What is a VPN? How it Works & How to Use a VPN (2024)

Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN creates a secure, anonymous connection between you and the internet so that your activities and location details are hidden. Since no one can see what you’re doing online when using a VPN, they are also an essential tool in places where online censorship limits your internet access.

While they can seem technical and difficult, you don’t need to be an expert to understand what a VPN is, what it does, and why you should use one. In this guide, you can learn everything you need to know about VPNs — from how they work to how to choose the best one for you.

There are plenty of beginner-friendly VPNs, but my personal favorite is ExpressVPN. Despite being packed with quality security features, its apps are very simple to use. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. If you’re not totally sold in that time, you can claim a full refund. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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What is a VPN and How Do VPNs Work?

A VPN is an essential security tool that adds a layer of protection to your online connections. Without a VPN, your internet activity can be easily intercepted and viewed by others. This includes your browsing history, downloaded files, online banking details, and passwords.

It’s possible for third parties to see what you’re doing because all your activities are linked to your device through your Internet Protocol (IP) address. Your IP address reveals your physical location and can be used to track you down. It’s like sending postcards through the mail — anyone can read the message and see your name and address.

But when you’re connected to a VPN, your internet activity is encrypted, and your real IP address is masked. No one can see who you are or what you’re doing. Some VPNs even use server obfuscation to disguise your traffic, making it difficult for sites and services to detect that you’re using a VPN.

With a VPN, you’re sending highly secure private messages that only the intended recipient can access. These messages contain no sender information, ensuring anonymity. If anyone tries to snoop on the message, they will only encounter a scrambled mess of encrypted data.

Additionally, when you use a VPN, the website or service you are accessing sees the VPN server as the source of your data, providing you with the freedom to explore the internet without any network limitations.

Do You Really Need a VPN?

Yes, you need a VPN to safely and freely access the internet. Here’s a list of reasons why consumers currently use VPNs:

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular reasons for using a VPN and how the VPN works to enhance safety and improve your online experience.

Secure Your Online Privacy

Some networks like free public WiFi and hotspots are not secure. It’s so easy to intercept another person’s device when it’s connected to the same network. Since hackers know this, they usually watch these networks for easy targets to steal important information from — like your credit card details.

Governments and your ISP can also monitor your online activities, but a VPN can encrypt your traffic for privacy and security.

Bypass Blocks, Restrictions, Censorship, and Firewalls

Network blocks occur in various forms:

• Government censorship: Many countries around the world censor the internet because certain content doesn’t align with local political or religious beliefs.
• Network restrictions: Local administrators for networks like schools and offices block access to sites and services that aren’t considered appropriate.
• Location restrictions: Some online services (like Hulu and BBC iPlayer) impose restrictions depending on your geographical location to avoid copyright issues.

If you’re experiencing restrictions like these, you can use a VPN to provide access to the online content you want to see. However, you should know it’s against most streaming platforms’ Terms of Service to use a VPN to bypass geo-blocks meant to protect their licensing agreements, and this can amount to copyright infringement.

In countries with government censorship, a VPN can overcome internet restrictions like China’s Great Firewall. Otherwise, simple tasks like Googling or updating your status on Facebook are impossible. It’s important to note that there can be severe legal consequences for doing this since VPNs can also be banned in countries with strict online censorship. No tourists have ever been penalized for using a VPN to access their usual content, though.

You can also use a VPN to connect to different game servers, letting you play online games like Call of Duty: Warzone with friends in other countries.

Torrent Files Safely and Anonymously

Torrenting is risky since P2P connections expose your true location to every peer connected to the same file, making you vulnerable to hackers and identity theft. You can also never be sure if your downloaded files are 100% safe.

Since VPNs hide your IP address and include many other security features, you’re safe from malicious P2P users. Plus, your ISP won’t be able to see that you’re torrenting, so you’re less likely to experience bandwidth throttling if you download frequently.

A VPN like CyberGhost provides dedicated torrenting servers to keep your download speeds fast, your file-sharing anonymous, and your devices protected from malware.

Improve Your Internet Connection and Speeds

At times, your ISP may deliberately slow down your Internet connection (if it’s legally allowed to do so). This could be because your ISP detects your torrent or streaming activity, or because you’ve gone over a certain data limit. Some ISPs even use this strategy to get you to upgrade your connection. The practice is known as “throttling.”

