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Algo VPN Review

Our rating
Security Read more toggle icon
65%
Features Read more toggle icon
40%
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There is an extensive range of VPNs on the market that claim to offer security and anonymity for your online activities, but not all can be trusted. If you are worried about placing your personal data in the hands of a VPN client, you can create your own VPN using the open-source Algo software in combination with a cloud-hosting service.

Almost every VPN will offer a privacy policy and claim not to log, store, or share private user information. However, VPNs can potentially access a large amount of personal information and all of your online activities. Largely, it is necessary to accept the claims made by a VPN service based on trust alone.

If you are not ready to trust a VPN based on their word alone, it may be necessary to look for an alternative to a traditional Virtual Private Network service. This can be overwhelming, especially if you are not well versed in internet security solutions. However, the open-source software from Algo from the security company Trail of Bits allows you to create your own VPN easily.

For just $5 a month, you can set up and manage your own complete VPN server. To set up an Algo VPN, it will be necessary to use the command-line, which may be daunting for many users. So, we have created an easy guide to simplify the process.

Algo is a popular VPN platform that delivers a range of Ansible scripts that will simplify the setup of your personal VPN. It offers the most secure setting available, works in conjunction with cloud providers, and does not require app software on most devices.

    Pros

  • pro icon Free VPN
  • pro icon Cloud based software
  • pro icon Add as many servers as you want

    Cons

  • con icon Difficult to set up
  • con icon Limited unblocking capabilities
  • con icon No apps
Price Starting At: 5 $ / monthly 60 $ / annually
For New Users: No money-back guarantee
Number of servers: 50+
General information
Type of IP offered: Dynamic
Simultaneous connections / Users: Unlimited
OS support: Android, Linux, Windows
VPN Promotion: Get VPN from Algo VPN for 5$ per month
Capabilities
Unlimited Bandwidthcross iconKill Switchcross iconSplit Tunnelingcross iconZero Data Loggingcross iconFree Version / Trialcross iconMobile Appcross iconFirestick Compatiblecross icon
Payment options
Geolocations available
  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • New Zealand
  • Portugal
  • Spain
  • United Kingdom
  • United States

Algo VPN Security

65%

Algo is a secure VPN platform that allows users to set up their own IPSec VPN. It works with secure defaults and does not require client setup on most devices. Algo is relatively limited, but this is often highlighted as one of its main benefits.

The VPN platform supports IKEv2 and offers a single cipher suite (AES-GCM, HMA-SHA2, and P-256 DH). There is also support for WireGuard. There is no option to install OpenVPN, Tor, or any other VPN services that many users regard as potentially harmful. Instead, it supports a single security protocol.

Unfortunately, as the Algo VPN is still under active development, it has not yet received an independent security audit. The provider does claim that it will note and resolve identified issues. However, it does also state that users download and use Algo at their own risk.

Unlike some commercial VPNs, Algo does not offer the option to re-route your internet traffic through the Tor network. This means that the VPN will not offer the complete anonymity offered by Tor, but it will add an additional layer of protection for your internet traffic.

Any Algo servers that users have deployed cannot be modified or updated, which means that the company is physically unable to surveil its users. This does mean that any Algo servers that you have deployed are yours to maintain. Algo also offers protection from advertisements thanks to its local DNS resolver.

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Algo VPN Features

40%

Algo is a popular VPN platform that offers an alternative to traditional VPN products. The VPN allows users to operate their own VPN service by using popular cloud backup providers. It contains a set of Ansible scripts that make it easier to set up your own personal IPSec VPN. It comes with the most secure settings available and works with popular cloud providers.

Unlike most other VPNs, there is no need to download client software on most of your devices. Algo is a decent choice if you want to support multiple users simultaneously, as it offers a script that can be used to add to the server list later on. Algo can operate on Ubuntu and can be used in combination with Microsoft Azure, Amazon EC2, DigitalOcean, or even your own server.

There are configuration files to set up the VPN on all of your devices, as well as useful GQ codes for macOS, iOS, Android, and Windows. There are auto-configuration options for iOS and macOS, which require no client software and a helper script that can be used to add or remove particular users.

Algo VPN is likely not the best option for a beginner user, as there is no 24/7 live-chat support option. If you do run into issues during setup, there is a list of troubleshooting articles, as well as an FAQ at trailofbits.github.io.

Summary

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Table of content

How Do I Set Up an Algo VPN?

Setting up your own Algo VPN configuration can be daunting, so we have laid out the process in simple steps to make it easier. Keep reading to find out how to install an Algo VPN on Windows, macOS, Linux Ubuntu, or iOS.

To set up an Algo VPN on Windows, you will need a Unix Bash Shell. On Linux Ubuntu or macOS, you can utilize your typical Terminal program. You will also need an account with a cloud hosting product that supports Algo, such as Hetzner Cloud, Scaleway, Google Compute Engine, Microsoft Azure, Amazon EC2, Amazon Lightsale, or DigitalOcean.

