9 Ways to Hide Your IP Address

Last update: 04/10/2024
Author Javier Chirinos

9 Ways to Hide Your IP Address

An Internet Protocol address is also known as an IP address. It is a numerical label that is assigned to each device connected to a computer network that uses IP for communication. The IP address acts as an identifier for a specific machine on a particular network.

IP address is also called IP number and Internet address. IP address specifies the technical format of addressing and packet scheme.

 Most networks combine IP with TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). It also allows for a virtual connection to be developed between a destination and a source.

Your IP address can also reveal your location and prevent you from accessing some websites. If this is a problem for you, today we'll show you 9 ways to hide your IP address.

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How to hide your IP address?

These are the ways to hide your IP address:

  • VPN : VPNs are the safest and most robust way to mask IP address. They allow you to effectively hide your IP without any hassle. VPNs have good security features that keep you anonymous while browsing the internet. Virtual Private Network opens up the areas of the internet that are blocked due to geographical restrictions.
  • Tor   Tor is a browser that keeps your online activity completely anonymous. It slows down your internet when you connect to it, but your IP address will still be untraceable.
  • proxy : Proxy will treat you as if you have a different IP address. It slows down your connection but does not encrypt your activity. Proxy is not an ideal choice for torrenting.
  • Public WiFi – Public Wi-Fi is an easy way to change your IP address. However, it is sometimes vulnerable to security threats. It does not work with geo-restrictions.

Why hide your IP address?

Here are the important reasons to hide your IP address:

  • Avoid disclosure of private information: You can hide your IP address to keep your personal or business information private. It is good for you to browse the Internet anonymously using IP masking.
  • Avoid tracking by advertisers or companies: Hiding your IP address is a good option to avoid tracking by advertisers or online companies.
  • Browse the Internet in restricted areas: IP hiding allows you to browse the internet in restricted areas where content is heavily filtered. If your country has restrictions on viewing content, you can simply hide your IP and guess access to things online.
  • Connection to public places: You should hide your IP address when connecting to public places such as libraries, restaurants, or Internet cafes.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a private network that uses a public network to connect remote sites or users. The VPN uses “virtual” connections routed over the Internet from the company’s private network or a third-party VPN service to the remote site.

It is a free or paid service that keeps your web browsing secure and private through public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Below is a carefully selected list of the best IP blocking software (VPN) with their popular features, advantages, disadvantages, and website links. The list contains both open source (free) and commercial (paid) software.

9 Ways to Hide Your IP Address

1) NordVPN

NordVPN is an IP blocking app that doesn't track, collect, or share your information. It provides security by encrypting sent and received data. This app helps prevent ads and malware . It allows you to access numerous streaming websites seamlessly.

Main Features:

  • Total number of servers: 5510.
  • Maximum supported devices: 2.
  • Ideal for: connecting double VPN, Onion over VPN servers, P2P.
  • Server Selection: Manual.
  • Data allowance: unlimited.
  • No-logging policy: Yes.
  • Netflix: Yes in the US, Germany, UK, Italy and France.
  • Split tunnels: Yes
  • Torrent download: Yes
  • IP addresses: static.
  • Kill switch: Yes.
  • Simultaneous connections: 6.
  • Free trial: Yes, 30 days.
  • Countries: 59.
  • Supported platforms: Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS.

Pros:

  • Kill switch (automatically disconnects Internet) prevents privacy compromise.
  • Provides good security.
  • No DNS (Domain Name System) Leaks
  • Double VPN protection.
  • Offers fast and stable speeds.

Cons:

  • Torrent feature is supported on some servers.
  • Setup with the OpenVPN virtual private network system is not user-friendly.
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2) ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is IP blocking software that lets you browse the internet safely and protect you from scammers. It offers unrestricted access to music, social media, and videos, and these programs never log your IP addresses, browsing history, DNS queries, or traffic destinations.

This software offers online protection through encryption and leak-proof feature. It helps you stay safe by hiding IP address and encrypting data on your network.

Express VPN provides a 24/7 support via email and live chat. It allows you to pay with Bitcoin and use Tor to access hidden sites.

ExpressVPN can encrypt users' web traffic and mask IP addresses. It can effectively help you hide your physical location.

Features:

  • Total number of servers: 3000
  • Maximum supported devices: 5
  • Ideal for: enjoying good streaming quality without interruptions.
  • Server Selection: Manual
  • Data allowance: unlimited.
  • No-logging policy: Yes.
  • Netflix: Yes, US
  • Split tunnels: Yes
  • Torrent download: Yes
  • IP Addresses: Dynamic
  • Kill switch: yes
  • Simultaneous connections: unlimited.
  • Free trial: Yes, 30 days.
  • Countries: 94.
  • Supported platforms are: iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows.

Pros:

  • Provides good privacy for your Internet activity.
  • Keeps your privacy safe.
  • It does not store IP address, browsing history, traffic destination or metadata.
  • Allows you to choose which network devices to protect.
  • The server speed is fast.
  • Offers a variety of protocols.
  • Provides a wide range of server locations.
  • It's easy to set up.
  • Good customer support.

