Outline VPN
Outline VPN is built for teams that want to run their own VPN server and hand out access to others. It is often used by newsrooms and groups that need safer access on restricted networks, without user sign-ups.
Service Country:United States
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Updated:January 4, 2026
Overview
Outline VPN is different because it is not a single shared service. An organization sets up its own server, then invites people to connect to it.
This setup fits journalists, NGOs, and small teams. It works well when you need to share access with coworkers or sources and keep control in-house.
In day-to-day use, most people just paste an invite link into the Outline app and connect. The client stays lightweight and ad-free, which helps on older laptops and low-power devices.
For connectivity, Outline uses proven protocols like Shadowsocks and OpenVPN, with strong encryption. Privacy depends on how the server is run, since your group hosts it.
Features
Device & Platform Support
- Mac
- Windows
- iPhone / iOS
- Linux
- Android
VPN Protocols
- ShadowsocksAn encrypted proxy protocol specifically designed to help users bypass the Great Firewall and other forms of strict internet censorship. It is lightweight, fast, and highly effective at making VPN traffic look like ordinary web activity.
- OpenVPNThe industry’s most trusted and versatile protocol, known for its incredible security and ability to bypass even the toughest firewalls. Because it is open-source, it is constantly being audited and improved by security experts worldwide.
Pricing & Payments
- Free
Privacy & Security
- Open SourceThe software’s code is public and can be inspected by anyone for security flaws. This transparency ensures there are no hidden "backdoors" or malicious features.
- No registration requiredAllows you to use the service without providing an email address or personal details. It is the highest level of anonymity for a VPN user.
- AES-256 EncryptionThis is the highest level of data encryption available, utilizing a 256-bit key to scramble your internet traffic. It is the gold standard used by security experts and government agencies to ensure your private data remains unreadable to hackers and ISPs.
- No-Logs PolicyA strict privacy guarantee that the VPN provider does not track, record, or store any information about your online activities. This ensures that even if authorities request data, there is absolutely no browsing history or connection timestamps to provide. This is often mentioned in VPN provider's Term of Service.
Network & Advanced Features
- DecentralizedA peer-to-peer (P2P) network model where the VPN is run by independent users rather than a single central corporation. This removes "single points of failure" and ensures that no single company has the power to monitor or log your entire browsing history.
Outline VPN Alternatives
Windscribe
Windscribe is used a lot as a mix of VPN app and browser extension, with a strong focus on blocking ads and trackers. It suits people who want privacy tools that work during normal browsing, not just when they remember to connect.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a privacy-focused VPN with a long-running reputation among power users. It stands out for open-source apps and lots of connection controls, like split tunneling and a kill switch.
VpnHood!
VpnHood! is built for networks that try hard to block VPN traffic. It is often used when normal VPN connections fail and you need a connection that blends in better.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a Switzerland-based service built around privacy and security, with apps that stay clean and easy to navigate. People often use it for safer browsing on public Wi‑Fi, avoiding tracking, and getting a stable connection on restrictive networks.
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