VPN technology primarily is used for hiding the digital footprints you have created during your surf at the internet and providing an added layer of security to protect your privacy and confidentiality. As its name suggests, Virtual Private Network is creating a special tunnel based on TCP / IP protocols, in this way, your network seems to connect to a remote network.
VPN client establishes a connection with the destination point through a virtual server, checks the server authentication and after that, data transmission between the VPN client and remotely connected destination starts.
To facilitate this virtual private network, each connection becomes encrypted in this way your IP address is redirected among different server IP addresses and becomes anonymous. Encrypting internet connection, protection of data and privacy, not accessing the VPN users’ data and enhanced security are the general promises of a VPN provider. However, not all of them provide all the exact features and still endanger your connection.
In this article, we tried to present a guideline to highlight essential points when choosing the best VPN for your needs. Also, you can look at the review of NordVPN to explore one of the best VPN providers.
What a VPN should have and shouldn’t have?
Depending on your need, the desired features of a VPN choice can be varied. However, whether you wish to reach different country libraries of Netflix or just need to work remotely at your home, some essential features would constitute the best VPN regardless of user intention.
Technical Features
A VPN makes use of various data encryption tools to establish a secure internet gateway. Several of them are recognized as IP security (IPSec), Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Transport Layer Security ( TLS), and so on.
Advanced VPN firms use 2048-bit encryption. This ensures that your data becomes difficult to break and if a criminal intercepts your data, there is little essential to gain and also strong DNS leak protection ensures your security with the right VPN.
OpenVPN and IKEv2 are the new leaders in the security industry and are implemented by VPN providers with popularity.
Killswitch feature is also critical since this protects your data against exposure even during disruptions.
VPN’s capability for security also becomes critical during file sharing especially for the corporations since all employees send files to each other and third-parties and most of them count as confidential information. Thanks to the P2P servers, well-known VPN providers eases the data transfer process.
Server locations and their prevalence make or break the deal. The more server locations mean more IP addresses to change and this becomes critical for both security and prevailing geography-based restrictions. Using a reliable VPN like NordVPN provides you the option to choose servers among more than 5,400 servers in 59 countries.
Privacy Policy and Permissions
Regarding data collecting features, VPN providers are not required to keep records of personal information, online hours, location, downloaded docs, and log of calling.
The VPN client can and should seek authorizations only concerning the service it offers. If the VPN service demands a connection to the phone directory, calls, and any odd personal details, staying away from that service will be reasonable.
Although the VPN service allows for a safer and freer internet, it is important to be very cautious and vigilant when using a VPN provider due to various unlawful use of private information, especially regarding the free VPN services.
Speed
Nobody likes low-speed and buffering when you streaming video content. However, there is a widely accepted view of the VPN’s habit to slow down the connection. This feature is extremely important for consumers who wish to use a VPN for streaming Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, etc. However, a high-quality VPN should not and will not reduce your download or upload time. We recommend you to test ping times of VPNs that have free trial periods by yourself. Herein, you can witness their speed and effects on video streaming such as image quality, buffering problem, or download interruptions in person. NordVPN provides you a 30-day trial period with a money-back guarantee.
Accessible Customer Service
During the installation or any technical problem, availability to reach a responsive customer service can be priceless. At the same time, a comprehensive FAQ section, informative videos, responsible live-chat function, and customer rep email line would be useful when choosing a VPN.
Multitasking and Compatibility
One of the significant features to differentiate best VPN among competitors may be the operating systems that can work with its applications suitable for different types of devices such as a tablet, mobile phone, and smart TVs. For instance, NordVPN can function in Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux and provides applications for tablets, Macs, laptops, Android mobile phones, and iPhones.
Final Words about Quality of VPNs
The service that is reliable, high-performer in terms of server location, security, preferred encryption protocols, and as well as unblocking geoblocks are significant predictors of a good VPN. Also, there is the price factor. However, free VPN services generally will not meet the claims they assert on their adverts and will limit your abilities alongside endangering your device. We suggest you move with a trustworthy VPN provider like NordVPN while bearing in mind the given factors above.