Tag Archives: software

Should You Use a VPN with a Router or Your Devices?

Many home routers have VPN features built-in. The question is, should you use them?

In years past, the ability to configure your router to use a VPN was seen as a premium feature. It was found in top-end models and routers for business exclusively. Since VPNs have become so popular for everyday use, it’s now easy to find VPN-ready home routers.

Tech writers often love the idea of using VPNs with routers. After all, why wouldn’t you want to skip installing VPN software on each device? To many, leveraging a VPN at the router level is an exciting option. It’s convenient, and in many ways, it’s easier to manage. However, it isn’t always the best approach.

Ways to Use Your VPN

First, let’s look at the alternatives. There are two primary ways to enable a VPN on your devices:

  1. Install VPN apps on each device and manage them individually
  2. Install a VPN on your router so that every device goes through a VPN

The purpose of this article is to walk you through the pros and cons of these two approaches so you can determine what works best for you.

You may opt to use a VPN extension with your web browser but that won’t be a focus here.

Lastly, have a look at LetMeBy’s top VPN picks if you’re researching the services out there.

Pros and Cons of Using a VPN with Your Router

Pros

1. No VPN Software is Required

By using your router to manage your VPN you save yourself time upfront.

Most households have tons of devices: from smart TVs and game consoles, to smartphones. And your router admin panel allows you to manage everything in one place. All devices are protected by the VPN whether that device supports VPN software or not.

2. Better for Parents and Families

If you have teens or elderly family members in the home, it allows you to protect their smartphones or laptops without interfering too much.

Family members may not see the importance of using a VPN, but they won’t protest if their device automatically connects to it.

Cons

1. It’s a One Size Fits All Solution

Whether it’s Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Dropbox, each online service has its own policy about VPNs. Sometimes VPNs are approved of, sometimes they’re tolerated, and sometimes the service won’t function with it enabled.

Thus, enabling a VPN across your entire home network can make managing it with precision challenging. For example, if you want to disable the VPN to use a certain service, you’ll need to disable it across all devices via the router. And if other people in the house are using a device at the same time, they won’t be protected by the VPN.

2. Limited Access to the VPN’s Features

Routers with VPN features allow you to log in and use your VPN and that’s pretty much it.

If you want to change your IP address, switch to a different type of encryption, or see a map with all the available server locations marked on a map, you’ll need to access the VPN’s admin panel online.

3. Best for Tech Savvy Users

The software packaged with many routers such as Asus’ Merlin or DD-WRT makes it fairly painless to disable a VPN. It typically comes down to accessing the advanced settings and clicking a button.

Still, that means each user in your home will need access to the router settings. And you may not want to grant them that. Additionally, not everyone will be comfortable with drilling down into advanced settings. At the end of the day, this approach is best for tech savvy people.

Pros and Cons of Using a VPN App

Pros

1. Full Control of VPN on Each Device

There are so many scenarios in which it’s best to install VPN software on each device. Maybe you don’t want or need it on every device. Maybe you use a VPN for work exclusively and only need to install it on your laptop.

Leveraging software allows you to enable or disable the VPN on that device only. For example, if you want to watch Netflix on your home theater PC and need to turn off your VPN to continue, it makes sense to disable it on that one device rather than the entire network.

2. Access to Advanced Features and VPN User Interface

The top VPN services have amazing apps! They take something highly technical and make it look straightforward with a clean user interface.

It’s great to have access to a map that shows you where your VPN’s IP address is located. You can also change the IP, region, or country, easily from the app. None of that is possible when the VPN is configured at the router level, not to mention other advanced features.

Cons

1. More Apps and More Management Tasks

Each individual in a household typically has at least a few devices. And for efficiency’s sake, the fewer apps you need to install on them the better.

Installing VPN software is easy enough. And then you upgrade your phone, or have to reinstall your operating system on your PC. The time you spend managing software on several devices is often underestimated.

2. Not Ideal for Managing a Network for the Entire Family

If you handle the IT tasks in your family, you need to be able to manage as much of it as you can from one place.

Installing VPN software on each device is great if they’re all yours, but in situations where many devices in the home belong to family members, it’s nice to give them the benefits of a VPN without interfering with how they use their technology.

It’s Best to Use a VPN but It’s Not Always Practical

Most people use online services offered by major corporations every day. Some of our online activity is consequently tracked. It happens when we play online video games, when we check our email, and when we stream movies.

People naturally want as much online privacy as they can get. However, companies need to know certain things about their customers to operate. As a result, using a VPN with some online services isn’t always advisable.

Using a VPN can result in getting a message from an online service that tells you to disable it. Or the VPN can interfere with some of the functionality of apps.

Thus, it’s important that you can quickly and easily enable and disable your VPN.

Here are two examples of scenarios where you would want to turn off your VPN on the fly.

