You arrived here wanting to find out more about a VPN. Well, you have come to the right place. We are going to provide you with all the information you need to learn what a VPN is. We will show you the many uses of it and some of the best providers out there offering the service. So, without any further ado let us get on with it and the first thing we want to get out of the way is what a VPN is.
We are going to explain in as simple terms as possible what a VPN is and how to use it. So don’t worry, even if you do not have technical knowledge you can still follow this guide.
A VPN is a service that you take out via a subscription for a small sum of money each month or pay up front to make the biggest savings yearly.
Security, anonymity and more with ExpressVPN>
Once you have taken out a subscription you download a small app to the device you use to connect to the internet. You then install and launch the app and connect to a server from the provider.
When connected to a server through the app your own IP address is masked. You take on one from the server you connected to, while a “virtual” tunnel is put between your device and the internet.
Any information you send goes through the tunnel, is encrypted, and then makes its way onto its destination where it is decrypted.
Your information is completely safe on its travels. Even if someone were to come across it, it would be unreadable.
So in conclusion:
A VPN can be used for a wide range of things.
It is an extremely versatile tool and a tool that can be used while at home, when mobile and even when on vacation. This is due to VPN providers offering numerous apps for different devices. This includes computer, smartphone, router and many more. You can find the 5 best uses of VPN here.
We are now going to talk about some of its varied uses and look at them in more detail, they include:
One of the reasons people subscribe to a VPN is for the additional security it provides.
We hear almost on a daily basis of people and companies being breached by hackers and having data, their personal details and money stolen.
A Virtual Private Network provides the tools to stop hackers dead in their tracks.
To remain secure using a VPN you can follow the steps below.
The first step is to choose a provider. Once you have signed up with your chosen provider go ahead and download apps for various devices and install those apps.
When you have installed the app click on the icon to launch it and a dashboard will open up.
This is where you can access the range of servers offered by the provider. The choice of servers is going to depend on the provider but generally, they will offer hundreds based in many countries around the world. In our example below we chose ExpressVPN as the provider.
Choose a server from the list and connect to that server. Once you have connected you take on an IP address from the server in that country. Along with this a virtual tunnel is put between you and the internet, keeping you secure.
Any information that leaves your computer is encrypted as it passes through the tunnel. It remains that way until reaching its final destination where it is decrypted.
If anyone does happen to come across it, the information is unreadable as it is garbled and it remains safe and secure.
Another popular use of a VPN is to browse the internet securely. Did you know that even your ISP can check on what you are doing online? Yes, your Internet Service Provider logs everything you do while connected to your internet plan.
This means that if you like to use Torrenting to download movies and software that is copyrighted, they can find out about it. If you download copyrighted content, you are in fact breaking the law.
At the very least, your ISP might send you a letter telling you to stop visiting Torrenting websites and downloading content. If you continue to do so, your internet might be restricted and you might even end up in court and receive a fine, or even jail time.
Another way you might want to remain anonymous is freedom of speech. In some countries saying the wrong thing online in forums or on social media for example, can leave you in trouble with authorities or see you being taken to court for slander.
With a VPN you can connect to a server from anywhere in the world and browse the web and take part in debates, or report on matters, in total privacy.
Browse anonymously with ExpressVPN now >
A VPN also comes in handy for anyone who wants to overcome geo-restrictions and gain access to content that is blocked.
For instance, you might be located in the USA but travel on vacation to Thailand, China or any other exotic location.
If you go to Netflix to try to stream your favourite content you find you are restricted to local content only. As local content does not offer the entire USA Netflix catalogue, you will not be able to stream your saved TV series or movies.
To get around this block you can open up the VPN app on your device.
This is assuming that you took out a plan whilst in your home country. It is important to put a VPN in place while at home because the use of VPNs are frowned upon in some countries, China for instance. In countries such as this, you would not be able to visit a VPN website to sign up and download a VPN app.
If you want to access Facebook, Youtube, Instagram, Snapchat on your smartphone, it is the same. You’ll need the best VPN for iPhone if you want to unblock all censored websites.
To get around restrictions just open the app and choose a server based in your own country. In this instance with Netflix, you would choose a US based server from the list and connect to that server.
Now wherever you are in the world it looks like you are located in the USA. When you go to the Netflix website or open the app, you can access the entire USA catalogue of content.
The same method can be used to connect and stream from any other streaming website, such as Amazon Prime Movies. You can also use the same method to gain access to any websites or apps that are blocked in any country you visit.
A Virtual Private Network can also help you to save money on such as flights, hotel rooms and car rental.
It may surprise you but the cost of flights, hotel rooms and car rental varies depending on the country you are located.
When you make a comparison online the website knows where you are located thanks to your IP address. Each device has its own IP address and countries have a range of IP addresses. When you go to the site the comparison website knows exactly where you are located and shows you prices based on that information.
For instance, you might go online in New York in America to book flights and hotel rooms for a vacation. If you use a comparison site, you will be able to view the cost.
Save money on flights with ExpressVPN >
You can make a note of the cost and then log in to the VPN app. Connect to a server in another state or country with a lower income than your state or country, and search again.
This time the website picks up your IP as being the one in the country whose server you chose to connect and so bases the price on that country. The savings you can make this way might surprise you. You can switch servers numerous times.
For the best results keep clearing your internet browser cache and open and close the web browser every time you try a different server.
You now know what a Virtual Private Network is. You also know the many ways in which you can use one and how to use one. Now all that is left for you to do is find a provider to sign up with and go through the process of choosing apps, downloading and installing them on your devices.
We have picked our top five providers and these are:
So let us look at what each of the provider’s have to offer in more detail.
ExpressVPN comes top of our list, as the provider have fast become a trusted leader in VPNs.
