Technologies
Best PlayStation 5 Controllers in 2025
We tested a bunch of PS5 controllers to help you find the best one.
When the PlayStation 5 launched a few years ago, one of the most impressive aspects was the new DualSense controller. It significantly improved on every aspect of the DualShock controllers from the PlayStation 4 and is still widely regarded as an excellent controller. But it’s not for everyone, and it lacks many of the pro-level features that can be game-changers for many games.
But the sad truth is there aren’t many options. Licensing programs limit the features available on nonlicensed peripherals and even how they can connect; Sony limits controllers, and Microsoft does the same with Xbox headsets. In this case, that means there aren’t many official PlayStation 5 controllers, and the ones available are expensive. So it’s important to know which one is best for you before you drop your hard-earned money.
I tested as many of them as I could get my hands on to help make that decision easier for you.
Pros
- Unrivaled haptics
- Great social features
- Fantastic ergonomics
Cons
- Short battery life
Sony’s DualSense controller remains one of the best controllers ever made. While the buttons and joysticks are all pretty responsive, as you’d expect, the haptics and triggers are what really set it apart. The subtle change in vibration intensity as you draw a bow in Horizon: Forbidden West, for example, is one of the most immersive experiences I’ve had while gaming.
Plus, the upgraded create features and built-in speaker make for a fun, interactive, social gaming experience.
It’s not perfect, however. Battery life is pretty bad, and the lack of Hall Effect means the joysticks are still prone to stick-drift after a while. But overall, it’s still a fantastic controller, and it’s by far the least expensive PlayStation controller around.
Pros
- Great ergonomics
- Extremely customizable
- Excellent for multi-genre gamers
- Light-weight
- Five-stage trigger stops
- Multi-platform connectivity
Cons
- Expensive
- Hall Effect costs extra
This was the controller that forever sold me on the massive benefits of pro controllers. Its design and feel differ from the DualSense, mainly because the grips are a bit thicker. I didn’t find it any less comfortable; in fact, the rubberized grip sections and larger profile made it slightly easier for me to grasp. It’s also very light, making it great for longer gaming sessions.
The name of the game is customization. The BFG comes with multiple joystick options, three D-Pad layouts, two joystick gates and an entirely separate module with a fighting-game layout. Both modules can be rotated or swapped entirely for something more comfortable. The company does sell Hall Effect modules separately for $40 if you really need them, but I was perfectly happy with the potentiometer versions. It also has four programmable buttons on the back.
The five-position trigger stops were a game-changer for me. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s also compatible with PS4 and PC, so you don’t have to buy multiple controllers. There really isn’t much this controller doesn’t have, except a low price.
There’s a new, slightly upgraded version, the BFG Reloaded, which has built-in Hall Effect joysticks and a new, more ergonomic fightpad module (they moved the buttons around for easier access when resting your palm on the controller), but that’s it. At $209, I definitely don’t think it’s worth the upgrade, especially since you can get the original BFG for $169. Although if you really want the Hall Effect joysticks, then the Reloaded is the better choice as it comes standard, and buying the modules separately brings it to the same price.
Pros
- Unbeatable trigger haptics
- Swappable joystick modules
- Quick-switch profiles
Cons
- Expensive
- Only two back buttons
- Does not support PS4
Sony’s DualSense Edge is PlayStation’s equivalent of the Xbox Wireless Elite Controller, but it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles as its green-tinted cousin. That said, it’s still one of the best controllers you can get for the PS5. It has the same sleek ergonomics of the standard DualSense but with a bunch of extra pro features you’d expect from a $200 controller, including three-position trigger stops, two mappable back buttons and replaceable joystick caps. The joysticks are not Hall Effect, but in a somewhat surprising move for Sony, you can actually replace the entire joystick module with third-party ones.
Two dedicated Fn buttons under the joysticks let you quickly switch among up to four stored profiles on the fly, and if you’re using compatible headphones, you can adjust the game and chat volume from here as well. When you need to play plugged in for the absolute fastest response times, a bundled braided cable with a cable lock prevents accidental unplugging during a critical match.
Sony made some cool design tweaks as well, though your color options are limited. You can get black or a two-tone black and white version. (There was a limited edition 30th anniversary model in a really cool, throwback color scheme.) The touchpad has the button symbols etched into it, as well as on the bottom of the L2 and R2 triggers, for some added grip.