Cons:

  • This IP address blocking software is expensive compared to other programs.
  • Not good for advanced user who already knows internet, IP, VPN etc.

3) CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a tool for unblocking websites and enjoying your favorite content without problems. It's one of the best IP blocking programs for streaming and bypassing geographical restrictions.

This program helps you to browse the Internet anonymously without any restrictions. The CyberGhost application allows you to easily access the NoSpy server. It encrypts data using the latest 256-bit AES technique.

This program allows you to hide your IP with just one tap. It will notify you when you connect to an unsecured public network.

Features:

  • Total number of servers: 7.000.
  • Maximum supported devices: 7
  • Best for: Accessing streaming websites that have HD video.
  • Server selection: automatic and manual
  • Data allowance: Unlimited
  • No-logging policy: Yes
  • Netflix: Yes
  • Split tunnels: Yes
  • Torrent download: Yes
  • IP Addresses: Static
  • Kill switch: yes
  • Simultaneous connections: 7
  • Free trial: Yes, 1 day.
  • Countries: 91
  • Supported platforms are: Windows, Mac, IOS, Android, Amazon Fire Stick, Linux, Smart TV, Android TV, Apple TV, game consoles

Pros:

  • Hide your IP and browse anonymously online with ease.
  • Protect your digital identity.
  • Break all geographic restrictions.
  • Unblock any website.
  • Torrent anonymously.
  • Protect your connections on public Wi-Fi
  • Hide IP address through good VPN connectivity.
  • Provides many locations to choose from.

Cons:

  • Some servers are slow and may affect your network speed.
  • Managing usernames and passwords is complicated.
  • Sometimes CyberGhost software crashes.

4) IPVanish

IPVanish is an IP address blocking application that provides an end-to-end encryption environment for your network. It offers the fastest virtual private network service for a variety of smartphones.

This app helps you secure your web browsing, file sharing, and video streaming. IPVanish can automatically suggest the fastest VPN server. It allows you to switch from one server to another. This app helps you make your internet connection secure.

Features:

  • Total number of servers: 1300
  • Maximum supported devices: 10
  • Best for: High-quality VPN with good customer support.
  • Server selection: automatic
  • Data allowance: Unlimited
  • No-logging policy: Yes
  • Netflix: Yes, US and UK only
  • Split Tunneling: Yes – Split tunneling for apps on Android and FireOS devices.
  • Torrent download: Yes
  • IP Addresses: Dynamic
  • Kill switch: yes
  • Simultaneous connections: unlimited.
  • Free trial: No
  • Countries: 75.
  • Supported platforms are: Windows, iOS, Android, Mac and FireOS.
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Pros:

  • It has a good safety feature.
  • Provides a variety of protocols.
  • You'll get enough speed to stream 8K videos.
  • Available at a good price.
  • It offers fast server speed.
  • Decent work application.

Cons:

  • You have privacy issues.
  • Sometimes you encounter unusual information about the server location.
  • Does not provide good customer support.

5) Surfshark

Surfshark is IP blocking software that provides fast and secure access to web content. This software offers secure tunneling protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2. It makes your location private and keeps your sensitive data safe.

This tool can block unwanted websites without any problems. It allows you to share your IP address with other people on the same server. This program allows you to bookmark (favorite) your location for future use.

Features:

  • Total number of servers: 3200
  • Maximum supported devices: Unlimited.
  • Ideal for: Gaming, browsing and streaming.
  • Server selection: automatic and manual
  • Data allowance: Unlimited
  • No-logging policy: Yes
  • Netflix: Yes, US
  • Split tunnels: Yes
  • Torrent download: Yes
  • IP Addresses: Static
  • Kill switch: Yes.
  • Simultaneous connections: unlimited
  • Free Trial: Yes, 7-day free trial
  • Countries: 65
  • Supported platforms are: Mac, Windows, iOS, Linux and Android.

Pros:

  • Provides secure and anonymous browsing.
  • Supports a wide range of applications.
  • Good customer support.
  • It offers an ideal server speed.
  • Provides a smooth user experience.
  • It helps you keep your data private by using AES-256.

Cons:

  • It does not offer access to Tor via VPN.
  • This software has a complicated setup process.
  • Bad customer service.
  • Weak presence on social media.

6) VyprVPN

VyprVPN is VPN software that lets you connect any device securely and seamlessly. This application helps protect your online security and privacy. It offers a kill switch that allows you to quickly disconnect from the server with just one click.

This VPN allows you to bypass restrictions and speed limits. It allows you to access global content from anywhere you want. You can use this well-functioning VPN to download, upload, and stream video websites without any issues.

