ByteConnect

Shieldway is a desktop VPN from ByteConnect, designed to help users protect their internet traffic and browse more privately. Its free service routes connections through available locations using WireGuard encryption, with more than 90 locations across six continents. Users can let the app select a fast node automatically or choose a country themselves. Security features include an automatic kill switch, client-side private keys, and private DNS. Shieldway says it does not keep a history of visited websites, DNS queries, traffic contents, or destination-specific VPN activity; certain account, session, security, and consent-based marketing data are handled separately under its policies.

The app includes live speed tests and on-device usage statistics, so connection time and routed data are not sent to Shieldway’s servers. The free plan supports up to two registered desktop devices and one active VPN connection at a time, with apps for macOS, Windows 10 and 11, and x86_64 Linux.