Best VPNs 2023 And Which One To Choose To Browse Safely

Virtual private networks (VPN or Virtual Private Networks) are already important for managing resources remotely and securely or for various other tasks, such as unblocking content, improving privacy while browsing the web, etc. However, the epidemic has altered how people work, promoting teleworking and increased connectivity from home to preserve tax, customer, banking data, etc.

What Is A VPN, And How Does It Work?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection is a secure connection that provides multiple benefits. When you connect to the Internet, your device connects to your modem or router to establish a connection to the outside world. A VPN connection works correctly when a device connects to the Internet through a modem or router.

To keep the connection active, a number of infrastructures and protocols are required, including a destination IP address that designates a remote server. Although the connection is established, the data is sent unprotected.

Using a VPN, your data is encrypted as it travels over the network, preventing cybercriminals from accessing your information. Your Internet service provider’s servers continue to handle your network traffic, but it goes directly to the VPN provider’s servers. Since the connection is encrypted from source to destination and vice versa, the connection will be end-to-end encrypted in addition to having a new IP address from the VPN provider.

Although the inner workings of VPN services can be complicated if you dive into the technical details of servers, protocols, etc., using one is relatively straightforward. This is how it works :

The VPN connection is encrypted through a client application on your device, whether a TV, smartphone, tablet, or computer. If you have configured VPN on your router, all your devices will have access to the encrypted tunnel without needing client software. The VPN will only affect your web browser traffic if you use a plugin, not other programs.

A channel is established between the connection’s source and destination that will be encrypted. The person in charge of encrypting it will be the VPN server of our service.

When the request is sent and the response is received, the return traffic will also be encrypted, but first, it will go through a VPN server to decrypt it so that it reaches you properly.

Once it is back, again the VPN client software will allow the connected software (web browser or any other) to show you the result.

Regular VPNs Aren’t Anonymous.

If you have been looking for the best VPNs on the Internet, you will surely have noticed that most websites always mention the most common and popular ones. They don’t tell you the network of companies hiding behind these “private” browsing services.

Kape Technologies is a group of companies that have been buying VPN comparison articles and websites for years. These and other groups, such as j2 Global or Actmobile Networks, have taken control of the VPN market through affiliate programs, becoming one of the most profitable now.

We are talking about millions of dollars with VPN services that promise safe browsing but end up selling user data to companies in China or Pakistan, where data protection is not so strict.

In this way, we can find many VPNs that seem to compete with each other when in fact, they are part of the same business group. To give you an idea, here is a table with the top 7 companies that control the most popular and used VPNs around the world:

How To Find A Reliable And Secure VPN

When it comes to finding a VPN service that is truly anonymous and reliable, it is important to analyze its corporate structure and the brand itself so that we can see information and transparency on its websites. Above all, the VPN must offer you full access to all the information about its privacy policies and the treatment of your data, along with the companies that make it up and the laws of the countries it is subject to.

The 5 Best VPNs 2023 To Browse Safely

In this sense, we can recommend up to five safe VPNs with which your data and information will be totally anonymous. These servers use encryption, accept Monero, support WireGuard and OpenVPN, and have a no-logging policy.

NordVPN: Speed ​​And Security In One Package

NordVPN stands out for its extensive network of over 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries. Its NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, guarantees fast and secure connections. Also, its CyberSec feature blocks dangerous websites and annoying ads. With a no-logs policy and up to 6 simultaneous connections, NordVPN is ideal for speed and privacy.

• Wide server coverage.
• Impressive speeds.
• Strong focus on privacy.

