Everything Essential about VPN App Development - A Comprehensive Guide

VPN App development is necessary due to poor public internet security. Businesses are making money by delivering reliable VPN applications, and so should you!

With recurring advancements in the internet space, there have been many compromises on network security. Unsecured public networks are giving rise to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), which set up a private network connection to protect the user’s online identity.

Public networks are not safe!

One survey by Forbes states that 43% of the correspondents of the survey had their online security compromised while using public wi-fi.

But every problem has a solution readily available!

To tackle this and make business out of the opportunity, many tech entrepreneurs are leveraging VPN app development. It has a high potential for future growth.

What is the Process of VPN App Development?

There’s a defined process for developing a VPN app that ensures error-free and top-notch results. We at Suffescom aim to follow every step with precision and focus.

Defining the Features

The process starts with defining the features. VPN apps have many features, but determining the ones you want to offer customers is essential. The primary aim of any VPN application is not limited to masking IP and creating a solid network tunnel.

Here’s the list of prominent features a VPN app can offer-

• Kill Switch
• DNS Leak Protection
• Protocol Switching
• Multiple Device Login
• Split Tunneling
• Adblocker

Determine what features you want to include in the application to kickstart the development process. This will help the developer understand the needs and deliver the desired result!

Custom VPN app development helps the app owners create an app that fulfills the desired features and requirements!

Choosing an Operating System

Every VPN app is built in a different way on different operating systems, requiring different expertise. Hence, selecting an operating system for VPN application development becomes crucial.

Here’s a brief explanation-

VPN Type	Ideal Operating System
Android VPN	Kotlin and Java
iOS VPN	Swift and Objective-C
Windows VPN	C++ and Qt
macOS VPN	C++ and Objective-C

A specific VPN is using a dedicated operating system to develop a VPN app.

What’s the Business Model?

After all, the investment made to create a VPN app makes sense only when it yields some return. To achieve this, finalize a business model that generates returns on VPN applications in the longer run.

There are two primary business models - subscription and ad-based.

Also, it is possible to combine both these models for better returns. For instance, use the subscription model for paid users and the ad-based model for free users. Using a mix of both models is quite common in the market.

We shall explore the business models in extensive detail later in this blog!

Designing the User Interface

The UI/UX designer takes charge now. Deciding features and business models helps create an effective UI (User Interface) design for the app and admin panel. The designer works on various app pages, including login, sign-up, feature, purchase, payment, and many others.

The idea is to create a seamless design that enhances the user interface. From color palette to interactivity, every UI design factor is worked upon here!

UI Extraction

It is time to convert the design into code, and app developers take charge of completing this step. From this step, the ideal process of app development commences.

App developers use SwiftUI and Storyboard for iOS and macOS VPN apps, XML and Jetpack Compose for Android VPN apps and QML for Windows VPN apps.

Building and Developing APIs and Admin Panel

API is essential to accelerate the app development process and make it easier. It connects the app to any existing system or software. VPN is a complex app and requires different APIs for multiple operations.

It becomes essential to build customized APIs based on the desired features.

Along with building APIs, the developers create an admin panel that helps the VPN owner manage subscribers, payments, and much more! After the APIs are integrated with the admin panel, the Admin user can manage these operations.

Configure Servers and Integrate Protocols

Every VPN runs on servers placed in different locations. The primary function of a VPN app is to connect a device to a server in those locations. As an app owner, you can rent out the servers from different data centers or own your own.

Protocols connect your VPN with servers and are responsible for improving the VPN’s efficiency and speed. Protocols like OpenVPN, OpenConnect, and many others create a dedicated private channel, mask IP, and connect your device to the desired server.

What are the Different VPN App Business Models?

As stated above, VPN app development only bears fruit when a business model supports it. Since developing and running a VPN App is a commercial activity, it must have a business model to generate returns!

The success of a VPN app largely depends upon the kind of business model you choose! Here is the brief understanding of 5 primary business models-

Business Models	Explanation
Subscription Model	Popular business model among VPN companies Customer pays for the services on monthly or yearly basis Integrating a payment method to the app is important for easy payment
Ad-Based Model	Users see ads while using the VPN app Free VPN service companies generate revenue using advertising Integrate an ad-mob account with app
Freemium Model	A mix of free and premium versions Both premium and free users can use the VPN. Premium users get all features without ads. Whereas, free users get to utilize basic features Need to have both ad-mob and subscription options in your VPN app
Reseller Model	Similar to retail business model VPN owner sells VPN subscription IDs and passwords. Then, VPN resellers sells to the end users Integrate reseller panel with your app and website
Affiliate Model	Any blogger, influencer, or tech-influencer sells the VPN to his/her followers and charges commission per sale in return Highly popular among VPN brands VPN owners needs to integrate affiliate module with the website

What Are The Promising Benefits of VPN App Development?

