The rapid application development has generated many changes in the mobile and mobile app testing and development industry. While new mobile devices claim to offer a host of capabilities to the user, mobile apps are an invaluable tool for any smartphone, tablet or smartwatch user. As a result, thousands of apps are released every day to meet the different user needs.

They fall into different categories, ranging from fun video games to secure banking apps. The briskness with which the apps are released requires app developers to check for their usability, consistency and functionality. 

The outcome of these tests enables the developer to make changes while expediting the process of validating the mobile application. The need for mobile app testing originated from the explosive growth of smartphone apps since 2007. Google Play and the App Store have over a million mobile applications, all competing for the user’s attention.

As such, maintaining the quality of the applications is quintessential. Not only do you need to test how the app works, but how you market it as well. You can make a QR to advertise your app in-store, yet you need to check the codes work, and you also need to make sure any online links pointing to the app are not broken.

Over time, powerful testing tools have been developed to help determine the performance of mobile apps. However, mobile app testing is not always possible within specific jurisdictions hence, the need to use VPN software. The software enables developers to test the apps’:

• Stability: Applications are bound to crash at any time for no reason. It is essential to test the app for such crashes and use metrics specific to determine the frequency of the crashes.
• Security: The test should also determine if the app is prone to hacks. Developers should not rely on the operating system for security because they also have loopholes in their codes.
• Privacy: The app should tell the user how you intend to use his data. For example, if the user deletes his app, does it do away with his credit card info, profile or other valuable information?
• Interoperability: If the app is designed to work on different devices, ensure you implement test plans to ensure it is functional on all of them. When testing this feature, you also want to verify that the app’s backward compatibility and regression testing.

Choosing a Virtual Private Network for Mobile Apps

With the numerous software on offer for businesses, it can be overwhelming to find the best for your mobile device. It is essential to consider what you are signing up for because you are trusting the provider with sensitive information.

If the service is offered for free, examine its business model before signing up. Review the company’s privacy policy and decide what you are comfortable with. You also want to look at the speed and logging policy. Reliable virtual private network service providers require minimal or no logging. 

Why Use OpenVPN

You also need to look at whether the software is an openVPN. It is the most popular software as it supports all the operating systems- Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS and Android. It is also compatible with less common platforms like QNX, Windows Mobile, FreeBSD and Maemo. It offers a high level of security, has up to 256-bit encryption and is highly adaptable to third-party software. Here are examples of open-source VPN software that Reddit reviewers recommend for mobile devices.

ExpressVPN

It is the most trusted virtual private network provider for mobile devices for a good reason. It is fast, extremely safe with an SSL-secured network of 256-bit encryption. The provider has servers in 78 countries, so there’s always a location near you. Another bonus point is that this service offers unlimited bandwidth and speed as it does not store the user’s browsing logs.

The user’s browsing activities are mixed with those of other users, so it’s impossible to track a single user’s operation. It is optimised for Android, Windows and iOS applications. What’s more, users can connect on demand when using various mobile apps, so it’s not continually taking up valuable battery life.

TunnelBear Virtual Network Provider

The server features stunning graphics. Android devices get 256-bit OpenVPN encryption, which ensures your traffic remains secure. It is not as fasts as the previous selection but provides a pretty stable connection. TunnelBear does not have a logging policy, which is pretty advantageous for most users.

VyprVPN

This provider boasts 70 server locations that spread across 700 servers across the globe. The Android app is pretty easy to use as user’s only need to connect to a local server, browse the list if connecting to a specific country or choose the fastest server.

It supports 256-bit encryption and uses proprietary technology that hides the fact you are using a virtual private network. The technology is called Chameleon and is ideal for users who stream content other countries.

While this software doesn’t share data with third-parties, it keeps logs of connection times, bytes and IP addresses used for the last 30 days. Users can also configure it automatically based on their preferences, e.g., every time they join unreliable networks.

NordVPN

With more than 4,000 servers, this provider boasts a pretty broad coverage. It is famous for several reasons.

First, it offers military-grade encryption, does not have a logging policy and cuts off the connection when you change networks to prevent exposure. The software is optimised for Android, Windows, MacOS and other iOS mobile devices and offers pretty decent speeds for fast and reliable HD video streaming.

Additionally, the service features a built-in adblocker that allows you to browse the internet more freely. The user only needs to notify the application where he needs to connect and is instantly connected to that network.