Best VPN Services

We’ve all connected to a public Wi-Fi network when at a coffee shop, library, or the subway. Most people don’t know that this is not secure and VPNs could play a major role in data encryption for public networks.

However, choosing the best VPN service can be a difficult task considering the number of VPN software options out there. This article provides a solution to those looking for information regarding the best VPN service to use as well as offering a VPN comparison.

How we have ranked VPN software products

To come up with the top list of the best VPN software, we look up the ranking of the software from different comparison services. This involves checking the top 50-100 and making a VPN comparison. User reviews also provide information about the product from those who have first-hand experience. Furthermore, we review the demos from each software and let experts evaluate its usability and design. Finally, we use Google to identify trends, intent data, and social.

Using all the above results, we provide a score ranking each VPN service.

Conclusion

The VPN software market has grown from a simple niche industry to now an all-out melee in terms of software that is released. Many providers are taking advantage of growing concerns regarding cybercrime and surveillance among internet users. This has made it difficult for people to identify a company that provides a good service or to know if they are just in for the cash.

In fact, some VPNs are fake with the aim of stealing user data or monitoring your internet use. When you are looking for the best VPN software, most people focus mostly on speed or the most popular VPN. Both you as the user and software company in question have control over the speeds, therefore, it’s not a major factor. Since most, if not all, VPN companies use the same technology, you should make a VPN comparison list and consider value instead. In order to help you, take a look at our top VPN services which have been selected from the top 100 services out there.

VPN services overview

When you are browsing your favorite website or social media platform, there is a constant data exchange between your device and other parties on the web. This constant information sharing can be intercepted by third parties and this is where a VPN comes.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a simple tool that is used to protect your online privacy by hiding your IP address and also encrypting data sent to and from your device. This tool creates a virtualized network from two separate physical networks. When using the best VPN software from a certain VPN provider, your web traffic is protected with encryption and tunneled through a controlled server after which it goes back to the web as usual.

If you are using a VPN, your information is hidden from anyone who tries to snoop around. Even if the third party controls the network, there is no way for them to access or intercept information between your device and the internet. Since VPNs tunnel your web traffic through web servers, they can also be used to trick your device into thinking you are in a different location. This is the main reason why most people use it in their systems.

What does a VPN do?

A VPN is a useful tool for online browsing and streaming. Its uses go beyond your personal usage to access information to commercial use in companies with remote workers. In this section, we highlight the different purposes of the technology.

·      Avoid ISP tracking- There has been a controversy in the US regarding IPS tracking which is meant for target advertising. ISPs sell user data to third parties. However, a VPN is a reasonable defense against this invasion of privacy.

·      Access to home or work network- Remote employees can access a company’s intranet located miles away using a VPN. The technology can also be used by individuals to access home networks by bridging their devices to the network.

·      Safely use a public network- Public Wi-Fi networks are the playground for hackers due to the lack of good encryption protocols. When using such networks, data can be intercepted unless it is encrypted using a VPN.

·      Anonymous streaming and downloading- Geo-blocking and restrictions prevent access to certain data on the internet including streaming and downloading sites. However, with a VPN you can hide your data, change locations and access everything on the internet.

·      Privacy from websites collecting information- To produce income, websites use your IP address to come up with targeted adverts from your online activity. A good countermeasure for this is by using a VPN that keeps your IP address hidden.

VPN meaning

VPN is an acronym for Virtual Private Network which refers to the use of encryption in the lower security protocol. This cipher is used to secure connections by using an insecure connection which is mostly the internet. VPN networks are typically cheaper compared to real physical networks that use private lines for security.

Main features of a VPN

Every VPN has different features as advertised on various platforms. To the uninformed, all the marketing lingo might not be understandable. However, there is no need to worry since the best VPNs are built with features that are easy to understand. Here are some of the main features typical VPN software should have.

Split tunneling

Split tunneling allows a VPN user to choose which apps should run through the best VPN and which ones shouldn’t. For instance, you can have a streaming service over the VPN leaving out video games that might lag.

Servers and their locations

User internet traffic passes through a server that hides IP and uses the server’s IP making you appear in a different location. An important point to note is that the best VPN provider should have a good number of servers spread out in different countries

Integrated kill switch

Not even the best VPN service is 100% secure. So, all of them are susceptible to leaks that might expose your real address. A kill switch monitors VPN connection failures and shuts down data transfers.

Anonymous DNS servers

A DNS server translates the website’s name into an IP address the web uses to direct traffic. This is usually done by the ISP. With the best VPN, an anonymous DNS such as DNSWatch FreeDNS should be used to protect your privacy from prying eyes.

