This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for a UK audience.
If you're not entirely familiar with virtual private networks, or VPNs, now is probably a good time to learn about the increasingly popular cybersecurity services.
There are several reasons why you may want to use a VPN, including but not limited to masking all of your web traffic or accessing services that may be blocked in a specific location. If you want to get the most out of the web today, a VPN is absolutely essential.
What is a VPN?
VPNs provide protection for your data and identity when you are online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your current IP address, meaning all your activity is untraceable and secure.
VPNs act as encrypted tunnels through which all your online traffic passes. No one can see inside the tunnel and everything inside the tunnel is protected from online threats such as viruses, hackers and malware.
Should you use free VPNs?
There are many free versions of popular VPNs, plus free VPN trials with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. However, as with most things in life, with VPNs you get what you pay for.
There is always a problem with free versions, and it is usually limited data usage. If you're just a casual user, these plans will work well. But if you are going to stream or download, this won't work. Free trials are a little different: they come with everything you get on a paid plan, but they obviously don't usually last long. Trials are great for testing a service before committing, but it's not a long-term solution.
The best option to stream securely and access the online world without restrictions is with a paid VPN subscription. To get access to advanced security features without usage limitations, you must pay.
What is the best VPN for privacy and anonymity?
Deciding you need a VPN is the easy part, but which VPN should you choose and which ones can you trust? Search for a VPN online and dozens of results will appear, so choosing the best service can be difficult. It requires a lot of research and you absolutely need to do your homework before committing to anything.
The good news is that we've worked hard to help you in your search for a VPN and we've tracked down examples of great services that protect your data, hide your activity, and bypass online restrictions. You can choose from leading services like PureVPN, NordVPNTunnelBear, and more.
These are the best VPNs for online privacy in 2024.
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