Adding a powerful tool such as a Virtual Private Network to your arsenal can be extremely useful. Because there are so many options, and an array of features, it can be difficult to find the best VPN for you. A VPN helps protect your privacy by changing your IP address and encrypts your data to protect your overall security.
A popular use for a VPN is to gain access to region locked content on streaming sites like Netflix. This works by making the website or app think that you’re in a different location giving you full access to the catalogue of media from that region. The encryption and masking protocols used help you bypass censorship or blocked sites and can even give you access to geo-blocked content.
ExpressVPN
For a good all around service your best option is ExpressVPN, which offers over 3000 servers across the world and is constantly being added to. These servers are located in 94 different countries and 160 locations which can be extremely useful. Express is also a great option for streaming due to its high bandwidth, which helps prevent buffering when watching media online, and geo-restriction bypass. The geo-restriction bypass allows you to access location based media, such as US Netflix.
An additional feature of ExpressVPN is the quality privacy and security that their service offers, using high level encryption methods to assure safety and privacy. As you may know it is inevitable to have some sort of logging done by a VPN provider. However Express is one of few that highly limit the information that they collect. You can be assured that IP addresses, browsing history and activity, DNS queries and metadata aren’t stored. The only information that they collect from their users are for technical support and to aid in providing the best service possible.
To make things even better the ExpressVPN programs and applications are simple to use and easy to navigate, even for beginners. However these programs aren’t the only way that you can take advantage of their service. You also have the option to use SmartDNS connection to unblock sites on numerous devices that don’t otherwise support the use of a VPN.
- Allows for use on 5 devices simultaneously
- Over 3000 servers across 94 countries
- Offers a no-strings attached 30 day money back guarantee
- Easy to use
- No activity logs
- Allows Torrenting and P2P
- 24/7 live support
- Unblocks Netflix US
NordVPN
Another good overall option is NordVPN, which is a privacy and security focused VPN. Nord keeps its consumers privacy in mind and have a strict no logs policy. Because it is based in Panama there are no data retention laws which aid in maintaining your privacy. To make things even better NordVPN uses military grade encryption protocols for your security.
Even though the primary focus of NordVPN is security, that isn’t the only purpose it serves. If you are a fan of streaming TV shows, movies and Netflix, then you may want to try NordVPN. It allows for unlimited bandwidth and data which is a great feature to have when streaming. Nord also does a good job at unblocking US Netflix which can be a great advantage for people who travel internationally or live in a different country.
- Allows for use on 6 devices simultaneously
- Over 5000 servers across 60 countries
- 30 day money back guarantee
- Strict no log policy
- P2P supported servers
- Ad-blocker
- 24/7 live support
- Unblocks Netflix US
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is another great VPN that can handle your needs. The simplistic and clean design makes navigating through the programs and apps a breeze while providing you with the options and power you need. Like many other VPNs CyberGhost is great for unblocking region based stream services, such as US Netflix. However Ghost is also rather handy for anyone looking for safe P2P torrenting.
The control and ease of use with CyberGhost is rather impressive and easy to get used to. You have the option to select and customise how the program will work using the inbuilt Smart Rules. The Smart rules allow you to change how the program will run on startup, set exceptions and add app and Wi-Fi protection.
You can choose to quickly connect and disconnect from the VPN with one click, or choose from more advanced options. You can choose between all the servers available or find the specific servers for your need using the categories. For people that wish to use the VPN for streaming you can quickly select a server that is optimised for specific streaming sites.
- Dedicated P2P/Torrenting Servers
- No Log Policy
- Over 4800 servers across 61 Countries
- Up to 7 simultaneous devices
- Ad-blocker
- 45 day money back guarantee
- Dedicated Streaming Servers (Unblocks US Netflix)
IPVanish
Whether your concern is privacy, security or censorship then a great choice would be IPVanish. They use a 256-bit AES encryption to ensure your information is safe, and allows you to bypass censored applications and websites. For additional piece of mind IPVanish have a rather nice zero traffic log policy.
Most VPN providers allow for 5-7 simultaneous connections across multiple devices, however with IPVanish you get an impressive 10. Unfortunately with this addition also comes a shorter money back guarantee compared to the previously mentioned services. With the guarantee only before for 7 days.
- Zero traffic logs
- 10 simultaneous connections
- 1300 servers in 75 locations
- Unlimited Bandwidth.
- Works with Netflix
- Unlimited torrenting
SurfShark
When compared to other VPN providers SurfShark has significantly less servers available. Even though this is the case there are over 800 servers in 50 different countries that you still have access to. A pretty cool feature that you can take advantage of is MultiHop. With MultiHop you have the ability to increase your privacy by connecting to multiple countries at any one time.
