If you’ve ever come across the advice to use a VPN for enhanced privacy, especially in today’s world where we spend increasing amounts of time online and often connect to insecure networks in public spaces or hotels for work purposes, then this post is for you. We’ve put together a compilation of key factors to consider before selecting a VPN.
Where is the VPN located?
The initial consideration when choosing a VPN is the physical location of its servers. It’s important to be aware that certain countries have agreements with companies that enable them to provide information if authorized by legal authorities.
The countries involved in these agreements are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Consequently, if your objective is to enhance privacy through a VPN, it’s crucial to ascertain whether the provider is situated in any of the aforementioned countries.
Amount of record they keep
The quality and level of detail provided by VPNs vary depending on their price and features. Some VPNs may store data such as dates, times, IP addresses, and bandwidth usage, while others prioritize user freedom and refrain from saving any information.
Certain VPNs may also retain payment details, including personal information like your name or address. If your preference is for a VPN that doesn’t store any information about you, no matter how minimal, it’s important to verify this before making a purchase. However, for users seeking moderate security, which satisfies the needs of around 90% of internet users, most VPNs should be sufficient.
Price
Undoubtedly, price plays a crucial role in the decision-making process when selecting a VPN. Most VPN providers support a wide range of payment systems and are compatible with popular operating systems used in our daily lives.
Furthermore, some VPNs offer additional features tailored to specific devices or browsers, as well as dedicated servers for peer-to-peer (P2P) activities. It is also essential to consider the number of devices supported by a VPN, as opting for a service that allows protection for six devices, for instance, may be more cost-effective than choosing a cheaper option that only covers your iPhone. It is advisable to ensure that your entire ecosystem is protected to avoid any potential security vulnerabilities.
Connection speed
The performance and speed of a VPN are crucial factors to consider, as they directly impact the user experience. While using a VPN will inevitably result in slightly slower upload and download speeds due to the encryption of your connection, it is essential to choose a VPN provider that optimizes this process to minimize any significant impact.
When selecting a VPN, it is advisable to analyze the speed capabilities of different platforms and verify if the claimed speeds are realistic. Many VPN providers offer return periods or money-back guarantees, allowing users to test the service and evaluate its performance. This ensures that if the service does not meet expectations or significantly hampers the connection speed, users can explore alternatives without any financial loss.