VPNs are useful security tools that can protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions to access extra content, and much more. If this is all very new to you, you've probably got a lot of questions. Don't worry, because we can help.
We've done all the hard work for you and thoroughly researched these services to provide the information that matters to you. Here's everything you need to know about VPNs.
What is a VPN?
VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) provide important protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.
Basically, you can think about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.
Do you need a VPN?
Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. There's no need to panic, because whether you're sending important emails, doing some online shopping, or paying essential bills, VPNs make sure that everything remains private and anonymous.
First and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services: streaming more content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming services into thinking that you are based in a different country. This means that you can watch all of the shows and films from global libraries, like all the extra content on U.S. Netflix. This is the quickest and easiest way of boosting your content options, without the need to rely on a dodgy stream.
What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?
There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to VPNs, but we don't have all day. Instead of listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about.
Before you make any sort of decision, you should look out for connection speed, server network, number of logins, and more important features:
- Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.
- Connection speed — Using a VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept a significant drop that is going to result in buffering. Be sure to select a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or download a file without frustration.
- Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.
- Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. Others limit you to just a single device. You should look out for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time.
- Server network — The very best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. It's useful if a VPN has a lot of servers in key locations, because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing anonymously. It's not a straightforward case of more is better, but it's always good to have options.
- Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.
There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.
Should you use free VPNs?
There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. So why would you ever pay for a VPN?
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.
What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.
What is the best VPN?
There are a lot of VPN providers out there all offering different sets of features, with different pricing structures. We recommend taking some time to carefully access your options, and decide on what you really need from a VPN. Once you have established your priorities, you can check out this definitive list of the best VPNs this month.
We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything else. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list. All you need to do is weigh up these options against your own set of priorities, and then pick a favourite from the bunch.
These are the best VPNs in 2024.
NordVPN
Best For Security
- Monthly: ?10.39/month
- One-year plan: ?3.99/month
- Two-year plan: ?3.19/month
NordVPN is one of the most comprehensive VPNs out there, and it's difficult to find anything to complain about. It did experience a data leak a few years ago, but that's about it.
Users get access to a diverse network of servers, advanced security features, and powerful encryption. Plus, connection speeds are solid and it's really easy to use.?
If you are looking to stream the NBA and protect your data and identity, NordVPN is a solid choice.
CyberGhost VPN
Best For Design
- Monthly: ?10.89/month
- Six-month plan: ?6.19/month
- Two-year plan: ?1.92/month
The situation is slowly changing for the better, but there are still a lot of VPNs that have outdated and clunky interfaces. CyberGhost VPN is not one of these services. It is easy to use, attractive, and intuitive.
CyberGhost VPN's connection speeds can sometimes be a poor, but its sever network is large and diverse. This means that if you're struggling for speed, you should be able to switch to something better in no time.
CyberGhost VPN also has a strong and clear privacy policy, so you know exactly what's happening with your data.
Private Internet Access
Best For Server Network
- Monthly: ?10.99/month
- Six-month plan: ?5.39/month
- Two-year plan: ?1.69/month
Private Internet Access is a straightforward service that provides users with powerful encryption, decent connection speeds, and plenty of features that help with streaming.
We're always on the lookout for things that make a VPN stand out from the crowd, and it's easy with Private Internet Access. This service has an absolutely massive network of servers, so you should always be able to find a fast and reliable connection.
Private Internet Access looks a little dated, but if you can get past this, you'll get one of the most powerful VPNs on the market.
Surfshark
Best For Multiple Users
- Monthly: ?9.90/month
- One-year plan: ?3.05/month
- Two-year plan: ?1.76/month
It can be difficult to pick between VPNs, because most of these services offer very similar packages.?
Surfshark does stand out from the majority of leading services though, because it offers an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. This is great news for large households, especially if everyone is online at the same time.
Surfshark also offers decent speeds, a stylish app, and plenty of easy to use features that should appeal to everyone. It might be lacking is some advanced security features, but that shouldn't bother anyone who simply wants to stream sport.
TunnelBear
Best For Free
- Monthly: ?7.78/month
- One-year plan: ?3.89/month
- Three-year plan: ?2.59/month
TunnelBear has always stood out from other VPNs thanks to its cute, almost childlike interface that makes it welcoming to people not used to VPNs. That continues to be reflected in its free Chrome extension.
In exchange for an email address (you can always use a throwaway one), you get 500MB of data a month. That's not much, but it's good for brief browsing sessions. Taking seconds to install, the TunnelBear Chrome VPN extension encrypts your browsing activity and allows you to choose what country you wish to appear you're from.
You'll burn through that data if you do anything like streaming via Netflix, so it's not recommended for that. However, you can upgrade your service to the full subscription plan, which gives you unlimited bandwidth.
ProtonVPN
Best For Free
- Monthly: ?9.87/month
- One-year plan: ?5.15/month
- Two-year plan: ?4.29/month
ProtonVPN offers users the choice of services, with Basic, Plus, and Visionary plans available. Each one offers a different package of features, so it really depends on your expected usage.
ProtonVPN is Switzerland-based, meaning your data is shielded by Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strongest in the world. ProtonVPN also has a strict no logging policy that means none of your data can be revealed to third parties. Users also get a kill-switch, DNS leak prevention, and much more.
What sets ProtonVPN apart from the competition is its free version. No, this doesn't include the most advanced features, but it still offers enough for most users.
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