Want to know everything about VPN? Ask an Expert!
With a VPN (Virtual Private Network) you can surf the Internet securely and anonymously at any time. You also benefit from unlimited access to films, series, music and sports broadcasts as well as unlimited access to censored content. Compare the best VPN providers now.
Top VPN Service Providers
NordVPN
Pro
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections
- Automatic kill-switch
- double encryption
- Dedicated IP
- No logging
Contra
- Not always the speediest connection
Hide.me
Pro
- Free version available
- Certified protocol-free
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections
- Broadest range of protocol support on the market
Contra
- The number of server locations is rather low
- Expensive
Surfshark
Pro
- High speed over 500 servers in 50 countries
- Strict data protection guidelines
- Can be used on any number of devices
Contra
- Subscription for one month is expensive
PureVPN
Pro
- Unlimited bandwidth
- No speed limits
- 99.9 % Availability
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections
- Related streaming add-on
Contra
- Some data collection
Avira Phantom VPN
Pro
- Extremely low price
- No logging, monitoring, or tracking by third parties
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 99,9% Availability
Contra
- Only available for Windows and Android
- Low number of servers
How to Choose the Right VPN Service: 10 Tips for You!
VPN technology allows us to encrypt and protect our traffic and location information, hiding them to our benefit. We can achieve great things with a Virtual Private Network, but to do that, we need to know how to choose one that fits our budget and needs.
There are tons of traits and elements that you need to look for in an encryption app or client. Here are some of the best tips to choose the best VPN service:
1. Make sure it is reliable when it comes to encryption and content protection
There is no point in using a VPN service if it doesn’t guarantee that your content will be safe from hackers, cybercriminals, crypto miners, malware developers, copyright trolls, law enforcement agencies, and other entities lurking around the web. You need to fully trust your VPN provider if you are going to unblock international content and, especially, if you are performing activities that require privacy and anonymity, such as bypassing censorship, visiting the dark web, and others.
Ideally, you will choose a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN. A firm that uses an RSA-4096 handshake and SHA-512 hash message authentication code (HMAC), with PFS (Perfect Forward Secrecy) is desirable, as well. Look for options with DNS leak protection and a kill switch.
2. Make sure to know your needs and requirements
You can’t possibly choose the right VPN for yourself if you don’t know what you want. Are you looking for an all-around service with the best possible price? Will you focus on torrenting? Or are you a streaming addict? Will you use your VPN almost exclusively to visit the dark web? Or are you implementing the Virtual Private Network to bypass heavy censorship in a country like China, Russia, or Turkey?
If you answer those questions, you will know what the focus of your VPN will be, and from there, you may start looking for an alternative that smoothly suits your requirements.
3. Make sure it has a no-logging privacy policy
The whole point of using VPN technology is to achieve privacy and anonymity in your online sessions. If a VPN keeps logs of your content, you don’t know what it will do with it: there have been cases in which these brands sell your traffic to the highest bidder, even to hackers and other agents that may be dangerous for your overall security.
If you are going to hire a VPN, make sure it has a no-logging policy and that it has a flawless reputation of not violating that agreement.
4. Make sure it has a money-back guarantee
VPNs with a money-back guarantee are more desirable than those that offer no refunds, simply because they let you “try” the service for a specific amount of time (which usually goes from three days to 45 days, depending on the brand) before deciding on a long-term commitment.
Also, ensure that there are no tricks behind the money-back guarantee, as some VPNs require their users not to surpass a certain amount of bandwidth per day or month, for example.
5. Make sure it is speedy enough to perform all critical online activities
If you are overlooking speed as one of the top elements to look for in your next VPN brand, don’t. It is widely known that VPN technology will slow down the user’s connection, but the best ones in the market only do it slightly.
Don’t pay premium dollars for a company that significantly affects your rates, because performing online activities that are considered ordinary, such as torrenting, streaming, or even regular browsing, can become painfully slow.
6. Make sure it has a broad server network
The more servers your VPN brand has, the more options you have when searching for the best speeds and performance at a specific location. If you need to connect to a Paris server, for instance, it is better if you have several options than just one. What if that single IP doesn’t work or is very slow?
On the other hand, it is also desirable for VPN brands to offer users the ability to connect to several nations. That would mean additional options for streaming and watching sites and services from abroad.
7. Make sure that customer support is helpful!
When browsing the web for your next VPN brand, make sure not to overlook the quality and responsiveness of its customer service staff. It is essential, because you may find yourself waiting for several days with a ticket in your hand (well, in your computer or smartphone,) only to receive no support at all.
The best VPN providers let you chat online with a support agent. Or, if that is not possible, you will be able to get a quick response via email or phone. Also, a vast knowledge base is wanted, as well, as is a useful FAQ section.
8. Make sure it has apps for several operating systems and devices
Don’t make the mistake of going for the VPN that only supports Android because, well, you only have an Android smartphone. What if you get a new laptop? What if you switch to an iPhone?
If you select a VPN that is compatible with the most possible operating systems and platforms, you will be able to connect and protect all of your devices under the same encryption and privacy benefits. And, if the VPN has native and dedicated apps for your gadgets, then even better!
9. Make sure it is easy to use
Before choosing a VPN service, make sure to research how easy it is to install, set up, and use. You will regret paying for one and then not being able to connect to your desired servers easily, for example. You want a VPN with a light app, slick design, and easy to use.
10. Compare between several options
Choosing the best VPN service isn’t something that you should decide in a couple of minutes. Once you know what you want out of your VPN, you should research, look for experts’ opinions, customer reviews, online reviews, and go to each option’s website.
In conclusion, to choose the best VPN service in the industry, you need to identify your needs. After that, look at your budget; and then, make sure your VPN: encrypts your content, maintains your privacy, offers lots of servers and countries, is easy to use, has multi-app compatibility, is speedy, and has excellent support staff.