Is Your Old VPN Still Protecting You? Make Sure It Has These 6 Features

Mon, June 23, 2025 at 2:41 PM UTC

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If you've been using the same VPN for years and your subscription is expiring, don't just resubscribe because it worked for you a year ago. The VPN space moves fast—features that felt cutting-edge just a few years back are now baseline requirements. Some providers stay ahead of the curve, but many fall behind. Sticking with an outdated VPN could put your privacy and data at risk. I regularly, and I've seen server numbers slip, global coverage reduced, and prices inflated. Before you sign up for a new VPN or renew an existing plan, be sure to keep the following features in mind to know you're getting the best protection for your money.

1. Strong Privacy Standards

The most important factor when choosing a VPN is to pick one that has robust and frequently updated privacy standards. With so many providers being acquired by larger conglomerates, the stance of a once privacy-first VPN can deteriorate and fall in line with the larger corporation's standards. I've also seen those standards slip as VPNs grow in popularity. You may have gotten in early with a rock-solid service only to find it embroiled in controversy as its user base skyrocketed.

A privacy-focused VPN should have a digestible privacy policy. TunnelBear 's policy is a good example of one that's easy to read and understand. It should be clear what data the company logs, exactly how it handles user information, and in what scenarios the service is required to hand over data. You also want to look for anonymous payment methods. accepts cash payments for maximum anonymity.

In addition, when I review VPNs, I look for transparency reports and regular security audits. For example, regularly undergoes audits and releases the data for any user to review. Security audits showcase what requests a VPN has received from authorities and disclose whether or not it has had to hand over any data.

2. WireGuard (Or Equivalent Encryption)

is one of a handful of protocols that VPNs use to determine how your data is obfuscated. You'll also see OpenVPN and IKEv2 frequently. Those are both good baseline protocols, but the technology has advanced in recent years. WireGuard is more lightweight while also being harder to break or exploit. It is also open-source, so its code can be analyzed to ensure there are no glaring vulnerabilities.

Any premium VPN should have support for it, or you should be presented with an equal alternative. ExpressVPN does this with its Lightway protocol, and NordVPN offers NordLynx. If a service offers a proprietary protocol, be wary of ones that are not open-source. Closed-source protocols can't be easily investigated by outside parties to ensure that there's no built-in backdoor or critical vulnerabilities.

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3. Split Tunneling

Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps go through a VPN's encrypted tunnel while letting others go through your regular internet connection. It's a must if you want to play multiplayer games or do just about anything that requires low latency while connected to a VPN. It used to be technically difficult to implement, and many VPNs didn't offer it. Today, most services include this feature, so it's not a good sign if a service doesn't support it. Even if you don't require split tunneling, your service of choice may be falling behind the curve if it doesn't have it.

4. Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Five simultaneous connections used to be the standard, but that figure simply isn't enough to cover most households anymore. Once you start factoring in every smart device in your home, you'll quickly find that a fixed number doesn't cut it. This is especially true if you plan to share your coverage with other members of your household. You'll end up spending significant time disconnecting frequently used devices just to log in on whatever device you're trying to protect. Comprehensive coverage is a must. TunnelBear and have both done away with connection limits entirely, and I expect the majority of providers to follow suit.

5. Multi-Hop Servers

A multi-hop connection routes your data through at least two VPN servers before it arrives at its final destination. This technology mimics the way that Tor works. Your connection is obfuscated with each additional server it passes through. Much like simultaneous connection, the majority of top VPNs are working to include the feature if it isn't already. While it shouldn't be a deal-breaker if the service doesn't have it yet, you should keep your options open and consider those that do have it, such as .

6. Streaming Capability

I don't consider accessing streaming services as a necessary feature for a VPN in my personal usage. However, it is the first priority for many users when considering one. I evaluate every VPN to see if it can access Netflix . You can view my results in the chart below:

For other streaming services , it is best to take advantage of a VPN's money-back guarantee or free trial to see if it accesses the services you need. Just keep in mind that it may not always work. Servers get blocklisted frequently, and streaming services are always ramping up VPN detection measures.

Check out Yahoo's latest VPN advice, based on hands-on testing.

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