In our last article we answered the question: What is a VPN and why you should use one? Today we are going to look at the 8 best VPNs for hiding your IP address.
Do you ever pay attention to the possibility that someone could be eavesdropping on your online information? If you do, then probably you’ve thought about the best VPN to secure your information.
This article will provide a selection of some of the best VPNs you can try out.
For starters, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) enhance your online privacy by making your activity anonymous.
When you are logged onto a public Wi-Fi, anybody on that network can monitor your activity.
This exposes your sensitive information such as bank account details to security breaches.
VPNs will help you to establish a secure connection on such networks.
Here is a list of some of the best VPNs available.
What are the Best VPNs
Many organizations develop VPN software. However, these VPNs are not standardized. Some perform better than others.
Here is a ranking of the best VPNs.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the VPN that can work on a wide range of platforms. These VPNs are not just limited to work on better known operating systems such as Android, Linux, Mac, and blackberry. You can get their customized version for routers, streaming media services, and Smart TVs among other devices.
ExpressVPN has a dedicated website that offers live 24- hour chat assistance. Besides, they provide detailed guides and tutorials to help you get acquainted with the service.
Features:
- Access to more than 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries and 160 locations.
- It can support a maximum of five devices simultaneously.
- It can run on close to all platforms.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs you can get. It boasts of having one of the simplest user interfaces around. If complicated menus turn you off, Surfshark is the best reprieve for you.
Surfshark has the capability of supporting unlimited devices. There are no restrictions whatsoever. It is compatible with Windows, Linux, and Mac desktops. On mobiles, Android and iOS are the only operating systems currently supported.
Features:
- Fast connections to over 1000 servers.
- It can support unlimited devices simultaneously.
- AES – 256 encryption to protect your information and a kill switch to prevent information leaks when connections fail.
3. NordVPN
NordVPN can access over 5800 servers spread across more than 55 locations. It has a 2048 – bit encryption and strong DNS leak protection. All this is geared to provide high-quality security to your data.
NordVPNs have a SmartPlay feature. This feature helps circumvent geo-restrictions imposed by internet service providers or in some cases, the government. The feature is also very helpful in unblocking streaming services.
Features:
- It can support up to a maximum of six users at a time.
- Access to over 5800 servers spread in over 55 locations around the world.
- Proxy extensions for Chrome and Firefox web browsers.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost VPN is supported on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices. It allows torrents as well and it is equipped with quick live chat support. In addition. The service blocks ads, malicious websites, and trackers from infringing on your privacy.
On the flipside, CyberGhost’s desktop is a bit complicated. With time and practice, you should be able to get acquainted with this. There have also been reports that the speeds are usually slower in other countries apart from US and European countries.
Features:
- Torrent support.
- Access to over 5700 servers in over 110 locations.
- Supports up to 7 users at a time.
5. IPVanish
IPVanish is the kind of VPN that offers unlimited P2P traffic. It has over 40,000 shared IP addresses with over 1300 servers spread in 70 countries.
IPVanish is compatible with most operating systems. In desktops, it can work on Windows and Mac. Android and iOS mobile phone devices support it too. The speed is above average and it has the capability of unlocking some streaming services.
Features:
- It supports torrents.
- Supports up to 10 connections at a time.
- Kill switch to enhance your security during failed connections.
6. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access can run on almost every platform. It is supported on Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also has browser extensions that enable it to be compatible with Chrome, Firefox and Opera browsers.
Private Internet Access can automatically secure your information on unsecured Wi-Fi. Besides, it has a kill switch that improves protection when the VPN falls. The browser extensions are equipped with flash blocking, cookie cleaning and camera, and microphone protection facilities.
Features:
- Access to more than 3300 servers in over 50 locations.
- It supports a maximum of 10 users at a time.
- Browser extensions for Opera, Firefox and Chrome browsers.
7. Hotspot Shield
This VPN comes in two versions. The free version and the premium version. With the premium version, you will be able to enjoy unlimited bandwidth without the interference of ads.
The VPN is quite simple to use because of its friendly interface. It can access more than 3200 servers in over 70 different locations. The access and download speeds are favorable, to say the least.
Features:
- A Catapult Hydra Protocol that restricts the functionality of its app to Windows, Mac, Android and iOS operating systems.
- Supports a maximum of 5 devices at a go.
- Access to over 3200 servers in more than 70 locations.
8. TunnelBear
This is one of the extremely user-friendly among the best of VPNs. Its menu has a few low-level tweaks that make it simple to use. Tunnel Bear’s apps are supported on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices. It also has extensions for Chrome, Opera and Firefox browsers.
Tunnel Bear’s flipside is that it does not allow the user to change the protocol. If the user is interested in setting up the VPN manually on other devices like routers, they may not find much information on their support website.
Features:
- Supports a maximum of 5 devices.
- Access to 1000 servers in more than 20 locations.
- Extensions for Firefox, Chrome and Opera browsers.
In a Nutshell
VPNs are essential services to procure if you care about your data protection. They will help you to secure your information on unsecured networks. Additionally, with VPNs, all your online activities will be virtually untraceable as the service will mask the IP address you are using,
A variety of VPNs are available. Your choice of a VPN service provider should be based on your needs. Compare your needs to a VPN’s features before purchasing it. Hopefully, you have gotten some insight into the best VPNs from this article. Consider using the service as soon as possible.