best VPNs they now all come equipped with the key safety features you'd expect. Kill switches, multi-hop servers, and obfuscation capabilities are no longer unique selling points for providers. In fact, many are now creating their own unique privacy solutions to tempt you.
These range from new digital identities to secure file sharing solutions, but often these features go completely unused or unnoticed. I've personally tested all of these features and really like them, so it baffles me that they aren't talked about more.
One-click customization
Proton VPN profiles are a fairly simple concept; you create and save a list of settings that can be enabled with one click. This means you can use one setting specifically for everyday streaming, another for low-latency gaming, and so on.
While several smaller providers offer something similar, Proton takes it one step further by offering the ability to customize everything from NAT type to DNS settings.
What's more, it can be configured to automatically launch certain websites or applications when connected. This means your streaming profile not only secures your connection, but also downloads Netflix.
For me, what really improves Profiles is its simplicity. Despite the advanced customization options, everything is clearly explained for newbies, and you can access your settings from anywhere – even using Proton's mobile widgets.
A completely new personality
For best cheap VPNSurfshark never fails to amaze me with the sheer amount of features it offers for its price. However, each stands head and shoulders above the rest.
The alternate identifier is unique. It creates a completely new digital identity for you, including a new name, age, address, and email address. These personas can be used to securely sign up for websites, newsletters, etc. without putting your real data at risk.
I spent a week using an alternate ID earlier this year, and its only major downside is that it's currently only properly optimized for the US (where you can add an alternative phone number).
Limitless sharing
Finally, there is Meshnet. NordVPN tried to disable this feature in early 2025, presumably due to lack of popularity. But its loyal users united, and NordVPN ultimately reversed the decision.
Meshnet allows you to create a secure local access network (LAN) between up to 60 devices. The devices can be anything from a mobile phone or laptop to a media center, regardless of where they are physically located.
Once added, you can remotely access any device, share files between them, and even play on them as if you were sitting in the same room.
Over the last year I've switched almost exclusively to using Meshnet for file transfers. In my experience, it's one of the fastest file transfer systems I've found, with added security benefits. What's more, it's easily accessible in any NordVPN app, and it took me seconds to set it up despite its basic complexity.
