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Decentralized VPNsor dVPNs are touted as the evolution of VPNs.
All this sounds interesting, but why would you use one, and how do you get started?
What Is a Decentralized VPN, and Why Would You Use One?
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There are a few reasons why you’d use a decentralized VPN over a regular one.
Some are more practical, while others are more high-minded.
Related:How Does a Decentralized VPN (dVPN) Work?
You could potentially use the dVPN platform for free as you could balance incoming payments with outgoing ones.
Another big advantage to dVPNs is that they’re transparent.
You’re taking their claims of privacy at face value—or at least trusting third-party auditors.
Which Decentralized VPNs Are Available?
Let’s have a brief rundown of each service so you have an idea of what to expect.
It handles just like most regular VPNs do, just click and connect.
Mysterium is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux and Android.
It’s a bit daunting for first-timers.
Orchid is available for MacOS, iOS, and Android.
Deeper connection
Our third entry isDeeper connection, which takes a very interesting tack.
The gadget itself is your gateway to the data pipe and will allow you to earn crypto.
First, go tothe Mysterium websiteand download your client of choice.
Install it like you would any other program and run it.
There’s no way around this, without MYST you’re able to’t use it.
The nice thing here is that Mysterium is its own exchange, so you could buy directly from them.
you might pay by card, PayPal, or another cryptocurrency.
Currently, $2 will buy you about 3.5 MYST.
What your current purchase buys you in terms of time online is displayed on the right.
We’re tempted to say it’s a pretty good deal overall.
If you torrent a lot, though, you may want to use a regular VPN.
With payment out of the way, you’ll come to the main screen of Mysterium’s client.
It’s not all that different from the interface offered by most regular VPNs.
The main thing to remember is that you’re not dealing with servers.
Instead, you’re dealing with nodes.
Unlike regular VPNs, Mysterium doesn’t show you specific locations or even IP addresses, just node addresses.
One thing that is important, though, is to note the “R” next to some entries.
This means it’s a residential proxy, a node offered by a fellow user.
These are generally more expensive to use than the one Mysterium itself has secured but are better for streaming.
This brings us to another thing you may want to remember, namely that prices can differ between nodes.
Thankfully, this is clearly indicated for each entry.
Once you’ve found a node you like, connecting is as easy as hitting the connection button.
Other than that, though, it’s not that different from a regular VPN.
If you’re interested in a new take on VPNs, giveMysteriuma whirl.
