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Top Alternatives to Shadowsocks

Looking for Shadowsocks alternatives? We've curated 34 top alternatives that offer similar functionality. Whether you need options, free plans, or open source solutions, explore our comprehensive list to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Platforms:
Tor

Tor

Open Source

Tor (The Onion Router) is a free and open-source software that enables anonymous communication. It directs internet traffic through a free, worldwide volunteer overlay network, consisting of thousands of relays, to conceal a user's location and usage from anyone conducting network surveillance or traffic analysis.

Key Features

  • Provides strong anonymity and privacy by routing traffic through multiple relays.
  • Excellent for bypassing internet censorship and accessing blocked content.
  • The network is decentralized and volunteer-run, making it resilient.

vs Shadowsocks

Provides strong anonymity and privacy by routing traffic through multiple relays. compared to Shadowsocks
OpenVPN

OpenVPN

Open Source

OpenVPN is a robust, open-source software solution for creating secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). It utilizes SSL/TLS for encryption and authentication, offering a flexible and highly configurable platform for various networking needs, from site-to-site connections to individual user access.

Key Features

  • Highly secure with strong encryption.
  • Extremely configurable and flexible.
  • Open-source with transparent code for security audits.

vs Shadowsocks

Highly secure with strong encryption. compared to Shadowsocks
ZenMate

ZenMate

Commercial

ZenMate VPN for Chrome is a browser extension designed to enhance online security, privacy, and freedom. It encrypts your internet traffic, hides your IP address, and allows access to geo-restricted content with ease.

Key Features

  • Easy to install and use within Chrome.
  • Effective at unblocking geo-restricted content.
  • Provides basic privacy by hiding IP and encrypting traffic.

vs Shadowsocks

Easy to install and use within Chrome. compared to Shadowsocks
CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN

Freemium

CyberGhost VPN is a leading VPN provider offering a secure and private online experience. With strong encryption, a vast server network, and a strict no-logs policy, it allows users to surf anonymously, unblock content, and protect their digital identity across multiple devices and platforms.

Key Features

  • Strong encryption and security features
  • Audited no-logs policy provides high privacy assurance
  • Large global server network with dedicated servers for streaming and gaming

vs Shadowsocks

Strong encryption and security features compared to Shadowsocks
Tor Browser

Tor Browser

Open Source

Tor Browser is a modified version of Firefox designed for anonymous web browsing. It routes your internet traffic through the Tor network, making it significantly harder to track your online activity and location. Ideal for users who prioritize privacy and wish to bypass censorship.

Key Features

  • Provides strong online anonymity through the Tor network.
  • Effectively bypasses internet censorship and geographical restrictions.
  • Includes pre-configured privacy and security settings.

vs Shadowsocks

Provides strong online anonymity through the Tor network. compared to Shadowsocks
Psiphon

Psiphon

Freemium

Psiphon is a powerful circumvention tool designed to provide uncensored access to the internet. It helps users bypass internet censorship and restrictions by routing their connection through a secure network, ensuring freedom of information and online privacy.

Key Features

  • Highly effective at bypassing internet censorship
  • Uses multiple protocols for increased resilience against blocking
  • User-friendly interface, easy to use

vs Shadowsocks

Highly effective at bypassing internet censorship compared to Shadowsocks
I2P

I2P

Open Source

I2P (The Invisible Internet Project) is a secure, anonymous overlay network layer designed for privacy-preserving communication and application hosting. It enables users to browse anonymously, host websites (.i2p 'eepsites'), chat, and transfer files without revealing their identity or location.

Key Features

  • Strong anonymity provided by garlic routing and unidirectional tunnels.
  • Decentralized architecture ensures resilience and censorship resistance.
  • Excellent support for hosting and accessing anonymous services (.i2p eepsites).

vs Shadowsocks

Strong anonymity provided by garlic routing and unidirectional tunnels. compared to Shadowsocks
HideMyAss!

HideMyAss!

Commercial

HideMyAss! (HMA!) is a leading VPN service providing comprehensive online privacy and security. With a vast network of servers globally, HMA! allows users to encrypt their internet connection, hide their IP address, and access geo-restricted content. It's ideal for securely browsing, streaming, torrenting, and maintaining anonymity online.

