Protect Your Online Privacy and Security with These Top VPN Providers 👤🔐
Welcome to our in-depth guide on the best VPN providers for 2021! If you’re looking for a way to secure your internet connection, bypass geo-restrictions, and explore the web without being tracked, then you’ve come to the right place. In today’s digital age, privacy and security are becoming increasingly important, and VPNs are an essential tool for anyone who wants to keep their personal information safe. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best VPN for your needs? Fear not, as we’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top VPN providers in the market. Read on to find out more!
What is a VPN?
Before we dive into our list of top VPN providers, let’s start with the basics. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. By using a VPN, you can encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to spy on your online activity. This is particularly useful if you’re accessing public Wi-Fi, as it protects you from cybercriminals who might be lurking on the same network. Additionally, VPNs can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is blocked in your region.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at the top VPN providers for 2021.
Top VPN Providers for 2021 🥇
We evaluated dozens of VPN providers based on their features, performance, pricing, and user-friendliness. Here are our top picks:
Provider |
Price |
Features |
Speed |
Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN |
$6.67/month |
Unlimited bandwidth, 3000+ servers, 24/7 support, split tunneling |
Excellent |
Very easy |
NordVPN |
$3.71/month |
Double encryption, 5300+ servers, ad/tracker blocker, 24/7 support |
Very good |
Easy |
Surfshark |
$2.49/month |
Unlimited devices, 3200+ servers, ad/tracker blocker, 24/7 support |
Good |
Very easy |
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider that offers fast speeds, reliable performance, and excellent features. With over 3000 servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN provides users with unlimited bandwidth and a 99.9% uptime guarantee. It also has a strict no-logs policy, meaning that it does not keep any records of your online activity. Additionally, ExpressVPN offers split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps and websites use the VPN connection.
ExpressVPN’s pricing starts at $6.67/month, which is a bit expensive compared to some of its competitors. However, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat or email.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular VPN provider that has built a reputation for its security and privacy features. With over 5300 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN offers users double VPN encryption, which means that your internet traffic is encrypted twice for added security. It also has an ad and tracker blocker, which helps to enhance your online privacy. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy and is based in Panama, which is outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes Alliance.
NordVPN’s pricing starts at $3.71/month, which is very reasonable considering its features. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support via live chat. However, some users have reported slower speeds when using certain servers.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN provider that offers excellent value for money. With over 3200 servers in 65 countries, Surfshark provides users with unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning that you can protect all your devices with one account. It also has an ad and tracker blocker, as well as a no-logs policy. Additionally, Surfshark offers a feature called Camouflage Mode, which hides the fact that you’re using a VPN.
Surfshark’s pricing starts at $2.49/month, which is a steal considering its features. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support via live chat. However, some users have reported slower speeds when using certain servers, and it doesn’t have as many servers as some of its competitors.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a VPN
While VPNs provide many benefits, there are also some potential downsides to consider. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of using a VPN:
Advantages of Using a VPN
1. Enhanced Security and Privacy
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for anyone to intercept or spy on your online activity. It also masks your IP address, making it harder to track your location and online behavior.
2. Access to Geo-Restricted Content
By using a VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is blocked in your region. This is particularly useful if you’re traveling or living in a country with strict internet censorship laws.
3. Protection on Public Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, which means that anyone on the same network can potentially intercept your internet traffic. By using a VPN, you can protect yourself from cybercriminals who might be lurking on the same network.
Disadvantages of Using a VPN
1. Slower Internet Speeds
Since a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, it can sometimes result in slower internet speeds. This is particularly noticeable when you’re using a VPN to connect to a server in a different country.
2. Cost
Most VPN providers require a subscription fee, which can be a drawback for users who are on a tight budget. While there are some free VPNs available, they often come with limitations and may not provide adequate security.
3. Not Foolproof
While a VPN can help protect your online privacy and security, it’s not foolproof. There are still ways that your internet activity can be tracked, such as through cookies or browser fingerprinting. Additionally, some VPN providers have been known to log user data, so it’s important to choose a reputable provider.
FAQs
1. What is a VPN, and how does it work?
A VPN is a tool that allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the internet. When you connect to a VPN server, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel, making it difficult for anyone to intercept or spy on your online activity.
2. Why do I need a VPN?
A VPN is an essential tool for anyone who wants to protect their online privacy and security. It can help you bypass geo-restrictions, access blocked content, and protect your personal information on public Wi-Fi networks.
3. How do I choose the best VPN provider?
When choosing a VPN provider, you should consider factors such as performance, pricing, features, user-friendliness, and customer support. It’s also important to choose a provider that has a strict no-logs policy and is based in a privacy-friendly country.
4. Are free VPNs safe to use?
While there are some free VPNs available, they often come with limitations and may not provide adequate security. Some free VPNs have also been known to log user data or even sell it to third parties. We recommend using a reputable paid VPN provider for better security and privacy.
5. Can a VPN improve my internet speeds?
In some cases, using a VPN can improve your internet speeds by reducing latency and optimizing your connection. However, this depends on the server location and your internet connection speed to begin with.
6. Do I need to be tech-savvy to use a VPN?
No, most VPN providers offer user-friendly apps that can be installed on your device with just a few clicks. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use a VPN, but it’s always a good idea to read the user manual or online tutorials for the app you’re using.
7. How can I test my VPN connection?
Most VPN providers offer a feature called “kill switch,” which automatically blocks your internet connection if the VPN connection drops. You can test your VPN connection by enabling the kill switch and then checking whether your internet connection is still active.
Conclusion
Choosing the right VPN provider can be a daunting task, but we hope that this guide has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Remember to consider factors such as performance, pricing, features, and user-friendliness when choosing a VPN. Our top picks for 2021 are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, but ultimately the best VPN for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. Protecting your online privacy and security is more important than ever, so don’t wait any longer to get started!
Closing/Disclaimer
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, this guide is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or professional advice. We do not endorse or recommend any specific VPN provider, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. It is your responsibility to do your own research and make an informed decision about which VPN provider is right for you. Additionally, using a VPN does not guarantee complete privacy or security, and there are still risks involved with using the internet. Use a VPN at your own risk.