AVirtual Private Network, more commonly referred to as a VPN, is a service that can connect your tech devices to a remote server, masking yourIP addressby way of encryption. VPN services have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason: they can seriously bolster your privacy and security in the internet age, while also being a quick-and-easy way tostream multimedia contentthat might not otherwise be available in the country or territory you reside in. Perhaps most notably of all, VPNs can play a role in pushing back against internet censorship, too.
VPN apps appear to be a dime a dozen in today’s mobile app stores, but not all services are created equal. Whenbrowsing for the right VPN, it’s important to take into account the company’s privacy policy, track record, feature set, pricing structure, and more. Here is a breakdown of five of the most well-known VPN apps, each of which stands as a serviceable option in my eyes.
5 reasons you should avoid using free VPNs
Sometimes, free can actually cost a lot more.
1Proton VPN
Part of the growing privacy-focused Proton ecosystem
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a free VPN service created by the same developers behind Proton Mail, with a focus on encryption and advanced privacy features.
I’ve been a fan of the Proton software ecosystem for some time now, which includes the privacy-focused Proton Mail, Proton Pass, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Docs services. The company’s dedicated VPN product, Proton VPN, has traditionally been my go-to solution for masking my IP address on the fly. Proton VPN hosts over 12,000 servers in over 110 countries, offers server network speeds of up to 10 Gbps, and relies on the custom-built Stealth VPN protocol. The service also includes a NetShield Ad-blocker feature, which offers DNS filtering for enhanced cybersecurity.
Part of Proton VPN’s pitch is that it’s based in Switzerland, which is a country with strict privacy laws. As such, the company claims that it cannot legally be coerced into logging user activity, or sharing data with third-parties. Proton VPN has a free tier with medium VPN speeds, a random selection of five server counties, and single-device connectivity at a time. Plus and Unlimited price tiers are also available, which add-in higher network speeds, up to 10 connected devices at a time, and other premium tools and features.
This VPN feels like it’s in a league of its own
At the end of the day, you have to pick one that’s right for you.
One of the fastest VPN services in the entire world
NordVPN is one of the more popular VPNs. It can be used on computers, phones, tablets, and more. It offers safe encryption and can be used globally.
NordVPN is arguably one of the best-known VPN services on the market. The service offers over 7,000 dedicated VPN servers in over 110 countries, and it utilizes a custom NordLynx VPN protocol. The built-in Meshnet feature allows you to remotely access files across your devices, and split tunneling makes it easy to exclude specific apps and sites from tapping into an active VPN session. The service is well-endowed with advanced features, but it thoughfully includes a simple Quick Connect button for jumping right into the closest and speediest server available.
NordVPN offers a Basic plan that lets you connect ten devices at the same time, with built-in threat protection. Additional subscription-based Plus, Complete, and Ultra tiers are also available, which add-in a vast number of additional features and tools. These range from encrypted cloud storage and a data breach scanner, to access to a personal data removal tool known as Incogni.
What is a VPN and what do they do?
VPNs are a middleman between your computer or phone and the wider internet.
3ExpressVPN
A powerful VPN that’s easy to get up and running
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a VPN service that provides access to speedy servers, the proprietary Lightway protocol, and a built-in password manager.
ExpressVPN is a well-known VPN service with servers in 105 countries, unlimited data bandwidth capabilities, and a proprietary Lightway VPN protocol. This protocol is designed with speed, security, and reliability in mind, according to the company. Other notable features include a built-in password manager, a no-logs policy, and a wide range of 17 languages to choose from. By default, the service allows you to connect to up to eight devices at a time, with seamless switching and single-click setup. ExpressVPN is available in one-month, one-year, and two-year subscription plan options, and all plans offer full feature parity.
How to set up a VPN
If you’re wondering how to get started with a VPN, look no further - we’ve got all the details you need.
4Surfshark VPN
An excellent VPN service with a useful Alternative ID feature
Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN is a robust VPN service that offers end-to-end encryption, up to 10 Gbps speeds in over 100 countries, and Siri Shortcuts integration.
Surfshark is available in Starter, One, and One+ subscription tiers, with a wide range of premium options available in the more expensive pricing tiers. As with NordVPN, the highest-end ExpressVPN subscription offers access to Incogni for personal data removal across the internet.
5 great password managers that make securing my online accounts easy
Password managers are an excellent way to streamline and fortify your online credentials - here are 5 solutions that excel at the task.
5TunnelBear
A straighforward VPN with a user-friendly interface
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a VPN service that offers a simple and user-friendly interface, one-tap connection to encrypted servers, and a no-logging policy.
TunnelBear is a VPN service that excels at the basics, while offering a playful and highly-approachable aesthetic. It features quick one-tap access to over 5,000 VPN servers in 48 countries, all secured with AES-256 bit encryption out of the box. The company proudly boasts that it is the only consumer-facing VPN provider that performs and publishes annual security audits,which can be freely accessedon the TunnelBear website.
TunnelBear offers a free tier with an allotment of 2GB of data per month, without the need to enter payment credentials. Unlimited VPN data can be unlocked with the basic paid subscription tier, which also provides unlimited device connections, city-level server selection, and more. A business-centric Teams subscription is also available, with centralized team billing, and additional administrative and account management tools.
Unlock your Apple TV with a VPN and thank me later
you may unlock more content on your Apple TV and stream shows and movies from just about anywhere by doing this one thing.
