Contents
- Determining a VPNs Worth
- What is a VPN?
- The Value of Using a VPN: How a VPN Can Help You
- What a VPN Cannot Do
- Is there a downside to using a VPN?
- Tips for Maintaining VPN Performance
- What to Look for in a VPN
- How to Use a VPN Effectively
- The Best VPNs of 2024
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Related Articles
Determining a VPNs Worth
If you’ve ever wondered how someone internationally has accessed Netflix content not available in their country, or how people hide their internet search history from their Internet Service Provider (ISP), you need to know about a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. VPNs may seem like a tool used by government agencies in action movies to cover their tracks, or how cybercriminals stay one step ahead of the law. However, they are perfectly legal, and sometimes required, security tools for keeping your personal information safe while using the internet. So to determine if a VPN worth it, we’ve got to start with the basics.
What is a VPN?
Simply put, a VPN creates a secure connection between you and your internet-connected device and the Internet itself. This secure internet connection is called an encrypted tunnel.
Yes, most connections to the Internet are not secure. If this in itself is new to you, we recommend starting with this article before reading further.
This secure internet connection between your phone/computer/tablet/internet-enabled device and the internet keeps your internet browsing history hidden (so you can’t be tracked by cookies and other third party tools) as well as preventing any speed throttling or access disabled by national firewalls.
The Value of Using a VPN: How a VPN Can Help You
You may be thinking that you don’t have anything to hide and that you wouldn’t benefit from using a VPN. However, almost everyone can reap the benefits of VPN services, as there are tangible risks to being connected to the internet, no matter what you are searching for.
Keep Your Browsing History Hidden
When you use the internet without a VPN, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) has access to all of the data from your browsing history. Kind of creepy, right? While individual data isn’t often accessed, bulk data is gathered and sold as marketing data. That’s one of the ways that targeted paid search services work to show you ads for products and services that they think you’re interested in.
Change Your Location Online
There are actually several interesting use cases for having your browser think that you are in a different location. VPN services will connect you to a server in another country, making it appear as if your web traffic footprint is from that country instead. If you are looking to buy plane tickets or book a hotel in another country, you can often find better prices if your VPN shows your location as closer to the destination you are looking to travel to. Another use case is accessing content that isn’t available in your country. A popular instance of this is accessing content on Netflix that is accessible across your country’s border by changing where your VPN server is connected to.
Make All Internet Activities Anonymous
You don’t want your internet traffic to be anonymous to your ISP. Ideally, you want to be invisible as you use the internet across all browsers, programs, and servers. Remember those third party tracking cookies you acquiesced to using by clicking okay on the first pop-up that appears on any new website? Those tracking cookies are monitoring all of your activity on that website and collecting it as data. Data that will be used in the future to subtly convince you to choose a service or product and make a purchase. At the very least, you may start getting marketing emails that you didn’t sign up for.
Prevent Hackers from Accessing Your Info on Public Wi-Fi
One of the biggest benefits of using VPN services for the average person is increasing their cybersecurity while using public wi-fi. Just as using your debit card at the gas pump makes it easy for criminals to frisk your banking information, using your computer or cellphone on a public network is equivalent to leaving your front door unlocked and open when you leave the house. Connecting to the internet through a VPN assures that your browsing habits remain anonymous and not available to prying eyes with nefarious ideas.
Stay Safe While Gaming Online
People who like gaming online unfortunately have to deal with DDoS attacks and bandwidth throttling as well. If you game online, you’ve probably had to deal with bandwidth throttling and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. Even if you haven’t been able to identify one of these attacks, these cybercrimes happen when the criminal in question floods a server with traffic to prevent other users from accessing that online content. Gaming while connected through a VPN service keeps you safe from these attacks as well as out of harm’s way from throttled internet speeds.
What a VPN Cannot Do
While a VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your data, it cannot make you completely anonymous online. Advanced tracking techniques like browser fingerprinting can collect information such as your device type, operating system, screen resolution, installed plugins, fonts, and time zone. This method can bypass the anonymity provided by a VPN and allow for user identification separate from cookies or IP addresses.
Additionally, potential DNS leaks or WebRTC leaks can expose your true IP address if not properly mitigated. DNS leaks occur when DNS requests are sent outside the VPN tunnel, while WebRTC leaks can reveal your IP address through Web Real-Time Communication protocols.
