Discover the Best 6 Urban VPN Substitutes for 2024

Proton VPN – Optimal Choice

Proton, situated in Switzerland, vows enhanced confidentiality and defense via their Proton VPN service. Hailing from Switzerland, Proton VPN offers safeguarding that adheres to the nation’s robust privacy regulations. Endow yourself with web activity security via IP masking, a no-logs principle, and DNS leak prevention.

Reasons for Selecting Proton VPN

Similar to Urban VPN, Proton VPN presents a gratis version of their VPN. However, what truly captivated me about this provider are its premium packages.

Consumers can pick from an assortment of options tailored to their exact requirements. Each can be acquired via a monthly subscription or a one-year or two-year scheme that enables long-term savings.

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Proton VPN is a favored choice for diverse purposes, whether it’s for travel applications or a secure streaming fix. If you aim to procure a solution for your enterprise, the Proton VPN For Business offering might be the remedy you seek. It comes in three tiers, each furnishing an array of functionalities for network security, access control, endpoint security, and more. Priced per user, this alternative is a commendable, scalable asset for burgeoning businesses.

Pricing Strategy

Proton VPN provides a costless variant of their software, encompassing infinite free coverage for one device with the assurance of no ads or logs.

Alternatively, customers can choose one of the three paid Proton VPN Plus schemes, which incorporate added benefits such as safeguarding for up to 10 devices simultaneously and swift performance capabilities.

• Proton VPN Plus monthly plan at $9.99 per month, billed monthly.
• Proton VPN Plus 1-year subscription at $4.99 per month, billed annually.
• Proton VPN Plus 2-year subscription at $4.49 per month, billed biennially.

Customers can also procure the VPN through a Proton Unlimited arrangement. This package includes supplementary amenities like Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass.

• Proton Unlimited monthly plan: $12.99 per month, billed monthly.
• Proton Unlimited 1-year subscription: $9.99 per month, billed annually.
• Proton Unlimited 2-year subscription: $7.99 per month, billed biennially.

Proton further extends a VPN solution tailored to suit businesses and other organizations, dubbed Proton VPN for Business.

• VPN Professional option at $11.99 per user monthly, billed monthly, or opt for an annual subscription to save up to 17% and 25% with a biennial subscription.
• VPN Essentials choice at $8.99 per user monthly, billed monthly, or opt for an annual subscription to save up to 22% and 33% with a biennial subscription.
• VPN Enterprise plan at a price quoted on demand.

Characteristics

• Traffic division.
• Customized DNS.
• Ad-interceptor.
• Rapid P2P/BitTorrent transfers.
• 4,500+ servers in 90+ territories for paid schemes.

Advantages

• Diversified plan options offering scalability.
• 30-day refund policy.
• All servers employ complete disk encryption and a no-log protocol.

Disadvantages

• Free plan only permits protection for a single device.

TunnelBear – Ideal for User-friendliness

Do not be deceived by TunnelBear’s fierce yet charming logo—its seamless app advocates a secure and relaxed VPN experience. Customers can even test the VPN with 2GB of complimentary monthly data, allowing them to observe the stress-free deployment and utilization of the product firsthand.

Why TunnelBear Stands Out

Ever dealt with software that feels like a maze to deploy? Not with TunnelBear. Within several clicks, TunnelBear was downloading onto my Windows system, and the user-friendliness does not end there.

TunnelBear features a lucid privacy policy and enables users to commence with a straightforward on/off toggle. Fortunately, this user-friendliness does not equate to limited functionalities; rather, it means spending less time grappling with downloads and comprehension and more time relishing its security and privacy perks.

Pricing Details

TunnelBear’s complimentary software schemeoffers 2 gigabytes of protected browsing.

Alternatively, customers have the option to acquire TunnelBear’s premium software for increased VPN capabilities. The Infinite plan provides boundless secure browsing, unrestricted device connections, top-notch servers, selection of servers at city level, and high-priority customer assistance.

The Teams option is tailored for enterprises looking to secure more than two users and includes all the features of the Infinite plan, along with centralized team billing, administrative tools, and account management functionalities.

• Infinite: Commences at $3.33 per month.
• Teams: Commences at $5.75 per user per month.

Characteristics

• VPN coverage for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android gadgets.
• Prevention of tracking based on IP addresses.
• Browsing available in 47 different countries.
• High-grade AES 256-bit encryption.
• Unlimited number of devices.

Pros

• Companies can experiment with the TunnelBear for Teams plan free of charge for 7 days.
• Individuals can observe and handle their personal information in their account, download a copy of the data, or opt to delete it.
• TunnelBear presents the Teams plan, which is an edition of its VPN tailored for organizations.

