Nearly everyone with a smartphone or computer has joined public Wi-Fi networks at one time or the other. This could have been at a library, coffee shop, or airport lobby. Most people don’t know this, but connecting to public Wi-Fi networks is not the safest practice as they offer little cyber protection. Some highly sensitive personal or business information, passwords, usernames, bank account info, etc., can be stolen via these public networks.
But thankfully, VPNs (virtual private networks) exist. When you use the best VPN, it swiftly encrypts your web traffic. Then it routes the internet traffic via a private virtual tunnel. You may think of this as creating or owning a personal secret passageway to the internet.
Suppose a hacker smartly intercepts your web traffic. In that case, the encryption makes them see nothing but a big, jumbled mess of data pockets. The best virtual private networks also help prevent data throttling by your ISP (internet service provider) and significantly boost your personal safety in several ways. That is why it is crucial to always use a VPN to improve your cybersecurity online.
Here are the top VPNs for everyday use that will keep you anonymous and untraceable:
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most prominent virtual private networks that are highly secure, works efficiently on every device, and is fast. It is suitable for lag-free gaming, fast HD streaming, and private torrenting.
This implies ExpressVPN allows you to visit as many torrent sites as possible with zero issues. If you encounter issues, ExpressVPN’s customer support is top-notch and always available 24/7 to help you.
Experts claim that ExpressVPN is one of the best virtual private networks for unblocking US Netflix restrictions and nine other Netflix-operating regions. This VPN also easily bypasses BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Disney+, SAZ, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video geo-blocks.
ExpressVPN has several plans, but the cheapest is $6.67 per month over 15 months. It is also the most user-friendly virtual private network on this list.
Private Internet Access VPN
Private Internet Access VPN is the best virtual private network for Windows computers. It has an excellent, user-friendly application for Android and iOS devices.
Private Internet Access VPN allows users to customize how their virtual private network works. You will have the following options available :
- The default
- An option primarily focused on speed
- Recommended protection
- An option that is focused on enhanced security
- An option with zero authentication
Private Internet Access VPN offers users dynamic IP addresses. This means you get a brand-new IP address each time you connect to the VPN. Dynamic IP addresses make you harder to trace by hackers and are preferable to static IP addresses.
NordVPN
NordVPN is most popular as the best option for internet security. It has strong encryption for securing internet traffic and delivers surprisingly high speeds. It has numerous pricing plans, but the most affordable is $3.29 per month over two years.
NordVPN has a wide range of innovative high-end security features. It secures data using AES-256 encryption and comes with a Double (multihop) virtual private network, split tunneling, and a kill switch.
NordVPN does not collect personal weblogs or record browser history, bandwidth usage data, or IP address. This service makes use of diskless servers that don’t record data locally.
IPVanish
IPVanish comes with every feature expected from a top-tier virtual private network. This includes breakneck speeds, strong encryption, and extras such as split tunneling, unlimited number of connections, torrenting, etc.
IPVanish is unique and laudable due to its high commitment to top-notch customer service. Many other virtual private networks don’t offer phone support. At the same time, most are not available 24/7 to help solve issues.
IPVanish has super-duper-friendly customer service agents that respond swiftly to queries via online chat and phone. Despite this, the company does not over-charge. It has a one-year subscription plan that is not more than $3.99 per month.
IPVanish used to have slow speeds on Windows. But this issue has been resolved, and download speeds are now incredible, thanks to the WireGuard protocol.
Surfshark
Surfshark is another virtual private network that prides itself on being the best when it comes to internet security. This VPN makes downloading movies and TV shows from torrent sites easy with zero fear of retribution.
This virtual private network offers unlimited devices for every subscription. You will also get a different IP address each time you connect to the internet via the virtual private network.
Surfshark is unique because no network or government surveillance can detect whatever you are doing online. This is due to its famous ‘Camouflage Mode,’ a nifty workaround.
In other words, Surfshark utilizes superior technology to camouflage your traffic efficiently. This makes it appear as though you’re not using any virtual private network. This privacy feature is an exception and is much loved by travelers who go from one city to another.
PureVPN
PureVPN is among the best virtual private networks for travel. It offers over 6,500 servers in more than 78 countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Mexico, Japan, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore. The company is based in Hong Kong, a non-member of Five Eyes.
You can travel to any of these countries and more without necessarily joining or signing up with a shady Wi-Fi network or being beset by internet censorship. PureVPN will perfectly hide your IP address and browsing history, making you more anonymous online. This helps eliminate the worry about choosing between a VPN and an RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) for enhanced anonymity.
Enjoy PureVPN’s OpenVPN protocol and AES-256 encryption at all times, though you may have to make do with its static IP address.
Conclusion
Using a virtual private network is an excellent and easy way to protect your privacy online sufficiently. This tool is perfect for circumventing every internet restriction in your region or country and ensuring that no hacker can track you.
Although none of these VPNs is 100 percent perfect, they are all valuable tools that must always be handy in your security toolbox.