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1. Download Speed
If you plan to do anything more than simple web browsing, it’s a good idea to find a VPN which sports good speed in reviews. If you want a VPN to dodge Netflix blocking, for example, a slow download speed will mean you’ll see more buffering than actual content!
2. Killswitches
Let’s say you’re browsing the Internet using a VPN. This VPN doesn’t have a killswitch built into it. During your browsing experience, your VPN’s server goes down. You don’t notice and continue browsing, unaware that you’re connecting directly to the Web. This reveals your location without you knowing. A killswitch is vital for anyone using VPNs for privacy. Killswitches recognize when the VPN service goes down and blocks your Internet connection to prevent your identity from leaking.
3. Multiple Servers Per Country
If you want to use the VPN to get around geo-blocks, it’s a good idea to choose one that has multiple servers in each country. This is because a server isn’t guaranteed to get around a block just because it’s in the target country. The service you’re trying to access may have identified it as a VPN server and blocked it from connecting. As such, it’s a good idea to have an arsenal of servers to try when one doesn’t work.
4. Torrenting Capabilities
If you want to use torrents while on a VPN, be sure to double-check that they allow such traffic. Some services will state in their terms of use that they won’t tolerate torrenting, while others will have dedicated servers for P2P traffic.
5. Number of Devices
How many devices do you want your VPN on? If you’re looking at more than three, it’s worth double-checking the device limit before putting down any money. Make sure all of your devices will be covered under the license before wasting your cash!
6. Company History
When we entrust companies with our privacy, it’s crucial to do a background check to ensure they’re handling our data properly. A company with a shady history is one of the red flags for VPNs, so be sure to do some research and see who you’re trusting.
7. The Protocol
It’s also important to double-check that the provider is encrypting your data properly. A weak encryption will only be a marginally-better precaution than no encryption. When you pay for a VPN, you should be sure they’re doing their best to protect your data.
Being Picky with VPNs
VPNs typically ask for payment before you can use them. As such, it’s important to study up on each potential VPN provider to make sure they meet your needs. Otherwise, you may end up paying money for a service you don’t want! What’s the most important VPN feature to you when selecting one? Do you value privacy over everything else, or will you not touch a VPN if they discourage torrenting? Let us know below.
