Virtual Private Networks encrypt your data between points on the internet, protecting you from people who might spy on your browsing and steal passwords or other sensitive information. They’re especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in hotels and coffee shops, or when traveling abroad. They can also keep your activities private on home and office Wi-Fi. The best VPNs offer high levels of encryption, don’t log your activity, have server locations near you and fast connection speeds. They should be easy to set up, too.
Some of the better VPNs also make clear commitments not to sell your data or allow you to track them through their servers, and back those promises with novel approaches like transparent warrant canaries that note government requests for user information. The transparency offered by these VPNs can be a valuable check against the surveillance powers of companies like Google or Facebook that can collect large amounts of personal data.
You should also look for a VPN that supports the platforms and devices you use most, including mobile, MacOS, and Windows. The apps should be well-designed, with a clean interface and simple, intuitive features. Many VPNs provide multiple connection options and support a variety of protocols, but we prefer those that can be configured to work on specific networks or devices.
A kill switch is a nice-to-have feature that disconnects your device if the VPN loses its connection, preventing it from being routed by your ISP and revealing your location or other sensitive data. It’s especially critical for those who do a lot of online gaming or streaming or have privacy-critical jobs that require working from home. You can take a look at ssr 机场怎么选 for more info on this.
Finally, it’s worth looking for a VPN with flexible subscription options. Some let you pay monthly, while others offer bi-annual or annual plans with discounted rates. We’d opt for the annual plans since they offer the most savings, and they give you plenty of time to cancel before the service automatically renews if you’re not satisfied with the VPN.
One final thing to consider is whether a VPN offers a free trial or money-back guarantee, which can be a good way to test if the service is right for you. Proton VPN, for example, provides a limited free version and an annual plan that starts at $5 a month. Its desktop, mobile and MacOS apps are all well-designed with lots of settings.
