The Best VPN in 2022 | VPN, Nord VPN, Express VPN
The Best VPN in 2022
Best VPN: A VPN is the ideal tool for making you more anonymous online, completely encrypting your internet usage, and effectively tricking you into thinking your laptop or mobile device is in another location entirely.
And it is the versatility of the best VPNs that have made them game-changing software for laptops, desktops, tablets, smartphones, streaming devices, smart TVs – even game consoles.
In this article, we explore everything you want to know about VPNs. What they do, how they work, the devices they work on, and when you're better off without one. If you just want to know which one to get, this is the place to find reviews of the best VPNs in 2022.
What is a VPN?
VPN is Virtual Private Network, VPN is a program or app that allows you to access the Internet through secure, encrypted tunnels. So for many, getting a VPN service will be all about privacy – helping you keep your online life completely anonymous from the prying eyes of your ISP (handy for torrenting) or even your government. Might want to use them.
But because the best VPNs let you change your IP address to an entirely different city or country, these services have gained much wider use. VPNs are fantastic for streaming fans who want access to a whole world of shows and movies (US Netflix, anyone?).
Whereas if you're on vacation and find that your favorite app is banned (think Cuba, Turkey, China - even some internet censorship in Canada), an online VPN can help you access the Internet. I will let you do it the way you're accustomed to. And it's hardly surprising that sign-ups in Russia and Ukraine have increased so dramatically in recent days.
Below you'll find handy VPN reviews of all the best services on the market. Whereas at the bottom of the page there are heaps of more information about the software.
- The Best VPN In 2022
- The Best Cheap VPN In 2022
- The Best Netflix VPN In 2022
- The Best Youtube VPN In 2022
- Best Gaming VPN In 2022
- The Best iPad VPN In 2022
- The Best iPhone VPN In 2022
- The Best Android VPN In 2022
- The Best Mac VPN In 2022
The Best VPN for 2022
1. NordVPN - Best VPN in 2022
2. ExpressVPN - Best VPN in 2022
3. Surfshark - Best VPN in 2022
4. ProtonVPN - Best VPN in 2022
5. CyberGhost - Best VPN in 2022
6. Private Internet Access - Best VPN in 2022
7. IPVanish - Best VPN in 2022
8. Windscribe - Best VPN in 2022
9. Hotspot Shield - Best VPN in 2022
10. StrongVPN - Best VPN in 2022
1. NordVPN - Best VPN in 2022
PROS
- Uses WireGuard VPN technology
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Unparalleled security smarts
- Great at most unblocking
- Improved further with NordLynx protocol
- Great value subscription options
CONS
- Expensive
- Occasionally cramped interface
| NordVPN Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 5,300+ |
| Server locations | 80+ |
| Countries | 60 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 6 |
Perhaps the most recognized name in the VPN business and now a veteran of 10 years in the business, NordVPN lives up to its high reputation. It excels in every area you want to take into account when choosing your new service and is only a shade behind ExpressVPN in our scoring.
For starters, the level of security NordVPN has been impressing us with for some time now. Offering AES-256 as standard, you also have the option of turning on its Double VPN system, where all your internet traffic is encrypted not once, but twice. It's easy to know where your internet anonymity is of paramount importance such as when you're on public Wi-Fi or, perhaps, torrenting.
Like its main competitor above, other features include strong DNS leak protection, a kill switch (application-specific and system-wide), proxy extensions for the Chrome and Firefox browsers, and payment options that include Bitcoin, PayPal, and credit cards. It is also helping to lead the charge as VPNs become more like traditional virus protection, including tools like threat protection.
And Nord nets ExpressVPN the best on the server count, cranking out an eye-watering 5,000 (in 60 countries) while allowing up to six simultaneous connections.
The provider's custom NordLink protocol has certainly been a fascinating development over the past year or so. This has helped make Nord's connection speeds some of the fastest and more reliable we've recorded, even on servers that are further away.
2. ExpressVPN - Best VPN in 2022
PROS
- Strong privacy and security practices
- Top marks across the board
- Easy to run on almost any platform
- Speedy VPN servers in 90+ countries
- Strong on encryption and unblocking
- Superb 24/7 live customer support
CONS
- Expensive
- Fewer simultaneous connections than some
- Above-average prices
| ExpressVPN Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 3,000+ |
| Server locations | 160 |
| Countries | 94 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 5 |
ExpressVPN is fast. Fast, with great connection speeds on servers in multiple countries. And that's even when we're using the default OpenVPN protocol in our tests – they get even faster with the above Lightwave option turned on.
