Privacy is power, especially in a world where everything has become publicized over the internet. If you are the kind of person who appreciates anonymity, a secure connection should pique your interest. A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your personal data but it should never be at the expense of speed. Here’s a comparison of the best secure and fast VPNs based on their features.
Comparing Leading Secure and Fast VPNs
Choosing between VPNs doesn’t have to be a drag. Here’s a list of the top options available and the features that make them worth considering:
1. NordVPN
When it comes to security and speed, NordVPN goes the extra mile to guarantee users some peace of mind. This alternative features:
- Double VPN
It reroutes your traffic not just once but twice, making sure that no one can trace you through your digital footprint. This process, called VPN server chaining, not only enhances your online security but also improves network speed.
- VPN Split Tunneling
Then again, you may feel that some of your searches do not warrant being protected. For this reason, NordVPN gives you the versatility to choose which traffic should be secured and which can bypass the VPN. Because encryption takes time, the more traffic that needs to be encrypted, the more your VPN will drag its feet. However, through split tunneling, you further improve the speed of your VPN.
- Kill Switch
Accidents happen, and it could mean losing your VPN connection for a second. Well, that small window is all it takes for your IP address to be exposed, and depending on your line of work, it could have grave consequences. Fortunately, NordVPN takes all this into consideration and protects your online presence by incorporating a kill switch in its features. You will have to turn it on from the app settings so that it shuts down your internet connection in case of any irregularities.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN flaunts itself as a leading VPN due to its speed. Let’s see if it lives up to its name:
- Speed Test
ExpressVPN rounded out the list of the fastest VPNs currently available on the market. It stands out as the only VPN that offers speed tests, allowing you to see your speed index, download speed, and latency. It supports multiple protocols, including Lightway-UDP, Lightway-TCP, and OpenVPN-UDP, among others. ExpressVPN is built in such a way that it automatically switches up the protocols based on your network. However, you still have the option to change the protocols manually.
- AES-256 Encryption
Software experts consider Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)-256 encryption to be virtually impenetrable. The AES algorithm encrypts and decrypts data in 128-bits blocks making it the most secure option for transferring files over the internet.
- Does Not Store Activity Logs
You can know a lot about a person from their browsing history. ExpressVPN ensures your online activity remains a mystery by not keeping any data related to your internet visits.
3. Proton VPN
This is yet another VPN with a no-log policy which makes you think twice about accepting cookies on any internet page. Some of its features include:
- Encryption
Just like ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, so does ProtonVPN. Moreover, this provider adds another layer of security by incorporating the SHA384 Encryption Tool which allows you to encrypt your messages online. Besides, Proton VPN has added full disk encryption for high-risk countries to ensure that governments do not lay their hands on the server certificate.
- Netshield Adblocker
The road to hell is paved with good intentions and that innocent ad popping on your screen could be the death of your device or worse, your privacy. Proton VPN secures you from any potential malware by blocking targeted ads and privacy-invading trackers.
- Speed of 10 Gbps
You would think that all these features cause your internet connection to be sluggish. Think again! Lucky for those interested, Proton VPN prides itself on offering high speeds of 10 Gbps.
4. CometVPN
The features below along with the fact that CometVP is willing to give you 30 days as a free trial speak of its confidence in its services as the best residential VPN.
- Not a Member of the Fourteen Eyes Alliance
Fourteen Eyes Alliance aims to coordinate military signal exchange among its members. The alliance has been severely criticized for invading the privacy of citizens of member states. Luckily, CometVPN is not a member of this alliance translating to your online presence remaining safe from any exchange.
- No Log History
Similar to Express VPN, CometVPN won’t keep a log of your browsing history.
Conclusion
There you go! Four VPNs all offering both security and speed. All you have to do is compare the prices and the features to settle on one that gives you value for your money. One thing for sure is that, regardless of your choice, if you pick one of the options above your online presence should never put you in harm’s way.