And, of course, Sony’s unbeaten trigger haptics are here as well. It’s an expensive controller, but should definitely be near the top of your list of pro PS5 controllers.
Pros
- Lots of hard customization options
- Solid feel in the hand
- Granular software customizations
Cons
- Expensive
- Non-standard layout
Nacon is a French gaming company that makes accessories and publishes games. The company’s Revolution 5 Pro controller for PlayStation 5 is one of the few officially licensed controllers for PlayStation — and also one of the more novel models. For starters, it’s more squared-off than the DualSense controllers, and it also has the the Xbox-style asymmetrical joystick layout rather than the PS’s symmetrical joystick arrangement. The face buttons are slightly flatter and larger than most other PlayStation controllers, and even the bumpers and triggers are a tad more elongated. Truthfully, it feels like an Xbox-inspired controller that happens to be licensed for PlayStation. Personally, I don’t mind it too much because I like the Xbox layout, but PlayStation purists might be turned off by such big differences.
One of the key differentiators of the Revolution 5 Pro is how much you can fine-tune the hardware. Like most other pro controllers, you can replace the joystick caps and D-pad, but with the Revolution, you can also change the thickness of the joystick shaft for greater precision when moving or aiming. The coolest part for me, though, is that Nacon includes three sets of weights you can add to the grips to get just the right feel for your play style.
You’ve also got all the software customization options you would expect for a pro controller, including the ability to create and store profiles (up to four active at a time), configure the joystick dead zones and trigger reactions and even an audio equalizer for using headphones with the controller. The options in the PC app are more granular than most others I’ve used, and it’s impressive to see the level of options available.
My one gripe about the controller, other than the potentially controversial design, is its trigger stops. There’s only a half-stop option, and while you can shorten the response via software, most other pro controllers give you more physical trigger-stop options.
Pros
- Same haptics and adaptive triggers as DualSense
- Lots of design options
Cons
- Expensive
- No companion software
- Some parts feel a bit cheap
- Included case doesn’t have room for cable or extra parts
The Reflex is essentially a near-exact copy of the DualSense, offering all the same features plus additional customization options. Since the layout is the same, it’s instantly familiar, yet it offers some pretty gnarly design options. The most fun is the create-your-own paint studio that allows you to custom color almost every part of the controller. Scuf has also partnered with several creators to make specialized designs, including a Black Ops 6 version. The bottom half of the faceplate comes off, too, and you can purchase a few different options to spice things up.
The faceplate comes off to swap out the joystick caps, and Scuf includes two different-sized pairs with each controller. But I was a little disappointed in how cheap-feeling the plastic is on the joysticks, especially given how expensive it is, though I haven’t had any issues with them. There’s a custom backplate that houses four plastic remappable paddles. They’re nice to have, but they’re close together, so until you develop the muscle memory, it’s easy to accidentally push them at the same time. There’s also no available app or software remapping for the paddles, so you have to do it manually via the controller. That also means you can’t adjust the trigger or joystick’s reactions and dead zones.
If you have your heart set on a DualSense controller with some extra functionality, the Reflex is the best option. It’s more capable than the DualSense Edge and still retains the excellent haptics and adaptive triggers of Sony’s controllers. It’s also the only third-party controller that can wirelessly turn on the PS5. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for it. The most expensive version (which includes instant triggers) is $260.
Pros
- Excellent haptics
- PlayStation Remote works well
- Beautiful screen
Cons
- Can’t play standalone games
- Streaming quality is hit or miss
- No included case
The PlayStation Portal is a bit of an oddball. It’s essentially a DualSense controller with an 8-inch LCD screen stuffed in the middle, and its only function is to run PlayStation Remote. That’s the same app and capability you can use on any PC, Mac, smartphone or tablet. In addition, the streaming quality of the games is hit or miss, and it only supports Sony’s own Bluetooth headphones for wireless use (wired headphones work fine).
All that aside, it does offer the excellent haptics and feedback of the DualSense controller, and the LCD screen is very nice. It’s just in an awkward package. And PlayStation Remote works quite well, even with the intermittent streaming quality issues. It doesn’t come with a carrying case of any kind, so unless you buy a third-party one, I don’t recommend taking it out of the house, which, ironically, seems to be Sony’s point anyway.
