Tunngle

Pros

• Easy file-sharing when both parties are registered
• Skin customization
• Networks available through search or browse options
• Chat function
• Works with huge selection of games

Cons

• Needs registration
• Setup and installation can be complicated
• Basic interface is somewhat unappealing
• Must join existing networks

Tunngle is a VPN that makes it easier to play video games online with friends or strangers. Gamers who enjoy taking Call of Duty or Minecraft online will be able to use Tunngle to join others also playing those same games. You do have to register with the Tunngle website, but registration is free. Once you're done signing on, you can use the community to join games, share files back and forth, or just chat with other gamers.

If you want to use Tunngle to share files with your friends, you will have to get them to sign up as well, but the process from that point on is straightforward. Just start up a chat session, choose the "Tunngle Shares" option to transfer the file you want to their computer.

The current interface is a basic red and black with a disappointingly small font which may be difficult to read for older users or those with poor eyesight. There are other skins available to help adjust, though.

While there are plenty of pros in the Tunngle community without joining a game, group gameplay is the program's primary purpose. If you know the network you want to join -- for example, if a friend has told you the name of their favorite -- you can search, or you can browse all networks to find one you like. From there, you can join a game or chat with other network participants.

Some VPNs make it very difficult to pinpoint your IP address, but Tunngle provides it for you. This means that computer games like the Civilization series, which require IP information to run online, are easy to set up. This is a definite bonus for users who don't want to jump through hoops just to start up a simple online game. The program supports an impressive number of games, which just about guarantees you'll be able to find a network of players for any game you want. If your game isn't available, you can make a request to have it added, and these are typically responded to very quickly.

While we can hope that future versions of Tunngle will make the registration and installation process easier than it currently is, it is still an excellent option for those wanting to host private LAN parties or join others playing their favorite game. Anyone struggling to get their account up and running can also find plenty of tutorials online, which helps to offset the initial confusion. In short, it may be a little tough to get started, but once you have gotten the hang of it, it's one of the easiest and most versatile VPNs out there.

Pros

• Easy file-sharing when both parties are registered
• Skin customization
• Networks available through search or browse options
• Chat function
• Works with huge selection of games

Cons

• Needs registration
• Setup and installation can be complicated
• Basic interface is somewhat unappealing
• Must join existing networks