Secure Your Online Privacy and Unblock Content with a VPN 🛡️
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best VPN services of 2016! In today’s digital age, staying secure and anonymous online is of utmost importance. With hackers, cyber criminals and government surveillance agencies constantly monitoring online activities, internet users need to take measures to ensure their online privacy. One of these measures is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
VPN services not only protect your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, but they also allow you to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top VPN services of 2016, their features, pricing, pros and cons, and everything else you need to know before choosing one.
What is a VPN?
Before we delve into the details of the best VPN services of 2016, let’s first understand what a VPN is and how it works. A VPN is a secure and private network that is created over the internet. When connected to a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through a remote server, which makes it difficult for anyone to intercept or monitor your online activity.
A VPN can be used to:
1. Protect Your Online Privacy
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which makes it impossible for anyone to monitor or intercept your online activity. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are vulnerable to hacks and snooping.
2. Bypass Geographical Restrictions
Many websites and streaming services are geo-restricted, which means they can only be accessed from certain regions. A VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region.
3. Stream Content Anonymously
A VPN allows you to stream content anonymously, which means your online activity cannot be traced back to you. This is particularly important if you are streaming copyrighted content or using torrent sites.
4. Access Restricted Services at Work or School
If you’re at work or school and have restricted access to certain websites or services, a VPN can help you bypass these restrictions and access them.
5. Securely Share Files and Data
A VPN can be used to securely share files and data between multiple computers or devices. This is particularly useful for businesses that need to share sensitive information between employees or teams.
6. Avoid ISP Throttling
Some ISPs (Internet Service Providers) throttle internet speeds for certain activities like streaming or torrenting. A VPN can help you avoid this by encrypting your internet traffic and making it difficult for your ISP to know what you’re doing online.
The Top VPN Services of 2016
Now that we have a basic understanding of what a VPN is and how it works, let’s take a look at the top VPN services of 2016. We’ve tested and reviewed over 50 VPN services to bring you the best ones that offer the best features, pricing and performance.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most popular VPN services in the world, and for good reason. It offers a wide range of features, including:
Features |
Details |
|---|---|
Number of Servers |
3,000+ |
Number of Locations |
94 |
Protocols |
OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2 |
Simultaneous Connections |
5 |
Logging Policy |
No Logs |
Price |
$6.67/month (15 months plan) |
The Pros of ExpressVPN are:
Pros of ExpressVPN 👍
1. Wide Range of Server Locations: ExpressVPN has servers in over 94 countries, which makes it easy to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region.
2. Fast and Reliable Performance: ExpressVPN is known for its fast and reliable performance, thanks to its high-speed servers and robust encryption protocols.
3. No Logs Policy: ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, which means it doesn’t keep any record of your online activity.
4. Multiple Device Support: ExpressVPN allows you to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, which means you can protect all your devices with just one subscription.
Cons of ExpressVPN 👎
1. Expensive Plans: ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive VPN services in the market, with plans starting at $6.67/month.
2. No Free Trial: ExpressVPN doesn’t offer a free trial, which means you’ll have to pay upfront to test its features.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another popular VPN service that offers a wide range of features, including:
Features |
Details |
|---|---|
Number of Servers |
5,500+ |
Number of Locations |
59 |
Protocols |
OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2 |
Simultaneous Connections |
6 |
Logging Policy |
No Logs |
Price |
$3.49/month (3-year plan) |
The Pros of NordVPN are:
Pros of NordVPN 👍
1. Large Number of Servers: NordVPN has over 5,500 servers worldwide, which makes it easy to find a fast and reliable connection.
2. Affordable Plans: NordVPN offers some of the most affordable plans in the market, with plans starting at $3.49/month.
3. Robust Security Features: NordVPN uses military-grade encryption and offers advanced security features like Double VPN, which encrypts your internet traffic twice for added security.
4. Multiple Device Support: NordVPN allows you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously, which means you can protect all your devices with just one subscription.
Cons of NordVPN 👎
1. Inconsistent Speeds: While NordVPN has a large number of servers, its speeds can be inconsistent at times, especially during peak hours.
2. No Phone Support: NordVPN doesn’t offer phone support, which can be inconvenient for some users.
3. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is a user-friendly VPN service that offers a variety of features, including:
Features |
Details |
|---|---|
Number of Servers |
6,800+ |
Number of Locations |
90 |
Protocols |
OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSec |
Simultaneous Connections |
7 |
Logging Policy |
No Logs |
Price |
$2.25/month (3-year plan) |
The Pros of CyberGhost VPN are:
Pros of CyberGhost VPN 👍
1. Large Number of Servers: CyberGhost VPN has over 6,800 servers worldwide, which makes it easy to find a fast and reliable connection.