Netflix has cracked down on more than password-sharing. The video streaming services is also aware that people use VPNs to view content intended for countries different than their own. Some VPNs aren’t detected by Netflix. However, you could also get a message like this:

“You seem to be using a VPN or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”

Online games like Fortnite can also detect if you’re using a VPN and could ask you to turn it off to continue. The reason for this is its developer, Epic Games, needs to do everything it can to stop cheating in the game and to keep banned players out. Most people use VPNs to gain better online privacy but some gamers use VPNs to bend the rules.

Conclusion

When you have a router with VPN features it’s tempting to go in that direction. However, just as many people and households are better served by using VPN software instead.

Remind yourself that one approach isn’t better than the other when reviewing the pros and cons. It all comes down to your usage patterns and needs.

Check out LetMeBy’s roundup of the top VPN-ready routers. And if you want better online privacy on the road, see the roundup of the best mobile Wi-Fi routers.

How to Watch US Netflix in Canada

Oh Canada, you’re lovely but Canadians can’t help but want the stuff Americans have. Although the CN Tower and Whistler’s ski resorts are iconic, sometimes one craves New Orleans’ cuisine or the energy of New York City.

Netflix Canada has come a long way. It ranks third in terms of having the most content and is one position behind the US which is second. Still, depending on your watching habits, many think that Netflix US is far ahead.

US Netflix Vs. Netflix Canada

On paper, there doesn’t seem to be a huge difference between the content library in Netflix US versus Canada. According to a snapshot of its content in 2022 Canada offered about 5,730 titles (both movies and TV shows). And Netflix in the US had 5,879 titles. That’s only 149 additional titles to choose from. However, don’t let the stats fool you!

Netflix US has the top-rated TV shows so many are itching to watch! Healer, The Best of Enemies, The Office, and Grey’s Anatomy are examples of popular shows that Canadian Netflix subscribers don’t get access to. The American version of Netflix shines when it comes to its selection of TV shows.

Netflix Canada has its strengths too. Canadians get access to some award-winning movies that Americans don’t such as Wind River, Hell or High Water, and Eastern Promises. Additionally, their Canadian library has some TV shows like Pretty Little Liars and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air which are nowhere to be found on US Netflix.

Why Netflix US has Awesome Shows Canadians Don’t Get

It’s a bit frustrating. Why are Canadian subscribers excluded from some of the best content on Netflix? First, we need a basic overview of how the TV and film industries work.

Although Netflix is the service that delivers all the programming the vast majority of its content is supplied by movie studios, television networks, and other providers.

Netflix signs contracts with each company that creates content so new titles can be added to their libraries. In those contracts, the studios and networks specify which regions get access to their titles and which ones don’t.

Thus, Netflix is simply following these contracts and delivering content according to the requirements of its creators. Most of us will never know exactly why The Office isn’t available to Canadians. Customers simply have to work with the cards they’re dealt.

How Netflix Knows Its Subscribers are Based in the US or Canada

When you visit Netflix’s website it automatically directs you to a regional version of their site. So, if you live in Canada it ensures you’re doing business with Netflix’s Canadian operations. It means you’re billed in CAD and get access exclusively to their content for Canadian subscribers.

Each time you use the Netflix app to watch programming the app detects where you’re located. Your smartphone, PC, or other device has an IP address associated with it. That IP is a quick, effective way for providers to know what country you’re accessing their service from.

So, in theory, it doesn’t matter if you signed up with Netflix Canada or Netflix US. What’s significant is the country you’re currently accessing Netflix from. To test this, Canadian subscribers can watch Netflix while they’re on vacation in the US. Voila, they’ll have full access to Netflix’s US content library.

How to Watch Netflix’s US-Only Content in Canada

To view the Netflix US content library, you need to appear to be in the US when the Netflix app or website checks your location.

The most effective way to watch Netflix in Canada is by using a VPN. What’s that? It means virtual private network. A VPN works between your internet service provider and the website or app you’re connecting to. It creates an intermediary layer that enhances your security and privacy online. VPNs make it easy to change your IP so you can choose an IP address that is associated with any country.

Over the years Netflix has detected that many users are accessing their app and website from the same IPs. So yes, they’re wise to the use of VPNs to view regional content. In fact, some IPs won’t work with Netflix, and some VPN services are better than others for streaming Netflix. If too many people are already using the same IP address users can be temporarily denied access. The good news is this is often solved simply by choosing a different IP address from those provided by your VPN.

Tips on Choosing the Right VPN for Watching Netflix

Netflix is constantly improving its tech and refining its policies. One example of this is their crackdown on password sharing which started at the end of 2022.

Before subscribing to a VPN service it’s advised that you check the latest posts on Reddit’s r/NetflixViaVPN community. Redditors there share which VPNs they’re using and which VPNs work with Netflix as well as which ones don’t.

To ensure you go with a solid VPN service overall read LetMeBy’s reviews of the top 3 VPN services.

