What is a VPN Kill Switch?
Kill switch is one of the top security features you will need to look for in a VPN. This VPN kill switch is an essential feature as it makes sure your real IP address and location never get exposed online if there happens to be a glitch in your VPN connection and if it disconnects. This kill switch will temporarily disconnect your internet connection in such circumstances by continuously monitoring your connection to the servers.
A VPN shields your personal data from snoopers online by hiding your IP address and routing the traffic through a secured VPN tunnel. The kill switch makes your connection more secure by preventing your personal data from getting exposed accidentally. So if the kill switch blocks your internet connection, it will remain blocked until the VPN connection is back. If you would like to use the internet without the VPN connection, you can disable the kill switch temporarily.
This feature is extremely important to people looking for complete anonymity and those who use VPNs to unblock blocked streaming services and torrent files. If anonymity is what you are looking for, then you will need to make sure a small glitch in the VPN does not leave you vulnerable.
If the VPN service you use does not have an internet kill switch or if the kill switch is not enabled, the device you use will automatically connect to the internet without the VPN and leave your IP exposed to the websites you visit. To overcome such problems, you will need a VPN service with a kill switch that can immediately kill your internet connection so that your data will never be sent over an unsecured connection.
However, this kill switch feature is often overlooked. VPN kill switch and internet kill switch are both the same. Some VPN services like ExpressVPN use the term Network Lock to refer to the kill switch. If there is no kill switch, you could end up using an unsecured connection accidentally. For example, you may be connected to a VPN server to access a blocked streaming service or a website. In between, if you try to switch to a different server, your data will be sent over your normal internet connection for a few seconds when you switch between servers. The same could happen when you turn off your computer and open the tabs you were earlier browsing without realizing that you are not connected to the VPN. In this case, the tabs that you open will be downloaded over your regular VPN connection. You can prevent all this from happening if the kill switch is enabled.
We would recommend using a VPN that comes with a kill switch and a good VPN according to us is the one that prioritizes its users’ security and offers all security features including a kill switch. Read on to know about the top VPN services with a kill switch we recommend.
The Best VPNs With a Kill Switch
It is not an easy task to compare the different VPNs available in the market as there are thousands of free and premium VPNs available. We tested a few VPNs and based on our tests and research, the following are the best VPNs with a kill switch.
- Surfshark
- Cyberghost
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- VyprVPN
- PureVPN
- IPVanish
1. Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN our top recommendation when it comes to VPNs with a kill switch. We are sure this kill switch will protect your privacy while you browse the web. If your VPN connection drops accidentally while using Surfshark VPN, the kill switch will immediately come in handy and disconnect your internet connection temporarily thereby safeguarding your privacy.
To enable the kill switch, you will need to log in and visit the settings. There you can enable the kill switch button to keep your data safe with Surfshark VPN’s strong military-grade encryption.
Surfshark VPN’s kill switch will make sure your IP address does not leak at any cost.
In addition to that, Surfshark VPN has a lot of other impressive features and it has servers in over 60 countries across the globe. It is one of the fastest VPNs that is ideal for streaming videos or playing games online.
Check out our detailed review of Surfshark VPN to know more.
- Connect unlimited Devices
- AES-256-GCM encryption
- IP & DNS leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Free Browser Extensions
- Strict no-logs policy
2. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN that offers kill switch benefits to its users is our second choice. It comes with an automatic kill switch that will block all internet connections when the VPN detects a VPN connection loss. This way CyberGhost VPN will make sure your IP address never leaks. The kill switch function is activated on the server side within CyberGhost’s network and it will not be deactivated. So there is no manual setting.
CyberGhost VPN delivers an exceptional VPN service through its huge server network of over 6000 servers in over 60 countries. It has the ability to unblock streaming services that may not be available in your location including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, HBO GO, and more. As it has servers in different countries, you can access content available in only certain locations though you live in a different country. For example, if you live in Australia, using CyberGhost VPN, you can unblock Netflix or Amazon Prime Video content available in the US, Germany, Canada, etc.
