Welcome to our latest article about the best web VPN in 2021! With the increasing number of cyber threats and online surveillance, it’s crucial to protect your digital privacy and security. In this article, we’ll introduce you to the best web VPNs that will keep your online activities anonymous and secure. But before we delve into the details, let’s first understand what a VPN is and why it is essential in today’s digital age.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a powerful tool that allows you to connect to the internet securely and privately by creating an encrypted virtual tunnel between your device and the internet. This tunnel ensures that all your online activities are shielded from any potential threats, such as hackers, identity thieves, and government surveillance.
Moreover, a VPN hides your IP address, making it impossible for anyone to track your location or identify you online. This feature is particularly useful if you want to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that is not available in your region.
How does a Web VPN Work?
A web VPN is similar to a regular VPN, but it operates exclusively through the web browser. It encrypts all data that is transmitted from your browser, ensuring that your online activities are secure and anonymous. A web VPN is primarily useful when you are using public Wi-Fi, where your traffic can be easily intercepted by malicious actors.
The Best Web VPNs in 2021
Now that we have covered the basics let’s dive into our top picks for the best web VPNs in 2021. We have tested dozens of VPN providers, and the following are the best we have found:
VPN Provider |
Price/month |
Protocols |
Server Locations |
Simultaneous Connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
$12.95 |
OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec |
160 |
5 |
NordVPN |
$11.95 |
OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, NordLynx |
59 |
6 |
Surfshark |
$12.95 |
OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard |
63 |
Unlimited |
Private Internet Access |
$9.95 |
OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP |
82 |
10 |
ProtonVPN |
$8 |
OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
55 |
5 |
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is by far the best web VPN in our list. It offers excellent speed, robust security, and user-friendly apps for all major platforms. With 160 server locations in 94 countries, ExpressVPN provides access to a vast global network, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions with ease.
Moreover, ExpressVPN uses OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec protocols to encrypt your data and ensures that your online activities are private and secure. The company also has a strict zero-logs policy, meaning that it does not store any information about your online activities.
ExpressVPN is a bit pricey, but the quality and reliability of their service justify the cost. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try their service risk-free.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is another excellent web VPN with a vast global network of 5,500+ servers in 59 countries. They offer OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and the new NordLynx protocol, which is based on WireGuard and provides lightning-fast speeds and excellent security.
NordVPN is known for its advanced security features, such as Double VPN, which encrypts your data twice, and Onion over VPN, which routes your traffic through the Tor network for added anonymity.
One of the downsides of NordVPN is that it doesn’t offer a free trial, but they do have a 30-day money-back guarantee. In terms of pricing, they’re similar to ExpressVPN, but they offer more simultaneous connections (up to 6 devices).
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is a relative newcomer in the VPN market, but it has quickly gained popularity due to its excellent features and affordable pricing. With 3200+ servers in 65 countries, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections and a strict no-logs policy.
Surfshark uses the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols to secure your online activities, and it also comes with advanced features like MultiHop (Double VPN), CleanWeb (ad and malware blocker), and Whitelister (split tunneling).
One of the major advantages of Surfshark is that it offers one of the lowest prices in the market, starting at $2.49/month. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try their service without any risk.
4. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a popular VPN provider with an extensive network of 35,550+ servers in 82 countries. It uses OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP protocols to encrypt your online activities and also offers a built-in ad and malware blocker (MACE).
PIA has a strict no-logs policy, and it has been audited by third-party security firms to ensure its security and privacy practices. One downside of PIA is that it doesn’t offer a free trial, but it does have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PIA is also one of the most affordable VPNs in the market, with prices starting at $2.08/month. It’s an excellent choice if you’re on a budget but still want a reliable and secure VPN service.
5. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN provider that offers high levels of security and privacy. It uses OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols to encrypt your online activities and also offers a Secure Core feature that routes your traffic through multiple servers to protect against network-based attacks.
ProtonVPN has a no-logs policy, and it’s audited by third-party security firms to ensure that it’s secure and trustworthy. It also offers a free version with limited features, which is an excellent option for those who want to try their service before committing to a paid plan.
The downside of ProtonVPN is that it’s a bit pricey, with prices starting at $8/month. However, it’s a reliable and secure VPN service that’s worth the cost if you want the best possible privacy and security.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Web VPNs
Advantages of Web VPNs
There are several advantages of using a web VPN, including:
1. Enhanced Security – A web VPN encrypts all your online activities, keeping them safe from hackers and other cyber threats. It ensures that your data is protected even if you’re using public Wi-Fi.
