Should I use a VPN browser?

A VPN is a service that encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, allowing you to enjoy greater privacy and security online. For travelers, it is one of the most important tools to stay safe while on vacation.

Using the best VPN is invaluable for accessing restricted websites and securing public Wi-Fi, and it can help you find better deals on last-minute hotel rooms.

So if they’re so useful, why not add them to your browser permanently? A VPN browser integrates VPN technology directly into your web browser, so you don’t have to fiddle around with an additional software client while on the go.

Read on and I’ll explain more about how VPN browsers work and whether they are as powerful as regular VPN software clients.

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What is a VPN browser?

When you hear the term “VPN browser,” you might expect to see a specific web browser like Tor, but it’s not that specific (most of the time). While there are some browsers that have a built-in VPN by default, virtually any browser you use can become a VPN browser with a browser add-on installed.

Either way, you get the same thing: a browser with all of your traffic going through a VPN. This means other internet activities like app usage or system updates aren’t covered, but it can be a handy tool if you want quick access to a secure connection. There is one notable exception, the Aloha Browser, but most VPN browsers work best when used in conjunction with the system-wide VPN client for your particular browser.

There are many VPN browsers that run the gamut of value for money. For example, Microsoft has built a very basic, limited-bandwidth VPN into the Edge browser that only gives you 5GB per month and can’t unblock streaming sites. However, it’s completely free and all you need to do is enter your Outlook credentials.

At the other end of the scale is Surfshark’s CleanWeb 2.0, a built-in browser add-on that not only provides VPN functionality but also eliminates ads, browser tracking cookies and malware before they can harm your computer. It also warns you when you access suspicious websites and when you’re about to enter something that looks like a phishing scam.

There’s also the Aloha Browser, a true all-in-one VPN browser that also covers the rest of your system. Aside from the Tor Browser, it’s the closest I’ve found to a true “VPN browser” as it combines all the features of a standalone VPN client with a privacy-focused browser.

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How does a VPN browser work?

A VPN works by connecting your web traffic to a secure server before sending it to its destination. When you visit a website, your browser sends the request to the VPN server, which then forwards it to the website. The secure tunnel created by this process hides your IP address and encrypts your data.

The difference between a VPN client and a VPN browser is the way the tunnel is created. A VPN client uses a dedicated VPN protocol such as OpenVPN or Wireguard to create a completely separate network interface on your computer. Instead of sending your traffic through your WiFi or Ethernet network interface, all of your Internet traffic is sent through this new interface, regardless of the program you use.

A VPN browser add-on doesn’t create a system-wide VPN connection. It uses HTTPS, the same encryption used for the secure connections to your banking website, to secure every connection you make with that browser. This technique allows you to still access streaming content from abroad and appear from a different location to get better online deals on hotels and flights. However, some VPN browsers don’t let you choose your location with the same level of precision that you would get from a VPN client.

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If your VPN provider offers a VPN browser as part of your subscription, you should use it. Most of them complement the existing tools you get as part of your VPN client with additional features like ad blockers, tracker blockers, and anti-phishing detection.

For example, Surfshark’s CleanWeb solution consists of two phases. The first phase uses DNS blocking as part of the VPN client to prevent you from connecting to malware sites, while CleanWeb 2.0 works in the browser and removes any intrusive ads that bypass the DNS blocker. It also automatically closes cookie pop-ups and removes tracking cookies.

You can also rest assured that your browsing traffic is always protected. When traveling, you often rely on public Wi-Fi networks, which are notoriously insecure. With a VPN browser, you don’t have to launch a separate VPN application every time you want to browse securely; VPN protection is built right into your browser. By ensuring that your web traffic is always encrypted, it’s much harder for hackers to intercept your data while you’re on the go.

There are many reasons to use a VPN browser, but you shouldn’t necessarily rely on it as your only source of online protection. Using a VPN browser will protect your internet traffic in your browser, but there are many apps on your phone that don’t use a browser to access the internet. These apps are only protected if you use a full-fledged VPN client.

There are other issues as well. While a VPN browser can help you access geo-blocked content, it is not always the best solution for streaming. Many streaming platforms are good at detecting and blocking VPNs, and a browser-based VPN may struggle to bypass these restrictions. There are also some VPN browsers, like Edge, that specifically do not send streaming services’ traffic through their VPN.

As always, you should be wary of free VPN browsers. In most cases, they are malicious services designed to collect your data or inject tracking ads into your service. If possible, you should stick to a paid, fully vetted VPN solution if you need a VPN browser.

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