VPN Shopping Guide: How to Choose the Right VPN for You

Are you always browsing the web? You can be on the Internet for various reasons. It could be to catch up on world news, stay connected with your social media family, shop online, exchange emails, and collaborate with your team to work. 

No matter the reason, protecting your security and online privacy is paramount. With the numbers of data breaches and cyber attacks showing no signs of slowing down but they are evolving and causing more harm than ever as you read this blog, it is essential to cover your online tracks. There are malicious actors lurking in the shadows, trying every opportunity to exploit your vulnerabilities. 

Sure, passwords are a strong line of defense unless you are still using your birth date or anniversary date as your password. Do you know what’s even better? VPNs!

VPNs have emerged as a popular security tool, capable of encrypting Internet traffic and masking IP addresses. They offeran additional layer of security and anonymity online. But with so many VPN providers flooding the market, it can be intimidating to choose the right one. 

While we cannot say for sure which VPN provider is right for you, we can point you in the right direction. Continue scrolling this VPN shopping guide to make an informed decision. 

Know & Understand Your Needs 

Before diving into specific features, take a step back and consider your unique reasons for wanting a VPN. Some key questions to ask yourself are:

• Are you concerned about data tracking and online surveillance? 
• Do you need to protect your Internet traffic on Wi-Fi networks?
• Do you wish to access streaming services or websites that are blocked in your country?
• Do you plan to use the VPN for streaming HD content, torrenting, or online gaming?
• How many devices do you want to connect simultaneously?

These answers to these questions will reveal whether you need a VPN with excellent rating for security, unblocking geo-restrictions, performance & speed, or multiple simultaneous device connections. Understanding your specific needs will make it easier for you to make a choice. 

VPN Features To Consider

Do you have a clear understanding of your needs? Good! Let’s move on to understanding the critical features offered by different VPN providers. Here’s a breakdown of the factors you must consider:

• Security protocols – Offering robust security is the primary promise of a VPN. Choose a VPN that makes use ofpowerful encryption protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2/IPsec. These protocols ensure your confidential data remains safe while traveling between your device and the VPN server. 
• Server network – Overcoming geographical restrictions using a VPN is only possible if the VPN has a wider server network. Consider the location and size of the VPN server network to ensure you can bypass geo-restrictions without a second thought. 
• No-logs policy – No reputable VPN provider maintains users’ logs. They all have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t store or record your data about online activities, IP addresses, and connection logs. 
• Connection speed – Sometimes, VPNs can affect your Internet speed because of encryption overhead. Search for providers offering high-speed connections, especially if you plan to use the VPN for gaming, streaming, and similar activities. 
• Simultaneous connections – Do you need to connect multiple devices at once? Choose a VPN provider that allows the number of concurrent connections you require. 
• Device compatibility – A significant factor to consider is device compatibility. The VPN service must be compatible with the devices you plan to use it on. For example, if you have a Windows computer, look for a VPN for PC. 
• User-friendliness – An easy to use interface and straightforward setup process are crucial for a smooth, fuss-free VPN experience. 
• Customer support – Dependable customer support is critical if you encounter any technical difficulties with the VPN service. 

Comparing Top VPN Providers 

Please note the subscription fees are subject to change. Kindly go to the official website of your preferred VPN service to check its current monthly pricing. 

What Are The Additional Considerations To Keep In Mind?

• Stay wary of free VPNs – As you search for VPN providers, you’ll come across a hunch of free VPN services. Yes, it’s tempting to use those services. However, free VPN services come with limitations like slow speeds, data caps, and intrusive advertising. Also, they don’t promise to not record and store a log of your online activities. 
• Keep an eye out for money-back guarantees and free trials – Most reputable and reliable VPN providers offer money-back guarantees or free trials, such as Surfshark and NordVPN. This allows you to test the service before committing to a paid plan. 
• Streaming services – Is bypassing geo-restrictions for streaming services your priority? Find out whether the VPN provider can help you unblock popular platforms like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, etc. Not all VPNs are able to do this because streaming services are actively trying to detect and block VPN traffic. 
• Split tunneling – Split tunneling is a feature that allows you to select which traffic goes through the VPN and which remains on your local network. This can come in handy for activities that require your local IP address. 

Conclusion: Making The Final Choice!

There’s nothing called the ‘best’ VPN because the ideal choice depends on your individual priorities and needs. Consider the factors discussed above, weigh the pros and cons of different providers, and think of your budget. Take advantage of money-back guarantees and free trials to decide which VPN is truly the best for you.

Also, read –

• Why Your Next Smartphone Should Be a Refurbished Device
• What is Innovative about Wireless Charging Technology?