You can torrent anonymously with CyberGhost VPN and its advanced features like 256-bit encryption, IP leak protection in addition to the kill switch will protect your privacy online.
Check out our CyberGhost VPN review to know about its salient attributes.
- 6100+ Servers Worldwide
- Protect up to 7 devices/li>
- DNS and IP leak protection
- Unlimited bandwidth and traffic
- Highest possible VPN speeds
- 45-day money back guarantee
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN’s kill switch is its Network Lock. This Network Lock feature will block all internet traffic until the VPN connection is restored. This feature will prevent your IP address from accidentally leaking when your VPN stops working for a few seconds.
The Network Lock feature will be active when you are connected to the VPN and it will remain active until you disconnect the VPN.
This feature will make sure that your connection is secure when you change your WiFi network, when your computer is idle, when there are issues with the power, and when there is an internet outage.
You need not manually turn on the Network Lock as it will be enabled by default. Though it is not recommended to turn off the Network Lock, you can turn it off if you wish to in just a few clicks. In addition to the Network Lock, ExpressVPN offers other security features like DNS/IP leak protection and uses 256-bit encryption. With its strict no-logs policy, ExpressVPN assures it will never hand its users data to any third-party.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
Besides security features, ExpressVPN has a strong reputation for offering fast connection speeds and reliable VPN connections. ExpressVPN will give you access to all its 3000+ servers worldwide using which you can bypass internet restrictions in almost all countries. It works with Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Blackberry, Windows, routers, and iOS.
Read our exclusive ExpressVPN review to know more.
4. NordVPN
The best all-rounder VPN, NordVPN features a kill switch that will make sure that your internet traffic always goes through the VPN and prevents unprotected access thereby making sure your IP address does not leak.
Kill switch feature is available on NordVPN’s software for both desktop and mobile phones. You can specify the application you would like the VPN kill switch to shut down when the VPN connection drops on the software for Windows and Mac. To enable the kill switch, you have to visit the settings and enable the kill switch.
NordVPN prioritizes security and it offers double VPN for extra-strong encryption, in addition to the kill switch. You can install NordVPN on a number of platforms and devices including Android, Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7, 8, and 10, Windows Phone, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Chrome OS. But you may not be able to connect the VPN on all these devices at a time and only six concurrent connections are allowed.
- 5200+ servers in 62 countries
- Use up to 6 devices
- Next-generation Encryption
- Double VPN Feature
- Strict no-logs policy
With its huge server network, you can connect to servers in any country and access services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO GO, and more.
To know more about how NordVPN works, check out our extensive reviews on NordVPN.
5. VyprVPN
VyprVPN’s kill switch is available for Mac and Windows. It can be customized based on your preferences. At the application level, the kill switch will start functioning as soon as you log in to VyprVPN and continue to function until the app is running. Your internet connection will be blocked as soon as the VPN gets disconnected.
At the system level, the kill switch will start functioning as soon as you log in to VyprVPN and it will continue to function even if the app is not running. You will have to manually log out of VyprVPN to browse the web using your normal internet connection. If you are logged out of the VPN, the VPN will not function at both system and application levels. You have the option to choose between the system and the app levels.
VyprVPN values its users’ privacy and it offers all security features like 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and the Chameleon protocol to fight censorships, in addition to the kill switch. Its Chameleon protocol double encrypts the data its users send and receive and also helps them to securely bypass regional blocks.
- 160 server locations
- Network Lock Kill switch
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- VPN split tunneling
- Stream Sports online
You can install VyprVPN on iOS, macOS, Android, routers, and Windows and use the VPN to protect five devices at a time.
Read our extensive review of VyprVPN to know what other features it offers and how it will keep your data secure while letting you access blocked content.
6. PureVPN
PureVPN that has apps for all major platforms comes with an internet kill switch in addition to other security features. PureVPN offers to kill switch for Windows, Linux, and Mac users, offering them an additional layer of security when they are connected to the VPN. Likewise, it is one of the few VPN services to offer an Android kill switch.