With a VPN, your activity remains private so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing to throttle your connection. This means you may actually see an increase in speeds.

Are VPNs Safe? How to Choose a Secure VPN in 2024

It’s not always obvious which VPN features are marketing gimmicks and which are truly useful. As someone who uses VPNs extensively, I’ve compiled a list of the critical features that you should keep in mind when selecting a VPN.

Strong Encryption and Connection Protocols

One of the main reasons for using a VPN is to make your connections safe, so don’t skimp when it comes to security. Look for a service with 256-bit AES encryption — the industry standard — and secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.

Some VPNs also use their own protocols. ExpressVPN has a proprietary Lightway protocol as its default connection, optimized for fast speeds and strong security.

The VPN protocol you choose depends on how much security and speed you need, as well as your device. Below are the most common protocols:

• OpenVPN: Popular open-source protocol that’s supported by nearly all VPNs. It’s the most secure protocol available with no known weaknesses.
• WireGuard: Open-source protocol with fewer lines of code than OpenVPN, so it’s easier to audit for security vulnerabilities. It balances speed and security at the same time.
• IKEv2: Fast, secure, and popular with mobile users. The biggest drawback is that it’s not open-source and can’t be audited.
• SSTP: Less popular protocol that works mostly on Windows. Good for bypassing firewalls but speeds are average.
• L2TP/IPSec: Mostly used on iPhones, although it’s outdated so you should avoid it where possible.
• PPTP: PPTP isn’t secure and has been previously cracked by the NSA in the US.

Strict Zero-Log Privacy Policy

It’s important to choose a provider with a no-log policy that has been independently audited and verified. Otherwise, the VPN could be storing data relating to your online activity and sharing it with third parties, like advertisers or government bodies.

Even when a VPN claims to keep “zero logs,” read the fine print in the privacy policy. You’ll likely find that many VPNs record your IP address, bandwidth usage, payment details, and connection timestamps. However, the best VPNs won’t store any identifying data. This means none of your online activity while connected to the VPN can be linked to your personal information.

A VPN like ExpressVPN not only has an audited no-log policy, but also a strong track record. In 2017, the Turkish government demanded user logs from ExpressVPN to aid a criminal investigation. When the authorities physically seized a server, no identifying customer data was found.

Also, make sure the provider is based outside the 5/9/14 Eyes alliances (these are groups of countries that share surveillance data). If you’re not sure where a provider stands, read the privacy policy.

Fast Speeds

Using a VPN can slow down your connection, as your data is being encrypted and routed through another server. With some VPNs, the difference is barely noticeable, whereas others can cause a considerable slowdown. The best VPNs can mitigate the speed loss caused by encryption, ensuring your speeds stay fast on every connection.

VPNs with a lot of servers can reduce overcrowding to perform at an optimal level. You’re also more likely to find a local connection, which will have a smaller impact on your speed. Generally, the further away the server is, the slower your internet because it will take longer for your data to get there.

Works With Streaming Services, Torrenting, Gaming, and More

VPNs allow you to access the internet without restrictions. By masking your true location, you can torrent public domain content and access your usual online services, even if you’re in a country where these aren’t available. However, many VPNs are easily blocked by VPN detection technology — streaming services often block VPN IP addresses to protect their copyright agreements.

If you want to use your VPN to watch Netflix in the US locally or get through a certain country’s firewall, find out first if it’s capable. Many VPNs have details on their support sites, letting you know which services they work with and whether they can get around tough restrictions.

You can also use their free trials and money-back guarantees to test VPNs. However, even the best VPNs can’t always avoid detection, but with regular server updates and IP refreshing, you’ll soon find a working connection.

Supports Multiple Devices and Platforms

Top-tier VPNs have native apps for popular platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux devices. You’ll also find VPN support for smart TVs, Amazon Fire devices, Roku, Kodi, routers, Chromecast, and other devices that don’t support VPNs directly (like gaming consoles). Before subscribing to your VPN, make sure that it works with the devices you want to secure.

If you choose a provider that allows several simultaneous connections, you don’t have to worry about which devices are protected. You can stay signed in to your VPN without getting logged out for exceeding the limit.

