NymVPN Alpha private testing has begun

NymVPN alpha is now available to test for users who have signed up on the waiting list. Thanks to subscribers, core community members, and of course the research and development team at Nym, we can now take the next step in building a more anonymous internet.

With NymVPN alpha, users can help Nym test its operations by using the NymVPN to access the Web and other apps. The goal of any alpha version is to work out the kinks in order to provide users with a well-tested and reliable service. Alpha testers, as well as the growing support of alpha nodes, are the front lines in making this possible.

Alpha testers can get a taste of NymVPN’s core features, including its 2-hop dVPN for things like private browsing, and its unparalleled noise-generating, 5-hop mixnet mode for advanced privacy in messaging and crypto transactions. The 2-hop dVPN will soon be powered by WireGuard to give top-of-line speed.

Alpha access

NymVPN alpha is currently available for a limited number of select users from the waiting list, as well as members of the Nym core community. New batches of users that signed up to the waiting list will be contacted by email weekly to join Alpha, receiving access to a unique nymvpn.com page to generate their access credentials using zk-nym zero-knowledge proofs.

Users can still sign up on our waitlist for the chance to be part of later user batches to try Alpha.

Note that alpha testing is free, but does not grant unlimited free usage forever. Eventually all users will be able to pay for NymVPN in Bitcoin, NYM, and even normal credit cards will be rolled out.

Platform availability

NymVPN alpha is currently compatible with Linux, macOS, Android, and Windows. iOS capabilities will be available in coming weeks.

Alpha features

Alpha users can test out the key privacy features of NymVPN. These will be improved upon and supplemented by more robust add-ons in the full launch. Alpha features include:

• 2-hop dVPN mode, which in coming days will be powered by WireGuard, for fast and robust everyday privacy, ideal for browsing, streaming, and data sharing
• noise generating 5-hop mixnet mode for advanced privacy, best for messaging and payments
• Currently 750+ nodes and gateways in over 25 countries, and many more to come, all operated by the decentralized community of Nym operators

Users can get assistance in using Alpha at Nym’s new help center.

What to expect from NymVPN’s full launch

The full launch of NymVPN is projected for late summer to fall 2024. NymVPN will be a paid version with a robust set of additional features:

• Security features like a killswitch to prevent data leaks
• A more robust and pressure-tested mainnet network
• A variety of payment options, including debit cards and crypto (including NYM)
• Unlinkability of user payments with their online activity thanks to zk-nyms
• Split tunneling configurations

What’s next

NymVPN is the first mass-market product for normal people to be built upon the Nym mixnet. This has been possible through the community involvement which makes up the network. Rather than relying on the servers of private companies, Nym mixnet owes a lot to the passionate advocates who function as its node operators, alpha testers, and coming beta users.

Keep an eye on Nym socials for more news related to the full launch this year, and the Nym blogs for information on the benefits of choosing a noise-generating mixnet over standard VPNs.