Cons

• The complimentary version is rather restricted when compared to the paid packages.

Windscribe VPN: Optimal for economical security

Windscribe VPN consistently emerges as one of the top VPN alternatives due to its reliable performance. This dependable solution furnishes secure VPN functionalities that safeguard your online data, unblock geo-restricted streaming content, and eliminate bothersome ads. These factors led to its inclusion in TechRepublic’s selection of the finest gaming VPNs. With its swift speeds and cost-efficient pricing, Windscribe serves as a logical and secure substitute for business VPN use.

Reasons for Selecting Windscribe VPN

I hold the belief that a VPN should prioritize security, and in this aspect, Windscribe has excelled — all without straining your finances. Windscribe VPN encompasses an array of features that safeguard users’ online activities and data. From its IP and domain blocking utility to its robust encryption, your internet traffic remains confidential.

Although Windscribe’s complimentary VPN version offers limited data and server choices, it encompasses all the features present in the paid subscriptions. I appreciate that these additional features are not obscured behind payment requirements, enabling customers to gain a better understanding of the capabilities of the premium plans before committing.

Another aspect I admire about Windscribe is its rapid performance. By blocking trackers and ads, not only do you enhance your web browsing experience in terms of safety and quality, but you also circumvent any unnecessary delays in internet speed.

Pricing

Windscribe provides its VPN and ad blocking solution through a complimentary plan which includes 10 gigabytes of data, unlimited connections, and servers in 10 countries. Nonetheless, customers can opt for Windscribe Pro, the paid package offering unrestricted data and comprehensive protection across more than 69 countries and 112 cities.

• Windscribe Pro Monthly Plan: $9.00 per month.
• Windscribe Pro Yearly Plan: $69 per 12 months.

Customers also have the option to select the Build A Plan software, priced at $1.00 per location per month.

Characteristics

• Servers spanning over 69 countries and 134 cities.
• 6 distinct protocols and 11 ports.
• Desktop VPN available for Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.
• Mobile VPN for Android and iOS devices.
• Standalone proxy extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers.

Pros

• Premium subscriptions incorporate R.O.B.E.R.T., a customizable server-side IP and domain blocking tool.
• Users laud Windscribe for its high speeds and uninterrupted streaming experiences.
• Offers split tunneling functionality.

Cons

• The complimentary plan only provides access to servers in a mere 10 countries.
• No substantial discounts or promotions are offered.

PrivadoVPN: Top-notch free offering

Similar to UrbanVPN, PrivadoVPN enables users to experience a lifetime-free version of its Zero-Log server network software. In contrast to UrbanVPN, each of its packages is safeguarded by Swiss privacy regulations for added protection. Yes, PrivadoVPN is another VPN provider situated in Switzerland that offers rapid speeds and remarkable features even in its complimentary package.

Reasons for Preferring PrivadoVPN

When pondering free VPNs versus paid VPNs, the complimentary solutions seldom measure up for evident reasons. Nevertheless, I wished to incorporate a robust free VPN with fundamental features and dependable speeds. PrivadoVPN appeared to be the impeccable selection.

If you seek a straightforward VPN solution to block advertisements, stream content, and access basic security, I suggest experimenting with PrivadoVPN. For a free solution, I savored several of the integrated features, such as split tunneling and user-friendly applications.

Its security is maintained through AES-256 encryption and attributes like PrivadoVPN’s kill switch, which can safeguard your data in case of connection issues. Notwithstanding, speed is worth mentioning, as it renders 10 GB of swift performance per month for the modest cost of $0.00.

Payment Options

PrivadoVPN presents a complimentary version of its software with restricted features, encompassing a 10GB data threshold every 30 days, single connection, and servers in 13 cities.

The paid subscriptions proffer more functionalities, comprising unlimited data servers in 66 cities, 10 connections, and the Ad Blocker feature.

• Plan with No Risk for 30 Days: $2.50 per month.
• Extensive 12-Month VPN + 3 Bonus: 2.99 per month.
• Comprehensive 24-Month VPN + 3 Bonus: $1.99 per month.
• Monthly Subscription: $10.99 per month.

Customers can also append antivirus protection to their subscription for an extra $1.99 per month.

Characteristics

• Defense against threats.
• Assistance for streaming.
• Servers in 66 nations.
• SOCKS5 Proxy.
• Boundless devices.

Advantages

• Premium subscriptions cover an infinite number of devices.
• Promises a refund policy for 30 days.
• Subscriptions are equipped with robust security features.

Disadvantages

• The complimentary plan solely provides a 10GB data cap every 30 days, 1 connection, and servers in merely 13 cities.
• Ad Blocker is exclusively included in premium subscriptions.
• The free version comes with restricted customization options.

