Best VPN Services for 2017
A Virtual Private Network is a technology that connects two computers over the internet using a secure connection. This secure connection is sometimes referred to as a VPN tunnel. Originally VPNs were developed to allow remote workers to securely connect to corporate networks in order to access corporate resources when away from the office.
Virtual Private Network services are among the most flexible and useful tools available to internet users. They improve your security by helping to protect against hackers, increase your privacy by hiding what you get up to online, and allow you to geo-spoof your location in order to access services that are only available in other countries.
The term now usually refers to commercial VPN services that allow customers to access the internet privately through their servers although VPNs are still used in this way.
VPN servers are operated by the commercial VPN services. Those are typically located in various places around the world. You can securely connect to one of its VPN servers when you subscribe to a VPN service with one or more of your internet capable devices. Desktop PCs, laptops, smartphones, and tablets are included. Usually, you are free to choose which of your VPN providers servers to connect to and to change servers whenever you wish.
The data traveling between the VPN server and your device is encrypted. Making that secure against anyone who might try to intercept it in transit. Internet Service Provider (ISP) is included. The VPN server also acts as an intermediary between the internet and your device as it acts as a proxy server. Your ISP can only see that you have connected to a VPN server. It can’t see which website you visit after that.
Using a VPN from your ISP hides all internet activity. It also hides your real Internet Protocol (IP) address, your unique ISP-assigned internet address that can be used to identify you from any websites that you visit. A website can only see the IP address of the VPN server, not your personal one if your VPN connection is properly configured.
The Best VPN Services 2017
- IPVanish
- ExpressVPN
- VyprVPN
- VPNArea
- Buffered
VPN service usage is arguably the single most effective measure you can take to improve your online security and privacy. Additionally, this article explains why you need a VPN.
This aims you to give you a clear idea of the limitations of using a VPN. Virtual Private Networks are important and powerful tools. On concord there is no such thing as a one-stop-shop when it comes to protect your privacy and staying secure when using the internet. Therefore, VPNs should, be regarded as a vital tool in your internet toolbox.
Best VPN Services
IPVanish
The IPVanish is a high-profile VPN company having good privacy credentials. There are no logs at all, permits torrenting, and accepts payment in bitcoin. It also throws in a free Smart DNS service for all customers. This is based in the US, which isn’t ideal if NSA surveillance bothers you. Its client provides DNS leak protection. Despite being a little stripped-down works very well.
Mobile apps for all operating systems, seven-day money-back guarantee and P2P allowed are the additional features.
PROS
- No logs at all
- Smart DNS included
- Client with VPN kill switch and DNS leak protection
- Accepts bitcoin
- Five simultaneous connections
CONS
- So-so support
- Based in US
ExpressVPN
The headline act is its ridiculously fast speed performance, but fantastic 24/7 customer support. A generous 30-day, money-back guarantee, no-quibble certainly don’t hurt. No usage logs but some connection logs, robust encryption, and servers located in a whopping 94 countries around the world are also big draws.
China Users will appreciate ExpressVPN’s special “stealth” servers located in Hong Kong. Users everywhere will appreciate the new free Smart Domain Name System (DNS) service that is included with all VPN accounts. ExpressVPN’s is easy-to-use desktop software for Mac OS X and Windows. Its funky apps for iOS and Android.
Three simultaneous connections and peer-to-peer (P2P) permitted are additional features.
PROS
- Unlimited downloading
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Ultra fast – great for streaming!
- Ultra secure – 256-bit encryption
- 5* customer support and 24/7 live chat
CONS
- A bit pricey
- Aggregate connection logs
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is notable for being one of the rare VPN services to own and control its entire network infrastructure. The result is fantastically fast connection speeds around the world. Om this, Dedicated IP servers are available. On concord only on the premium package. A free Smart DNS service is also included and customer support is outstanding.
To defeat the Great Firewall of China, VyprVPN offers “Chameleon” stealth technology specifically which is designed. Additionally, it uses User Datagram Protocol (UDP) ports in its apps to help defeat port blocking and other throttling issues. The mobile apps of it are also very smart, and with a 30-day money-back guarantee and three day free trial. There is little reason not to give this service a go. Remember, though that VyprVPN doesn’t permit torrenting.
No usage logs are additional features.
PROS
- Very fast due to own infrastructure
- Accepts Alipay
- Over 70 countries
- Based in Switzerland
- Port selection
CONS
- Some connection logs
VPNArea
VPNArea is based in Bulgaria. Therefore that’s firmly out of the NSA and GCHQ areas of influence. That makes it a great option for any privacy-heads out there. That focus on privacy is reinforced with a great strong encryption, accepting bitcoin payments and no logs policy. On this VPN, speeds are also superb and server locations are plentiful over 60 countries.
P2P is permitted, per-app kill switch that is desktop clients, DNS leak protection.
PROS
- Fantastic value for money
- No logs at all
- Excellent technology
- Up to six devices at once
- Servers in 47 countries worldwide
CONS
- Works well but isn’t as mind-blowing as some other services
Buffered
This Hungarian VPN provider may be small, but it punches above its weight. Being based in Hungary places it outside the direct reach of the National Security Agency (NSA) and UK Government Communications Headquaters (GCHQ). Additionally, Buffered offers a unique “port discovery” feature to run servers in 16 countries. It allows you to bypass login requirements when using WiFi at hotels, airports, and so forth by searching for open ports in the local area network (LAN) neighborhood. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available. On concord, read the terms of service, as important conditions apply.
Three simultaneous connections are the additional features.
PROS
- No usage logs
- Fast speeds
- P2P: yes
- Based in Hungary
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Some connection logs
- A bit pricey
How Does a VPN Work?
The idea behind a VPN is therefore deceptively simple, but this setup allows you to do some very cool things. A VPN can:
- Help protect you against NSA-style blanket surveillance.
- Allow you to torrent download or stream Popcorn Time and Kodi safely (if your VPN service permits this).
- Protect you against hackers when using public WiFi hotspots.
- Geo-spoof your location in order to watch streaming services such as Netflix that block access based on your geographic location.
- Bypass censorship (by the government, your workplace, or school).
You must first sign up for a VPN service in order to use a VPN. These typically cost between $5 and $10 per month, with reductions for buying six months or more at a time. A contract with a VPN service is required to use a VPN.
Many VPN providers offer custom software known as a VPN client or VPN app on mobile devices. These make setting up and using a VPN by downloading installing and running. It is also possible to manually configure third-party VPN software that includes the VPN clients built in to all major operating system (OS) platforms. Your VPN provider supplies guides on how to do this.
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