With increased concern for privacy, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) would be a valuable tool to mask your digital traces.
However, if you’re still unsure about VPN, read our article explaining what a VPN is and how you can choose the best one.
Even if you want to surf The Pirate Bay, and your country has banned it, you can just install a VPN and proceed with the browsing without the fear of getting caught.
VPN is the subject of several misconceptions. The most often asked question is, ‘Is VPN safe?’ However, it all depends on how you intend to utilize it.
What Is A VPN?
A VPN provides online privacy and anonymity by converting a public internet connection into a private network.
VPNs conceal your internet protocol address, making your online activities almost untraceable.
Most importantly, VPN services offer safe and encrypted connections that provide more privacy than even a protected Wi-Fi hotspot.
Surfing the web or transacting over an insecure Wi-Fi network exposes your personal information and browsing patterns.
That’s why a virtual private network, or VPN, is a must-have for anybody worried about their online security and privacy.
How To Choose A VPN?
VPNs are not all created equal. Some VPNs provide more features than others, while others excel in other areas.
Therefore, when looking for a VPN for personal or business usage, it is essential to weigh all of your alternatives and select the one that best meets your requirements.
Some of the most important criteria to consider while looking for a VPN are listed below.
1: Security
VPNs function by encrypting your connection and data, keeping it safe and secure.
The VPN service makes it more difficult for malevolent individuals, ISPs and even the government to trace your internet behavior, allowing you to do anything you want privately online.
The service works by first accepting any internet request, encrypting it through its servers, and then executing the bid on your behalf. As a result, the data sent to and from your end is safe and challenging to track.
Most VPNs employ 256-bit encryption, with some offering even stronger encodings. Through NordVPN offers 2048-bit encryption, the service aims to provide the highest level of data protection possible.
2: Speed
It is best to select a VPN service that can keep the highest speeds available on its service.
Connection speeds using a VPN will be somewhat slower than direct connections.
This is due to the additional server that was set up for added protection. However, you should guarantee that the service provider does not outsource servers and instead retains its own.
If you’re seeking faster VPN speeds, ExpressVPN is a good option. It is one of the top-rated VPNs when it comes to speed and security.
3: Server Locations
Another element to consider when selecting a VPN service is the location of the distant servers.
However, while looking for one, be sure to look at the list of available servers and the countries that are supported. Look for a service provider with servers in the majority of the world.
Some of the finest service providers have over 1000 server locations worldwide.
ExpressVPN, as you might expect, has the most server locations of any service. For example, VyprVPN offers 700 server locations, whereas NordVPN has slightly more than 600.
4: Platform Compatibility
It’s a no-brainer. If you want a VPN for Mac, you need to ensure that the VPN provider is compatible with that OS.
Most VPNs nowadays are compatible with major platforms like Windows and Mac.
However, many of them have specialized Android and iOS applications for connecting your smartphone to the VPN.
This is why, if your VPN is not compatible with these major OS platforms, there’s no point in choosing one.
5: Price
The most significant VPN service companies demand exorbitant prices for their services. So don’t be shocked if you pay $20 a month for this service.
On the other hand, annual plans should allow you to save significantly more due to the reductions available. Moreover, you may even save even more money by using discounted links.
Almost every VPN provider provides a discount for annual plans, and some will run deals from time to time.
Before committing to a VPN service, be sure to compare the available alternatives, service quality, and discounts.
Conclusion
It is reasonable to be perplexed by the various VPN solutions available these days. Choosing the best VPN service provider is a complex undertaking, but we have simplified the process with our complete guide. If you have any more questions, please leave them in the comments area.
