Anas Baig is a GlobalSign blog contributor and has previously provided tips on browsing the internet privately. Today he’s following up with his reviews and recommendations for VPN services.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is one of the most effective and cheapest ways of protecting communications, as well as identity, on the internet. A VPN will effectively hide all the details of communications from being visible to anyone.
After connecting to the VPN, the only information visible to others is that a user is connected to a VPN server and nothing else. All other information, such as your IP address and sites you visited, is encrypted by the VPN’s security protocols. Not only this but VPNs also protect your data and communications.
VPNs are becoming increasingly popular. From the simplest to the most user-friendly and most functional, VPNs can save you from a world of troubles and help internet users to browse the internet without being tracked. It can also unlock many doors to give you access to geo-restricted content.
And that is exactly why I thought it’s high time to write about the best VPNs for complete internet security and privacy. So, without any further ado, here is a list of top 10 VPNs for 2017:
1. Ivacy
Ivacy gives you everything you want in a VPN and more - advanced data encryption for that added layer of online security and privacy, optimized servers for quicker download and buffer-free streaming!
With more than 200 optimized servers in 50+ countries, it gives you unrestricted access to geo-locked content anywhere in the world. It also boasts compatibility with a wide range of devices and operating systems and often gets cited as the best VPN for Kodi by users across the globe.
It also has a whole arsenal of user-friendly features like internet kill switch, multi-login, split-tunneling and much more. At roughly half the price of any other industry-leading VPN for its recent 1+1 year plan, Ivacy isn’t just a good deal, it’s literally a steal!
2. Private Internet Access
A lot of internet users prefer Private Internet Access (PIA) because of its multi-gigabit VPN tunnel gateways. PIA is fast and reliable, offering impressive online security and privacy with equally impressive connection speed. So you get quick access to any content anywhere in the world at the click of a button.
It also happens to be one of the few VPNs that is modestly priced at below $40 ($39.95) for the yearly subscription plan.
3. PureVPN
This brand has established a strong and loyal clientele of customers by delivering outstanding service quality over the years. It gives advanced online protection and has a strict zero log policy on customer data.
It has nearly 800 servers that are spread across 141 countries and give you instant access to your favorite content from anywhere in the world with unlimited server-switching. It does not have a free trial but does offer a three-day VPN trial.
It is one of the few VPNs to actually have a browser plug-in for Chrome and Firefox. Although the service is impressive, it isn’t the first choice for people who want the best value for less money.
4. TorGuard VPN
Just like Tor Browser, TorGuard is a hack that gives you instant access to region-locked content anywhere in the world. However, since TorGuard is a VPN, it uses advanced encryption to protect your online privacy and identity.
With more than 3,000 servers spread across 55 countries, TorGuard really does make sure that you get instant access to content from around the world no matter where you do it from.
5. TunnelBear VPN
There’s little to worry about when you have an eight-foot tall 500lb grizzly bear watching over you. TunnelBear has all the makings of a good VPN but perhaps it’s the cut-throat competition around it that has hindered its climb to the top.
It gives you foolproof online security and privacy with impressive connection and data transfer speeds. The subscriptions plans are moderately priced, keeping in mind the sensibilities of price-sensitive customers. All in all TunnelBear is a good buy at the current price!
6. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has a wide server spread with optimized servers located in more than 145 cities in 94 countries. This gives its users instant access to content from anywhere in the world.
Like many other industry-leading VPNs, Express is also known to provide unbreakable security with its advanced encryption protocols that make online threats like hacking and surveillance virtually impossible. Express is often cited as one of the leading VPNs for Netflix streaming. However, given that all leading VPN brands offer the same array of features for all subscription plans, Express may seem a bit on the higher side.
7. NordVPN
Nord is a trusted name in cybersecurity and has been around for quite some time. With servers spread across the globe, Nord gives you instant access to your favorite content from all around the world. So accessing region-locked content is not something you should worry about if you have Nord VPN.
Often praised for its zero-logs policy, Nord is relatively cheap compared to other industry-leading VPNs like Express but its features and service are competitive, giving it an edge among many other brands.
8. VyprVPN
Besides boasting impressive speed as well as security, VyprVPN boasts an array of extra features that are packed into a highly intuitive and user-friendly app.
No matter which subscription plan you opt for, Vypr will give you the whole package with features like multi-login, unlimited server switching and split tunneling. With more than 700 servers strategically spread across the globe, you don’t have to worry about accessing your favorite region-locked content ever again. However, Vypr does restrict certain security features on the basis of the subscription plan you opt for, which might or might not be a deal breaker, depending upon the mindset and the subscription plan in question.
9. IPVanish
When concerned about your online security and privacy, IPVanish is often the first name that a lot of internet users around the world recall. Besides giving you foolproof security, this VPN also gives you unrestricted access to geo-restricted, region-locked or censored content anywhere in the world. It’s fast too, making streaming a positively buffer-free experience.
What ranks IPVanish as one of the leading VPNs in the world is its immaculate service and outstanding features which give you little (if at all) to complain about. Add the typical functional benefits with a ton of user-friendly features and you have your knight in shining armor prepared to protect you from all evil.
10. VPN Unlimited
VPN Unlimited acts just like a DNS firewall, giving you total online security and privacy with lightning-fast unlimited access to region-locked content.
Although VPN Unlimited offers the same array of features and services as other brands operating in the industry such as multi-login and ISP-throttling, the price is a bit steep with the monthly subscription plan costing $8.99! So VPN Unlimited isn’t the “go to” brand of choice for many. However, for those who can afford the brand, VPN Unlimited is a safe bet.
Which VPN Is Right for You?
Your choice of VPN is going to come down to the features you need within your budget. That being said, you should now find it easier to determine which VPN best suits your purpose. Rest assured, each VPN listed above will meet and exceed your expectations and that is a fact.
Note: This blog article was written by a guest contributor for the purpose of offering a wider variety of content for our readers. The opinions expressed in this guest author article are solely those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect those of GlobalSign.
About The Author
Anas Baig is a cybersecurity journalist by profession with a profound interest in online privacy, security and IoT. Follow him on Twitter @anasbaigdm, or email him directly by clicking here.