Want the fastest answer? These are the VPNs most commonly recommended here for watching Netflix US in Canada:

When it comes to the best VPN services for streaming, speed is a key factor. HD video takes a good amount of bandwidth and all that data is sent through your VPN. Pretty much any VPN that requires a monthly subscription is speedy and capable of streaming high-quality video.

Are There Risks Associated with Watching Netflix US in Canada?

It’s clear that Netflix is aware that people use VPNs to unblock content and they’d rather their subscribers didn’t. Using a VPN is against their terms. However, a lot of Netflix subscribers have a VPN. It’s becoming more and more common to use VPNs for general internet use and most people that have one never turn it off.

Netflix aims to enforce its rules while keeping its subscribers. So, Netflix won’t toss you off its platform for watching TV shows and movies with a VPN. At worst an IP address provided to you by your VPN will be blocked by Netflix. In many cases, it’s just a question of choosing a different IP that isn’t on their radar.

Wrapping It Up

Some of the best TV shows are on Netflix US but Canadian subscribers don’t need to feel left out. A Canadian Netflix subscriber with a VPN gets the best of both worlds. This gives you access to content that Americans don’t get, plus all the exclusive content available in the US.

VPNs are handy for watching Netflix but that’s really just the beginning of their applications. Browsing the Web while knowing your every action isn’t being tracked is a liberating experience.

How to Hide Your IP in Transmission

transmission-02-535x535The latest versions of Transmission have no built-in proxy features. It was removed after version 2.11.

The software developer took it out citing the reason: “proxy support was not very good – we only support tracker proxies, not peer ones.”

You can still easily hide your IP and identity in Transmission with a VPN such as Private Internet Access by using the VPN client software they bundle with the service.

Once the client software is connected to the VPN all your online activity will be made anonymous by the VPN service, whether you use Transmission to download torrents on your Mac or simply for browsing the web.

Downloaders that prefer to use a proxy server either have to stick with Transmission 2.11 despite its limitations, or switch to alternative software like Vuze.

Recommended services:

VyprVPN by Golden Frog VPN Review

Looking for a slick, easy way to hide your IP without sacrificing speed? Golden Frog’s VyprVPN may be what you’ve been seeking.

Software

vyprvpn-chicagoVyprVPN is available for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. This review focuses on the Windows version and was tested using their Premier plan.

The Microsoft .NET 4.5 portion of the VyprVPN installer package stalled on me, but after getting through this small hiccup any initial doubts I had were eliminated.

VyprVPN desktop software is wonderfully designed, intuitive to use, and it just works. It appears in a tall, thin window, like a desktop widget, freeing most of your screen real estate for Web browsing.

Click the big “connect” button and you’ll be connected to the closest server available without any hassle. Every time you do, you are given a new IP to hide your true IP address.

Props to Golden Frog for keeping things simple for the average user by making the most used basic functions prominent. Connection speed bar graph, VyprVPN IP address, time connected, protocol and encryption details, NAT firewall, etc. are cleanly displayed.

server-locationsUnder the hood it offers a great level of settings under the options menu reserved for power users. One notable aspect is the encryption options, which include Chameleon (256 bit), OpenVPN (256 bit or 160 bit), L2TP/IPsec (256 bit) and PPTP (128 bit).

Chameleon encryption is unique to VyprVPN and works by masking VPN traffic so the connection isn’t blocked or throttled.

Speed

Naturally the closer the VPN speed is to that of your vanilla internet connection, the better the VPN’s performance.

To start I tested my ISP speed (cable broadband) in order to compare the results to the performance while connected to VyprVPN servers.

Base ISP speed results:

no-vpn

VyprVPN automatically makes the default server the one with the fastest ping time. If you want to assume an IP associated with a specific country or U.S. state, you can choose from a list of 45 major markets around the world.

The two closest servers to me are Toronto and Chicago.

Toronto server, VPN results:

toronto-server

Chicago server, VPN results:

chicago-server

Speeds were so close to my connection without a VPN I couldn’t tell the difference. Big files were downloaded with ease and HD video streamed without hiccups.

VyprVPN would be a good choice indeed for people outside of the U.S. that want access to the U.S. version of Netflix, which is one of the most demanding uses of a VPN.

Price

VyprVPN has a competitive monthly fee, especially when you consider the high quality of the service. Three plans are offered depending on your needs. The main difference is the number of simultaneous connections they allow. With basic you get one connection, with pro you get two, and premier allows three.

vyprvpn-plans

  • Basic: $6.67/month annually or $9.99 monthly
  • Pro: $8.33/month annually or $14.99 monthly
  • Premier: $10.00/month annually or $19.99 monthly

Learn more about the plans here on Golden Frog’s official site.

Conclusion

VyprVPN is polished, easy to use and the performance is top notch. I’m docking a bit off the score for the installation woes but keep in mind this could be the fault of Microsoft and not Golden Frog.

Highly recommended!

4.5/5

Click here to get VyprVPN software or learn more!