How to choose the best VPN for you?
The webspace is vast and loaded with goodies or hobbies we can partake in. But it’s not always the case. Though the internet is accessible to everyone, it’s bustling with restrictions, nefarious snoopers, and ads that track your every move online. This calls for us to employ some fundamental security tools, even the most basic.
That’s where software like VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes in handy. It’s a popular tool that people worldwide use daily, and most devices already have built-in VPNs. However, choosing the service might be challenging with such a brimming market. Not every provider is worth their salt, and it’s easy to botch up the choice.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the basics of a VPN and discuss how to choose the best one for you.
A VPN: what is it?
VPN is software that routes your internet traffic through a protective tunnel, encrypting it and making your data as secure as a bank vault. Modern and reliable VPNs employ AES-256 encryption for the highest tier protection from nosy ISPs (Internet Service Providers), advertisers, snoopers, and even cybercrooks. Hence, your online ventures remain private.
Simultaneously, you get a different IP address since you connect to a server in an available country (or choose from the list). Thanks to that, you get to browse the web regardless of geographical restrictions on top of keeping your data safe. The true trouble arises, though, when the time comes to choose a VPN service.
The internet is bustling with flashy advertisements promoting big and small VPN providers, influencers offering YouTube codes, TikTokers sharing their service experiences, and Reddit threads revealing first-hand insights. It’s too easy to get lost in all of this. While such information is useful, you have to take it in knowing how to find what’s essential for making that informed decision.
How to choose the right provider?
So, how do you choose a VPN that clicks with you? Well, there are several things to consider and some nifty tricks to know. If you’re new to the VPN industry, then you need to start from the basics and not bother yourself with technicalities too much. Below, we share the fundamentals of hunting for providers that won’t disappoint you.
1. Look up recommendations & reviews
It’s always a good idea to start with people’s opinions and direct experiences with the product. That being said, pay more attention to user reviews rather than article reviews, and in that case, make sure they are reputable and do their research. The most popular platforms for checking VPN user reviews are Reddit, TrustPilot, or Sitejabber. There are plenty of forums as well, such as AirVPN Forums, VPNTutorials, and Cisco Community.
There are few things better for getting a thorough image of the VPN you wish to buy than the collective voice of people who have tried the service themselves. They share the highlights of the VPN, bugs they find, and general downsides, and even provide tips or quick fixes. Overall, you get a comprehensive picture without needing to try the service and potentially wasting your time.
2. Decide your exact VPN needs
Another tip is to figure out what you need the service for. Is your focus data security to prevent crooked hackers lurking on public networks or advertising companies from harvesting your information? Maybe you’re a media enthusiast who wishes to see shows and flicks on geographically restricted platforms. Or, you’re looking to lift bandwidth throttling so you can game with your friends online on low ping?
Those are the questions you must answer yourself. Once you decide the purpose of VPN in your arsenal, you can choose accordingly. Some VPNs are built with more robust security, while others prioritize streaming or P2P file-sharing. Moreover, you might need a stand-alone service. For others, a VPN as part of an antivirus suite is exactly what they need.
3. Check for features and functionality
Some VPNs operate as fully developed software, while others are part of another cybersecurity tool package. Most often, it’s the antivirus that offers a built-in VPN. The former case means more substantial functionality and more features. They’re usually best for demanding tasks like streaming, gaming, or torrenting. Built-in VPNs are lesser in their capabilities and typically prioritize security, so they have smaller server fleets and fewer features.
For example, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are full-fledged VPN services that operate alone. What unites such top-tier providers is the vast global coverage, modern tunneling protocols, unlimited data, and features like IP & DNS leak protection, a kill switch, or obfuscated servers. They can deal with heavier tasks with no problem. Even on distant servers, the performance doesn’t falter much, so you can stream a show in Japan while connected all the way to Finland.
Of course, you’ll likely opt for a cheaper solution if you don’t need that much. Or perhaps you want a protective package. Lesser VPNs, which usually come as a built-in feature, only have a kill switch, IP & DNS leak protection, simpler tunneling protocols, and no more than a couple hundred servers. As you can see, protection and privacy are more prevalent, though not necessarily better than those provided by stand-alone services.
Final thoughts
A VPN becomes an indispensable tool quite quickly once you get your hands on a reliable option. It keeps our data safe as we traverse the web, no matter what dark alleyways we stumble upon. A few clicks, and we get a US, UK, or Australian IP address. Virtual barriers falter before the capabilities of a VPN, and best yet, it’s an easily accessible service that doesn’t break the bank.
However, numerous people end up shying away from obtaining one due to the confusing market. It’s loaded with premium and dubious brands that could become one murky mush for people new to VPNs. For this reason, it’s important to know what to look for and where. Listen to insights of users who tried the service you want to buy, then decide why you need a VPN and choose one whose features will let you achieve your goals.