Using alternative software with similar features to a VPN can provide privacy and security, but it cannot match its overall performance. There are a few other tools you can try:
1. SSH Tunnels: SSH tunnels route the user's traffic through a remote device and can be used to transfer data between devices.
2. Proxy Servers: Proxies act as a layer of protection between your device and the internet connection by masking your IP address. They can be used to surpass basic filters but don't have the same level of security that a VPN does.
3. Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN): SD-WAN is a cloud-based service that offers a more efficient way of routing and encrypting traffic between SD-WAN-enabled applications across a wide area network (WAN), making it a high-performance alternative to VPN.
4. Secure Browsers: There are some secure browsers like Brave or Tor that are anti-surveillance and promote privacy. They block trackers and offer basic security but don't offer a complete security solution like a VPN.
5. Encrypted Messaging Services: For communication, services like Signal or WhatsApp offer end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only the communicating users can read the messages.
6. Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA): These are usually used in businesses and provide secure remote access to an organization's applications.
So, for privacy protection, IP address change, and data encryption, choose a reliable VPN provider.