In terms of additional features, ExpressVPN goes above and beyond. Bitcoin payments, P2P support, kill switch, DNS leak protection, solid and reliable performance, and a clear no-logging policy have been verified by independent auditors. That's all and the company is constantly innovating, at the same time, giving its users the benefits of a more general online security presence like a cookie-blocking threat manager.
It is worth knowing about this VPN provider's excellent levels of customer support. The support website is filled with detailed guides and tutorials to get you up and running. And if you run into any problems, there is 24/7 live chat support to answer your questions. It works too - we consistently get helpful responses from a knowledgeable support agent within minutes of posting our questions.
Frankly, we don't hide the fact of how highly we rate ExpressVPN. It's very simple... it's the best VPN you can get in almost every scenario. That said, it would be an apology for us not to talk about ExpressVPN's 'exciting' week in August 2021. First, it announced that it was acquired by Cape Technologies, which owns CyberGhost and PIA, and has a somewhat controversial history. Then a few days later it was revealed that its CIO had been fined for previous hacking charges. TechRadar's view doesn't seem particularly prominent - though we understand why they rattled some cages in the VPN world - and we see no current reason to stop recommending this provider.
3. Surfshark - Best VPN in 2022
PROS
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Eye-catching prices
- Unlimited devices covered
- A dream to use
- Excellent unblocking
CONS
- High monthly price
- Confusing long-term subscription pricing
- Middling speed test results
| Surfshark Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 3,200+ |
| Server locations | 100+ |
| Countries | 65 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | Unlimited |
We understand that the available prices for Surfshark are the factor that will stand out the most when considering a new VPN, but there's way more to like about Surfshark than just dollars and cents.
When you first visit its website, Surfshark's cool and playful branding takes software that can be a little intimidating to newbies and makes it accessible and user-friendly.
So if you're someone who gets easily confused and, eventually, put off by complicated menus and myriad options, Surfshark - like ExpressVPN above - could be the ideal VPN for you. It completely retracts its interface and keeps it free from complications. You'll only see options for 'Quick Connect' and 'All Locations', along with a Settings icon, and nothing else. Whether that level of detail (or lack thereof) is a boon or a drawback depends entirely on your point of view.
That said, Surfshark is all business when it comes to protecting you and your online identity. It has now added the new protocol to its OpenVPN UDP and TCP and IKEv2 options in the city WireGuard. In addition, Surfshark boasts a private DNS and an additional security blanket through a double VPN hop. And we found that it holds up successfully with unblocking geo-restricted access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.
Coming back to price, sign up for Surfshark's two-year plan and the effective monthly cost comes in at as low as $2.50 / £2 / AUD 3.50. This is a significant difference from the VPN services sitting above in this guide.
And that too for unlimited connections. So if you plan to use your VPN to watch foreign TV on your laptop, desktop (compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux), tablet, some mobile phones (covering both iOS and Android), and Amazon Fire TV Stick Well, one account will cover you all at once. And theoretically, you could even let friends and family members use your sub.
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to try it out before committing to a longer-term.
So where does it lose points? There aren't a lot of locations, but the competition is tough these days - especially since Express and Nord have managed to improve their server speeds so much, while Surfshark only remains 'good'. And, like our testers, we've noticed the odd issue with the Surfshark kill switch. The result is far from fatal, but it doesn't quite reach the level of perfection that Express has achieved.
But it always seems like the company is trying to step up its game, and in May 2021 it completed a security assessment asking independent security consultant Cure53 to "fully investigate and evaluate the security pose exposed by Surfshark servers". Let's do it - this eventually confirmed that there was "a very solid security base in Surfshark".
4. ProtonVPN - Best VPN in 2022
PROS
- Best free subscription
- Flexible, low-cost plans
- Loads of features
- Free plan with unlimited bandwidth
- Top-quality appsImproving speeds and coverage
CONS
- No public infrastructure audit
- Customer support needs improvement
- Some features are limited to the Plus plan
| ProtonVPN Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | No |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 1,600+ |
| Server locations | 85+ |
| Countries | 65 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 10 |
ProtonVPN is the one that has improved the most and deserves its place in our top five VPN services.
Over the past months and years, Proton has been a VPN provider on a mission. Its server network has shot up from a few hundred to about 2,000 (still less than most, but are heading in the right direction) and it has made notable improvements, adding new features and support to its clients and apps.
