Subscribe to NordVPN through our affiliate link and save up to 72% on 2-year plans. Do it with no fear by knowing that your purchase is protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The online world can be a wonderful yet scary place. Nowadays, we use the internet for everything, from shopping to speaking with friends and accessing entertainment. However, our online activity is monitored, and our data is at risk of being sold to advertisement companies. Even worse, cybercriminals are always on the lookout for ways to get their hands on our information. That’s where VPN services come in. Although they offer several additional benefits, their main objective is to help you surf the web privately and securely.
A virtual private network (VPN) is software that encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your online activity. It allows you to connect to servers all over the world, tricking websites into thinking you’re located somewhere else.
The best way to visualize how a VPN works is to imagine that you’re entering a tunnel by yourself. This tunnel is made of strong materials, protecting you from people outside looking at you. This way, you can browse online with complete privacy, regardless of whether you’re using your home network or public Wi-Fi.
Why do you need a VPN?
There are plenty of reasons why you need to use a VPN service:
Unrestricted access to the internet: A VPN allows you to reach websites blocked by the network’s admins. This way, VPN services are often used to bypass restrictions implemented by the government, schools, companies, or even ISPs.
Bypassing geo-blocking: Some VPN services are able to bypass geo-blocks created by websites. With a VPN, you’re able to unblock content that’s not available to you due to your location, such as streaming services, online games, or apps.
Securing your connection: By encrypting internet traffic, VPNs make browsing the web more secure. In addition to ensuring that hackers can’t access your information while in transit, they also shield your devices from being hacked when using public Wi-Fi.
Stops ISP throttling: ISPs might throttle your connection due to a variety of reasons. They do this by limiting the internet speed of your IP. Since VPN services change your IP, they’re able to fix this issue and improve your connection speed.
Prevent tracking: Nowadays, most websites track your movements online in order to target ads specifically to you. By providing anonymity, these companies won’t be able to track you.
Cheaper flights: Some websites, such as plane ticket sellers, will increase prices when they’re visited by the same IP several times. With a VPN service, the website isn’t able to understand that you’re the one visiting the website and, therefore, you will be able to pay lower rates for your flight.
The VPN industry is an oversaturated market. There are hundreds of providers out there, making it difficult to pinpoint which one to choose – especially when they all seem very similar. When searching, keep in mind the following:
Standard features ?️
Regardless of the reason you’re getting a VPN service, there are a few standard boxes that need to be ticked. The first is that the network needs to bereliable and comprehensive. A VPN network with a low number of servers may frequently get too crowded, disturbing your browser experience due to low speeds and stability. Plus, it’s essential that the provider operates their own network of servers instead of borrowing from another service.
When it comes to the app itself, features you shouldn’t pass on include:
End-to-end encryption: The most basic feature a VPN service has to offer.
Kill switch: Stops the internet connection when the VPN service malfunctions to ensure privacy at all times.
No DNS leaks: If a VPN service has DNS leaks, then websites will be able to route back to your IP. So, always test the provider for DNS leaks on a neutral website like https://www.dnsleaktest.com/.
Multiplatform: One subscription should be enough to protect all your devices, including your computer, phone, and smart TV.
Protocols: Although beginners will usually prefer the plug-and-play aspect of VPN services, it’s always better to have a few options when it comes to encryption protocols (OpenVPN, IPSec, Wireguard, L2TP, etc.).
No-logs policy 🚫
The main objective of using a VPN service is to have a private connection. So, what would be the point of subscribing to a service that may keep logs of your data? As a rule of thumb, you should always go with a provider that has a no-logs policy. Better yet, choose a VPN service that has zero-knowledge architecture, meaning that they don’t have any access to your information and, therefore, can’t pass it on to anyone else (government, advertisement companies, etc.).
Speeds ⚡
Since VPN services reroute your connection to their servers (some of them located extremely far away), internet speeds usually go down and pings go up. For a smooth user experience, it’s essential that the VPN provider is able to provide fast and stable connections.
Streaming ▶️
Streaming content that isn’t available in the user’s location has become one of the main reasons why people use a VPN service. As a result, streaming providers have caught up and have come up with countermeasures. So, if your main objective is to unlock geo-blocked content, make sure to choose a provider that can unblock the websites you want to use. Be very careful with the marketing these companies sometimes have, as several VPN providers claim they’re able to unblock certain streaming services when they can’t.
On the bright side, some VPNs come with dedicated servers for streaming, which provide faster and more stable connections to allow users to watch their favorite TV shows without constant buffering.
Headquarters location 🏢
VPN services need to follow the laws where their headquarters are located. So, it’s preferable to opt for a VPN provider that is located in privacy paradises, where there are strict laws protecting citizens’ privacy, such as Switzerland or Malta.
Optional features for specific situations
Specific situations require specific needs. For example, if you want to bypass government censorship in the country where you live, it’s essential that you go with a VPN service that provides top-notch privacy and security.
