Microsoft is working on a built-in VPN functionality for the Edge browser called 'Edge Secure Network', but there's a catch - it is not a proper replacement for your VPN.
Edge's Secure Network is powered by Cloudflare - one of the most trusted DNS hosts in the industry - and it aims to protect your device and sensitive data as you browse. The feature is in the early stage of development available to select users in Edge Canary and it's not a full-fledged VPN service offered in rival browsers like Opera.
So how does Microsoft Edge's Secure Network actually work? As per the support document and our tests, Edge uses Cloudflare's routing to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data from online threats like hackers.
Microsoft says Edge Secure network feature sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel to create a secure connection, which means even HTTP URLs are accessed securely in a bid to make it harder for attackers to obtain your browsing data and it also eliminates any possibilities of online tracking.
Since your traffic is routed through Cloudflare, your location is apparently private and your actual IP address is hidden behind Cloudflare's network. It replaces your geolocation with a similar regional address (closest Cloudflare server) to make it more difficult for online trackers to follow you on the internet.
Edge Secure Network is not a replacement for your VPN
While Edge Secure Networks sounds like an appealing solution, it isn't like a regular VPN.
In fact, it's possible that the feature uses Cloudflare's Warp - a free service that ensures all your traffic is kept private between your device and the origin server.
In our tests, we observed that Edge's VPN doesn't let you choose your location. It only protects your traffic with encryption and uses 1.1.1.1 to optimize your DNS for a faster connection.
The good news is that we can still use Edge's Secure Network (powered by Cloudflare) to pass through the local restrictions placed by the ISP or government.
In the above example, we were able to use Edge Secure Network to access a Torrent site blocked by the ISP.
However, the Cloudflare-based Edge Secure Network isn't good for streaming. Since it doesn’t let you choose your location, it is not possible to stream geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Another problem with Edge Secure Network is its 1GB limitation. According to the support document, only 1 gigabyte of free data will be offered every month when you sign into Microsoft Edge with your Microsoft Account.
Edge's Secure Network is safe, reliable, and useful, but it is currently not a good alternative to the more traditional VPNs out there or the built-in VPN offered in Opera.
Comments
TsVk! - 2 years ago
Opera built in VPN is a data collection service in disguise.
Not safe, not secure, not recommended by experts.
Mallissin - 2 years ago
Opera is Chinese-owned trash full of backdoors and spyware. Stop supporting it.
Cloudflare Warp is meant to give you a secure connection to the Internet on an un-secure network, which is the original purpose of a VPN.
All the geolocation tomfoolery is an Internet abomination. People should be demanding the geo-fences come down, not illegally bury under them.
jpvaliquette - 2 years ago
Cloudflare use their own VPN Tunnel (wich is Argo) to crypt all DNS queries with the WARP system. Available for free here : https://developers.cloudflare.com/warp-client/get-started/windows
povlhp - 2 years ago
So this is a less private and less secure attempt to compete with Apple's iCloud private relay (that uses 2 parties to masquerade the user).
NoneRain - 2 years ago
free vs paid?
UPdownNZ - 2 years ago
Useful when using AVD and W365 in an Azure DC that is outside of your country, E.g. in Azure AU East when users based in NZ. Use the NZ Cloudfare service and we no longer get users complaining about geolocation issues in searches, maps, new feeds etc.
davidil28 - 2 years ago
Free?? You need to sign in, AKA we're going to steal your data. There is no such thing as a free dinner. Also, leaving Microsoft in charge of your security is like putting a fox in control of your chickens.