Why you need a VPN and how to choose the best VPN service

VPNs mask a user’s location and encrypts the connection so that only computers on each end of the virtual connection can understand the communication. They also offer much more than just access to Netflix and are used by businesses the world over to allow employees to work remotely and are invaluable when using unsecured networks like free public WiFi, given the added security and encryption they offer. So what are your best ­options?



Cactus VPN

Cactus, based in Moldova, provides a VPN and SmartDNS service in one neat little package at an incredible $4.89 a month. The service is extremely easy to set up and lightning quick. Given the company is relatively new there are only 16 servers available across the US, Britain, The Netherlands and Romania, but speeds are top-shelf and the VPN works with any device you’ve got whether it be an iPhone, Android, Windows machine or a router ­itself. The one downside is support, which is patchy and not available 24/7. For the VPN and SmartDNS combined, the service is $US6.99 ($9.90) monthly or $US54.99 for a year, and 50 per cent off every package thereafter. CactusVPN offers a 24-hour free trial for its VPN and a seven-day free trial for its SmartDNS ­service.



Private Internet Access

PIA is probably the most popular VPN on the market. It’s extremely easy to use and set up, and really excels when it comes to speed. But there are some ­reliability issues, including occasional dropouts and unfortunately there’s no way to select a specific server to use. It’s also a bit ugly but, then again, the user interface is probably not the most important factor when picking a VPN.

It’s bare bones but does the job, and also allows for a ton of payment options other than the standard credit card, including PayPal, Google Wallet, Amazon, Bitcoin, Ripple and CashU, as well as anonymous gift cards and other payment options that could prove really useful. There is no monthly package for PIA; it’s available for $US39.95 a year or $US59.99 for two years.



Express VPN

With over 100 servers across the globe all offering unlimited bandwidth, ExpressVPN is a heavy- duty offering that bills itself as “the fastest VPN on earth” and it’s hard to disagree. There’s no free trial, though the company, based in the British Virgin Islands, does offer a 30-day money back guarantee. It also offers a fully featured seven-days-a-week live customer and tech support. ExpressVPN is a solid, reliable bet and costs $US99.95 for 12 months, or $US12.95 a month.


Tunnelbear

If you want a free, beautiful way to browse privately and you use a Mac, Tunnelbear is a great way to dip your toes in. Users get 500MB a month for free, perfect for work sessions at your local cafe.


Hola Unlocker

Just a quick note to users currently using Hola Unlocker — the free browser plug-in popular with Netflix geo-dodgers — all is not as it seems. It was revealed last year that the service uses you as an endpoint for other people’s traffic, given it’s a “peer-to-peer” VPN. So if someone’s using it to do something dodgy, it could be (falsely) traced back to you.