The most important of them in recent times was WireGuard, which has now been fully rolled out. This bodes well for the future-proofing of protons. But even if it didn't, our speed test saw some of the most eye-catching OpenVPN speeds. In short, you don't have to worry about waiting to connect if you're in a hurry to turn on ProtonVPN, and then later you can leave it working in the background, knowing that it's your device. Will not slow down the internet connection.
Proton has also improved its streaming prowess, becoming a reliable provider for getting around geo-restrictions when you are abroad. It surpassed BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and gave us access to overseas Netflix catalogs without much trouble – this is in a year where the more reputable providers (ahem, NordVPN) have faced problems. However, it should be noted that this is only if you have a Plus subscription - you won't get the kind of quality from its free or basic tiers.
The fact that Proton is based in Switzerland makes you feel safe right away. And this is only enhanced by the awesome kill switch, the opportunity to pay by bitcoin, and solid P2P support for torrenting.
There is certainly still some room for improvement. We'd love to see Proton take a leaf out of Surfshark's book and make the apps and client feel a little friendlier and less technical. We understand that 24/7 customer support is ongoing, which would be an added plus. We also feel a little upset that the 30-day money-back guarantee works on a pro-rata basis - if you use it for, say, 15 days, you'll only get a 50% return. Seems like bad form, though at least Proton has a very useful free VPN if you want to try it out for no cost.
5. CyberGhost - Best VPN in 2022
PROS
- Excellent performance levels
- Loads of features
- Speedy live chat help
- Lots of locations
CONS
- Expensive
- No third-party audit
- Confusing privacy policies
| CyberGhost Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu, iPlayer |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 45 Days |
| Number of Servers | 7,500+ |
| Server locations | 105+ |
| Countries | 91 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 7 |
VPN service CyberGhost has been our favorite for some time now, and it's no surprise that it has a user base of over ten million customers. The company covers the basics well with over 7,000 servers spread across 90 countries, apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, torrent permissions, and instant live chat support.
CyberGhost shines no matter what device you plan to use it on. Beneath its clean, easy-to-follow interface is a sea of great features and functionality. For example, if you're specifically looking for streams or torrents, this will quickly connect you to the right server for you.
And additional touches like its Smart Rules panel show that CyberGhost's engineers have put some thought into the user experience. This allows you to automatically launch a particular app (such as your default browser in Incognito Mode) from your preferred server when you boot your computer. Really useful bonus.
We just need to spend a little time referencing the speeds CyberGhost demonstrated in our most recent tests. We saw connection speeds when we jumped to the WireGuard protocol, which gave NordVPN and ExpressVPN a run for their money.
Website unblocking has historically been another strong suit of CyberGhost, and we're happy to report that it has upped its game again in our streaming tests. We got access to US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus through its servers. And while we couldn't get access to exclusive Netflix content in regions like Canada and the UK, it's not uncommon or even the best VPN in 2022.
To break into the holy top five, we'd like to see CyberGhost clean up some of the rough edges we've seen. No matter the auditor not having a great support site, the Windows app keeps shutting down when it's disconnected, and it bothers us that once you've registered your seven devices, you won't be able to use CyberGhost. One has to deregister before it can happen. Another computer, phone, or other gadgets.
6. Private Internet Access - Best VPN in 2022
PROS
- So many servers
- Feature-filled apps
- New features added
- Good value security audit
CONS
- Unusual login system
- No free version
| Private Internet Access Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon, Player |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 10,000+ |
| Server locations | 100 |
| Countries | 78 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 10 |
It may not be the fastest VPN, cheapest, or most powerful, but Private Internet Access (often stylized as PIA) is still a likable VPN provider to justify a spot on your shortlist. Has more than enough facilities.
Its most notable claim from recent VPN reviews is the massive increase in PIA's server count. It took things from a simple 2,000ish to an almost bottomless 30,000+. The latest count we've been told is over 10,000, which still puts it ahead of the rest in terms of net server numbers.
It certainly sounds impressive, but it just wouldn't be worth something without a quality VPN client and a wealth of security smarts. Thankfully, PIA offers a healthy mix of privacy features and security protocols (including WireGuard) - this extends to its first-rate Chrome extension, which works to block location access, third-party cookies, website referrers, and more. Adds option.
Whether you intend to use your VPN mostly on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, or perhaps a mix, they are all reliable, easy to use, with more features than most. It's not just us saying this, as user reviews on the App Store and Play Store are generally really positive. And there's support for up to 10 simultaneous connections, so it's easy to cover pretty much all of your devices on one reasonable subscription.