Key Features

  • Large global server network
  • User-friendly applications
  • Strong encryption methods

vs Shadowsocks

Large global server network compared to Shadowsocks
TunnelBear

TunnelBear

Freemium

TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN service known for its intuitive design and strong commitment to privacy. It allows users to securely and privately access the internet, bypass geographical content restrictions, and protect their online activities from unwanted surveillance.

Key Features

  • User-friendly interface, easy to install and use.
  • Strong focus on privacy with a strict no-logging policy.
  • Undergoes regular independent security audits for transparency.

vs Shadowsocks

User-friendly interface, easy to install and use. compared to Shadowsocks
Freenet

Freenet

Open Source

Freenet is a robust, decentralized peer-to-peer platform designed to provide uncensored communication and information sharing. It leverages a distributed data store and a suite of free software applications to enable users to publish and access content anonymously, bypassing censorship and surveillance.

Key Features

  • Strong resistance to censorship due to decentralized and distributed architecture.
  • Provides a high degree of anonymity for both content publishers and consumers.
  • Data is difficult to remove once inserted into the network.

vs Shadowsocks

Strong resistance to censorship due to decentralized and distributed architecture. compared to Shadowsocks
UltraSurf

UltraSurf

Free

UltraSurf is a freeware tool designed to help users bypass internet censorship and access blocked websites. It routes traffic through its own network of proxy servers, providing a degree of anonymity and enabling users to circumvent geographical restrictions and firewalls.

Key Features

  • Bypasses censorship effectively.
  • Extremely easy to use.
  • Requires no installation.

vs Shadowsocks

Bypasses censorship effectively. compared to Shadowsocks
VyprVPN

VyprVPN

Freemium

VyprVPN is a secure and private VPN service, offering robust encryption, advanced protocols like WireGuard, and features for bypassing censorship and protecting online anonymity. It's ideal for users prioritizing privacy and security.

Key Features

  • Strict and independently audited no-log policy.
  • Owns and manages its entire server infrastructure.
  • Proprietary Chameleon™ protocol is effective against censorship.

vs Shadowsocks

Strict and independently audited no-log policy. compared to Shadowsocks
Freegate

Freegate

Free

Freegate is a robust anti-censorship software designed to bypass internet firewalls and access blocked websites securely and anonymously. Developed by Dynamic Internet Technology (DIT), it utilizes dynamic encryption and a network of proxy servers to provide uncensored internet access primarily to users in regions with strict internet controls.

Key Features

  • Highly effective in bypassing strict internet censorship.
  • No installation required, making it portable and discreet.
  • Utilizes dynamic technology to adapt to censorship methods.

vs Shadowsocks

Highly effective in bypassing strict internet censorship. compared to Shadowsocks
PureVPN

PureVPN

Commercial

PureVPN offers a secure and fast VPN solution for enhanced online privacy and security. It provides strong encryption, anonymous browsing, and access to geo-restricted content.

Key Features

  • Strong AES-256 encryption for enhanced security.
  • Large global server network for accessing diverse content.
  • Independently audited no-log policy for improved privacy.

vs Shadowsocks

Strong AES-256 encryption for enhanced security. compared to Shadowsocks
NordVPN

NordVPN

Commercial

NordVPN is a leading Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that provides robust online security and privacy. It encrypts your internet connection, allowing you to browse the web anonymously and securely, protecting your data from snoopers, ISPs, and cyber threats.

Key Features

  • Strong encryption and security features including Double VPN and Obfuscated Servers.
  • Strict, independently audited no-logs policy ensuring user privacy.
  • Excellent speed and performance with the NordLynx protocol.

vs Shadowsocks

Strong encryption and security features including Double VPN and Obfuscated Servers. compared to Shadowsocks
VPN Unlimited

VPN Unlimited

Commercial

VPN Unlimited is a comprehensive internet security application offering robust VPN services and advanced privacy features designed to protect online activity and bypass geographical restrictions effectively. It prioritizes user anonymity and data security through strong encryption.

Key Features

  • Strong encryption for enhanced security
  • Effective IP address masking for anonymity
  • DNS leak protection prevents data exposure

vs Shadowsocks

Strong encryption for enhanced security compared to Shadowsocks
ZPN

ZPN

Freemium

ZPN Connect is a security and privacy focused VPN service offering free and paid plans across various platforms. It provides encrypted connections to hide your IP address, bypass censorship, and ensure anonymous browsing, safeguarding your online activities.

