A VPN is a useful security tool that can help you protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions and access additional content. If you’re new to it, you might have a lot of questions. Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
We’ve done all the hard work for you and thoroughly researched these services to provide you with the information that matters to you. Here’s everything you need to know about VPNs.
What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an important way to protect your data and identity while online. A VPN gives you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location), meaning all your activity is untraceable and secure.
Essentially, you can think of a VPN as an encrypted tunnel through which all your online traffic passes. No one can see inside the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected from online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.
Do I need a VPN?
Any activity on an unsecure WiFi network exposes your personal information and browsing habits to the world, unless you’re using a VPN. Don’t panic: Whether you’re sending an important email, shopping online, or paying an important bill, a VPN keeps everything private and anonymous.
Best VPNs for iPhone
First and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but there’s another reason millions of people use these services: to stream content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting to a server in a different location, you can trick your favorite streaming service into thinking you’re in a different country. That means you can watch every show and movie in their library from around the world, including all of Netflix US’s extra content. It’s the quickest and easiest way to expand your content options without having to rely on shady streams.
What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to a VPN, but you probably don’t have all day to do it. Rather than listing every feature the best VPNs offer, we’ve highlighted some of the most important things to consider.
Before making any decision, you should take note of the connection speed, server network, number of logins, and other important features.
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Bandwidth — Some VPNs cap your monthly network bandwidth, meaning you’re limited in how much data you can download. Avoid these services unless they offer a free trial. If you’re paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.
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Connection Speed — Although a VPN will slow down your connection speed, you shouldn’t accept such a drastic reduction that it leads to buffering. Choose a VPN that doesn’t impact your connection speed so much that it becomes frustrating when watching movies or downloading files.
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encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and it’s important to pay attention to the level your VPN offers, but the best options will all provide strong protection for your data. You’ll likely see terms like “military grade” or “enterprise grade,” which simply means that the VPN works reliably.
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Number of connections — Some VPNs allow you to connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account, while others limit you to just one device. You should look for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections so you can protect all your devices at the same time.
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Server Network — The best VPNs offer access to literally thousands of geographically distributed servers. A VPN with lots of servers in key locations is useful because it ensures you always have a stable, fast connection for streaming, shopping, and browsing anonymously. More isn’t necessarily better, but it’s good to have options.
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privacy policy — It’s worth paying particular attention to the data processing, storage, and usage practices of any VPN you plan to use. These should be outlined in their privacy policy, and if they’re not clear, it’s best to avoid using them. Most VPNs ask for your IP address, online transactions, browsing history, and even access to your personal information when you sign up. If privacy is your goal, it’s absolutely essential that your VPN does not store these details – otherwise the entire VPN would be pointless.
There are other things to consider, like pricing and subscription plans, but these features are a good starting point.
Should I use a free VPN?
Many popular VPNs have free versions, and even free VPN trials that give you full access to all the features available in the premium plans. So why pay for a VPN?
Like most things in life, with a VPN you get what you pay for. Free versions always have their drawbacks and usually limit your data usage. If you’re an occasional user, these plans may be enough. But if you’re into streaming and downloading, this isn’t the way to go. Free trials are a bit different. They come with everything you get in a paid plan, but of course they don’t last very long. Trials are great for trying out the service before committing to it, but they’re not a long-term solution.
What we’re saying is that if you want to stream safely and access the online world without restrictions, a paid VPN subscription is your best option. You’ll have to pay to access advanced security features without usage limits. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheaper plans available too, especially if you don’t mind committing to a long-term contract.
What is the best VPN?
There are many VPN providers out there, each offering a different set of features and different pricing structures. We encourage you to take the time to carefully consider your options and decide what you really need from a VPN. Once you’ve decided your priorities, check out this month’s definitive list of the best VPNs.
We’ve tracked down everything on offer and handpicked the best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything in between. We’ve tried to find something for everyone and every budget. The list includes popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN. All you have to do is weigh these options against your priorities and choose your favorite.
These are the best VPNs for 2024.
