A VPN is a secure connection that masks your IP address, keeps your browsing history private, and protects you against any activity that may put your cybersecurity at risk.
If you want to use a VPN, there are plenty of options available, so it’s important to pick one that meets your needs and has a good reputation for high security and ease of use.
There are plenty of things to consider when picking the right VPN for you including the speed of the connection. Just like anything else you might buy or sign up for, considering what’s most important to you is important when choosing a VPN.
Some VPN products are designed to be simple and easy to use while others are made to make it easier to watch geo-restricted content. Some of the main things to think about before you choose a VPN include:
Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN
Speed:
Speed is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). It determines how fast you will be able to make downloads when you are connected to the internet through a VPN. The higher the Mbps, the faster your connection will be.
Server Network:
To get the best connection and fastest speeds when using the VPN, you should choose an option that offers a high number of servers around the world. Ideally, you should choose a VPN with a server network that is located fairly close to where you are to get the best experience.
Leak Testing:
It’s important to choose a VPN that regularly tests for IP leaks, which refers to when your real IP address is unknowingly visible on the network when you are using a VPN. Since you want to hide your IP address at all times by using a VPN, this is one of the more important factors to consider.
Streaming:
One of the top non-security reasons why people decide to use a VPN is to unlock geo-restricted streaming content. Since streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime will often restrict their content to certain countries, you should make sure that you’re choosing a VPN that allow you to bypass this if you want to travel and continue to watch content from home or access content from elsewhere in the world.
A VPN like Atlas VPN will have a change my location service that allows you to connect with an IP address located anywhere else in the world instantly, immediately unlocking access to geo-restricted content.
If the change my location service is the most important thing to you when using a VPN, Atlas VPN is a great choice as it allows you to hide your real location effortlessly.
Jurisdiction:
The location of the VPN company around the world is another important fact to consider since this can have an impact on your level of privacy while using the service.
In some countries, the government can legally force VPN companies to hand over consumer data, so you’ll want to make sure that the VPN you choose doesn’t originate from one of these countries, which includes the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Compatibility:
Bear in mind that some VPN services will only be compatible with certain operating systems, so before you sign up, make sure that it is designed to work well with the devices that you want to use it on.
It’s also worth considering that some VPNs are better for PC and laptop use while others are suitable for smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and more.
Obfuscation:
This feature might not be necessary for every VPN user. However, it is important to look out for if you are planning to travel and use the VPN in countries such as China, where you may not be able to access certain parts of the internet.
What are the Benefits of Using a VPN?
One of the main benefits of using a VPN is that it allows you more secure access when you’re browsing the web, without having to worry about having your identity or personal details stolen. VPNs might sound quite complicated, but they are executed with a very simple idea.
A VPN will create a tunnel of encrypted data that flows between users and servers. Due to this, it is then possible for the VPN to hide your true information from hackers and anybody else who may be looking to steal and sell financial or personal information.
With online privacy becoming more and more important to everybody, a VPN is one of the best ways to protect yourself no matter what you are doing online.
Why You Shouldn’t Use a Free VPN:
Most recommended VPN services are not free to use, and there is a reason for this. Some free VPN options might seem tempting when you are looking for the best one for you, but these are best avoided since they often have a lot of problems.
This is because no business can exist without making an income, and to do this, free VPN services typically collect your browsing history and sell it on to third-party advertisers. While this does allow you to use the VPN service for free, it does mean that it’s unlikely to be as secure or as private as you’d like.
Should You Use a VPN For Working From Home?
With more people than ever before working from home as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2021, keeping your connection secure is an important consideration.
With more people now accessing secure work networks from a home Wi-Fi connection, hackers are taking advantage of this. Using a VPN can be your first line of defense against hacking attempts and security breaches while you are working remotely.
Whether you want to keep your work secure while working from home, keep your browsing history private, or access geo-restricted content, using a VPN can help you achieve all of this.
To choose the right VPN, it’s important to avoid the free options and consider various factors to make sure that it is the right one for you.