24/7 Customer Support

If something goes wrong or you have questions, you need to be confident that you’ll get a fast response from your VPN provider. Choose a service with 24/7 live chat, email support and a comprehensive website with FAQs, troubleshooting, and setup guides. It’s even better if your VPN has step-by-step video guides.

Value for Money

You don’t necessarily have to choose the cheapest VPN to get your money’s worth. Instead, look for a service that offers all the features mentioned above at a reasonable price. Usually, this means subscribing to a long-term plan to get the best value. However, VPNs often have discount codes and coupons so you can get a great deal on any subscription plan.

Also, many VPNs offer money-back guarantees. This lets you fully test the service to make sure it’s right for you — if you change your mind or aren’t totally happy, you can get a full refund.

Are There Disadvantages to Using a VPN?

No VPN is perfect, so there are some potential disadvantages you should be aware of — fortunately, these can be minimized or even eliminated by using one of the top VPNs in 2024.

• You may notice a slight connection speed slowdown. Your data takes longer to travel due to the encryption and additional server routing. However, top VPNs mitigate speed loss so effectively that you won’t notice a difference.
• Your data can still leak. If your VPN connection is unexpectedly interrupted, your online activity and personal data (like your IP address) can be exposed. So, make sure your VPN has an active kill switch to prevent these kinds of leaks.
• VPNs won’t keep you completely anonymous. Web trackers, cookies, and browser fingerprinting can be used to identify you. They store and reveal which websites you visit, your general location, and more. You’re also identifiable if you log into a service like Google, or YouTube with a VPN as your activities can still be traced back to your account.
• Shady VPNs can log and sell your data. Many completely free VPNs profit by logging and selling your data to third-party advertisers or worse, hackers. Check your VPN’s privacy policy and only subscribe to a reliable, trustworthy service.
• Not every server will work every time. Services like Netflix and Disney+ have powerful VPN detection technology that can block your VPN connection. Fortunately, top VPNs have optimized servers that are regularly tested and refreshed to guarantee a working connection.
• The best VPNs aren’t free. To get optimal security, you’ll have to pay for a subscription. However, this doesn’t mean your VPN has to be expensive. Longer subscriptions are almost always better value, but if you’re on a budget you can also get a quality VPN at an affordable monthly price.
• VPNs aren’t legal to use worldwide. Some countries, like China, Russia, Turkey, and Iraq, heavily restrict or even ban the use of non-government-approved VPNs. If you plan on visiting one of these countries, it’s a good idea to download your VPN before you arrive and make sure you’re aware of local laws and regulations before you connect.

How Much Do VPNs Cost?

There are multiple factors to consider when looking at the cost of a VPN:

• The VPN itself — well-known and tested services usually cost more.
• The length of the VPN subscription.
• The number of servers, including specialized servers (for streaming, torrenting, and gaming).
• Extra features, like split tunneling, ad and malware blockers, server obfuscation, and more.

On average, a VPN will cost around $6-7 per month. Very rarely will you find a VPN charging more than $10 per month, and you can definitely find a better service at a lower price. Plus, you’ll always get a more cost-effective deal when you choose a long-term subscription versus a short-term or month-to-month plan.

The price of VPNs varies between services — for comparison, ExpressVPN’s lowest price plan is $6.67 per month for a subscription, while Private Internet Access’s monthly cost for its plan is just $2.03/month. However, price isn’t the only thing to consider and this depends on what you need a VPN for primarily.

Free VPN vs. Paid VPN: Which Is Better?

Premium VPNs offer top-tier security with extra features — you won’t get the same level of protection with a free service. There are free VPNs owned by premium services that are safe, but they’re extremely limited. These “freemium” services often limit how much data you can use, the number of servers you can connect to, and the speed.

It’s expensive to run a VPN network, and the company still needs to make money even if you’re not paying. That’s why many free VPNs are scams meant to collect and sell your data, spam you with annoying popup ads, or even trick you into downloading malware. To be safe, it’s always better to get a premium VPN than a free one. Or at the very least a freemium VPN that’s supported by paid subscribers.

