A Virtual Private Network or commonly abbreviated as VPN serves to make a user’s private network wider in scope on a public network so that it can allow users to send and receive data or information on a shared or public network as if the computing device used was connected to a private network. Applications running through a VPN can use the functionality, security, and management of a private network. Built-in encryption is common, though not part of the VPN connection.
In short, a VPN is a solution to increase security when surfing and using the internet.
The purpose of a VPN was developed to provide access to enterprise applications and resources for remote, mobile, or branch users of the enterprise. For security, private network connections can be established using an encrypted layered tunneling protocol, and users may be required to go through various authentication methods to gain access to the VPN.
Internet users can also use a VPN to secure their connection while circumventing geo-restrictions and censorship and use it to connect to proxy servers in order to protect their personal identity and location while remaining anonymous on the internet.
Some websites, however, block access to known VPN technologies to prevent circumvention of their geo-restrictions, and many VPN providers have developed strategies to get around this blockade.
VPNs are created by establishing virtual point-to-point connections through the use of dedicated circuits or by tunneling protocols through an existing network. VPNs available from the public Internet can provide several wide area network (WAN) benefits. From a user perspective, the resources available in a private network can be accessed remotely.
Here we provide recommendations for the best VPNs that you can choose according to their functions and needs:
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a VPN service developed by Express VPN International Ltd which is a software company founded in 2009, but in 2021 Express VPN has been acquired by digital privacy and security company Kape Technologies.
Express VPN applications are released for various devices and operating systems, including, macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and Routers. This VPN service has a Smart DNS feature called Media Streamer, to add VPN capabilities to devices that don’t support it, and a router app, so that VPNs can be set up through routers, as well as bypassing unsupported devices like game consoles.
The Express VPN app also comes with 4096-bit CA, AES-256-CBC encryption, and TLSv1.2 to secure user traffic. Available VPN protocols include Lightway, OpenVPN (with TCP/UDP), SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, and PPTP.
ExpressVPN’s parent company also developed a leak testing tool, so users can determine whether their VPN provider is leaking network traffic, DNS, or, true IP addresses when connected to a VPN, such as when switching from a wireless to wired internet connection.
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is an internet anonymization service known for its excellent security, which was developed by CyberGhost SA in 2004. This Romanian VPN is a cross-platform VPN service, meaning it can be used for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
How CyberGhost VPN works are by setting up an encrypted VPN. The user logs in through the VPN network with a unique IP address assigned then receives the anonymization server address, thus, the selected VPN server will appear as the recipient for the websites visited by the user
The service server used is encrypted with 256-bit AES of the user connection. The connection from the service server to the internet will be anonymous in order to protect the privacy and protect against espionage and surveillance or tracking. CyberGhost’s protection is based on exchanging user IP addresses. On the server-side, this VPN service will block analytical websites with the AdBlock Plus community filter and websites with malware.
According to the provider’s description, each intermediary server has a firewall that blocks incoming traffic to ward off certain attacks from the Internet via a “proxy server”
Private Internet Access
PIA or Private Internet Access is one of the best VPN services out there today. This VPN has excellent features, namely a focus on the privacy aspect. Their very strict no-logs policy, which makes this VPN very popular among torrent users.
Private Internet Access is also known as a VPN service with its minimalist and compact applications and programs and has several other advantages, including a good level of security, fast and many servers, and relatively cheap prices.
PIA Dashboard can be downloaded for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. There are also extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Therefore, PIA is suitable for almost all devices. The ‘Download’ page of the PIA website neatly shows all your options. Just select the correct operating system icon to download the files you need.
PrivateVPN
PirivateVPN is a VPN service that operates under Swedish jurisdiction and provides anonymous VPN connections along with an HTTP proxy service. The server is set up to support OpenVPN, L2TP, PPTP, IPSec, IKEv2, HTTP Proxy, and SOCKS5 protocols. It has many servers so it gives the user a lot of choices. You can request a shared or dynamic public IP address, depending on your needs. Together with IPv6 leak protection, 2048-bit and AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch function, your protection and privacy are guaranteed. In addition, each account also allows up to 10 devices for simultaneous connections.
Currently, PrivateVPN has built-in apps for Windows, iOS, OS X, and Android. Support services are provided with a live chat or web form that you need to fill out and submit. However, the live chat tool is not always available, and you will be automatically placed into the support service ticket queue if no one answers right away. PrivateVPN also offers a remote installation service giving it an edge over its rivals. A service technician arranges the time to install a VPN client for you using the TeamViewer remote software. You can also get general support remotely. This service is available on the following operating systems: Mac, Windows, and Linux, and the following VPN protocols: PPTP, OpenVPN, or L2TP. If you are not accessing remote support then there are guides available on the PrivateVPN website for each platform on which PrivateVPN operates.
VyprVPN
Another VPN service with one that provides the best experience for its users in terms of security. VyprVPN has one clear advantage over its competitors. The company has a technology called Chameleon or chameleon, which is designed to reduce the level at which data can be recognized by anyone who wants to intercept what you are doing, making this software even more important in countries where governments are authoritarian and constantly monitor the online behavior of the population. Chameleon works by scrambling OpenVPN’s metadata to make sure it can’t be identified by the usual inspection method, deep packet inspection (DPI). VyprVPN users can further bypass enhanced government interference while retaining OpenVPN’s security (by not modifying the 256-bit OpenVPN protocol), as well as its ability to bypass normal VPN blockades and bandwidth reduction.
VyprVPN provides a wide selection of server locations, as this online privacy provider has up to more than 700 servers headquartered in various parts of the world. This VPN service is the fastest we’ve tested, and puts more emphasis on security than most of its competitors, making it one of the best we’ve come across. On top of all that, it’s quite competitively priced, making it worth more than it’s worth. We would recommend VyprVPN to anyone browsing the service to protect their geo-location and security.