Software Alternatives & Startups

VPN.ac VS sshuttle

Compare VPN.ac VS sshuttle and see what are their differences

VPN.ac

VPN.

VPN.ac Landing page
Rating
0 reviews
sshuttle

sshuttle: where transparent proxy meets VPN meets ssh

sshuttle Landing page
Rating
0 reviews
Pricing
Open source

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, sshuttle should be more popular than VPN.ac. It has been mentioned 29 times since March 2021.

social mentions
16 vs 29
VPN popularity
58% vs 42%
alternatives listed
240+ vs 173

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

VPN.ac
sshuttle
Website vpn.ac github.com
Pricing
Open source
Listed in

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

VPN.ac 5 features
sshuttle 5 features
  • Security
    VPN.ac offers robust encryption protocols, including AES-256, to ensure high-level security for user data.
  • Speed
    The service provides good connection speeds thanks to its optimized VPN servers.
  • Privacy
    VPN.ac has a strict no-logs policy, which is crucial for maintaining user privacy.
  • Server Network
    The VPN has a broad network of servers located in numerous countries, facilitating global access.
  • Double-Hop Feature
    VPN.ac offers a double-hop feature that routes your traffic through two different servers for added security.

Possible disadvantages

  • Price
    VPN.ac is relatively expensive compared to some other VPN services.
  • No Free Trial
    The service does not offer a free trial, although it does have a 7-day money-back guarantee.
  • Limited Device Connections
    You can only connect a limited number of devices simultaneously with one subscription.
  • Geographical Restrictions
    Users have reported difficulty accessing certain streaming services due to geographical restrictions.
  • Complex Interface
    The user interface may be somewhat complex for non-tech-savvy users.
  • Simplicity
    sshuttle is easy to set up and use, requiring minimal configuration. It leverages SSH, a tool that many are already familiar with.
  • No Root Access Required
    sshuttle can be used without root access on the client side, making it accessible in environments where administrative privileges are restricted.
  • Cross-Platform
    sshuttle works on multiple operating systems including Linux and macOS, providing flexibility in different environments.
  • Compatibility
    As it operates at the IP level, sshuttle can work with any program and command-line tools that interact over TCP/IP without requiring any changes.
  • Security
    Utilizes SSH's encryption mechanisms, ensuring data is securely tunneled between the client and the server.

Possible disadvantages

  • Performance
    While convenient, sshuttle may not perform as well as more specialized VPN solutions, especially under heavy network load.
  • Limited Features
    Compared to dedicated VPN software, sshuttle lacks advanced features such as traffic shaping, advanced logging, and fine-grained access controls.
  • No UDP Support
    sshuttle primarily supports TCP, and has limited support for UDP, which may be a drawback for applications that rely heavily on UDP.
  • Dependency on SSH Servers
    Requires a functional SSH server at the remote end, which may not always be feasible or permitted in all network configurations.
  • Complex Networks
    Handling complex network environments may get tricky. More sophisticated routing configurations or VPN setups can better manage such cases.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

VPN.ac
sshuttle

Overall verdict

  • VPN.ac is generally considered a good VPN service due to its strong security features and reliable performance.

Why this product is good

  • VPN.ac is praised for its robust encryption protocols, no-logging policy, and a range of advanced security features like double-hop VPN and secure proxy browser extensions. Users appreciate the high-speed servers it offers and its ability to bypass geo-restrictions, which makes it suitable for streaming. Additionally, the service has a strong focus on privacy and security, backed by a competent development team.

Recommended for

  • Users looking for enhanced privacy and security features
  • People who need a VPN for secure browsing and streaming
  • Users who require multiple server locations for bypassing geo-restrictions
  • Individuals who value a no-logs policy and transparent business practices

Overall verdict

  • sshuttle is generally considered a good and reliable tool for securely tunneling traffic. It is suitable for users who need an easy way to bypass firewalls and access remote networks securely without the complexity of traditional VPNs.

Why this product is good

  • sshuttle is a popular tool because it combines the simplicity of SSH tunneling with the transparency of a VPN, allowing users to forward traffic easily over an SSH connection. It is particularly appreciated for its ability to overcome restrictive firewalls and provide secure access to resources without needing root privileges (on the client side) or requiring a VPN setup on the server.

Recommended for

  • Developers and system administrators who need to access office or remote networks securely.
  • Users who need to bypass firewalls or restrictive network conditions.
  • People seeking a simpler alternative to VPNs, especially when working with SSH-accessible servers.
  • Individuals who require a temporary or lightweight solution for secure network access.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

VPN.ac 1 video + Add
sshuttle 3 videos + Add

VPN.AC Review - HONEST VPN REVIEW!

Hak5 1224.1, SShuttle and Linux Talk

More videos

  • Review - Hak5 1224.2, SShuttle and Linux Talk
  • Review - Hak5 1224.3, SShuttle and Linux Talk

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
VPN.ac
sshuttle
58% 58%
VPN
42% 42%
74% 74%
26% 26%
38% 38%
62% 62%
100% 100%
0% 0%

User comments

Share your experience with using VPN.ac and sshuttle. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

VPN.ac 16 mentions
sshuttle 29 mentions
  • Looking for a VPN that allows me to exclude websites from VPN and all content within them
    For example areena.yle.fi, it has videos that are geoblocked from everyone outside of Finland and videos are hosted at various other sites. Adding areena.yle.fi to my exclusion list doesn't help, the videos still don't work. I have tried... Source: over 3 years ago
  • WireGuard on GL-iNet router in China
    Hi, I am struggling with connecting with WG on GL-iNet in China with vpn.ac I updated the WG keys also, but still no luck. I am temporarily working with OVPN but WG would be better to have. Any advice? Source: over 3 years ago
  • Easy setup 5GHz repeater/router + VPN service combinations?
    I would recommend you to get FLINT from gl-inet. It supports both OpenVPN and Wireguard. I am using it with ProtonVPN, tested it with mullvad and vpn.ac as well. Source: about 4 years ago

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When comparing VPN.ac and sshuttle, you can also consider the following products.