The reason PIA climbed in our ranking of the top VPNs is that it continues to improve. Since our last round of testing, it's added SmartDNS to its list of features - another string in its bow to help you watch region-restricted content.
Frankly speaking, PIA currently doesn't even come close to making it to our list of the fastest VPNs. It's not the slowest and won't stop you significantly for most 'normal' web activity. But for edge-seeking gamers, streamers who hate the slightest hint of buffering, and don't want to roam torrents, perhaps you should go by one of the better/faster options on this list.
7. IPVanish - Best VPN in 2022
PROS
- Owns and manages its servers
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Powerful, configurable apps
- WireGuard option has electrified speeds
- Reliable security features
CONS
- Patchy streaming unblocking
- Bit pricey
| IPVanish Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 2,000+ |
| Server locations | 75+ |
| Countries | 50+ |
| Maximum Devices Supported | Unlimited |
IPVanish has been a reliable performer in our VPN tests for years. The service has some impressive stats: 40,000+ shared IPs, 2,000+ VPN servers (and growing) in 70+ locations, unmetered P2P traffic, unlimited simultaneous connections, and 24/7 customer support. Regarding support, we like that you can access it directly from your Android or iOS app on mobile.
There's something about IPVanish that just feels comfortable when you start. It's probably the reassuring graphs and charts in the desktop app that do it. But rest assured, it's not just about looks as IPVanish has Security Smarts (AES-256 encryption, kill switch, DNS, and IPv6 leak protection) that bill as a great option for the privacy-conscious. fits in.
While Android and iOS apps don't update or refresh very often, there's probably a good reason for this – they work well. Android VPN app IPVanish is a special feather in its cap, with more settings and options than most of the competition and the ability to configure it to your ideal setup.
With the likes of Nord, Express, and Hotspot all rolling out their proprietary security protocols, IPVanish was starting to lag in terms of modernization and speed. Enter WireGuard - the service eventually added the option and speed, predictably, went through the roof.
So far, so positive. If streaming is your thing, though, IPVanish doesn't claim to be your best friend. And it shows: Our latest round of testing showed the struggle to unblock massive amounts of Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, or Netflix shows, uncovering a whole new world of content to watch if you want. It becomes difficult to recommend wholeheartedly.
8. Windscribe - Best VPN in 2022
PROS
- Unlimited device connections
- Crammed with features and functionality
- Speedy WireGuard protocol supported
- Handy freebie to try out
CONS
- Fewer servers than the competition
- Where's the live chat support?
| Windscribe Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | No |
| Trial Period | N/A - free version available |
| Number of Servers | 400+ |
| Server locations | 110+ |
| Countries | 63 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | Unlimited |
Windscribe is a trusted name in the VPN industry and offers a high-quality product that has a lot going for it. From a beginner's standpoint, you get clients for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, for example, as well as sleek browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera extensions. A single subscription also includes unlimited devices, so you can cover them all with Windscribe.
While experienced users will enjoy some of Winscribe's more advanced features you won't find anywhere else. Take, for example, the ability to use OpenVPN setup files from other providers to connect to your servers from Windscribe's app. Quite a space, perhaps, but we like that Windscribe is thinking outside the box.
It is also possible to stream Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube through Windscribe. This makes the provider a good choice for streamers who want to watch foreign content or their programming from abroad - unless you're a Netflix subscriber, as Windscribe has struggled to react to Netflix's latest blackout.
The network has locations in 110 cities spread over 60 countries, but its total of 400 servers is far fewer than other providers. WireGuard is now fully operational and works reliably, even if the speeds are a bit low on the peaks seen from other providers.
And unfortunately, there isn't 24/7 support, so none of your questions may be answered for a while. This seems like a big omission these days, with all the big competition offering an on-the-spot advisor to take on questions. Likewise, it's high time to join the likes of ExpressVPN and NordVPN and have a free eye to verify their privacy policy.
9. Hotspot Shield - Best VPN in 2022
PROS
- Fast connection speeds
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Super-easy to use
- P2P support
- Excellent exclusive pricing
CONS
- Speeds no longer market-leading
- Would welcome more privacy peace-of-mind
| Hotspot Shield Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 45 Days |
| Number of Servers | 1,800+ |
| Server locations | 110+ |
| Countries | 80 |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 5 |
Hotspot Shield's premium VPN gives you full access to 1,800+ servers in over 80 countries, support for connecting up to five devices, 24/7 customer support, and of course, absolutely no ads. It's yet more proof that taking the plunge and paying just a few dollars a month gets you a better VPN experience - especially when you read more about its special pricing just for TechRadar readers.
