Unlike conventional VPNs operated by a single company, dVPNs distribute their infrastructure across a network of independent, peer-to-peer nodes. This approach reduces central points of failure, makes censorship more difficult, and can offer users greater privacy and potentially more competitive pricing. Let's take a look at the current dVPN landscape and compare the benefits and drawbacks of the more popular services.
Sentinel is built on the Cosmos SDK, leveraging the power of blockchain interoperability and scalability. It stands out as one of the most robust dVPN options.
Transparency: Completely open source for trust and auditability.
Network: Decentralized node network with strong privacy guarantees.
Payment: Uses DVPN tokens in a pay-as-you-go system.
Platforms: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Community: Active development and notable partnerships, including collaborations with Mysterium.
Features: Deep integration with the Cosmos ecosystem, enabling cross-chain functionality and staking opportunities.
Operator Node Setup and Maintenance
Software: Sentinel nodes run on Linux and can be deployed via Docker or from source. There is comprehensive documentation for setup.
Requirements: Linux VPS or home server, public IP address, and ability to keep the node online.
Operation: Regular software updates and monitoring are required for consistent uptime and rewards.
Wallets: Keplr (for Cosmos chain), MetaMask (for ERC-20), Cosmostation, and Sentinel’s official CLI wallet.
Mysterium is an open-source dVPN that connects users to a global network of residential nodes. Anyone can run a node and earn MYST tokens by providing bandwidth.
Transparency: Fully open source, allowing for community audits and trust.
Network: Extensive, global node availability for diverse IP address selection.
Payment: Pay-as-you-go model using MYST tokens.
Platforms: Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Community: Active development with a strong user and operator base.
Unique Features: Users can both rent dVPN services and earn by providing bandwidth, making it a two-way ecosystem.
Operator Node Setup and Maintenance
Software: Mysterium offers official node software for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Installation can be done via command line (Linux/Raspberry Pi) or Docker, with graphical interfaces available for some platforms.
Requirements: A stable internet connection, open network ports, and a device capable of running the node software.
Operation: Nodes must periodically update software and ensure uptime for reliability. The official dashboard helps with monitoring performance and earnings.
Wallets: Base, Trust Wallet, and other Polygon-compatible wallets.
Orchid offers a unique bandwidth marketplace model, allowing users to buy bandwidth from node operators. Customers can chain multiple nodes together for added privacy.
Transparency: Not fully open source, which can be a concern for privacy advocates.
Network: Marketplace-based, with multi-hop routing for increased anonymity.
Payment: Users prepay for bandwidth with OXT tokens.
Platforms: Apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and browser extensions.
Community: Activity has declined in recent years.
Unique Features: Multi-hop routing.
Operator Node Setup and Maintenance
Software: Orchid nodes require running specialized Orchid server software, typically on Linux.
Requirements: A server with a static IP, sufficient bandwidth, and Orchid node setup via CLI.
Operation: Ongoing monitoring and maintenance is necessary for optimal performance and reliability.
Wallets: Any wallet that supports ERC-20 tokens.
Tachyon employs a decentralized peer-to-peer protocol and its own node network, focusing on speed and anti-censorship.
Transparency: Partially open source, but less transparent than Sentinel or Mysterium.
Network: Decentralized, P2P-powered.
Payment: Utilizes IPX tokens.
Platforms: Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Community: Moderately active, though not as large as Sentinel or Mysterium.
Unique Features: Proprietary protocol designed for speed and reliability.
Operator Node Setup and Maintenance
Software: Tachyon offers node software for Linux and some support for other platforms, with Docker-based deployment options.
Requirements: Linux server or VPS, public IP, and basic command-line proficiency.
Operation: Regular updates and uptime monitoring are required.
Wallets: ERC-20 compatible wallets.
Feature | Sentinel | Mysterium | Orchid | Tachyon |
Open Source | Yes | Yes | No | Partial |
Payment | DVPN token | MYST token | OXT token | IPX token |
Chain Compatibility | Cosmos | Polygon | Ethereum | Ethereum |
Platforms | Win, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Win, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Win, Mac, Android, iOS | Win, Mac, Android, iOS |
Considerations for Node Operators
Privacy & Liability: Operating a node involves handling data from other users, which can raise privacy and liability questions depending on local regulations.
Network: Sufficient bandwidth and reliable uptime are crucial for effective and profitable node operations.
Security: Keeping node software and host systems up-to-date helps ensure the security and integrity of the node.
Sentinel and Mysterium stand out for their open-source transparency, active communities, and robust privacy features. Sentinel benefits from its integration with the Cosmos ecosystem, offering unique staking and interoperability options. Orchid is notable for its multi-hop routing, though its closed-source nature and declining community may be drawbacks for some users. Tachyon brings its own protocol innovations but is less transparent.
Ultimately, the right dVPN depends on your priorities—whether it’s transparency, privacy, multi-hop routing, or integration with a particular blockchain ecosystems. As the dVPN landscape continues to evolve, these projects are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in decentralized, user-empowered privacy solutions.
Each project’s documentation provides detailed, step-by-step guidance for installation and maintenance, and staying informed about local regulations and network policies is advisable for a smooth and compliant experience.
Cover Image by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash.
