A VPN (virtual private network) creates a safe, encrypted “tunnel” between your computer (or your smartphone or tablet) and the website you want to access. Through special software on your PC, you connect directly to a secure VPN server, which assigns you a new IP address. Your actual IP address is no longer visible from the outside, making you anonymous to other internet users.
A VPN does not represent a new physical connection, but rather a virtual, self-contained network. It uses the existing communication network as a transport medium. All data transferred from your computer to the internet, and vice versa, are transported exclusively within the secured tunnel.
All you need to do is install a VPN application on your device. This is available as an affordable, monthly subscription. Recommended VPN providers offer their customers user-friendly apps for Windows and Macintosh computers. They will also provide apps for mobile devices, games consoles, routers, and TV sticks.
With a VPN app, you can disguise your actual location with the click of a button and connect to a server in any other country. You can then use the internet as usual and surf away in a completely anonymous and secure manner.
Once you have decided on a VPN, download the VPN software from the website and complete the installation. Afterwards, run the VPN client and connect to a server. Depending on the VPN provider, the number of global locations can vary considerably. Most server networks are well developed, meaning you will always be able to find one or more powerful VPN servers nearby.
As soon as the VPN client has established a connection with a secure VPN server, you will receive a new IP address. You can now surf the web completely anonymously. Every VPN client uses one or more network protocols in order to establish a secure connection. Most providers use the secure and powerful OpenVPN protocol. This ensures, among other things, that the VPN is encrypted. Nearly all VPNs use the military standard AES (advanced encryption standard)-256, which is considered to be “uncrackable”.
Depending on the provider, you will be able to choose from several protocols and select various data protection functions. For example, the kill switch makes sure that all network activities are instantly blocked as soon as the VPN connection is lost. This ensures that nobody can obtain knowledge of your online activities. Recommended VPN providers have their own DNS server and do not record any activities or personal data (“no logs” policy).
A VPN is a worthwhile investment and offers a whole range of advantages. In the following, we will show you the important benefits:
If you value absolute privacy and maximum protection of your personal data, a VPN provides an optimal solution. Compared to proxy services or other applications that also hide your IP address, a VPN offers a substantially higher degree of data protection. Due to the secure VPN connection between your computer, the internet, or another public network, no data or information on you can get into the wrong hands.
A VPN has strong SSL encryption, which is also used by the US government. All data that are transferred from your computer to the internet, or vice versa, are encrypted and invisible to other internet users. In the VPN client, you can adjust the data security settings to suit your needs, change the protocol, and activate advanced functions.
A VPN can unlock websites and various web services that are blocked in some countries. Additionally, the VPN allows you to comfortably access all important streaming services, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video.
Once you have obtained sufficient information on the subject of VPNs, you will see that there are both free and fee-based VPN clients. Although the latter cost a few euros a month, they are the preferred option for most users.
Several tests prove that the performance (download and upload speed) of a fee-based VPN greatly exceeds that of the free options. Recommended VPN providers invest a large part of the monthly subscription fees into the operation and development of their server network. That is why fee-based VPNs have better-developed global networks with faster servers and a much higher number of IP addresses.
There are wide discrepancies, both in terms of performance and security. Most free VPNs use simple and insecure protocols such as the PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol). This makes the connections more susceptible to attacks from hackers. In contrast, fee-based VPN services rely on secure protocols such as L2TP (Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol) or IPSec (Internet Protocol Security).
Other disadvantages of free VPNs:
In short: If you need maximum security, high performance, advanced data protection, premium support, and useful extra functions, you should opt for a fee-based VPN.
Most VPN providers offer their customers a desktop application for Windows and Macintosh computers , as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. Some VPNs can also be installed on Linux platforms, directly on the router, or even on Apple TV and the Amazon fire TV stick.
If it’s possible to automatically or manually set up the VPN on a router, you will not need to install a VPN client on every single device in your network. Some VPN providers work with FlashRouters. This means that you can purchase pre-configured VPN routers.
Before you decide on a VPN provider, you should check whether it supports all devices and platforms that are relevant to you. In addition, please make sure that your preferred protocols are also supported by the respective VPN app.
VPN software allows users to browse the Internet anonymously. They solve problems with streaming and fix risks associated with surfing. Additionally, they unlock blocked content.
The new seasons of Game of Thrones and TheWalking Dead are on their way. German streamers are often left empty-handed at first. It takes four to six months for the seasons to be available on the German Netflix or Amazon PrimeVideo. This is usually due to licensing restrictions for various countries. It also takes time to dub the texts. This is why many users decide for VPN software. A VPN client allows users to trick Netflix and other providers, making them think that they are located in the US. This allows them access to all episodes and seasons right from the release date.
The World Wide Web is no safe space. This is why no user should use the Internet without protection. Sensitive data, such as a user’s bank and credit card data, can easily fall into the wrong hands. The hackers use these data for criminal ends and can cause great financial damage doing so. A VPN client above all improves user security. They protect themselves from all dangers. The IP address of the VPN user is masked and a high-end encryption protects data communication. This prevents criminals from accessing personal or bank data. They can no longer use user data for malicious ends.
Many file sharing users download illegal content from the Internet. Mainly series, films, music, as well as software. Downloading this material infracts on copyright laws. If file sharing users do not hide their real identity, they can quickly get caught. The rights holders will subsequently send an official claim through a lawyer. This claim requests the user to pay a hefty fine. Users can mask their identity using a VPN software. The IP address can no longer be traced by third parties. All communication takes place through a secure VPN tunnel. Neither the provider nor authorities can access it. They therefore have no idea what a user is up to.
The governments of many countries use the possibility to censor the Internet. This is easily done with one or more firewalls. Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube are not available in countries such as Turkey or China. Users can circumvent the severe censorship in all these countries with a VPN software. They are then free of all limitations. The VPN software changes the IP address and masks the location of the user. This makes it impossible for firewalls to block user access. Additionally, governments cannot get to user activity or data.
There are various VPN providers on the market. However, not every provider fits the demands of each user equally well. There are often great differences between the price and possibilities of a VPN provider. It is important to diligently compare all VPN providers before making a choice. We have extensively tested all well-known providers and have also made recommendations. Our clear list of the top 10 VPN providers offers you an overview of the best providers. In this list, all discounts the providers offer are listed as well. You will automatically receive this discount if you choose a VPN provider through our website. Unfortunately, we cannot always offer these discounts as the discount campaigns are limited in time and amount. Like usual: first come, first served. You can of course always contact us with any questions you might have.