Performance has been a major selling point for a few years now, with Hotspot Shield's proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol helping to deliver some of the fastest and most consistent download speeds. That said, it has been 'stable' in this regard as of late, and services with WireGuard or that have their proprietary protocols (like ExpressVPN's Lightwave or Nord's NordLink) have now outright overtaken Hotspot when it comes to speeds. Huh.
As well as being able to run the service on devices where you can use your native Windows, Mac, Android or iOS apps, Hotspot has added functionality to support use on routers, Linux, and TV streamers as well. A SmartVPN feature – which lets you select the websites on which the VPN will be bypassed – is another welcome addition, especially if you just want to keep your VPN running when shopping, banking, streaming, and more.
If you want a VPN to help you stream more diverse content, Hotspot unblocks most major streaming services. Unfortunately, recently Netflix's strategy to freeze IP proxy is working very effectively and Hotspot Shield is currently useless as a VPN for Netflix.
To springboard back to the top of this chart, we'd like to see Hotspot bring in some independent auditors to verify its logging practices. In particular, the provider accepts for logging VPN sessions, bandwidth, domains accessed, and IP addresses. These are all argued out on Hotspot's website, but we'd welcome an auditor's perspective on things. Its iOS apps also have room for improvement, which doesn't exactly match the high-quality desktop or Android experience.
But subscribe for just over a month at a time, and Hotspot Shield becomes one of the best-priced premium VPNs on the market. And if you try it and still aren't impressed, there's a generous 45-day money-back guarantee that'll let you get your money back without any problems.
10. StrongVPN - Best VPN in 2022
PROS
- Can be used on loads of devices
- Tempting cloud storage freebie
- WireGuard on all devices
- Strong on streaming
CONS
- Below par speeds
- Fewer server options than most
| StrongVPN Specification | |
|---|---|
| Works on | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Streaming sites unblocked | Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Hulu |
| 24/7 support | Yes |
| Trial Period | 30 Days |
| Number of Servers | 950+ |
| Server locations | 59 |
| Countries | 35+ |
| Maximum Devices Supported | 12 |
You cannot accuse StrongVPN of being vague when it comes to its name. Unlike premium services like CyberGhost and Windscribe, there is no doubt left in anyone's mind about what StrongVPN is all about.
StrongVPN offers a litany of protocols (L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN, IPSec, and IKEv2) on all of its apps, including the super speedy WireGuard, and an impressive nearly 60,000 VPN IP addresses.
Outside of sheer brahmin, StrongVPN takes a minimalist approach, favoring strength over style. But what it does, it does with aplomb. For starters, you have to appreciate the decision to include the ability to connect up to 12 of your devices at any time. So this will cover your desktop, laptop, mobile, tablet, streaming device, and… well, anything else.
And if your primary objective is to find the right piece of software to help you stream all your favorite services, we found that StrongVPN easily unblocks streaming sites like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video from overseas (Though we didn't have any luck with BBC iPlayer)
But it falls short in other regions - read this page up and down and the 900-odd servers, 50-something cities, and 30 countries probably feel somewhat behind what the others on this list have to offer. Our latest set of speed tests wasn't overly encouraging, even with WireGuard on. And its lack of support sites and audits with overdue improvements to be made.
What Is The Best VPN For 2022?
Right now, ExpressVPN tops our list of the best VPNs. There are many reasons for this (and are explored in-depth in this article) but in short, it is because it provides reliable fast server connections; Security is jam-packed with smarts; Is a pleasure to use on desktop, mobile, or other devices; Has a proven track record of unlocking blocked websites and streaming services, and in the unlikely event you run into difficulties, superb, human customer support is available 24/7.
What is a VPN?
VPNs are virtual private networks that encrypt your data and prevent your online behavior from spying on third parties.
When you visit a website, your computer connects to the server where the site is hosted, and that website can see a certain amount of data about you and your computer, depending on the site. With a VPN, you first connect to a private server, which spoofs your data and makes it more difficult for third parties to track what you're doing online.
All told, secure browsing is the main use for consumer VPNs. However, you can use a VPN as a small business owner to provide remote access to your business network, and you can also set up a VPN at home, allowing you to access computers and files on your local network. can be accessed from a remote location.
Whatever the purpose, a VPN forwards your Internet traffic over a private network. For personal use, this means accessing files over the Internet without putting them at risk. For public use, this means connecting to a private network of secure servers before launching into the open Internet.
