Introduction
Welcome to our guide on the best VPN for PC World. As the world becomes more connected, online privacy and security have become critical issues. VPNs can help protect your data while browsing, streaming, or working online. But with so many VPNs on the market, it can be challenging to choose the best one. In this article, we will explore PC World’s top VPN picks and help you make an informed decision.
Before diving into the world of VPNs, it’s important to understand what they are and how they work. A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that creates a secure connection between your device and the internet. It does this by routing your connection through a private server, encrypting your data, and hiding your IP address.
Using a VPN can have many benefits. It can help you bypass geo-restrictions, maintain your privacy, and secure your online activities from prying eyes. However, not all VPNs are created equal. Some may be better suited for specific use cases, while others may have limitations or drawbacks.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the best VPNs for PC World, their features, pros and cons, and everything else you need to know to choose the right VPN for you.
PC World’s Best VPN: Our Top Picks
After extensive research and testing, we have examined and ranked PC World’s top VPN picks. Our criteria included speed, security, ease of use, compatibility, pricing, and customer support. Here are our top 5 picks:
VPN Provider |
Features |
Pros |
Cons |
Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
2500+ servers in 60+ countries, unlimited bandwidth, 5 simultaneous connections |
Extremely fast, easy to use, excellent security and privacy, 24/7 customer support |
Expensive, no free trial available |
Starting at $8.32/month |
NordVPN |
5500+ servers in 59 countries, no-logs policy, double encryption, 6 simultaneous connections |
Excellent security, fast speeds, user-friendly apps, ad-blocker and malware protection |
Can be slow on some servers, inconsistent customer support |
Starting at $3.71/month |
Surfshark |
3200+ servers in 65 countries, no-logs policy, unlimited simultaneous connections |
Affordable, great privacy and security, unlimited simultaneous connections |
Speeds can be slow on some servers, limited advanced features |
Starting at $2.49/month |
Private Internet Access |
32,000+ servers in 78 countries, no-logs policy, 10 simultaneous connections |
Very affordable, excellent security and privacy, fast speeds, 24/7 customer support |
Can be a bit complicated for beginners, limited advanced features |
Starting at $2.08/month |
CyberGhost |
6900+ servers in 91 countries, no-logs policy, 7 simultaneous connections |
Great for streaming, user-friendly apps, excellent customer support, 45-day money-back guarantee |
Can be slow on some servers, limited configuration options |
Starting at $2.25/month |
ExpressVPN: Blazing Fast and Secure
ExpressVPN is a popular choice for streaming and security enthusiasts, and for good reason. It boasts some of the fastest speeds on the market, with servers in over 60 countries. ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports all major protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec.
One of the standout features of ExpressVPN is its ease of use. It has user-friendly apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. The app also comes with a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. ExpressVPN also has excellent customer support, with 24/7 live chat and email support available.
However, ExpressVPN’s main drawback is its pricing. It is one of the most expensive VPNs on the market, with plans starting at $8.32/month. Additionally, ExpressVPN does not offer a free trial, which can make it hard for budget-conscious users to try it out before committing.
NordVPN: Robust Security and Features
NordVPN is a well-known VPN provider that has been around for over a decade. Its network spans over 59 countries, with more than 5500 servers available. NordVPN uses AES-256 encryption and supports all major protocols, along with its own NordLynx protocol.
One of the standout features of NordVPN is its double VPN encryption, which routes your connection through two servers for added security. NordVPN also has a strict no-logs policy and offers specialty servers for specific use cases, such as P2P and streaming.
NordVPN has user-friendly apps for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. The app also comes with a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. However, NordVPN can be inconsistent in terms of customer support, with some users reporting slow response times and unhelpful support agents.
Surfshark: Affordable and Versatile
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN provider that has quickly gained popularity due to its affordability and versatility. It has servers in over 65 countries, along with a strict no-logs policy and AES-256 encryption.
Surfshark is unique in that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can protect all your devices with a single account. It also has user-friendly apps for all major platforms, along with a kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection.
However, Surfshark can be slower than some of its competitors in certain locations. It also lacks some advanced features, such as specialty servers and obfuscation.
Private Internet Access: The Best Bang for Your Buck
Private Internet Access, or PIA, is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with plans starting at only $2.08/month. Despite its low price, PIA is known for its excellent security and privacy features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
PIA has over 32,000 servers in 78 countries, which makes it one of the largest VPN networks. PIA also supports all major protocols, including WireGuard, and has user-friendly apps for all major platforms.
However, PIA can be a bit complicated for beginners, with a cluttered interface and limited configuration options. It also lacks some advanced features, such as split tunneling and dedicated IP addresses.
