It is usual for you to be afraid of the increasing rates of cybercrime happening on the internet. VPNs are a life-saver when it comes to protecting your identity on the internet and keeping your personal information encrypted. But, with so many VPN services available, choosing the ideal one as a beginner can be a challenge.
VPN Surfers is your one-stop solution for all the latest VPN service reviews and comparisons if you want to keep up with the market trending options.
But, that aside, the following are a few essential pointers that you need to keep in mind when choosing the right VPN service as a beginner.
1. Ascertain the Purpose
What do you need the VPN service for? Do you want to conceal your IP address while browsing through the internet? Do you want to prevent any risks of malware threats? Decide the purpose of getting the VPN service is essential.
Moreover, you need to decide whether you want the VPN service for the entire family or just for yourself. In case you plan on using the VPN for streaming movies or playing online games, you might need a VPN router that supports high-speed connectivity.
Before choosing the right VPN service for you, you need to list all the reasons you will need the VPN. Once you have everything shortlisted, it becomes easier for you to move ahead and choose the ideal option for yourself.
2. Balance Cost and Safety
When it comes to VPN services, you can’t argue that you will get to avail the best features and services when you pay more. That is how things work. The more you pay, the more lenient access you will have to all the services.
So, when choosing a VPN service, especially if it’s your first time, you need to balance the monthly subscription amount and the kind of security it provides. If you are working with a lot of data on your system, opt for the services that offer more protection, for which you might have to pay more.
3. Check the Features
Another essential factor to consider before availing of a VPN service is the features they come with. Some providers prioritize the encryption more while some focus more on maintaining the anonymity of the users.
Depending on your priorities and how they align with the VPN service features, you can go ahead and choose the one you like best. Some VPNs are used to access platforms, applications, or websites that aren’t available in a specific country.
If that is your priority, you can get a VPN that focuses on that feature. So, more or less, the VPN features also matter on what you are getting the VPN service for.
4. Avoid the Ones that Keep Logs
Does the VPN service you are inclining towards keep logs of your activity? It doesn’t matter how much you are spending on the service provider, if they keep a record of your work on the internet, it is a suspicious act in itself. You are getting the VPN to keep your identity concealed, so the last thing you want is to invest in a service that keeps tabs on that.
Prior information has shared how these data companies generally give in to the government’s pressure and give away the users’ personal information. The last thing you want is for the same to happen.
5. Device Compatibility
Majority of the VPN services available on the internet support almost every type of device including Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and more. But, a few VPNs come with compatibility restrictions, especially when it comes to the older devices with primitive interfaces.
In case you have a Windows desktop but an Android smartphone, you need to find a VPN service that is compatible with both devices. Also, keep a check on the number of devices that can be connected to the VPN. There are restrictions on that as well, so you need to be cautious if that too.
6. IP Leaking
When you are using VPN services for the first time, not knowing about IP leaking is common. In this, the VPN service providers end up leaking the users’ IP addresses, which was a problem. If you are availing any VPN service provider’s services, make sure that they don’t have a past reputation of IP leaking.
The best way to check this issue is by availing of the trial version of the VPN service and check how well it works. In case the IP address leaks during that trial period, you can be assured that this VPN service provider is not the best or the safest option.
7. User-friendly Interface
Not everyone is tech-savvy. So, when you are getting a VPN service, you must check whether it has a user-friendly interface or not. Not just the interface, you also need to ensure that it has a simple set-up process.
Get the ones with a simple layout and set-up, which doesn’t take a lot of time or technical knowledge. Some service providers even come with a separate virtual set-up, which the customer care executives do.
8. Payment Plans
The pricing of the VPN service is another factor worth considering. Generally, the costs depend on the subscription length and the kind of security features they offer. Aside from the amount you are paying, you also need to consider the mode of payment.
If you are inclined towards the free VPNs, we’d suggest you steer clear off of them. They don’t charge extra money, but they are not safe.
Conclusion
To summarize everything, when you are just starting with using VPN services, these are some of the common factors that you need to consider. Keep in mind that paying close attention to the quality of service, the security, and the legality of the VPN service you are availing. If required, you can check through the reviews and testimonials of the users on the internet to check whether they live up to the expectations that you have from the VPN service.
