VPNs have become extremely popular in recent years as people are becoming more and more aware of the dangers of the internet. A VPN will give you extra security and privacy, but it’s crucial that you choose the right one!
There are many internet users who don’t do enough research into the topic of VPNs, and this can often lead them astray. Since a VPN is a tool that has been designed to protect you and your device, you want it to be doing exactly that.
You want to avoid using free VPNs, and you want to make sure that you choose the right VPN based on your needs. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to do that. In the meantime, though, here are some great VPNs that you should consider using.
What is a VPN?
A VPN, also known as a Virtual Private Network, is a cybersecurity tool that has become much more common in recent years. More and more people are starting to use VPNs due to the benefits that come with the software.
A VPN is able to encrypt your internet connection. This means that no one is able to see what you are doing on your device. In other words, using a VPN while browsing the internet will give you unrivaled privacy and security.
Not only will a VPN keep your device secure, but it will also allow you to change your virtual location. Your device’s location is pinpointed by something. An IP address is a unique number that is used to identify your device on the internet. A VPN will allow you to change your IP address to one in another country or city around the world by allowing you to connect to secure servers that have been set up by the VPN provider.
You might be wondering why this feature is useful, aside from hiding your real location. However, this feature is the main reason why VPNs have become so popular in recent years. Many people face obstacles online, such as internet censorship and geo-blocking. These obstacles can make it difficult for them to access the content that they would like to, such as sports or new movies and TV shows on Netflix.
Using a VPN, internet users will be able to bypass the strict geo-blocking rules that prevent them from watching their favorite sports while they’re abroad, for example. Many users outside of the United States also use a VPN to change their IP address to one that is in the U.S. Netflix is known to have a wider variety of movies and TV shows in the U.S, so a VPN will help you to gain access to new content.
Why You Should Avoid Free VPNs
Now that you know what a VPN is, you’re ready to get one installed on your device. Before you install the first VPN, you find that it’s important that you find the right one! There are hundreds of VPNs to choose from, and not all of them are created equally.
It’s always important to do thorough research about a VPN before you install it onto your device. Firstly, you need to identify your needs and which aspects are most important to you when it comes to a VPN. For example, if you want to use your VPN to stream sports, movies, or TV shows, you need to find a VPN that has excellent connection speeds and stability. Some VPNs also don’t allow you to watch Netflix while they are active, so that’s another factor to look out for.
While you’re doing research on which VPN you would like to install on your device, you are bound to come across some free VPNs. It might be tempting to use a free VPN; however, it is highly recommended that you avoid them.
There are several reasons for this, and we’ll dive deeper into the reasons below. To be safe, it’s always important to stick to premium VPNs that have good reviews.
Slower Speeds
The first limitation that you will experience when using free VPNs is slower connection speeds. Even if you have good internet speed, using a free VPN will slow your connection down, and this could leave you frustrated. If you’re using your VPN for entertainment purposes such as watching sports or streaming Netflix, a free VPN will make it nearly impossible to do so. You’ll experience a lot of lag, quality drops, and even delays with the slower connection speeds that accompany a free VPN.
Bandwidth Limits
If you’re using a free VPN, you may even find yourself limited on a daily basis. Many free VPNs have daily data caps that will prevent you from browsing the internet for long periods of time. Most VPNs have a 500MB data cap. In the majority of cases, this is not enough to browse the internet for more than an hour. Whether you’re streaming, doing research, or simply scrolling through social media, you will be left without a VPN and proper protection if you exceed your data limits for the day.
Limited Global Servers
Free VPNs usually have fewer global servers that you can choose from. This will affect the different locations you can choose to browse the internet from. This might not be ideal for you, especially if streaming is your main priority. For example, you might not be able to find a U.S server to access new movies and TV shows. The servers on free VPNs are also often heavily populated, which can cause even slower connection speeds and a more frustrating browsing experience.
The Risks Of Free VPNs
Free VPNs can also come with risks. There’s something known as rogue software that you need to be aware of when installing any cybersecurity software, not just a VPN. Rogue software is fake cybersecurity software that has been designed by cybercriminals to trick unsuspecting victims. While the victims believe that they are installing software on their devices that will protect them, they are actually putting themselves more at risk since this software will be used to infiltrate their devices and install further malware on them.