Proton VPN: Next-Level Privacy

Proton VPN has been one of the best reliable VPNs ever since 2016. It is based in Switzerland and offers a limited free service and a premium option with more features. Among its features are:

• 64 countries
• Independently audited
• open source clients
• WireGuard Support
• mobile clients

IVPN: Transparency And Ethics

IVPN is another of the best premium VPNs based in Gibraltar, operating since 2009. Its main features are:

• 34 countries
• Independently audited
• open source clients
• Accept cash and Monero.
• WireGuard Support
• remote port forwarding
• mobile clients

Mullvad: Total Anonymity

Mullvad is another best VPN that works fast and is relatively cheap. Above all, it stands out for the transparency of its policies and the security of its services. It is based in Sweden and has been in operation since 2009. The bad thing is that it does not have a free version, but it does have other advantages, such as these:

• 39 countries
• Independently audited
• open source clients
• Accept cash and Monero.
• IPv6 support
• WireGuard Support
• remote port forwarding
• mobile clients

VyprVPN: The VPN Chameleon

Based in Switzerland, VyprVPN was the first in the world to have an independent security audit in 2018. Its parent company, Golden Frog, owns no other VPNs and is fully transparent. Among its main features:

• More than 700 servers around the world
• Independently audited
• Strict no logs policy
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more

Also Read: The Importance Of Sustainable Web Design

What do you need a VPN for?

The possible applications of a VPN can be the following:

• Telecommuting: VPNs are valuable if you’re participating in distance learning or have accepted a job in an unrelated field because they can safeguard the data you process, whether it’s business data, your company’s intellectual property, private customer information, medical records, school or tax records, etc. You will be safe from prying eyes if you use an encrypted tunnel.
• Bypass Censorship: You can use a VPN to unblock certain services or bypass censorship in some places. For example, some streaming services like Netflix may block certain shows or movies in some regions but offer them in others. You can pretend you’re in a country where the content you want is available by spoofing your IP address.
• Security reinforcement: Regardless of whether you work remotely, a VPN can provide you with an additional layer of security for the data you use, such as bank records, documents, etc. You can also prevent the disclosure of data on specific sites or services that collect user and connection information. For example, your Internet service provider collects your browsing history and can use it to sell it to third parties, examine it, decide what they do with your connection, and keep it for years. With a VPN, you will be protected against this.
• Pirated Downloads: Many people who use torrents or P2P file-sharing services protect their activities by using a VPN, especially if they are breaking the law. Additionally, some VPN providers restrict access to certain websites or block downloads of this nature to prevent their users from accessing them or dealing with the congestion they cause.

How To Choose A Good VPN Service

The first thing that should be clear to you is that you should avoid free VPNs since many are not very secure, have vulnerabilities, or obtain private data from the user. Therefore, only paid ones are safe.

Allows to choose IP? When selecting an IP location or country, I use a VPN service. It’s better than using a random IP address as it gives you more options. Using a VPN service, you can bypass internet censorship or access country-specific resources.

• Robust Encryption Algorithm – Selecting a VPN service with a robust encryption algorithm is crucial. Most VPNs use military-grade AES-256 encryption, which is great for protecting your data. Conversely, some cheap or free VPNs may use algorithms that are not very secure or have known vulnerabilities.
• Speed ​​– Some of the best VPNs have built-in technologies and enough servers to speed up these processes, so performance issues are minimal. However, since the data must be encrypted and decrypted, this slows down your connection.

• Privacy – Some VPN services log information such as your name, email, payment information, and real IP address, among other things. You should carefully check the registration policy so that you are not identified. It is better to use VPN services that do not keep logs and have a strict policy. DMCA claims or requests are not honored by VPN services based in legal havens or countries where such claims do not apply, leading to potential fines for copyright violations.

• Usability: The quality of a VPN service’s client application is crucial to its success. Most major VPN providers offer simple apps with just one button to turn the VPN on or off or, at the very least, select a country. Any VPN app should also have a “kill switch” feature to keep the user’s identity hidden in case the VPN stops working.

• Supported Platforms: VPNs offer client apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as plugins for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome browsers, and instructions for configuring the compatible router, among other things.

• Technical support: It is essential to note that even if they perform well, it is likely that you have some kind of problem to solve. It is preferable to look for Spanish-speaking services with assistance 24 hours a day so that you can be attended to at any time. If they offer chat or email services as a contact method, it won’t be too difficult for them to provide support in English only since you can use a translator to communicate.

• Payment method: VPNs are paid through Google Play or the App Store, with a credit card, PayPal, or other methods such as Bitcoin, to increase anonymity.