One of the best aspects of Usenet is the privacy. Thanks to modern providers embracing SSL as a standard, the vast majority of Usenet users have at least the option to encrypt their Usenet activity so it can’t be watched by hackers or Internet service providers.
However, if you want to protect the rest of your Internet activity, SSL won’t be enough. It encrypts your Usenet connection, but your browsing history and identity are exposed through your web browser and non-Usenet activity. That’s why you need a VPN.
Let’s find out what a VPN is and which is the best Usenet VPN.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that securely connects your computer through an encrypted tunnel to a VPN server. The server handles all data requests and passes it to your computer, effectively hiding your identity and keeping your personal information private. It works in a similar way to SSL Usenet connections, but also protects the rest of your Internet data, such as the website you might search your Indexer on.
The VPN for Usenet 2024
#1 PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is the best Usenet VPN. There’s a reason why so many of our Best Usenet Providers have chosen to partner with them. It protects Usenet connections, as well as the rest of your Internet activity, with military-grade encryption and advanced IP address masking to keep you safe and anonymous online.
PrivadoVPN Features
- Ad Blocker
- Easy to Use Apps
- Servers in Over 60 Countries
- Parental Controls
- Unlimited Speeds and Data
- Unlimited Devices with Up to 10 Connections
We were impressed with PrivadoVPN as a security tool. It provides users with a lot of features to keep their personal information secure while not compromising Internet speeds. Top10Usenet highly recommends choosing a Usenet provider that includes a subscription to PrivadoVPN or allows you to add one to your Usenet subscription. PrivadoVPN is a great complement to Usenet and keeps you safe online no matter what you’re doing.
#2 Windscribe
Windscribe VPN is an advanced virtual private network that incorporates a number of interesting and unique features. Most notably is their R.O.B.E.R.T. technology, which helps to reduce the chances of malware infection by blocking specific sites that might be dangerous. It is entirely customizable, allowing you to whitelist as needed and avoid spoofed pages.
Windscribe Features
- Servers in 63 Countries
- ScribeForce team accounts
- Port Forwarding
- R.O.B.E.R.T.
- Static IPs
- Easy to Use Apps
Outside of R.O.B.E.R.T., we also like that you can purchase static IP addresses in 13 locations so you’ll always have the same IP address when you connect, and utilize port forwarding, which allows you to access your home computer remotely as if you were local.
#3 ProtonVPN
A spinoff of anonymous email server Protonmail, ProtonVPN is a solid VPN product with a number of great features. Among the more unique privacy benefits that come with a ProtonVPN account is double VPN connectivity, which routes your data first through countries with strong consumer privacy laws, and Tor over VPN, which makes browsing the dark web safer.
ProtonVPN Features
- Proprietary VPN protocol: Stealth
- Open-source
- Alternative Routing
- VPN Accelerator
- Browser Extensions
- Tor over VPN
ProtonVPN includes a WireGuard-based VPN protocol, Stealth, which helps bypass Internet censorship and access blocked sites. They can also route your connection through third-party networks like AWS to access blocked servers, though this can slow down your connection, especially in conjunction with other security measures.
Bottom Line
Using the Internet without a VPN is like riding a bike without a helmet. Most people do it, many get hurt, and some suffer worse consequences. Even with SSL protection on your Usenet connections, you’re still vulnerable to data theft and malware if you don’t also have a high quality VPN to keep your personal information safe online.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Should you use a VPN for Usenet?
- Most Usenet providers include SSL encryption on their connections, which is incredibly strong. However, this might not be enough. Using a VPN provides another layer of protection and also extends that protection to Indexers and other web-based applications that wouldn’t otherwise be encrypted by the SSL on your Usenet connection.
- What is the best way to access Usenet?
- In order to access Usenet, you need a provider, an Indexer, and a newsreader. We recommend taking a look at our list of the top Usenet providers to choose one that meets your needs.
- Can Usenet be tracked?
- While any Internet service can be tracked, for the most part Usenet is not. Most providers are no-log providers and use SSL security to hide your activity, so you’re not being tracked. Because Usenet doesn’t rely on advertisements for revenue, they have no reason to track your activity.
- Is Usenet secure?
- Yes. As long as you use SSL if that’s available and utilize a VPN to protect the rest of your online activity, Usenet is one of the safest, most secure online services.