Top 10 VPNs Reviewed

08 Proton VPN

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a Free version with decent speeds—great for anyone on a budget

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN stood out for its security-focused design and Swiss-based privacy policies. I liked that it offered a free version with decent speeds—great for anyone on a budget. ProtonVPN also has Secure Core servers, which route traffic through multiple servers, adding a layer of protection. It’s compatible with ProtonMail, so if privacy is a top priority, this VPN offers peace of mind and strong protection.

Why You Need It

If you’re serious about protecting your online data while enjoying a fast, unrestricted internet, ProtonVPN is worth every penny. It’s an investment in your privacy, and its robust feature set makes it ideal for both casual and advanced users.

In today’s digital age, online privacy and security have become vital. Every time you connect to the internet, your data—whether it’s personal information, browsing history, or even passwords—can be vulnerable to hackers, tracking by ISPs (Internet Service Providers), and surveillance. That’s where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) comes in.

A VPN creates an encrypted “tunnel” for your internet traffic, hiding your IP address and ensuring your data stays private. Whether you’re shopping online, streaming content, or working remotely, a VPN provides benefits like:

1. Enhanced Security: Protects your data from hackers, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
2. Privacy: Hides your online activities from ISPs and advertisers.
3. Access to Global Content: Unblocks region-restricted content, such as Netflix libraries or international websites.
4. Safe Torrenting: Shields your identity when downloading files via peer-to-peer networks.
5. Bypass Censorship: Helps users access websites and services blocked in their region.

6. Bypass ISP Throttling for Streaming and Gaming: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) sometimes throttle your internet speed when they detect data-heavy activities like streaming or gaming. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing your ISP from identifying what you’re doing online. This can result in a more constant and faster connection for streaming or gaming.

Now let’s delve into detailed reviews of the top VPNs.

ProtonVPN: Security for Privacy Enthusiasts

ProtonVPN offers high security and works seamlessly with ProtonMail.

Key Features

• Secure Core servers for added privacy.
• Free plan available.
• Swiss-based privacy laws.

ProtonVPN is perfect for users focused on security and privacy.

PRO’s

• Secure Core Servers: I feel confident in its extra security features that route traffic through privacy-friendly locations.
• Transparency: Its open-source software and detailed transparency reports are reassuring.
• Unlimited Free Plan: I like that the free version has no data caps, making it ideal for occasional use.

CON’s

• Limited Server Network: With around 2,000 servers, it’s smaller than most competitors.
• Pricey Premium Plans: The advanced features come at a premium price.
• Moderate Speeds: Speeds can be inconsistent, especially on the free tier.

Who it’s Best For:

• Privacy-conscious users who prioritize security and anonymity.
• Activists and journalists working in high-risk areas.
• Users looking for a trustworthy, no-logs VPN with a strong focus on transparency.

Real-World Examples:

• An activist in Turkey uses ProtonVPN’s Secure Core feature to route traffic through privacy-friendly countries.
• A privacy advocate sets up ProtonVPN on their router to ensure every device at home is protected.
• A journalist working abroad uses ProtonVPN to securely contact sources without fear of surveillance.

NordVPN Speed Test Result

• Local Server Speed:
  • Download: 80 Mbps
  • Upload: 74 Mbps
  • Ping: 20 ms
• International Server Speed:
  • Download: 62 Mbps
  • Upload: 55 Mbps
  • Ping: 150 ms
    Analysis: ProtonVPN delivers solid speeds locally but experiences a noticeable drop for international servers. It’s a strong contender for privacy-focused users.

NordVPN Pricing Tiers:

• Free Plan: $0 (basic features, limited servers).
• Basic Plan: $4.99/month (billed annually at $59.88).
• Plus Plan: $9.99/month (billed annually at $119.88).
• Visionary Plan: $29.99/month (includes ProtonMail Visionary).

• Promotions and Discounts:

• Free tier available.
• Discounts for annual and 2-year plans.

• Refund Policy:

• 30-day prorated refund policy (based on unused portion).

ProtonVPN Security Features

• Secure Core Servers: Routes traffic through high-security servers in privacy-friendly locations.
• Perfect Forward Secrecy: Ensures that past sessions cannot be decrypted.
• AES-256 Encryption: Protects sensitive data.
• Kill Switch & Always-On VPN: Maintains security even during unexpected disconnections.
• Tor Over VPN: Provides seamless access to the Tor network.
• Full Disk Encryption: Encrypts server data to prevent unauthorized access.

ProtonVPN Setup Guide

How to Set Up ProtonVPN on Any Device

1. Sign Up:

1. Head to ProtonVPN website and create an account.

2. Download the App:

2. Navigate to the Apps section and select the app for your device.

3. Install and Log In:

3. Install the app and log in with your credentials.

4. Use Streaming Servers:

4. Select the Streaming section to find optimized servers for platforms like Netflix or Hulu.

5. Activate Advanced Features:

5. Enable the Kill Switch or choose specific apps for split tunneling.

Customer Reviews Summary:

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• Rating: 4.4/5
• Based On: 6,000+ reviews from Trustpilot and Google Reviews.

Highlights:

• Highly rated for its free plan with no data caps and strong focus on privacy.
• Users trust its Secure Core technology and transparency.
• Occasional complaints about speed inconsistencies.

Bar Graph

Here’s a bar graph comparing the Local vs. International Speed Test Results for each VPN provider. Server Location, Simultaneous Connections, and Pricing.

Key Takeaways:

• ExpressVPN leads with the fastest speeds across both local and international servers.
• NordVPN and Hotspot Shield also perform exceptionally well.
• Budget options like FastestVPN and Ivacy VPN have decent speeds but show a more noticeable drop in international performance.