The Best VPNs in 2024 for Beginners — Full Test Results

1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Beginners With Excellent Security Features and Pre-Configured Settings

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN’s apps are the easiest for beginners to start using a VPN. They’re pre-configured for top security and privacy, so you don’t need to make changes manually — simply log in, hit the power button, and you’ll be automatically connected to the best server near you.

Besides the standard AES-256-bit encryption that’s a must for all VPNs, ExpressVPN has a few other features like Advanced Protection. Alongside blocking ads and trackers, it works like a parental control setting that stops malicious and adult sites from loading. These are not turned on by default to suit your online preferences, but it’s as easy as checking a few boxes.

Other pre-configured features that ExpressVPN has to protect your identity online include:

• Data leak protection — protected all my connections against DNS, IPv4, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.
• Network Lock kill switch — blocks access to the internet if the VPN connection is unexpectedly interrupted.
• Server obfuscation — masks VPN traffic to look like regular traffic, avoiding VPN detection technologies that could block your access to certain sites.
• TrustedServer technology — RAM-based servers can’t physically log or store your data, and they’re wiped clean during reboots.
• Privacy-friendly jurisdiction — based in the British Virgin Islands that’s not a part of any internet surveillance data-sharing alliance.

Among all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN gave me the fastest speeds. Although distant servers usually slow down connections, I saw a tiny drop in speed when I tested a server 4,000 miles away from me. As a result, high-bandwidth activities didn’t take much longer than usual and I could watch YouTube videos without lag or dips in quality.

It’s a little more expensive than other services, with plans starting at $6.67 per month for a subscription. However, ExpressVPN’s security, speeds, and reliability make it well worth the price.

If you decide to try ExpressVPN, it’s risk-free — all plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested the policy by canceling my ExpressVPN account via 24/7 live chat. My refund request was approved in under 5 minutes with no questions asked. Best of all, I had the full amount in my account in less than 5 business days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Worldwide for Streaming, Torrenting, and Gaming

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	11,676+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost has optimized servers to easily connect to the best server for your activity. The optimized streaming, torrenting, and (Windows-only) gaming servers are available worldwide and tested regularly so that you get a reliable and smooth connection every time. Other servers work for these activities as well, but you’ll get the best performance with these.

One of CyberGhost’s top advanced features is WiFi protection, which is ideal if you use public WiFi frequently. You can set up the VPN to connect immediately when your device detects a WiFi network. This will ensure you don’t accidentally share sensitive data without first securing your connection. CyberGhost also has:

• Malware blocker — prevents ads and pop ups that link to malicious sites from loading.
• NoSpy servers — owned and maintained by CyberGhost in its headquarters in Romania to prevent interference by third-party data center operators.
• Dedicated IP address — provides your own IP address to bypass CAPTCHAs, work remotely, and avoid IP blacklisting due to other users’ behavior (available for an extra fee).
• Security suite for Windows — includes an antivirus program, limits data collection by Microsoft, and updates outdated apps for security.

During speed tests, CyberGhost was slightly slower than ExpressVPN. However, all 19 servers I tested locally and within 2,000 miles were fast enough to make smooth video calls. If you plan to stream, torrent, or play online games, choose the optimized servers if they’re available in your location as they’re faster than the regular ones.

The only thing I didn’t like is that the money-back guarantee for CyberGhost’s monthly plan is only for 14 days. This wasn’t long enough for me to thoroughly test all of its features. Fortunately, all long-term plans come with one of the longest refund periods — 45 days.

I recommend the 2-year + 2 months plan for this reason and because it only costs $2.19/month. After contacting a support agent via 24/7 live chat, I arranged my refund without hassle and had my money back in less than a week.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Security Settings to Suit Your Online Activities

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

PIA’s security features are easy to use and highly flexible so it’s ideal for beginners and advanced VPN users. If you’re not sure what to choose or if you don’t know what a feature does, just hover over the “i” icon and you’ll have more details.

Some of PIA’s features that beginners can explore are:

• Kill switch — use the VPN Kill Switch to prevent access to the internet when the VPN connection is interrupted, or the Advanced Kill Switch that prevents leaks even when the VPN is off.
• Protocols — switch to the WireGuard protocol from OpenVPN if you want both a secure and high-speed connection.
• Encryption standard — try OpenVPN’s 256-bit encryption instead of the default 128-bit for maximum security when transacting online — ideal when using public WiFi or unsecured networks.

