VPN with a proprietary protocol

TLS Tunnel is a free-to-use VPN service provided by TLSVPN. This program’s vision is to help internet users get around the restrictions established by internet providers, governments, and other organizations and to assist in securing privacy, freedom, and anonymity in the digital space.

TLS Tunnel distinguishes itself from other VPN providers through its use of a proprietary protocol that they call TLSVPN. TLSVPN safeguards connections via TLS 1.3 or 1.2 — similar to what’s used in HTTPS websites, complete with a self-signed certificate. It’s a great alternative to VPNs like Power VPN.

Features and subscription

TLS Tunnel offers plenty of server locations such as Singapore, the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Germany. It also provides access to different ports. The server list shows how much stress a server is experiencing, so users can connect to less congested servers. For those who have set up their own servers via SSH kit, there is a Private Server feature that lets them set up a password.

In the Settings tab, users can choose between light and dark themes. There’s also an App Filter setting that allows users to exclude certain programs from using the VPN. Moreover, a Compression feature can compress data to improve network speeds in exchange for higher power consumption. Lastly, it has a CPU WakeLock feature that lets it continue running in the background — very handy when downloading.

This VPN follows a freemium model. It doesn’t limit bandwidth but free users can only connect to a server for a limited duration. After consuming the allotted time, users can watch ads to reconnect. The program displays ads to generate revenue, but they aren’t intrusive and are removed upon paying for a premium subscription. It still decreases network speeds just like any other VPN despite its robust feature set.

Is it worth using?

If you care about internet security, privacy, and freedom, TLS Tunnel is a worthwhile VPN to use. It has a rich feature set and a generous free version that doesn’t make using the program tedious for free users. The UI design and features make it an excellent VPN for both casual and power users. Just keep in mind that you’ll still be trading some speed for more security.