Introduction
Greetings, internet users! With the rise of online security breaches and concerns over data privacy, the use of VPNs has become increasingly popular. VPN, or virtual private network, allows you to access the internet anonymously and encrypts your internet traffic. In this article, we will discuss the top VPN clients available on the market and their features.
Using a VPN can protect your identity and data from hackers and snoops. Additionally, it can give you access to restricted content and services that may otherwise be unavailable in your area. However, not all VPN clients are equal, and each one has its unique features and drawbacks. So, without further ado, let’s dive in and evaluate the best VPN clients available in 2021.
Top VPN Clients: Features and Benefits
1. ExpressVPN 🔑
One of the most popular VPN clients on the market, ExpressVPN provides excellent security features and fast connection speeds. The client offers over 3000 servers located in 94 countries, providing a vast network for you to browse without any restrictions. Additionally, the client offers top-notch encryption and supports a wide range of devices. However, one downside is that ExpressVPN is comparatively expensive compared to other VPN clients.
2. NordVPN 🔐
NordVPN offers advanced security features and privacy protection. The client provides double VPN encryption and an automatic kill switch for enhanced security. NordVPN also has an extensive network with over 5400 servers in 59 countries, giving you the freedom to browse without any restrictions. Users can connect up to six devices simultaneously, making it suitable for families or individuals with multiple devices. One drawback of NordVPN is that it can be slow when connecting to some servers.
3. CyberGhost 🕶
CyberGhost offers an excellent balance between security and usability. The client has over 7000 servers located in 91 countries, and it provides excellent connection speeds. Additionally, CyberGhost offers advanced features such as ad-blocker, malware scanner, and automatic HTTPS. Users can connect up to seven devices simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for families or individuals with multiple devices. However, some users have reported connectivity issues with CyberGhost.
4. Surfshark 💻
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN client on the market. However, it has gained popularity due to its affordable price and advanced security features. The client offers over 3200 servers located in 65 countries and provides high-speed connections. Additionally, Surfshark offers advanced features such as unlimited simultaneous connections, double VPN encryption, and automatic kill switch. One downside of Surfshark is that it does not have a wide range of servers compared to other VPN clients.
5. Private Internet Access 🔒
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a straightforward VPN client that offers excellent security features. The client provides over 26000 servers in 77 countries and has excellent connection speeds. Additionally, PIA offers advanced features such as kill switch, ad-blocker, and malware scanner. The client is also relatively affordable compared to other VPN clients. However, PIA collects some user data, which may be a concern for some users.
6. IPVanish 🔐
IPVanish offers advanced security features and excellent connection speeds. The client provides over 1500 servers in 75 countries and has advanced features such as automatic kill switch, split tunneling, and DNS leak protection. IPVanish also offers ten simultaneous connections, making it suitable for multiple devices. However, the client is relatively expensive compared to other VPN clients, and it collects some user data.
7. Hotspot Shield 🔥
Hotspot Shield offers excellent security features and fast connection speeds. The client provides over 3200 servers in 80 countries and has advanced features such as malware detection and automatic HTTPS. Additionally, Hotspot Shield offers a free version that is suitable for casual users. However, the free version has limited features, and the client collects some user data, which may be a concern for some users.
Advantages and Disadvantages of VPN clients
Advantages
1. Security and Privacy
The primary advantage of VPN clients is that they offer enhanced security and privacy. By encrypting your internet traffic, VPN clients protect your data from being intercepted by hackers or snoopers. Additionally, they allow you to access the internet anonymously, protecting your identity from being tracked by websites or advertisers.
2. Access to Restricted Content
VPN clients allow you to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that may be unavailable in your area. For example, you can access Netflix US from anywhere in the world using a VPN client.
3. Protection on Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi networks are often less secure than private networks, making them vulnerable to hackers. Using a VPN client can protect your data from being intercepted on public Wi-Fi networks.
Disadvantages
1. Slower Connection Speeds
Using a VPN client often leads to slower connection speeds due to the encryption process. This can be a drawback if you require fast internet speeds for activities such as gaming or streaming.
2. Cost
VPN clients can be expensive compared to other online subscriptions. Additionally, some VPN clients offer free versions with limited features, which may not provide adequate protection for your data.
3. Compatibility Issues
Some VPN clients may not be compatible with certain devices or operating systems. Before subscribing to a VPN client, ensure that it is compatible with your device.
Comparing the Top VPN Clients
VPN Client |
Number of Servers |
Number of Countries |
Simultaneous Connections |
Price per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
3000+ |
94 |
5 |
$12.95 |
NordVPN |
5400+ |
59 |
6 |
$11.95 |
CyberGhost |
7000+ |
91 |
7 |
$2.25 |
Surfshark |
3200+ |
65 |
Unlimited |
$2.49 |
Private Internet Access |
26000+ |
77 |
10 |
$2.69 |
IPVanish |
1500+ |
75 |
10 |
$9.99 |
Hotspot Shield |
3200+ |
80 |
5 |
$7.99 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a VPN client?
A VPN client is software that allows you to access the internet anonymously and encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your data from being intercepted by hackers or snoops.
2. Are VPN clients legal?
Yes, using VPN clients is legal in most countries. However, some countries may have restrictions on VPN usage.
3. Can VPN clients be hacked?
While no system is entirely secure, VPN clients use advanced encryption algorithms and security protocols, making them difficult to hack.
4. Can VPN clients slow down internet speed?
Yes, using a VPN client can lead to slower internet speeds due to the encryption process. However, this can be mitigated by choosing a VPN client with high-speed connections.
5. Can VPN clients be used on multiple devices?
Yes, most VPN clients allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
6. Can VPN clients protect my data on public Wi-Fi networks?
Yes, using a VPN client can protect your data from being intercepted on public Wi-Fi networks.
7. What is the best VPN client for streaming?
VPN clients with high-speed connections and vast server networks, such as ExpressVPN and NordVPN, are suitable for streaming.
8. Can VPN clients access Netflix?
Yes, using a VPN client can allow you to access Netflix content that may be unavailable in your area.
9. What is the most affordable VPN client?
Surfshark offers one of the most affordable VPN client subscriptions with advanced security features and high-speed connections.
10. Can free VPN clients provide adequate protection?
Free VPN clients often have limited features and may not offer adequate protection for your data. Additionally, some free VPN clients may collect user data, which may be a concern for some users.
11. Can VPN clients bypass government censorship?
While VPN clients can bypass some government censorship, they may not be effective against advanced censorship techniques.
12. What is the best VPN client for privacy?
VPN clients with advanced privacy features, such as NordVPN and ExpressVPN, are suitable for users concerned about their data privacy.
13. Can VPN clients be used for online gaming?
Yes, VPN clients can be used for online gaming. However, they may lead to slower internet speeds, which can be a drawback for online gaming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VPN clients are an essential tool for protecting your data and privacy online. Each VPN client has its unique features and drawbacks, and it’s crucial to evaluate each one based on your specific needs. In this article, we have discussed the top VPN clients available in 2021 and their features. Additionally, we have evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of using VPN clients and provided a comparison table to help you make an informed decision.
Remember that a VPN client is only one aspect of online security, and it’s crucial to follow other security measures such as using strong passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. We encourage our readers to take action and subscribe to a VPN client that suits their needs to protect their data and privacy online.
Closing Disclaimer
The content in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information in this article. We recommend that you consult with legal and security experts for advice on online security and data privacy.