Choosing a VPN provider can send you down a rabbit hole of research, so we thought we’d do all of the hard work for you
- What is a VPN
- Why do you use a VPN
- How to choose a VPN Provider
- Are there Free VPN Services I can use?
- What are the best VPN’s services right now?
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) essentially offers you online privacy and anonymity in way of a private network from a public internet connection. VPNs mask your ‘internet protocol’ or ‘IP address’ so all online actions are virtually untraceable. Most importantly, VPN services establish secure and encrypted connections to provide greater privacy than even a secured Wi-Fi hotspot.
Why use a VPN?
Privacy
Surfing the web or transacting on an unsecured Wi-Fi network means you could be exposing your private information and browsing habits. That’s why a virtual private network, better known as a VPN, should be a must for anyone concerned about their online security and privacy.
Think about all the times you’ve been on the go, reading emails while in line at the coffee shop, or checking your bank account while waiting at the doctor’s office.
Unless you were logged into a private Wi-Fi network that requires a password, any data transmitted during your online session could be vulnerable to eavesdropping by strangers using the same network.
The encryption and anonymity that a VPN provides help protect your online activities: sending emails, shopping online, or paying bills. VPNs also help keep your web browsing anonymous.
Not only do VPN provide web anonymity, but a lot of services also allow you to mask your location or choose a location of your choice meaning you can access content on sites or services that are otherwise blocked for you.
Gaming
When it comes to gaming, VPNs can do everything from enabling early access to releases from another part of the globe to reducing your lag and ping times, dedicating bandwidth from a faster server connection.
VPNs also can encrypt your data and keep you safe whilst playing online.
Content
More and more users are choosing to adopt VPN’s to access new content. A lot of content providers only show content regionally meaning those sitting outside of that region cannot view it, read it etc. An example of this is US Netflix vs the UK. By simply switching over you’ll have access to a lot of new content you wouldn’t have otherwise.
Other uses for VPN Include :
- Hiding IP
- Privacy
- Using P2P file sharing (Torrents)
- Access to new content (US Netflix, US Hulu, US HBO)
How to choose a VPN Provider?
There are a number of factors to look for when choosing a VPN provider.
1. Start with making a list or thinking about what you actually need a VPN for
Every VPN service can offer something different depending on your usage. Will it be for viewing content? Is it for gaming? Will you be sharing the service? How fast of service do you need? Do you use it for travel?
These are just some of the question we think are important when choosing a VPN service. Make your list and take it from there.
2. Look at the benefits of each service and work back via a process of elimination.
Most services out there will have a USP when offering a VPN service. Some will be about cost, some will be about speed and some will be about usage policies or encryption.
Prioritise, find out what is most beneficial to you and work backwards.
3. An easy to use service is key
Some VPN’s out there can be a ballache to set-up. If you’re new to VPN, It’s very important to find one with a simple user interface that’s easy to use across all of your devices.
4. Customer Service is essential
If you’re going to be a frequent user of VPN, find a provider that can offer you best in class customer service. There are providers out there that not only provide 24/7 support but also have the benefit of live chat saving you precious time otherwise wasted on an e-mail response.
5. Buy comfort along with a VPN
There are a lot of VPN services out there that offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. Definitely look to take advantage of these and exercise your rights if you’re not happy with the product.
Some services may ask you to put in your payment details ahead of your free trial so be sure to keep on top of the trial periods and exit dates. A good idea is to make a note on your phone a week before your trial ends or money-back period ends to help you make a decision moving forward.
Are there Free VPN Services I can use?
Careful when searching for this one. A lot of VPN services will advertise themselves as “Free” but only really offer a certain no-cost period or “6 months Free” when its really just 12 months for the price of 6.
Here is a list of free-to-use VPN services out in the market right now that requires no financial commitment at any time. Of course, you get what you pay for, so keep that in mind. They might not be the best VPN services out there and will likely only offer limited functionality.
What are the best VPN services right now?
It’s difficult to distinguish which VPN service is really the best but We’ve made a list of CRISP. recommendations.
Anything on this list has our stamp of approval and you can be sure to find a service you’ll be happy with one or many of the services below.
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Buy VPN Now |
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Supported Software |
Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
Android, Chrome, Firefox, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
Android, Chrome, iOS, macOS, Opera, Windows |
Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
Android, Chrome, Firefox, FireTV, iOS, macOS, Windows |
Android, iOS, macOS, Windows |
Free Version Available |
No |
No |
Yes / 500mb |
No |
Yes but only a 30-day trial |
Yes, 7-day trial |
500 or more Servers |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
5+ Connections |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Customer Service |
24/7 and Live chat |
24/7 and Live Chat |
Email and Standard hours |
24/7 and live chat |
24/7 and live chat |
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Money-Back Guarantee |
Yes/30 day |
Yes/30 day |
– |
Yes / 45 days |
Yes / 30 day |
Yes / 31 day |
Monthly Plan |
£10.71 |
£9.20 |
$9.99 |
£11.99 |
£9.49 |
£10.95 |
12-month plan |
15-month offer. £82.63 (£5.51 pm) |
£64.59 (£5.38 p/m) |
$59.88 ($4.99 pm) |
£56.28 (£4.69 pm) |
£57.48 (£4.79) |
Max 6 months at £8.33 per month |
3+ Year plan |
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£96.74 (billed every 3 years) / £2.69 |
$120 ($3.33 pm) |
Offers max 2 years at £57.84 (billed every 2 years) / £2.41 pm |
Offers max 2 years at £39.60 (billed every 2 years) / £1.65 pm |
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Why we like Express VPN
- ExpressVPN never keeps logs of any activity
- Some services may be blocked on VPN, ExpressVPN unlocks all streaming services
- Customer support is 24/7
- Offers a money-back guarantee
- Has 3000+ servers worldwide for you to choose from
- Great Google Chrome extension
Why we like Nord VPN
- NordVPN for some is regarded as the gold standard for VPN and probably most widely known from those just getting into using VPN’s or simply learning
- Such an easy and simple to use interface
- Chrome extensions are very useful along with iPhone widgets
- Great range of servers
- NordVPN unblocks Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Youtube, BBC iPlayer and more
- No bandwidth or data limits
- Can connect up to 6 devices on multiple types of devices
- Pricing is good
- 24/7 support
- Google Chrome extension
