VPN Service Buyer's Guide

With a VPN you won't have to worry about your online privacy being compromised. A VPN (virtual private network) functions by providing you anonymity online through cloaking your internet protocol address (IP address) so that none of your actions online are traceable. A VPN is an especially crucial privacy tool for whenever you need to get online at public domains like a coffee shop or hotel lobby.

Overview

When shopping for a vpn service, it’s important to know what to look for so you can easily compare products. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:

• What is a VPN service?

  A virtual private network or VPN service is able to provide you anonymity while you use the internet. With a VPN service, you can connect to the internet while being backed by an encryption service. This encryption service provides you with added security and privacy while you surf the web. This is especially important whenever you use the internet at a public location like a café or public library. Without a VPN service, you could find yourself unknowingly logging onto a Wi-Fi network that's been maliciously created by a cybercriminal. The cybercriminal would then be able to spy on all of your online browsing, and easily steal any personal information that you might've shared. 

• What are the important features of a VPN service?

  A VPN service provides you with an encrypted tunnel. Every time you use the internet with a VPN service activated this encrypted tunnel sends all of your data to a secured and remote server that's operated by the VPN service in question. With your data tactically stored in a remote server, you won't have to worry about any cybercriminals coming into possession of your personal information. On top of this, a VPN service is also able to keep your entire browsing history hidden. Additionally, it's worthwhile to note that by their design, search engines normally track your search history. However, with a VPN service activated the search engine will incorrectly pair your personal information with an IP address that's not actually yours. This ultimately guarantees you online anonymity. 

• What makes the best VPN service?

  An exceptional VPN service will come with a highly informative setup guide and an extensive FAQs section that doesn't leave you with any lingering questions or an inability to properly set up your VPN service. There are also top-tier VPN services that contain a "kill-switch" feature that prevents your network data from being exposed to any outside prying eyes via a secured VPN tunnel. 

• How does a VPN service work?

  A VPN service functions by connecting your computer to one of its remote servers. Through this process, your IP address will end up being made to look like your using the internet from a location far removed from where you actually are. 

VPN Service FAQ

So how do you choose a vpn service that’s right for you? These are the questions consumers are asking when shopping for a vpn service.

Why should you choose a paid VPN service over a free one?

A paid VPN service is a vast improvement upon a free VPN service because free VPN services will oftentimes sell your information to third parties. On top of that, free VPN services also will often suffer from weaker encryption protocols and lower-quality server options. With a paid VPN service you get to reap the benefits of unlimited speed, no fear of having your activity logged, military-grade encryption, and zero risk of having your personal data sold. 

How do you troubleshoot slow speed problems caused by your VPN service?

When you use a VPN service you can anticipate having your connection speed being slightly slowed due to the fact that your data is going through a VPN server twice. The first time is when your data goes out of your device, and the second time is when it comes back. However, you can still check the distance between you and the server, the number of users on the server, the VPN protocol that was used, and your actual internet speed to try to optimize your connectivity speed. 

How do you download and set up a VPN service?

The process for downloading and setting up a VPN is very intuitive. Usually, all that you'll have to do is go to the VPN service's site, purchase the subscription that you want, create your account, and then download the VPN software. Common setup options that you're likely to encounter include choosing your default primary location, whether you want to connect to the VPN automatically whenever an unsecured network is detected, and if you want to turn on ad tracker blocking. As soon as you've configured your preferences, you'll be able to connect to the VPN and browse online as you normally would. 



Final Thoughts

A VPN service will provide you with the means to use the internet in a safe and secured manner without ever having to worry about whether or not your personal information has been compromised.

One of the most popular reasons for using a VPN is the ability to access content that is geographically restricted or otherwise protected. For instance, if you work at an academic institution, they may have a VPN set up so that you can access online journals for free that are otherwise subscription based. Also, online media services like Netflix, Hulu, and HBO GO are all restricted to US viewers only - a pain for international travelers and TV addicts alike. Our VPN reviews take into account price, speed, reliability, reputation, and the freedom and privacy you can gain by signing up for one of these VPN services.

How Does a VPN Work?
• A VPN connects your computer to its remote servers, so your IP address (the location where your computer is accessing the internet) appears as if you are accessing the internet from another location. VPN software also creates an encrypted connection between your computer and the websites you’re accessing, so that outsiders --whether they’re hackers, your internet service provider or the IT department at your company-- can’t access the data that your computer is sending or receiving when you’re online.

Why Do I Need a VPN Service?
• If you ever access the internet from an unsecured Wi-Fi location such as a coffee shop or the airport, VPN software can help keep your personal information secure. If you don’t want anyone snooping on your internet activity, a VPN provider can help with that. The top providers don’t even keep logs of their users’ activities, so there’s no record of your browsing history. Also, if you want to access content that’s not readily available in a particular country, a VPN can give you access by setting your IP address to another country of your choice.

How Do I Use a VPN?
• VPN providers have made it very simple to use their virtual private networks. Most work on a subscription basis, so first you select the length of your subscription – 1-, 6- and 12-month options are the most common, with price discounts available for longer commitments. Once you’ve signed up, you download VPN software from the provider’s website. This usually comes with step-by-step instructions, so no special technical knowledge is required. Once your software is installed, just launch the VPN program and safely browse or view blocked content!

What is the Best VPN Provider for Me?
• We’ve shared our VPN ratings with you above, but ultimately you’ll have to decide which one best fits your needs. Speed is an important factor, as using a VPN can sometimes slow your internet connection. Also, consider the number of servers a VPN provider uses. The farther away geographically you get from a server, the slower your connection will be, so the more servers a provider has, the more likely you’ll be able to find a close connection. Finally, some VPN providers offer free trials or satisfaction guarantees so you can test their service without it costing you if it doesn’t work out.

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