Introduction
Greetings to all online privacy enthusiasts! In today’s digital age, online privacy and security have become a major concern. With the increase in cybercrime and government surveillance, it has become essential to safeguard your online activities. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are the most effective way to stay anonymous and secure online. They encrypt your online traffic and route it through a secure server, making it impossible for anyone to track your activities online.
But with so many VPNs available in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top VPNs of 2017, their pros and cons, and everything you need to know about them.
Top VPN 2017: An Overview
With new VPNs popping up every day, it’s essential to pick the right one for your needs. Here’s a look at the top VPNs of 2017:
Provider |
Server Count |
Price |
Features |
|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
3,000+ |
$6.67/month |
Fast speeds, 24/7 customer support, 30-day money-back guarantee |
NordVPN |
5,500+ |
$3.71/month |
Double encryption, kill switch, 30-day money-back guarantee |
Surfshark |
1,700+ |
$2.49/month |
Unlimited devices, ad-blocker, 30-day money-back guarantee |
CyberGhost |
7,190+ |
$2.25/month |
No-logs policy, kill switch, 45-day money-back guarantee |
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a top-rated VPN that boasts lightning-fast speeds and excellent customer support. With over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, it has one of the largest server networks in the market. ExpressVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to test the service before committing to a subscription.
One of the downsides of ExpressVPN is its price, which is on the higher end of the spectrum. However, the service justifies the cost with its unparalleled performance and features. Overall, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for users who value speed and reliability over price.
NordVPN
NordVPN is another top VPN that offers excellent security and privacy features. With over 5,500 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN has an extensive server network that ensures fast and reliable connections. The VPN also offers a double encryption feature that encrypts your online traffic twice, making it virtually impossible for anyone to intercept your data.
One of the downsides of NordVPN is its slightly confusing user interface, which can be overwhelming for new users. However, once you get used to it, the VPN offers an unparalleled level of security and privacy. Overall, NordVPN is an excellent choice for users who prioritize security and want to stay anonymous online.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN that has quickly gained popularity in the market. With over 1,700 servers in 63 countries, Surfshark offers fast and reliable connections for a fraction of the cost of other VPNs. The VPN also offers unlimited devices, allowing you to connect as many devices as you want under one subscription.
One of the downsides of Surfshark is its relatively small server network compared to other VPNs. However, the VPN offers excellent privacy features, including an ad-blocker and a no-logs policy. Overall, Surfshark is an excellent choice for users who value affordability and privacy.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a VPN based in Romania that offers excellent security and privacy features. With over 7,190 servers in 90 countries, CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks in the market. The VPN also offers a no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private.
One of the downsides of CyberGhost is its less intuitive user interface, which can be confusing for new users. However, the VPN offers a kill switch and a 45-day money-back guarantee, making it an excellent choice for users who prioritize privacy and security.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Top VPNs
While VPNs are an excellent way to protect your online activities, they also have a few disadvantages. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of the top VPNs:
ExpressVPN
Advantages
- Lightning-fast speeds
- 24/7 customer support
- Large server network
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Disadvantages
- Expensive pricing
- No free trial
NordVPN
Advantages
- Double encryption
- Large server network
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Disadvantages
- Confusing user interface
- Slower speeds than other VPNs
Surfshark
Advantages
- Affordable pricing
- Unlimited devices
- No-logs policy
Disadvantages
- Smaller server network than other VPNs
- Less security features than other VPNs
CyberGhost
Advantages
- No-logs policy
- Kill switch
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Disadvantages
- Less intuitive user interface
- Slower speeds than other VPNs
FAQs About Top VPNs
1. What is a VPN?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that allows you to browse the internet securely and anonymously. VPNs encrypt your online traffic and route it through a secure server, making it impossible for anyone to track your activities online.
2. Do I need a VPN?
If you value your online privacy and security, then you definitely need a VPN. VPNs protect your online activities from prying eyes and ensure that your personal information remains private.
3. How do I choose the right VPN?
When choosing a VPN, you should consider factors such as server count, speed, security features, and price. You should also look for a VPN with a no-logs policy, which ensures that your online activities remain private.
4. Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?
Most VPNs allow you to connect multiple devices under one subscription. However, some VPNs may limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously.
5. Are VPNs legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries. However, some countries may have restrictions on VPN usage, so it’s essential to check your local laws before using a VPN.
6. Will a VPN slow down my internet speed?
VPNs can slow down your internet speed due to the encryption process. However, the speed reduction is usually minimal and should not affect your browsing experience significantly.
7. How do I set up a VPN?
Setting up a VPN is usually straightforward. Most VPN providers offer user-friendly apps that you can install on your device. You’ll need to create an account, download the app, and follow the setup instructions provided by the VPN provider.
8. Can a VPN be hacked?
While VPNs offer excellent security and privacy, they are not entirely foolproof. In rare cases, hackers may be able to exploit vulnerabilities in the VPN’s encryption and gain access to your data. However, this is highly unlikely and can be prevented by using a reputable VPN provider.
9. Is it safe to use a free VPN?
Free VPNs may seem like a great deal, but they often come with a catch. Most free VPNs have limited server options, slower speeds, and may even collect your personal data. It’s best to opt for a paid VPN that offers better security and reliability.
10. Can a VPN be used to bypass geo-restrictions?
Yes, a VPN can be used to bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is not available in your region. By connecting to a VPN server in a different country, you can trick websites into thinking you’re located in that country and access geo-restricted content.
11. How does a VPN encrypt my online traffic?
A VPN encrypts your online traffic by creating a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server. All your online traffic is routed through this tunnel and encrypted, making it impossible for anyone to intercept your data.
12. Can a VPN be used for torrenting?
Yes, a VPN can be used for torrenting. In fact, VPNs are the most effective way to protect your online activities while torrenting. By encrypting your online traffic, VPNs ensure that your ISP or copyright trolls cannot track your torrenting activities.
13. How often should I use a VPN?
It’s best to use a VPN every time you go online, especially if you’re connected to public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured and can be easily hacked, putting your personal information at risk. By using a VPN, you can protect your online activities and stay anonymous while browsing the web.
Conclusion
Choosing the right VPN can be a daunting task, but it’s essential for protecting your online privacy and security. In this article, we discussed the top VPNs of 2017 and their pros and cons. We also provided a detailed explanation of how VPNs work and answered some common FAQs.
We hope that this article has helped you make an informed decision about which VPN to choose. Remember to always prioritize security and privacy when browsing the web, and stay safe online!
Closing/Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. We do not endorse the use of VPNs for illegal activities. It’s essential to check your local laws before using a VPN to ensure that you’re not breaking any laws.
Additionally, the information provided in this article is accurate as of 2017. VPN providers may have made changes to their services since then, so it’s best to check their websites for the latest information.