double-check to also choose one with fast speeds for streaming, gaming, and torrenting without delays.
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Here Are The Best VPNs for Beginners in 2025
Why Do I Need a VPN?
The internet is full of unwanted dangers that threaten your online privacy and security.
Most notably, malicious parties can collect your data, track your online activity, and intercept your connection.
It also prevents third parties like Google, Facebook, or your ISP from tracking your online movements.
With that in mind, here are some reasons why you should get a VPN.
It’s not possible to read it without the original key, which can be used to decrypt it.
This makes your online behaviors and activities unreadable to outsiders.
Since most VPNs use military-grade encryption, its basically impossible for anyone to see what youre doing online.
It also means your ISP cant throttle your speeds if youre engaged in high-bandwidth activities like gaming.
Its used by leading security agencies and governments to protect highly sensitive data.
(Your IP address is kind of like your phone number, but for your internet connection.)
A VPN hides your actual IP address by replacing it with another one, protecting your online privacy.
But keep in mind that illegal activities are still prohibited with a VPN, so always be careful.
ISPs tend to throttle the most data-heavy activities, such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
However, using a VPN allows private streaming from anywhere without delays because of ISPs.
When you use a VPN, your ISP wont see what pages you browseor the domains you visit.
If government agencies request your browsing data, there will be nothing to hand over.
The team at vpnMentor doesn’t condone the illegal use of VPNs.
like always do your research and check the most recent local laws to prevent accidentally getting into trouble.
But kindly be aware that downloading copyrighted content is illegal whether you use a VPN or not.
This makes it much harder for third parties to trace your torrenting activity back to you.
These features can usually be turned on in your VPN controls.
How Does a VPN Keep Me Secure?
These are just the essential functions that every VPN should offer.
Below, Ive summarized a few additional ways a VPN can keep you safe online.
Many VPNs claim to be a no-logs VPN, but only some of them actually are.
This ensures the VPN provider really does abide by its promises to keep your data private.
Its easy to test your VPN for DNS/IP leaks.
Simply head over to a website like ipleak.net after connecting to a server.
Then, wait for a few seconds until it reveals the IP address your gear is connected to.
As long as it only shows you the IP of the VPN, it means youre fully protected.
This feature is especially important when torrenting or using a public WiFi connection.
Some VPNs have designed their own protocolsto offer better security, privacy, or speeds.
First of all, you should know thatthe benefits of using a VPN strongly outweigh any potential disadvantages.
That said, there are a few things you should be aware of before connecting to a VPN server.
How Much Do VPNs Cost?
Although, theres one small catch you have to pay the entire subscription upfront.
Can I Use a Free VPN?
Below are some common uses for VPNs and the features most useful for each one.
you could use the listed criteria to narrow down your options and snag the best VPN for you.
However, in some cases your ISP could flag you even if youre downloading legal files.
In that case, using a VPN will prevent that from happening.
For example, some workplaces will block social media sites and apps.
However, we suggest staying updated on local laws to avoid accidentally breaking any rules.
This makes it easy to securely access content, like Netflix, from anywhere just connect to a server.
ExpressVPN is pricier than some services, but it frequently offers discounts and coupons on its site.
It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee*, so you cantry ExpressVPN risk-free.
To test this, I contacted a support agent through its 24/7 live chat to request a refund.
I got my money back in 3 days, without any questions asked.
I frequently use CyberGhost to stream Netflix US, Hulu, and Disney+.
Not once have I struggled to use any of these sites with its specialty servers.
By eliminating the chance of third-party interception, NoSpy servers keep your data safeguarded.
Overall, CyberGhost is fast, but its speeds are sometimes inconsistent.
CyberGhosts long-term subscriptions include a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you cantry CyberGhost for free.
Alternatively, you only get 14 days to test it with a short-term plan.
PIA also offers SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxiesadd an extra layer of security to your connection.
These options are built-in with the VPN, so theres no configuration required.
Its similar to double VPN, since it passes your data through 2 servers.