You can visit the settings and enable the kill switch in the “Internet Kill Switch” section. You can choose the first option from the three available options, “Activate Internet Kill Switch, Auto-redial if VPN connection drops, and Stop the internet even if I disconnect the VPN manually.”
Apart from the kill switch, PureVPN offers other security features like top-of-the-line encryption strength, port-forwarding, DNS leak protection, and DDoS protection. Its port forwarding add-on offers an additional layer of security that will leave no loopholes through which hackers can snoop into its users’ online activity. In addition, it offers an adblocker and anti-virus software. All of PureVPN’s security features are sure to keep you completely anonymous and secure online.
- 6500+ Secure Servers
- 3 Million+ Satisfied Users
- 10-Multi Logins
- One-click Software
- 31-Day Refund Policy
- 24/7 Customer Support
You can access all of its 2000+ servers in over 180+ locations worldwide. It works well with Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android devices and it offers around 10 parallel connections.
Read our full PureVPN review to know more.
7. IPVanish VPN
IPVanish VPN’s macOS, Android, and Windows clients support the kill switch feature. You can find the kill switch under settings and that’s where you can enable or disable the kill switch. IPVanish offers other security features like 256-bit AES encryption and IP leak protection, in addition to the kill switch.
IPVanish offers fast speeds and is well-known for its device/platform compatibility. It can be installed on Windows Phone, Android, Windows 7, 8, and 10, Linux, macOS, iOS, Chromebook, and Fire TV. It allows multiple connections so that you can connect 10 different devices at a time.
It is an ideal choice for getting around geo-restrictions and accessing blocked streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and more anonymously. With over 1,400+ servers in 75+ locations, IPVanish has a strong track record of bypassing censorships in almost all countries across the globe.
Check out our in-depth review of IPVanish VPN to know more about its features.
- 1,500+ VPN servers
- 40,000+ shared IPs
- Unthrottled speed
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Unmetered connections
Let’s Compare Some of the Best Kill Switch VPNs
Main Features | Surfshark | CyberGhost VPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|
Company | ||||
$2.49/mo | $2.15/mo | $8.32/mo | $3.30/mo | |
65+ | 91 | 94+ | 60 | |
Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | |
3200+ | 7600+ | 3000+ | 5600+ | |
Unlimited | 7 | 5 | 6 | |
Good | Moderately Good | Good | Good | |
Whitelister™ - Split tunneling mode | Ad and Malware blocker | Inverse Split Tunneling | Double VPN - VPN cascading | |
256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | 256-bit AES | |
British Virgin Islands | Romania | British Virgin Islands | Panama | |
Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux Ubuntu, Linux Fedora | Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux Ubuntu | Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux Ubuntu, Linux Fedora | Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux Ubuntu | |
N/A | Chromebook | Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Apple TV | Chromebook | |
DD-WRT, Tomato | DD-WRT, Tomato | DD-WRT, Tomato | DD-WRT, Tomato | |
$12.95/mo | $12.99/mo | $12.95/mo | $11.95/mo | |
N/A | N/A | |||
$12.95/mo | $9.99/mo | N/A | ||
N/A | $3.95/mo ($47.40) | $8.32/mo ($99.95) | $4.92/mo ($59.00) | |
7 days | 30 Days | |||
30 days | 45 days | 30 days | 30 days | |
Visa, PayPal, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoins | Visa, PayPal, Mastercard, American Express, Bitcoins | Visa, PayPal, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoins | Visa, PayPal, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Bitcoins | |
24/7 Live Chat, Email, Twitter, Facebook | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Twitter, Facebook, Community | Email, Twitter, Facebook, Community, On Call, Remote Desktop | 24/7 Live Chat, Email, Twitter, Facebook, Community | |
Conclusion
A kill switch is an important VPN feature that will protect your privacy online. Not all VPNs come with a kill switch but the ones mentioned above offer strong security in addition to the kill switch feature. We hope this article will help you choose the best VPN with a kill switch that will help you stay secure and anonymous online.