3 Best VPN Services of 2021

Updated October 6, 2023
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VPN or Virtual Private Network is a software that protects your identity online by encrypting your internet and tricks your device into believing that it’s present in another location.

With remote working being the new norm for people around the world, VPN access has become essential for online security and privacy. However, with the continuously expanding commercial VPN market, it can be quite difficult to go through all the available options to find something that meets your needs.

Since VPNs also allow you to change your IP address to one in a different country, they can have countless uses. For example you can use VPN for streaming, games, softwares etc. If you’re also looking for a reliable VPN service in 2021, here are the three best options to go for:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the biggest names in the industry. It entered the market in 2009 and is known for being the trusted choice of many. Its vast network of super-fast servers is spread across 94 countries, and it promises excellent customer support.

According to ExpressVPN, TrustedServer technology powers their network, which ensures that users’ online activities are not logged. The VPN also comes with a thorough setup guide along with detailed FAQs so users won’t have any problems with it.

ExpressVPN comes with a useful skill switch feature that prevents data from leaking outside the secure VPN tunnel in case the VPN connection fails. Another thing that makes ExpressVPN stand out is that it supports bitcoin as a payment method, which is something that not many other VPNs offer. This payment method also adds a layer of privacy at the time of checkout.

2. NordVPN

Another recognized name in the VPN industry is NordVPN. The best thing about it is that it allows up to six simultaneous connections via the network, while others offer only up to five. With NordVPN, you also get a dedicated IP option if you want an enhanced VPN connection. It also offers a kill switch feature and also allows you to VPN into Tor.

In terms of performance, NordVPN’s speed is quite good and reliable compared to most competitors. You will hardly experience any service interruptions or sudden dips in the connection. The improved and reliable connection speeds can be attributed to the NordLynx protocol that NordVPN recently rolled out.

Another impressive feature of NordVPN is the security it offers. Apart from the standard AES-256 encryption, you can also make use of the Double VPN system in which your internet traffic is encrypted twice for additional security! The provider also accepts Bitcoin apart from credit cards and PayPal.

3. SurfShark

Despite having a smaller VPN network than other providers, Surfshark doesn’t lag behind when it comes to speed and features. One of the best things about Surfshark is that it offers unlimited device support, so even if you want to run all the devices at home or at the office on Surfshark’s VPN, you won’t have to limit yourself to a small number of devices. The VPN also offers features like tracker-blocking, ad-blocking, and, of course, anti-malware.

Surfshark’s speed is also noteworthy. It has over 3200 servers in roughly 65 countries and shows good average internet speed. The app support is also extensive and can run on FireTV, iOS, Mac, Windows, and Android. You can also configure other devices like game consoles to work on Surfshark with the help of DNS settings. The VPN also allows you to whitelist specific websites and apps so that they automatically bypass the VPN. This feature can be really important for certain businesses.

Another thing that makes Surfshark stand out is the three different modes made for individuals who want to make their way around restrictions and hide their online footprints. There’s a camouflage mode that masks all your VPN activity such that your ISP won’t know that you’re using a VPN. Then there’s a multihop mode, which takes your connection through numerous countries to cover up your trail. Lastly, there’s a NoBorders mode that allows you to use the VPN in restrictive regions.

Time to invest in a VPN!

With data breaches becoming more common and the lack of data privacy, it’s important to invest in a VPN. It not only protects your privacy while you surf the net, but it also helps circumvent unwanted restrictions. We’ve listed the top three VPNs you can opt for in 2021, and while each of them has shortcomings, they are valuable tools to have at hand in case you need to use them.