The Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be considered as a secure tunnel between your PC or mobile device and the internet. It extends your private network across a public network and you can send and receive data across shared or public networks like how your PC does on a private network. It is a means of securely accessing the internet privately, without fear of snooping, interference, censorship and you can access geo-restricted websites. There are many VPNs in the market to choose from, and each of them have distinctive features they can offer. However, you need to select one that suits you best.
Study Each VPN’s Features and Qualities
Each VPN has a quality that it prioritizes over others. It could be speed, encryption or anonymity or in rare cases, a combination of two or more qualities. First and foremost, you need to match your internet usage purpose and priorities with the qualities and features of the VPN. For example, if you are an avid Netflix viewer and you want to watch movies and TV series over a VPN-secured connection, you’ll need a VPN that can bypass Netflix’s VPN block. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two of the most known VPN that can go around this obstacle.
.
Consult Community Posts, Advice and Reviews
If you are new to the concept of using VPN and you’re not sure yet on where to begin your VPN selection journey, there are reliable sites that provide community posts, forums and tech advice. There are growing communities for VPN users and this reddit post lists the best VPNs as evaluated and tested by users. Also, VPN provider sites also have a review page coming from users and subscribers who can attest to the reliability of their showcased features. Also, technology advice websites provide unbiased reviews and comparisons of the top VPNs currently available in the market.
Check for the VPN’s Device Compatibility
Most VPNs support the main platforms of Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. This means you can have a VPN for virtually any device, but not all VPNs can support all platforms. There can be several things to consider here. You need to first identify what type of device you are currently using for accessing the internet. You may have a Windows computer and you also have a mobile device like an Android phone so you need to have a VPN that has a compatibility platform and app for both. Another thing to consider is how many devices that will be using the VPN connection at once. Some VPNs have no limits to the number of devices it can connect, while others limit the number of devices you can connect to just three.
.
Check for the Payment Plan That Suits You
Although there are free VPNs available, you can’t always be guaranteed with a reliable service. If you are a bit worried about the price, you can consider VPNs that offer attractive discounts and coupons or those that offer a free trial period subscription. You’ll get to know how the VPN works over time and you can then decide to stay with it or search for another one. Prices generally differ depending on a VPN’s feature and your length of subscription. You also need to consider how you want to pay. While the mode of payment is generally through major credit cards, you can also go for anonymity in payment through the use of BitCoin.
.
Also Check for a Reliable Customer Service
Customer service is something you should not take for granted when choosing a VPN. Look for one that offers 24/7 customer service. VPNs undergo changes and upgrades regularly, and it’s important to contact someone who can help you with whatever issues you may encounter. Also choose one that has a live-chat service to get faster response than emails and service tickets.
.
Knowing what you need and your current connectivity situation can help you start looking the VPN that is tailor fit for you. Don’t be fooled into believing that all VPNs have the same quality of service. Keep in mind the things that are important for your daily use and essential activities, like security and speed. With these points to guide you, you are well on your way to finding the VPN that suits you best.
