6 things to consider when choosing a VPN

VPN is a great tool for securing your privacy on the internet. It works as a tunnel for your internet connection. No one outside can see what you do with VPN switched on — except your VPN provider. With access to all your browsing data, your VPN provider is a key player in your online privacy. How will you know, which VPN you can trust from the hundreds of options out there?

Here are 6 things to consider, when you choose your VPN service.

1. A free VPN is, in fact, not free

A free VPN might sound great, but the truth is that all companies need to make money to cover their costs. Some free VPNs do that with ads, some by selling their users’ data. Some­times free means slower connection speed and less features.

2. Security experience of the vendor

VPN market is growing fast, and it has attracted lots of new vendors. Not all have much experience, and not much is known about the companies. VPN solutions are about online security and privacy, so demand trans­parency and a decent back­ground in cyber security from your provider.

3. All reviews are not independent

When you look for a VPN, you probably search information online. You can find count­less VPN comparisons and reviews. Some of them are paid and some are independent. It’s not always easy to tell which ones are non-biased, so be critical about which ones you trust.

4. VPN provider’s home country matters

VPN companies must follow the laws of their home country. These laws can require them to collect, store and provide data to authorities. This can compromise your privacy. The lack of laws controlling the collection and handling of user data can also be risky. That’s why it is important to know where your VPN is from.

5. Check your VPN’s privacy policy

Almost all VPNs claim to keep no logs. But this is not true. Most VPNs must keep at least connection logs to provide the service. But some data, such as your browsing history, you may want to keep private. Verify your VPN provider’s claims and read their privacy policy.

6. Thousands of servers may be a security risk

VPN providers rent servers from all over the world. Especially if they offer tons of server options. This means that they may have less control of their whole server network. Consider which locations you need and don’t just go for the vendor with the largest number of servers.