Obscura VPN launches with unique privacy features

Obscura VPN is a new virtual private network (VPN) that launched in February 2025. The company aims to stand out in a competitive market by claiming it can “outsmart internet censorship.” Obscura VPN is using a unique “double hop” approach, sending internet traffic through two encrypted servers instead of one. This method is designed to enhance privacy and help users bypass censorship rules, especially in places like China. Carl Dong, the founder of Obscura VPN, has personal experience with internet censorship, which fuels his passion for this technology. He explains that the term “obfuscation” is key to their service. Obfuscation makes VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic, making it harder to block. Dong believes this is crucial for users facing strict government internet controls. To improve performance, Obscura uses the QUIC protocol alongside WireGuard. This combination aims to hide a user’s VPN traffic effectively. Dong notes that positive feedback from early users has encouraged the team to continue enhancing their service since its launch. Obscura VPN is designed with security in mind. With its double hop setup, no single provider can monitor all users’ internet traffic. This means that both Obscura and its partner, Mullvad, protect user information effectively. Dong says the VPN is “private by design” and emphasizes user trust and privacy. Currently, Obscura VPN is only available for macOS, but plans are in place to expand to iOS and other platforms soon. Users can connect three devices at once, and more features, like a kill switch, are expected to be introduced. The VPN costs $6 a month, but this price will rise to $8 in the near future. While Obscura VPN has a solid foundation, it faces challenges becoming a leading VPN. Its U.S. location may concern privacy-focused users due to local data access laws. Overall, Obscura VPN has the potential to grow and improve, making it a notable player in the VPN market.