We are all surrounded by gadgets. We have smartphones, smartwatches, computers, Chromecast, etc. But, with the rise in devices, users are looking for better privacy and security.
Everybody wants to keep their data safe and away from those who might misuse it. This fear of safety has led to an increase in multiple security options, and one among them is a VPN.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network that keeps you anonymous while surfing the web. Before knowing more about the VPN, let us learn how your search works.
Let’s imagine a tunnel. You send your search request using a browser from one end of the tunnel. Another end is the server which reads your request and sends back the required results. These search requests carry a lot of information about you, like your IP address, device details, and even personal details. If these paths are not secure, you might get attacked by hackers.
Here is where a VPN comes in handy. When you set up the VPN, it creates an extra filter in the tunnel. The information you requested goes to the VPN server and then reaches the other end of the tunnel. This filtered information makes it difficult for hackers to make any move.
A VPN also helps in bypassing state censorship and location spoofing. Let us say you have restrictions to use Google or YouTube in your country. You can use a VPN that has a server in another country and watch YouTube hassle-free. Similarly, you can stream geo-restricted content like Netflix shows available only in the US or UK from your location.
So the next question would be, which is the right VPN. There are hundreds of VPN available in the market, both free and premium. Hence we considered the factors given below to sort the best apps.
- Speed & Performance
- Server count spread globally
- Jurisdiction (Privacy-friendly locations)
- Encryption
- Geo Unblocking
- Multiple devices
- Value for money
- Customer service
Premium Apps
Nord VPN
Nord VPN is a Juggernaut. They have 5000+ servers in over 50 countries, making it easy for users to select their preferred locations. Users can have uninterrupted streaming of their favorite shows across the globe with no boundaries.
They also have a strict no-logs policy so users can browse content hassle-free. With one subscription, you can connect six devices on multiple platforms, with a 24/7 support service for any queries.
SurfShark
SurfShark is a powerful VPN that does not get heavy on your pocket. It comes along with military-grade encryption, with 3200+ servers in 65 countries.
SurfShark is apt for streaming Netflix, with a strict no-logs policy. But the best-selling point of this app is that a single subscription is enough to connect unlimited devices. You can protect your members with just one account.
Click here to get extra 30 days of SurfShark.
Express VPN
I am sure you will be familiar with this name because they are famous. Well, they are popular for a reason, because they keep your privacy secure with 256 Bit Encryption.
The app is pretty neat for torrenting and works well in China. They come along with a strict No-logs policy and headquartered in a privacy-friendly location.
Express VPN is compatible with Smart TV, PC, Mac, gaming consoles, routers, and browser extensions. The app offers connections to five devices simultaneously. My suggestion would be to activate a VPN on your router, which will act as a single device, and you can connect other devices to it.
VYPR VPN
VyPr VPN is another VPN service based out of Switzerland. It allows streaming and apt for torrenting smoothly. They have server distribution in over 70 locations with 700+ servers.
The app also comes with a kill switch that will keep your personal information private if you feel any network discrepancy. Users can connect the VPN to multiple devices but use only five gadgets simultaneously.
Free Apps
There are hundreds of free VPNs in the market for users. We love practicing the free versions as they are very user-friendly, but have you ever wondered how they make revenue without charging for their services?
Well, we are the product for them. Companies use our data as revenue for their services, which is why you might have noticed ads based on your searches while using these VPNs. It means they are sharing our data with other agencies, which a VPN provider must not do. Other issues faced by free VPNs are lack of server, low speed, and uneven performance.
Still, some VPNs cut through and provide exceptional service. Below is the list of the best free VPN you can try.
Atlas VPN
Essential needs we want from our VPN are security and the ability to unblock streaming services in other regions. Yes, premium apps offer all these features, but Atlas VPN will give us the benefits for free.
Atlas has high-end security with AES 256 Bit Encryption and industry-standard tunneling protocol, which will keep your data secure. Even though they have minimal data logging, it is challenging to track back to you.
It also opens streaming options like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Users can watch Netflix shows from the US and Netherlands. I would not suggest it for torrenting as the speed is mediocre, and it is just ok.
Atlas VPN is a brand new app that just launched in 2020 but is making its way to the top by providing excellent features in free services.
Proton
Proton VPN takes care of your data, as it has no tracking and leak-free security. These factors are vital for a free VPN. The speed of the app is average and has server availability in only three countries. The geoblocking of contents might not work, and only a single user can use an account.
Proton VPN might not be the best in free options, but it is the most reliable VPN in keeping your data safe.
Windscribe
Windscribe is another free VPN that follows no logs policy. Even though they are in Canada (5 Eyes Country), they have solid security and a strict policy on data handling.
The app offers a kill switch, time zone spoofing, ad blocking, multiple hops, etc., as their security features. With all these options in its bucket, this app is a goldmine for a free VPN.
All the three free VPNs mentioned above have their premium versions as well. You can first try these free VPNs and decide if you require the premium model.
In the end, I would suggest using the premium versions, as they are better capable of protecting our data. I would also like to hear about your favorite VPN in the comments below.
