Protect Your Online Privacy and Unblock Websites with These Top 10 VPNs
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the top 10 VPNs you need to know in 2021. With so many VPN providers out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, with the help of this comprehensive article, you’ll be able to make an informed decision based on the features, benefits, and drawbacks of each VPN.
Whether you’re concerned about your online privacy and security, want to bypass geo-restrictions to access streaming platforms and websites, or simply want to encrypt your internet traffic, a VPN can be your best friend.
What is a VPN?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that allows you to connect to the internet via an encrypted tunnel, providing you with online privacy and security. By using a VPN, your online traffic is routed through an encrypted server, making it impossible for anyone to intercept, snoop, or spy on your online activities.
Additionally, a VPN masks your IP address, making it appear as if you’re browsing from another location. This feature makes it easy to bypass geo-restrictions and access websites, streaming services, and online content that are not available in your region.
Top 10 VPN Providers
After extensive research and testing, we’ve come up with the following list of the top 10 VPN providers:
VPN Provider |
Features |
Price |
|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
3000+ servers, unlimited bandwidth, split tunneling, 24/7 live chat support |
$6.67/month |
NordVPN |
5000+ servers, double VPN, onion over VPN, ad and malware blocker |
$3.71/month |
Surfshark |
3200+ servers, unlimited simultaneous connections, CleanWeb, 24/7 customer support |
$2.49/month |
CyberGhost |
7000+ servers, 256-bit encryption, strict no-logs policy, 24/7 live chat support |
$2.25/month |
IPVanish |
1600+ servers, 256-bit AES encryption, unlimited bandwidth, 24/7 customer support |
$4.16/month |
Private Internet Access (PIA) |
3335+ servers, 10 simultaneous connections, ad and tracker blocker, no traffic logs |
$2.08/month |
Hotspot Shield |
3200+ servers, military-grade encryption, 45-day money-back guarantee, 24/7 support |
$7.99/month |
VyprVPN |
700+ servers, no-logs policy, Chameleon protocol, 24/7 customer support |
$1.66/month |
PrivateVPN |
150+ servers, 2048-bit encryption, no-logs policy, 6 simultaneous connections |
$1.89/month |
TunnelBear |
1800+ servers, GhostBear mode, VigilantBear, 24/7 customer support |
$4.17/month |
Advantages of Using a VPN
Now that you know the top 10 VPN providers, let’s take a look at some of the advantages of using a VPN:
1. Online Security
By using a VPN, you can protect your online security and privacy. Since all your internet traffic is encrypted, nobody can snoop on your online activities, including your ISP, government, hackers, or cybercriminals.
2. Bypass Geo-Restrictions
If you’re living in a country with strict internet censorship laws, a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access websites, streaming platforms, and online content that are not available in your region.
3. Public Wi-Fi Protection
When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, you’re putting your sensitive data at risk. However, by using a VPN, you can encrypt your internet traffic, making it impossible for anyone to steal your data.
4. Anonymity
Using a VPN can make you anonymous online by masking your IP address and location. This way, you can surf the web without leaving any digital footprints.
5. Torrenting
If you’re a fan of P2P file sharing and torrenting, a VPN can keep you safe and anonymous by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address.
6. Streaming
With a VPN, you can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer, regardless of your location.
7. Price Comparison
Using a VPN can help you compare prices of flights, hotels, and other online services by changing your location to a region where the prices are lower.
Disadvantages of Using a VPN
While there are many advantages of using a VPN, there are also some drawbacks you need to be aware of:
1. Speed
Since your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted server, your internet speed can be slower than usual. However, this depends on the VPN provider and the location of the server you’re connected to.
2. Cost
Depending on the VPN provider and the plan you choose, using a VPN can be expensive, especially if you want advanced features like split tunneling, double VPN, or ad-blockers.
3. Legal Issues
While using a VPN is legal in most countries, there are some places where it’s prohibited, like China, Iran, or Russia. Additionally, using a VPN to commit illegal activities is not recommended and can lead to serious consequences.