CyberGhost: Great for Streaming
CyberGhost is a VPN provider that is well-known for its streaming capabilities. It has over 6900 servers in 91 countries, including servers optimized for popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
CyberGhost uses AES-256 encryption and supports all major protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. It also has user-friendly apps for all major platforms, along with a kill switch, split tunneling, ad-blocker, and malware protection.
CyberGhost also offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, which gives you plenty of time to test it out. However, CyberGhost can be slow on some servers, and it lacks some advanced features that more tech-savvy users may want.
Advantages and Disadvantages of PC World’s Best VPN
Advantages of Using a VPN
There are many advantages to using a VPN, including:
1. Privacy and Security
A VPN can help protect your online activities from prying eyes, including your ISP, hackers, and government surveillance. It uses encryption and hides your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities.
2. Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
Many websites and services are geo-restricted, meaning they are only available in certain countries. A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions by routing your connection through a server in a different country.
3. Accessing Public Wi-Fi Safely
Public Wi-Fi networks are notoriously insecure, making them easy targets for hackers. A VPN can help secure your connection and protect your data while using public Wi-Fi networks.
4. Improved Performance
A VPN can help improve your Internet performance and speed, especially if you’re trying to access websites or services that are blocked or throttled by your ISP.
Disadvantages of Using a VPN
While VPNs can have many advantages, they also have some drawbacks to consider:
1. Slower Speeds
Using a VPN can slow down your internet connection, especially if you’re connecting to a server that is far away. This can affect your streaming quality and download speeds.
2. Subscription Costs
Most VPNs require a subscription fee, which can add up over time. While some VPNs are more affordable than others, it’s important to consider the long-term costs before choosing one.
3. Limited Server Access
Some VPNs have limited server access, which can make it difficult to find a server that works well for your needs. Additionally, some VPNs may have servers that are blocked or throttled by certain websites or services.
FAQs About PC World’s Best VPN
1. What is a VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that creates a secure connection between your device and the internet. It does this by routing your connection through a private server, encrypting your data, and hiding your IP address.
2. Can I use a VPN on my PC?
Yes, you can use a VPN on your PC. Most VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
3. Can I use a VPN for streaming?
Yes, you can use a VPN for streaming. Many VPNs have servers optimized for popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
4. Is it legal to use a VPN?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN. However, using a VPN for illegal activities is not legal.
5. Can a VPN be hacked?
While a VPN can help protect your online activities from prying eyes, it is not foolproof. A VPN can still be hacked or compromised, especially if you use a weak password or connect to a compromised server.
6. Can I use a VPN on my mobile device?
Yes, you can use a VPN on your mobile device. Most VPNs have apps for iOS and Android operating systems.
7. Can I use a free VPN?
While there are some free VPNs available, we generally do not recommend using them. Free VPNs often come with limitations, such as data caps, slow speeds, and fewer server options. Additionally, some free VPNs have been known to collect and sell user data, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN.
8. Can a VPN be traced?
It is possible for a VPN to be traced, although it is difficult. A VPN can help protect your online activities from prying eyes, but it is not foolproof.
9. Can I get banned from using a VPN?
It is possible to get banned from using a VPN, especially if you use it to engage in illegal activities. Some websites and services may also block or throttle VPN connections.
10. How do I choose the best VPN for me?
When choosing a VPN, it’s important to consider factors such as speed, security, ease of use, compatibility, pricing, and customer support. Additionally, you should consider your specific use case and choose a VPN that fits your needs.
11. Can I use a VPN to access illegal websites?
No, using a VPN to access illegal websites is not legal. A VPN can protect your online activities from prying eyes, but it cannot protect you from illegal activities.
12. How do I know if my VPN is working?
You can check if your VPN is working by visiting websites such as whatismyipaddress.com or ipleak.net. These websites can show you your IP address and location, which should be different when you’re connected to a VPN.
13. Can I use a VPN to download torrents?
Yes, you can use a VPN to download torrents. However, not all VPNs support P2P traffic, so it’s important to choose a VPN that does if you plan on torrenting.
Conclusion
Choosing the best VPN for PC World can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By considering factors such as speed, security, ease of use, compatibility, pricing, and customer support, you can find a VPN that fits your needs and budget.
In this article, we’ve explored PC World’s top VPN picks, their features, pros and cons, and everything else you need to make an informed decision. Whether you choose ExpressVPN for its blazing speeds, NordVPN for its robust security, Surfshark for its affordability, Private Internet Access for its excellent value, or CyberGhost for its streaming capabilities, you can rest assured that you’re using one of the best VPNs on the market.
So why wait? Protect your online privacy and security today by choosing one of PC World’s best VPNs.
Closing Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for general information purposes only. While we strive to provide up-to-date and accurate information, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the article or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in the article for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.