VPN, aka Virtual Private Network, is like a buzzword in the cybersecurity space that has proved to be exceptionally useful to keep your online privacy intact. The sole objective of a VPN is to protect your online identity, and it does that by encrypting your network traffic, hiding your IP address, and keeping your browsing activities anonymous.
But did you know there are two types of VPN? Yes, you heard that right. VPNs can be categorized into two different types, namely, hardware VPN and software VPN. In this post, we will be learning about both these VPN types while analyzing major differences and usability criteria.
But before that, let’s try to understand why you need a VPN and how it can boost your digital privacy.
Why Do You Need a VPN?
As we tend to spend most of our time on the Internet, using a VPN becomes a must. A VPN is a standalone service that allows you to establish a secure connection on the web and masks your identity from intruders. Well, not just this, a VPN is a lot more useful than you think!
Here are a few benefits of using a VPN while browsing the web.
- Masks your online identity by hiding your IP address information.
- Bypass geo-restrictions to watch your favorite movies, TV shows and access restricted websites.
- Protect yourself while browsing the Internet from public WiFi hotspots.
- Access internal networks within schools, universities, and workplaces without revealing your actual IP address info.
- Download illegal torrent files without any hindrance.
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Also read: Is Using VPN Legal or Not? Why Should We Use VPN
Moving on to our original subject, let’s move ahead and understand the underlying difference between a hardware VPN and a software VPN.
What is a Hardware VPN?
A hardware VPN is a device that comes embedded with VPN functionalities. VPN routers are an excellent example of a hardware VPN, as they come pre-installed with VPN support that allows you to encrypt/decrypt and authenticate a secure connection. Hardware VPNs feature an in-built processor that takes care of the entire job and will enable you to gain remote access from your device.
What is a Software VPN?
On the other hand, a software VPN is an application that you need to download and install on your device. It acts as an intermediary link between your device and the remote server so that you can browse anonymously from any device. Hence, it involves no hardware or setup cost. You simply need to pick a reliable VPN service from the web, install it on your device, and get started.
Also read: 11 Best VPN For Windows 10, 8, 7 PC In 2020 – (Free & Paid)
Hardware VPN VS Software VPN: What’s Better and Why?
Let’s compare both these VPN types on various factors.
Pricing and Deployment
If you’re trying to analyze both these VPN types based on pricing and deployment process, it solely depends on your purpose. A hardware VPN can be a one-time investment that will cost you around 50-1000$ for buying a VPN router. On the other hand, opting for a software VPN is investing or signing up for a service, which you pay for using the VPN for a dedicated amount of time. Choosing long-term annual plans for 1-year or 2-years can prove out to be super affordable in terms of pricing as you merely have to pay a tiny cost to keep your digital privacy intact.
Userfriendly
Setting up a VPN router or a hardware VPN may sound like a tricky job, especially to beginners who tend to use a VPN service for the first time. On the contrary, software VPNs are easy to use and understand. You can simply use a software VPN service like any other application you download from the web. Simply install the VPN service, launch the software, connect to a remote server, and that’s it!
Bypassing Geo-blocked Content
Well, now this is something where a software VPN is a clear win. If you’re looking forward to using a VPN service to access restricted content, watching movies and TV shows blocked in your region, then here, only a software VPN can help you! A software VPN can easily help you bypass geo-restrictions, and you can easily connect to a remote server of any location you like while keeping your identity masked.
Conclusion
This wraps up our guide covering differences between hardware VPN VS Software VPN. Our vote goes to a software VPN as they are simple, fast, and easy to set up. Also, not to forget about the affordable pricing and security features they include. So, yes, using a Software VPN can prove out to be a lot worthy!
What are your views on the same? What would you pick? Do you think software VPNs are more secure than hardware VPNs? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments box below.
