VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that allows users to create a secure connection to a remote network over the internet. The technology was originally intended to allow remote access into a private network; for example allowing staff to remotely connect to the corporate network. However VPN’s are now being used to access the internet because of the extra layer of encryption and privacy they add.
Privacy By using a VPN all your traffic is automatically encrypted and tunnelled to the remote VPN server. Your public IP address is now the address of the VPN, which hides your physical location and allows you to securely access the internet on untrusted networks such as free WiFi.
Be Anywhere VPN providers often have multiple locations you can freely switch between. This allows you to access geo-blocked content like Netflix or unlock deals only available to certain countries.
Bypass Restrictions VPNs make it possible to bypass blocked websites and services by tunnelling your traffic to a server with no-restrictions.
How to pick a VPN Provider
Locations Using a VPN in a foreign country may slow down your internet because of an increased latency and international bandwidth bottlenecks. For this reason it’s advantageous to find a VPN provider with a server located in your country. Use the VPN location tool to find a list of providers with servers in your country.
Privacy If privacy is important to you should consider the logging policies and privacy track record of the company. You’ll find some providers may keep a record of your personal information and VPN sessions to track any actions back to you. While others may having a absolute no logging policy, and ask for no personally identifiable information.
Speed A VPN may limit your download speed; Try to make a compromise between price and speed of the VPN provider depending on your typical internet usage, connection speed, and what your willing to speed. We have done our own speed-tests in our reviews and made a VPN speed comparison tool
Cost In the end it all comes down to value for money – which VPN has the most locations, best speed, and privacy policy. On the best value VPNs page we have a list of all plans and their price to help you decide.