Whether you want to secure your personal information against cybercriminals, avoid censorship, or supercharge your Internet speeds, a VPN is a valuable tool to have in your cybersecurity arsenal. Fortunately, there are many options to choose from. The best VPNs offer a variety of features to meet the needs of almost any user, from families and businesses to journalists and casual internet users. Choosing the right one means understanding what to look for in a VPN, and we’re here to help.
VPNs are used by businesses that need to protect their trade secrets, and travelers who use airport Wi-Fi. But they can also benefit anyone who wants to stay safe on public Wi-Fi, hide their location from content providers and advertisers, or stop their ISPs from throttling their speed.
Developed in 1996, the PPTP protocol created the first virtual private network (VPN), connecting to an internal company network over an insecure connection such as the Internet. Over time, developers realized that the same concept could be applied to individuals. Using a VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, and encrypts all of your traffic. This prevents cybercriminals from monitoring your online activity, and keeps your login information (like passwords and email addresses) protected when you connect to sites that collect them.
To connect to a VPN, you download the software or app from your provider’s website or through the Apple App Store or Google Play. Once installed, it works in the background on your device, protecting everything you do online. You can use it when you’re commuting or in the office, and on home Wi-Fi, as well as on public Wi-Fi connections like those at coffee shops or hotels.
Some of the most important reasons to use a VPN include:
Protection against identity theft: Cybercriminals can easily steal your data when you use public Wi-Fi, and even on your private home network. Using a VPN stops them from stealing your passwords, financial information, and other identifying data when you log in to websites.
Unblocking content: Some of the best vpn are known for their ability to unblock media geo-blocks, making it easy to access your favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world. The VPN’s encryption ensures that the content isn’t corrupted and that you have a smooth, quality experience.
The most popular VPNs come with a range of pricing plans, including yearly, two-year, and three-year subscriptions. It’s important to choose a plan that matches your usage expectations and the length of commitment you’re willing to make. If you’re unsure, most providers offer a free trial that lets you try their service before you commit. Depending on your preferences, you might want to consider how much you’ll be paying per month and the number of devices that can use the VPN at once before deciding which one is right for you. To get started, browse our list of the best VPN services and check out our reviews and comparisons.