Learn about the different types of VPNs and when to use them. Find out which type of VPN suits your needs with this comprehensive guide.
A virtual private network (VPN) is a way to add security to online connections and preserve privacy through encryption. Individuals and businesses that deal in sensitive matters and wish to conceal their online activity tend to utilize VPNs. By creating an encrypted, point-to-point tunnel on which the data travels, their online identities and IP addresses are hidden. VPN connections are typically established between a user device such as a laptop and a VPN server.
This article covers the primary types of VPNs, what is needed for each and their main use cases.
Before we dive in, let’s have a quick overview on what a VPN actually is.
A VPN is a service that creates an encrypted, point-to-point tunnel on which online data travels from a user device to a remote network — making that data unreadable to third parties and simultaneously hiding your IP address by routing your internet traffic through a VPN server.
The main benefits gained from using a VPN are securing your internet traffic through encryption, reducing tracking and increasing anonymity, and enabling access to georestricted content by switching your IP address to a different location via a VPN server.
Generally, there are four types of VPN services: Personal VPNs, Remote-Access VPNs, Site-to-Site VPNs, and a Mobile VPN.
| Personal VPN | Remote-Access VPN | Site-to-Site VPN | Mobile VPN | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connection | Internet | Internet | Internet gateway | Internet |
| Software needed | None | VPN client | None | None |
| Use case | Private and secure connectivity for individuals. | Employee and branch offices when secure connectivity is an occasional rather than a continual need. | Permanent connection to head office. | Users who travel frequently, especially internationally. |
A personal VPN is meant for personal use as opposed to business use. Although some businesses try to save on budget by employing them, they really only belong in individual use cases. Those using them increase internet connection security by cloaking browsing and email traffic in anonymity. It also shields traffic from snoopers, whether they are Internet Service Providers (ISPs), government monitors, advertisers, or cybercriminals. Like all VPNs, a virtual tunnel enables traffic to pass through confidentially. This ensures that data can’t be monitored, intercepted en route or altered in any way.
A remote-access VPN is designed to establish a secure and encrypted connection between a remote user’s device and an organization’s internal network. Companies typically use remote-access VPNs when they have remote employees and need to ensure a safe connection.
Remote-access VPNs are typically inexpensive and provide a greater level of security compared to personal VPNs. However, businesses using a remote-access VPN should watch out for permissive permission policies. If one user has too many permissions, they may be able to access the data of other users in that VPN if they can obtain one password. Further, malicious insiders can utilize the privacy of the VPN to exfiltrate sensitive data.
A site-to-site VPN makes use of a secure gateway to link a corporate network with other networks. Using a site-to-site VPN doesn’t require installing a VPN client on a device. Instead, users can access a secure channel in the cloud. In many cases, the traffic is sent from one router to another between multiple sites. As such site-to-site VPNs are a semi-permanent connection as opposed to a temporary connection as in a personal VPN or remote-access VPN.
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A mobile VPN is one that can persist during sessions despite changes in physical connectivity such as a shift in the network access medium or the point of attachment. In other words, a mobile VPN is not one for mobile users. It is a way to be connected at all times even if you change from one internet connection to another. Despite such changes, the VPN can maintain the session without interrupting user apps.
Those considering a VPN should give careful thought to the type of VPN they select. The different VPN types listed above fit different use cases. Some are good for individuals while others are better fit for enterprise use.
Further, the type of device and platform play a part. For example, some VPN solutions are designed to enhance browsers—such as with Chrome extensions — and others are designed specifically for certain mobile devices or operating systems.
This article was originally published in December 2023. It was updated by Luis Millares in April 2025.
Originally from Scotland, Drew Robb has been a full-time writer for 25 years. He lives in Florida and specializes in IT, engineering, and business. As well as TechRepublic, he writes for a wide range of magazines including Gas Turbine World, SDxCentral, HR Magazine, and eWeek.