Compared to other VPNs, PIA has an enormous network of 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, so you should be able to find a server near you easily. Although it’s not clear how many servers are in each location, I didn’t have trouble connecting to all 23 PIA servers I tried — I didn’t experience issues or slowdown due to congestion.

When I tested PIA’s local servers, there was only a slight decrease in my baseline speeds. My connection was consistently fast enough to watch Netflix content in UHD without lag. Lowering the encryption back to 128-bit or switching to the WireGuard protocol also improved my speeds.

The only downside is that all these customizations and options might be a bit overwhelming for beginners at first. While the advanced features are worth trying as you get used to the apps, there are other VPNs that are simpler to set up or come configured automatically.

Overall, PIA is a solid choice for online security, and it’s one of the lowest-priced VPNs. Plans start at $2.03/month, which is hard to beat. Plus, the service is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I got my money back in just 6 days after contacting support via live chat.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

4. NordVPN — Specialty Servers for Multiple Functions Make it an Easy Option for Beginners

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	6,300+
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Like CyberGhost, NordVPN has specialty servers optimized for different functionalities. The Onion Over VPN servers allow you to use any regular browser to access the Tor network, while its double VPN routes your traffic through 2 servers for double encryption and extra security. NordVPN also has 5,000+ P2P servers worldwide and an obfuscated network across 16 countries.

NordVPN’s Meshnet connects all your devices so that you can share files in an encrypted tunnel. You can access your home desktop remotely from your computer at work to retrieve important files. NordVPN has plenty of resources online to explain what and how to use Meshnet for beginners.

The VPN includes all the common security features including military-grade encryption, a kill switch, as well as data leak protection. Beyond that, NordVPN also offers Threat Protection to block risky websites and apps, stop web trackers, and remove annoying ads. It also automatically scans downloaded files and removes malware.

One thing to remember is that NordVPN’s user interface can be difficult to navigate. Besides the distracting map, certain settings can be difficult to find. If it’s your first time using NordVPN, give yourself some time to get used to the apps.

If you want to get NordVPN, the 2-year + 3 months plan is $2.99 a month. If you don’t like it, you can ask for a refund with its 30-day money-back guarantee. When I tested it, a live chat agent processed my request immediately. The money was back in my account 5 days later. Just remember that NordVPN’s prices increase more than 50% after your initial contract expires.

5. Surfshark — Rich With Easy-to-Use Features That are Important for New Users

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	3,200+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Surfshark has many advanced features that can benefit beginners. For example, the IP Rotator changes your IP address frequently to make it difficult for others to trace you based on your online activities. There’s also a built-in speed testing tool that you can use to connect to the fastest server, and CleanWeb is great for blocking ads and malicious websites.

Surfshark also offers double encryption with its Dynamic MultiHop feature. Unlike other VPNs where you can only select one of the servers, Surfshark allows you to select both. This can be useful to improve speed, as double encryption connections are slow. For most people, single encryption is strong enough, but if you need it, it’s easy to use with Surfshark’s intuitive apps.

Unfortunately, Surfshark is quite slow on distant servers with shows buffering once or twice within a 1-hour period. However, Surfshark’s servers within 2,000 miles were really fast. The servers in my location affected my baseline speeds by 32% on average but it was still fast enough to watch YouTube videos without any lags.

If you want to try Surfshark, the 2-year + 4 months plan is the best at $1.99 a month. All its plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee that I personally tested to be trustworthy. I sent a message via 24/7 live chat and the agent asked for my payment details before approving my refund request. I had my money back 6 days later.

Easy Setup Guides: How to Install a VPN on Any Device

Most VPNs, including the ones I’ve listed above, are extremely easy to install and use — the whole process takes less than 5 minutes. Just sign up for a VPN service, install the app, and log in. The steps may vary depending on the VPN and operating system you’re using. If you’re having problems, you can check out the guides on your VPN provider’s website.

