VPN services are among the most useful internet services available to end-users. They are the main tool for keeping online surfing safe while at the same time protecting our privacy on the internet.
In this article, we will see what are the VPNs, how to use them effectively and which are the Best VPNs of 2020.
What is a VPN
A VPN ( Virtual Private Network) is a security service and computer privacy which enables an encrypted connection between a computer and a VPN service provider’s server in slang called “tunnel”.
This means that we can create (case 1) a secure connection between us and our company’s server to access internal private systems or we can create a secure connection (case 2) between us and a third-party VPN service that covers all the traffic in our place, guaranteeing anonymity on the internet.
In this article we will see how to make the most of and choose the best VPN for the second, more interesting case, that is anonymity, privacy and security on the internet.
It is important to understand that safety is not a product (as well as those who work in the field) but a process; the use of a VPN will surely increase our level of privacy and security on the internet but will not magically make us invulnerable to sophisticated attacks and will not allow us to carry out illegal activities without consequences. Common sense is always required when using these types of technologies.
How to use a VPN
When we make a connection to a VPN service, all the traffic that passes between us and the VPN is encrypted and can not be intercepted by someone in the middle. After the traffic has passed through the tunnel, the VPN will send the connection requests to the outside and let us surf the internet normally.
Whether we use torrents, visit streaming sites, interact on social networks or surf the Internet normally, we will not be with our address to connect directly but the VPN will do it. No one will be able to identify the IP address of our computer or smartphone. Advertisers (who send advertisements), potential attackers, web site managers or sites and even our internet provider, will not be able to reach us directly.
VPNs can thus be used to bypass security and censorship blocks, limitations imposed by providers on Peer2Peer services and also allow to change IP and nation, just as if we were connected by another country (for example to use Netflix USA).
Using a VPN does not require to be an IT guru but in the vast majority of cases it is sufficient to download the VPN client, install it and click on the button to enable it.
How to choose the best VPN
The best VPNs are paid; if you have read the previous paragraphs you will also understand why and it is also true that they do not have an exorbitant cost and can usually be renewed month by month with a small amount (around 10$ or less).
There are Pros and Cons for each VPN and they are distinguished according to the services they offer. Some VPNs have multiple servers located around the world, provide access from smartphones/tablets through their App, give the ability to download torrents, offer considerable bandwidth (in order not to make the tunnel a bottleneck for your connection).
We have examined and selected those that currently are the best VPN for privacy, security and services.
The Best VPNs of 2018
1. IPVanish VPN – (Rating 5/5)
Number of servers: 700+ | Number of different geographical positions: 60+ | IP addresses: 40000+ | Maximum number of supported devices: 5 | Price: 10$ per month (6.49$ with annual payment)
Definitely one of the best VPNs for features and services offered. IPVanish focuses on quality at a more than reasonable price. It does not keep log of the connections(therefore information on our IP), it allows Torrent and P2P connections in general and allows 5 devices connected simultaneously with the same account. The client is very simple and supports iOS, Android, ChromeOS, Linux, MacOS, Windows. Within 7 days you can request a refund if you are not satisfied.
2. Private Internet Access – (Vote 5/5)
Number of servers: 3200+ | Number of different geographical positions: 35+ | IP addresses: 40000+ | Maximum number of supported devices: 5 | Price: 6.95 $ per month (3.33 $ with annual payment)
Among the cheapest and most popular VPNs. It allows Torrent and P2P traffic and supports Android, Chrome, iOS, Linux, MacOS and Windows operating systems. It does not store any logs and is very fast. It has an interesting ad-blocking function to disable advertising while browsing.
3. VyprVPN – (Vote 4/5)
Number of servers: 700+ | Number of different geographical positions: 70+ | IP addresses: 200000+ | Maximum number of supported devices: from 3-5 | Price: 3 simultaneous devices at 9.95 $ per month (3.75 $ with annual payment), 5 simultaneous devices at 12.95$ (5$ with annual payment)
Swiss VPN offering unlimited bandwidth. It is widespread in China because it has been tested to bypass national firewalls. It provides for a refund within 30 days of payment but unfortunately does not allow downloading via the Torrent network.
4. TorGuard – (Vote 4/5)
Number of servers: 1600+ | Number of different geographical locations: 50+ | IP addresses: ND | Maximum number of supported devices: 5 | Price: 10.00$ per month (5.33$ with annual payment)
VPN dedicated to the anonymous download of Torrent and through any P2P network. It has a band that is around 10 gigabit and also allows the blocking of advertisements during navigation. The client has available is a little dated and more difficult to use than others. Among the services you can opt for a cheaper service that offers an anonymous proxy or one exclusively dedicated to torrents, leaving the rest of our direct connection with our IP address.
