Introduction
Welcome to the ultimate guide on choosing the best open VPN for your online security and privacy. In today’s digital age, where our personal data is constantly under threat from hackers and cybercriminals, it is crucial to have a reliable VPN service to protect us from prying eyes. This article will provide you with valuable insights and information on the best available open VPNs that offer top-notch security and privacy features to keep your online activity safe from the outside world. Let’s dive in!
What is a VPN?
Before we dive into the best open VPNs in 2021, let’s first understand what a VPN is and how it works. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and it creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It routes your internet traffic through a remote server across the globe, making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from a different country or location. VPNs are primarily used to enhance online security and privacy, as they can prevent third-party entities such as ISPs, government agencies, and hackers from tracking your online activity.
Why Do You Need a VPN?
There are several reasons why you need a VPN in today’s digital age. Firstly, VPNs provide users with an extra layer of security and privacy by encrypting their online activity. They can also help users bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in their region. Additionally, VPNs can prevent ISPs and government agencies from monitoring your online activity, making them an essential tool for activists, journalists, and whistleblowers who may be at risk of persecution.
How to Choose the Best Open VPN?
When it comes to choosing the best open VPN, there are several factors that you should consider. Firstly, you need to ensure that the VPN service provider respects your privacy and does not log your online activity. Secondly, the VPN should have robust security features such as encryption protocols, kill-switches, and DNS leak protection. Additionally, you should consider the VPN’s speed, server locations, and customer support before making a decision.
Best Open VPNs in 2021
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the best open VPNs in 2021 that offer top-notch security and privacy features.
Top 5 Best Open VPNs in 2021
VPN |
Features |
Price |
|---|---|---|
NordVPN |
Robust Security, No-logs Policy, High-speed servers in 60 countries |
$11.95/month |
ExpressVPN |
Top-tier Encryption, Secure server network, 24/7 customer support |
$12.95/month |
Surfshark |
Unlimited simultaneous connections, Multi-hop encryption, DNS and IP leak protection |
$12.95/month |
CyberGhost |
Automatic kill switch, High-speed servers in 90 countries, Strict No-logs policy |
$12.99/month |
Private Internet Access |
Robust encryption options, No-logs policy, P2P and torrenting support |
$9.95/month |
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the best open VPNs in the market, offering top-notch security and privacy features at an affordable price. It has a no-logs policy, which ensures that your online activity is not being monitored or recorded. It has more than 5500+ servers in 60 countries, allowing you to access restricted content from anywhere in the world. NordVPN also has advanced security features such as Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and CyberSec, which provide an extra layer of protection against cyber threats.
One of the unique features of NordVPN is its ability to unblock geo-restricted content such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, making it an ideal choice for streaming enthusiasts. Additionally, NordVPN has a user-friendly interface and 24/7 customer support, making it easy to use for beginners.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another excellent open VPN that offers military-grade encryption and advanced security features to keep your online activity secure. It has more than 3000 servers in 94 countries, providing users with fast and reliable connections. ExpressVPN also has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activity is not being tracked or recorded.
ExpressVPN also provides users with a wide range of features such as split-tunneling, which allows you to route some of your internet traffic through the VPN and some through your ISP. It also has a kill-switch feature that automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection is lost. One downside of ExpressVPN is that it is slightly more expensive than other VPN providers, but it is worth the price considering the advanced security features it provides.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a relatively new player in the VPN market, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its affordable pricing and advanced security features. It has a no-logs policy and uses military-grade encryption to keep your online activity secure. Surfshark also allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for families and small businesses.
One of the unique features of Surfshark is its MultiHop feature, which allows users to route their internet traffic through multiple countries for extra security. It also has a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware, providing users with a clean browsing experience. However, Surfshark has fewer servers than other VPN providers, which may lead to slower speeds in some regions.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a VPN provider based in Romania, which has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activity is not being monitored or recorded. It has more than 7000 servers in 90 countries, providing users with fast and reliable connections. CyberGhost also has advanced security features such as automatic kill-switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and ad-blocker.