No log policy

Each VPN provider has a different log policy. Others keep users’ data for months and then turn them to authorities if requested. Ideally, the best VPN software should have a no-log policy. Be careful since some providers claim to have this feature but in reality, they don’t.

Support for OpenVPN

Each best VPN provider uses different protocols to support its encryption. A bigger selection offers more choices. A good provider should include the OpenVPN protocol which is one of the most modern protocols for commercial use.

Benefits of using VPNs

An understanding of what a typical VPN benefits you as an individual or organization gives insight on whether you want it and how to use it. In most situations, every company or individual needs the best VPN for their daily internet activities. When properly used, it could significantly improve access to online services.

The best VPN software has found different uses in the current internet-connected world. Below are many use-cases of the tool.

The internet is still young and there are dangers lurking behind every click. With the best VPN services in 2022, you get to keep your information safe and also have access to restricted websites. Here are the benefits you will enjoy when using the best VPN software.

Unblocking YouTube

While many people enjoy famous cat videos and how-to guides on YouTube, others don’t feel the same way due to geo-blocking. In such a situation, the best VPNs help to bypass restrictions from ISPs. Moreover, there is also YouTube TV which is only limited to the United States.

Access Netflix regional content

Netflix is one of the leading streaming services with thousands of movies and TV shows. Sadly, due to restrictions and licensing clauses, some content from the platform is restricted to specific countries. Most US-based streamers have a huge database of movies to enjoy. For the full power of Netflix, consider signing up with the best VPN service provider.

Downloading or streaming

Many people also still like to get access to material that’s unavailable in their region. This can mean actually downloading files such as torrenting, or simply streaming off illegal websites. Many countries have made torrenting illegal, so for those intending to torrent, top quality VPN software is a must.

Enjoy NBA games

Basketball is a huge hit in different parts of the world with the NBA being among the most-watched. However, not everyone has access to NBA live. A VPN is the solution since it can be used with different devices including your router. That means you can watch your favorite NBA matches on your phone, computer, or smart TV.

Access Disney+

Disney plus is available in specific countries with others expecting its roll out in the future. Explaining such to your kids could prove to be a difficult task. Instead of attempting the impossible, the best VPN service can let your kids enjoy whatever they want from Disney+. Not only this but whole other restricted channels including Hulu, UFC, and iPlayer.

Secure your network

Network security not only applies to companies and organizations but also to your home network. A website or application can keep track of your online activity by collecting your user data. The data collected is used to create targeted ads. Without the best VPN, you might experience ad pop-ups that will interrupt your online browsing experience. With the best VPN, the website will not have access to your browsers and applications, keeping the information sent and received anonymously.

Get access to Geo-restricted services

As stated in the use cases above, most people have no access to certain platforms due to geo-blocking. With the best VPN service, a different IP address is allocated to your device to give it a new location. This gives access to these platforms by tricking them with the newly acquired IP addresses. Not only can you access streaming platforms but also online stores which have the best prices.

Hide private information

Hackers can use different methods to intercept information, especially on public networks. Using this information, they can impersonate you to steal. With the best VPN software, the highest level of security such as 256-bit encryption protects user data. This makes information sent from your device unreadable and unusable if intercepted.

Prevents data throttling

Data throttling occurs in instances where you have used up your allocated data and therefore the ISP slows down your connection. For best VPN users, one benefit is the ability to avoid speed caps since your ISP will not be able to see how much data you are using. Employees in an organization can enjoy this benefit especially if they have data plans on their smart devices.

Network scalability

While a private network helps to establish your business, the cost of expanding could go up considering that everything is physical. Using the best VPN server can provide access to more parties of the company simultaneously. Furthermore, key environments can be run using cloud-based technologies for access through secure tunnels of the best VPN. This can include simple email applications to full-blown applications that run on desktops.

Value

Value in regards to the best VPN services refers to getting the most for the least amount possible. Consider extra features including Multi-hop connections and split tunneling. Moreover, nearly all of the best VPN services in 2022 have a graphical user interface that is used to manage connections. You might disregard small things and prefer to manually set everything up. The process could be tedious because you might be required to manually update and won’t get access to additional tools.

Functionality

Evaluating VPN functionality and trustworthiness can be a tricky thing. Despite a few unreliable providers, some major VPN still offer great services. In this article, we have based our ranking system using different comparison methods as stated in the ranking method. The list is based on top products choices from over 100 competitors making each solution the best for the user’s case. This ensures that our readers get the best out of our advice.