2. Online Anonymity – A web VPN masks your IP address and makes it impossible for anyone to track your online activities. It also allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is not available in your region.
3. User-Friendly – Web VPNs are easy to use and do not require any technical knowledge. You can install them as an extension on your web browser and start using them right away.
Disadvantages of Web VPNs
While web VPNs offer several benefits, there are also a few downsides to consider:
1. Limited Features – Web VPNs do not offer the same level of features and functionality as regular VPNs. They only encrypt your web browser traffic and do not protect other internet-connected apps or devices.
2. Browser Compatibility – Web VPNs are only compatible with web browsers and do not work with other apps or devices.
3. Lower Security – Web VPNs offer a lower level of security compared to regular VPNs. They only encrypt your web browser traffic and do not provide the same level of privacy and security.
FAQs
1. Can I use a web VPN on my smartphone?
Yes, you can use a web VPN on your smartphone, but you need to install the VPN provider’s app on your device. Some web VPN providers offer dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices.
2. Are web VPNs free?
There are some free web VPNs available, but they usually come with limited features and data usage. It’s recommended to use a paid VPN service for better security and privacy.
3. Can I use a web VPN with Tor?
Yes, you can use a web VPN with Tor. It provides an additional layer of security and anonymity, but it can slow down your internet speed.
4. Can a web VPN slow down my internet speed?
Yes, using a web VPN can slow down your internet speed, especially if you’re connecting to a server that is far away from your location. However, the best web VPNs in our list offer fast and reliable speeds.
5. Can a web VPN be hacked?
While no VPN can guarantee 100% security, the best web VPNs use advanced encryption protocols and security measures to protect your online activities. It’s unlikely that a web VPN can be hacked if you’re using a reliable and trustworthy provider.
6. Can I use a web VPN to stream Netflix?
Yes, you can use a web VPN to stream Netflix, but you need to choose a VPN provider that offers servers that can bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions. The best web VPNs in our list can unblock Netflix and other streaming services.
7. How many devices can I connect to a web VPN?
The number of devices you can connect to a web VPN varies depending on the VPN provider. Most web VPNs allow you to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, but some providers offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
8. Can I use a web VPN for online banking?
While you can use a web VPN for online banking, it’s not recommended. Most online banking websites have security measures that can flag VPN connections and block access to your account.
9. Do web VPNs keep logs?
It depends on the VPN provider. The best web VPNs in our list have a strict no-logs policy, meaning that they do not store any information about your online activities. However, some providers may keep some logs, so it’s essential to read their privacy policy before signing up.
10. Can I use a web VPN to download torrents?
While you can use a web VPN to download torrents, it’s not recommended. Web VPNs only encrypt your web browser traffic, and they do not provide the same level of protection as regular VPNs. Moreover, most VPN providers prohibit the use of their service for illegal activities like torrenting.
11. Can I use a web VPN to play online games?
Yes, you can use a web VPN to play online games, but it can slow down your internet speed and increase latency. It’s recommended to use a regular VPN for online gaming.
12. Do web VPNs work in China?
While some web VPNs may work in China, it’s challenging to find a reliable and trustworthy provider due to the country’s strict internet censorship laws. It’s recommended to use a regular VPN with obfuscation technology to bypass the Great Firewall of China.
13. Can I use a web VPN with Google Chrome?
Yes, you can use a web VPN with Google Chrome by installing the VPN provider’s extension on your browser.
Conclusion
We hope that this article has helped you to understand the importance of using a web VPN and the best options available in the market. A web VPN is an excellent tool for enhancing your online privacy and security, and it’s essential to choose a reliable and trustworthy provider to ensure that your data is protected. We recommend ExpressVPN as the best web VPN in 2021, but all the providers on our list are excellent choices depending on your needs and budget.
Remember, the internet can be a dangerous place, and it’s crucial to take the necessary measures to protect yourself. If you haven’t already installed a web VPN, we strongly recommend that you do so right away.
Take Action Now!
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Protect your online privacy and security with a top-rated web VPN. Choose the provider that suits your needs and budget, and start browsing the internet with peace of mind. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to leave a comment below, and we’ll be happy to help.
Closing Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We do not endorse or promote any illegal activities, including the use of web VPNs for prohibited purposes. It’s essential to read the terms and conditions and privacy policies of any VPN provider before signing up. We are not responsible for any damages or losses that may occur as a result of using the information provided in this article.