CyberGhost also allows users to unblock geo-restricted content such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, making it an ideal choice for streaming enthusiasts. Additionally, CyberGhost has user-friendly apps for all major platforms and 24/7 customer support, making it easy to use for beginners.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a VPN provider based in the US, which has a no-logs policy and uses robust encryption protocols to keep your online activity secure. It has more than 3300 servers in 45 countries, providing users with fast and reliable connections. Private Internet Access also supports P2P and torrenting, making it an ideal choice for users who frequently download large files.
One downside of Private Internet Access is that it does not unblock geo-restricted content, such as Netflix and Hulu. However, it is an excellent choice for users who prioritize security and privacy over streaming capabilities.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Open VPNs
Advantages of Open VPNs
There are several advantages of using open VPNs, which include:
1. Enhanced Security and Privacy
Open VPNs provide users with an extra layer of security and privacy by encrypting their online activity. This prevents third-party entities such as ISPs and government agencies from monitoring your online activity.
2. Bypass Geo-Restrictions
Open VPNs allow users to access content that may be blocked in their region. This is particularly beneficial for users who live in countries with strict censorship laws.
3. Remote Access
Open VPNs allow users to access their work networks remotely, providing them with a secure and encrypted connection to their organization’s resources.
4. Cost-Effective
Open VPNs are generally more affordable than proprietary VPNs, making them a great choice for users on a budget.
Disadvantages of Open VPNs
There are also some disadvantages of using open VPNs, which include:
1. Limited Support
Open VPNs are often developed by individuals or small teams, which means that they may not have the same level of support as proprietary VPNs.
2. Compatibility Issues
Open VPNs may not be compatible with all devices and operating systems, which can be a problem for users who use multiple devices.
3. Security Risks
Open VPNs may have security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by cybercriminals, making them less secure than proprietary VPNs.
4. Performance Issues
Open VPNs may have slower speeds compared to proprietary VPNs, which can be a problem for users who require fast and reliable connections.
FAQs
1. What is OpenVPN?
OpenVPN is a free and open-source VPN protocol that provides users with secure and encrypted connections.
2. How does OpenVPN work?
OpenVPN creates a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet by routing your internet traffic through a remote server.
3. Is OpenVPN safe?
Yes, OpenVPN is safe to use, provided that you use a reliable VPN service provider.
4. What is the difference between OpenVPN and other VPN protocols?
OpenVPN is more secure than other VPN protocols such as PPTP and L2TP, as it uses robust encryption algorithms and authentication methods.
5. How many devices can I use with OpenVPN?
The number of devices you can use with OpenVPN depends on your VPN service provider. Some VPN providers allow users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
6. How much does OpenVPN cost?
OpenVPN is a free and open-source VPN protocol. However, you will need to pay for a VPN service provider to use OpenVPN.
7. Can I use OpenVPN on my mobile device?
Yes, OpenVPN can be used on both desktop and mobile devices. Most VPN service providers offer apps for both Android and iOS devices.
8. Can I install OpenVPN on my router?
Yes, OpenVPN can be installed on routers that support it. This allows you to protect all devices connected to your home network.
9. What is the best OpenVPN client?
The best OpenVPN client depends on your operating system and personal preferences. Some of the most popular OpenVPN clients include OpenVPN GUI, Tunnelblick, and Viscosity.
10. Does OpenVPN work with Netflix?
Yes, OpenVPN can be used to unblock geo-restricted content on Netflix. However, you will need to use a VPN service provider that has servers in the country where the content is available.
11. Can I use OpenVPN for torrenting?
Yes, OpenVPN can be used for P2P and torrenting. However, you will need to use a VPN service provider that allows P2P traffic.
12. Can OpenVPN be blocked?
OpenVPN can be blocked by firewalls and ISPs. However, most VPN service providers offer obfuscated servers that can bypass these restrictions.
13. Is OpenVPN legal?
Yes, OpenVPN is legal in most countries. However, using a VPN to engage in illegal activities is prohibited.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best open VPN can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to ensure your online security and privacy. We hope that this article has provided you with valuable insights and information on the best available open VPNs in 2021. Remember to prioritize security and privacy features when making a decision, and always choose a VPN service provider that respects your privacy and has a strict no-logs policy. Stay safe online!
Closing Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or professional recommendations. It is your responsibility to ensure that you use VPNs in compliance with local laws and regulations. We do not endorse or promote any specific VPN service provider, and we are not responsible for any damages or losses that may occur as a result of using the information provided in this article.