Key Features

  • Provides both free and paid service options.
  • Strong focus on bypassing internet censorship.
  • Offers robust encryption standards like AES-256.

vs Shadowsocks

Provides both free and paid service options. compared to Shadowsocks
GNUnet

GNUnet

Open Source

GNUnet is a free and open-source framework for building secure, distributed, and privacy-preserving peer-to-peer applications. It goes beyond simple file sharing, offering a foundation for various decentralized services designed to resist surveillance and censorship.

Key Features

  • Strong focus on privacy and anonymity.
  • Decentralized architecture improves resilience.
  • Modular design supports various applications.

vs Shadowsocks

Strong focus on privacy and anonymity. compared to Shadowsocks
Lantern

Lantern

Free Personal

Lantern is a free software application designed to bypass internet censorship and provide access to blocked websites and content.

Key Features

  • Effective at bypassing internet censorship in many regions.
  • User-friendly interface, easy to install and use.
  • Utilizes a resilient peer-to-peer network.

vs Shadowsocks

Effective at bypassing internet censorship in many regions. compared to Shadowsocks
Windscribe

Windscribe

Freemium

Windscribe is a comprehensive privacy and security tool offering a dynamic VPN service alongside powerful ad, tracker, and malware blocking. It enables users to bypass internet censorship, access geo-restricted content securely, and enhance online anonymity across multiple devices with user-friendly applications and browser extensions.

Key Features

  • Robust ad and tracker blocking through R.O.B.E.R.T.
  • Generous free plan available.
  • User-friendly interface across multiple platforms.

vs Shadowsocks

Robust ad and tracker blocking through R.O.B.E.R.T. compared to Shadowsocks
Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a leading VPN service offering strong online privacy and security. With a vast server network, advanced encryption, and a strict no-logs policy, PIA provides users with anonymous browsing, protection against censorship, and secure access to content worldwide.

Key Features

  • Strict, independently audited no-logs policy.
  • Strong AES-256 encryption.
  • Extensive global server network.

vs Shadowsocks

Strict, independently audited no-logs policy. compared to Shadowsocks
HideMyAss! Free Web Proxy

HideMyAss! Free Web Proxy offers a simple, web-based solution to anonymize your online activity by masking your real IP address. It's a free and convenient way to browse the web with a layer of privacy, especially for basic anonymous browsing tasks.

Key Features

  • Free of charge
  • No software installation required
  • Easy to use interface

vs Shadowsocks

Free of charge compared to Shadowsocks
Advanced Onion Router

Advanced Onion Router

Open Source

Advanced Onion Router (AOR) is a portable Windows client for the Tor network, designed as a streamlined alternative to the Tor+Vidalia+Privoxy bundle, offering enhanced privacy and security features.

Key Features

  • Highly portable, no installation required.
  • Simplifies Tor usage by integrating multiple components.
  • Provides enhanced privacy features like HTTPS support.

vs Shadowsocks

Highly portable, no installation required. compared to Shadowsocks
Calypso

Calypso

Open Source

Calypso is a discontinued cross-platform file-sharing client that operates on the anonymous MUTE network. Developed using C++ and Qt, it offers portability across Windows, Linux, and other environments, prioritizing user privacy and anonymity in file exchange.

Key Features

  • Operated on an anonymous network (MUTE) for privacy
  • Supported multiple operating systems (Windows, Linux)
  • Allowed resuming interrupted downloads

vs Shadowsocks

Operated on an anonymous network (MUTE) for privacy compared to Shadowsocks
Browsec

Browsec

Freemium

Browsec is a virtual private network (VPN) service designed for enhancing online privacy and security with a focus on ease of use and accessibility.

Key Features

  • Simple and easy to use
  • No registration required
  • Provides basic privacy and security

vs Shadowsocks

Simple and easy to use compared to Shadowsocks
SecurityKISS Tunnel

SecurityKISS Tunnel is a robust VPN service designed to enhance online security and privacy. It encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, allowing you to bypass censorship, access geo-restricted content, and surf the web anonymously.

