Virtual private networks (VPNs) are having a moment thanks to huge marketing budgets and influencer partnerships. But navigating the burgeoning market can be a challenge, and claims of benefits and features aren’t always true. Consumer Reports online security expert Yael Grüner suggests looking for open source software, reliable builds, and up-to date support for industry standard protocols.
CyberGhost is able to make a convincing case for its zero-logs policy that promises to not record your internet activities or your IP address. applications are available click here for more for all major operating systems and feature security of 256 bits as well as a kill switch, leak protection and the capability to connect using a random port. It also scored higher in our speed tests for internet connections over the majority of other VPNs we tested, but that might be a fluke or the result of traffic shaping by your ISP. It also offers a variety of additional tools like Threat Protection, Onion over VPN and Double VPN.
Nord is a different option that has a high score in our tests, including an impressive score in our testing of geoblocking and streaming. Its apps are powerful and user-friendly. However the user interface based on maps may be a bit cumbersome when used on smaller screens. It’s compatible with a broad range of routers, Kodi TV set top boxes and has the biggest geographic reach of our picks. It’s also a great option for streaming overseas Netflix and has dedicated servers called ‘Windflix’ for that reason. It recently added a feature called Perfect Forward Secrecy, which protects your data with every session a new key that makes it harder for hackers to decrypt your previous activity.