This post outlines the top 8 key considerations for selecting the ideal VPN service.
With the surge in remote working in 2020, the interest in VPN services has never been higher.
Most VPN service providers noted the massive spike in interest in using VPN services in 2020. Surfshark VPN (a reputed service provider) empirically attributes this almost exclusively to the rise of remote working. The global VPN market is expected to reach nearly USD 88 billion by 2027.
Using a VPN offers an enormous amount of peace of mind in a day and age where nearly every private and public organization is trying to snoop into your internet usage to either sell you products/ services or, in countries with low internet freedom – to know precisely what you or your family members may be up to. VPN usage ensures encryption of data, provides security and anonymous browsing, and allows you to hide your traffic footprint with different IP addresses.
However, despite the high-value service, almost two-thirds of VPN users are also highly concerned about their data being used by VPN service providers.
As lucrative as free VPN services sound, most of these services use your data to sell to third parties or use that information for targeted advertising. Unless you are happy to get your data privacy breached (which makes using a VPN service somewhat redundant in the first place), consider paying for a VPN service provider worth its salt.
To protect your digital privacy, research service providers thoroughly and choose one that best suits your needs. I can help you find some of the best VPN service providers here.
READ ALSO: Best VPN For 2023: Top Picks Reviewed by Our VPN Experts
Table of Contents
What to Consider When Choosing a VPN? 8 Tips for choosing your VPN Service Provider
1. Know your VPN needs
Most VPN services offer a wide range of features and services, but differ in certain key areas. It’s up to the user to know their needs and choose one service over another based on its reported strengths.
For instance, if you are looking for a VPN for your entire family, consider a service that supports simultaneous connections. However, if you primarily use it for streaming on personal devices, consider opting for a service that provides high-speed, highly reliable connections and, most importantly, unlimited bandwidth.
Narrow down your choice of VPNs with a bunch of ‘must have’ features and others that you can compromise with, and opt for a service that offers the most value for your Internet usage. Your local Managed IT Services Provider can also help you select the right VPN.
READ ALSO: Everything You Need To Know About Using A VPN
2. Location & number of servers
Most VPN users tend to opt for one that allows them to connect to a specific region or country. If so, ensure your VPN service provider covers those areas and has a large number of servers and IP addresses.
Opting for a geographically diverse VPN can keep you covered wherever you want to connect.Â
3. Supported protocols
If you have a preferred VPN protocol, ensure your provider supports it. If you don’t have a preference, OpenVPN is an excellent all-around option as it’s secure and is considered one of the best VPN protocols.
If you are a user with specific encryption needs, ensure the VPN uses the proper cipher and hash authentication. If you need round-the-clock VPN protection, ensure your service provider offers a ‘kill switch’ for the Internet, so your traffic is not exposed if or when the VPN service drops.
4. Speed
Latency can significantly impact your enjoyment of the Internet, so ensure your VPN service provider has a reputation for providing reliable, high-speed connections. This also depends on your usage, which determines whether you need high download or upload speeds and low ping times.
If you use Skype, VoIP services, or play online games frequently, for instance, you will need the lowest possible ping time for a smooth experience. On the other hand, if you stream a lot, you will need a high download speed. If you regularly access the internet for cloud storage or P2P networking, you will need high upload speeds.
Generally, striking a balance between high download and upload speeds is a good idea.Â
READ ALSO: 4 Best Mobile Browser for Android, iOS and Windows
5. Does your VPN throttle connections, limit bandwidth, or restrict services?
Many VPN service providers tend to limit the number of simultaneous connections. Ensure you know how many connections you need and opt for a service with optimal numbers or unlimited concurrent connections. The same applies to bandwidth or reduced connection speeds on a specific day or at a specific time.
Many VPNs tend to ban P2P networking clients and BitTorrent services, even when used for legitimate reasons. Read the fine print before signing up for a service.  Â
6. Check device compatibility
Most VPNs are compatible with popular platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, and iOS. But not all.
