Ookla's Speedtest is branching out into the virtual private network space with a new mobile VPN that lives inside the Speedtest app.
To try Speedtest VPN, open the Speedtest app on your phone and tap the new VPN tab at the bottom.
Follow the on-screen instructions to turn on Speedtest VPN, which supports 17 languages.
The service offers 2GB of free data over VPN every month; Speedtest VPN Premium, which offers unlimited access and no ads, is $4.99 per month.
"People have been turning to Speedtest for over 13 years for the most accurate and reliable measures of internet speeds," the company said in an announcement.
"Now with Speedtest VPN, we can help you ensure your online privacy and security from the convenience of your Speedtest mobile application."
Speedtest VPN will work "on any mobile network you’re connected to, in any location or context where you use your Android or iOS mobile device," according to Ookla.
As Daxdi has explained, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between you and a remote server operated by a VPN service.
All your internet traffic is routed through this tunnel, so your data is secure from prying eyes along the way.
Because your traffic is exiting the VPN server, your computer appears to have the IP address of said server, masking your identity and location.
This can be helpful if you're surfing on public Wi-Fi or are in a region with internet restrictions.
Speedtest VPN joins a crowded market.
Our current Editors' Choice for iPhone VPNs is NordVPN.
On Android, NordVPN is also a top choice, alongside Private Internet Access VPN and Tunnelbear VPN.
Recommended by Our Editors
Recently, market research firm Sensor Tower found itself in hot water for secretly using free VPN apps on Android and iOS to harvest internet activity data from millions of consumers.
Speedtest VPN will not do that, according to Ookla, which said "we do not collect, store or sell information related to your online activities."
Disclosure: Ookla is owned by Daxdi parent company, Ziff Davis.