Developing a VPN app bears many benefits, along with creating a business and generating revenue. Here are the advantages of the VPN app development -

For the Owners

• Boosts Credibility - As a business owner, improving credibility and trustworthiness is crucial. VPN applications promise top security and privacy to users. A VPN app uses specific protocols, encryptions, and security features that allow users to protect their online data from multiple potential cyber threats.
• Revenue Streams - VPN app development generates revenue using business models such as subscription, freemium, or ad-based models. Creating a structured supply chain around this business model results in higher revenues.
• Accessible Customer Insights - As users indulge with VPN apps, business owners get insights into customer preferences and user behavior. Such data has monetary benefits and helps create business strategies and marketing campaigns.

For the Users

• Easy Access to Users from Anywhere - Another factor that improves the credibility of a VPN app is the free access to users. Basically, users can use the application to access restricted content across the globe.
• Cost-Savings - Using VPNs, users save costs on international data charges. Users can connect to local VPN servers and get to use the services at local internet rates.

Secondly, users can avoid paying higher fees for streaming services that may not be available in their country by simply connecting to the VPN server of the region where the content is accessible.

Private Browsing - VPN apps do wonders for those who want to enjoy private browsing, access geo-restricted content, and leave no online trace. A VPN application hides the IP address and encrypted internet traffic, making it nearly impossible to track online activities.

What is the Cost Estimate for VPN App Development?

Everything in this world requires a dedicated budget. Budget plays a vital role in turning every idea into a reality, and this also applies when you want to create your own VPN app.

The more you seek, the more you’ll be charged!

This principle applies when you want to include multiple features in the VPN app. Doing the same will increase the charges. The cost of VPN app development depends upon various factors, such as

• Features and functionalities included
• VPN App development company or developer hired for the task
• Platform
• Design and user experience
• Security measures
• Maintenance and support

The cost of developing a VPN application includes maintenance and support charges. Since you don’t want to overspend, choosing the right features and functionalities to include in the VPN app becomes vital.

Tip: Always finalize your budget for VPN application development after considering every minute and significant factor.

What are the Types of Costs Incurred While Developing a VPN App?

As the development progresses, the cost tends to rise due to various factors, such as

Investment in Initial Development

The countdown to the budget starts as soon as the developer begins with the basic steps. The budget for initial development includes coding, design, feature integration, and testing. It is crucial to invest correctly in this stage as it will affect the user experience.

Inclusion of Advanced Features

Advanced features like ad-blockers would increase the budget, so be ready to spend if you wish to include these features. Depending on the desired features, the budget range might skyrocket or remain balanced.

Undoubtedly, advanced features add value to the application, increase utility, and improve customer satisfaction.

The decision is yours!

Development Team

The cost differs for different kinds of developers. A freelancer would charge differently than a dedicated VPN app development company. Several factors, such as developers’ geographical location, expertise, and experience, also impact the VPN application development cost.

For the best results, it is wise to choose an experienced team that understands your requirements and has the expertise to deliver on time and under budget.

Maintenance and Support

It is important to consider maintenance, support, and updates after launching the application, as they would improve or worsen customer satisfaction. Hence, it is important to save some budget or resources for this function and provide maximum value to the customers.

Servers and Licensing

Server infrastructure acts as the spinal cord of the VPN application; if it gets jeopardized, the whole system might collapse. To operate the VPN application normally, consider the server infrastructure costs and licensing fees (if any) for third-party software or services.

Also, it is essential to include this cost in the overall budget to keep a check on legal compliance and promising network infrastructure.

Promotions and Marketing

Marketing and promotion might seem like an insignificant expense, but they surely have a great impact. There is no point in creating a VPN app if nobody knows about it!

The scale of the App Launch campaign will decide the amount of your marketing expenses.

By investing in marketing activities, it becomes easier to reach the target audience. So, create awareness about your VPN app, serve the customers, skyrocket the sales, and enjoy the profits!

Suffescom Solutions - Reliable VPN App Development Company

You are already at the right place if you are searching for a promising mobile App development company; Suffescom Solutions delivers experience and expertise at every step.

We follow dedicated SOPs created after serving multiple clients across different industries for 13 years. We understand the importance of achieving deliverables and performing top-notch.

Our dedicated team assists you at every step of your development needs, from planning to execution. We offer the best in custom VPN App development and food delivery app development. So, without further ado, check out the services page for more information!

At Suffescom Solutions, your dream is ours!

• Mobile App Development Company