The use of VPN services has become popular these days. One reason for this popularity is the anonymity and privacy that it offers to its users when using the internet. However, those who are looking for the best VPN service provider may find that such a task can be daunting. Luckily for you, we’ve made the process so much easier. Below is a list of some of the best VPN providers that you can use.
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Hotspot Shield
The company started its business last 2005 and currently, they already have more than 650 million subscribers. Although there is Hotspot Shield free version, the premium version is so much better as it gives you access to more than 2,500 servers across 70+ countries. Experts share their insights about this VPN and they reveal that Hotspot Shield is capable of delivering a speed that is 10 Mbps faster than any other VPN providers across Asian and European servers.
The premium version provides unlimited bandwidth. It also allows simultaneous connection of up to five devices. Its proprietary Catapult Hydra makes Hotspot Shield capable of delivering the best download speed which remains consistent even when you’re from a distant location.
Pros
- makes use of super secure AES-256 Encryption
- Provides proxy extensions for Firefox and Chrome
- Provides P2P support for all servers
- Torrenting is fully supported
- Netflix compatible
- 24/7 customer support
- No ads
- User-friendly
- Easy, 2-minute installation
Cons
- Does not support OpenVPN, IKEv2 and other standard VPN protocols
- Only works on Android, Mac, iOS and Mac devices
- No Bitcoin Support
- No live chat with customer support
ExpressVPN
Express VPN allows access to 160 locations which can be found across 94 countries through more than 3,000 servers that they have. Express VPN also offers the widest platform support since it does not just support the common and native clients such as plus iOS, BlackBerry, Linux, Mac and Windows. They also have custom firmware for DNS content-unblocking for smart TVs and plenty of streaming media devices.
Express VPN also has an outstanding support website that gives access to detailed guides, tutorials and other helpful information to make setting up easier for VPN newbies. If any issues come up that prevent it from running, a 24/7 live chat with a knowledgeable agent can be contacted for help. But the benefits of using ExpressVPN does not end there. The following pros of using Express VPN will leave you astounded.
Pros
- supports Bitcoin payments
- offers Netflix unblocking
- offers P2P support
- no-logging policy
- DNS leak protection
- industrial-strength encryption
- capable of unblocking all region-locked content
- highly reliable speed for all its servers
- provides more advanced security for servers and apps
- can be used in the UAE and China
Cons
- no free trial
- streaming servers don’t have a label
- cost is higher than most of its competitors
TunnelBear
A company based in Toronto, Canada TunnelBear started in 2011 with Ryan Dochuk and Daniel Kaldor as the founders. TunnelBear only offers 22 locations across Brazil, Japan, Mexico, North America, India, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Hongkong.
For people who are experienced users of VPN, TunnelBear may not be the ideal one. Its support site has very limited information. For example, if you will be searching for DNS-related issues you will be able to find only one article for it.
However, if you’re a privacy-conscious user you will be glad to know that TunnelBear doesn’t collect nor store IP addresses of computers visiting their website, as well as the IP addresses upon service connection. Data related to DNS queries while your device is still connected are also not stored nor collected.
One of the best features of TunnelBear is the vigilant Bear which protects users during connecting and disconnecting. This is important especially if your internet connection drops because such occurrence increases the possibility that some of your data can leak to unsecured connection. But, with VigilantBear, there is very less likelihood of such data leakage.
Pros
- Provides apps for Mac, Android, Windows and iOS
- Offers extensions for Opera, Chrome and Firefox
- Can be used in China
- Free version provides 500 MB data
- uses 256-bit AES encryption
- User-friendly
- Transparent privacy policy
- Works best for novice VPN users
- Zero logging
- With independent audit security team
Cons
- The long-distance connection can be slower
- Limited support
- Does not support cryptocurrency and Paypal payments
- Speed is slow
If you are still unsure of what VPN service to use, keep in mind that you need to narrow down your choices according to which one gives you access to a feature that is important to you. For example, if Netflix access is important to you, make sure that you choose the VPN provider which offers this capability. Most of all, choose a VPN service provider that promises sufficient privacy and security.