Greetings, fellow internet users! We live in an era where the internet is an integral part of our daily lives. We use it for work, leisure, and socializing. However, with the convenience of online activities comes the risk of cyber threats, such as hacking and identity theft. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) come in.
Introduction
A VPN is a tool that enables internet users to create a secure and private network connection to the internet. It allows you to browse the web anonymously and protects your online privacy by encrypting your internet traffic. The market is flooded with numerous VPN options, making the selection process a daunting task.
Here, we have compiled a list of the best VPNs of 2016 that will provide you with a safe and secure internet experience.
The Criteria for Selecting the Best VPNs of 2016
Before we proceed to the list of the best VPNs of 2016, let us first examine the criteria we used to evaluate them.
Security Features: We evaluated the VPN’s security features, such as encryption protocols, privacy policy, and logging policy.
Speed and Performance: We tested the VPN’s speed and performance to determine if it affected internet speed or caused buffering while streaming videos.
User-friendliness: We evaluated how easy it was to install and use the VPN on various devices.
Customer Support: We assessed the quality of customer support offered by each VPN, such as response time and availability.
Price: We analyzed the various subscription options and pricing plans offered by each VPN to determine their affordability.
Number of Servers: We evaluated the number of servers and the geographic locations offered by each VPN.
Now that we have outlined the criteria for our selection process, let us dive into the list of the best VPNs of 2016.
List of Best VPN 2016
VPN |
Security Features |
Speed |
User-friendliness |
Customer Support |
Price |
Number of Servers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
256-bit AES encryption, No-log policy, IP masking |
High speed, no buffering |
Easy to install and use |
24/7 customer support via live chat or email |
$6.67 per month (15 months plan) |
3,000+ servers in 94 countries |
NordVPN |
Double encryption, No-log policy, Onion Over VPN |
Fast, no buffering |
Easy to install and use |
24/7 customer support via live chat or email |
$3.71 per month (2-years plan) |
5,500+ servers in 59 countries |
CyberGhost VPN |
256-bit AES encryption, No-log policy, DNS and IP leak protection |
Fast, no buffering |
Easy to install and use |
24/7 customer support via live chat or email |
$2.75 per month (3-years plan) |
6,600+ servers in 89 countries |
Surfshark VPN |
256-bit AES encryption, No-log policy, MultiHop |
Fast, no buffering |
Easy to install and use |
24/7 customer support via live chat or email |
$2.49 per month (2-years plan) |
3,200+ servers in 65 countries |
Private Internet Access VPN |
256-bit AES encryption, No-log policy, Kill Switch |
Fast, no buffering |
Easy to install and use |
24/7 customer support via live chat or email |
$2.69 per month (2-years plan) |
35,000+ servers in 76 countries |
Advantages of VPNs
1. Anonymity: VPNs enable users to browse the internet anonymously, making it difficult to track your online activities.
2. Enhanced Security: VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it difficult for hackers to intercept and steal your personal information.
3. Geo-restricted Content Access: VPNs allow you to access geo-restricted content, such as streaming services and websites that are restricted in certain countries.
4. Improved Online Privacy: VPNs shield your online activities from your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and government agencies that may be monitoring your internet usage.
Disadvantages of VPNs
1. Slower Internet Speed: VPNs may affect internet speed, causing buffering while streaming videos, and reducing the overall browsing speed.
2. Connectivity Issues: VPNs may cause connectivity issues or errors, making it difficult to access certain websites or services.
3. Subscription Cost: The subscription cost for VPNs can be expensive, especially for premium services.
4. VPN Shutdown: The shutdown of VPNs or restrictions on their usage can be a problem, especially in countries where VPNs are not legal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do VPNs work on all devices?
Yes, VPNs work on all devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
2. Is it legal to use a VPN?
Yes, VPN usage is legal in most countries. However, some countries have banned their usage, so it’s essential to check the laws in your country.
3. Can VPNs protect me from malware?
No, VPNs cannot protect you from malware. However, some VPNs have additional security features that can detect and block malware.
4. Can I use a VPN to access streaming services?
Yes, VPNs allow you to access geo-restricted content, such as streaming services.
5. Can I use a free VPN?
Yes, you can use a free VPN. However, free VPNs are not as secure and reliable as paid VPNs.
6. Are VPNs easy to install and use?
Yes, VPNs are easy to install and use, even for non-tech-savvy users. Most VPNs offer user-friendly installation guides and tutorials.
7. What is the best VPN for online privacy?
All the VPNs on our list provide excellent online privacy. However, ExpressVPN and NordVPN have the best privacy policies and encryption protocols.
8. Can VPNs slow down my internet speed?
Yes, VPNs may slow down internet speed due to the encryption process. However, premium VPNs have optimized servers that provide high-speed internet without buffering.
9. Can VPNs be hacked?
It’s challenging to hack a VPN due to its encryption protocols. However, if you use a weak password or connect to a compromised server, your VPN can be hacked.
10. Can I use a VPN to hide my IP address?
Yes, VPNs hide your IP address by masking it with the VPN server’s IP address.
11. What is the best VPN for streaming?
Surfshark VPN is the best VPN for streaming due to its fast internet speed and optimized servers for streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu.
12. Is it safe to use a VPN on public Wi-Fi?
Yes, VPNs are safe to use on public Wi-Fi as they encrypt your internet traffic and protect you from hackers and other cyber threats.
13. Can I use a VPN to download torrents?
Yes, VPNs allow you to download torrents anonymously and securely. However, some VPNs may restrict torrenting due to copyright issues.
Conclusion
VPNs are essential tools for safeguarding your online privacy and security. The list of the best VPNs of 2016 we have compiled provides a comprehensive selection of VPNs that offer excellent security features, speed, and user-friendliness at affordable prices.
We recommend ExpressVPN for its top-notch security features, fast internet speed, and optimized server network. NordVPN is also an excellent choice for its enhanced security features and affordable subscription plans.
Choose a VPN that suits your needs and enjoy browsing the web anonymously and securely.
Closing
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the best VPNs of 2016. We hope that it has provided you with valuable insights and helped you make an informed decision about the VPN to use.
Remember to stay safe and secure online by using a VPN!