What Are the Best Vpn Companies for Home and Work?

As concerns about Internet security increase, so has the demand for solutions that protect personal and business information. One of the most successful and reputable options is using a virtual private network, also called a VPN, while online. The need for VPNs has increased as more workers have switched to working outside dedicated workspaces.

Fortunately, there are many different VPN companies out there that can provide you with the peace of mind that having a separate, secure online channel provides. As you consider your choices for your home or business, there are multiple factors to keep in mind, including ease of use, customer service, and overall security provided.

What Is VPN?

VPN is a security feature that uses existing network circuits or protocols to create a private, separate communication channel. As you use WiFi, the VPN creates a unique IP address that has no connection to the IP address assigned by your WiFi connection. This provides significant privacy over using a public, or even private, hotspot or standard connection.

When Is VPN Necessary?

People use VPN for a range of reasons, including:

Protection when using public hotspots: Business travelers, in particular, make use of VPN while on the go. This is because public Wifi networks are not private, and hackers and criminals can use Devices that allow them to steal private information while an individual is using a public network through a mobile device or laptop computer. It's not always possible to avoid public networks, so a VPN is an essential tool of anybody who does business or engages in private communications while traveling or making use of public facilities.

Accessing geofenced content: Some entertainment and sporting events are only accessible in certain countries. A VPN lets you bypass geofencing and access this content. The same holds true for certain websites that may be restricted in some countries. If you are traveling, for business or pleasure, and need to access these sites, you can use your VPN to do so.

Keeping online activity private: there may be times that you prefer to keep your online activity private. This can be difficult to do if you are sharing even a password protected WiFi network with others. For this reason, having a VPN at home can make a lot of sense, particularly if you are sharing your net work with roommates or family members.

As always, it is important to note that a VPN only provides security when it comes to the transmission of data. Other Internet security processor should be in place, including locking your screens and devices and regularly clearing your search history.

Best VPN Companies

Here are some of the best VPN companies chosen by industry publications and consumer advocates:

ProtonVPN: Chances are you have already heard of ProtonMail, a highly secure email system. Proton also offers a VPN network, which is particularly known for offering high-quality protection even for its free subscribers. This could be a good option for you if you were wanted to test the waters before making a financial commitment to VPN. Many people rate the email service highly as well, so this could be a nice bundle deal if you have a need for a highly secure email solution.

NordVPN: Nord has an excellent industry reputation and is considered by many to be one of the most secure VPN products available to consumers. The company has a strong culture of consumer privacy, which sets it apart from some tech companies. It should be noted that the level of security offered by Nord does come at a price, as the service is more expensive than others. However, if top-notch security is critical for your peace of mind or business needs, NordVPN is one service to consider.

ExpressVPN: What makes ExpressVPN stand out is it's worldwide network of servers that cater to people who travel internationally. The company offers other benefits, including a strong privacy culture, but the main selling point for this company is that world travelers can make the most of their VPN subscription.

TunnelBear: not everyone is a techie, but that doesn't mean that these individuals don't need or deserve quality Internet privacy. Tunnel bear is known for a fun interface that provides high quality protection for tech novices and those who opt to use its free service. Its free service is highly regarded as well, and can be a good way to try out what TunnelBear has to offer without having to worry about a financial committment.

Choosing a VPN

As you can see, there are many VPN companies to choose from. When making your decision, take the following into consideration:

1. Ease-of-use and your expertise: if you are choosing a VPN service for home or business and you are not experienced in using VPNs, you may want to opt for a Service that is easy to set up and use. In general, reviews online will often point toward the user-friendliness of a VPN business. At the same time, you'll want to balance ease of use with effective security.
2. Availability of servers: It's one thing to offer VPN, its another to ensure that it is available. If you travel outside the United States regularly, its a good idea to find out just where a company's servers are available. There is no point in paying for VPN when you can't use it most of the time.
3. Site audits: What does the company do to audit the environments in which it has servers? Regular audits can be important when determining just how secure a VPN service can be.
4. Number of devices: Check to see how many devices your VPN plan will cover. If you, or your company or household has a lot of devices, costs can add up quickly. Some plans are known for multiple device support.
5. Security level: You, or your IT manager, know your security needs best. If you are simply trying to add an extra layer of protection as you work at home or are out and about, a consumer-oriented VPN company should be sufficient. However, if you have very specific security needs, or are operating a business that may be the target of hackers or individuals seeking trade secrets, you will want to work with a company that can offer a very high level of security.
6. Cost: cost can be a significant issue when it comes to choosing a VPN. Particularly if you are operating a business and need protection for multiple employees and devices. When asking about costs, find out what the rates are for multiple individuals using the same service. You may also want to ask if there is a prepay discount.
7. Customer service: This seems to be an issue for many people. VPNs can be a bit tricky for some novices, and given the sensitive nature of their service, even experienced professionals appreciate quality customer service. Pay close attention to reports about a company's customer service. You don't want to chance purchasing a VPN and then not being able to make the most of it because the company doesn't support its users.

As with any consumer decision, it is important to take your time when choosing a VPN company. Take your time doing research, and don't be afraid to reach out with questions before making a purchase.