The provider is a favourite among millions of users around the world as they are always striving to improve and continually upgrading their service. The provider offers a superb level of customer support along with plenty of apps for various devices. Supporting up to five devices on the same plan at the same time.
ExpressVPN also offers plenty of features and functions just as you would expect from a premium provider. The provider has military grade encryption and numerous protocols making them a superb choice for security and overcoming geo-restrictions.
This includes breaking through the barriers of Netflix, even in countries with strict censorship such as China and Russia.
The best deal with ExpressVPN is found with their one-year plan, providing you with three months free, which saves you 49% compared to paying monthly for their service.
The provider offers access to thousands of servers around the globe and all servers are blazing fast. Servers are optimised with unlimited bandwidth and speed, offering a guarantee of 99% uptime. If looking for a VPN to unblock geo-restricted content such as Netflix, ExpressVPN is a good choice.
You also get a 30-day risk free money-back guarantee with absolutely no quibble.
Save 49% with ExpressVPN now >
CyberGhost comes in second in our list as more than ten million people cannot be wrong and they chose to sign up with the provider.
They did so for many good reasons with one being that the provider offers many extras. One feature that stands out is the option to press a button based on the geo-restricted service.
For instance, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube and more. When doing so the app automatically chooses the most suitable server for that need. This makes it extremely easy to overcome restrictions by connecting and streaming in just one click.
Another added extra is the ability to block ads on websites, trackers and malicious websites.
Security wise CyberGhost offers automatic HTTPS redirection to ensure your online safety, along with DNS leak protection. The provider also allows up to seven connections at the same time from one plan and apps for a range of devices.
CyberGhost has thousands of servers in numerous countries around the world, with plans reasonably priced.
Overcome restrictions in 1-click with CyberGhost>
NordVPN deserves third place on our list of the top five providers.
The provider offers superb value for money with many great features added in and performance that is difficult to beat for the cost of the plan. Users can choose from paid monthly or yearly plans with the biggest savings made when paying in advance for a plan.
The VPN provider makes use of AES-256 encryption along with offering support for many protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2/IP Sec.
NordVPN has a very strict no logging policy, so doesn’t collect any data of the user, making it a superb choice for those want anonymity online.
The provider is not lacking in regards to the number of servers offered. NordVPN offers access to thousands of severs located in numerous countries around the globe and continually expand the server list. The provider also offers unlimited bandwidth.
If you are looking for a provider to safeguard you online when using Torrent software, NordVPN is a good choice, offering designated servers for P2P sharing along with dedicated IPs.
Safe P2P sharing with NordVPN >
The provider takes security very seriously as offering double encryption, OnionOverVPN and dedicated IP addresses. With double encryption in place users have twice the protection as information is hidden behind not one but two servers. This means information is encrypted twice.
NordVPN offers what they call “SmartPlay”, technology. This allows users to gain access to content that is restricted easily. Best of all the technology is integrated into their apps without the user having to set up or activate anything. Not only does NordVPN make it easier to access streaming content the provider also provide a safe and secure way to do so.
If the above is not enough, NordVPN also includes “Cybersec” for blocking malware, along with ads, automatically.
The provider calls this a security suite, being an added addition to the service in protecting users from malicious online threats. The provider claims they stop DDoS attacks, even if the user’s device is infected with malware. The feature can be turned on in the settings of the app by simply clicking on the activation button.
NordVPN also offers connection for up to six devices at the same time, with support for numerous devices.
Surfshark offers plenty in regards to online security and privacy. This includes military-grade AES-256 encryption along with a kill switch and support for OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols.
Surfshark stands out as the provider offers a double layer of security along with DNS leak protection. A“multi-hop” feature protects users by allowing them to connect to two different servers at the same time, providing double the protection.
The provider is a great choice for anyone who cares about remaining anonymous online, having a no-log policy. This means the provider does not track how you use the service.
The provider offers servers around the world that are fast and secure, and there are plenty from which to choose.
Surfshark offers servers that are capable of overcoming the strict geo-restrictions of Netflix and supports a wide range of devices. The apps have an easy to use interface, so even those new to the world of VPNs will find it easy to navigate and use.
Another way in which Surfshark stands out among other providers is one single subscription allows connections to unlimited devices. Therefore, all of the family can make use of the plan on their devices at the same time.
Read our Surfshark review if you want to know more about the provider.
Connect unlimited devices with Surfshark>
IPVanish is a provider who takes anonymity very seriously providing you with the tools required to keep even the most prying eyes away from what you do online. The provider has a strict no logging policy, so even they do not know how you use the service.
The provider keeps a close eye on all facets of their service internally, managing an entire network of more than a thousand servers scattered around the globe.
It also offers apps that are user friendly for all devices, support for anonymous Torrenting, unlimited P2P traffic and 256-bit AES encryption to keep users safe online.
Whether you want to use a VPN for providing much needed additional security when browsing online, you want the most affordable solution or fastest servers; there is a VPN provider to suit all needs.
NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN are three of the best for security. The former two offer “Cybersec” and “Multi-hop” features offering double connections and security.
Surfshark offer one of the most affordable plans. When taking out a plan with the provider paid upfront for two years it works out at under a couple of dollars per month. CyberGhost follows close behind.
ExpressVPN offers the fastest servers for streaming in HD and overcoming geo-restrictions for Netflix and other streaming platforms. All servers are fully optimised with unlimited bandwidth and speed.
We hope you have learned all you needed to know about VPNs and are now in a better position to choose the one most suitable for your needs.
A professional writer with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since his youngest age, he loves everything related to internet, technology, fitness, games, and dogs! He joined our team in order to bring his deep knowledge in security services, among which VPN is of course a key component.