The best VPNs of the moment
With teleworking, streaming, and threats to online privacy on the rise, the term VPN is becoming more common. But what exactly is a VPN, and why does it seem like everyone is talking about it? If you’re still wondering how a VPN works or if you need to use one, you’ve come to the right place. In this simple guide, we’ll explain what a VPN is and how you can quickly become an expert.
What is VPN?
A VPN (Virtual Private Network), or Virtual Private Network, is a service that allows you to create a secure and encrypted connection between your device (computer, smartphone, etc.) and a remote server. By using a VPN, you hide your IP address, protect your personal data, and ensure that your online activities remain private. So how does a VPN work?
First, when a VPN is activated, it encrypts your browsing data. This means that your information, such as your banking details or your browsing history, becomes unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it. Typically, VPNs use advanced encryption algorithms, such as 256-bit AES14.
The VPN then replaces your real IP address with that of the remote server. This helps hide your identity and location, making it harder for third parties, including your Internet Service Provider (ISP), to track your online activities.
Next comes the Secure Tunnel step. In effect, a VPN creates a secure “tunnel” between your device and the VPN server. This tunnel protects all your data as it travels over the Internet, preventing hackers and other intruders from accessing that information13.
Why use a VPN?
You may be wondering why so many people use VPNs these days. The answer lies in what the VPN offers you in terms of benefits.
First, a VPN is a truly impenetrable barrier to protecting your digital life. Imagine your valuable personal information, your private conversations or your financial transactions, completely hidden and unintelligible to hackers or other malicious onlookers thanks to VPN’s secure encryption.
Additionally, with a VPN, you become invisible to websites and your internet service provider who can no longer trace your every move online. You can then browse with complete peace of mind, without fear of being spied on or targeted by intrusive ads.
Additionally, a VPN opens the door to geo-restricted content. This way you can access services or media catalogs that are usually reserved for other countries, such as a wide selection of movies and series from France to the American Netflix catalog.
You should know that in some countries where internet access is unfortunately censored and restricted, a VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions so that you can explore the entire web freely and without interruption. Keep yourself informed.
What are the essential criteria for choosing the best VPN?
Before choosing a VPN, it’s important to understand what features to look for. Here are the important ones:
Servers and country included.
The best VPNs have many servers in different countries. It allows users to choose from different locations. For example, services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer thousands of servers in dozens of countries, allowing you to access content from the UK, Canada, US, etc. The number of servers and countries covered is a key indicator of a VPN’s performance and flexibility.
Speed and efficiency
The biggest concern for VPN users is speed. It’s important that the VPN service you choose has servers optimized to provide fast connections, especially if you use the VPN for bandwidth-intensive activities like streaming or online gaming. VPNs like CyberGhost or Private Internet Access usually offer fast speeds while ensuring security.
Security and privacy
As explained, the main function of a VPN is to ensure the security of your data. To do this, it must offer advanced encryption technologies (such as AES-256) and use secure protocols such as TCP/UDP. Additionally, some VPNs include features like a kill switch, which automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN is disabled, to prevent information leaks.
In terms of privacy policy, it is important to check that the VPN service does not record your activities. VPNs like NordVPN and Proton VPN are known for their strict “no logs” policy.
Compatibility and ease of use
A good VPN should be easy to use and compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and even browsers like Firefox. Simplicity of interface is an important factor for less technical users. Services like ExpressVPN and OperaVPN are known for their user-friendly interface.
What are the best VPNs to start with?
Here’s a quick overview of the most popular VPNs and their benefits.
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN providers, and for good reason. It has a vast network of more than 5,000 servers spread across 60 countries, offering great flexibility to users. In addition, NordVPN is recognized for its superior security features, especially with the double VPN option that moves your data through two servers in a row, providing better protection.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is another notable option, especially because of its strong focus on privacy. Based in Switzerland, it benefits from one of the strictest data protection laws in the world. Additionally, ProtonVPN offers a free version with no bandwidth limitations, which is a rarity in the industry.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a decent VPN solution for those looking for value for money. It offers fast connection speeds, strong security, and servers in over 100 countries, making it a great option for users looking to bypass censorship or access geo-restricted content.
Express VPN
ExpressVPN is a great option if you’re looking for a good VPN service. This is particularly suitable for accessing restricted content, such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer. With a user-friendly interface, fast speeds, and great customer service, ExpressVPN is ideal for those looking for a reliable and fast connection.
Free VPNs: Are They a Good Option?
Many people wonder if free VPNs are as good as the paid versions. While options like ProtonVPN offer a free service with limited features, the trade-off is important to understand.
Please note that free VPNs often have speed, bandwidth, or security limitations. Additionally, some free VPNs may collect your data to resell to third parties, which defeats the VPN’s primary purpose: protecting your privacy.
If you need a VPN for occasional use, a free service may be enough, but for regular use, especially when it comes to security and streaming, a reliable paid VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN is recommended. It is better to choose.
Using a VPN is easier than you think. Here are the basic steps to get started:
- Download VPN software from a provider of your choice (for example, NordVPN, Proton VPN, or ExpressVPN).
- Connect to a server in the country of your choice. For example, to access American content, you can choose a server located in the United States.
- Browse the Internet as usual! Your connection is now secure and you can access websites or services that would otherwise be blocked in your region.
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