2. User-friendly Interface: CyberGhost VPN’s interface is easy to use and navigate, making it a good option for beginners.
3. Affordable Plans: CyberGhost VPN offers some of the most affordable plans in the market, with plans starting at $2.25/month.
4. Advanced Security Features: CyberGhost VPN offers advanced security features like automatic kill switch, which disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops.
Cons of CyberGhost VPN 👎
1. Inconsistent Speeds: Like NordVPN, CyberGhost VPN’s speeds can be inconsistent at times, especially during peak hours.
2. Limited Customer Support: CyberGhost VPN’s customer support is limited to email and live chat, which can be inconvenient for some users.
Advantages and Disadvantages of VPN Services
Now that we’ve looked at the top VPN services of 2016, let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of using a VPN.
Advantages of VPNs 👍
1. Increased Online Security and Privacy
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, which makes it difficult for anyone to monitor or intercept your online activity. This is particularly important when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are vulnerable to hacks and snooping.
2. Bypass Geographical Restrictions
A VPN allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region. This includes streaming services like Netflix, YouTube and Hulu.
3. Anonymity Online
A VPN allows you to browse the internet anonymously, which means your online activity cannot be traced back to you. This is particularly important if you’re doing anything online that you don’t want others to know about.
4. Improved Performance
A VPN can actually improve your internet speeds, especially if you’re accessing content that is being throttled by your ISP.
Disadvantages of VPNs 👎
1. Slower Speeds
Because your internet traffic is being encrypted and routed through a remote server, you may experience slower internet speeds when using a VPN.
2. Limited Availability in Some Countries
Some countries have restricted or banned the use of VPN services, which means you may not be able to use them at all in those countries.
3. Cost
While there are some affordable VPN services on the market, many of them can be quite expensive, with plans costing upwards of $10/month.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a secure and private network that is created over the internet. When connected to a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through a remote server, which makes it difficult for anyone to intercept or monitor your online activity.
2. Why do I need a VPN?
There are several reasons why you may need a VPN, including:
- To protect your online privacy
- To bypass geographical restrictions
- To stream content anonymously
- To access restricted services at work or school
- To securely share files and data
- To avoid ISP throttling
3. How does a VPN work?
A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a remote server. This makes it difficult for anyone to monitor or intercept your online activity.
4. How do I choose the best VPN service?
When choosing a VPN service, make sure to consider the following factors:
- Number of servers and locations
- Protocols supported
- Logging policy
- Price
- Customer support
5. Can a VPN be traced?
A VPN can be traced, but it’s difficult to do so. As long as you choose a reputable VPN service with a no-logs policy, your online activity is relatively safe.
6. Can I use a VPN on my phone?
Yes, most VPN services offer apps for both Android and iOS devices.
7. Can I use a free VPN service?
While there are some free VPN services out there, we generally don’t recommend using them. Free VPNs are often slow, unreliable, and may even sell your data to third-party advertisers.
8. How much does a VPN service cost?
VPN services can cost anywhere from a few dollars to upwards of $10-15 per month, depending on the service and the length of the subscription.
9. Can I use a VPN to bypass Netflix geo-restrictions?
Yes, many VPN services can bypass Netflix geo-restrictions and allow you to access content that may be blocked in your region.
10. How many devices can I connect to a VPN?
This depends on the VPN service you choose. Most VPN services allow you to connect anywhere from 3-7 devices simultaneously.
11. Is it legal to use a VPN?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but some countries have banned or restricted the use of VPNs.
12. Can I use a VPN to download torrents?
Yes, many VPN services allow you to download torrents anonymously and securely.
13. How do I set up a VPN?
Setting up a VPN is relatively easy. Most VPN services offer apps for various devices that you can download and install. Once you’ve installed the app, simply log in and connect to a server.
Conclusion
Using a VPN is one of the best ways to protect your online privacy and security. We’ve discussed the top VPN services of 2016, their features, pros and cons, and everything else you need to know before choosing one.
Remember to choose a VPN service that meets your needs and budget, and always use it when accessing sensitive or private information online. Stay safe, stay secure, and happy browsing!
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not endorse or promote the use of any particular VPN service. The use of a VPN may be subject to local laws and regulations. Always consult a legal professional before using a VPN in your country or region.