Despite all of its shortcomings, the Portal is still the best way to play your PS5 games remotely.
Frequently asked questions
Are there differences in PlayStation controllers?
Yes. While most of them generally have a similar look and feel, they can vary slightly when it comes to features. The most basic controllers, such as the DualSense bundled with each PlayStation, are generally fine for most people. They include the fantastic haptics and adaptive triggers Sony made famous, are comfortable to hold and have all the features needed to play every game available on PlayStation 5.
Controllers such as the DualSense Edge and Victrix Pro BFG are specifically designed for more advanced — and even professional — gamers. They’re also typically more expensive, often double the price (or more) of the standard DualSense controller.
Is it better to plug my controller into the PlayStation?
Not necessarily. Playing while plugged in is really only better in two cases: if you’re a competitive gamer concerned about lag, or if you need to charge the controller while playing. Most professional players, particularly during tournaments, will plug in their controllers to minimize the lag between pressing a button on the controller and the input registering on-screen, which is longer on a wireless connection. But the difference is so small that only the most competitive gamers will notice it. For most people, particularly more casual gamers, playing wirelessly is much more convenient.
Do wireless controllers have input lag?
Technically, yes. Signals will always travel more slowly via wireless than through cable and are more susceptible to interference. However, only the most seasoned gamers usually notice the difference, and even then, it really only makes a difference in competitive FPS gaming.
There’s also a difference in input lag between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connections; the 2.4GHz dongles provide a proprietary, optimized connection between the controller and console to deliver virtually no input lag. That’s why most of the pro controllers come with a 2.4GHz wireless adapter to plug into your PlayStation if you want the convenience of wireless without sacrificing input speed.
Can I use a PlayStation controller to play games on my PC?
Yes. Almost every PlayStation controller, including all the ones on this list, will work just fine with PC. For the non-Sony controllers, you’ll just need to make sure they’re set to PC mode before using them with your PC. With the third-party controllers, you’ll also need to either use the dongle or bundled cable, as none of them have Bluetooth connectivity with PC.
Can any controller wake up my PlayStation wirelessly?
Unfortunately, no. Aside from the DualSense and DualSense Edge, the Scuf Reflex is the only controller that can wake up the PlayStation 5. For all the others, you’ll need to manually turn on your console.
Does every PlayStation controller support vibration and adaptive triggers?
Nope. Once again, Sony limits this capability. Its own DualSense and DualSense Edge controllers support it, as well as the Scuf Reflex (with certain games). This is likely a licensing constraint, which is probably part of why Scuf controllers are so expensive.
Why are there so few third-party controllers for PlayStation 5?
Sony is quite particular about allowing other companies to access and interact with the PlayStation, which is why there are so few third-party options for PlayStation controllers. The lack of options is likely due to a combination of Sony charging a high price for the licensing rights and having strict requirements for third-party controllers.
Technologies
Is It Worth Upgrading to the iPhone 17? Specs, Price, and Feature Comparison
Thinking about upgrading to the iPhone 17? See how it stacks up against older models.
The shiny new iPhone 17 is here, which means your perfectly good older iPhone is probably starting to look a little ancient. It’s that time of year again: the annual debate over whether you should finally pull the trigger on an upgrade.
So, is the iPhone 17 worth it? The new model starts at $829, but here’s the kicker: Apple finally did away with the measly 128GB base storage. The new entry-level model now starts at a much more reasonable 256GB, which is a long-overdue bump that might just make the upgrade a no-brainer.
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Several noteworthy updates to the iPhone 17 make it feel like a tempting choice, even over the pricier iPhone 17 Pro models. At long last, Apple has extended a 1-120Hz display across its entire lineup, so you can have smoother scrolling and an always-on display without spending upwards of $1,100 on a Pro model. An anti-reflective coating and higher 3,000-nit peak brightness make the screen slightly easier to see outdoors. And camera upgrades help to level up photos and selfies.
Here’s how the iPhone 17 compares to older iPhones, ranging from last year’s iPhone 16 to 2020’s iPhone 12.
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 16
Appearance-wise, the iPhone 17 has a lot in common with the iPhone 16. But beneath the surface, there are some key differences.
The display goes from a meager 60Hz on the iPhone 16 to 120Hz on the iPhone 17 (at long last). That means the iPhone 17 finally supports an always-on display, so you can glance at the time and your notifications without waking the screen and enjoy smoother scrolling. A new anti-reflective coating helps reduce glare, especially in the bright outdoor conditions.
