The VPN industry is growing rapidly. People are now more aware of the significance of online security and privacy than ever. It has led to many new VPN providers on the market. They have their advantages and disadvantages. You can even find many VPNs in the app store that are free to use. Though these apps and software are available for private connection, only the best VPNs provide excellent quality.
Thus, it is necessary to research various VPN software available before concluding. Here are some of the prominent characteristics that the best VPN should have:
1. Security and Encryption
Connection protocol decides the type of encryption that a VPN service uses. Ths encryption type can vary, and you can not determine the type of encryption that a VPN provider is using. Most VPNs claim that they use 128-bit and 256-bit encryption techniques, but it is just a vague claim.
To decide the best encryption for yourself, you must ensure that different protocols are available. Also, you must note that more robust encryption means slower connection. So, you should know if you need stronger encryption or a common form of encryption.
2. Plentiful Server Locations
A VPN creates a tunnel between the device and the VPN’s webserver to hide a user’s data and encrypt it. The web server then allocates a different IP address to the device. It is done to make the user appear to be at a different location from where he is present at the time.
This tunneling provides many benefits, like helping with accessing streaming services or using shopping sites specific to any location—in short, bypassing what’s known as geo-blocking.
Thus, a good provider should have servers located across many countries, providing more options. More servers at each location also mean that they will have better performance, avoiding the problem of overloading.
3. Multiple Device Support
Check if your VPN provider offers support for multiple devices. In this way, you will not have to worry about which devices your VPN supports. It means that VPN software can protect and support a variety of platforms and devices at the same time. A single account can be used for any device like smart TV, tablet, game console, router, mobile device, desktop computer, etc. The VPN that supports more devices is always a better option.
4. No Log Policy
Different VPN providers have distinct logging policies. Some VPNs store your browsing history for months and can also turn over potential data to authorities if requested.
Hence, a VPN should ideally have a ‘no log’ policy. Many VPN organizations claim that they offer this, but, in reality, they sometimes still store data like session logs. You must carefully read the privacy policy and make sure that there are no hidden catches. Also, you should extensively check the VPN’s review in this regard.
5. Maximum Connection Speed
No one likes a slow or bad connection while browsing. Thus, you should wisely choose a VPN provider that provides the maximum connection speed. It means that when a service provider is offering you their services, no third party will be able to throttle your connection. If any VPN provider cannot guarantee the maximum speed of your private connection, it possibly means any third-party provider or ISP can slow down your VPN connection.
6. Firewall
Not all VPN providers need to offer this feature. But, you should try to choose any service provider that offers extra security features like a firewall for your private connection. A firewall will protect your devices from cyber-attacks and restrict them from misusing your data. Even without a firewall, a VPN is secure, but a firewall makes it ten times more reliable.
7. Low price
This is something that you will take into consideration. When it comes to a VPN, there are various pricing levels and plans. The plans are always cheaper if you commit to a minimum of one year of services. Some providers will even provide you with bargain-basement deals.
You must keep in mind that not all plans provide the full range of features. It means that you might be missing out on something good, like a proprietary protocol for avoiding being detected as a VPN connection, which can lead you to blocked access.
Conclusion
These are the seven features you should consider while finalizing a good VPN provider. Using a private network means a hefty investment; thus, you should only choose the best service provider. Research what a provider offers and pick the provider that suits your requirements.
