Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have seen a massive upsurge in user figures over the last few years. Research has found that there are more than 142 million people using VPNs in the USA alone, and this number is continuing to rise as a greater choice of service becomes available.
VPNs not only improve security when you’re browsing online, but they also allow you to access sites that you may not have been able to before. Here are some of the best options for you to choose from in 2021 and beyond.
Why do You Need a VPN?
Different people use VPNs for diverse reasons. Primarily, they can be used as a first line of defense against cybercriminals, as they mask the user’s IP address. They also encrypt search history, meaning that internet users can enjoy peace of mind while browsing.
Statistics show that VPNs are most used to access region-restricted websites. The entertainment industry has undoubtedly helped in the rise of VPN usage around the world. For example, it is a well-known fact that Netflix offers exclusive series and films in some regions. This is often to do with licensing, and users who want to find everything need to use a VPN to change their IP address to different countries.
VPNs are useful for gaming, especially in countries where certain offerings aren’t permitted. For instance, players who want to find the best online casinos in Saudi Arabia are advised to use a VPN to access options from all over the world. The country is known to have strict gambling regulations, but these are directed at operators rather than players. That means that players can bet safely, but they can give themselves a bit of extra security by using a VPN.
VPNs are getting more advanced and offering users more capabilities than ever, so let’s dive into some of the top ones to choose from.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the best choices on the market because of its affordability and the fact that it covers a vast number of regions. One account can be used across multiple devices, but the laptop version is arguably where it excels. This is because it can be installed as a Google Chrome extension that operates seamlessly in the background.
You don’t need to remember to turn the VPN on, as you can set it to come on automatically when you start browsing. This means that you never need to worry about your safety online. ExpressVPN is considered the most user-friendly VPN out there. Keep an eye out for its various affiliates, as there are often deals for free months to be found.
NordVPN
One of the most famous options on the market is NordVPN, which has been in the business since 2012. It’s developed by Nord Security, a company that specializes in internet security. Protecting users from threats online was the primary function behind NordVPN’s design.
The offering has won numerous awards, including Best VPN for reliability and security from CNET at the Best VPN Service Awards in 2021. For users who want a comprehensive VPN service, it could be argued that it’s a toss-up between ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
Surfshark
One of the newest options on the market that’s trying to upset the established hierarchy is Surfshark. The VPN was released in 2018, and it is available in more than 14 languages. It’s designed to work on computers, mobile, and smart TVs, and is also aligned with over seven different operating systems.
Surfshark is an enticing option for VPN users because of the advanced technology it employs. It uses an AES-256-GCM encryption standard for added security, and this comes with a variety of tunneling protocols as well. It also has a double VPN feature that acts as a Kill Switch, which means that users never run the risk of browsing unprotected if one IP address fails. There is a high chance that Surfshark could be the number one VPN in the next few years, as it is one of the earliest adopters of cryptocurrency payments.