The iPhone 17 has a larger 6.3-inch display, versus the iPhone 16’s 6.1-inch screen, thanks to slimmer bezels. That can make viewing content slightly more immersive, though it won’t be a hugely noticeable difference. And a new Ceramic Shield 2 cover on the iPhone 17 offers three times better scratch resistance, according to Apple, so you can worry a little less about etching into your phone’s screen (but maybe still get a screen protector to be safe).
The iPhone 16 and 17 have a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera, but the iPhone 17 bumps the ultrawide camera from 12 megapixels to 48 megapixels. The front-facing camera also gets upgraded from 12 megapixels (on the iPhone 16) to 18 megapixels on the iPhone 17. Both phones have a Camera Control button for quickly launching the camera and snapping photos.
A new Center Stage feature can automatically adjust selfie photos from portrait orientation to landscape to ensure everyone is in the shot, so you don’t have to manually rotate your phone to its side anymore. Dual Capture lets you simultaneously record on your front and back cameras. These upgrades are specifically catered to the latest iPhone lineup, so that they won’t be coming to older models like the iPhone 16, even with an iOS 26 update.
Battery life is a little longer on the iPhone 17. Apple says the iPhone 17 supports up to 8 hours more of video playback than the iPhone 16. This change aligns with improvements CNET noticed in our battery tests. In a 3-hour streaming test, for example, the iPhone 17’s battery dropped from 100% to 89%, while the iPhone 16 hit 86%. It’s an incremental update, but even a little more battery life is a welcome change. The iPhone 17 also supports up to 40-watt charging, which is a boost over the 25 watts you get with the iPhone 16, helping you top off your battery a little faster.
The bottom line: While the updates to the iPhone 17 help it stand out as an all-around solid device, the changes over last year’s iPhone 16 are incremental enough that there’s not much reason to upgrade — unless you’re really excited about that smoother display and faster charging. But for most people, subtle differences mean you should probably just hold onto your iPhone 16.
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 15
The iPhone 15 has a lot in common with the iPhone 16, including a 48-megapixel wide-angle camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 6.1-inch display. The 6.3-inch display on the iPhone 17 has slimmer bezels to expand that real estate a bit, and the 48-megapixel ultrawide camera can lead to slightly sharper shots.
The baseline iPhone 15 doesn’t have an Action button that you can customize to launch various apps and functions, and instead has the more traditional ring/silent switch. The iPhone 17 has an Action button and a Camera Control button.
Both phones have a Dynamic Island cutout at the top of the display for showing alerts and Live Activities, such as the time your DoorDash order is arriving, flight updates and what song is currently playing.
With each generation, Apple touts longer battery life, so you can expect to get a couple more hours of video playback with the iPhone 17 than you would with the 15.
Perhaps the most significant difference between the iPhone 15 and 17 is that the iPhone 15 doesn’t have Apple Intelligence; those AI features only arrived on that year’s Pro models. If you upgrade to the iPhone 17, you’ll have access to writing and image editing tools, as well as newer features like Live Translation for calls and messages.
The bottom line: Like the iPhone 16, there aren’t many drastic differences between the iPhone 15 and 17, though upgrading will notably grant you access to Apple Intelligence. But the other hardware and software-related updates are relatively minimal, so you’re probably good keeping your iPhone 15 for at least another year.
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 14
The iPhone 14 was the last Apple phone with a Lightning port and that’s one of most significant differences between it and the iPhone 17, which has a USB-C port. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 means you won’t have to rely on an outdated and limited-use charging cable anymore, and can instead use one that works with most of your other devices.
The baseline iPhone 14 also doesn’t have a Dynamic Island cutout in the display, as that feature launched with just the Pro models that year. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 will let you quickly tap into activities like your rideshare trip or flight information.
The iPhone 14 has a 12-megapixel wide and ultrawide-angle camera on the back, while the iPhone 17 bumps that to 48 megapixels across the board. The iPhone 17 also increases the front-facing camera’s resolution from 12 megapixels to 18 megapixels, while adding a new Center Stage selfie feature to automatically adjust between portrait and landscape images without you having to rotate your phone.
But the two phones also some key similarities, like having eSIM and satellite connectivity on board.
