v2rayN

The need for private browsing is something that we can all understand: with so much tracking going on nowadays, wanting to conceal your IP is a sensible move. The popularity of VPN services, though also boosted by the incessant promotion of said services, ultimately stems from the users' desire to curtail tracking and empower their privacy.

An alternative way to go about using VPNs is through the use of various other internet protocols. We've all heard of Socks proxies and the like, and v2rayN is the kind of software to empower the user's privacy by granting them access to such internet protocols, and more.

While the program may look rather complicated at first glance, there's no need to fret. The only thing that's required is unpacking both archives, and placing the Core folder in the v2rayN directory. This is to ensure the proper functionality of the tool: failing to do so will have the tool greet you with an error when attempting to connect to a protocol.

Afterwards, the Server tab should provide you what you need: the program not only supports Socks proxies, but also VMess, VLess, Shadowsocks, and Trojan servers. Setting up a server is quite straightforward: have the appropriate authentication details on hand, and you should be able to connect to the protocol right away. You may add custom servers, but it's worth noting that you require a .json config file for it to work.

As the software only acts as a client, the connection is only as good as your server allows. Still, the program offers a few tools to manage and test out performance: there's a built-in ping tester, as well as real delay and download speed tests. The tool can also check a server's status within seconds.

To more easily connect to your servers, the software also offers a QR code functionality. Through it, a QR code is created for each of your servers, allowing you to connect to them even through a mobile device.

v2rayN is a tool worth considering if you're looking for more privacy on the net: as a more old-fashioned alternative to VPN services, using internet protocols is just as viable and secure of a way to browse the web privately.