Psiphon VPN
Psiphon is designed for safe internet access and protecting user traffic. Use of the program is permitted only within the framework of the current legislation of the Russian Federation, including Federal Law-149 and Federal Law-276. The application is not intended for bypassing blocks on resources prohibited in the Russian Federation. The user bears responsibility for the legality of their use. The Russian infrastructure can, if necessary, be integrated with the Federal State Information System (FGIS) and complies with the requirements of Roskomnadzor.
Psiphon A free, open-source application that uses a hybrid of SSH, VPN, and HTTP proxy technology to encrypt connections and protect personal data. Psiphon is popular due to its simple interface, lack of required registration, and the ability to download Psiphon literally in one click from Google Play or the official website. Below is a detailed review of its functions, pricing, and installation.
What is Psiphon VPN and who is it for?
Psiphon is a Canadian non-profit project that originated at the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab. The developers publish the code on GitHub and distribute the program for free. The service is aimed at users who need unlimited vpn without registrations: travelers, journalists, students on public Wi-Fi, as well as companies whose employees work remotely from different countries. Thanks to the hybrid combination of SSH+/VPN/HTTP Proxy Psiphon automatically selects the most stable channel, minimizing manual configuration.
Key features
- Hybrid technology: SSH tunnel with 256-bit AES-CTR, obfsproxy and proxy mode for bypassing DPI filters.
- A base of 1,000+ cloud servers with automatic IP address rotation — convenient with change ip address a single press.
- Split-tunneling: Local traffic can be excluded, saving speed and mobile data allowance.
- Cross-platform: Android 5+, Windows 7-11, iOS 12+, macOS (Homebrew), and the "Psiphon Proxy" Chrome extension.
- No account or login required — settings are stored locally; developers declare a no-logs policy.
- The SSH+ protocol engine obfuscates traffic, reducing the likelihood of blocking by providers.
- Optional Psiphon Pro (subscription via Google Play) removes ads and increases bandwidth.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- Fully open source — any developer can verify the security of the algorithms.
- Works "out of the box": does not require root access or complex configs, supports "Psiphon on PC" in a Portable version.
- Capable of automatically switching between servers if the connection drops.
- Free access — Psiphon free remains the basis of the business model (ads in the client).
- Built-in proxy server for the local network: allows tunneling traffic from specific applications.
Minuses
- Speed in free mode is limited to ~2 Mbps, noticeable slowdown on large files.
- Ads in mobile applications can be distracting.
- No classic Kill Switch: if the connection drops, traffic is sent in the clear.
- Location selection is conditional — the service picks a server automatically, not from a country list.
- Lacks additional functions like tracker blocking or double VPN.
Free vs Pro tariffs
| Parameter | Psiphon Free | Psiphon Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 0 ₽ (ads) | from 299 ₽ per month (Google Play) |
| Speed | up to ~2 Mbps | up to ~10 Mbps |
| Traffic Limit | No restrictions | No restrictions |
| Ads | Yes | No |
| Region Selection | Auto | Priority Server Pool |
How to install Psiphon on different devices
On Android, open Google Play, enter "download Psiphon" and install the application. After launching, press "Connect" — the connection will be established in 3-5 seconds. On iOS the procedure is identical, but requires iOS 12+. Windows users just need the portable .exe file: run it, select VPN or SSH Proxy mode. On macOS, the guide recommends Homebrew: `brew install psiphon`. In the Chrome browser, install the extension, click the icon, and activate the tunnel. For fine-tuning, open the "Options" menu: Split-tunneling, HTTP/SOCKS proxy, and manual transport protocol selection are available there.
Comparison with other solutions
In the freemium segment, Psiphon competes with Proton VPN Free and Windscribe Free. Proton has higher speeds but is limited to 1 location; Windscribe offers 10 GB/month, whereas Psiphon remains truly "VPN without limits" on traffic. In the paid segment, it is Psiphon Pro cheaper than Surfshark and NordVPN, but is inferior in speed and features (no Kill Switch or WireGuard). Psiphon's main feature is bypassing DPI and working without registration, making it convenient for one-off sessions and users with limited technical skills.
FAQ - popular questions
Is it legal to use Psiphon in Russia?
Yes, provided that Federal Law No. 149-FZ is observed and there is no access to resources from the prohibited registry.
How to increase speed?
Get a Psiphon Pro subscription or enable Split-tunneling to encrypt only the necessary applications.
Does Psiphon support the WireGuard protocol?
No. The service uses its own SSH+/VPN transport with AES-256-CTR.
Can Psiphon be installed on a router?
There is no official support, but it is possible to set up a proxy chain via a local PC.
Do I need to create an account?
No. The application works without registration; all keys are generated locally.
Conclusions
Psiphon is the simplest way to protect your traffic and bypass network filters without any configuration or subscriptions. Its open-source code and no-logging policy inspire trust; however, speed limitations and the lack of a Kill Switch make the service less attractive for permanent use. If you need occasional secure sessions, a quick launch on an old smartphone or laptop, and free traffic, Psiphon is a worthy solution. For permanent streaming or torrenting quality, it's better to consider commercial VPNs with WireGuard and a wide choice of locations.
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