The bottom line: The iPhone 14 has the most noticeable differences with the iPhone 17. Upgrading could offer some fresh features like an Action button and, at last, a USB-C port, as well as Dynamic Island and an upgraded camera. But if you want to save some money and keep your current phone, you won’t be missing out on anything too drastic.
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 13
The iPhone 13 has a similar A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 14, and shares the same dual 12-megapixel camera system. But unlike the iPhone 14, the iPhone 13 doesn’t have crash detection or satellite connectivity, or camera features like Action mode for more stable videos.
At this point, your iPhone 13 may be showing its age. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 will give you access to newer features like Apple Intelligence, Dynamic Island, USB-C charging and the Camera Control and Action buttons. You might also notice faster speeds by switching to the iPhone 17, now that it’s been a few years since the iPhone 13 came out.
The bottom line: It may be time to upgrade to the iPhone 17 if you have an iPhone 13. It’s possible your phone is starting to show its age, and switching to Apple’s latest baseline will get you a longer-lasting battery, an upgraded camera, AI features and a handful of new hardware and software capabilities.
iPhone 17 vs. iPhone 12
Like the next couple of iPhones after it, the iPhone 12 has a dual 12-megapixel camera system, as well as a 6.1-inch display. Upgrading to the iPhone 17 will get you a slightly more immersive 6.3-inch display with thinner bezels, along with a 48-megapixel dual camera system.
The iPhone 12 lacks features like crash detection, satellite connectivity, Dynamic Island and USB-C charging. It also doesn’t support the Apple Intelligence suite of AI features for writing, photo editing, language translation and more.
It’s possible your iPhone 12 has become sluggish and your battery isn’t holding up like it used to. Taking age out of the equation, at launch, the iPhone 12 boasted up to 17 hours of video playback, while Apple says the iPhone 17 supports up to 30 hours. So there’s likely to be a noticeable difference between how long each phone can hold up.
The bottom line: Swapping your iPhone 12 for the iPhone 17 could be a smart move. There have been noticeable changes over the last several years, from the addition of the Action and Camera Control buttons to the introduction of Apple Intelligence. The swap to USB-C and expanded battery capacity can also make the newest iPhone more tempting; you won’t have to cling to your now-outdated Lightning cable. And you’ll likely notice faster speeds and higher performance across the board when switching from a 5-year-old device to the latest generation.
Apple iPhone 17 vs. Older iPhones
| Apple iPhone 17 | Apple iPhone 16 | Apple iPhone 15 | Apple iPhone 14 | Apple iPhone 13 | Apple iPhone 12 | |
| Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate | 6.3-inch OLED; 2,622 x 1,206 pixel resolution; 1-120Hz variable refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556 x 1,179 pixel resolution; 60Hz refresh rate | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,556×1,179 pixels | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels | 6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels |
| Pixel density | 460ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | 460 ppi | 460ppi |
| Dimensions (inches) | 5.89 x 2.81 x 0.31 in | 5.81 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches | 2.82 x 5.81 x 0.31 in | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 in | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.3 in | 5.78 x 2.82 x 0.29 in |
| Dimensions (millimeters) | 149.6 x 71.5 x 7.95 mm | 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.8mm | 71.6 x 147.6 x 7.8 mm | 147 x 72 x 7.8 mm | 147 x 72 x 7.65 mm | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm |
| Weight (grams, ounces) | 177 g (6.24 oz) | 170 g (6 oz.) | 171g (6.02 oz) | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 6.14 oz; 174g | 5.78oz; 164g |
| Mobile software | iOS 26 | iOS 18 | iOS 17 | iOS 16 | iOS 15 | iOS 14 |
| Camera | 48-megapixel (wide) 48-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 48-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide) | 12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultra-wide) |
| Front-facing camera | 18-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel | 12-megapixel |
| Video capture | 4K | 4K | 4K | 4K at 60 fps | HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps | 4K |
| Processor | Apple A19 | Apple A18 | A16 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple A15 Bionic | Apple Bionic 14 |
| RAM + storage | RAM N/A + 256GB, 512GB | RAM N/A + 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | RAM NA; 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Expandable storage | None | None (Face ID) | None | None | Undisclosed | Undisclosed |
| Battery | Up to 30 hours video playback; up to 27 hours video playback (streamed) | Up to 22 hours video playback; up to 18 hours video playback (streamed). 20W wired charging. MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W with 30W adapter or higher; Qi2 up to 15W | Undisclosed; Apple claims up to 20 hours of video playback (16 hours streamed) | Undisclosed; Apple claims 20 hours of video playback | No | No |