4. Compatibility
Not all devices and operating systems are compatible with all VPN providers. Before purchasing a VPN, make sure it’s compatible with your device and OS.
5. Reliability
Some VPN providers may suffer from connection drops, server malfunctions, or technical issues. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of an important online activity.
6. No-Logs Policy
While most VPN providers claim to have a strict no-logs policy, it’s important to read the terms and conditions carefully. Some VPNs may keep some logs, which can jeopardize your online privacy.
7. Technical Knowledge
Using a VPN may require some technical knowledge, especially if you want to configure advanced settings like DNS leak protection, kill switch, or port forwarding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the best VPN for streaming?
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost are the best VPNs for streaming, as they offer fast speeds, unblocking capabilities, and compatibility with popular streaming services.
2. Can I use a free VPN for streaming?
While there are some free VPNs that can unblock streaming platforms, most of them are not reliable, secure, or fast enough. Additionally, free VPNs may log your data, show you ads, or sell your bandwidth.
3. What is the fastest VPN?
Based on our tests, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are the fastest VPNs, providing high speeds and low latency.
4. Can I use a VPN on my phone?
Yes, most VPN providers offer apps for iOS and Android devices, making it easy to protect your phone’s online privacy and security.
5. Do all VPNs work in China?
No, not all VPNs work in China, as the Great Firewall of China blocks many VPN servers. However, some VPNs like VyprVPN, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN have special protocols that can bypass the censorship.
6. Can a VPN be hacked?
While it’s unlikely for a VPN to be hacked, it’s possible for cybercriminals to compromise your device or network and intercept your online traffic before it reaches the VPN server. Therefore, it’s important to use a reliable and secure VPN and keep your device and software up to date.
7. Is it legal to use a VPN?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but there are some exceptions. For example, using a VPN in China, Iran, or Russia is illegal. Additionally, using a VPN to commit illegal activities is not recommended and can lead to serious consequences.
8. Can a VPN be traced?
While a VPN can make it difficult for anyone to trace your online activities, it’s not impossible. If the VPN provider keeps logs, or if you leak your IP address or DNS requests, your online privacy can be compromised. Therefore, it’s important to choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy and use additional privacy and security tools like Tor or a firewall.
9. Is a VPN necessary for online banking?
While using a VPN for online banking is not necessary, it can add an extra layer of security to your transactions by encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address. Additionally, a VPN can protect you from phishing attacks and malicious websites.
10. Can a VPN improve my gaming experience?
Yes, using a VPN can improve your gaming experience by reducing lag, improving ping, avoiding DDoS attacks, and bypassing IP bans. However, this depends on the VPN provider and the location of the server you’re connected to.
11. How do I choose the right VPN for me?
To choose the right VPN for you, consider the following factors: your online activities, your device and operating system, the number of servers and locations, the speed and bandwidth, the security and privacy features, the customer support, and the price.
12. Can I use a VPN to download torrents?
Yes, using a VPN is recommended for downloading torrents, as it can protect your online privacy and security and avoid legal issues. However, not all VPN providers allow P2P file sharing, so make sure to check their terms and conditions.
13. How do I set up a VPN?
To set up a VPN, you need to choose a VPN provider, create an account, download and install the VPN app on your device, log in to the app, select a server, and connect. Additionally, you can configure advanced settings like the protocol, the encryption, or the kill switch.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve made it to the end of the article! We hope that this comprehensive guide to the top 10 VPN providers has helped you choose the right VPN for your needs. Remember, using a VPN can protect your online privacy and security, unblock websites, bypass geo-restrictions, and enhance your online experience.
Whether you’re a casual internet user, a business professional, or a privacy-conscious activist, a VPN can be a powerful tool to achieve your online goals. So, what are you waiting for? Choose a VPN provider from the list, sign up, and start using the internet as it was meant to be!
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We do not endorse or promote the use of VPNs for illegal activities or any other purposes that violate the terms and conditions of the VPN provider or the laws of your country. Always use a VPN responsibly and with respect to others’ rights and privacy.