New to VPNs? Do these 5 things first
Make the most of your VPN right out of the box
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Using a VPN is, hands down, one of the most important internet security habits you can pick up. After all, there are more digital threats, more blackouts, and more geo-restricted streaming platforms out there than ever before.
However, you might have second thoughts about using today’sbest VPNsdue to their techy reputation. Well, I’m here to tell you that using a VPN is just like using any other app, and most VPNs offer plug-and-play solutions that require little to no tweaking.
With that said, there are a few things you can do right away to get the most out of your new VPN. Read on to find out the top 5 VPN tips and tricks and the many ways a VPN can improve your online life, as well as my top three VPN recommendations.
3 best VPNs: quick overview
1.NordVPN– from $3.09 per monthThe best VPN overallNordVPN is the best service I’ve tested: it’s ridiculously quick, boasts awesome unblocking power, and fits the bill if you’re looking for a one-stop security solution, too, thanks to extras like built-in antivirus and ad-blocking. Plus, it also offers terrific value for money, and a 30-day money-back guarantee will allow you to try it out without risking a single penny.
2.ExpressVPN– from $6.67 per monthThe best VPN for beginnersExpressVPN is my #1 pick for VPN newbies because it’s just that easy to use. Its apps are sleek and simple, and available for all platforms, and 24/7 customer support is available to help you out in a pickle. ExpressVPN is more expensive than the competition, but you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee you can use to take the service for a test drive before committing to a plan.
3.Surfshark– from $2.19 per monthThe best cheap VPNIf you’re a bargain hunter, you’ll want to check out Surfshark – because it packs a ton of features into tiny prices. It’s the quickest VPN we’ve tested, too, and unblocks virtually every streaming platform out there. Users also get unlimited simultaneous connections to play with, which is awesome value for money, as well as a handy 30-day money-back guarantee you can use to try before you buy.
5 tips for VPN newbies
New to the world ofVirtual Private Networks(VPNs)? First of all, welcome, and congratulations on upgrading your digital privacy and unblocking a world’s worth of content – no matter where you really are.
To make sure you have everything you need to get started with a VPN the right way, here are five VPN tips and tricks to keep in mind:
1. Get the best deal
VPN pricing varies throughout the year and, like other products and services, sales crop up around the holiday season. Taking advantage of these events can result in massive savings.
Looking for a real steal? Check out ourbest cheap VPNrankings to see which services offer the most bang for your buck.
If you’ve already decided on a particular VPN service (or are still in the hunting phase), it’s a no-brainer to shop around for the best deals and take advantage of seasonal promotions – and it just might be worth the little wait if there are discounts around the corner.
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Our dedicated VPN team maintains a dedicatedVPN deals pageyou’ll want to keep an eye on. We regularly update it to present readers with the latest and greatest VPN discounts.
Oh, and remember, subscribing to a long-term plan (a year or longer) is more cost-effective than opting for a short subscription in the long run.
2. Look for an audit
A VPN is, first and foremost, an online security tool. Unfortunately, there are a lot of dodgy services on the market that offer the world and provide lackluster privacy in return.
So, it’s important to do your homework to see if the VPN has undertaken a third-party audit to prove its privacy claims.
Independent audits ensure that a VPN maintains full transparency about how it operates
Independent audits are stamps of assurance for the user that the VPN’sno-logs policy, servers, distribution, and the configuration and implementation of key infrastructure elements are in line with what the company promises to offer – and that it maintains full transparency about how it operates.
Choosing a VPN that has verified its claims is, quite frankly, non-negotiable, irrespective of whether you’re a VPN newbie or a seasoned expert.
Some of the top VPNs that have audits to their name include ExpressVPN (which recently completed its18th no-logs audit),Surfshark, NordVPN (four no-logs audits), andPIA– the only VPN service to have proven its no-logs claims in courttwice.
3. Customize your settings
Once you’ve subscribed to a VPN, downloaded the VPN app, and installed it on your device, it’s important to head into the settings and make a few tweaks toset up the VPNproperly:
4. Check out those servers
Picking a VPN server is a fairly straightforward process. Most VPNs come with an auto-connect feature, which is perfect if all you want to do is browse the web and access local sites or social media apps with improved security – for example, when you’re out and about usingunsecured public Wi-Fi.
The auto-connect feature automatically connects you to the best available server depending on your location.
Need a hand putting your digital pin on the map? Head on over to ourguide to VPN servers.
While servers close to your real location are better for speed/performance, connecting to servers further afield is better for geo-spoofing and unblocking sites and services. For example, if you’re in the US and want tostream BBC iPlayer, you’ll have to connect to a VPN server in the UK.
You can look for specific servers using the search bar on the VPN app, or, in the rare instance that a search bar is missing, you can scroll through the list of servers that are almost always arranged either alphabetically or geographically.
It’s worth noting that you can sometimes also create your own list of servers (called ‘Favorites’) that contain the servers you use the most and want quick and easy access to.
What’s more, some VPNs also come with dedicated servers for specific activities, such as streaming, gaming, or torrenting,
5. Consider a VPN router
Now, this is a slightly techy tip, but it can save a huge amount of time and money for anyone who has a lot of devices in the house (i.e. if you have a large family or a lot of roommates).
AVPN routeris a Wi-Fi router that has a VPN installed on it. It provides VPN encryption at your internet’s source, and every single device connected to it will enjoy a VPN connection by default – meaning you won’t have to install the VPN app on your devices one by one.
It’s also a handy workaround for limited simultaneous connections, as most VPNs offer anywhere between 8-10 logins at once. But there are some, like Surfshark and PIA, that offerunlimited simultaneous connections.
The best part is that you don’t have to be an expert to use thebest VPN routers– while advanced users can configure routers themselves, there are pre-configured routers available to purchase, too, such as ExpressVPN’sAircove.
What can you use a VPN for?
VPNs are multi-purpose: from cranking up your digital privacy to facilitating your entertainment, they can come in handy for all sorts of reasons.
How does a VPN work?
Simply put, a VPN routes the traffic from your device through a secure tunnel, to the VPN server, and then onto the internet, encrypting your data in the process and making it impossible for interceptors, like hackers, ISPs, and other snoopers, to understand and therefore exploit.
A VPN also hides your realIP address, effectively anonymizing you on the internet – prying eyes won’t be able to pinpoint your location or find out what you’re up to online. It does so by assigning you a temporary IP from one of its own servers, which then becomes the origin of your internet traffic.
Check out our dedicated guide onhow does a VPN workfor more details.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1.Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2.Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Krishi covers buying guides and how-to’s related to software, online tools, and tech products here at TechRadar. Over at Tom’s Guide, he writes exclusively on VPN services. You can also find his work on Techopedia and The Tech Report. As a tech fanatic, Krishi also loves writing about the latest happenings in the world of cybersecurity, AI, and software.
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