Best VPN Services 2023

A VPN client allows you to connect your computer, mobile device or tablet to the internet by masking your gadget’s unique identification from the world. This identification contains a series of numbers, known as an Internet Protocol, or IP, address. VPN service sets up a secure connection with your device to hide this IP address, and ultimately, hide your location and connection details.

The point is that unencrypted data transmission are human readable. That means, whatever text you type, whatever image you send, the Internet Service Provider (ISP), hackers, or snoopers can see it and read it. And because your IP address is not hidden, it easily links back to your identity.

When using a VPN, your data (text, image, etc) is getting encrypted, IP address and location are changed. Your identity is protected.

Example of Private Internet Access VPN connection:

To be more specific about how it works, let’s get into details:

1. First, download a VPN application to your device and activate it.
2. When you go online, the VPN software encrypts your data traffic and sends it to the VPN server.
3. The VPN server decrypts this data and releases to the Internet (to any online destination such as social media, bank account website, and so on).
4. The online destination sees your data coming from the VPN server and its location (not yours!!)

Basically, the VPN server is the third party that connects to the web on your behalf.

The “virtual” in VPN means that you are essentially creating a virtual connection, as opposed to a physical connection, to securely access data online. Your privacy is maintained through encryption of information so that your internet service provider (Spectrum, AT&T,  Frontier, etc.) will only see decrypted debris instead of you text, images, online searches, etc.

Why Use a VPN?

As the world around us shrinks and we each become increasingly integrated into an expanding online community, our concern for personal privacy grows. No scan of the day’s news headlines is complete without finding multiple instances of data security breaches, invasions of privacy and monitoring of our online activities. From government sensors to internet service providers and all hackers in between, each time you access the internet to stream a movie, pay a bill or interact via social media, you are at risk. How can you protect yourself from prying eyes while online?

VPN is one of the most effective ways to keep your browsing sessions secure and private while safeguarding personal data on your electronic devices.

The threats VPN can save you from:

1. Exposing your pictures, texts and other data to hackers while using public WiFi hotspots. Don’t let them see it and publish on the web! Yes, don’t think it cannot happen to you. It sure can.   
2. Getting monitored and your data saved by ISP. Don’t let them use your online activity against you when they need it or requested by authorities to provide data on you.
3. Internet throttling. When ISP intentionally limits your Internet bandwidth or speed.
4. Allowing ones national government to see your online activity and use it against you. Remember, you may think that you don’t have anything to hide, but that’s for now..the world changes fast.   
5. Censored content by ones national government. Website content will be unlocked when you connect to a VPN server.
6. Identifying your location and identity by websites. Your data can be used for bombarding you with ads and other commercial targeting.

If you’re still not convinced let’s go over all advantages of VPN.

• Price. None of the VPNs are free. In fact, you would want to use paid VPN, simply because the only free cheese is in a mouse trap. (Read more about Free VPN vs Paid VPN). However, there are still affordable and reliable best VPNs out there at a price that won’t break the bank. For example, Private Internet Access offers its service at $2.03 a month. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

• VPN may slow down your internet speed. It usually happens when you already have a poor Internet connection provided by your ISP.  Check carefully your VPN provider’s speed info. 

• Some websites do block VPN softwares! Some sites do that for a good reason, for example for minimizing spam and fraud, while others just need to access your data.

• VPN connection can suddenly drop. This won’t be an often issue with a reliable VPN provider, however it does happen. Of course no one is thrilled about his IP address and location being revealed…What you’d like to pay attention to is for your VPN provider to have a Kill Switch feature. It instantly disconnects you from the internet in case of a server drop.

How Do I Install and Set Up a VPN

VPNs offer a wide range of advantages for users, but how do you download, is it easy to install and set them up? Most VPNs, especially top companies, walk users step-by-step through an installation and setup wizard to remove the guesswork out of the process. However, before you initiate a VPN download, it is helpful to first uninstall any existing VPN software from your system. It can help prevent system conflicts and lead to fewer hassles as you move forward in the process of setting up.

Determine your preferred VPN provider and read through the installation details. Many offer fully customized clients tailored to a variety of operating systems and platforms. During the installation, you will select from a wide range of options for your specific user preferences and also enter some information about your current connections.

While each VPN setup process is unique, almost all have online tutorials or support staff on call to help troubleshoot any issues you encounter. Also, remember that most VPNs offer X number of simultaneous connections, usually 5 or 6, some providers go for unlimited..Meaning that you can enjoy secure connection on all your devices with one account. 

Many users customize settings to only activate the VPN service on an as-needed basis. Others prefer to have it engaged at all times. Other options typically include a full suite of browser settings, preferred connections and speed settings. Once your VPN is downloaded, set up, configured and working on a basic level, you can begin the process of fine-tuning the VPN to unlock advanced features and make it more responsive to your needs.

Before you begin the installation and set up process, it is best to research the available VPN services and select the one that fits your needs.

How to Choose Best VPN Provider: logging policy, server locations, customer support

With so many to choose from, how do you know which is the top VPN to meet your specific online browsing and privacy needs? It is usually best to begin by reading several reviews and comparing VPNs by examining the following factors:

• Price: Although many free VPN providers are available, they typically only offer limited services which are not well-suited for most users. Paid VPNs run from $2 – $10 per month and provide enhanced security, better privacy configurations and more user-friendly graphic interfaces and better support services.
• Logging: Be sure to read the fine print and find a ‘no log’ VPN provider which does not sell your internet browsing history to a third party.
• Number of devices: How many devices do you want to connect simultaneously? Many of the free VPN services will only allow one connection at a time. If you plan to connect a mobile device, tablet, smart TV and computer all at the same time, search for a VPN which supports multiple devices and good number of simultaneous connections.
• Server network: Pay close attention to the number of servers. How many unique IP addresses and server locations does it offer? Many of the larger VPN services provide over 2,000 servers spread across hundreds of unique server locations across the world. This large number of connection configurations provide users with ultimate flexibility.
• Speed: Some VPN services provide enhanced security and anonymity by sacrificing connection speed. If you plan to download content or access music or movie streaming services frequently, it pays to shop for a fast VPN.
• Other features: VPNs now offer a wide range of additional features including malware detection, Kill Switch feature, 24/7 customer support, advanced speed settings and much more.

• Private Internet Access – known for its 100% anonymous service. Read the PIA’s response to FBI subpoena.
• NordVPN – knows for its great speed performance and allowance of 6 simultaneous devices, knows as one of the best vpns.   
• TunnelBear VPN – known for its free version that comes with limited features, but not privacy compromise.

In today’s increasingly connected online communities, maintaining privacy and securing data are top concerns. One of the most effective ways to protect yourself is through the use of a VPN. Explore the full range of providers offered, select the one that suits your needs and then go online with the peace of mind that your identity and online activities are safe and secure!