There’s certainly no denying that VPNs are becoming increasingly popular around the world. But, it’s important to remember that even the most widely-used services sometimes aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. After all, there are a whole host of services out there that will actually put your personal information at risk – which is of course, the exact opposite of what you want.
A 2017 study conducted by security research firm Restore Privacy even found that several free services can actually track exactly what you’re doing and perhaps even leak your data because of lacklustre security and privacy features. So, it certainly pays to do your research before you get a VPN up and running on your device(s).
Once you have taken into account the above, all that’s left is to choose the service that is the most suitable for your particular needs. Thankfully, the vast range of VPNs to select from on the market ensures that there’s something for everyone – no matter if you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro. With great options for all kinds of web user, you’re certainly left spoilt for choice in the current day and age.
Complete newbies, for example, might well opt for a VPN such as the one created by cybersecurity experts Avast. But, just how good is Avast Secureline? Well, in the following article, we’ll answer that very question for you and delve deeper into some other popular VPNs. So, without any further ado, let’s get to it!
Avast Secureline
Established by one of the most recognizable brands in the cybersecurity industry, Avast Secureline VPN is a widely used service around the world which boasts hugely affordable prices starting from just $1.66 a month.
While it certainly doesn’t break the bank, Avast Secureline is hugely lacking in features that pro users would often look for. This includes the number of servers it has available and the encryption protocols which it supports. What’s more, personally identifiable information has been provided to the authorities on its users in the past. This means that those with privacy concerns are certainly better off spending their hard-earned pennies elsewhere.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN certainly isn’t the most cost-effective VPN on the market, as prices start from a rather expensive $8.32 a month. In spite of this, it still remains one of the most popular VPN services available. A staggering 3,000 servers are available via ExpressVPN, with outstanding levels of protection, excellent customer service, and high connection speeds further enhancing its appeal.
A 30-day money-back guarantee ensures that you are entitled to a no-quibble refund if you are dissatisfied with the service. Although, given the glowing reviews that ExpressVPN continues to receive, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to go down that route.
NordVPN
Much like ExpressVPN, NordVPN has stolen the limelight in recent years as one of the most popular VPN providers out there – all thanks to its reliability and vast selection of servers to choose from. It’s certainly a solid choice for those who are on a budget, as prices start from just $3.49 a month as opposed to ExpressVPN which costs over double this amount.
A clear no-logging policy provides peace of mind for online privacy enthusiasts, along with solid military-grade encryption and OpenVPN support.
Hotspot Shield
Solid security features and affordable prices starting from just $2.99 a month have made Hotspot Shield one of the most widely used services in the world. Leak and malware protection used by this particular VPN provides you with a safer online experience, while a kill switch offers peace of mind if you suffer from a connection interruption.
However, its privacy policy may be of some concern to those who are serious about online privacy. After all, it states that “your personal information may be available to a third-party content provider”. Security researcher Paulos Yibelo also discovered that generic information such as the user’s country could be exposed by a security bug – another thing worth bearing in mind.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it’s clear that VPNs won’t be disappearing any time soon – particularly in an age where cybercrime is rife. This means that when you invest in a VPN, it’s of paramount importance to choose one which puts your online privacy and security at the forefront. Otherwise, you could potentially see your data end up in the wrong hands.
When it comes to deciding which service to opt for, just remember that even if the VPN you are considering appears to be a popular choice, this doesn’t always mean that it’s the best when it comes to optimal privacy and security – as outlined in this article. Once you’ve taken this into consideration, you can easily filter out the services which don’t provide the protection needed to keep your data safe, and select one which keeps your personal information well out of harm’s way.
