How To Find The Right VPN? My Top 3 Recommendations

VPN usage has become essential to protect online privacy and security. Around 42 percent of people in the United States were using VPN in 2023 for several reasons. It has become a necessity in this digital world. Due to hundreds of providers, finding a trustworthy VPN has also become a challenging task.

In this brief guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about VPN and its usage. You will also learn why having a good VPN is essential for every internet user. As an experienced tech individual, I’ll share the top 3 VPNs as well. I have selected these after testing dozens of VPNs.

So, let’s quickly start helping you find the best VPN for yourself.

What Is a VPN?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It encrypts internet connection and provides more privacy and security online. It hides the real IP address of users by rerouting the traffic through a remote server. When connected, it makes online activities virtually untraceable. It helps you browse anonymously, protect sensitive data from hackers, and access content that is restricted based on your location.

How Does A VPN Work?

A VPN works by establishing an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and a remote VPN server. It reroutes the internet traffic after the connection. It replaces the real IP address with that of the servers. This encryption ensures the user’s data remains secure even on unsecured networks.

Why Do You Need A VPN In Today’s World?

A few years ago, if I heard someone was using a VPN, I would have assumed it was probably something dodgy like a criminal or CIA employee. Now, it’s more common and popular. It is the need of almost everyone who uses the internet. The following are some of the reasons why I think it is essential for everyone.

Protecting Your Online Privacy

As the world is getting digital privacy concerns are increasing with it as well. Protecting online privacy is getting more and more difficult. Issues like data breaches and invasive surveillance are very common. I use a VPN to protect my online privacy from ISPs, advertisers and hackers. It changes my IP address and encrypts my internet traffic.

Security When Using Public WiFi

Public WiFi networks like in airports, hotels, and coffee shops are not encrypted and secure. They are highly vulnerable, and even kids with some knowledge can hack you. I never use them without a VPN connection. It is because I don’t want to put my personal information, passwords, and financial details at risk. VPN encrypts my connection and makes my data unreadable and protected from theft.

Bypassing Geo-Restrictions

The third reason why I think everyone needs a VPN in today’s world is to bypass location-based or censorship restrictions. There are many countries where there are restrictions that prevent users from accessing certain content.

A VPN connects you to a server in a different location, which makes such content accessible to you. For example, there are certain shows available only in the USA. If I’m outside the USA, I can’t watch these shows. Connecting to a VPN with a USA-based server enables me to watch these shows from anywhere in the world.

Avoiding Bandwidth Throttling

Internet service providers sometimes deliberately reduce the internet speed of users performing certain activities like streaming videos or downloading large files. I was really frustrated because of it. Then, I started using Proton VPN. It hid my activities from ISP, and then I never faced such issues again.

Secure Remote Work Connections

I sometimes work remotely as well. It is a great facility, but I was often worried about data protection. Then, I started using a VPN whenever accessing my company networks from remote locations. It encrypted all communications between my device and the company’s servers, which helped me in protecting my data. Since then, I’ve relaxed and never thought about potential breaches.

Better Online Shopping Security

Online shopping is incredibly convenient but it exposes us to risks like credit card fraud and identity theft as well. That’s why I always use a VPN when making online purchases. It provides extra security by encrypting my payment details. It keeps me safe from hackers. I especially use it when I’m shopping on unfamiliar websites or traveling or anywhere where I think my connection might be less secure.

Preventing Price Discrimination

I’ve noticed that many online retailers and travel companies adjust prices based on location, browser history and even the type of device. This price discrimination can sometimes make me pay more for the same product or service. I often change my location to avoid unfair pricing with the help of a VPN. It helps me get the best deals available.

Staying Anonymous While Torrenting

Torrenting can be dangerous as it exposes the user’s IP address to others on the network. It makes it easy to track and even cause potential legal issues. Sometimes I need to use it to share files. To stay safe, I use a VPN, which hides my IP address and encrypts my connection. This allows me to torrent files anonymously and securely.

VPN – safe, secure

Factors I Considered Before Choosing These VPNs

I considered several factors while ranking these top 3 VPNs. All these factors are related to the user experience. Let’s first check these out in detail before I present to you the VPN providers and their details.