But since one of the servers is a proxy, it doesnt slow your speeds as much.
With so many options and features, the app may seem a little overwhelming for first-time VPN users.
NordVPN has security-focused specialty serversthat you wont find with most VPNs.
This includes double VPN, which routes your traffic through 2 VPN servers instead of 1 for added protection.
Its also very fast.The speed results on nearby servers were impressive during tests.
It reached 82 Mbps on the Los Angeles servers a 22% speed drop.
This is more than enough for streaming, browsing, and torrenting without interruptions from anywhere.
The only problem is that NordVPN can take a while to connect to a server, mostly long-distance connections.
Sometimes you should probably force-quit the app and give it another spin to establish a connection.
If its not suitable for you, it’s possible for you to get a full refund.
This will help you enhance your security without having to research what each feature means first.
Theres also a feature dictionary within the app if you choose the i icon.
It narrows your server list down to those that are equipped to overcome the blocks.
There was some lag on some distant servers, but most offered decent speeds.
Still, it has a proven no-logs policy, which guarantees it doesnt collect or store private data.
Surfshark offers a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee, so you could sign up risk-free.
The subsequent instructions demonstrate the process of installing a VPN on different devices.
In most cases, youll need to use the command-line to install and initiate the VPN.
Before proceeding, see to it your router supports VPN functionality.
Many ASUS, Linksys, and Netgear models are compatible, but other brands work too.
In addition, some VPNs are easier to use on routers than others.
ExpressVPN has a native app for routers that makes it easy to change servers and prefs.
This feature is not as secure as using a VPN, as it doesnt encrypt your connection.
Most VPNs come with pre-configured parameters that secure your connection automatically.
But if you want to customize and enhance your connection, then its worth considering.
FAQs on VPNs
Are VPNs really necessary?
Is a VPN worth it?
For example, ExpressVPN is offering61% off right now.
What devices can I use a VPN on?
However, many VPN web app extensions offer less security features than the VPN app.
In addition, it will not protect all traffic from your rig just your surfing app traffic.
Does a VPN keep you anonymous online?
The simple answer is no.
It also protects you from cybercriminals and government/ISP surveillance, thanks to its military-grade encryption.
But even this isnt enough if true anonymity is the goal.
However,there are some ways to protect your anonymity while using a VPN.
Does a VPN bypass blocks on websites?
Always familiarize yourself with local laws and institution-specific regulations regarding VPN use to stay out of trouble.
Are VPNs safe?
Is using a VPN legal?
Its also unsafe to connect to VPN servers in those countries.
However,some premium VPNs have virtual servers for China, Russia, and India.
Virtual servers provide IPs for a country without actually coming from a server thats physically located there.
That means they arent subject to data monitoring within that country.
Should I get a VPN router?
However, a certain amount of configuration is required when installing a VPN on your router.
If you want to change servers, then youll usually need to manually change servers in the router firmware.
Or, some VPNs (like ExpressVPN) have native apps that let you change servers more easily.
Does a VPN slow down your internet?
Basically, the farther your data has to travel, the slower your speeds tend to be.
However,the best VPNs won’t slow down your connection too muchdue to their premium features.
Good VPNs use the best hardware for their servers.
They also use optimized VPN protocols that are designed to give you fast speeds without cutting corners on security.
A VPN will almost always impact your speed in some way.
Also, the VPN encrypts and decrypts your data to keep it secure, which takes even more time.
Can I use a VPN with Tor?
But keep in mind that using a VPN with Tor is usually slower than using Tor without a VPN.
This is because a VPN adds more encryption, which slows speeds.
Is a VPN different from a proxy server?
This means no one can see what you do online, including your ISP.
In contrast, a proxy server will hide your actual IP address but wont provide strong encryption.
It’s user-friendly, superfast, and one of the most reliable VPNs Ive tested.
And thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee, you cantry ExpressVPN without any risk.
If its not for you, then you’ve got the option to get a full refund.
To summarize, the 5 best VPNs for beginners are…
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
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