The world has changed a lot in the last 20 years. There are more ways to share information than ever before and almost everything we do is recorded, tracked, and analyzed. Our digital footprint is growing continuously and it’s virtually impossible to hide from prying eyes. So what can you do about it? The answer: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). A VPN will not only help you remain anonymous online, but also keep your personal data secure. Whether you’re an everyday user or a business owner, a VPN will have positive effects on your Internet experience. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of using a VPN, as well as our list of the best VPN services of 2019.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts your data and routes it through a remote server. This way, you can surf the web anonymously, avoid censorship, and access geo-restricted content. VPNs are used in many industries and are especially helpful for people who work remotely and regularly travel. A VPN secures your internet connection by providing a secure virtual tunnel for your data. This tunnel protects your information by encrypting it. ISPs can see that you are connecting to the internet, but they can’t see what you’re doing while you’re connected. VPNs are used by individuals and businesses to increase security while connecting to public WiFi, shield against identity theft, and create a virtual private network (VPN) to send sensitive data while traveling.
Why you should use a VPN
- Protect Your Privacy - Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can easily log all your online activity. They store your online history, sell your data to third parties, and even monitor your online habits in real-time. A VPN will help you stay completely anonymous online, as it hides your data from your ISP. This way, no one can track your online activity and you’ll remain protected against identity theft at all times. - Avoid Censorship - Some countries censor their citizens by blocking popular websites, apps, and social media platforms. A VPN will help you unblock websites and apps while travelling, so you can access information that’s normally blocked. VPNs are also useful against censorship imposed by workplaces, schools, and even your own WiFi network. - Save Money When Travelling - Most hotels charge a high fee for WiFi usage. Using a VPN will allow you to access your home WiFi remotely and avoid paying extra for Internet access. It’s also helpful if you’re regularly travelling for work and need access to your company’s resources. - Protect Your computer - Viruses, malware, and ransomware can easily infect your computer if you’re not careful. Using a VPN will shield you from these threats by creating an impenetrable shield around your computer.
The benefits of using a VPN
- Unblock Websites and Apps - You can unblock any app or website using a VPN. This will allow you to bypass censorship restrictions and avoid online tracking. You can also unblock websites like Netflix and Hulu that are normally only available in specific regions. - Protect Your Privacy - ISPs can see everything you do online, including which websites you visit, how long you spend on each site, and what you click on. A VPN will keep your data safe and secure by encrypting it. - Protect Yourself from Hackers - Using public WiFi is a big no-no, as it leaves you vulnerable to hackers. A VPN will help you stay protected against hackers while using public WiFi. - Save Money When Travelling - If you regularly travel for work or pleasure, you’ve probably experienced the pain of expensive data roaming charges. A VPN will help you avoid these extra charges by letting you use your home data plan to browse. - Protect Your Computer - Viruses, malware, and ransomware can easily infect your computer if you’re not careful. A VPN shields your computer from these threats by creating an impenetrable shield around your device.
How to choose the best VPN for your needs
- Look for Reputable Companies - You want to be sure that the VPN you select is reputable, trustworthy, and has a proven track record. Many companies are now offering VPN services, but not all of them are good. Make sure to do your research before committing to a specific service. - Check If the VPN is Logging Your Data - An excellent way to gauge a VPN’s trustworthiness is to check if they’re logging your data. If a VPN is logging your data, they could easily sell it to advertisers and other third parties. - Choose a VPN with Unlimited Bandwidth - Some VPNs set a cap on the amount of data you can use each month. This can be problematic if you’re using the VPN for long periods of time or are trying to stream online content. - Get a VPN with a Reputable Money-back Guarantee - If you’re not happy with your VPN, you want to be able to get your money back without any hassle. Some VPNs won’t let you cancel your subscription once you’ve started using the service, so it’s important to choose one that offers a money-back guarantee.
Best Paid VPNs
- PureVPN - PureVPN is a very popular VPN service that’s been around for over a decade. The company offers a wide variety of high-end features, including server locations in 141 countries, a NAT Firewall, and a Kill Switch. PureVPN also has advanced protocols and special features designed specifically for users in China. The company is known for its excellent customer support and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. - ExpressVPN - ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services in the world. It’s known for its excellent security protocols, fast connection speeds, and wide server network. The company is also very reliable and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, including some locations in China. You can subscribe to the service with a one-month trial and receive a 49% discount. - IPVanish - IPVanish is one of the most popular VPN services in the world. It’s known for its fast connection speeds and excellent security protocols, including strong encryption and a NAT Firewall. The company also has a large server network and offers unlimited bandwidth. - ZenMate - ZenMate is a very popular VPN service that’s used by more than 45 million people worldwide. The company is based in Berlin and features strong security protocols, including AES encryption and a Kill Switch. ZenMate has a large server network and offers unlimited bandwidth.
Best Free VPNs
- TunnelBear - TunnelBear is a very popular VPN service that’s known for its friendly user interface and large server network. The company has a minimalist design and offers a wide range of security protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2. TunnelBear has servers in 20 countries, including some locations in China. - Windscribe - Windscribe is a very popular free VPN service that offers special features for people who are concerned about their privacy. The company has a large server network and offers unlimited bandwidth. Windscribe has a minimalist design and features a built-in firewall against aggressive advertising and malicious sites. - Surfshark - Surfshark is a new VPN service that’s already getting a lot of attention. The company has a large server network and offers unlimited bandwidth. Surfshark has a user-friendly design and features strong security protocols, including AES encryption and a Kill Switch.
Conclusion
Virtual Private Networks are a great way to protect your online privacy and unblock content from around the world. They're also useful for avoiding censorship and protecting your computer against malware and viruses. VPNs can be utilized for many different things and are a great tool for any internet user. The best way to use a VPN is to sign up for a paid service from a reputable provider. You want to make sure your data is protected with strong encryption and that your VPN doesn’t keep logs of your online activity. By selecting one of our recommended VPNs for 2019, you can rest assured that your online data will remain safe, secure, and anonymous.