If you use multiple devices across different platforms, ensure your VPN service supports all of them. On that note, it’s also a good idea to check how many devices you can connect simultaneously, as some VPNs throttle this number to 3-4. Â
7. Are they logging your VPN use?
Remember that using a VPN means routing all your Internet traffic through the service provider’s servers. This means the service provider has complete visibility into all your online activities. This is why VPN privacy policies are critical in ensuring your data privacy.
Data logging varies in degrees, and many VPN providers tend to keep track of some anonymous information, such as IP addresses visited, etc., despite promising not to keep any data on their website. However, they are legally bound to explicitly state the nature of data stored by them (if any) in the privacy policy document.
Please take a moment to read it carefully before signing up for a service. It’s also a good rule of thumb to only sign up for services that do not require too much personal information beyond an email address.Â
8. Rate & payment methods
Finally, the cost of a VPN can vary. Many offer a cheaper contract if you sign up for long-term services. However, ensure that the service is worth the price before signing up for a long-term contract.
Refund policies can be convenient when trying out VPN services, and ensure the provider has one in place before you sign up.
READ ALSO: Does VPN Give Free Data Or Internet Access? [Expert Answer]
Considerations To Choose The Right VPN Service: FAQs
What are my primary needs for using a VPN?
Before choosing a VPN, determine your specific requirements:
- Security and Privacy:Â Do you prioritize protecting your online activities from prying eyes and securing your data on public Wi-Fi?
- Accessing geo-restricted content:Â Do you want to unblock streaming services, news websites, or other content restricted in your location?
- Bypassing censorship: Do you need to access websites or services censored in your country?
- Cost considerations: How much will you spend on a VPN service?
What features are important to me?
Consider the features offered by different VPN providers:
- Security: Look for solid encryption standards, such as AES-256-bit, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch feature that disconnects your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
- Server locations: Opt for a VPN with a broad range of server locations worldwide, particularly if you need to bypass geo-restrictions or censorship.
- Speed and performance:Â Ensure the VPN offers fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth to support streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.
- Number of devices supported:Â Check how many simultaneous connections the VPN allows, especially if you have multiple devices.
- Customer support:Â Look for a provider with helpful and readily available customer support in case of any issues.
READ ALSO: What Are The VPN Features And Benefits?
How reputable is the VPN provider?
Remember, you’re entrusting your online activities to your VPN provider. Do your research:
- Read online reviews:Â Check reviews from trusted sources and user forums to gain insights into the provider’s reputation and performance.
- Verify the privacy policy: Ensure they have a clear and transparent privacy policy that explains what data they collect and how it is used.
- Jurisdiction: Investigate the provider’s jurisdiction to determine the data retention laws to which they’re subject.
READ ALSO: How to Use a VPN to Protect Your Online Privacy
What are some additional factors to consider?
Here are some more aspects to help you make an informed decision:
- Ease of use:Â A user-friendly interface with simple setup and configuration is vital for a seamless experience.
- Platform support:Â Ensure the VPN is compatible with your operating systems and devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, etc.).
- Free vs. paid VPNs: While they may be tempting, they often limit speed, bandwidth, features, or privacy protection. Paid VPNs typically offer enhanced security, improved performance, and more comprehensive support.
- Trial periods or money-back guarantees: Some providers offer trial periods or guarantees, allowing you to test the service before making a full commitment.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right VPN involves balancing the specific features you need, the provider’s reputation, and your budget.
Carefully research, compare, and consider the above factors to find the best fit for your requirements.
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About the Author:
Christian Schmitz is a professional journalist and editor at SecureBlitz.com. He has a keen eye for the ever-changing cybersecurity industry and is passionate about spreading awareness of the industry's latest trends. Before joining SecureBlitz, Christian worked as a journalist for a local community newspaper in Nuremberg. Through his years of experience, Christian has developed a sharp eye for detail, an acute understanding of the cybersecurity industry, and an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and up-to-date information.