Hola: Top peer-to-peer VPN

Hola is recognized for its HTTP routing overlay network and VPN amenities. It furnishes a free edition of its VPN software for individuals wanting to “access worldwide content” and relish a borderless internet experience. Analogous to numerous other providers on this compilation, Hola also furnishes a superior edition of its VPN with extra advantages and capacities.

Reasons for Selecting Hola

Hola’s complimentary VPN service differs somewhat from the other choices I’ve discussed. It is a peer-to-peer IP exchange network, directing users to other users’ computers, enabling the usage of their IP addresses while letting others utilize yours.

I was cautious about incorporating Hola’s Free VPN version in this compilation, as certain debates suggest that its peer-to-peer associations can endanger users. After all, Urban VPN is powered by peer-to-peer technology, thus including my finest peer-to-peer VPN selection in this write-up made sense.

Hola endeavors to protect its free framework by restricting peers to funnel specific requests from whitelisted websites only. Its site affirms that there is no jeopardy of one individual seizing control of another’s computer or private data. Nevertheless, many individuals opt to avoid such network arrangements, preferring a more conventional VPN service instead.

I would propose Hola’s free VPN service to anyone in need of a VPN solely for circumventing location-based restrictions and who places less emphasis on security in their VPN service.

Alternatively, Hola extends a premium paid plan where users are not utilized as peers. Hola Premium’s users can explore boundless HD streaming and a broader range of global content from merely $2.99 per month for a three-year term. This scheme aligns more closely with the other alternatives on this list, incorporating additional features like unlimited viewing time, multi-device usability, and HD content.

Pricing

Hola’s complimentary VPN service is furnished in exchange for granting Hola permission to utilize a portion of your device’s Wi-Fi and mobile data. This occurs solely with the complimentary plan when your device is idle, and other users employ it as a “peer.”

The Hola Premium scheme offers limitless HD streaming and access to a broader range of global content. It can be procured via three payment alternatives.

• Hola Premium Monthly Subscription: $14.99 per month billed monthly.
• Hola Premium 1-Year Subscription: $7.69 per
• Monthly subscription at a cost of $92.26, billed in one installment.
• 3-year plan for Hola Premium priced at $2.99 monthly, payable in a single payment of $107.55.

Characteristics

• Constant support available 24/7.
• Variety of browser extension choices.
• Ability for multiple connections simultaneously.
• Emergency kill switch feature.
• Utilization of standard HTTPS encryption protocol.

Advantages

• Round-the-clock support for all users, including those on the free plan.
• Hola guarantees a refund for all paid services.
• Diverse application options available for seamless cross-platform and multi-device usage.

Drawbacks

• Peer-to-peer VPNs might fall short on security standards for business requirements.

Top Choice for Streaming: IPVanish

IPVanish takes pride in its top-tier security, providing an array of encryption and cybersecurity features alongside its VPN software. Spanning over 40,000 IPs across 2,400+ VPN servers in 90+ locations, IPVanish safeguards internet activities for individuals and organizations, shielding them against data breaches.

Reasons to Pick IPVanish

Upon analyzing IPVanish, it became evident that the vendor promotes its VPN as optimized for streaming. True to its words, this service enables secure access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.

Besides enhancing everyday internet use security, IPVanish’s tools are adaptable to corporate environments. Researchers, like myself, value a reliable VPN connection that permits smooth streaming of work-related content, a feature that IPVanish readily delivers.

I’m also enthusiastic about IPVanish’s speed, which benefits from its extensive global VPN server network. Testing the VPN for binge-watching my favorite TV shows was a joy, thanks to its unrestricted connections, rapid speeds, and limitless bandwidth, making it a versatile option for any internet activity.

Pricing Details

IPVanish presents three distinct subscription plans for potential customers.

• Monthly Subscription: $12.99 per month.
• 2-Year Plan with 3 Months Extra: $350.73.
• Yearly Plan with 3 Extra Months: $194.85.

The provider frequently advertises exclusive offers and discounts on its website; hence, ensure to browse for the best value for your investment!

Key Features

• Global presence with servers in over 90 locations worldwide.
• Immediate assistance with 24/7 live chat support.
• Secure internet access via AES 256-bit encryption.
• Unlimited data transfer capacity.
• Strict no-logs policy for user data privacy.

Merits

• Guaranteed refund within 30 days.
• User activities remain private with an independently verified zero-logs policy.
• Automatic VPN Kill Switch feature for immediate disconnection if the VPN link fails.

Demerits

• IPVanish does not offer a free version like Urban VPN.