March 29, 2023
223
0The Best VPN for Privacy
The fear of data leakage and dishonesty of internet providers, corporate and government surveillance forces us to look for ways to protect our actions on the internet.
VPN (a virtual private network) can be a good solution to bypass the real threats of data leakage and to console the paranoia common to many. VPN services will help to return at least a little privacy.
We tested a lot of VPN services and chose the best VPN for privacy solutions, and highlighted what you should pay attention to when choosing a VPN application.
The best VPN services with a free trial period are here.
How does a VPN work?
When you use the internet, your device is constantly exchanging data with other recipients on the network. The VPN protocol creates a secure tunnel between a smartphone or laptop and the internet. The service sends all data via an encrypted secure connection to an external server located in another state.
All your data will be sent to the destination on the internet (website, streaming, or social network) not directly from the device, but via Virtual Private Network. This is something like an intermediary for safe internet surfing.
The point of VPN is that the site and the browser are already connected not directly, but according to the site-proxy server-browser scheme. All traffic goes through a proxy server, so you can bypass blocked sites and hide your location from sites, traffic bypasses a direct connection.
The VPN service hides your IP address (a string of numbers that your ISP assigns to your device) — this means that your ISP and other third parties cannot see which sites you visit and what data you interact with on the network.
VPN is a kind of filter that makes your data unreadable and the IP address invisible to outsiders. To read the data, you need a decryption key (turning illegible data into code), but only your device and VPN have access to it. Even the most advanced hacker will take years to decrypt such a code without access to the key.
In addition to traffic data, VPN services also hide your location. All data comes from servers all over the world, the country with which the connection took place, so it is impossible to determine where you really are. It is this function that helps to gain access to sites and content that are prohibited in a certain territory.
VPN does not track your online activities, unlike many providers that keep a log of each user’s actions. Usually, the ISP sets up your connection when you connect to the internet and tracks you by IP address.
All user traffic passes through the provider’s servers, which register everything you do on the network. This is not safe, because the provider’s servers can be hacked by cybercriminals or information about a specific IP will be requested by special services. Using a VPN, all your user data remains anonymous and hidden.
Does VPN the best solution for privacy? Learn more here.
The best VPN for privacy
Proton VPN
Perhaps Proton is the best free VPN that will satisfy all users. In addition to the usual features, Proton VPN includes a multi-hop connection and access to the Tor network via VPN. It also features an updated application interface for a pleasant user experience.
Proton offers users three connection options. A free connection that provides the user with all the necessary functionality and will give access to third-party sites and Proton services: Proton Mail, Calendar and Cloud disk. But there are also extended paid subscriptions that open access to additional services, increase connection speed and enhance traffic protection.
The most advanced subscription will allow your account to use third-party Proton services without restrictions and will provide 500 GB of free space on the Proton Cloud service. Proton impresses with the opportunity to use everything with a free subscription.
It is worth mentioning the Stealth function, which can protect users by adding additional “stealth” to all actions, which becomes especially important for residents of some countries.
For whom:
Proton VPN is a strong VPN option that will suit both experienced VPN users and beginners. Easy interface, fast connection, and operation without misfires.
An interesting feature: Proton is registered in neutral Switzerland, which has no laws on the transfer of information to special services and other states — another guarantee that your data will not leak anywhere.
Advantages:
- Good price for paid subscriptions.
- The perfect free subscription.
- Numerous advanced privacy tools.
- Strong position on customer privacy.
- Simple, accessible interface.
- High-speed indicators.
Disadvantages:
- Inconvenient implementation in ChromeOS
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN has perhaps the largest collection of VPN servers. By itself, this is not an indicator of quality, but combined with a large collection of servers in 90 countries, CyberGhost VPN becomes a strong contender for those who need VPN coverage around the world. However, this is not a complete package, as there are no multi-hop connections in it, and the company has not yet published the results of the audit conducted by a third party.
This VPN service also uses the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) algorithm: 256-bit encryption. No one will get to your views on the web, even annoying smart ads.
An interesting feature: the service has its own private NoSpy servers, which no one can access except CyberGhost employees, which guarantees the privacy of personal data — they will not be able to fall into the hands of cybercriminals under any circumstances.
For whom:
Thanks to numerous servers and a huge server network, CyberGhost VPN offers the user the best chance to find the nearest VPN server, wherever you go. It also provides many options for spoofing your location.
Even though the monthly subscription cost is higher than the market average, its annual cost is lower than that of most competitors.
The service has its own private NoSpy servers, which no one can access except CyberGhost employees, which guarantees the privacy of personal data — they will not be able to fall into the hands of cybercriminals under any circumstances.
Advantages:
- A large, well-distributed fleet of servers.
- Provides up to seven simultaneous network connections.
- Several add-ons, including antivirus.
- Unlimited traffic.
- Excellent speed test results.
- Recently completed third-party audit.
- The program has a special function to use the connection to watch streaming – it sets up a more stable connection during viewing and selects a server suitable for the content.
- About 8,000 servers worldwide (in 90 countries).
Disadvantages:
- Expensive.
- Confusing privacy policies.
- It is not able to circumvent restrictions and open access to blocked content in countries with strict Internet censorship, such as Iran and China.
Surfshark VPN
Surfshark is a relative newcomer to the VPN services scene but has managed to establish itself as an effective, competitive product. The service supports 256-bit encryption.
At this stage of surfing, a shark cannot offer all the functionality of its competitors, but performs the main tasks: it offers multipurpose connections, supports the WireGuard protocol, and offers antivirus protection for an additional cost.
Its higher than average price and monthly cost impose a comparison with NordVPN — all because this company recently acquired Surfshark VPN connections, but both continue to work independently of each other.
For whom:
Surfshark has a good set of features, but its real value lies in the fact that it does not limit the number of devices that you can use on a single subscription. Most VPNs, for comparison, have a limit of five devices, and Surfshark can protect all devices with a single subscription.
Advantages:
- An unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
- A large selection of servers.
- An intriguing potential in the Surfshark Nexus.
- Free trial version for 7 days.
Disadvantages:
- High monthly price.
- The privacy policy needs clarification.
- Confusing prices for a long-term subscription.
- There is no protection against IPv6 and WebRTC leaks.
TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear VPN is not as trustworthy as its competitors: a funny application that themes bears and uses bright colors will not save you from a limited set of functions. This VPN definitely lacks “muscles”.
TunnelBear is easy to use and has a limited free subscription, which makes it a great option for those who are not familiar with VPNs. TunnelBear VPN also has one of the most transparent audit processes in the industry, it can really be trusted. TunnelBear uses one of two encryption protocols: OpenVPN and IPsec/IKEv2. 256-bit encryption is used on all devices except those that support iOS, instead, bit 256 of IPsec /IKEv2 protocols are used (bit IPNec 128 on older iOS devices).
For whom:
TunnelBear VPN is a great choice for beginners in the VPN field thanks to its simple and friendly interface. This is a great option for those who need a VPN for general purposes and who are not going to mess with network settings.
The app and website are designed creatively and funny — in the form of humorous comics with a brown bear. “Tunnel Bear”.
Advantages:
- An unlimited number of simultaneous network connections.
- Excellent privacy policy.
- Annual independent audits.
- Friendly, affordable design.
Disadvantages:
- Split tunneling is not available on all platforms.
- A strict limit on free traffic to 500 megabytes per month, which may not be enough even for daily use of Instagram.
Choose the best option for yourself!
