5 impressive VPN services for secure online privacy
One of the first things you need to do while using the Internet is to keep your online presence is secure. And an essential part of your online safety kit is access to a virtual private network (VPN). It ensures that you’re not a sitting duck for malicious online entities waiting to steal your data and wreak havoc on your life. It’s also your pass to get around blocked websites, and if you choose the best VPN service provider, you can easily access the latest movies or shows in foreign Netflix catalogues, access geo-blocked websites, and shop in safety.
If you’re looking to secure your online presence and are in search of a suitable VPN service, there are plenty of options to choose from.
ExpressVPN
If you’re looking for speed, privacy, and the ability to unblock websites, then ExpressVPN perfectly fits the bill. This VPN service offers access to more than 3,000 servers in over 160 locations across 94 countries! This, perhaps, makes ExpressVPN the widest platform you’ll ever find. This VPN service not only works seamlessly on almost all operating systems but also possesses custom firmware for some routers and DNS content-unblocking for several streaming media services. All these functionalities can be a bit overwhelming if you are new to using a VPN service, but ExpressVPN is always ready to help.
Surfshark
Surfshark aces the branding game and does wonders when it comes to securing your online presence. The service is based in the British Virgin Islands and offers access over 1000 servers across 60 locations. If you aren’t very tech-savvy and find it difficult to use OpenVPN UDP and TCP, IkEv2 security protocols, and AES-256 encryption (which Surfshark possesses), then this VPN service is the perfect choice for you. The interface is quite simple and does away with the paraphernalia. You’ll find options like “Quick Connect” and “All Locations” and a very clear settings icon. You can also easily find your way around the website. Surfshark even has a kill switch that prevents your details from being leaked if your connection ever fails. It even has a private DNS and an extra security blanket in the form of a double VPN hop. Another reason to consider Surfshark is that the subscription covers an unlimited devices and services. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee!
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a Romanian and German-based VPN service provider whose ability to combine power and ease of use helped them garner over 10 million users! When you consider the basic features, CyberGhost does a wonderful job! It has over 5,000 servers spread across 90 countries and integrates well with apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It even allows torrents and facilitates speedy live chat support. The highlight of using this VPN service is its task-based app interface which doesn’t make you indulge in guesswork. For instance, if you choose a geo-blocked service, the app automatically connects you to the best server and opens a browser window at the target site. You can even opt for some extra features that can block ads, trackers, and malicious sites. This VPN service packs in several functionalities for a fair price and offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
IPVanish
IPVanish has some impressive stats: over 40,000 shared IPs, 1300 VPN servers in more than 70 countries, unlimited P2P traffic, 10 simultaneous connections, and 24/7 customer support. The best part of this VPN service is that the customer support can be accessed directly from your Android or iOS app from your mobile fine. This accessibility gives IPVanish quite a few brownie points. These apps are a great addition and have several unusual features, options and settings that is way better than the regular “basic connect button” type apps you usually find elsewhere. The servers are always up and connects quickly, the download speeds are commendable, and torrents are supported on every server, and you can easily access geo-blocked sites. In case you aren’t happy with the services, you can always make use of the seven-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN
If the most important aspect for you is security, then NordVPN is the way to go. It offers 2048-bit encryption which will leave even the military impressed. It has over 5,500 servers that are spread across over 60 countries. Moreover, this VPN service gives you strong DNS leak protection, two kill switches, and excellent connection speeds. You would definitely find the unique features more appealing, like proxy extensions for services like credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrency. In addition to these, you’ll get SmartPlay to let you get around geo-restrictions with ease. NordVPN has excellent customer support options as well. So, if you ever face any trouble with the service, you can always seek help from the numerous detailed guides on the website or via email or chat support.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) has been around for a long time and has managed to create a loyal customer base for itself. It shouldn’t be surprising since it offers fast, reliable connections to the servers across the globe and rarely disconnects. Its “Detect Best Server” feature allows you to connect to the strongest server without indulging in any guesswork. This modern VPN service has apps for platforms like Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even Linux! PIA is a convenient option as it lets you stay secure on up to 10 devices at the same time, and the long-term plans are quite budget-friendly as well.
Ensure that you make a sound choice as choosing the right VPN service goes a long way in offering you a secure, encrypted online environment. It will protect you against mass data collection and hackers who tend to casually vacuum your data for future purposes.