HONOLULU (KHON2) — A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that helps protect your privacy when you’re online.
Imagine you’re on the internet, browsing your favorite websites or watching videos. Without a VPN, your internet activity can be seen by others. Unwelcomed visitors like hackers or even the website you’re visiting can take a peek at what you are doing.
A VPN helps hide what you’re doing by making your internet connection secure and private. It does this by creating an encrypted “tunnel” that your internet traffic travels through in order to make it harder for anyone to see what you’re doing.
People use VPNs for many reasons. For example, they help you stay safe on public Wi-Fi networks (like at coffee shops), access websites and content from different countries and keep your personal information private.
Setting up a VPN is usually simple. All you need to do is download an app, sign in and turn it on. Once it’s connected, you can surf the web more securely.
KHON2.com did a bit of digging to find out what the best VPNs are on the market, how they work and what you need to do to use them. We focused on securing your computer/mobile phone for news and entertainment since those tend to the be the most popular uses.
1. ExpressVPN
- Why it’s great: ExpressVPN is often considered the best overall because it strikes a perfect balance between speed, security, and ease of use. It has a vast network of servers in 94 countries, meaning you can bypass geographic restrictions easily.
- Works on:
- Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
- macOS (macOS 10.11 or later.
- Android 5.0 and later.
- iOS 11.0 and later.
- How to use:
- For Windows: You can download and install the ExpressVPN app for Windows directly from their website. The app is easy to use, with a simple interface and setup process.
- For macOS: Download the app from the ExpressVPN website, install it, and sign in. The app interface is very similar to the Windows version, making it easy to navigate.
- For Android: Download the ExpressVPN app directly from the Google Play Store. Once installed, sign in, select a server, and start browsing securely.
- For iOS: The app is available in the App Store. Install it, sign in, choose a server, and you’re ready to go!
- Key features:
- Strong encryption protocols.
- No-logs policy (meaning it doesn’t store your data).
- Fast speeds, great for streaming and gaming.
- Works with popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
- 24/7 customer support.
- Why it’s great for news and entertainment:
- Access to global content: ExpressVPN is known for unblocking streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more from virtually anywhere.
- Fast connection speeds: Speed is important for streaming, and ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest speeds, ensuring smooth viewing of high-definition videos without buffering.
- Easy to use: Even if you’re not a tech expert, ExpressVPN is simple to set up and navigate.
- Reliable unblocking capabilities: ExpressVPN can easily bypass geo-restrictions, making it ideal for accessing international news sites and entertainment platforms.
Click here for more information.
2. NordVPN
- Why it’s great: NordVPN is known for its high security and privacy standards. It has been around for years and is trusted by millions. It also offers additional features, like Double VPN, which routes your traffic through two servers for added security.
- Works on:
- Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
- macOS (macOS 10.12 or later).
- Android 5.0 and later.
- iOS 11.0 and later.
- How to use:
- For Windows: NordVPN has a Windows app that can be easily downloaded and installed. It has a user-friendly interface with options to customize settings, server locations, and more.
- For macOS: Download the NordVPN app from their website, install it, and sign in. It’s optimized for macOS with a sleek design.
- For Android: NordVPN has an easy-to-use app available on the Google Play Store. You just need to install it, log in with your account, and connect to any of their secure servers. The app also includes features like CyberSec (which blocks ads and malicious sites) and Kill Switch for extra security.
- For iOS: You can download the app from the App Store. Once installed, log in, choose your server, and start browsing securely.
- Key features:
- Excellent encryption with a strong no-logs policy.
- Thousands of servers in over 60 countries.
- Built-in ad-blocker (CyberSec).
- Supports P2P file sharing.
- Works well with streaming platforms.
- Why it’s great for news and entertainment:
- Unblocks major streaming platforms: NordVPN works well with services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
- Large server network: With 5,400+ servers in 59 countries, you’ll be able to access content from a variety of regions.
- Speed and security: While NordVPN is slightly slower than ExpressVPN, its NordLynx protocol provides fast speeds, and its strong security features ensure you stay safe online.
- Special servers for streaming: NordVPN has specialized servers for streaming and even optimized servers to access Netflix libraries from different countries.
Click here for more information.
3. CyberGhost
- Why it’s great: If you’re looking for a VPN that is both easy to use and affordable, CyberGhost is a great choice. It has a user-friendly interface and offers reliable streaming and torrenting capabilities.
- Works on:
- Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
- macOS (macOS 10.12 or later).
- Android 5.0 and later.
- iOS 11.0 and later.
- How to use:
- For Windows: CyberGhost offers a Windows application that is simple to set up and use. Once installed, it provides one-click access to servers and lets you easily switch between them.
- For macOS: The app for macOS works similarly to the Windows version, making it easy to navigate. Install it from their website and start using it.
- For Android: CyberGhost’s Android app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. The app is very user-friendly and allows you to connect to servers with just a couple of taps. It also has useful features like automatic Wi-Fi protection and ad-blocking.
- For iOS: The CyberGhost app is available in the App Store. Install it, sign in, and enjoy browsing securely on your iPhone or iPad.
- Key features:
- Over 7,000 servers worldwide.
- 256-bit AES encryption for top security.
- Dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- No-logs policy.