To add to the user friendly experience of SurfShark they have included a whitelister as well as an in built Ad-blocker. The SurfShark VPN also supports torrenting, and has a 24/7 live chat support for piece of mind and help.
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Unlimited Devices at once
- Inbuilt Ad-blocker
- Allows torrenting
- Works with Netflix
- 800 servers, 50 countries
- No log
- 24/7 live chat
ProtonVPN
Being based in Switzerland, you can feel secure knowing that your information is protected by world renown privacy laws. With ProtonVPN you know that your information will not be traded or compromised being outside the US & EU jurisdiction. The Swiss laws also allows them to enforce a common trait of popular VPNs, a no log policy.
You can remain virtually completely anonymous when making a ProtonVPN account. You can even use ProtonMail to keep your identity secure.
ProtonVPN also works great with Tor, featuring a Tor support already inbuilt into the system. This adds anonymity when surfing the Tor network or accessing dark web sites.
The overall design on ProtonVPN is a rather clean dark theme which is kept simplistic for customer ease of use. You have the option to use simple one click connections or go a little more advanced by setting up custom profiles for your device security.
You can even opt for the more limited, but free version of the application which allows use on one device and access to 3 countries. This can be helpful for getting a look at the program and trialling it before upgrading.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN offers a lot of what all VPNs offer including kill switches and strong encryption. Although the server base is not as large as others, it doesn’t mean they’re slacking. With good speeds and unlimited torrenting you can feel at ease using VyprVPN.
As with most VPNs these days Vypr is available for most common devices. Meaning you can use it on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, directly with your Router and more. Due to them being incorporated in Switzerland the log policy behind VyprVPN ensures your activity and DNS requests aren’t being stored, and won’t be compromised.
PureVPN
With PureVPN you have access to different modes which are easily switched between. The modes are for various different uses, such as Streaming, Security and File Sharing. The selected mode will then give you a series of different servers you can connect to with their ping.
For streaming you can select between choosing a specific location or website. If you choose a website then you may use the servers to get access to sites like US Netflix unrestricted. You can favourite the website or location servers for quick connection when needed.
PureVPN has a decent server base, with over 2000 servers across 140 different countries. With servers spreading this far you can feel comfortable that you should be able to find one located near you with low latency. A downside however is that the PureVPN log policy is fairly unclear.
Hotspot Shield
If you’ve ever looked into VPNs or heard anything about them, then it is likely that you’ve heard about Hotspot Shield. There are several reasons that it is so popular, one of which is because of its reliable military-grade encryption.
With a generous 45 day money back guarantee, 5 connected devices, unlimited bandwidth and a great support system with live chat, you can try Hotspot Shield risk free.
Unblocking US Netflix with a VPN
Many popular streaming sites such as Netflix, will deter their users from accessing their content if they are using a VPN, Proxy or anything to help them unblock geo-location locked content. This is in an effort to oblige by the respected agreements with copyright holders. These agreements tend to be based on location or country. This is why US Netflix tends to feature a larger catalogue of shows and movies to consume.
To prevent users from using a VPN or Proxy to access restricted content streaming sites will flag and block an IP address or other information. If an IP you’re connected to has been blocked you won’t be able to access the content you’re trying to.
In an attempt to bypass this feature some VPN providers will regularly switch the IP address on their servers. Changes like this will allow you to get unrestricted access to the streaming content you want. Fortunately most leading VPN providers have hundreds, if not thousands of servers all across the world. This means through trial and error you should be able to find a connection that will work for your needs.
If a VPN supports use with Netflix, or other sites, then it is likely that they promote it on their site. This is a good selling feature for many services and they tend to mention it. Some VPNs will even include servers specifically for certain streaming sites, that way you know which servers to test first.
There are different methods for how a VPN works with your connection, one way is SmartDNS. This is one of the main ways VPNs will help you gain access to regional locked content. These work by directly working with DNS requests. Although this system isn’t perfect for unblocking content, it is rather popular and effective. If Netflix is your primary reason for getting a VPN then your best choice is going to be ExpressVPN.
How a VPN helps protect your Privacy and Security
VPNs do a lot when it comes to keeping you safe and secure. In fact they have a load of advantages in general. When connecting to public WiFi you are exposed to numerous vulnerabilities. The encryption protocols that VPNs enable help keep you and your information safe in these scenarios and when travelling. The encryption also prevents your ISP from seeing your activity online, which is great for your own protection and privacy.
When it comes to the internet there are many vulnerabilities that you become exposed to. It is important to protect yourself as well as possible. You can find out more information on why you need a VPN here.
When you’re surfing the web or connecting to different applications people can gain access to your IP and location. A VPN masks this information and can help protect you from potential DDOS attacks and Doxing.