It is also important to note that VPNs do not provide comprehensive protection against all online threats. They do not protect against malware, phishing attacks, or security breaches at endpoints. Users should be aware that relying solely on a VPN without other security measures can leave significant gaps in their online defenses.
Furthermore, trust issues with VPN providers, especially free services, are a concern. These providers often monetize user data, which can compromise privacy. Understanding these technical limitations is crucial for maintaining optimal online privacy and security.
Is there a downside to using a VPN?
Your web traffic is being monitored by your VPN instead of your ISP
One of the main perks of using a VPN is to browse securely and anonymously, away from the oversight of your ISP. However, inherently by using a VPN service, you are allowing your internet traffic history to be monitored by a VPN service instead. Most reputable VPNs proudly proclaim their “no-logging” policies. However, there have been court cases which have proven otherwise. Do your own research into the reputable nature of any VPN that you are considering using.
Your web traffic speed could potentially be slower
If you are using a high-quality VPN, it probably touted its lack of lagging internet speeds. However, not all VPN services offer this. The inherent nature of routing your traffic through a VPN server, sometimes on the other side of the world, and then on to your website destination will cause it to slow down.
Your ISP could block your VPN
When the FCC rolled back net neutrality rules, ISPs were once again allowed to throttle or prioritize specific types of web traffic. The only caveat is that they disclose they can/will do this in the fine print of that contract you signed (and read from beginning to end with a fine-tooth comb, right?). Some ISPs block programs like BitTorrent or throttle video streaming from competing platforms. If your ISP does that, they could possibly throttle all traffic that looks like a VPN, in case a VPN is being used to try to get around those throttling restrictions. It will be almost impossible to distinguish if your ISP is doing this, but know that it is a real possibility.
Tips for Maintaining VPN Performance
- Select a Server Close to Your Location:
Connecting to a server geographically closer to you can reduce latency and improve speed. The physical distance between your device and the VPN server directly impacts your internet speed, so choosing a closer server can significantly enhance your connection. - Choose Servers with Low User Load:
Opt for servers with fewer users to enjoy better performance. Overloaded servers can lead to congestion, reducing speeds for all connected users. Many VPN providers display the current server load, allowing you to choose servers with lighter loads. - Use Wired Connections When Possible:
Wired connections are more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, which can help mitigate any speed reductions from the VPN. By connecting your computer directly to your router using an ethernet cable, you can avoid the resource competition and instability often associated with Wi-Fi networks. - Regularly Update Your VPN Client:
Ensure you’re using the latest version of your VPN software to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes. Keeping your software up-to-date is essential for maintaining optimal VPN performance. - Restart Your Devices:
Sometimes, simply restarting your computer or router can resolve connectivity issues and enhance speed. Restarting clears the device’s memory, frees up RAM, and helps the VPN software run more smoothly.
By following these tips, you can effectively manage and maintain the performance of your VPN, ensuring a smoother and faster internet experience.
What to Look for in a VPN
No-Logging Policy
Ensure that the VPN you are considering has a strict no-logging policy. VPN providers that adhere to this policy do not collect or store any information about users’ online activities, including connection logs, IP addresses, and traffic logs. Independent audits, such as those conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) and Deloitte for NordVPN, can verify these claims.
Browsing Speed
Using a VPN can potentially slow down your browsing speeds due to the encryption process and the distance to the VPN server. However, some VPNs are optimized to minimize this impact. Research user reviews and conduct speed tests to determine if the VPN provides high-speed connections. Factors like server proximity and network congestion can influence speeds, so choose a VPN with a robust network and multiple server locations.
Number of Servers and Locations
A large number of servers in multiple countries is beneficial for accessing geo-restricted content and achieving better speeds. VPNs with a high number of remote servers offer greater flexibility and can handle more users without significant performance degradation.
Simultaneous Connections
Consider how many devices you can connect simultaneously. The best VPNs allow multiple connections under one subscription, making it convenient to protect all your devices, especially for households with several internet-enabled devices.
Encryption Standards
Look for VPNs that use strong encryption protocols like AES-256 bit encryption. This ensures that your data remains secure and private. Regular updates to encryption standards are essential to align with industry best practices.