- Why it’s great for news and entertainment:
- Specialized streaming servers: CyberGhost has dedicated servers designed specifically for streaming and accessing geo-blocked content like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
- Ease of use: It’s beginner-friendly, with a one-click option for streaming content from various services.
- Large server selection: It offers 7,000+ servers in 90 countries, allowing you to access news and entertainment sites from all over the world.
- Good for unblocking: CyberGhost is effective at bypassing geo-restrictions, so you can access content that is unavailable in your region.
Click here for more information.
4. Surfshark
- Why it’s great: Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for people on a budget. It’s affordable but still offers great security, privacy features, and performance. Plus, it allows unlimited devices to connect simultaneously.
- Works on:
- Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
- macOS (macOS 10.12 or later).
- Android 5.0 and later.
- iOS 11.0 and later
- How to use:
- For Windows: Surfshark’s app for Windows is straightforward to install and set up. It has an intuitive interface, and once connected, you can easily browse the internet securely.
- For macOS: Download the app from the Surfshark website, install it, and sign in. The app is designed to be simple and intuitive for macOS users.
- For Android: Surfshark offers an Android app available on the Google Play Store. Once installed, it’s simple to connect to a server and start using the internet securely.
- For iOS: The Surfshark app is available in the App Store. Install it, connect to a server, and start browsing securely on your iPhone or iPad.
- Key features:
- Great price for what you get.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Strong encryption and no-logs policy.
- CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers.
- Works with Netflix, Hulu, and more.
- Why it’s great for news and entertainment:
- Unlimited device connections: This is a huge bonus if you want to access news and entertainment across multiple devices (e.g., phone, tablet, PC).
- Affordable with good performance: Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs, but it still provides access to streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.
- Fast speeds for streaming: While not quite as fast as ExpressVPN, Surfshark still offers decent speeds for buffer-free streaming.
- Works with multiple regions: Surfshark can unblock content in different countries and is great for accessing international news and entertainment sites.
Click here for more information.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Why it’s great: PIA offers a lot of features for the price, and it’s well-known for its high security and privacy standards. While it doesn’t always have the fastest speeds, it’s perfect for privacy-conscious users.
- Works on:
- Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
- macOS (macOS 10.12 or later).
- Android 5.0 and later.
- iOS 11.0 and later
- How to use:
- For Windows: PIA has a downloadable Windows client that’s easy to install. It’s highly customizable, letting you tweak settings such as encryption methods, server locations, and other advanced features.
- For macOS: PIA’s macOS app works in a similar way, offering advanced customization options to suit your needs.
- For Android: PIA has a well-designed Android app that you can download from the Google Play Store. After installing, you can log in and choose from their global server network.
- For iOS: The PIA app is available in the App Store, and it allows for seamless use on iPhone and iPad with solid security and privacy features.
- Key features:
- Large server network (over 35,000 servers).
- Strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
- Advanced customization options.
- Great for torrenting.
- Good value for the price.
- Why it’s great for news and entertainment:
- Customization options: If you’re tech-savvy and like to tinker with settings, PIA allows you to adjust things to suit your needs for streaming and accessing content.
- Decent speed: While PIA is not the fastest option on the market, it still provides decent speeds for streaming.
- Good for privacy: If you’re concerned about privacy while accessing news or entertainment sites, PIA has a strong no-logs policy and good encryption features.
Click here for more information.
6. ProtonVPN
- Why it’s great: ProtonVPN is known for its strong privacy features, especially since it’s operated by the same team behind ProtonMail, a secure email service. It offers a free version with decent features, but the premium version is even better for high-speed servers and more options.
- Works on:
- Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.
- macOS (macOS 10.12 or later).
- Android 5.0 and later.
- iOS 11.0 and later.
- How to use:
- For Windows: ProtonVPN provides a dedicated Windows client that is quick to install. The app offers simple, clean design, and strong security features.
- For macOS: ProtonVPN has a straightforward macOS app that you can install from their website. It’s clean and easy to navigate.
- For Android: ProtonVPN has an app for Android that’s available on the Google Play Store. It’s easy to install and set up.
- For iOS: The ProtonVPN app is available in the App Store. After installation, it’s easy to use and offers additional privacy features like Secure Core.
- Key features:
- Free version available with limited features.
- Strong encryption and privacy standards.
- No-logs policy.
- Secure core servers for added privacy.
- Works well with streaming services.
- Why it’s great for news and entertainment:
- Privacy-focused: If you value privacy when accessing international news sources, ProtonVPN is one of the best.
- Free option: ProtonVPN offers a free plan, which, although limited, might work for casual news streaming.
- Unblocks Netflix and other platforms: ProtonVPN can unblock Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services, although its speeds can be slower compared to premium VPNs.
Click here for more information.
How to choose the best VPN for you
When deciding which VPN to go for, think about:
- Speed: If you plan to stream videos, play online games or work remotely, a fast VPN is essential.
- Security: Look for one with strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy.
- Price: Some VPNs are more affordable but may lack premium features, while others offer top-notch service at a higher cost.
- Ease of use: Make sure it’s easy to install and use, especially if you’re new to VPNs.
- Streaming compatibility: If you want to watch Netflix, Hulu, or other services, check that the VPN works with them.
So, don’t go unprotected. And as we move into a period of time where information will be more difficult to access, it’s important to have a plan.