Key Features:

  • Total number of servers: 700+
  • Maximum supported devices: 5
  • Server Selection: Manual
  • Data allowance: 500 MB per day
  • No-logging policy: Yes
  • Unblocks: Hulu, YouTube, HBO, Netflix
  • Netflix: Yes
  • Split tunnels: Yes.
  • Torrent download: Yes
  • IP Addresses: Static and Dedicated IP Addresses
  • Kill switch: yes
  • Simultaneous connections: 5
  • Free trial: Yes, 30 days
  • Countries: 70
  • Supported platforms are Linux, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac.
  • Ideal for: Anyone looking for online privacy.

Pros:

  • Good for unblocking websites and services
  • Comprehensive customer service
  • Allows you to use torrent.
  • Easy to connect with real server location.

Cons:

  • You have a slow server connection time.

7) Proton VPN

ProtonVPN is an Android app that lets you browse the web anonymously, unblock websites, and encrypt your internet connection. It's one of the best VPN programs, using a high-speed Swiss VPN server to protect your privacy.

Features:

  • Total number of servers: 1077.
  • Maximum supported devices: 5.
  • Ideal for: beginners and novice users.
  • Server Selection: Manual.
  • Data allowance: unlimited.
  • No-logging policy: Yes.
  • Netflix: Yes in almost all countries.
  • Split tunnels: Yes.
  • Torrent download: Yes.
  • IP Addresses: Dynamic.
  • Kill switch: Yes.
  • Simultaneous connections: 10.
  • Free trial: Yes, 7 days.
  • Countries: 54.
  • Supported platforms are: Windows, Android, iOS and macOS.

Pros:

  • It has strong protocols and encryption.
  • Your connection is routed through VPN servers for increased privacy protection.
  • Provides good server speed.
  • This free IP blocker allows you to stream BBC iPlayer.
  • Supports P2P VPN and Tor browser.

Cons:

  • This IP blocker for Android offers limited servers from the Asia region.
  • Only provides email support.

Tor is an IP blocking software that uses the Onion routing method to encapsulate layers of encryption. It is a special type of IP blocking software that gives people the ability to communicate anonymously.

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The Tor browser can run on your computer, helping you stay safe on the Internet. It also protects you by bouncing your communications around a distributed network. It prevents other people from accessing your Internet connection and prevents websites from knowing your physical location.

Tor routes Internet traffic consisting of over seven thousand relays. This tool helps you hide a user's location and also prevents anyone from performing traffic analysis or network surveillance.

Features:

  • No-logging policy: Yes
  • Split tunnels: No
  • Torrent download: Yes
  • IP Addresses: Static
  • Free trial: unlimited
  • Supported platforms are: Windows, OS X, Linux, Android

Pros:

  • It is universally accessible.
  • This browser allows you to access the deep web.
  • It is open source. Therefore, it is easy to inspect the code.
  • Browse anonymously without any problems.
  • Better protect your privacy by using three servers: Entering, middle and final.

Cons:

  • It takes time to load the home page.
  • Blocks some web services.
  • This IP blocking software slows down your bandwidth speed.

Link: https://www.torproject.org/download/

How to use the Tor browser?

The Tor Browser is a very effective tool for blocking IP addresses, but it doesn't offer any level of security like a VPN. You can use the Tor Browser and VPN together to maximize your privacy. There are two ways to use the Tor Browser:

Method 1: Tor over VPN:

This method will connect your VPN first and then access the Tor network. It is very easy as you just need to connect your VPN and open the Tor browser. Tor VPNs offer built-in Tor services. For example, NordVPN is a tool that offers an Onion over VPN service. It allows you to connect to Tor without using a browser.

Tor over VPN allows you to securely encrypt your private network before entering the Tor network. This will prevent web servers from being able to access your real IP address. The downside to this method is that it does not protect you from malicious nodes.

Method 2: VPN over Tor

This method connects to the Tor network and goes to your VPN. It is more complicated than Tor over VPN because you need to manually configure VPN. The main advantage of this method is that you are protected from Tor exit nodes. Your traffic does not go directly from your node to its destination.

It is routed to a secure VPN server. This setup is good for communicating sensitive information.

SOCKS Proxy, HTTP/S Proxy and SSH Proxy

  • SOCKS proxy: SOCKS is an Internet protocol that routes your Internet traffic through a third-party server using TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). It assigns you a new IP address so that the web hosting provider cannot find your physical location.
  • HTTP/S Proxy: The proxy HTTP/S comes with extensions for browsers like Chrome or Firefox. It helps you hide your IP address when using a browser, but other programs can still use a direct connection. This proxy can hide your IP but it does not encrypt your connection.
  • proxy SSH: the proxy SSH or SSH tunneling routes your internet connection through a server using a secure shell protocol. It is not fast, therefore some websites do not work properly. This proxy allows you to transmit data over a secure SSH protocol between multiple devices over the internet.

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Conclusion

If you are a torrent lover or need to browse restricted websites in your country, hiding your IP is absolutely necessary. Above we have given you 9 options for you to use to hide your IP.

We recommend VPNs because they were made especially for this job and are totally effective and easy to use. Now it's up to you to choose which option best suits your needs.