6 best VPNs to keep your laptop and mobile devices secure
Most people probably aren't familiar with a VPN, nor know what it actually does. Yes, a VPN allows you to stream Netflix from different countries. It's also a privacy and security tool that encrypts users' web traffic and masks their IP addresses. This means that whether you're trying to watch YouTube abroad or looking for some extra security when in Starbucks, a VPN can be your best friend for secure, anonymous browsing.
However, finding a reliable VPN can be a difficult task with so many out there. Here are some of our favorites to consider if you're planning to travel, or even do some holiday shopping while enjoying your favorite coffee blend.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN offers secure, encrypted and anonymous browsing for desktop and mobile devices. The VPN also works in an unprecedented number of locations globally — serving 94 countries. ExpressVPN enables you to access almost any content online, and you can purchase a subscription at $12.95 a month, $9.99 for six months or $8.32 for 12 months.
▲NordVPN
NordVPN
NordVPN covers desktop and mobile devices, with manual setup available for wireless routers, NAS devices and other platforms. Based in Panama, NordVPN is arguably one of the most affordable paid-for VPNs, and currently has a deal for $2.99 a month for its 3-year plan, along with its standard $6.99 for 12-months and $11.99 per month options.
▲HideMyAss VPN
HideMyAss
Don't be scared away by the crass name. Owned by Avast, HideMyAss (HMA) boasts over 280 locations to browse from allowing for VPN protection on your router and other IoT devices. HMA also allows you to protect five devices at once with each subscription. Get this VPN at any of the following price plans: $6.99/ 12-months, $7.99/ 6-months and $11.99/ month.
▲CyberGhost
CyberGhost
CyberGhost supports seven devices simultaneously, and is also offering a deal similar to that of NordVPN. You can get two years of coverage at $3.50 a month or sign up for the standard $12.99 a month option and the $6.49 a month for 12 months.
▲Surfshark
Surfshark
Surfshark has more than 500 servers across 50 countries, practically guaranteeing fast browsing. The service also offers a malware and ad blocker called CleanWeb, meant to protect you from even the most sophisticated attacks. Surfshark goes for about $11.95 a month but also offers discounts including a $3.49 a month price for 24 months, and a $5.99 plan for 12 months.
▲PureVPN
PureVPN
PureVPN has more than 750 servers in 140 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada and Denmark. PureVPN supports multiple protocols in its software such as the Port-Forwarding add-on, which helps you access your device or a service from anywhere in the world securely. Additional features include DNS leak protection, IPv6 leak protection and its Internet kill switch. Pure VPNs subscription plans are as follows: $2.99 a month for a 12-month plan, $3.29 a month for a 24-month plan and $10.95 a month.
▲These VPNs aren't necessarily required for you to be protected. But if you use a lot of public Wi-Fi or if you're abroad, they might be good for you to keep in your back pocket.