Demo Versions

The best way to identify the best VPN software for you is by personally trying out our recommended products. You can do this by using demo versions or free trials that come with most products. Find out if the GUI is easy to use or if the speeds are exactly what you need. Ensure that you are happy with what you spend money on and take advantage of a money-back guarantee in case it does not meet your standards. Let’s dive deeper into understanding the best VPN Services 2022.

Which companies should buy popular VPNs

Different organizations and companies can implement VPNs for a variety of purposes. With the rise of identity theft and other cybercrime, agencies are now leaning towards VPNs for data access and security. Below are some companies that should consider buying the best VPN software in the market right now.

Businesses

Businesses are probably one of the main benefactors of VPN services. Not only does it provide access for internal entities but also third parties in the agency. Furthermore, the best VPNs offer a secure way to access the company’s crucial data by encrypting IP addresses and information sent between devices.

Healthcare

VPNs in healthcare helps to address different components set by the HIPAA. The regulations require the maintenance of confidentiality, availability, and integrity. Healthcare entities, therefore, need to implement controls, audits, and transmission security. In such entities, the best VPNs can be used to utilize access controls, especially in a cloud management platform.

What does the best VPN service cost?

Prices for the best VPNs usually vary depending on the number of devices, data usage limits, servers you can connect to, and how long you will use them. The most popular VPNs charge on a monthly and yearly basis. Yearly, the cost goes down compared to monthly charges. On average, you can pay between $2 and $10 per month. Prices for enterprise packages differ from the stated prices.

Types of popular VPNs

Although the best VPNs perform the same task, they come in different shapes and types depending on how you choose to classify them. There are three main categories that most popular VPNs fall under. These three categories include Remote Access, Intranet-based, and the extranet-based site-to-site. Let us take a closer look at these three VPN types for a VPN comparison.

Remote access VPN

Remote-access VPNs are the most popular on the internet. Simply connect to a provider server to access a private network, and you are good. Added security in this type of VPN ensures that it is not compromised. Providers allow users to access the internet through their network. Most commercial uses of the VPN technology are on this simple VPN connection.

Intranet-based

An intranet-based VPN connects customer centers, remote offices, and branch offices to central internal network infrastructure. This type of VPN provides a site-to-site connection within a company internally. Connected entities in the company are often referred to as a company’s intranet.

Extranet-based site-to-site

The Extranet-based site-to-site VPN is similar to the intranet-based VPN only that you can use public internet connections to access it. This type of VPN network links outside entities of the organization using dedicated connections. Also, this type of VPN differs from the intranet-based since users outside the organization have access to it.

Trends in the best VPNs

The best and most popular VPNs go beyond the reach of LANs without the need for physical networking equipment. This provides an easier way to connect two geographically separated branches to a single network. With technology ever advancing, new trends in terms of security, performance, and VPN resources keep improving. Here are some of the trends in the best VPNs.

Performance, reliability, and scalability of VPNs – VPNs rely mostly on cryptographic technologies which are computationally expensive. In such instances, an increase in load can cause crashes in servers. Administrators usually use new technologies to manage the load by setting a limit for the number of users. The two technologies used are the IP sec and SSL/TLS.

VPN resources – The Virtual Private Network keeps a list of all users, a table with all IPsec features for each vendor, and a table filled with all SSL features. A simpleCA is a free, open-source certificate and is also supplied by the VPNC.

Security in VPNs – Different technologies can be used to secure VPNs depending on the protocol and type of encryption used. Available security encryption includes SSL 3.0, PPTP, L2TP, TLS with L2F among others. IP security or otherwise known as IPsec is the standard for authentication and encryption.

Which is the best VPN service?

Choosing the best VPN software is a bit challenging considering that each person or organization has different uses for the tool. The best way to find the best is by trying out a few, and you can start with the ones listed above which include some of the most popular VPN options. The VPNs listed above are among the best in the market because they have included different crucial features in their services.

How to choose the right VPN service

A good example of an undifferentiated product is a VPN service which is largely similar among different providers. The main aim is to hide your web traffic and replace user IP. If you want to choose the best service, it comes down to specific features which is where a VPN comparison comes in handy. This is the reason we are here to perform tests, check rankings, and list the best service you can choose from.

Before making a purchase, ensure that the best VPN tool has everything that you need. Consider checking server locations, browsing speeds, and other features by using the trial version of the product. If the product does not have what you need after testing, use the money-back guarantee that most providers offer.

Summary

Personal data has now become a valuable asset since more and more services are now available online. With this in mind, you need to take time and prioritize your security online to prevent third parties from accessing vital information. Without the best VPN, your location, IP address, and data traffic are visible to your ISP. Whether an organization or an individual, a VPN offers a ton of benefits. This article provides information about the best VPNs and the top list that you should choose from.