But first, try these step-by-step guides for desktops, mobile devices, routers, and smart TVs:

Windows and Mac

Many VPNs offer native apps for Windows, macOS, and even Linux. The installation process is similar across all operating systems:

Android, iOS, Tablets, and Amazon Fire Stick

To ensure you can access the money-back guarantee, get the VPN apps directly from its official website instead of relying on an app store and follow these steps:

Smart TVs, Roku, and Streaming Devices

Roku, most smart TVs, and streaming devices don’t support VPN apps natively. If you have a smart TV running on Android OS, ExpressVPN has a native Android TV app that might save you the hassle of connecting through a router.

But if you can’t use a VPN app with your device, you have to first install the VPN on your router. Then, connect your device to your router and it will automatically connect to the remote VPN server. Although the steps vary from one platform to another, this is the general method:

You can also create a WiFi hotspot from your VPN-protected computer and connect your smart TV to the hotspot. This sharing connection will let your smart TV benefit from the VPN encryption — and you can easily disconnect your TV when you’re done.

A third option is to set up Smart DNS with your smart TV. This changes the DNS server your smart TV uses, so you can access your local streaming services. However, this doesn’t provide the encryption of a regular VPN connection. ExpressVPN has a MediaStreamer feature designed for smart TVs, with easy step-by-step setup instructions on its website.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Alternatives to VPNs

VPN Browser Extensions

VPN browser extensions hide your IP address so you can browse and stream anonymously. Some extensions, like CyberGhost’s Chrome and Firefox proxies, are free. You’ll usually have access to a few servers and they can connect to your favorite streaming services.

However, the majority of VPN browser extensions are proxies that don’t encrypt your connection, so they’re not ideal for sending sensitive data or preventing spying eyes from viewing your online activity. Plus, a browser extension only covers your browser traffic, not your entire device.

If you must use this option, ExpressVPN’s browser extension will give you the same military-grade encryption and data leak protection as the app. You can use it conveniently from your browser and connect to any of its 3,000+ servers, so you’re not limited to a handful of locations.

Tor Browser

Tor (The Onion Router) browser is free and works like a regular browser. But instead of sending your traffic directly to the destination, it’s routed through several different volunteer computers, or “nodes” that also encrypt your data. Each node can see where your data is coming from and going to, but not the entire route from your device to the destination site.

Tor provides almost complete anonymity, as it’s nearly impossible to trace your online activity back to you. This makes it useful for accessing the dark web or sending and receiving highly sensitive information.

However, the Tor browser has its limitations — it’s extremely slow, is easily blocked by ISPs and other networks, and it only secures your browser traffic, not your entire device. This makes it vulnerable to data leaks, and you’ll find Tor traffic also a target for surveillance.

The only way to mitigate these risks is by using a VPN with Tor. By connecting to a VPN server before the Tor browser, you secure your entire device (preventing data leaks) and you don’t expose your true IP address to Tor. This eliminates the risk of your location or identity being discovered through deanonymizing attacks by compromised nodes.

Proxy Services

A proxy service passes your traffic through a third-party server, hiding your IP address and location. This can provide access to restricted websites and allow you greater anonymity on the internet.

However, you won’t get any extra security with a proxy server. There is no encryption, no kill switch, and no data leak protection. Some proxies even tell your destination website that you’re using a proxy service, which increases the chance of your connection being blocked.

A VPN is a much better option if you value your online security and privacy, as it encrypts your entire internet connection and routes your traffic through secure servers. Nobody can see which websites you visit, what files you’re torrenting, or even the shows you’re streaming.

FAQs on VPNs

In Summary – What is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?

A VPN is security software designed to protect your data and internet activities as online threats increase. New technologies continue to develop and hackers are becoming more sophisticated in stealing data and committing cyber crimes. By connecting to a VPN server before going online, you keep your personal information to yourself and claim back your right to privacy.

If you haven’t started using a VPN, they’re not difficult to use — most VPNs are easy to set up on all major devices. Of all the services tested, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for beginners due to its easy-to-use apps, fast speeds, and impressive network size. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it for the first time without any risks.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Glossary of Common VPN Terms

Summary — Best VPNs for Beginners in 2024

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Ranked Top Choice

1.

9.8

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$6.67 / month Save 49%

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2.

9.6

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$2.19 / month Save 83%

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3.

9.4

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$2.19 / month Save 82%

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4.

9.4

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$3.09 / month Save 76%

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5.

9.4

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$1.99 / month Save 87%

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Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.