Factor	Considerations
Speed	– Fast VPN protocols (e.g., Lightway, WireGuard) – Speed boosting features – Compare speed test results
Multiple Device Connection	– Simultaneous connections – Router compatibility
Server Network	– Extensive server network – Streaming and gaming optimized servers – Regular server maintenance
Privacy & Security	– AES256 encryption – Leak protection and auto-kill switch – Secure protocols – Verified no-logs policy – Additional features (e.g., obfuscation, multi-hop)
Independent Reviews	– Check community sites (e.g., Reddit, tech forums) – Be cautious of potentially biased reviews
Customer Support	– 24/7 live chat support – Email and contact form options
Cost	$7-$12 per month

Right VPN choice varies depending on your primary usage. For example, streaming and torrent require fast speeds. If you want to use it primarily to stream, speed should be your top concern. Choose a provider with an independently verified no-logs policy and high encryption if privacy and security are top priorities. Multi-device VPNs are ideal for large households. Once you know what you’ll use a VPN for, list the features you need and those you don’t. It will help you find the best provider for your situation. Here are some of the things to keep in mind before you zero on one provider.

Speed of VPN

If you don’t want lag and slowdowns, choose a fast VPN. A VPN affects internet speed because traffic must travel through the VPN server and be encrypted.

To ensure fast VPN speeds, look for these features:

Fast VPN Protocols. Some VPN protocols are faster than others, as shown above. For example, Lightway and WireGuard are fast and secure.

Speed Boosting Features. Some servers for specific use cases such as gaming or torrent, the ability to customize encryption, or split tunneling, where you can only send traffic from certain apps through the VPN server.

Speed-test results. Compare your ping and download speed to regular internet speed tests. Most VPNs offer a money-back guarantee so that you can test their speeds risk-free.

 

Multiple Device Connection

The capacity to have simultaneous VPN connections eliminates the need to disconnect one device to connect to another. This is particularly useful if you have a large household or multiple devices.

You can also search for a VPN that is compatible with routers. By configuring it on your router, you can ensure that all of your home’s Internet connections are protected by your VPN.

 

Reliable Server Network

It would be best to choose a VPN with an extensive server network. Reliable server networks are needed for:

Speed. If your VPN has few servers, they’ll fill up quickly. Slow speeds and instability result.

Geoblocked streaming. To access another region’s streaming library, your VPN must have a server in that country to unblock the website. Some VPNs offer streaming-optimized servers that access regional libraries.

Gaming. Secure gaming requires a VPN with nearby servers. This gives you the lowest ping and minimizes online lag. In addition, some VPNs have gaming-optimized servers, like streaming.

Well Maintained: Choose a VPN with regular server maintenance. This includes bug fixes, software, hardware, IP, and server reboots. This ensures stable performance and access to geo-restricted sites.

 

Privacy & Security

If a VPN doesn’t offer strong security or a clear privacy policy, it’s probably not doing its job. VPNs should have the following features to protect your online privacy:

Good Encryption: Military-grade AES256 encryption is the best.

Leak protection and auto-kill: These protect your IP and browsing data. Even if your VPN disconnects, the kill switch ensures this.

Good security protocols: Your VPN should support secure (and fast) protocols.

No logs Policy: A VPN should not log your data or history. A third-party audit should verify this claim to ensure its accuracy. In addition, your provider should regularly wipe its servers clean of all data.

Privacy & Security. Some governments may demand VPN customer data. VPNs based in 5/9/14-Eyes Alliances countries are at a higher risk. This isn’t a problem if the VPN has a verified no-logs policy. Some VPNs offer extra privacy. This can include server obfuscation, which hides your VPN use and bypasses government censorship. Your traffic is routed through two VPN servers and encrypted twice for multi-hop.

 

Independent Reviews

When you want to find a VPN, you probably search online to find many reviews and comparisons of VPNs. Remember that most of them get paid, and very few do it independently. It’s not always easy to tell which ones are not biased, so be careful about which ones you trust. Nowadays, even reputed new sites do a lot of paid promotion in the guise of editorial content. Always look for community sites such as Reddit or tech forums where veteran users share their experiences.

 

Good Customer Support

Choose a VPN with responsive email, contact forms, and 24/7 live chat support. Even the best VPNs can have problems, so having reliable tech support can be a big help. In addition, 24/7 live chat is the most convenient customer service because you get answers quickly.

 

FAQs

How much should a good VPN cost?

$7-$12/month

Should I use a VPN all the time?

Yes. VPNs offer the best online security, so you should leave yours on at all times to protect yourself from data leaks, cyberattacks, ISPs, and advertisers.

What is the downside of using a VPN?

Using a VPN has drawbacks. Price, speed, and performance. Good encryption causes lag. Because of encryption, using a VPN can slow your Internet connection.

Can you be hacked using a VPN?

A hacked VPN can let cybercriminals access and take over your devices using spyware or ransomware. Anyone eavesdropping on your VPN connection can see your traffic and personal information.

Can a VPN steal your passwords?

Unsecured HTTP connections are the only way a VPN can steal your password. By clicking a button and logging in over unsecured connection, your password is revealed in plain text. Typing a password won’t expose it to a VPN, so it can’t be stolen.

Can the police track a VPN?

If police have a court order, they can request connection or usage logs from your ISP. Your ISP can tell the police if you’re using a VPN.