Originally published at: What Are the Best VPN Services of 2021 for Digital Nomads? - GoVisaFree
VPNs are services that are on the ever-growing rise online these days. In this article, we’ll be going over what a VPN is, what the reasons behind someone using a VPN would be, and lastly, a list of some of the most popular and high-quality VPN alternatives on the market at the moment. There are also lots of free VPN options. However they can provide much less than the paid ones, also they can be insecure. Let us get started with what exactly a VPN is.
What Is a VPN?
A VPN (a virtual private network) is a type of technology that allows you to have your own private connection. It has access to public networks. It’s doing this process by creating an encrypted tunnel per se between your device and the internet provider.
VPNs are able to be installed on your device just like any other service or app that you’d install. They are incredibly useful in terms of allowing you as the user to get around issues such as censorship, or accessing region-locked content on apps such as Netflix. As mentioned, VPNs create encryptions, this means your privacy will be completely secure online. It’s stopping your internet provider from having access to any of the content you’ve been using.
Why Do Digital Nomads Need a VPN?
One of the most effective methods to prevent this issue is to use a Virtual Private Network. Travelers, travel bloggers, digital nomads, and vacationers have different needs than, for instance, one who works from home and is very concerned about personal protection.
Here are just a handful of the numerous reasons why no digital nomad should be without a reliable VPN at any time.
Data and Device Safety
Hackers, botnets, malware, and a variety of other cyber threats can gain access to your personal information and devices via open WiFi. Even “protected” shared networks at co-working spaces pose considerable hazards since you never know who is using your workspace with you.
Digital nomads are actually vulnerable in two directions. Your data can be stolen when you send it, or malicious code might ride piggyback on your incoming traffic, allowing hackers to hijack or damage your devices.
A VPN keeps you and your devices safe no matter where you connect by concealing your real location and encrypting all data.
Bank Services
Banks services will even ban your account access, if you’re not in your home country, Therefore, it is a necessary safety step, but it is a big burden for digital nomads.
If you’re using a VPN, websites like your bank see only the IP address of the server you’re connected to. It can’t see your actual location. You’ll have full access to send and receive money from anywhere as long as the network includes a server in the country where you opened your accounts.
Avoid from Location Restrictions
Even if you have a paid membership, being frequently on the go may result in you being banned from your favorite websites and streaming services.
You can struggle to keep up with happenings back home if you don’t use a VPN. It’s also annoying when your favorite shows and movies aren’t accessible where you are. A VPN keeps you connected to the rest of the world by providing you with a new IP address that hides your true location.
Quick List of the Best VPNs for Digital Nomads and Travelers
Best Overall
Express VPN
Editor’s Rating
9.5/10
ExpressVPN is a great option if you want fast download, file sharing, or streaming speeds. It also uses military-grade encryption on public wifi, and the service follows the industry’s tightest privacy policy.
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Best Encryption
NordVPN
Editor’s Rating
9.3/10
If you’re looking for your first premium VPN, NordVPN is a good option because it offers new customers remote installation and setup support, as well as predefined settings. It also comes with robust encryption and fast speeds.
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Best for Mac
CyberGhost
Editor’s Rating
9/10
A CyberGhost membership protects up to seven devices at once, making it ideal for nomads who travel with a lot of electronics. The security is amazing, the applications are visually appealing and easy, and the speeds are excellent.
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What Are the Best VPN Services of 2021?
Now that you know what a VPN is and the list of benefits behind having one, what are some of the best VPN services you can get? Below we have listed many of the most well-renowned and popular VPN providers. As well as this, we have provided an overview of each one with some noteworthy points about each. This is to ensure you can make the most calculated decision that fits you best.
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ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has easily become one of the most popular VPNs in the market. They are easily known as one of the most efficient and well-rounded VPN providers across the board. Their VPN service is incredibly easy to run on platforms such as Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. They provide the highest quality encryption, with lightning-fast servers across over 90 countries across the globe. You can even try their 30 day trial period to ensure their service is the best fit for you. As well as this, they also offer top-of-the-line 24/7 support to their customers.
The only negative that could be noted about ExpressVPN at the moment is some recent controversy surrounding them that has cropped up.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has easily become one of the most popular VPNs in the market. They are easily known as one of the most efficient and well-rounded VPN providers across the board. Their VPN service is incredibly easy to run on platforms such as Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. They provide the highest quality encryption, with lightning-fast servers across over 90 countries across the globe. You can even try their 30 day trial period to ensure their service is the best fit for you. As well as this, they also offer top-of-the-line 24/7 support to their customers.
The only negative that could be noted about ExpressVPN at the moment is some recent controversy surrounding them that has cropped up.
