This will allow you to “change” your location, making it appear that you’re accessing the web from a specific location. Look for a VPN with servers in different locations around the world. That means you may not be able to access certain shows if you’re traveling abroad. Some streaming services also use geo-blocking technology to limit access to certain types of content. For example, China blocks Facebook and a number of other social media sites. VPNs allow you to circumvent geo-blocking restrictions that some countries have in place. DNS leak protection: Data about the websites you visit can be exposed in what’s called a “DNS leak.” Look for a VPN that operates its own private and encrypted DNS servers to protect against these leaks.Kill switch: A kill switch or network lock automatically disconnects your device from the internet if your VPN connection drops.No logs: A no-log VPN means that they don’t store or “log” any information that could be traced back to you.256-bit encryption: Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption is so secure that it would take millions of years for a supercomputer to crack.Look for a VPN with the following security features: Encryption protocols and privacy policies are equally important. Advanced securityĬhoosing the fastest VPN shouldn’t be your only concern.

They should also have an extensive network of available servers you can connect to. Look for a VPN company that offers fast browsing performance. This can happen if your Internet Server Provider (ISP) throttles your internet connection based on your online activity.

In some cases, a VPN can even increase your connection speed. The good news is these factors are mitigated when you choose a fast VPN. Fast connectionsįactors like server locations, security protocols, and network load affect internet speeds. Here’s what you should look for when choosing a VPN service. Illustration showing a woman searching using a VPN That can be challenging as a new VPN user, given how technical VPNs are. Choosing a VPN is no different than shopping for any other product - you look at your options and weigh the features against how much you’re willing to pay.īut you’ll have to know what to look for in the first place to make an informed decision.

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