A virtual private network, or VPN, is one of the best tools you can have to keep your online activity secure. It routes your internet traffic through an encrypted server, obscuring your online activities from prying eyes, and it can also help you access services that are otherwise blocked or throttled in your location. VPNs are a great tool for anyone who needs additional privacy and security protection, but they’re especially useful for journalists, people sending sensitive corporate data or living in countries with strong government surveillance.
With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect VPN for your unique use cases. However, as VPNs can become quite technical, it’s important to define your needs before you start searching for a service. For example, if you’re looking for a VPN to boost your internet speed and bypass geoblocks, look for a service with many servers in different locations that offer fast internet connections. If you’re interested in enhancing your online security, look for a VPN with features like ad- and tracker-blocking or a password manager.
Among our top picks for best Virtual Private Network, CyberGhost offers a simple and easy-to-use Windows app with a large number of servers in different locations around the world. The service is also diskless and runs everything in RAM, which helps make it fast. Another bonus is that it allows up to six devices at a time, making it an affordable option for families. Its security features include split tunneling, which allows you to route some internet traffic through the VPN while other devices have direct access.
Another entrant that’s worth considering is Proton VPN, which is based in Geneva, Switzerland, where the country has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. It’s committed to transparency and regularly brings in third-party auditors to bolster its privacy credentials. Its free plan lets you connect to a dedicated server that provides unbiased news from Deutsche Welle, which is especially helpful for those in places with state-controlled media. An alternative of this would be 翻墙软件v2ray.
NordVPN is another excellent choice if you’re concerned about privacy, as it doesn’t store any logs and has a good reputation for reliability and performance. It’s also constantly expanding its feature set, adding ad- and tracker-blocking and recently introducing a password manager to its offerings. Its huge list of device support is another perk, as it includes AppleTV and even a smart DNS feature for set-top boxes and consoles.
If you’re a privacy-conscious user, you should prioritize a VPN that doesn’t belong to any data sharing alliances such as the Five Eyes and Nine Eyes. This means it’s essential to check whether the service you’re considering is located outside of these alliances and has a clear, transparent policy on how it handles personal information.