Why use a VPN service?
A virtual private network (VPN) is an Internet security
service that allows users to access the Internet as though they were
connected to a private network. VPNs use encryption to create a
secure connection over unsecured Internet infrastructure.
How do VPNs help secure data?
Encryption is a way of scrambling data so that only authorized
parties can understand the information. It takes readable data and
alters it so that it appears random to attackers or anyone else who
intercepts it. In this way, encryption is like a "secret code."
A
VPN works by establishing encrypted connections between devices. All
devices that connect to the VPN set up encryption keys, and these
keys are used to encode and decode all information sent between
them.
The effect of this encryption is that VPN
connections remain private even if they stretch across public
Internet infrastructure. Imagine John is shopping online from his
hotel room. Now suppose that a criminal has secretly infiltrated the
hotel’s network infrastructure and is monitoring all data passing
through (sort of like tapping a telephone line). John’s data is
still secure because of the VPN. All the criminal can see is the
encrypted version of the data.
When you make a
transaction or when you need to send or receive sensitive
information, a VPN will enhance your security.
Do I Need a VPN On All My Devices?
Yes, you will need to install a VPN client on each device you
want to connect to the VPN.
Fortunately, all of the VPNs
recommended on our site allow you to hook up to multiple devices
under one account.
So whether you have a Windows PC,
laptop, Macbook, iPhone, or Android mobile you can hook up to your
VPN account easily with any device and without having to register
for another account.
How We Chose The Best VPNs
We tested, reviewed, and ranked dozens of the leading VPN
offers to come up with this top 10 list. To figure out which VPNs
are really worth your money, we looked at the features, reputations,
and prices of each brand.
The main reason for getting a
VPN in the first place is security. That's why we chose VPNs that
have military-grade encryption, a range of protocols (OpenVPN, L2TP,
IKEv2, and more), DNS leak protection, and a kill-switch. We also
compared each VPN brand’s number of servers and where they are
situated, as well as their speed and latency.
We then
looked at ease-of-use, customer support, and reviews via sites like
Trustpilot.
Lastly, we checked out the price of each VPN
service to help us root out the best offers with the best value for
money.