Unlike conventional VPNs operated by a single company, dVPNs distribute their infrastructure across a network of independent, peer-to-peer nodes. This approach reduces central points of failure, makes censorship more difficult, and can offer users greater privacy and potentially more competitive pricing. Let's take a look at the current dVPN landscape and compare the benefits and drawbacks of the more popular services.
Sentinel is built on the Cosmos SDK, leveraging the power of blockchain interoperability and scalability. It stands out as one of the most robust dVPN options.
Transparency: Completely open source for trust and auditability.
Network: Decentralized node network with strong privacy guarantees.
Payment: Uses DVPN tokens in a pay-as-you-go system.
Platforms: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Community: Active development and notable partnerships, including collaborations with Mysterium.
Features: Deep integration with the Cosmos ecosystem, enabling cross-chain functionality and staking opportunities.
Operator Node Setup and Maintenance
Software: Sentinel nodes run on Linux and can be deployed via Docker or from source. There is comprehensive documentation for setup.
Requirements: Linux VPS or home server, public IP address, and ability to keep the node online.
Operation: Regular software updates and monitoring are required for consistent uptime and rewards.
Wallets: Keplr (for Cosmos chain), MetaMask (for ERC-20), Cosmostation, and Sentinel’s official CLI wallet.
Mysterium is an open-source dVPN that connects users to a global network of residential nodes. Anyone can run a node and earn MYST tokens by providing bandwidth.
Transparency: Fully open source, allowing for community audits and trust.
Network: Extensive, global node availability for diverse IP address selection.
Payment: Pay-as-you-go model using MYST tokens.
Platforms: Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Community: Active development with a strong user and operator base.
Unique Features: Users can both rent dVPN services and earn by providing bandwidth, making it a two-way ecosystem.
Operator Node Setup and Maintenance
Software: Mysterium offers official node software for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Installation can be done via command line (Linux/Raspberry Pi) or Docker, with graphical interfaces available for some platforms.
Requirements: A stable internet connection, open network ports, and a device capable of running the node software.
Operation: Nodes must periodically update software and ensure uptime for reliability. The official dashboard helps with monitoring performance and earnings.
Wallets: Base, Trust Wallet, and other Polygon-compatible wallets.
Orchid offers a unique bandwidth marketplace model, allowing users to buy bandwidth from node operators. Customers can chain multiple nodes together for added privacy.
Transparency: Not fully open source, which can be a concern for privacy advocates.
Network: Marketplace-based, with multi-hop routing for increased anonymity.
Payment: Users prepay for bandwidth with OXT tokens.
Platforms: Apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and browser extensions.
Community: Activity has declined in recent years.
Unique Features: Multi-hop routing.
Operator Node Setup and Maintenance
Software: Orchid nodes require running specialized Orchid server software, typically on Linux.
Requirements: A server with a static IP, sufficient bandwidth, and Orchid node setup via CLI.
Operation: Ongoing monitoring and maintenance is necessary for optimal performance and reliability.
Wallets: Any wallet that supports ERC-20 tokens.
Tachyon employs a decentralized peer-to-peer protocol and its own node network, focusing on speed and anti-censorship.
Transparency: Partially open source, but less transparent than Sentinel or Mysterium.
Network: Decentralized, P2P-powered.
Payment: Utilizes IPX tokens.
Platforms: Apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Community: Moderately active, though not as large as Sentinel or Mysterium.
Unique Features: Proprietary protocol designed for speed and reliability.
Operator Node Setup and Maintenance
Software: Tachyon offers node software for Linux and some support for other platforms, with Docker-based deployment options.
Requirements: Linux server or VPS, public IP, and basic command-line proficiency.
Operation: Regular updates and uptime monitoring are required.
Wallets: ERC-20 compatible wallets.
Feature | Sentinel | Mysterium | Orchid | Tachyon |
Open Source | Yes | Yes | No | Partial |
Payment | DVPN token | MYST token | OXT token | IPX token |
Chain Compatibility | Cosmos | Polygon | Ethereum | Ethereum |
Platforms | Win, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Win, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS | Win, Mac, Android, iOS | Win, Mac, Android, iOS |
Considerations for Node Operators
Privacy & Liability: Operating a node involves handling data from other users, which can raise privacy and liability questions depending on local regulations.
Network: Sufficient bandwidth and reliable uptime are crucial for effective and profitable node operations.
Security: Keeping node software and host systems up-to-date helps ensure the security and integrity of the node.
Sentinel and Mysterium stand out for their open-source transparency, active communities, and robust privacy features. Sentinel benefits from its integration with the Cosmos ecosystem, offering unique staking and interoperability options. Orchid is notable for its multi-hop routing, though its closed-source nature and declining community may be drawbacks for some users. Tachyon brings its own protocol innovations but is less transparent.
Ultimately, the right dVPN depends on your priorities—whether it’s transparency, privacy, multi-hop routing, or integration with a particular blockchain ecosystems. As the dVPN landscape continues to evolve, these projects are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in decentralized, user-empowered privacy solutions.
Each project’s documentation provides detailed, step-by-step guidance for installation and maintenance, and staying informed about local regulations and network policies is advisable for a smooth and compliant experience.
Cover Image by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash.
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Multi-hop | No | No | Yes | No |
Transparency | High | High | Low | Medium |
Community | Active | Active | Declining | Active |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Multi-hop | No | No | Yes | No |
Transparency | High | High | Low | Medium |
Community | Active | Active | Declining | Active |
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