Additional Security Features
Some VPNs offer extra features like malware protection, ad-blocking, and split tunneling. These additional layers of security can enhance your online protection and improve your browsing experience.
Customer Support
Good customer support is invaluable, especially for new VPN users. Look for providers that offer 24/7 support through live chat or email to ensure any issues can be addressed promptly. Effective customer support can significantly enhance the user experience and build trust in the VPN service.
How to Use a VPN Effectively
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Install the VPN on All Your Devices:
Protect all your devices by installing the VPN on your computer, smartphone, tablet, and even your router if supported. This ensures comprehensive protection and prevents data leaks across all online activities.
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Choose Appropriate Server Locations:
Select servers that are geographically close for better speed or choose specific countries to access region-specific content. Closer servers typically result in lower latency and faster data transfer rates, enhancing your overall experience.
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Enable Security Features:
Utilize built-in features like the kill switch, which prevents data from transmitting if the VPN connection drops, and DNS leak protection to maintain your privacy.
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Regularly Update the VPN Software:
Keep your VPN client updated to benefit from the latest security patches and feature enhancements. Regular updates help protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
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Combine with Other Security Tools:
Use your VPN alongside antivirus software, password managers, and firewalls for comprehensive cybersecurity. This layered approach is essential for robust protection.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you are using your VPN effectively and maximizing its benefits for your online security.
The Best VPNs of 2024
While there isn’t a shortage of VPN providers in 2024, there are some standout contenders in choosing the cream of the crop. You’ll note that our top choices are not free VPNs, though they may offer free service or a free trial. Our expert advisors found that the best VPN providers were the ones that charged for their services.
Here are the top VPNs of 2022 that our cybersecurity expert advisors recommend:
NordVPN: NordVPN is Batten’s favorite VPN. It has a fast setup, pleasant interface, and friendly user experience. The browser extension is discreet and can be paused to access VPN-restricted sites. They don’t blast you with emails and up-selling. And with their Threat Protection feature included, you can surf the web safely with their antivirus software. No need to worry about tracking software, malware, or malicious URLs. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a simple, quiet, and reliable VPN.
NordVPN$4.99 / monthlybuy on NordVPN
ExpressVPN: It offers a simple user interface that makes it easy to use while providing excellent browsing protection. ExpressVPN is compatible with virtually any device ranging from your router to your computer to even your AppleTV. 24/7 support over live chat/email to troubleshoot your connection any time of the day or night. Even better, a 30-day money-back guarantee comes with all plans. This VPN is a good choice for individuals who want a simple VPN to secure their online activity, whether in a coffee shop in their hometown or while traveling worldwide.
ExpressVPN$6.67 / monthlybuy on Expressvpn
Not sure which VPN is better for you? Read our deep-dive comparison blog to go even deeper into the pros and cons of each VPN.
There are other VPNs that our advisors have tested and you could consider. These include SurfShark and TunnelBear. Both have grown the number of users and international servers over the last few years. However, NordVPN and ExpressVPN were considered of better quality and user-friendliness. Either VPN provider makes for a great VPN selection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is using a VPN legal?
Yes, in most countries, using a VPN is completely legal. VPNs are commonly used by individuals and businesses to enhance online privacy and security. However, illegal activities remain illegal, whether you use a VPN or not.
Q: Will a VPN slow down my internet connection?
Using a VPN can potentially slow down your internet speed due to the encryption process and the distance to the VPN server. Premium VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN minimize this impact by offering high-speed servers and optimized connections.
Q: Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?
Yes, most VPN providers allow you to connect multiple devices simultaneously under one subscription. This includes computers, smartphones, tablets, and sometimes even routers.
Q: Do VPNs protect me from viruses and malware?
While VPNs encrypt your internet connection, they do not inherently protect against viruses or malware. Some VPNs offer additional security features, but it’s recommended to use antivirus software alongside your VPN for comprehensive protection.
Q: How do I choose the right VPN for my needs?
Consider factors such as a strict no-logging policy, connection speeds, server locations, encryption standards, customer support, and additional security features. Assess your specific needs, such as streaming, gaming, or enhanced privacy, to select the best VPN for you.