VPN testimonials…

[drscorpio]

I use a VPN called Private Internet Access. It was recommended to me by an old friend who works in the IT office at work. I haven't had any problem with it on my desktop. It works a little less well on my iPad; sometimes I have to disconnect/reconnect the VPN to make it work. 

[Pozzible]

I’ll probably go with Proton. I like that it’s audited for no logs and that it’s a Swiss company with servers located there. 

[cockfun69]

On 8/11/2025 at 12:50 AM, Pozzible said:

Anyone use Proton VPN? What do you think? 

I downloaded and installed Proton VPN. It can start with your machine boot-up if you wish.
I just turn it on for video sites and BZ every couple of days then off for my non-sex & work use.

[bbasslover79]

1 hour ago, drscorpio said:

I use a VPN called Private Internet Access. It was recommended to me by an old friend who works in the IT office at work. I haven't had any problem with it on my desktop. It works a little less well on my iPad; sometimes I have to disconnect/reconnect the VPN to make it work. 

I’ve been using this one for ages. Mostly to route all traffic from my home server, it works well. Haven’t had any issues with it. And they have good Black Friday deals. 

[DCWildBtm]

I've been using Proton for a couple years ever since I read an article somewhere that it was one of the better free VPN services out there. Haven't had any problems. I use it only when my ISP puts my location into a state where sites are blocked (usually Virginia in my area), or when Sniffies puts my location in the middle of Chesapeake Bay. Free Proton you get access to 3-4 servers: one each in USA, Netherlands, Japan, and I can't remember if there's a 4th or where it would be located if there is one. Proton works well on my Windows 11 laptop and my iOS and iPadOS devices. 

[Sfmike64]

I have been using Windscribe on Mac (and iOS/iPadOS) for about 5-6 years now. I'm very happy with it. It's inexpensive, has lots of endpoints (right now I'm connected to Montreal Expo 67) and their support has been quite responsive when I have needed to ask them questions. Mostly, though, you can set it and forget it. I would expect the Windows version to be similar though I haven't used it much.

I will say, though, that the idea that you can run a VPN 24x7 and just forget that it's there isn't realistic. Services that rely on location services will report the wrong location (duh) so you can't use shopping apps to order merchandise, because the website/app will think you're in the wrong country/state. But turning it on and off is simple. 

I've also set mine up for what's called "Inclusive" split tunnelling. That means that it ONLY uses the VPN for web sites that I've told it to, including this one. 

I like how Windscribe's app is small and unobtrusive and the interface is pretty simple and easy to use. Just make sure that if you live in a state/country that is blocked you don't choose the "Best Location" option, as it will choose something close to you that will likely also be blocked. They also have an odd idea about geography. Atlanta is US-Central, but Chicago is US-East. Go figure. 
 

Edited Thursday at 02:01 AM by Sfmike64

[PG1961Canada]

On 8/11/2025 at 4:07 AM, sluttony said:

Here's my own experiences:

NordVPN and SurfShark. I believe that these are now owned by the same parent company, but they each have different advantages (and so I actually do subscribe to both, as they're cheap enough on long term, multi-year deals).

SufShark supports the Wireguard protocol. This is newer and is usually faster then OpenVPN. It's also considered to be more secure. 

If you are setting it up as an app, it's definitely no more difficult that any other way of connecting. If you're doing anything fancy and using e.g. a VPN router like OpenWRT then there are extra steps.

NordVPN though, provides access to SOCKS proxy servers. This is useful for people who want to download e.g. Torrents, as you can simply add the details into the torrent software and never have to remember to connect to your VPN again.

These are both well known, well regarded options. Both claim that they store no logs, but I do not believe this has ever been verified.

Next up we have TOR - The Onion Ring.

There are a couple of ways to access TOR. First off is with their own web browser, the TOR Browser. It handles the connections for you, etc.

Another way is to use the Brave web browser. This has private browsing and private browsing via TOR and it gives a visual confirmation that you are indeed connected via TOR. 

However, it's important to note that Brave, even via TOR is not guaranteed to be entirely secure as it can suffer from something called DNS leaks - this is where your computer uses the DNS servers from your ISP to work out where to find website addresses. It is also important to remember that you have to remember to open a private window with TOR

It's not usually a problem for the vast majority of use cases, but if you want to guarantee highest security, download and use the TOR Browser itself.

TOR has another disadvantage in that you cannot set an exit point, so you might end up coming out to the internet in a country that is blocked, whereas with VPN clients you control which one you connet via.

Personally, if you can afford a subscription, I would suggest you pay for a well known VPN like SurfShark or NordVPN. They also both have very good tech support. I've also heard good things about ProtonVPN but have no direct experience to share.

If cost is an issue, then I would suggest downloading either Brave or the TOR Browser and using them.

Hey brother.. great summary... lots of options.  For those who are not IT trained, "IF" you can afford to pay a fee (which is over a couple of years + some free months)... I also endorse either SurfShark or NordVPN.. for ALL the reasons outlined above.  Just 'my' 3 cents.  I work in a similar field and I find for the average end use, both these tools are good.  And I Know some folks can't afford.. but there are mentions of freebies above as well.   Bottom line.. there are some sites that KNOW you are coming in from VPN and block you... but in MOST cases... you are wise to fire up a VPN .. BEFORE.. you start surfing.  It might not be 100% protection.. but it is a HECK of a lot better than everyone just 'seeing'y ou base IP address.. it could cause you issues in lawsuits, court, etc.. be careful!!  Reach out to me if you have questions... I will try and help if anyone is shy!!  (Make new friends.. wink).  But seriously... I think many folks here would support the use of a VPN with all the recent 'changes' in the world....