  • Privacy: One of the primary reasons I use a VPN is to address privacy concerns. The VPNs I’ve selected have strict privacy rules. They all have a no-log policy, meaning they don’t collect any type of data, including IP addresses, files downloaded, or browsing history.
  • Security: Security is essential for me, and I can’t tolerate it. These VPNs provide strong encryption and additional features like threat protection for the best security.
  • Speed and Performance: I know that using a VPN can slow down internet speed. It is because of the traffic encryption. However, the VPNs I chose have very fast servers, with only a 10-20% speed drop. It is significantly better as compared to other providers. For example, SurfShark, which I didn’t pick, has about an 80% speed drop.
  • Outside Five Eyes Jurisdiction: It was important to me that the VPNs I selected are based outside the Five Eyes countries. It means they don’t have to provide any details about the original IP address or personal information if courts or governments from other countries ask. On the other hand, if I used a VPN like Surf Shark, which is based in the Netherlands, they would have to share whatever information they have.
  • Server Locations: The more servers a VPN has in different countries, the better it is for me to access the restricted content. All the VPNs I picked offer more than 100 server locations.
  • Device Compatibility: I needed VPNs that are compatible with all my devices and operating systems. I can use them on my phone, laptop, smart TV, and across platforms like Windows, iOS, or Android.
  • User-Friendly Interface: I don’t like complicated interfaces. These VPNs have a really simple, user-friendly interface. I easily connect and disconnect with them in just a single click.
  • Customer Support: Another thing I check all the time before using any such service is customer support. These VPNs offer excellent customer support with multiple ways to connect, like chat and email.
  • Cost: I compared these 3 VPNs with several others offering similar features and found them to be much cheaper.
  • Trial Period and Money-Back Guarantee: Another factor I considered is the trial period and money-back guarantee. All these VPNs offer a free trial period with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

MyTop 3 VPN Recommendations

There are hundreds of VPNs available, both free and paid, but not all of these are worth using. I found Proton, Express, and NordVPN to be the top 3 choices for all types of usage, whether it’s business-related or personal. Let’s take a detailed look at them and their features, pricing, and plans.

Proton VPN 

The no 1 on my list is Proton VPN. Proton has a reputation for strict privacy and security standards around the globe. It is a very fast VPN available with 110 plus country connection options. It offers the best free VPN. For advanced features, It offers 2 paid plans: VPN Plus and Proton Unlimited.

Feature VPN Plus VPN Unlimited
Price €4.49 /month €7.99 /month
30-day Money-Back Guarantee Yes Yes
Highest Speeds Yes Yes
Number of Countries 110+ 110+
Supports Streaming & Torrenting Yes Yes
Ad & Malware Blocker Yes Yes
Password Manager No Yes, with Integrated 2FA
Cloud Storage 5 GB 500 GB
Email Features Basic secure email features Premium secure email features

 

It has a strict no-log policy. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee as well. One thing I like the most about this VPN is its affordable pricing. Proton is a nonprofit organization, and it provides you with the best value for money.

Want to secure your online activities? Sign up for free and start using ProtonVPN today!

Express VPN 

The second on my list is ExpressVPN. You can use it on any kind of device. It offers 105 different countries’ locations with very fast speed. It encrypts your connection with a single click. It provides 24/7 customer support. It provides ad blocker and tracker blocker with its paid plans as well.

ExpressVPN offers 3 different plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee. These plans are costly compared to Proton VPN, which is why it is second on my list.

Duration  Pricing 
1 Month $12.95 Per Month
6 Months $9.99 Per Month
1 Year ( Plus 3 Months Free) $6.67 Per Month

 

Nord VPN

The 3rd one on my list is NordVPN. It is a Lithuanian service provider with servers in 111 countries. It provides you with a safe browsing experience free from Malware, Trackers, and ads. It also provides additional features like password security and encrypted cloud storage as well. It offers three different plans. These include basic, plus, and complete. Following are the features and pricing of its plans.

Feature Basic Plus Complete
Price $12.99 /mo $13.99 /mo $14.99 /mo
VAT May apply May apply May apply
30-day Money-Back Guarantee Yes Yes Yes
Secure, High-Speed VPN Yes Yes Yes
Threat Protection Yes Yes Yes
10 Devices Secured at Once Yes Yes Yes
Anti-Malware Protection No Yes Yes
Advanced Browsing Protection No Yes Yes
Ad and Tracker Blocker No Yes Yes
Cross-Platform Password Manager No Yes Yes
Data Breach Scanner No Yes Yes
Secure Cloud Storage No No 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage

ProtonVPN vs NordVPN vs ExpressVPN

Lastly, I have prepared a detailed comparison of the top 3 VPNs which we recommended above. This comparison is based on the premium monthly plans of these VPNs. It will help you select the best VPN for yourself.

Feature Proton VPN  Express VPN Nord VPN 
Price €7.79 /month $12.95 /month $14.99 /mo
30-day Money-Back Guarantee Yes Yes Yes
Highest Speeds Yes Yes Yes
Number of Countries 110+ 105 111
No-log Policy Yes Yes Yes
Supports Streaming & Torrenting Yes Yes Yes
Ad & Malware Blocker Yes No Yes
Password Manager Yes, with Integrated 2FA No Yes
Cloud Storage 500 GB No 1 TB
Email Features Premium secure email features No No
Ratings By PCMag 5/5 4/5 4.5/5

Final Words

In today’s world, I’ve realized that having a good VPN is essential. It not only provides you privacy and security but offers several other benefits as well. Picking the wrong provider can slow down your internet speed, can be costly and create even more problems for you.

I would suggest you carefully consider all the factors like price, server locations, speed, reviews, etc while finding a VPN for yourself. As a tech enthusiast who deals with VPNs all the time I would say Proton is the best VPN and recommend you to go with it. It provides the best user experience at an affordable price. You can sign up for free.

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