| Fingerprint sensor | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | None (Face ID) | Undisclosed; Apple lists 19 hours of video playback | Undisclosed; Apple lists 15 hours of video playback |
| Connector | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C (USB 2.0) | Lightning | No (Face ID) | No (FaceID) |
| Headphone jack | None | None | None | None | Lightning | Lightning |
| Special features | Apple N1 wireless networking chip (Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2×2 MIMO), Bluetooth 6, Thread. Action button. Camera Control button. Dynamic Island. Apple Intelligence. Visual Intelligence. Dual eSIM. 1 to 3,000 nits brightness display range. IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, mist blue, sage, lavender. Fast charge up to 50% in 20 minutes using 40W adapter or higher via charging cable. Fast charge up to 50% in 30 minutes using 30W adapter or higher via MagSafe Charger. | Apple Intelligence, Action button, Camera Control button, Dynamic Island, 1 to 2,000 nits display brightness range, IP68 resistance. Colors: black, white, pink, teal, ultramarine. | Dynamic Island; 5G (mmw/Sub6); MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; eSIM; satellite connectivity | 5G (mmw/Sub6); MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; eSIM; satellite connectivity | No | No |
| US price starts at | $829 (256GB) | $799 (128GB) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) | $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB) | 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) | 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM) |
Technologies
The Future of Sustainable Energy May Float in the Ocean
Technologies
Are VPNs Under Attack? An Anti-Censorship Group Speaks Out
One anti-censorship and surveillance group is taking a bold stance and advocating for politicians to «Leave VPNs alone.»
«Leave VPNs alone.» That’s the plea from anti-online censorship and surveillance group Fight for the Future, which designated Sept. 25 as a VPN Day of Action to press lawmakers not to ban virtual private networks. A week later, there’s still an opportunity to get involved and raise awareness.
The group of activists, artists, engineers and technologists is asking people to sign an open letter encouraging politicians to preserve the existence of VPNs and «defend privacy and to access knowledge and information online.» Virtual private networks encrypt internet connections and can hide your physical location.
Joining the action on Thursday was the VPN Trust Initiative — comprised of NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN — and the VPN Guild, which includes Amnezia VPN.
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The open letter refers to recent «age-verification» laws propelling legislative moves to ban or restrict VPN usage. Such measures would lead to increased online surveillance and censorship, which «has a huge chilling effect on our freedoms, particularly the freedoms of traditionally marginalized people,» the letter notes.
Fight for the Future’s purpose
Lia Holland, Fight for the Future’s campaigns and communication director, said VPNs are vital for «people living under authoritarian regimes» to avoid censorship and surveillance, and have become an essential tool in exercising basic human rights.
Half of all US states have passed age-verification laws requiring internet users to prove their age with government-issued IDs, credit card checks and other methods. The laws have spurred consumers to sign up for VPNs to avoid giving out sensitive information, with one recent VPN sign-up spike in the UK.
Read more: Welcome to the Era of Online Age Verification. Are You Ready to Identify Yourself?
Michigan is considering a bill banning adult content online and VPNs. If it becomes law, Michigan would be the first US state to ban VPNs. Many countries, including China, India and Iran, already ban or heavily restrict VPNs.
«Amid a moral panic, ignorant ‘save-the-children’ politicians are getting very close to kicking the hornet’s nest of millions of people who know how important VPNs are,» Holland said.
Could a VPN ban happen?
Banning VPNs would be «difficult,» according to attorney Mario Trujillo of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an international digital rights group.
Trujillo told CNET that VPNs are best for routing your network connection through a different network. «They can be used to help avoid censorship, but they are also used by employees in every sector to connect to their company’s network,» he said. «That is a practical reality that would make any ban difficult.»
Trujillo added that the US lags behind the rest of the world in privacy regulation, and that lawmakers should focus more on privacy than VPN bans.
Read more: Our Top VPNs — It’s a Tight Race | Why You Need a VPN
Fight for the Future identifies local lawmakers and provides templates for contacting them. This information is on the same page as the open letter.
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