By: Cristina | Last updated January 11, 2021 
VPN, or “Virtual Private Network”, is defined as an interconnection of a local network that uses secure (encrypted) modes of communication, usually via the Internet. This means that VPN extends a private network over a public network (in our case, the Internet), which allows users to send and receive sensitive data, as if their computers are directly connected to the same private LAN (Local Area Network), although, physically, they are not in the same network.
When you use your local network to access various services on the Internet, the source of the network requests is your own local area network (LAN). However, if you are connected to a VPN and all your traffic goes through it, then the outside world will see you as part of your VPN LAN. Therefore, the query source is no longer your network but the one to which you are connected via VPN. This means that the websites and other networks you interact with will no longer see the IP address of your computer as the source of the request, but the IP address of the VP you use.
Furthermore, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will only see one connection: the one set up between you and the VPN service you are using, and of course, it is completely encrypted. This is why your ISP will not be able to see what you are doing within the VPN network, even if it is going over the internet and therefore cannot track you.
Accessing the Internet via Wi-Fi hotspots in public places is quite dangerous. Cafes, restaurants, bakeries or other places on interest do not have secure Wi-Fi hotspots. They are often insecure and in these circumstances, using a VPN is an ideal solution.
Another reason you might be happy to subscribe to a VPN is that you can access sites that are banned from your country or region. You can use torrent sites, unlock Netflix, and other convenient tools.
The following list will show you some of the most important benefits of using a VPN:
- The traffic between you and the VPN service you are using is encrypted, so it is impossible for anyone to see what you are doing on the internet.
- As long as you are connected to a VPN, you will have access to the entire Internet without censorship that could affect you.
- You can access service and geographically restricted websites if you use a VPN server located in the region where those services or websites are available.
- The servers you connect to will not see your IP address but the address of the VPN server.
- You can surf the Internet, read your email or send important information on public networks without the risk of someone spying on you.
Best VPN Providers 2020
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the oldest and most famous VPN services on the market. It really offers many benefits: compatibility with several local versions of Netflix, high speed, and a wide range of connectivity countries. In addition, all of its various software is easy to connect to any platform, even Android and iOS.
ExpressVPN has been on the market for many years. Users starter praising it from the start. It really is solid software that provides a fast and reliable private network. Not to mention that their servers cover most of the planet: 94 countries with 160 VPN servers, including France, Quebec, Belgium, Switzerland.
Furthermore, this VPN is available on all platforms thanks to their applications. While it is always possible to configure a VPN connection manually on a mobile phone, it is much more convenient to mention it. Lastly, ExpressVPN is a torrent-friendly: you can do P2P and download torrents anonymously.
It may not be the cheapest VPN, but it comes with a premium service. You can choose between three types of plans:
- 1 Month for $12.95
- 6 Months for $9.99/month
- 12 Months for $8.32/month
Of course, the most interesting package is the annual package with a 35% discount. And it’s not that expensive when you think about your privacy. Furthermore, if you are not satisfied, you can unsubscribe during the first month. And you will have nothing to pay for that month. That’s their money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN Features
- No activity and connection logs
- Torrents are allowed
- Netflix in UK, SAD, CA, AU, DE, IT
- Up to 5 devices
- Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
- Protocols OpenVPN (TCP, UDP), L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, PPTP
- Data traffic unlimited
- Military encryption 256 bit
Kill Switch Feature
First of all, this feature is for torrent users. Kill Switch’s main goal is to protect your privacy while downloading because you are always in danger of unexpectedly shutting down your VPN. Your real IP address could also be secure. But if you enable the Kill Switch service, it will block data traffic until Express VPN reconnects. This way your IP address will not leak to the internet.
Netflix streaming
Netflix is the most popular video streaming site, and this is one of the best VPNs to watch on Netflix because of its high-speed HD streaming capabilities. It also provides access to not only the US Netflix library but also the UK, Canada, Australian, German, or Italian Netflix libraries.
