How To Choose The Best VPN Service Provider? 6 Factors That You Must Consider

With increasing concern for privacy, Virtual Private Network or VPN would come as a handy tool if you want to hide your internet footprints. If you’re still not sure about what is VPN, then you can refer to our article that explains how VPN works.

Several myths revolve around VPN. Out of them, the most commonly asked question being ‘Is VPN safe?’ This question is like asking whether a knife is dangerous or not. It all depends on how you intend to use it.

The next most important question is which VPN is best. Again, that depends upon your requirements. We have discussed in length the different factors that you must consider before choosing a VPN service.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Why You Must Use A VPN Service

How To Choose The Best VPN Service Provider?

Certain factors must be taken into consideration before purchasing one from the ample of VPN options we have in the market these days.

1. Protocol & Encryption — If You’re Looking For The Best VPN For Anonymity

First and foremost thing that you must check in a VPN service provider is the protocol and encryption used by them. The protocols and encryption techniques used by the service providers ensure that the data is transmitted securely from your device to VPN server.

Secure VPN service providers use many protocols, but always look for OpenVPN protocol as it offers the safest means of transmitting data. As far as encryption is concerned, make sure that the VPN service you are choosing offers AES-256 bit encryption.

These two factors are must if want to buy the best VPN for anonymity.

2. Data Logging – Choose A VPN Service That Doesn’t Log Your Data

Many VPN service providers log and store the personal information of users such as their addresses, the websites visited by them, payment information, connection timestamp, etc., thus defeating the purpose of VPN.

Out of all the secure VPN providers that you have shortlisted, check if they are collecting any data about the users. You need to read through the privacy policy of the VPN to see your data is collected, stored, and disposed off by the companies. In your pursuit to the best VPN, it is important to ensure that the providers adopt no data collection policy.

Also Read: 10 Best VPN Services Of 2018: Top VPN Provider Reviews & Buying Guide

3. Price – Avoid Free VPN Services

Nothing in this world is free, and this rule applies to VPN services as well. If a company is offering free VPN service, it goes without saying that you will be compromising something else if not money to access a service. It better be money than your privacy.

If you are looking for the best VPN for home use, then make sure that the charges are within your budget. Price increases with features and the number of connections allowed. However, many VPN companies offer a reasonable price if you opt for a yearly plan instead of a monthly plan. If you feel that a particular VPN is right for you and fits right in your requirements then subscribing to a yearly plan could be economically sound.

With all the VPN options you have, you can also go for those which offer a free trial. In this period you can check the features of VPN and make the right decision after that.

Whatever might be the case, if you are looking for the best free VPN for torrenting or anonymity, you would have hard luck in finding a service provider that is offering secure VPN service without charging anything for it. If budget is a constraint, you can always go for cheap VPN services.

Also Read: Private Internet Access Review: Fast & Cheap VPN You Can Buy

4. Number of Servers In Different Locations – The More The Better

One of the most common usages of a VPN is bypassing the geographical restrictions imposed on accessing websites and content. That is why you would see people looking for the best VPN for Netflix or the best VPN server location because streaming services impose restrictions on the content on the basis of geographical locations.

Check the locations in which the companies servers are located. If you want to connect to a particular location, ensure that they have a good number of servers at the location.

Along the similar lines, we have also written an article on how to unlock sites using different methods. So, do check it out if your office or school has blocked some important site that you need to access.

5. Number Of Connections Allowed – At Least Two Concurrent Connections

Choose a VPN service provider that allows multiple concurrent connections. You might want to connect your desktop and mobile device to the VPN network at the same time.

Reputed VPN providers such as ExpressVPN offer this facility to the users. While choosing the best VPN service, check how many concurrent connections are allowed. If you are stuck between two, check which offers the more number of connections at the same time.

Also Read: Can A VPN Bypass Net Neutrality Rollback And Throttling? — Here Are 3 Top Services To Help You

6. Platform Compatability – Windows, Mac & Android

This is a no-brainer. If you want a VPN for Mac, it would be better to make sure that the VPN service provider is compatible with the platform. Most of the VPNs these days are compatible with major platforms such as Windows, Mac and many have their dedicated Android and iOS apps for connecting your smartphone to VPN. Moreover, you can also have a look at our list of open source VPN server that you can use in 2022.

Make an informed decision while choosing the best VPN

It is natural to get confused between the different VPN options we have these days. Choosing the best VPN service provider is not an easy task, but with our definitive guide, we have made the process easier for you. If you have any further questions, you can mention them in the comments section.

Also Read: 10 Best VPN Services Of 2018: Top VPN Provider Reviews & Buying Guide