Welcome to this comprehensive guide on the best VPN to use in 2021. With the increasing number of cyber threats, maintaining your online safety and privacy is critical. Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an effective tool that allows you to mask your IP address, encrypt your internet traffic, and keep your online activities hidden from prying eyes.
In this article, we’ll explore the various VPN options available on the market and highlight their pros and cons, features, security, and privacy aspects to help you make an informed decision. We’ll also address some of the frequently asked questions about VPNs.
The Benefits of Using a VPN
VPN is a versatile tool that provides numerous benefits, including:
Elevated Privacy and Security
By using a VPN, your online activities are hidden from your ISP, government surveillance agencies, hackers, and cybercriminals. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it impossible for anyone to intercept and decipher.
Access to Restricted Content
Some countries or regions have restricted access to certain websites or streaming services. VPNs allow you to bypass these restrictions and access any content from anywhere in the world.
Faster Internet Connection
VPNs use their servers to redirect your internet traffic, optimizing your online experience and reducing buffering times. This is especially useful for streaming and online gaming.
Anonymous Browsing
Using a VPN allows you to browse the internet without leaving any digital footprints. Your IP address is masked, making it impossible for websites, advertisers, and data collectors to track your online activities.
Public Wi-Fi Security
Public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured, making them prone to cyber attacks. VPNs provide an additional layer of security by encrypting your internet traffic, keeping your data safe from snoopers and hackers.
Saving Money
VPNs allow you to access discounted prices and promotions by changing your location to a region with lower pricing.
Enhanced Business Security
VPNs are useful for businesses that have employees working remotely. VPNs provide secure access to company resources, maintaining data integrity and confidentiality.
What Are the Best VPN?
There are numerous VPN providers available on the market, but not all VPNs are created equal. Here are some of the best VPNs:
NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular VPN provider that offers a wide range of features, including military-grade encryption, no-logs policy, ad-blocker, kill switch, and access to over 5,000 servers in 59 countries. NordVPN is easy to use, allowing you to connect up to 6 devices simultaneously.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another top-rated VPN provider that offers fast connection speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and excellent security features. ExpressVPN has servers in over 90 countries and provides a 24/7 customer support service.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that offers excellent security features, including a no-logs policy, kill switch, and multi-hop feature. Surfshark has servers in over 60 countries and provides unlimited device connections.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reliable VPN provider that offers affordable pricing, a no-logs policy, and excellent security features. PIA has servers in 78 countries and allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN that offers a range of features, including ad-blocker, no-logs policy, and kill switch. CyberGhost has over 6,800 servers in 90 countries and allows you to connect up to 7 devices simultaneously.
Table: Comparison of the Best VPN Providers
VPN Provider |
Features |
Number of Servers |
Number of Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
NordVPN |
Military-grade encryption, no-logs policy, ad-blocker, kill switch |
5,000+ |
6 |
ExpressVPN |
Unlimited bandwidth, 24/7 customer support, servers in 90+ countries |
3,000+ |
5 |
Surfshark |
No-logs policy, kill switch, multi-hop feature |
1,700+ |
Unlimited |
Private Internet Access (PIA) |
Affordable pricing, no-logs policy, servers in 78 countries |
3,000+ |
10 |
CyberGhost |
Ad-blocker, no-logs policy, kill switch, servers in 90+ countries |
6,800+ |
7 |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a VPN
Advantages of Using a VPN
Enhanced Privacy and Security
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it impossible for any unauthorized parties to access your data. VPNs also mask your IP address, protecting your online identity.
Access to Restricted Content
VPNs allow you to bypass internet censorship and access any content from anywhere in the world.
Bypassing ISP Throttling
Some ISPs throttle users’ internet connections depending on their online activities. VPNs allow you to bypass this throttling and enjoy faster internet speeds.
Public Wi-Fi Security
Public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured, making them vulnerable to cyber attacks. VPNs provide an additional layer of security, protecting your data from snoopers and hackers.
Cost-effective
VPNs can save you money by allowing you to access discounted prices and promotions.
Disadvantages of Using a VPN
Slower Internet Speeds
The use of VPNs can slow down your internet connection, especially if you’re connecting to a server in a distant location.
Cost
Some VPNs can be expensive, making them unaffordable for some people.
Trust Issues
Not all VPN providers can be trusted, and some may log your online activities or sell your data to third parties. You need to choose a reputable VPN provider that has a proven no-logs policy.
Blocked Websites and Services
Some websites and services block VPNs, making it impossible to access their content.
FAQs about VPN
1. Is it legal to use a VPN?
Yes, it’s legal to use a VPN in most countries. However, using a VPN to commit illegal activities is prohibited.
2. Can I use a VPN on my mobile phone?
Yes, most VPN providers have mobile apps that can be downloaded on Android and iOS devices.
3. How do VPNs protect my data?
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, making it impossible for anyone to intercept or decipher.
4. Are free VPNs safe?
Not all free VPNs can be trusted. Some free VPN providers may log your online activities or collect your data and sell it to third parties.
5. How do I choose the right VPN provider?
You need to consider the VPN provider’s security features, server locations, connection speeds, and pricing. You also need to choose a provider with an established no-logs policy.
6. Can I use a VPN to access Netflix content from other regions?
Yes, some VPNs can bypass Netflix’s geoblocking and allow you to access content from other regions.
7. What is a no-logs policy?
A no-logs policy means that the VPN provider does not collect or store any logs of your online activities.
8. Can I use a VPN to torrent?
Yes, you can use a VPN to torrent. However, you need to choose a VPN provider that allows P2P file sharing.
9. Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?
It depends on the VPN provider. Some providers allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
10. How does a VPN protect my online identity?
VPNs mask your IP address, making it impossible for websites, advertisers, and data collectors to track your online activities.
11. Can VPNs prevent phishing attacks?
VPNs cannot prevent phishing attacks, but they can provide an additional layer of security by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your online activities from snoopers and hackers.
12. How do I know if my VPN is working?
You can check if your VPN is working by visiting a website that shows your IP address. If your IP address is different from your actual location, your VPN is working.
13. How do I set up a VPN?
You need to choose a VPN provider, download its software, and configure it on your device. The VPN provider should provide instructions on how to set it up.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right VPN provider is critical for maintaining your online privacy and security. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access (PIA), and CyberGhost are among the best VPN providers on the market, offering excellent features and security. You need to choose a VPN provider that meets your needs and provides reliable and secure internet access. So, don’t hesitate and choose the best VPN provider today for the ultimate online security and privacy!
Closing Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional advice, and you should not rely on it as such. The use of VPNs may not be legal in some countries, and it’s your responsibility to check your local laws and regulations.