DigitalOcean is one of the most popular cloud hosting solutions for Algo VPN. The Algo VPN setup process will vary depending on the cloud storage solution you choose. Sign up for an account with your DigitalOcean, or your chosen cloud solution, then sign in and select “API” under “Account.” Then, select “Generate New Token” to access your account resources and name the new token. We would suggest naming the token after the software you are using for ease of access later on. Once the token is created, copy and save it in your notes.

On your desktop, open a new terminal window and enter cd (which stands for “change directory” and click “Enter.” Then, type “python3 –version.” To set up a VPN Algo, you will need to install Python 3 if it is not yet installed on your device. Next, you will need to install Python3’s Virtualenv by entering python3 -m pip install –upgrade virtualenv on macOS, or sudo apt install -y python3-virtualenv on Windows 10 or Linux Ubuntu.

Then, you’ll need to download Algo using the wget command on Windows 10 and Linux. On macOS and iOS, you’ll need to install the wget command via Homebrew by entering brew install wget as it will not be installed by default. You can now install the necessary Algo files by entering wget https://github.com/trailofbits/algo/archive/master.zip . Once the file has been downloaded, find the “master.zip” file in your terminal directory and unzip it by entering unzip master.zip.

Go to the “Algo-master” folder and enter cd ~/algo-master then, pwd . Now copy and paste the following command: python3 -m virtualenv –python=”$(command -v python3)” .env && source .env/bin/activate && python3 -m pip install -U pip virtualenv && python3 -m pip install -r requirements.txt.

Then, you will need to enter your VPN users’ names. Enter nano confi.cfg into the terminal to open the command-line text editor, Nano. Remove the default usernames under “users” and enter a name for every device you want to use Algo on. Then, click Ctrl+O to save the new names and Ctrl+X to exit the configuration window. On Windows, there is an additional step here. On WSL, enter cd into your directory, enter chmod 755 -R ~algo-master, and then type cd ~/algo-master to return to the Algo folder.

Finally, to run Algo, type ./algo into the terminal window, and the configuration should start running. You will then be asked which cloud provider you wish to use, enter the correct number for your desired provider. If you run into issues, check out the troubleshooting section on the Algo project repository, which is available via GitHub.

Then, you’ll need to enter the access token you saved earlier when you created your account with the cloud provider. Copy and paste this code into the terminal and click Enter. Then, proceed to answer the questions asked by Algo, such as what you wish to name your Algo VPN server and whether you want to activate “Connect on Demand” for macOS and iOS devices. Enter N for “no” if you are not using OS devices.

How Do I Use Algo VPN Servers?

Once Algo has been set up on your device, the app terminal will return to a command-line prompt. Like many of the best commercial VPNs, Algo operates on the secure WireGuard VPN protocol, which is the most secure available.

To activate Algo, you’ll need to install the standard Windows desktop client, which is available on the WireGuard site. Then you’ll need to access the configuration files in the Algo master folder, enter ~/algo-master/configs/[VPN server IP address]/wireguard/. Copy the file, open the WireGuard app and click “Import Tunnels From File.” Click “activate,” and you’re ready to use your Algo VPN.

Will an Algo VPN Server Work for Streaming?

Unfortunately, you will be unable to use your Algo VPN servers to unlock geo-restricted content on streaming sites like Netflix. Most traditional VPN clients, such as those offered by ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost, will enable reliable access to your favorite overseas television shows and movies.

Does Algo VPN Work for Torrenting?

It is also not a good idea to use your own Algo VPN server for torrenting, as your activities can be more easily linked back to you than if you were to use a commercial VPN app. Fortunately, a wide range of traditional VPN clients offer advanced protection for P2P sharing and torrenting across your devices.

Alternative VPN Services to Algo VPN

If you don’t have the time to manually set up an Algo VPN configuration, there is a range of trustworthy VPNs that come with strict independently audited no-logging policies and advanced security features including military-grade encryption, support for secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, a kill-switch to prevent information leaks should the VPN connection fail for any reason, and more.

If you have decided against setting up your own Algo VPN, we recommend VPN services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN for unrivaled security features and transparent no-logs policies. ExpressVPN, for example, comes with military-grade encryption with a 4096-bit SHA 512 certificate and HMAC. There is compatibility with OpenVPN and WireGuard, and Perfect Forward Secrecy for an additional layer of security protection for your online activities.

The VPN also offers a range of obfuscated servers to mask the fact that you are using a VPN server connection at all. Moreover, ExpressVPN comes with a transparent, independently audited no-logs policy which means that the VPN will never store or share your private information. ExpressVPN also makes an excellent streaming VPN and will enable seamless access to all of your favorite sites and services from around the world.

NordVPN is another excellent option if you are concerned about your online anonymity. There is military-grade encryption to protect your internet traffic, as well as advanced features like Onion over VPN, Double VPN encryption, and DNS leak protection. Independent audits have confirmed the provider’s no-logging policies, too, so you can rest assured that your private data traffic will never be monitored or logged. The VPN is also one of the best providers for unblocking streaming content on geo-restricted sites.

Both providers offer a generous risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee that gives you the peace of mind to test the clients on all of your devices before deciding. If you’re not completely happy, you could request a refund and get your money back, no questions asked.

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Author Cliff Durward

Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids. I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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PrivacySharks » VPN provider » Algo VPN Review & Test 2024