Remember that some countries with strong internet censorship forbid the use of VPN services. So, if you’re located in one of these areas and need to use a VPN, make sure you choose a highly secure solution that provides advanced features like a double VPN and multi-hop, just to name a few.
Meanwhile, people who are into P2P should consider a VPN service that provides P2P-dedicated servers to ensure smooth torrenting and seeding.
Paid vs free VPN services
There are many free VPN services out there – especially for mobile devices. However, you need to be very careful with these free options. As the saying goes, ‘if something is free, you’re the product’. This statement is especially true for the VPN industry, where many free providers keep logs of your online activities and sell them to third-party ad agencies.
Moreover, free VPN service connections are not the most reliable. They usually have smaller, overloaded server networks, so connections are usually slow and unstable. Of course, advanced features and customization are off the table. Even so, there are some free options that can surprise you – you just need to research the product thoroughly to ensure you’re not using an insecure app.
Some VPN services offer limited free versions that are as secure as the paid ones. Plus, there are a couple of companies that are extremely transparent on how they make money with their free VPN service. While not perfect, you can at least see if it’s information you’re willing to share in exchange for your free ride. Still, it’s important to mention that paid VPNs are usually affordable.
Comparing free and paid VPN services
Free VPN services 🆓
Paid VPN services 💸
May keep logs
No-logs policy
Low speeds
High speeds
May contain ads
No ads
Small VPN network
Medium or large VPN network
Basic security features
Advanced security features
Best VPN services for different devices
Best VPN services for streaming
Ready for safe and unblocked web surfing?
Using a VPN is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Even if you aren’t interested in bypassing internet restrictions, the added security and privacy VPN services provide are essential for today’s online landscape.
The best part is that you don’t need to break the bank to get a reliable VPN service with advanced security features, high speeds, and a stable VPN network. Plus, a free VPN can be enough for internet users who don’t require all the bells and whistles – just make sure you’re signing up for a service that has the objective of keeping you secure instead of making a quick buck.
It’s important to remember that VPN services are just one piece of the big puzzle that is online security. Using a password manager, an internet security suite, and a secure browser are all essential to safeguard your digital self.
VPN services FAQ
Are VPNs safe?
Yes, in general, VPNs are safe. However, keep in mind that some free VPN services might sell your browsing activity to third parties to sustain their business. That’s why we always recommend investing in a paid VPN or using a free plan from a paid VPN service. Although more limited, you can rest assured that you’re safe.
Do VPN services know your traffic?
Technically, all VPN services know your traffic, as it’s rerouted through their servers. That’s why it’s important to go for a VPN service that has a no-logs policy. Providers that offer this policy don’t keep logs of your traffic, ensuring that no one is able to know what you do online.
Are VPNs legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries. However, countries with strong censorship, such as China and North Korea, are known for making VPNs illegal. So, before you decide to use a VPN, research your country’s laws about the use of VPNs.
Can VPNs change your location?
Yes, VPN services reroute your traffic through their servers, changing your digital address (IP). This allows you to trick websites into thinking you’re accessing the internet from a different location.
Which locations are included in a VPN service?
VPN services include locations from everywhere in the world. The VPN network changes depending on the provider, but the most popular services offer servers in America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania, providing worldwide coverage.
Can VPNs make the internet faster?
Yes, VPN services can make the internet faster – but only in certain situations. In general, VPN services decrease your internet speed due to the rerouting they need to do to protect your online privacy. However, VPNs are able to bypass ISP throttling.
ISP throttling happens when your ISP provider either restricts your internet bandwidth (or speed altogether) or slows down specific types of traffic, such as streaming video. Since a VPN service changes your IP address and routes your traffic through its server instead of your ISP’s, you’re able to bypass ISP throttling and enjoy faster internet.
Can a VPN be tracked?
In general, VPN services can’t be tracked. Since they encrypt your information end to end, it’s virtually impossible to know what you’re doing online in real time. However, websites can understand when you’re using a VPN – that’s why not all VPNs are able to unblock streaming services. This is also true for the police and government.
It’s essential to keep in mind that some VPN services keep logs of your traffic. This is a big no-no, as depending on the country they’re based in, they might be obliged to provide this information to law enforcement. So, using a VPN service that has a no-logs policy and is based in a country with strong privacy laws is key to staying private while browsing.
Can you turn a VPN on and off?
Yes, you can turn a VPN on and off. Most (if not all) VPN services are plug-and-play, where you just need to click on a user-friendly button to turn it on and off without needing any adjustments. When turned on, the VPN service connects to the server that will provide the best performance (usually the one closest to your physical location).
Why you can trust us
The Best Reviews team researches and tests all products first-hand. We've been reviewing products
and services since 2012 and are proud to only publish human-created content.
Hi Cassey, and thanks for your comment.
Any of the VPNs recommended in this guide will be good for unblocking Spanchat. However, if your account has been unjustly banned, you should contact Snapchat's customer support to unban it.
Thanks!
Best Reviews may receive compensation for its content through paid collaborations and/or affiliate
links. Learn more about how we sustain our work and review
products.
User feedback