VPN Jargon Buster
Smart DNS, WireGuard, 14 Eyes... we translate the tech talk into plain English so you can buy with confidence.
Key Features
Kill Switch
What is it? A safety net that instantly cuts your internet connection if the VPN drops for even a second.
Why you need it: Without it, your real IP address could leak to your ISP or a website without you knowing. This is vital for privacy.
Top Pick: NordVPN has the fastest Kill Switch we have tested.
Split Tunneling
What is it? A feature that lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which use your normal WiFi.
Why you need it: You can watch US Netflix through the VPN while keeping your Banking app on your normal UK connection to avoid fraud alerts.
Top Pick: Surfshark's "Bypasser" feature.
Dedicated IP
What is it? An IP address that belongs only to you. Most VPNs give you a "Shared IP" used by thousands of people.
Why you need it: It prevents you from getting annoying CAPTCHAs (like "Select all traffic lights") and is better for accessing secure business networks.
Protocols & Speed
WireGuard
What is it? The modern standard for VPN connections. It is much lighter and faster than older protocols.
Why you need it: If you want 4K streaming without buffering, ensure your VPN supports WireGuard (or a variation like NordLynx).
NordLynx
What is it? NordVPN's proprietary version of WireGuard. It is widely considered the fastest protocol on the market.
Top Pick: NordVPN.
Lightway
What is it? ExpressVPN's custom protocol. It is designed to connect instantly (in less than a second) and save battery on mobile devices.
Top Pick: ExpressVPN.
Security Basics
AES-256 Encryption
What is it? The industry standard for locking data. It is the same level of encryption used by banks and the military.
Why you need it: It effectively scrambles your data so that it would take a supercomputer millions of years to crack it.
DNS Leak
What is it? A security flaw where your computer accidentally sends your search requests through your normal Internet Provider instead of the encrypted VPN tunnel.
Why you need it: A leak reveals your browsing history to your ISP. Always use a VPN with built-in "DNS Leak Protection."
Streaming
Smart DNS
What is it? A technology that changes your location without encrypting your data. It works on devices that don't support VPN apps, like Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Why you need it: If you want to watch US Netflix on your big screen TV via a games console.
Top Pick: Surfshark and ExpressVPN (MediaStreamer) both include this.
Obfuscated Servers
What is it? Servers that hide the fact you are using a VPN. They make your traffic look like regular browsing.
Why you need it: This is how VPNs bypass Netflix blocks, school firewalls, and censorship in countries like China.
Advanced Privacy
No-Logs Policy
What is it? A promise from the VPN provider that they do not record your browsing history, IP address, or downloaded files.
Why you need it: If a government demands data from the VPN company, they have nothing to hand over.
RAM-Only Servers
What is it? Servers that run on volatile memory (RAM) instead of hard drives.
Why you need it: Every time the server is rebooted or unplugged, all data is physically wiped instantly. It is impossible for data to be stored long-term.
Top Pick: ExpressVPN TrustedServer technology.
5 / 9 / 14 Eyes Alliance
What is it? An intelligence-sharing agreement between countries (including the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia).
Why you need it: If a VPN is based in a "14 Eyes" country, the government could legally force them to share user data. We recommend VPNs based in safe havens like Panama (NordVPN) or Switzerland (Proton).
Ready to secure your data?
Now you know the terms, find the best tool for the job. Check out our top rated provider.
View #1 Rated VPN