Consumer VPN
Traffic routed through a provider's server to mask your IP.
How widely is it used?
Among the most widely deployed options in 2026Hundreds of millions of installs — nearly all of them now run WireGuard by default.
How it works
All of the device's internet traffic is sent through the provider's exit server, so websites see the provider's IP address instead of yours, and the local network sees only encrypted traffic to the provider.
Connects
User device → VPN provider
Protocols
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
Typical users
Individuals, Travellers, Public Wi-Fi users
Main use case
Privacy on untrusted networks and changing apparent location.
Advantages
- Simple apps, many exit locations
- Protects traffic on hostile Wi-Fi
Limitations
- You move trust from your ISP to the provider — they can still see metadata
- Not anonymity: accounts, cookies and fingerprints still identify you