Verdict
ExpressVPN is a complete VPN solution that can fulfill many different needs. Therefore, it is perfectly suited for anyone who needs an easy-to-use VPN and wants access to Netflix. And you can install your VPN client on an iPad, Android or iPhone. Ultimately, it is suitable for users who want to watch streaming television and download the torrent without restrictions. There are no major disadvantages to using it. If you are looking for weak points, the price, which is slightly above the average price, is one.
NordVPN
NordVPN was founded in 2012, and the company is headquartered in Panama, where there is no data protection law, but the company provides all the necessary services. No login is required to access NordVPN, and VPN works at high speed and with maximum security. For this reason, it is one of the best solutions against internet censorship and government surveillance.
First of all, NordVPN’s goal is to prevent censorship, and government control. Therefore, NordVPN is dedicated to developing the features that will protect your privacy. But that’s not all! Their developer VPN network (over 900 serves worldwide) is very fast, so you can unblock streaming content and watch American Netflix without waiting for the content to load.
Furthermore, if you are a fan of torrents, you can rely on NordVPN to protect your anonymity. Indeed, their service is torrent-friendly and there is no need to sign up.
NordVPN offers 4 types of plans, from one-month membership to a 3-year plan:
- 1-month plan for $11.53
- 1-year plan for $6.75/month
- 2-year plan for $4.81/month
- 3-year plan for $3.36/month
NordVPN Features
NordVPN has some of the best features for a secure network:
- No activity and connection logs
- Torrents are allowed
- Netflix in SAD, CA, AU, NL
- Up to 6 devices
- Available in 72+ countries
- 30-days money-back guarantee
- Protocols OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPSEC, TCP/UDP
- Data traffic unlimited
- Military encryption 256 bit
Dedicated IP (additional charge)
If you need a static IP address to access certain networks, databases, or servers, you can get your own IP address. However, you will have to pay extra for this feature. Dedicated IP addresses are available in the US, Germany, UK, and the Netherlands.
Dual VPN
While most people only need a standard VPN connection, you can also enjoy dual VPN connectivity. If you need a higher level of data encryption, this special connection will encrypt your data twice thanks to a preconfigured multi-hop network. Dual VPN combinations include US – Canada, UK – Netherlands and Taiwan – Hong Kong.
Onion via VPN
With this type of connection, their program first encrypts your data on one of their servers and sends a packet through the TOR network. As a result, you access the Internet through one of the TOR inputs. And it’s almost impossible to keep track of your device.
Ultra-fast TV
Streaming devices are very popular today. Nord has made it possible for you with its ultra-fast TV servers, especially optimizes for the fastest streaming. Simply connect to one of these servers to unblock content not available in your location and watch HD videos. You can also enjoy these servers by playing games online on Xbox or PlayStation at optimum speed.
Login and NAT Firewall
Privacy is a right that companies and governments sometimes forget. So you need to make sure your VPN provider is on the same side as you. Fortunately, Nord VPN is all about privacy and data will not be stored when logging in. And this zero log-in policy guarantees that your information is secure because it does not exist in their servers. Also, all its servers have an NAT Firewall, which acts as a simple but efficient and blocks all unwanted traffic. Therefore, you are protected from hackers using different techniques to inject infected content into your computer.
Watching US Netflix
When it comes to accessing US Netflix or other foreign content, this VPN is your best option. It will unblock most Netflix content and allow you to watch Netflix with the best streaming quality. Just select the server in the country where you want to watch Netflix, connect to that server and refresh the Netflix page. Of course, you can get access to US Netflix, but also the UK and France Netflix.
Verdict
Through our NordVPN review, we have concluded that it is an excellent VPN for security and privacy reasons. It also offers a strict no-log rule (no signup) and is compatible with USA Netflix. Furthermore, it offers 6 simultaneous connections so you can share the cost with your family and friends.
