Introduction
Greetings internet user! Are you looking for a way to protect your online privacy and secure your information from prying eyes on Windows 8.1? Well, look no further! VPN softwares are here to offer you a secure and private connection, keeping your online activity anonymous and safe from hackers, data thieves, or even your internet service provider (ISP).
In this article, we will discuss the best VPN softwares for Windows 8.1. We will explain their features, advantages and disadvantages, and how they can benefit you. So, buckle up and read on to discover the perfect VPN software for you.
VPN Softwares for Windows 8.1
VPN softwares are designed to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, making it difficult to track your online activity. They offer various security protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec. Here are the top VPN softwares for Windows 8.1:
VPN Software |
Price |
Features |
|---|---|---|
NordVPN |
$3.71/month (2-year plan) |
Fast connection, strict no-logs policy, 5200+ servers in 59 countries, double data encryption, automatic kill switch |
ExpressVPN |
$8.32/month (1-year plan) |
Lightning-fast speeds, no-logs policy, 3000+ servers in 94 countries, split tunneling, MediaStreamer feature |
Surfshark |
$2.49/month (2-year plan) |
Unlimited devices, no-logs policy, 1700+ servers in 63 countries, CleanWeb feature to block ads and malware, multi-hop feature |
CyberGhost |
$2.25/month (3-year plan) |
Easy-to-use interface, no-logs policy, 6600+ servers in 89 countries, automatic kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection |
Private Internet Access |
$2.69/month (2-year plan) |
10 devices simultaneously, strict no-logs policy, 3292 servers in 46 countries, ad and malware blocker, port forwarding |
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN softwares available, trusted by millions of users. It offers multiple security features like double VPN encryption, CyberSec to block malicious websites and ads, and Onion Over VPN for maximum online security. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store or share any of your sensitive data.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN software that offers lightning-fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. It has a user-friendly interface and supports split tunneling, allowing you to choose which apps or websites you want to encrypt. ExpressVPN also has a no-logs policy, ensuring your online activity remains private and secure.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN software that offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect all your devices with just one account. It has a no-logs policy and supports various security protocols like IKEv2 and OpenVPN. Surfshark also offers unique features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and malware, and MultiHop, which encrypts your connection through two servers for added security.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN software that offers 6600+ servers in 89 countries, ensuring fast speeds and reliable connections. It maintains a strict no-logs policy and offers various security features like an automatic kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and ad and malware blocker. CyberGhost also has a dedicated streaming feature, allowing you to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a budget-friendly VPN software that offers 3292 servers in 46 countries. It supports various security protocols and has a strict no-logs policy to keep your online activity private. PIA also offers ad and malware blocking, port forwarding, and 10 simultaneous device connections.
Advantages and Disadvantages of VPN Softwares
Advantages
Secure and Private: VPN softwares encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, ensuring your online activity is anonymous and safe from hackers, data thieves, and ISPs.
Unblock Geo-restricted Content: VPN softwares allow you to unblock websites and streaming services that are not available in your region, giving you access to a wider range of content.
Improved Online Gaming: VPN softwares can reduce latency and ping times, making online gaming smoother and more enjoyable.
Bypass Censorship: VPN softwares can bypass censorship and internet restrictions imposed by governments or employers, allowing you to access blocked websites and social media platforms.
Disadvantages
Slower Internet Speeds: VPN softwares can slow down your internet speeds due to the encryption and routing of traffic through a remote server.
Cost: Most VPN softwares require a monthly or yearly subscription fee, which may be expensive for some users.
Compatibility Issues: Not all VPN softwares are compatible with all devices and operating systems.
FAQs
1. Are VPN softwares legal?
Yes, VPN softwares are legal in most countries, but there are a few exceptions like China, Russia, and Iran, where VPN usage is restricted.
2. Can VPN softwares be hacked?
While no system is 100% secure, VPN softwares use robust encryption protocols that make it extremely difficult for hackers to penetrate. However, it is essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy VPN software that follows strict security policies.
3. Can VPN softwares slow down my internet speed?
Yes, VPN softwares can slow down your internet speed due to the encryption and routing of traffic through a remote server. However, premium VPN softwares like NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer fast and reliable connections.
4. Will VPN softwares protect me from viruses and malware?
VPN softwares are designed to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, but they may not protect you from viruses and malware. However, some VPN softwares offer ad and malware blocking features that can help mitigate the risk.
5. Can I use a VPN software on multiple devices?
Most VPN softwares allow multiple device connections, but the number of connections may vary depending on the subscription plan.
6. Do all VPN softwares offer a money-back guarantee?
No, not all VPN softwares offer a money-back guarantee. It is important to check the terms and conditions before subscribing to a VPN software.
7. Can VPN softwares be used for torrenting?
Yes, VPN softwares can be used for torrenting, but it is essential to choose a VPN software that allows P2P file sharing and follows a strict no-logs policy.
8. Are there any free VPN softwares for Windows 8.1?
Yes, there are free VPN softwares available for Windows 8.1, but they may offer limited features and may not be as secure as premium VPN softwares. Free VPN softwares may also sell your data to third-party advertisers.
9. Do VPN softwares work with Netflix?
Yes, some VPN softwares can unblock Netflix, but it is essential to choose a VPN software that has dedicated streaming servers and can bypass Netflix’s VPN detection algorithms.
10. Can VPN softwares protect me from phishing attacks?
VPN softwares can encrypt your internet traffic and make it difficult for hackers to intercept your sensitive information, but they may not protect you from phishing attacks. It is important to stay vigilant and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading suspicious attachments.
11. Can I use a VPN software on a public Wi-Fi network?
Yes, using a VPN software on a public Wi-Fi network can protect your online activity from prying eyes and hackers. However, it is essential to choose a VPN software that offers robust security features like an automatic kill switch and DNS leak protection.
12. Can VPN softwares be used for online banking?
Yes, VPN softwares can be used for online banking, but it is essential to choose a VPN software that offers robust security features like encryption and a no-logs policy.
13. How do I set up a VPN software on Windows 8.1?
Most VPN softwares offer easy-to-use apps that can be downloaded and installed on Windows 8.1. Simply sign up for a subscription, download and install the app, and log in with your credentials. You can then select a server location and connect to the VPN.
Conclusion
VPN softwares offer a secure and private connection, making them essential for protecting your online privacy and data from prying eyes. In this article, we discussed the top VPN softwares for Windows 8.1, their features, advantages, and disadvantages. We also answered some FAQs related to VPN softwares. It is essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy VPN software that offers robust security features and follows strict privacy policies.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose the perfect VPN software for you and enjoy a safe and private internet experience.
Closing
We hope this article was helpful in finding the perfect VPN software for Windows 8.1. Keep in mind that VPN softwares offer an extra layer of security and privacy, but it is essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy VPN software that offers robust security features and follows strict privacy policies.
Thank you for reading, and stay safe!