Pros
- Fast VPN
- High-quality encryption
- Available on almost every noteworthy platforms
- More than 3,000 servers
- No logs policy
Enter your title
- Can only be used on five devices at the same time
- When you buy through iTunes/App store, no refund
NordVPN
NordVPN is pretty close when it comes to popularity when compared to ExpressVPN. NordVPN uses NordLynx, which in many ways is described as a game-changer to the VPN landscape. In terms of security information and talents, NordVPN simply cannot be matched. Their pricing is also top class. You can purchase 2-years of NordVPN for the equivalent of just €2.64 per month.
All those positives being said, NordVPN’s user experience could still be worked on.
You can find all the details in our NordVPN Review 2021 article.
Pros
- NordLynx
- Fantastic subscription options
- Great VPN for Gaming
- User-friendly VPN app
- No IP/DNS leaks found
- Secure VPN
Cons
- OpenVPN configuration’s user experience is weak
- NordVPN doesn’t have an app that can be accessed through a router.
Hotspot Shield VPN
Hotspot Shield VPN is seen as one of the more quality options in the VPN world. They are also seen as one of the fastest improving and climbing VPN providers at the moment.
Hotspot Shield VPN provides lightning-quick speeds. This obviously means that they are perfect when it comes to streaming capabilities. This all combines into a service that is generally incredibly easy to use and user-friendly.
However, it should be said that their iPhone app is still waiting on some significant improvements to better the user experience. As well as this, the peace of mind they offer when it comes to privacy could also be better for a service that is centered around improved security and privacy.
Pros
- Incredibly swift speeds
- Flawless streaming capabilities
- User-friendly app for Win & Mac
- Torrenting is ok
- Works well with Netflix well
Cons
- iPhone app is still not straight-forward
- No live chat
TorGuard
Torrenting Guard is the acronym for TorGuard VP. TorGuard aims to be safer and more secure for P2P users. Military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy are both advantages of this VPN. It also uses the next-generation WireGuard tunneling protocol, Thus fast speeds are expected that will pass its competitors.
If you acquire a dedicated IP address, TorGuard may be used not just for secure torrenting but also for streaming. It also works in China (Stealth VPN) and is compatible with all main platforms.
Pros
- Safe and effective Encryption
- Live chat
- Torrenting is permitted
- Feature of Kill-Switch
- There were no leaks found
Cons
- Average server response time
- Third-party applications are required for iOS and Android
PrivateInternetAccess.com
Private Internet Access is another of the more reputable companies, though most VPN providers are generally seen as lesser than both Nord and Express. Private Internet Access has some perks though. They have an incredibly large number of servers. Their service can provide you with a host of feature-filled apps to choose from and make use of. They also provide some of the best pricing on the market. With Private Internet Access, you’ll be able to get three years of service for the equivalent of just €1.71 per month.
That being said, Private Internet Access does not have any security audit. As well as this, their WireGuard speeds are often seen as inconsistent when tested.
Pros
- A large number of servers at their disposal
- Gain access to a multitude of feature-filled applications
- They have some of the best pricing offers in the VPN landscape
Cons
- Lack of any form of security audit
- WireGuard speeds often come across as inconsistent
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN provides another option for you as the customer. Their apps through desktops have an incredible amount of features for you to choose from. As well as this, unlike Private Internet Access at times, they have consistent and top-quality performance levels. If you are a user of torrents, CyberGhost VPN also will support the use of them.
However, CyberGhost VPN does have the occasional slip-up when it comes to streaming something through it. Once again, like our previous entry, they also do not have a security audit either.
Pros
- An incredible amount of features to choose from on desktop apps
- Consistent and quality performance levels.
- Support the use of torrents.
- Support the use of torrents.
- User-friendly
Cons
- Occasionally slip-up when streaming
- No security audit
- Not clear at parent company
IPVanish VPN
IPVanish is seen as one of the more senior members of the VPN providers. They have been providing their services for years. When it comes to IPVanish they own and manage their own servers. They can also offer a lot to you as the customer. For example, they offer a lot of configurable applications. As well as this they also offer reliable and consistent security features.
Despite this, they are said to have patchy streaming capabilities. This combined with below-average speeds in comparison to other VPNs could be a dealbreaker for many.
Pros
- Good download speed
- Zero Traffic Logs
- Offers plenty of configurable applications and security options to the customer
Cons
- Patchy streaming capabilities
- High prices
- Can’t be used in the US
- No live chat
PureVPN
PureVPN was launched by their parent company GZ Systems in 2006. It is one of the market’s biggest and oldest Vpn services.
Since 2006, PureVPN has rapidly extended its operations, presently boasting over 2,000 servers in 180 different locations.
Pros
- More than 6500 servers in over 140 countries.
- For public WiFi networks, there is a special feature.
- Hotspot VPN
- Session logs are documented
Cons
- Money-back promises are not guaranteed
- Android app is likely to crash
Summary
There you have it. We’ve tried to give you the basics of a VPN and how you can choose the perfect provider for you. Have you ever used VPN? Let us know about your experience…Please also feel free to share your experience on our growing forum.