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.
NordVPN has already managed to conquer the market by being one of the most reputable and trustworthy services ever made. Among its vast arsenal of features, the close attention given to security is one of the major highlights, thanks to the presence of an automatic kill switch, protection against DNS leaks, ads and malware, and even double VPN servers.
Speaking of which, these are only some of NordVPN’s special servers that compose a global network filled with unusual locations, P2P countries, support for Onion over VPN, and more. NordVPN has a handful of different subscriptions in the form of simple apps for all kinds of devices and user types.
For as little as $3.99 per month, users can enjoy all the perks of having a secure and high-speed VPN. Plus, a generous refund policy allows you to get your money back if you decide NordVPN isn’t for you during the first 30 days.
A surfing shark might not conjure up an image of security, but it does represent an effective way of defending yourself from the threats of the deep ocean that is the internet.
Established in 2018, Surfshark offers aesthetically-pleasing apps for multiple platforms. The Netherlands-based company continues to enhance its cybersecurity, merging with Nord Security in 2022. The VPN service doesn’t miss out on any critical security features, such as a static IP address and kill switch, and provides servers in more than 100 countries.
Additionally, Surfshark offers several encryption protocols (including WireGuard) and P2P support, alternative IDs, and a no-logs policy. It is one of the cheapest services on the market and offers a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk free.
IPVanish made a strong entrance as a VPN service provider in 2012, long before VPNs became so common, and it’s been further improving its service ever since. Fundamentally, this solution specializes in providing customers with secure and encrypted internet connections across all devices.
Offering customers an impressive 2,200 servers worldwide to choose from, IPVanish is both comprehensive and reliable. It’s also one of the few VPN providers that manage a big portion of its infrastructure in-house, owning 80% of its servers and only using self-developed software for its service. This reduces the company’s reliance on third parties, making it an even more trustworthy option.
As one of the strongest VPNs on the market, IPVanish also boasts a vast range of features that not only provide faster speeds but also permit a custom encryption level and all other elements of a VPN connection. With prices starting as low as $2.99 per month, users certainly get a lot for their money.
With an extensive server network spanning 105 countries, apps for all major platforms, and even extra security tools like an ad blocker, ExpressVPN delivers all you need for a private and secure online experience.
The software is easy to use across all devices, and the speed trumps many of its competitors, making it one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Android and iOS customers can make the most of a 7-day free trial with unlimited bandwidth and everyone can enjoy three months for free when opting for annual billing.
VPN services are a lot like the spirits of the dead. When done properly, they’re hard to detect, aren’t restricted by physical boundaries and – as is the case with friendly ghosts – can even protect you from danger. CyberGhost is a German company now residing in Romania, offering a great VPN service for all types of user profiles. It has paid careful attention to safety concerns since it debuted in 2010, hiding torrent practices in untraceable servers and special security settings, while still being suitable for those that simply want to surf anonymously on public Wi-Fi or unblock geo-restricted websites comfortably at home. As a package that shouldn’t stay invisible to anyone considering a VPN service, CyberGhost’s short and long-term subscriptions will tempt anyone to discover the service’s simple and very attractive apps that have customizable features to ensure everyone has the best experience on computers, mobile, and other devices.
Ever heard the saying “If you don’t risk it, you won’t get the biscuit”? Although it’s useful life advice, when using a VPN, “risking it” is something you don’t want to do. Founded in 2013, ZoogVPN knows that, and that’s why it advises you to “stay safe and secure online, use a VPN. Don’t risk it!”. Something ZoogVPN takes to heart with various types of tunneling protocols you can pick from. On top of that, it’s based in Greece, a country outside the 14 eyes surveillance alliance which won’t spy on its citizens. Security is good and all, but if you don’t get decent speed and are not able to browse the internet, what good does high security do? Well, no need to worry! ZoogVPN not only claims that it will unblock any website from any country, but it will also do it with “blazing fast speed”.
Part of the London Trust Media group, Private Internet Access (PIA) has long been a benchmark VPN solution. The service has undergone diverse changes to keep up with competitors since its launch in 2010, ensuring its high quality hasn’t changed.
The Private Internet Access VPN allows users to browse the internet anonymously using several encryption and privacy tools to guarantee total security on unlimited devices. Suitable for users of any ability, PIA offers an abundance of servers in over 90 countries and even reserves special servers for streaming. Plus, the service’s platform has a unique and simplified design, making its extensive customization as easy as pie.
The VPN service rewards committed clients who opt for longer plans while also letting newcomers get a risk-free taster of the product with its 7-day free trial (on the mobile app) and 30-day money-back guarantee.
VPNs are often approached as a serious topic and treated as an important tool in the struggle for global internet freedom. But then there’s TunnelBear, a Canadian company founded in 2011 that treats the topic in a much more playful and humorous manner. The company’s apps feature cartoon bears traveling through tunnels as the software connects to other parts of the world, but there are many other funny bear references, too, not only on the company’s website, blog and social media channels but even in the software updates and install process, too.
This makes for a very positive experience and does well for the company since it makes users more curious to try it, even if just to see how it all works. For that purpose TunnelBear offers an unlimited time free version of the service that can easily be upgraded to eliminate any bandwidth restrictions enforced in the demo program, though everything else – such as the entire server network, support for computers and mobile, and the rest of the program’s features – are available with the free version, which is very generous.
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.
There are plenty of reasons why you need to use a VPN service:
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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:
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 be reliable 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:
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.).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
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