Which Connection Mode Should You Use?

The Short Answer

Start with AstriaVeilLink-5 — it’s the fastest mode and our recommendation by default. If a network gives you trouble, step down to -4, then -3, -2, and -1 only as needed. If you want to understand the options and choose deliberately, here’s how they compare.

All five modes run on AstriaVeilLink, the connection protocol we designed and built ourselves — not a rebadged copy of a common, publicly documented one. The difference between the five isn’t what protects you; it’s how much extra headroom is layered on for networks with difficult conditions, versus how much speed you get back on networks that don’t. Think of the lower modes as extra headroom for more difficult networks.

AstriaVeilLink-5 — Start Here

Best for: everything, until you have a reason to change.

Our recommended default. A direct encrypted connection with no extra wrapping — the leanest, fastest, and most stable mode we offer. Try this first on any network.

AstriaVeilLink-4 — Second Choice

Best for: open networks, if AstriaVeilLink-5 doesn’t connect cleanly.

Nearly as fast as -5, with a bit more headroom for networks that are slightly less straightforward. Full encryption, no compromise — tuned for throughput.

AstriaVeilLink-3 — A Dependable Middle Step

Best for: networks where -5 and -4 both misbehave, before you go any further down.

A balanced, no-tuning-required option that works almost everywhere. Not our top recommendation, but a solid fallback.

AstriaVeilLink-2 — One Step Up From the Last Resort

Best for: situations where anonymity matters most and -5/-4/-3 aren’t holding a stable connection.

More headroom than -3, still noticeably quicker than -1. Try it before dropping all the way down.

AstriaVeilLink-1 — Last Resort

Best for: networks where other modes run unstably, if nothing else has held up.

Our most cautious mode. It costs the most speed and buys the most reliability headroom we offer — reach for it only after -2, -3, -4, and -5 have all struggled.

Quick Comparison

| | Privacy level | Speed | Best for | |---|---|---|---| | AstriaVeilLink-5 | Standard | Highest | Start here — most networks | | AstriaVeilLink-4 | Standard | High | Second choice, open networks | | AstriaVeilLink-3 | Balanced | Balanced | Middle step if -5/-4 misbehave | | AstriaVeilLink-2 | Very high | Moderate | One step above the last resort | | AstriaVeilLink-1 | Highest | Lower | Last resort, the most difficult networks |

Our Recommendation

Start with AstriaVeilLink-5. Only step down — through -4, -3, -2, and finally -1 — if a network actually gives you trouble; each step down trades a little speed for a little more headroom. You can switch any time in Settings → Connection type — the change applies on your next connection.

On Android: Choosing a Location and Connection Type on Android · Android guide