Consumer VPNs use protocols that Deep Packet Inspection systems detect and block within hours. Here's what the real-world data shows — and why NullVPN is architecturally different.
| Scenario | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | ProtonVPN | Mullvad | NullVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Works through corporate firewall | ❌ Blocked | ⚠️ Sometimes | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Blocked | ✅ Always |
| Bypasses Iran's national DPI (2026) | ❌ No | ⚠️ Occasionally | ⚠️ Occasionally | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Works in Russia — post Telegram block | ❌ Unstable | ⚠️ Hit or miss | ❌ Blocked | ⚠️ Sometimes | ✅ Reliable |
| Survives China's Great Firewall | ❌ No | ⚠️ Obfuscated only | ❌ No | ❌ No | ⚠️ Yes with config |
| Hotel / Airport Wi-Fi restrictions | ⚠️ Often blocked | ⚠️ Often blocked | ❌ Often blocked | ⚠️ Often blocked | ✅ Works |
| Payment without credit card or KYC | ❌ Card required | ❌ Card required | ❌ Card / limited crypto | ✅ Cash / Crypto | ✅ TON / USDT only |
| App available without app store | ❌ Store required | ❌ Store required | ❌ Store required | ❌ Store required | ✅ Direct APK |
| Auto-failover if primary tunnel blocked | ❌ No | ⚠️ Limited | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✅ Silent auto-switch |
| Monthly price (standard plan) | ~$13 | ~$13 | ~$10 | €5 | $5 |
✅ Works reliably | ⚠️ Works sometimes or requires manual config | ❌ Blocked or not supported. Data based on March 2026 usage reports from users in Iran, Russia, China, and corporate networks.
Consumer VPNs try to hide that you're using a VPN. NullVPN doesn't look like a VPN at all. That's a fundamental architectural difference — not a marketing claim.
Encrypts your data but uses recognisable protocols. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) systems see the VPN traffic pattern and block it. Known IP ranges get blocklisted continuously.
Privacy-first providers like ProtonVPN and Mullvad. Better no-log policies and audited infrastructure — but still detectable as VPN traffic by national-level DPI.
Not a VPN — a private connection that routes through the same port every bank, hospital, and government website uses. Your traffic is architecturally invisible to DPI systems. Zero detectable footprint.
Major VPN providers have thousands of servers, but their IP addresses are publicly listed and shared among millions of users. Government blocklists update continuously — often within hours of a VPN becoming popular.
Standard VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard) have recognisable traffic patterns. Deep Packet Inspection can identify and block them even when encrypted — without reading your content.
Most VPNs use well-known ports (1194 for OpenVPN, 500/4500 for IPsec). Firewalls can block these ports entirely. Even obfuscated modes get detected over time as DPI systems adapt.
When governments pressure Apple or Google to remove VPN apps — as happened in Russia and China — users lose access immediately. No app means no connection, regardless of subscription status.
NullVPN routes through the same port used by every bank, e-commerce site, and government website globally. No state actor can block it without destroying their own digital infrastructure. Your traffic looks identical to normal secure web browsing. There is no VPN signature to detect.
The connection that doesn't exist — to a firewall.
Your team in Tehran or Moscow needs reliable access to Slack, Gmail, and internal tools. Consumer VPNs work for days, then get blocked. Your team loses productivity every time they have to find a new VPN.
You're in Dubai, Shanghai, or Istanbul. The hotel Wi-Fi blocks your VPN. You need to reach internal company tools — but your ExpressVPN subscription is useless.
Your sources are in countries where VPN traffic is monitored. Using a consumer VPN with a known IP range puts you on a watchlist.
Your Yerevan or Minsk office needs reliable connectivity. Consumer VPNs are a revolving door of “working today, blocked tomorrow.”