If you’re in California, you don’t need a VPN simply because of where you live. A VPN and a proxy can both change the apparent IP address seen by a website, but what they route, whether they encrypt a connection, and which operator can see your activity depend on the specific service. Choose based on the task and the service’s privacy terms—not on the label alone.
VPN or proxy: what changes for your traffic?
A VPN app routes internet traffic through servers controlled by the VPN provider. A website may then see the VPN server’s IP address rather than the address associated with your connection. Some VPN apps also encrypt data between your device and the VPN server. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) cautions that VPN apps vary: the word “VPN” alone does not establish what is encrypted or how the app handles data. Its consumer guidance dates to February 2018, so check current documentation for any service you are considering.
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“Proxy” covers different kinds of services and configurations; it does not specify a single level of traffic coverage or encryption. The available official guidance does not support a blanket claim that every VPN encrypts more traffic than every proxy. Verify the actual product’s documentation rather than assuming a proxy handles all device traffic—or that either label guarantees encryption.
How to choose for your actual use
Start with what you need to accomplish. A service that changes the IP address a website sees is not necessarily the right tool for securing every app on your device, and neither service should be treated as a guarantee of anonymity.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Five Gigabit Ports】1 Gigabit WAN Port plus 2 Gigabit WAN/LAN Ports plus 2 Gigabit LAN Port. Up to 3 WAN ports optimize bandwidth usage through one device.
- 【One USB WAN Port】Mobile broadband via 4G/3G modem is supported for WAN backup by connecting to the USB port. For complete list of compatible 4G/3G modems, please visit TP-Link website.
- 【Abundant Security Features】Advanced firewall policies, DoS defense, IP/MAC/URL filtering, speed test and more security functions protect your network and data.
- 【Highly Secure VPN】Supports up to 20× LAN-to-LAN IPsec, 16× OpenVPN, 16× L2TP, and 16× PPTP VPN connections.
- Security - SPI Firewall, VPN Pass through, FTP/H.323/PPTP/SIP/IPsec ALG, DoS Defence, Ping of Death and Local Management. Standards and Protocols IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x, IEEE 802.1q
- Traffic scope: Find out whether the service routes one browser or app, or traffic more broadly from your device. Check how it works on each device you plan to use.
- Encryption: Identify what connection is encrypted, which protocol is used, and where the encrypted connection begins and ends. Do not infer encryption from the word “VPN” or “proxy.”
- Operator and data practices: Review who operates the service, what connection information or traffic it may handle, what it retains, and whether it shares data. Read the privacy policy and terms, and examine app permissions.
- Purpose: Decide whether you need to route traffic on an untrusted network, present a different IP address to a site, connect to a particular network, or test a service from another location. Confirm that the product’s documented features match that purpose; do not assume it will bypass a restriction.
- Practical fit: Check current device support, location coverage, limits, speed information, price, and cancellation terms in the provider’s own documentation. No current provider, price, coverage, or performance comparison is established here.
What a VPN does—and does not—do for privacy
Using a VPN shifts some trust from other network operators to the VPN provider. The FTC notes that a VPN app receives permission to intercept internet traffic and advises consumers to review the app’s privacy policy, terms, permissions, and encryption claims. Some apps may lack encryption, ask for unexpected permissions, or share information with third parties.
A VPN does not generally make you anonymous. The FTC puts it plainly: “A VPN app generally isn’t going to make you entirely anonymous.” Websites can still identify you through information you provide directly, and a VPN provider may have access to information about your connection. Consider the provider’s practices as part of the privacy decision, not as a reason to assume tracking or identification is impossible.
Rank #2
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
California privacy rights are separate from VPN use
California’s CCPA, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act, gives covered consumers rights regarding personal information held by covered businesses. These can include the right to know, request deletion, request correction, limit certain uses of sensitive personal information, opt out of sale or sharing, and receive equal treatment for exercising privacy rights. Exceptions and eligibility requirements apply. See the California Attorney General’s CCPA overview and the California Privacy Protection Agency’s consumer-rights guidance.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →To make a request, look in a business’s privacy policy for instructions or for links such as “Do not sell or share my personal information” or “Your CA Privacy Choices.” A business may need to verify your identity, and state guidance says businesses should generally respond within 45 days. If you believe a business ignored a request or failed to follow the law, California explains how to make a privacy request or submit a complaint.
Rank #3
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
For requests to delete information held by registered data brokers, California’s Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform (DROP) provides a single request mechanism. The California Privacy Protection Agency says that beginning August 1, 2026, data brokers must access DROP at least once every 45 days and process requests, subject to limited exceptions. Details are available in the agency’s DROP guidance. A VPN does not replace these requests or prevent a business from collecting information you give it directly.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Next-Gen Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Speeds: 2402 Mbps on 5 GHz and 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz bands ensure smoother streaming and faster downloads; support VPN server and VPN client¹
- A More Responsive Experience: Enjoy smooth gaming, video streaming, and live feeds simultaneously. OFDMA makes your Wi-Fi stronger by allowing multiple clients to share one band at the same time, cutting latency and jitter.²
- Expanded Wi-Fi Coverage: 4 high-gain external antennas and Beamforming technology combine to extend strong, reliable, Wi-Fi throughout your home.
- Improved Battery Life: Target Wake Time helps your devices to communicate efficiently while consuming less power.
- Improved Cooling Design: No heat ups, no throttles. A larger heat sink and redefined case design cools the WiFi 6 system and enables your network to stay at top speeds in more versatile environments.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
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