Finally, the annual subscription price is very attractive. Nord VPN is definitely one of the best VPNs on the market.
CyberGhost VPN
The owner of the CyberGhost VPN is a Romanian company that started selling VPN services in 2011. They pay a great deal of attention to internet privacy, and their location allows users to evade any EU law on data retention or government spying. While it may not be the fastest VPN on the market, it compensates for the low package rates it offers.
Plans
As is usually the case with VPN providers, there is only one package with up to 5 simultaneous connections – to successfully connect all your devices (PC, phone and tablet). You can choose between 1 month, 1, 2 or 3 years of membership:
- 1 month for $12.99
- 1 year for $5.99/month
- 2 years $3.69/month
- 3 years for 2.75/month
There is no free service or free trial, but you can try CyberGhost without risk, thanks to a 45-day money-back guarantee. Despite this site being translated into multiple languages, some users said it was difficult to unsubscribe. As a solution, I would recommend that you read the company policy on their website before you subscribe.
Features
Some of the main features of CyberGhost are:
- No activity and connection logs
- Torrents are allowed
- Netflix UK
- 7 simultaneous connections
- Up to 60 countries are available
- Supported for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
- 45 days money-back guarantee
- Protocols PPTP, L2TP, OpenVPN (TCP, UDP)
- Military encryption 256 bit
- 3500+ servers
User-friendly interface
The CyberGhost 6 user interface has always been really easy. But on a new client, i.e. version 7, it’s simpler than ever! From the dashboard, you will connect in just one click and get the best server location. Using the familiar color scheme, the design is elegant and provides a great user experience. Even if you are not so tech-savvy, you will learn to use software like a pro in minutes. Of course, you can still go to a list of all their server location, where you can decide on a specific activity, such as torrenting and streaming. You can also choose from different countries, so nothing will miss you. Filtering is very efficient and you have the option of adding your favorite servers for even faster access. Next, you will get the details of each server to allow you to choose the one that is best for your activity.
Unlock streaming
Another user feature offers you profiles that bypass geo-restrictions. With CyberGhost VPN you can access over 40 streaming services from around the world. Because of this, you can easily watch BBC iPlayer, Hulu and similar streaming services.
Very important in this case in their 100% guarantee of functionality. Streaming services are known to try to block IP addresses of VPN servers to control access to their content. During this war between streaming services and VPNs, users may lose access to geo-restricted content. CyberGhost is really trying to make these servers truly unblock the website you want.
CyberGhost and US Netflix
Today it is possible to watch US Netflix with CyberGhost VPN. However, it still does not work with the UK library.
P2P and torrent
CyberGhost’s P2P policy is torrent-friendly. So P2P activities such as downloading torrents are allowed, but only on selected servers. But there are many servers. In addition, following their privacy policy, there are no records of your use of VPNs or your traffic type. As a result, you leave no trace at all while surfing. Of course, as with other VPN providers, you are prohibited from engaging in any illegal activity through their connection.
No Data Protection policy and commitment to transparency
CyberGhost VPN provides a strict no-registration policy which means that they do not record any trace of your activity (traffic) or your connection. Each year, CyberGhost publishes a transparency report. It aims to highlight the insights of the various CyberGhost user identity disclosure requirements. Despite various requests, the company does not keep logs.
Kill Switch
By default, CyberGhost automatically includes Kill Switch on Windows and Mac. This feature protects your privacy if your VPN connection fails. Indeed, the client will block all traffic to your device until the VPN reconnects. And your real IP address will never be displayed.
User DNS
When you are online, your ISP provides you with your DNS servers. So it has access to all your requests and it can’t be good for privacy because it has access to all your requests. You can solve this problem and reduce censorship by changing the same DNS. CyberGhost also has its own DNS that you can use.
Conclusion
CyberGhost is a trusted VPN solution focused on your privacy. It is suitable for all those who need an easy-to-use VPN, for anonymous torrent surfing and for unlimited TV viewing.
