A VPN, or digital private network, is software that encrypts your online data to create a secure connection between your computer and the Web. It is a useful tool for protecting your private information while connected to a public Wi-Fi network and can even allow you to enjoy streaming services in another part of the world. The Netflix catalog, for example, differs from country to country, as some programs are not available in the United States.
Plus: How we test VPNs in 2025
Finding a good VPN can be difficult because you’re bombarded with an avalanche of information (chances are you’ve seen a Surfshark ad on YouTube). In an effort to clear up the fog, I’ve compiled a short list of three things you should keep in mind when purchasing a VPN.
1. Adequate security measures
Security is the most important factor for a good VPN because not all VPNs are designed the same. You will need to look for a service that supports AES-256 encryption. Without getting too deep into the weeds, AES-256 is a robust encryption standard actively used by the United States government and “security experts around the world” to protect sensitive data.
You must ensure that your software is compatible OpenVPNan open source protocol. Remember: you are putting your information in the hands of a third-party company. Having open source code means that the software is carefully and frequently examined by experts.
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Additionally, you should be careful with cheap or free VPNs because there is a chance that the developer behind them sells customer data to external sources. I strongly recommend that you check a service’s privacy policy to see if it collects information. Some, like NordVPNThey have dedicated an entire page on their website to explaining their position on this issue.
2. How fast is the VPN you really need?
VPNs can improve your web speed if your ISP (web service provider) is throttling you. However, latency is an unavoidable issue when using a VPN. There’s no way around it, especially if you’re connecting to another country. Those connections are sent through servers that are hundreds, if not thousands, of miles away.
Plus: ExpressVPN review: One of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested
That said, some clients offer better speeds than others. ExpressVPN, for example, uses the Lightway protocol, provides good performance and retains up to 97% of its overall speed. The app also has a Smart Location tool to “automatically recommend the fastest server for your location.”
There are tricks you can do to improve your experience, such as using a wired connection instead of wireless to deliver consistently high speeds. Changing the server is another method. International servers can sometimes experience a lot of traffic, so switching can improve conditions.
3. Unique features
VPNs work similarly across the board, although some offer unique features. For example, certain services offer a kill switch. This tool will automatically disconnect if it detects that the connection to the VPN server is lost. Ensures that external entities do not view sensitive information during random outages.
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surfer shark It has a multi-hop feature that routes your connection through two VPN servers, “encrypting your data twice.” The level of security it provides is overkill in most situations, but if you share sensitive files, this feature comes in handy.
Some clients are specially optimized for streaming services and offer speeds of up to 10 Gbps. Some offer a free ad blocker, while others provide anti-tracking protection. You have a lot of options available. It’s up to you to decide which features you value most.
What is the best VPN?
ZDNET has crowned NordVPN the best overall VPN because it ticks all the boxes. The software features fast download speeds, several useful features, and an extensive server network. It even supports 256-bit AES encryption, enabling strong data protection and limiting ISP throttling.
Review: NordVPN – Consistent speed and performance from one of our favorite VPNs
As good as NordVPN is, it’s not perfect for all scenarios. There are many alternative options. Proton VPN is a solid option if you’re on a budget, as it’s free and very privacy-focused. ExpressVPN is recommended for people who value speed above all else.
