Friday, August 28, 2020
If you've kept on top of the latest Windows 10 developments, you may have spotted the Windows 10 VPN client's existence. It sounds super promising by its very name, suggesting you don't need a dedicated VPN solution, and you can simply flick it on any time you need the added protection and security. Dig a little deeper, however, and you may be disappointed by what the built-in VPN client means for you. Read on and we'll tell you everything you need to know about the Windows 10 VPN and whether it's worth using.
The Windows 10 VPN client isn't actually a VPN service
You see the words 'VPN client,' and you think it'll solve all your VPN needs, right? Well, the Windows 10 VPN client isn't really a VPN service all of its own. Effectively, it's a desktop client that helps you connect to a third-party VPN network separately. Yup, it's a container basically.
You'll still need to subscribe to a 'proper' VPN service to take advantage of the Windows 10 VPN client. Is it worth it when you could just download the VPN's own client instead? Well, let's keep looking at what the Windows 10 client offers.
Surfshark VPN: Best affordable paid VPN option
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With plans starting out at about 6 cents per day, it's really hard to skip over Surfshark because it's a paid service. It offers a ton of great features that you'd expect from a VPN provider, and is super simple to use.
The Windows 10 VPN Client requires you to set up connection profiles
Once you've hooked up your full VPN service with the Windows 10 VPN client, you might think it's plain sailing from now on. Unfortunately, there are some further restrictions. You have to set up a connection profile to use it, and each profile only has room for one server address and one connection protocol. If you like to switch between different servers regularly through your VPN, this immediately restricts your options unless you keep creating new profiles.
In a way, it's simpler (ish) as often, you probably only connect to the same couple of servers each time, but it makes it harder for you to switch easily between the fastest servers out there. It simply takes longer to do this via the Windows 10 client than a regular VPN software tool.
The Windows 10 VPN Client isn't very good
We'll be blunt - the Windows 10 built-in VPN client isn't great. It needs a bit of technical knowledge as it asks you about protocol choices and other features that most VPN service clients don't bother asking any more. They're far more intuitive and user-friendly than the Windows option. There's also the matter of needing to set up yet another client when you've already just signed up for a VPN service. It feels like an unnecessary step because it is.
As you need to subscribe to a VPN anyhow to even use the Windows 10 option, there's simply no point to also tie it into the Windows built-in VPN. It's far simpler and more effective to use your chosen VPN's app instead as it's typically designed better and far quicker to use. Switching between servers will be quicker, and it's an all-around far smoother experience than using the Windows method.
A VPN client simply has better features
The Windows 10 VPN client is super rudimentary. It looks like one of the more technical sides of Windows when numerous VPN apps look more attractive. At their simplest, VPN service clients tend to include maps that help you pick what location server you want to connect to, but they also offer extra features that can be very useful.
Depending on your VPN, this can be something pivotal like an integrated kill-switch, so your connection is cut if the VPN connection drops. Those kinds of features are hugely beneficial to many users, and they come as standard with the VPN app that's been designed with your VPN in mind. The Windows 10 client can't compete here.
Should I go near the Windows 10 built-in VPN?
We've said many negative things about the Windows 10 built-in VPN client and for a good reason. For most users, it's simply pointless. If you've just signed up for a VPN service, it makes far more sense to use the VPN's dedicated app to connect and switch between servers. It's simpler to use, and you'll have the full wealth of features that the VPN offers made available to you.
There is an exception to this rule, though. If you're technically minded and keen to avoid the potential bloat of having unnecessary apps installed, the Windows 10 VPN client does offer benefits. You don't need to install any extra apps to connect to your chosen VPN which is useful if you have limited space, or if your system is very low spec and needs all the help it can get to keep running smoothly. Also, if you're worried about any security issues relating to your VPN's app, this is an easy way to dodge those concerns (although maybe consider switching to a VPN you trust more).
However, for everyone else, there's simply no need to go anywhere near Windows 10's VPN client. Sign up to an excellent VPN service and use their dedicated app instead. It's far quicker to use, and you'll almost certainly appreciate the extra features and convenience that comes with it. Be sure to check out this roundup of all the best VPN deals now.
Surfshark VPN: Best affordable paid VPN option
From $1.99 per month at Surfshark
With plans starting out at about 6 cents per day, it's really hard to skip over Surfshark because it's a paid service. It offers a ton of great features that you'd expect from a VPN provider, and is super simple to use.
ExpressVPN: Best overall VPN for most people
This is our top pick for anyone looking to get started with a VPN. It offers a great mix of speed, reliability, outstanding customer service, and affordability. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, so give it a shot today.
From $6.67 per month at ExpressVPN
NordVPN: Top VPN with most server options
From $3.49 per month at NordVPN
NordVPN offers an insane amount of server locations that you can pick from and is one of the best services for unblocking streaming services. It's definitely the most well-known brand in the VPN space right now.
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