Introduction
Greetings and welcome to this comprehensive guide on the best VPN services of 2016. If you’re reading this, you already know that a VPN is a virtual private network that helps you browse the internet safely and securely. In today’s age of increasing cybercrime and online censorship, having a reliable VPN is more important than ever before.
In this guide, we will be discussing the best VPN services of 2016, their advantages and disadvantages, and what makes them unique. We will also provide a detailed explanation of how VPNs work, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision when choosing a VPN service.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of VPNs and explore the best services available in 2016.
How do VPNs work?
Before we discuss the best VPN services of 2016, let’s first understand how VPNs work. A VPN creates a secure connection between your device and a server located elsewhere in the world. When you connect to a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through this secure connection, making it difficult for anyone to intercept or steal your data.
Furthermore, when you use a VPN, your IP address is replaced with the IP address of the server you’re connected to. This allows you to browse the internet anonymously, as your online activities cannot be traced back to you.
Now that we know how VPNs work, let’s move on to our list of the best VPN services of 2016.
Best VPN Services of 2016
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has consistently been ranked as the best VPN service of 2016. Its fast connection speeds, strong encryption protocols, and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for internet users around the world.
One of the unique features of ExpressVPN is its ability to work in China, where many other VPN services are blocked. It also has servers in over 90 countries, making it one of the most versatile VPN services on the market.
However, ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than some other VPN services, and it doesn’t offer a free trial.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another popular VPN service of 2016, offering high levels of security and privacy. It uses double encryption to ensure that your data is protected, and has a strict no-logs policy.
NordVPN also offers a wide range of servers in over 60 countries, making it a good choice for people who need to access geo-restricted content. It is also one of the few VPN services that offers a free trial, allowing you to try it out before making a commitment.
However, NordVPN’s connection speeds can be slow at times, and its interface can be a bit confusing for new users.
3. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is a user-friendly VPN service that is perfect for beginners. It has a simple interface and offers strong encryption protocols to keep your data secure.
One of the unique features of CyberGhost VPN is its dedicated streaming servers, which are optimized for streaming content from popular services like Netflix and Hulu. It also has servers in over 90 countries, giving you plenty of options when it comes to choosing a server location.
However, CyberGhost VPN’s connection speeds can be slow at times, and it doesn’t offer the same level of customization as some other VPN services.
4. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access is a highly affordable VPN service that offers strong security and privacy features. It uses a number of encryption protocols to keep your data safe, and has a strict no-logs policy.
One of the unique features of Private Internet Access is its ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it a good choice for families and small businesses. It also offers a 7-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it out risk-free.
However, Private Internet Access doesn’t have as many server locations as some other VPN services, and its user interface can be a bit clunky at times.
5. IPVanish
IPVanish is a fast and secure VPN service that is perfect for heavy internet users. It offers unlimited bandwidth and high-speed connections, making it a good choice for people who stream a lot of content.
IPVanish also has servers in over 60 countries, and allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. It also has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities cannot be traced back to you.
However, IPVanish is slightly more expensive than some other VPN services, and its customer support can be slow to respond at times.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of VPN Services
1. Increased Security
One of the main advantages of VPN services is increased security. By encrypting your data and routing it through a secure connection, VPNs make it difficult for anyone to intercept or steal your data. This is especially important if you’re using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often unsecured and vulnerable to cyber attacks.
2. Anonymity
Another advantage of VPN services is anonymity. When you use a VPN, your IP address is replaced with the IP address of the server you’re connected to. This makes it difficult for anyone to track your online activities, as they cannot trace them back to you.
3. Access to Geo-Restricted Content
VPN services also allow you to access geo-restricted content. By connecting to a server in a different country, you can bypass geographic content restrictions and access content that would otherwise be unavailable to you. This is especially useful for people who travel frequently and want to access their favorite streaming services from abroad.
Disadvantages of VPN Services
1. Slower Connection Speeds
One of the main disadvantages of VPN services is slower connection speeds. Because your data is being encrypted and rerouted through a secure connection, it can take longer to load websites and stream content. This can be frustrating for people who require fast and reliable internet speeds.
2. Cost
Another disadvantage of VPN services is the cost. Many VPN services require a monthly or yearly subscription fee, which can add up over time. While there are some free VPN services available, they often come with limitations and may not offer the same level of security and privacy as paid services.
3. Compatibility Issues
Finally, some VPN services may have compatibility issues with certain devices or operating systems. It’s important to choose a VPN service that is compatible with your specific device and operating system to ensure that you can use it without any issues.
Best VPN Services 2016: Comparison Table
VPN Service |
Features |
Price |
|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
Fast connection speeds, strong encryption, server locations in over 90 countries |
$12.95/month |
NordVPN |
Double encryption, no-logs policy, free trial |
$11.95/month |
CyberGhost VPN |
User-friendly interface, streaming-optimized servers, server locations in over 90 countries |
$12.99/month |
Private Internet Access |
Affordable, high-security features, up to 10 simultaneous connections |
$9.95/month |
IPVanish |
Fast connections, unlimited bandwidth, no-logs policy |
$10/month |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a VPN service?
A VPN service is a virtual private network that allows you to browse the internet safely and securely. It encrypts your data and reroutes it through a secure connection, making it difficult for anyone to intercept or steal your data.
2. Are VPN services legal?
VPN services are legal in most countries, but there are a few exceptions. It’s important to check the laws in your specific country before using a VPN service.
3. Do I need a VPN service?
If you want to browse the internet safely and securely, a VPN service is highly recommended. It’s especially important if you use public Wi-Fi networks, as these are often unsecured and vulnerable to cyber attacks.
4. Can I use a VPN service on my mobile device?
Yes, most VPN services are compatible with mobile devices and have apps that can be downloaded from the app store.
5. Can I use a VPN service for torrenting?
Yes, many VPN services allow you to torrent files safely and securely. However, it’s important to choose a VPN service that permits torrenting and has strong security features to protect your data.
6. Are there any free VPN services available?
Yes, there are some free VPN services available, but they often come with limitations and may not offer the same level of security and privacy as paid services.
7. How do I choose the best VPN service for me?
When choosing a VPN service, consider factors such as security features, server locations, connection speeds, and price. It’s also important to read reviews and compare different services before making a decision.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best VPN service for your needs is essential if you want to browse the internet safely and securely. In this guide, we have discussed the best VPN services of 2016, their advantages and disadvantages, and what makes them unique. We have also provided a detailed explanation of how VPNs work and answered some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.
Remember to consider factors such as security features, server locations, and connection speeds when choosing a VPN service, and always read reviews and compare different services before making a decision.
Closing / Disclaimer
The information in this guide is provided for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. The author and publisher of this guide are not responsible for any damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this information.
Additionally, VPN services may not be legal in all countries, and it’s important to check the laws in your specific country before using a VPN service.