When it comes to virtual private networking, there are many choices that the users can choose. There is the free VPN, which is widely available for both desktop and mobile devices. There is the built-in VPN, which is often built-in with other software or device. The example of the built-in VPN is the VPN that is available in a browser, or the one that is available in an antivirus software, or the one that is available in a certain device, such as the Samsung Galaxy S8. In other words, when you get a software, whether it is a free software or a paid software, or buy a device, you get the VPN without paying anything extra. It is bundled with that software or device.
Another type of VPN is the dedicated VPN, which is a software that is designed solely for establishing the virtual private connection. This software is often referred to as the premium VPN service, since you are required to pay a certain subscription fee monthly or yearly in order to use the virtual network service. So, which one is better? Here are some important things to help you choose between the built-in VPN and the dedicated VPN service:
1. Buying The Software Vs. Paying The Subscription Fee
The built-in VPN is bundled with the software that is associated with it, such as web browser or antivirus software. Some devices might include the built-in VPN service to enhance the user’s privacy protection, such as the latest Samsung Galaxy S8. Once you buy the software or device, you don’t need to pay any extra money to use the VPN, so the private network comes as a complimentary service.
The dedicated VPN is a standalone VPN service that offers you the private network connection that you need to pay monthly or yearly. Since it is dedicated, you can find that this service offers various features that are mostly not available in the built-in VPN service.
2. The Service Exclusivity
The built-in private connection is the type of private network connection that can only be used by the users of a certain product. For instance, if you buy a certain brand of antivirus software that includes the virtual network service, this service is only available for the users that have the license key for the software. Those who don’t use the software usually can’t use the VPN service.
The dedicated private connection is the private connection service that allows anyone to use the service, as long as they are paying the subscription fee. There is no need for them to use a certain bundled software or a certain device. Even though some dedicated services might offer a bundled device, such as a router, it is completely optional.
3. Limited Use Vs. Unlimited Use
Basically, the built-in VPN service has a limited use with certain terms that the users have to follow. For instance, if you are buying a device with a built-in private network, you might be required to use it only with that device, and you might not be able to share the private connection with other devices. It’s the same when you buy a software with a built-in VPN. Usually, you will only be allowed to use the private connection under certain circumstances, such as using it only on one device at a time.
The dedicated VPN service, on the other hand, allows you to use the private connection in whatever way that you want. You can install the software on multiple devices, share the private connection with others, and transfer as much data as you need.
4. Default Features Vs. Advanced Features
The built-in private connection will usually offer the default or basic features, without any extra features that enhance the user’s privacy. It allows you to bypass any internet restrictions, hide your IP address, browse anonymously, and perform online banking and shopping safely. But, beyond that, it will usually offer no more additional features.
The dedicated private connection, on the other hand, offers lots of advanced features, with more features being added regularly. For instance, it might offer the military-grade encryption system, anti VPN blocking system, prevention from internet speed throttle, ultra-fast performance, and so on. In short, these advanced features are usually not available in the built-in VPN service.
5. Long-term Availability
With the built-in VPN, the availability of the service will depend on the software company or the manufacturer of the bundled product. If the company no longer decides to include the private network solution in their software or product, then it’s over. The users can’t use the private connection anymore. Also, the private connection is only available as long as the users use that particular device or software.
With the dedicated VPN, the long-term availability is more assured. As long as you are paying the subscription fee, you will be able to use the service indefinitely. Even though one VPN company is no longer providing the private network connection, there are still hundreds more to choose. So, you will likely see it for the long-term.
Those are some important things to help you choose between the built-in VPN and the dedicated VPN service. Once you know about these important things, you can choose which one is better for you. Generally, the built-in VPN should only be considered as a complimentary service, and it is recommended for you to use the dedicated VPN as your main private connection.