How Does a VPN work?
You can think of a VPN as an additional level of security for your Internet connection. As mentioned, you connect to a PrivateVPN server before going out to the open internet, which allows you to change your IP address and make it appear as if you're connecting from a different location. VPN providers use strong encryption on that initial connection, however, adding an extra layer of security to you.
VPN providers can do all this through the VPN protocol. A VPN protocol is essentially a set of instructions that tell your computer how to communicate with a VPN server. In addition to instructions for establishing and maintaining your connection, the protocol includes standards for encryption.
Why Do I Need a VPN?
The main reason people get a VPN is online security. Because these services encrypt all of your Internet traffic, it means you effectively become anonymous online, and any activities you perform will be hidden from the likes of your workplace, governments, ISPs, and hackers.
Over the years this has made them mandatory for any time that you are surfing the web over an unsecured connection. How often are you connected to a Wi-Fi hotspot in a public place, such as a bus terminal, train station, cafe, or airport? Wi-Fi hotspots aren't particularly secure things to do, but with a VPN you can rest assured that no one listens when you do your online banking.
That said, there are very valid arguments for saying that VPNs are no longer as essential as they once seemed for security. The rise of websites that use HTTPS means that a large portion of your Internet data will already be encrypted anyway. So when it comes to cyber security, VPN services are becoming a good additional security blanket rather than an essential software.
But it is in the versatility of the VPN where you get the added value. Because they hide your location and make it look like you're using a different IP address, they help prevent those ubiquitous trackers from following us on the Internet, and giving us geographies when we travel. -Enables Obtaining Blocking - Easier to get hold of that box set if you wish but are not in your subscribed country. But for others, it is a lifesaver, as it evades censorship and government surveillance of communications. A VPN makes it very difficult to identify the source of the upload or the websites a person has visited.
How To Choose Your Best VPN?
1. Does this plan have servers in every country and region you need? Having more than one server in a country can help spread out the load, but it doesn't guarantee better performance, so don't assume that a plan with 6,000 servers will automatically beat another with 1,000.
2. Check the number of supported simultaneous connections. Five is the minimum you must accept, which allows you to connect PC, mobile, and tablet at the same time. But beware, many companies say it's only for one user, and they all have fair use policies that prevent people from using resources. If you let the whole family download and stream individual videos, you will be in trouble.
3. Some providers list the connection protocols they use. OpenVPN and IKEV2 are good options, fast and secure. You can see SSTP and the older PPTP, as well as protocol options (TCP or UDP for OpenVPN). You don't need to understand the low-level details, but having additional options can help make a faster and/or more reliable connection to the service.
4. All VPN companies say they don't log everything you're doing online, but essentially they do collect a little data. Some services record the day your account is logged on, the amount of data you use, and delete anything when the session is closed. Others add items like your incoming IP address and the servers you use and keep the data for months, even years. If you are concerned, see the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to learn more.
5. It is important to consider the client, the software that handles your connection. They all have a list of servers and a connect/disconnect button, but can you use more? Some display the server load and ping times in the client interface, to help you choose the right server. Regular users may appreciate the "Favorites" system for saving and recalling specific servers. If you know what you're doing, having access to low-level network settings will help you tune the whole system.
6. Finally, there is the price. Beware of apparently cheap deals: These may have restricted features, excluding taxes, may be waived only for the first billing period, and may automatically renew, so that the $3.99 one-time lump sum may be waived the next. The month should be about $10. Look for a 'pricing' link, read the small print, and if possible use something like PayPal where it's easy to check and cancel the subscription yourself.
Is VPNs Legal?
VPNs are legal in most of the world, but some countries have either banned VPNs outright or put very severe restrictions on their use. Those restrictions are more relevant to the people who live there than they are: we don't know of any tourists throwing in the clink to run a VPN to secure their hotel Wi-Fi, but the obvious Formally, it is wise to be careful in more repressive regimes.
In countries that restrict the use of VPNs, there is often a difference between approved and disapproved. For example, VPNs in China must be approved by the Chinese government, which stipulates that they are the last things you should rely on to hide your activities from the Chinese government. If you use a disapproved one, you could be fined heavily.
In the United Arab Emirates, you can be fined over half a million dollars and/or imprisoned for using any VPN. It's a similar story in Russia, while in Iran using an unapproved VPN can land you in jail. In Uganda, ISPs block all VPN services, Oman has banned the disapproved ones, and Iraq, Belarus, and Turkmenistan have all banned VPNs. So does North Korea.
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