5 Secure Tips on How to Pick a VPN
When it comes to picking a VPN you want to make sure it will be safe and secure for your needs. Here are 5 secure tips on how to pick a VPN that’s right for you.
The global market size of the virtual private network is forecasted to grow to $35.73 billion by 2022. The importance of this software can’t be overemphasized, and you need to know how to pick a VPN. The primary role of a VPN is to help you remain securely connected while staying anonymous online.
If you fail to understand how to pick a VPN, you’ll end up with a lot of confusing choices. If you’re unable to make the right decision, you won’t meet your goals of installing the VPN. What may be the best VPN for one person may not necessarily be right for you.
Here, we’ll give you the five best tips on how to pick a VPN. Pay attention, and you’ll be on the path to getting it right.
1. Consider the Cost of the VPN
VPNs are available for different prices. You’ll also find some types that you can download for free. The most affordable ones cost about $1 per month.
Others will cost you anything up to $15 monthly. The cost depends on a variety of factors, including reliability and privacy levels. You’ll realize that paying an annual subscription will be less costly than settling it monthly.
As you consider the costs, check to see if the VPN offers flexible payment options. For example, many VPNs will extend a free trial for the first month. From the second month, you’ll have to pay to continue using the service.
Go for the versions that allow you to make monthly payments. This should give you time to try it out before making the final decisions.
As a tip, avoid free VPNs as much as you can. They claim to help you maintain anonymity online, but at the expense of your personal information.
2. Assess Your VPN Needs
The need for having VPN varies from one user to another. For you to know how to pick a VPN that’ll cater to you, take stock of your needs. It could be that you don’t need the VPN because router-based solutions are your best fit.
Some questions to should ask yourself in assessing your needs include the following:
Is Your VPN for Secure Access to Your Home Network?
If you answer yes to this, you probably don’t need a VPN. The purpose of a VPN is to give you secure access to another network, not your own.
Is It for Secure Casual Browsing?
Matters of secure browsing should only come into play when you’re using public Wi-Fi networks. Public network connections provide no guarantee of safety. Note that a password is not an indicator of a secure network.
Do You Want To Geo-Shift Your Location?
One of the primary reasons why people use a VPN is to appear as though they’re in another location. That way, they can access information only available in that location. In choosing a VPN for this purpose, pick a provider with servers located in your target location.
Is Your VPN for Torrenting?
Many users want to remain anonymous when downloading P2P files and torrents. In most countries, downloading copyrighted files for free is illegal. VPNs protect them by removing the risk of being tracked by the government.
3. How Many Concurrent Connections Does the Provider Allow?
In considering how to pick a VPN, the number of connections allowed is essential. It’s common to think that you’ll only need to connect one device. The truth is that sometimes you might have more than one device to connect.
This will require multiple concurrent connections to the VPN. If you’re more technical, maybe you can configure several devices to different exit nodes. The purpose is to avoid bundling all your personal or household traffic together.
At a minimum, choose a VPN service that allows at least two simultaneous connections. The more it can support, the better for you and your household.
4. VPN Compatibility with Your Device
When you choose a VPN, you want it to work well with your device. It shouldn’t cause issues like slowness on your mobile device or overriding of other software. Most VPNs are made to support Mac and Windows computers.
For mobile devices, begin by checking if the provider provides support for Android and iOS devices. There’s a wide variety of popular and reliable VPNs that are compatible with both mobile devices and computers.
5. What Logs Does the VPN Keep?
A VPN is all about your online security. When thinking of how to pick a VPN, check if it collects any logs of your activities. If they do, it means that your online information and data is not safe.
Fortunately, most VPN providers don’t keep a log of your activities. They know that it’s not beneficial to them because it consumes too much storage resource. Other VPNs openly admit to keeping records, but only for a minimum window period.
Don’t settle for anything that keeps track of your information online. You can try TunnelBear, Express VPN, Nord VPN, and Perfect Privacy.
Editors VPN Top Three
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How to Pick a VPN: In Review
Whether you want to download torrent files or access a remote site, your solution lies in VPNs.
In considering how to pick a VPN, go for a user-friendly version that’s easy to install. If you’re not a tech-savvy person, choose from among the models that have a smooth setup process.
Some of the factors to think about when choosing the best VPN include your needs. Geo-shifting your location requires a stronger VPN than when you’re out to remain anonymous while browsing casually.
The number of devices to connect will also influence your decision. For example, if you’ve got a mobile device and a computer, you don’t need to have two VPNs. Your household should be able to benefit from one VPN provider through a stable connection.
Most importantly, check if the VPN keeps any logs. Tracking your information means you’re not safe online. Your data might end up in the wrong place for improper use. Data tracking is widespread with free VPNs.
Avoid them as much as you can. Annual subscription for reliable VPN services will give you peace of mind.
Be sure to check out some of the VPN services we’ve listed to get started in your search.