5. HotSpot Shield – (Rating 4/5)
Number of servers: 2000 | Number of different geographical positions: 20 | IP addresses: ND | Maximum number of supported devices: 5 | Price: 15.99€ per month (6.99€ with annual payment)
HotSpot Shield provides all the services of a complete VPN at an acceptable price (if you subscribe for a long time). It also has the option to have a lifetime account (certainly long-term). Also the client for iOS and Android works well and its use is immediate. It provides for reimbursement within 7 days of signing the subscription. Perhaps the only drawback is the number of geographic locations available… obviously you have to evaluate according to your needs.
6. NordVPN – (Vote 4/5)
Number of servers: 820+ | Number of different geographical positions: 57+ | IP addresses: ND | Maximum number of supported devices: 6 | Price: 11.95$ per month (5.75$ with annual payment)
Among the best VPNs in circulation and with very fast servers available (you will not notice any slowdown). Also the geographical positions available are varied and allows the P2P / Torrent traffic to pass safely. Provides access to up to 6 devices simultaneously with the same account. A bit more expensive than the competition but at a higher quality.
7. PureVPN – (Vote 4/5)
Number of servers: 500+ | Number of different geographical locations: 180+ | IP addresses: 95000+ | Maximum number of supported devices: 5 | Price: 10$ per month (6.49$ with annual payment)
PureVPN tries to be a completely transparent service for the end user. They claim to keep only the connection time and the band used in the connection logs, but nothing else. It has a decidedly attractive price for a subscription of at least 2 years. It allows torrent and P2P traffic but has no block on advertising. Among its features, has the ability to give a dedicated IP with attached firewall.
8. CyberGhost VPN – (Rating 3/5)
Number of servers: 900+ | Number of different geographical locations: 25+ | IP addresses: ND | Maximum number of supported devices: 1 to 5 | Price: 4.99€ per month (1.79€ with annual payment) for 1 device. 7.99€ per month (2.8 € with annual payment) for 5 devices.
Another VPN with a transparent policy regarding the stored data (log, in fact); it does not store anything on IP addresses and does not monitor your activities during the connection. However some information is kept the same (check the privacy policy on the site). Number of geographical locations not very high but the programs available for all operating systems are very valid. Interesting the economic option to use the VPN on a single device at a time (with the same account).
9. ExpressVPN – (Vote 3/5)
Number of servers: ND | Number of different geographical positions: 130+ | IP addresses: ND | Maximum number of supported devices: 3 | Price: 12.95$ per month (8.32$ with annual payment)
VPN with P2P support and torrent traffic. Clients to connect are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android but do not have advanced options. ExpressVPN also provides numerous tutorials that will guide you step by step in configuring the VPN. The price is unfortunately among the highest in circulation and does not allow more than 3 devices to connect simultaneously.
10. BufferedVPN – (Vote 3/5)
Number of servers: ND | Number of different geographical positions: 35+ | IP addresses: ND | Maximum number of supported devices: 5 | Price: 12.99$ per month (8.25$ with annual payment)
One of the fastest VPNs in circulation. Performance is its flagship feature, but it is not part of the cheaper VPNs. Maximum transparency for the privacy policy (no saved connection log). It works only with a desktop client (Windows, macOS) and does not have any mobile connection clients. It is always possible to access the VPN from iOS or Android but requires some familiarity with the network settings.
11. TigerVPN (Vote 3/5)
Number of servers: 300 | Number of different geographical positions: 60+ | IP addresses: ND | Maximum number of supported devices: from 2 to 5 | Price: 11.99$ per month (6.67$ with annual payment)
Having clients available to simply enter the world of VPNs is always welcome; shame about the few customization options for more advanced users. Unfortunately, even the plan of use for 1 month only provides a maximum number of 2 devices connected at the same time. The 6-month plan involves the use of 3 devices simultaneously while only the 1-year plan gives the possibility to use 5 devices simultaneously.
12. HideMyAss – (Vote 2/5)
Number of servers: 820+ | Number of different geographical positions: 340+ | IP addresses: 100000+ | Maximum number of supported devices: 2 | Price: 10.99€ per month (5.99€ with annual payment)
Another VPN that allows the exchange of P2P files (even through the torrent network). Unfortunately, it seems to maintain some log of the connections, not really ideal for those who want to have high levels of privacy. It’s not even the cheapest, although both desktop and mobile applications are designed for excellent usability. Allows the use of only 2 devices connected with the same account and also on different servers.
Hmm.. It’s interesting that service in the first place is the one that got into a scandal about data leakage, so I don’t know if it can be trusted at the moment. First of all, I think if you want to stream something like Netflix – do your research, just a few vpn services offer that. I use Nordvpn, because it fits my needs the best and they have a reasonable price and quality ratio. Not to mention that the data in your article is old, you should fix the number of Nord’s servers to 4200+, I don’t even remember when they had just 800+.
P.S. I just saw that there’s a new player on the market Surfshark vpn, and surprisingly reviews say that it’s truly very fast. Has someone tried it? I’m curious.