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A must-have feature to ask for when shopping for VPNs is server obfuscation.
Lets quickly learn about it and see what its absence means for you.
VPNs arent niche products anymore.
And while most VPNs share a similar spec sheet, server obfuscation sets a few ahead of the rest.
VPN Server Obfuscation
Remember why we use VPNs?
To hidefrom governments, ISPs, cybercriminals, etc.
A VPN user wants to be left alone without any snooping attempts from the aforementioned actors.
And VPNs attempt to ensure such privacy measures with their encryptions.
However, encrypting data with a fewVPN protocolsgives out some patterns which differentiate it from regular internet traffic.
Consequently, it reveals the VPN use, laying waste to a users intent of being anonymous.
Still, there is hope if you have server obfuscation.
How Does it Work?
Consider VPN obfuscation as a layer of encryption hiding the actual VPN encryption.
It randomizes the internet traffic to appear as standard to help it pass through the VPN firewalls.
This helps them confirm VPN usage.
These generalized patterns mask the underlying VPN, giving true anonymity.
Its a web proxy based on SOCKS5 protocol.
Stunnelis a proxy implementation using theOpenSSLcryptographic library and is compatible with any algorithm using the same protocols.
Notably, OpenVPN developers advise against using this XOR patch, considering the lack of rigorous testing.
However, some VPN providers still do it anyway with their own modifications, citing the ease of implementation.
Obfsproxyis developed by the Tor community and can also be used by other VPN protocols, including OpenVPN.
While this works for this purpose, it may suffer from over-randomized data getting caught in the act.
So, these were some of the methods VPN providers use to implement server obfuscation.
However, its important to note that obfuscation isnt guaranteed to work 10 out of 10 times.
Still, this is your best bet against the notorious firewalls.
Lets test whether a few VPN providers have this premium functionality.
kindly note I wont repeat a few industry-standard features like AES-256-bit encryption, split tunneling, etc.
However, you will be notified about note-worthy specialties or any major lacking.
NordVPN
NordVPNis a top-rated VPN that allows you to obfuscate through internet barriers.
you’re free to use this feature by selecting OpenVPN protocol and then picking any obfuscated server.
It lets you connect six devices per subscription and offers advanced features like Tor over VPN and private DNS.
Besides, it has been founded by some of the best privacy advocates.
Today, were introducing Stealth, our new custom-built anti-censorship protocol for Proton VPN.
Finally, ProtonVPN offers a generous 10-gadget limit per subscription.
Check our detailedProtonVPN review.
Another highlight feature is its native adblocking and ultimate unlimited devices per subscription policy.
ExpressVPN
The entertainment-heavyExpressVPNis more secretive about its obfuscation than the ones listed above.
ExpressVPN is known for its exceptional speeds, geo-unblocking prowess, and industry-leading price tag.
Yes, its one of the most expensive VPNs on the market.
It offers a decent five-machine connection per subscription.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly VPN, then I would suggestNamecheap FastVPN.
The need of the hour!
But thats not the case.
Still, quite a few give you this advantage to go truly anonymous.
In addition to the listed, you might also check outAstrillVPN for server obfuscation.
