Microsoft Edge to Get a Built-In VPN Soon?

Even when it arrives, you're still much better off using a dedicated VPN solution...

Microsoft Edge

Microsoft has been offering the VPN functionality in a beta version of the Edge browser for some time, and now we’re hearing – the feature will soon be available to the general public. In fact, it is said that some users in the stable channel are already getting it.

In Microsoft’s browser, the feature is called the “Edge Secure Network,” and it relies on Cloudflare to protect users’ devices and sensitive data as they browse the web.

From what we’re getting, this has been in development for nearly a year now, and it’s finally (almost) ready for prime time.

As that’s the case with other VPNs, Microsoft’s Secure network sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to create a secure connection. This means that access to all websites, including those still served over an insecure HTTP protocol, can be accessed to make it harder for attackers to obtain your browsing data.

However, while it does encrypt your data, this isn’t a “real” VPN, as, for instance, you cannot choose your preferred server location. Instead, Edge’s Secure Network will do that for you, presumingly selecting the fastest server based on your location. This may not let you access all blocked content, but it will undoubtedly keep you more secure online. Guess this is still better than having no protection at all.

Also, this is a browser thing only, and you won’t be able to hide your torrent traffic from your ISP — as it works from a torrent client rather than a web browser.

Still, we like it because it’s free and because it will keep more users secure online. If you still can afford it — and it’s really just a few dollars per month — we suggest getting the full-blown VPN. It will do everything Edge has to offer and more. Check out our page with the Best of the Best VPNs for the top services and take it from there.