Using cryptocurrency to purchase a VPN is becoming more and more common. One reason is that using cryptocurrency to buy a VPN allows a user to input just an email address instead of extensive billing information which makes end-users feel more secure and anonymous.
We’ve listed some of the best bitcoin VPNs of 2016 before, but we also understand that some users may be using Ethereum as their leading cryptocurrency platform.
In this guide, we will go over what Ethereum is and how it’s different from other cryptocurrencies, and then we will list which VPNs support payment through Ethereum.
What is Ethereum?
Ether is a new form of cryptocurrency that operates on a blockchain platform–separate from Bitcoin–that differentiates itself in the cryptocurrency market by being more adaptable and flexible. It’s very easy to create new applications on the Ethereum platform.
Bitcoin has grown to be a massive technology, but since it has become so big, it has also had multiple extensions and separate branches. Some other forms of currencies like altcoins have developers who have taken Bitcoin core and improved upon it into their projects. Now, years later, the result is a market that has separate currencies and implementations.
In late 2013, Vitalik Buterin, Ethereum’s creator, proposed that one unified single blockchain should be implemented with the capability to be reprogrammed to consume so many different separate projects.
If you’d like to know more about the technical foundation of Ethereum, or other complexities about the currency, read here.
Fortunately, if you want to buy some Ether or sell it for USD, two large cryptocurrency platforms now support Ethereum currency trading, including Coinbase, and Kraken.
Which VPNS support Ethereum?
Unfortunately, not as many VPNs support Ethereum payment as Bitcoin. However, even with Bitcoin, there’s still a few VPNs who don’t allow you to pay through cryptocurrency (BufferedVPN and a few others).
TorGuard
TorGuard stands out in nearly every category (check out the review), so it shouldn’t be a surprise that it supports Ethereum as a platform. They support virtually every currency including Bitcoin, Altcoin, Litecoin, gift card payments, standard payment–the list goes on.
Pros
Strong encryption rate
Good customization options within the app
Stellar customer support
Works great with Netflix and other streaming platforms
Best security features of any VPN (Stealth VPN + Stealth Proxy)
Includes extra services as an option like dedicated IP, encrypted email, proxy support
High speeds for torrenting / other uses
Cons
Application doesn’t look the best regarding flash or modern UI appeal – it’s just functional
AirVPN
AirVPN is another VPN that supports Ether payments. AirVPN also accepts Bitcoin and standard payment options.
Pros
Good speed and security overall
Open source
Lots of security features + customizable components
Cons
Outdated website
No mobile app
No live chat
Less security features
Which to use?
So that’s it! If you want to use Ethereum to pay for a VPN, you only have two options. I would recommend TorGuard VPN over AirVPN since it’s a more feature complete package (if you ever want more services like dedicated IP you don’t have to switch VPNS + it works for Netflix), and they also have a good deal for six months ($29.99).
However, AirVPN is a bit cheaper than TorGuard for the one month price, and they have a suitable application for Windows.
