Virtual Private Network also known as VPN has become an essential tool for everyone who uses the web. Internet Security is more important than anything else to keep your web activities secured from hackers and other viruses. Most people don’t know about the importance of using a VPN service. Many of them don’t aware about the VPN Browser Extension which can be used easily along with the web browser app. Here, we have tried to explain which VPN platform should you use, VPN app or VPN Browser Extension?
Basic Difference between VPN App and VPN Browser Extension
Instead of VPN apps provided by the VPN providers, most Internet users have started using the handy tool called VPN Browser Extension. Browser Extensions that help protect your privacy while surfing the web world. It’s becoming more and more popular amongst Internet users as it keeps things simplified and lets users easily make use of its services.
Still, VPN app is considered as the best way to keep things secured on the web. VPN Browser Extension comes with limitations and it only offers a limited set of features which you can use. Of course, a plugin seems to be a great option but only for those who need basic security of their browsing.
We have to accept the fact that most VPN Browser Extensions or Plugins protect your browser traffic. If you use the extension on Google Chrome browser, the plugin will protect the incomings from the web by encryption method. The browser extension works only if you use that particular browser. If you happen to use a different app to share data using the Internet, then the browser extension won’t protect the information shared by you to the recipient.
In general, a VPN Browser Extension works as an independent Internet Proxy to protect your online activities when you surf the web. It’s a great option if you buy things online or making online transactions. However, if you are planning to use the VPN for other services or to hide your identity and to browse the web anonymously, you must use the dedicated VPN app provided by the VPN provider.
What’s the Major Difference then?
The major difference between the VPN app and VPN Browser Extension is the encryption protocols of both these services. Both of them are using a different encryption service. The protocols decide how to protect your systems and that’s what makes these services different from each other.
If we talk about the dedicated VPN app for the desktops and mobile platforms, they usually use OpenVPN or IKEv2 Protocols for the privacy of the users. It encrypts all the traffic that goes from the entire system including the applications and other sources and not just from the browsers. No matter whether you browse the Internet or use different applications on your systems, this protocol encrypts everything well and keeps your data and the system secured.
On the other hand, a VPN Browser Extension encrypts only the web traffic that you use on that particular browser. As noted above, your data shared by other applications from the system won’t be encrypted when you use the browser extension. It works with HTTPS encryption.
This is the only major difference between the VPN App and VPN Browser Extension. Apart from the privacy of the system, the VPN app comes loaded with a lot of other security features. You can make the most of its services using the app as it comes with many other tools and features which you might not get from the browser extension.
With a dedicated VPN app, you can easily switch between the server, can hide your PC’s identity by hiding the IP address and do a variety of things. A VPN Browser Extension only lets you connect to a different server. It provides quick action right from the browser without opening a new app so it is a good option if you just want to change the server’s location.
Final Words:
Both, VPN app and VPN Browser Extension have their advantages. Depending on your basic requirements, you can use any of these services. Still, a VPN app is a good option to go with as it protects your entire system and not just web browsing.
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