WireGuard

WireGuard is a VPN ✕ A VPN routes your internet traffic through an encrypted external server. This hides your real IP address and stops third parties — like your provider or public Wi-Fi — from seeing what you do. More in the glossary → protocol that defines how the encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server ✕ A server is a powerful computer that provides data or services to other devices — for example serving a website or storing your cloud files. More in the glossary → is established. Compared to older protocols like OpenVPN ✕ OpenVPN is a proven, open-source VPN protocol known for high security and broad compatibility. Robust but usually slower than the more modern WireGuard. More in the glossary → , it's far leaner (less code = smaller attack surface), faster, and more power-efficient — ideal for mobile devices too. Despite its simplicity, it uses modern, strong encryption ✕ Encryption turns readable data into unreadable code using a key. Only someone with the right key can read it again — the basis of secure communication and storage. More in the glossary → . Many top providers now use it as their default (sometimes under their own name). See which VPNs use it in the best VPN comparison.