Are you worried about your online privacy and security? Do you want to access geo-restricted content and stay anonymous online? Then a virtual private network (VPN) is your best bet. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and reroutes it through a secure server, making it difficult for hackers, snoopers, and government agencies to spy on your online activities.In this article, we’ll take a look at the best VPN providers in 2021, their features, and the pros and cons of using them. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about VPNs and provide you with a comprehensive table comparing the top VPN providers.
Why Use a VPN?
Before we dive into the best VPN providers, let’s first understand why using a VPN is important. Here are some reasons why you should use a VPN:
1. Protect Your Online Privacy
When you connect to the internet, your internet service provider (ISP) can see everything you do online. This includes your browsing history, search queries, and even personal information. By using a VPN, you can hide your IP address and encrypt your internet connection, making it nearly impossible for anyone to track your online activities.
2. Secure Your Online Activities
Using public Wi-Fi networks can be a big security risk. Cybercriminals can easily intercept your internet traffic and steal your sensitive information. With a VPN, you can connect to a secure server and encrypt your internet traffic, ensuring that your online activities are safe and secure.
3. Access Geo-Restricted Content
Many websites and streaming services have geo-restrictions, meaning that they are only available in certain regions. By using a VPN, you can connect to a server in a different location and bypass these restrictions, giving you access to content from all over the world.
4. Stay Anonymous Online
By hiding your IP address and encrypting your internet connection, a VPN can help you stay anonymous online. This is especially important if you live in a country with strict internet censorship and surveillance, as a VPN can help you access the internet freely and without restrictions.
The Best VPN Providers in 2021
Now that you know why using a VPN is important, let’s take a look at the best VPN providers in 2021. We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of VPNs to bring you this list of the top providers:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider that offers fast and reliable servers in over 90 countries. With military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a range of security features, ExpressVPN is the perfect choice for anyone looking for the best VPN service.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular VPN service that offers a huge network of servers in over 60 countries. With advanced features like double VPN, Onion over VPN, and CyberSec, NordVPN is a great choice for anyone looking for maximum security and privacy.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN provider that offers a range of advanced features like CleanWeb, Whitelister, and MultiHop. With servers in over 60 countries, Surfshark is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable VPN service.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN provider that offers fast and reliable servers in over 90 countries. With a range of security features like ad-blocking and malware protection, CyberGhost is a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use VPN service.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a popular VPN provider that offers a huge network of servers in over 70 countries. With advanced features like split tunneling, port forwarding, and SOCKS5 proxy, PIA is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and customizable VPN service.
6. IPVanish
IPVanish is a VPN provider that offers fast and secure servers in over 75 countries. With a range of advanced features like SugarSync cloud storage and 250GB of encrypted storage, IPVanish is a great choice for anyone looking for a VPN service with extra features.
7. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a VPN provider that offers fast and secure servers in over 80 countries. With a range of security features like malware protection and leak protection, Hotspot Shield is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly VPN service.
The Pros and Cons of Using a VPN
While using a VPN has many benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Here are the pros and cons of using a VPN:
Pros:
• Protects your online privacy and security
• Allows you to access geo-restricted content
• Makes you anonymous online
• Helps you bypass internet censorship and surveillance
Cons:
• Slows down your internet connection
• Can be expensive
• Some websites and streaming services block VPNs
• Your VPN provider can see your online activities
The Best VPN Providers: A Comparison Table
Here’s a table comparing the top VPN providers in 2021:
VPN Provider |
Number of Servers |
Number of Countries |
Price |
Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
3000+ |
90+ |
$6.67/month |
Military-grade encryption, no-logs policy, split tunneling, 24/7 live chat support |
NordVPN |
5200+ |
60+ |
$3.71/month |
Double VPN, Onion over VPN, CyberSec, no-logs policy, 24/7 live chat support |
Surfshark |
1700+ |
60+ |
$2.49/month |
CleanWeb, Whitelister, MultiHop, no-logs policy, 24/7 live chat support |
CyberGhost |
7000+ |
90+ |
$2.25/month |
Ad-blocking, malware protection, no-logs policy, 24/7 live chat support |
Private Internet Access (PIA) |
3300+ |
70+ |
$2.69/month |
Split tunneling, port forwarding, SOCKS5 proxy, no-logs policy, 24/7 live chat support |
IPVanish |
1600+ |
75+ |
$4.99/month |
SugarSync cloud storage, 250GB encrypted storage, no-logs policy, 24/7 live chat support |
Hotspot Shield |
3200+ |
80+ |
$2.99/month |
Malware protection, leak protection, no-logs policy, 24/7 live chat support |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about VPNs:
1. What is a VPN?
A VPN (virtual private network) is a tool that encrypts your internet connection and reroutes it through a secure server, making it difficult for hackers, snoopers, and government agencies to spy on your online activities.
2. How does a VPN work?
When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through a secure server. This makes it difficult for anyone to intercept or spy on your online activities.
3. Are VPNs legal?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries. However, some countries have strict internet censorship laws that restrict or ban the use of VPNs.
4. Can I be tracked if I use a VPN?
While using a VPN can make it difficult for anyone to track your online activities, your VPN provider can still see your internet traffic. It’s important to choose a VPN provider that has a strict no-logs policy and takes your privacy seriously.
5. How much does a VPN cost?
The cost of a VPN varies depending on the provider and the features you need. Most VPNs offer monthly, yearly, or biennially subscription plans, with prices ranging from $2 to $15 per month.
6. Is a free VPN safe?
Free VPNs are often not as secure or reliable as paid VPNs. They may also collect and sell your personal information to third-party advertisers. It’s important to choose a reputable VPN provider that takes your privacy seriously.
7. Do I need a VPN for streaming?
If you want to access geo-restricted content or protect your online privacy while streaming, then a VPN is a good choice. However, some streaming services may block VPNs, so it’s important to choose a provider that can bypass these restrictions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a VPN is essential if you want to protect your online privacy and security. By encrypting your internet connection and rerouting it through a secure server, a VPN can make it difficult for anyone to spy on your online activities. The best VPN providers in 2021 offer a range of advanced features like no-logs policies, split tunneling, and 24/7 live chat support, making it easy to find a VPN that meets your needs.
So what are you waiting for? Try a VPN today and start enjoying a safer and more secure online experience!
Closing Disclaimer
While VPNs are a great tool for protecting your online privacy and security, it’s important to remember that they are not foolproof. It’s still possible for cybercriminals and government agencies to spy on your online activities, even when using a VPN. It’s also important to choose a reputable VPN provider that takes your privacy seriously and has a strict no-logs policy. Finally, make sure to read the terms and conditions of any VPN provider before signing up.