribe to CyberGhost, you can use our VPN clients on your computers and phones to easily switch between the servers we have available across 100 countries.
Subscribe to a reputable VPN service provider and download the VPN client. Just make sure to download the native client for the right platform. CyberGhost VPN offers VPN clients for multiple systems, including Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and macOS. Also, if your device isn’t supported, you can configure CyberGhost VPN on your router. That way, you can protect all your devices on that network simultaneously.
No. You need to use the VPN client software provided by your VPN service provider. Each provider has its own software with specific configurations, VPN protocols, and encryption standards. CyberGhost VPN ensures optimal performance, security, and compatibility for all popular devices and operating systems. Try CyberGhost VPN by subscribing at a competitive price – we also offer a risk-free 45-day money-back guarantee with 24/7 customer support.
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