5 apps I use to erase my digital trail

Summary

VPN services allow you to securely connect to a remote server in an encrypted fashion.
VPNs can be useful for bolstering privacy and safety, for streaming multimedia that isn’t available domestically, or even for overcoming censorship.
Here are 5 VPN apps that do a superb job at masking your IP address and securing your online activity.

A Virtual Private Network, more commonly referred to as a VPN, is a service that can connect your tech devices to a remote server, masking your IP address by way of encryption. VPN services have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason: they can seriously bolster your privacy and security in the internet age, while also being a quick-and-easy way to stream multimedia content that might not otherwise be available in the country or territory you reside in. Perhaps most notably of all, VPNs can play a role in pushing back against internet censorship, too.

VPN apps appear to be a dime a dozen in today’s mobile app stores, but not all services are created equal. When browsing for the right VPN, it’s important to take into account the company’s privacy policy, track record, feature set, pricing structure, and more. Here is a breakdown of five of the most well-known VPN apps, each of which stands as a serviceable option in my eyes.

5 reasons you should avoid using free VPNs

Sometimes, free can actually cost a lot more.

1

Proton VPN

Part of the growing privacy-focused Proton ecosystem

I’ve been a fan of the Proton software ecosystem for some time now, which includes the privacy-focused Proton Mail, Proton Pass, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and Proton Docs services. The company’s dedicated VPN product, Proton VPN, has traditionally been my go-to solution for masking my IP address on the fly. Proton VPN hosts over 12,000 servers in over 110 countries, offers server network speeds of up to 10 Gbps, and relies on the custom-built Stealth VPN protocol. The service also includes a NetShield Ad-blocker feature, which offers DNS filtering for enhanced cybersecurity.

Part of Proton VPN’s pitch is that it’s based in Switzerland, which is a country with strict privacy laws. As such, the company claims that it cannot legally be coerced into logging user activity, or sharing data with third-parties. Proton VPN has a free tier with medium VPN speeds, a random selection of five server counties, and single-device connectivity at a time. Plus and Unlimited price tiers are also available, which add-in higher network speeds, up to 10 connected devices at a time, and other premium tools and features.

This VPN feels like it’s in a league of its own

At the end of the day, you have to pick one that’s right for you.

2

NordVPN

One of the fastest VPN services in the entire world

NordVPN is arguably one of the best-known VPN services on the market. The service offers over 7,000 dedicated VPN servers in over 110 countries, and it utilizes a custom NordLynx VPN protocol. The built-in Meshnet feature allows you to remotely access files across your devices, and split tunneling makes it easy to exclude specific apps and sites from tapping into an active VPN session. The service is well-endowed with advanced features, but it thoughfully includes a simple Quick Connect button for jumping right into the closest and speediest server available.

NordVPN offers a Basic plan that lets you connect ten devices at the same time, with built-in threat protection. Additional subscription-based Plus, Complete, and Ultra tiers are also available, which add-in a vast number of additional features and tools. These range from encrypted cloud storage and a data breach scanner, to access to a personal data removal tool known as Incogni.

What is a VPN and what do they do?

VPNs are a middleman between your computer or phone and the wider internet.

3

ExpressVPN

A powerful VPN that’s easy to get up and running

ExpressVPN is a well-known VPN service with servers in 105 countries, unlimited data bandwidth capabilities, and a proprietary Lightway VPN protocol. This protocol is designed with speed, security, and reliability in mind, according to the company. Other notable features include a built-in password manager, a no-logs policy, and a wide range of 17 languages to choose from. By default, the service allows you to connect to up to eight devices at a time, with seamless switching and single-click setup. ExpressVPN is available in one-month, one-year, and two-year subscription plan options, and all plans offer full feature parity.

How to set up a VPN

If you’re wondering how to get started with a VPN, look no further – we’ve got all the details you need.

4

Surfshark VPN

An excellent VPN service with a useful Alternative ID feature

Surfshark VPN is a robust VPN service with over 3,200 dedicated servers across over 100 countries, while boasting an unlimited number of device connections at any given time. The VPN offers data breach alerts, malware protection, tracker and ad blocking, a no-logs policy, and maximum speeds of up to 10 Gbps. The Alternative ID feature allows you to set up a dedicated email address for signing up for newsletters and promotions, reducing both spam and potential attach surfaces. The auto-connnect feature makes Surfshark VPN a highly convenient solution, while the Kill Switch feature is a clever tool for keeping your IP address hidden even if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

Surfshark is available in Starter, One, and One+ subscription tiers, with a wide range of premium options available in the more expensive pricing tiers. As with NordVPN, the highest-end ExpressVPN subscription offers access to Incogni for personal data removal across the internet.

5 great password managers that make securing my online accounts easy

Password managers are an excellent way to streamline and fortify your online credentials – here are 5 solutions that excel at the task.

5

TunnelBear

A straighforward VPN with a user-friendly interface

TunnelBear is a VPN service that excels at the basics, while offering a playful and highly-approachable aesthetic. It features quick one-tap access to over 5,000 VPN servers in 48 countries, all secured with AES-256 bit encryption out of the box. The company proudly boasts that it is the only consumer-facing VPN provider that performs and publishes annual security audits, which can be freely accessed on the TunnelBear website.

TunnelBear offers a free tier with an allotment of 2GB of data per month, without the need to enter payment credentials. Unlimited VPN data can be unlocked with the basic paid subscription tier, which also provides unlimited device connections, city-level server selection, and more. A business-centric Teams subscription is also available, with centralized team billing, and additional administrative and account management tools.