VPNs are convenient security tools that protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions, access additional content, and more. If this is new to you, you probably have a lot of questions. Don’t worry because we can help.
We’ve done all the hard work for you and researched these services thoroughly to deliver the information that matters to you. Here’s everything you need to know about VPNs.
What is a VPN?
A VPN (or virtual private network) provides important protection for your data and identity online. They provide online privacy and anonymity by creating private networks that hide your true IP address (digital location). This means all your activity is untraceable and secure.
Basically, you can think of a VPN as an encrypted tunnel that all online traffic passes through. No one can see what’s going on inside the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected from online threats such as viruses, hackers, and malware.
Do you need a VPN?
Any type of activity on an unsecured WiFi network exposes your private information and browsing habits unless you use a VPN. There’s no need to panic, because whether you’re sending important emails, shopping online, or paying basic bills, a VPN ensures everything stays private and anonymous.
Best VPN for your iPhone
First and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but millions of people use these services for another reason: to stream more content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favorite streaming service into thinking you’re in a different country. This means you can watch all the shows and movies from the global library, just like all the extra content on US Netflix. It’s the fastest and easiest way to increase your content options without relying on dodgy streaming.
What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?
There are a lot of things you should consider when it comes to VPNs, but we don’t have all day. Rather than listing all the features the best VPNs offer, we’ve focused on selecting a few of the most important things to consider.
Before making any decision, you should pay attention to connection speed, server network, number of logins and more importantly features:
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bandwidth — Some VPNs impose monthly caps on network bandwidth, which means you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid using these services unless you are on a free trial. If you pay for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much content as you want.
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connection speed — Using a VPN will cause your connection to slow down, but you shouldn’t accept a significant drop in buffering. Make sure the VPN you choose won’t negatively impact your connection speed, preventing you from watching movies or downloading files.
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encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and while it’s important to pay attention to the level a VPN offers, the best options will all offer strong protection for your data. You may come across terms like “military grade” and “enterprise grade,” which simply mean you can rely on it to get the job done.
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Number of connections — Some VPNs allow you to connect an unlimited number of devices using the same account. Others limit you to one device. You should look for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections so you can be protected on all your devices at the same time.
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Server network — The best VPNs offer access to thousands of servers in various geographical locations. It’s helpful if a VPN has a large number of servers in strategic locations, as you should always be able to find a stable and fast connection to stream, shop, or browse anonymously. It’s not a simple case of more is better, but it’s always good to have options.
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privacy policy — It’s worth paying special attention to the data handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you plan to use. These practices should be listed in the privacy policy and are best avoided if they are unclear. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transaction and browsing history, and your personal details when you signed up. If privacy is the goal, your VPN must not store these details. If that were the case, the whole thing would be pointless.
There are other things to consider, such as price and subscription plans, but these features are a good starting point.
Should you use a free VPN?
There are free versions of many popular VPNs, as well as free trial VPNs that provide full access to all the content you get with their premium plans. So why should you spend money on a VPN?
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with a VPN. Free versions tend to have a problem, which usually manifests itself in limited data usage. These plans work well if you only use them occasionally. But this won’t work if you’re streaming or downloading. Free trials are a little different: they include everything you get in the paid plan, but obviously they don’t last long. Trials are great for testing a service before committing, but they’re not a long-term solution.
What we’re saying is that your best option for secure streaming and unrestricted access to the online world is a paid subscription to a VPN. To get advanced security features without usage restrictions, you need to pay. The best VPNs are usually the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheaper plans, especially if you’re willing to commit to a long-term contract.
What is the best VPN?
There are many VPN providers that offer different feature sets and have different pricing structures. We recommend that you take some time to review your options carefully and decide which VPN you really need. Once you have your priorities set, you can check out our final list of the best VPNs this month.
We’ve found every VPN available and compiled a list of the best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything else. We try to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN on this list. All you need to do is weigh the options against your priorities and choose the one you like best from this set.
These are the best VPNs of 2024.