Key Features

  • Provides encryption for online traffic
  • Hides user's IP address for anonymity
  • Can bypass censorship and geo-restrictions

vs Shadowsocks

Provides encryption for online traffic compared to Shadowsocks
DotVPN

DotVPN

Freemium

DotVPN started as a free browser extension for Firefox, offering a simple way to enhance online privacy and security. It focuses on providing anonymous browsing and bypassing censorship.

Key Features

  • Easy to install and use.
  • Provides basic anonymity and IP masking.
  • Helps bypass online censorship.

vs Shadowsocks

Easy to install and use. compared to Shadowsocks
SurfEasy VPN

SurfEasy VPN

Freemium

SurfEasy VPN is a robust virtual private network service offering enhanced online privacy and security. It encrypts your internet connection, masks your IP address, and provides access to geo-restricted content, making your online activities anonymous and secure across various devices.

Key Features

  • Easy to use interface suitable for beginners.
  • Strong focus on user privacy with a no-log policy.
  • Available on multiple platforms and provides browser extensions.

vs Shadowsocks

Easy to use interface suitable for beginners. compared to Shadowsocks
Hide.me

Hide.me

Freemium

Hide.me is a comprehensive VPN service prioritizing online privacy and security. It offers robust encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a wide network of servers globally to help users bypass censorship, protect their anonymity, and secure their data.

Key Features

  • Strict, independently audited, no-logging policy.
  • Based in privacy-friendly Malaysia.
  • Robust security features including Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and Multi-Hop.

vs Shadowsocks

Strict, independently audited, no-logging policy. compared to Shadowsocks
HideIP VPN

HideIP VPN

Commercial

HideIP VPN is a robust Virtual Private Network service designed to enhance online security, anonymity, and privacy. It offers strong encryption, the ability to bypass censorship, and a global network of servers to protect your digital footprint.

Key Features

  • Strong encryption utilizing AES256.
  • Focus on privacy with emphasis on no-logging policies.
  • Effective at bypassing censorship and geo-restrictions.

vs Shadowsocks

Strong encryption utilizing AES256. compared to Shadowsocks
VPN Gate

VPN Gate

Free

VPN Gate is a volunteer-operated academic project offering free VPN servers worldwide, designed to bypass censorship and protect users' online privacy. It leverages the SoftEther VPN protocol and is supported by a network of public relay servers.

Key Features

  • Completely free to use.
  • Effective at bypassing internet censorship.
  • Supports multiple VPN protocols.

vs Shadowsocks

Completely free to use. compared to Shadowsocks
Mullvad

Mullvad

Commercial

Mullvad is a highly privacy-focused VPN service known for its strong commitment to anonymity, accepting payments via cash and Bitcoin, and offering robust encryption protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. It adheres strictly to a no-logging policy.

Key Features

  • Strong commitment to privacy and anonymity
  • Anonymous account creation and payment options (Cash, Bitcoin)
  • Strict and verifiable no-logging policy

vs Shadowsocks

Strong commitment to privacy and anonymity compared to Shadowsocks
FrootVPN

FrootVPN

Commercial

FrootVPN provides a robust and privacy-focused virtual private network service designed to help users surf anonymously, secure their online activities with encrypted connections, bypass censorship, and protect their digital footprint with advanced security features like WireGuard and AES256 encryption, making it ideal for individuals prioritizing online freedom and security against surveillance and restrictions.

Key Features

  • Strong encryption with AES256
  • Supports the fast and secure WireGuard protocol
  • Focuses on user anonymity and privacy

vs Shadowsocks

Strong encryption with AES256 compared to Shadowsocks
ZenVPN

ZenVPN

Commercial

ZenVPN provides a robust and user-friendly VPN service focused on security, privacy, and bypassing censorship. Offering high-speed connections and strong encryption, it allows users to browse the internet anonymously and access geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world.

Key Features

  • Strong emphasis on security and privacy with AES-256 and WireGuard support.
  • Designed with features to effectively bypass online censorship and geo-restrictions.
  • Includes essential privacy features like DNS leak protection and IP masking.

vs Shadowsocks

Strong emphasis on security and privacy with AES-256 and WireGuard support. compared to Shadowsocks

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