Top 10 VPN 2016: The Ultimate List!

Explore the Best 10 VPN Services of 2016 with Pros and Cons!

Greetings, tech enthusiasts and online security-conscious people! In today’s digital age, the importance of online privacy and data protection cannot be overstated. Therefore, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Top 10 VPN Services of 2016 to help you stay secure and anonymous while surfing the internet.

Introduction:

Virtual Private Network, commonly known as VPN, is a service that allows you to encrypt your online traffic and protect your online activity from prying eyes. With the increasing number of cyberattacks, identity thefts, and government surveillance, using a VPN service has become a necessity for every internet user.

However, choosing the right VPN service among the hundreds of options available can be overwhelming. That’s why we have researched and tested various VPN services to bring you the Top 10 VPN Services of 2016.

Before we dive into the list, let’s discuss what VPN is, how it works, and what factors to consider when choosing a VPN service.

What is VPN?

VPN is a secure and encrypted connection between your device and the internet. It creates a virtual tunnel through which your internet traffic passes, making it difficult for anyone to intercept and decipher your online activity.

When you connect to a VPN, your device’s IP address is replaced with the VPN server’s IP address, making it difficult for websites and online services to track your location and online activity. It also encrypts your data, making it unreadable to anyone who intercepts it.

VPN is essential for online security, privacy, and data protection. Whether you are using public Wi-Fi, streaming content, or accessing sensitive information, VPN can protect you from cyber threats and identity thefts.

How does VPN work?

VPN works by encrypting your online traffic and routing it through a remote server. When you connect to a VPN, it creates a secure tunnel between your device and the VPN server, which acts as a middleman between you and the internet.

Your internet traffic is encrypted at your device, and the encrypted data is sent to the VPN server. The server then decrypts the data, assigns a new IP address to your device, and sends your request to the internet.

The websites and online services you visit see the VPN server’s IP address instead of your device’s IP address. It makes it difficult for websites to track your location, online activity, and identity.

What to consider when choosing a VPN service?

Choosing a VPN service can be overwhelming, considering the number of options available. However, there are several factors you should consider when selecting the right VPN service:

  • Security: The VPN service should offer robust encryption, protocols, and security features to protect your online activity.
  • Privacy: The VPN service should have a strict no-logs policy and be located in a privacy-friendly country.
  • Speed: The VPN service should offer fast and reliable connections to ensure smooth browsing and streaming.
  • Server network: The VPN service should have a large server network to provide access to various locations and unblock geo-restricted content.
  • User-friendliness: The VPN service should have a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use apps for different devices.
  • Pricing: The VPN service should offer competitive pricing with different subscription plans and payment options.
  • Customer support: The VPN service should have responsive and helpful customer support to assist you in case of any issues.

Top 10 VPN Services of 2016:

After researching and testing various VPN services, we have compiled the following list of Top 10 VPN Services of 2016:

VPN Service
Features
Pros
Cons
Price
ExpressVPN
256-bit AES encryption, 3000+ servers in 94 countries, no-logs policy, 5 simultaneous connections, 24/7 live chat support
Fast and reliable connections, unblocks Netflix and other streaming services, easy-to-use apps, excellent customer support
Expensive compared to other VPN services, no free trial available
$8.32/month (1 year plan)
NordVPN
256-bit AES encryption, 5200+ servers in 62 countries, no-logs policy, 6 simultaneous connections, double VPN, Onion over VPN, CyberSec, 24/7 live chat support
Affordable pricing, extra security and privacy features, fast and stable connections, unblocks geo-restricted content, free trial available
Some servers can be slow, no split-tunneling feature
$3.71/month (2 year plan)
CyberGhost VPN
256-bit AES encryption, 6300+ servers in 90 countries, no-logs policy, 7 simultaneous connections, kill switch, ad blocker, 24/7 live chat support
User-friendly apps, affordable pricing, fast and reliable connections, unblocks streaming services, free trial and money-back guarantee available
Some servers can be slow, no split-tunneling feature
$2.25/month (3 year plan)
Private Internet Access
256-bit AES encryption, 3300+ servers in 45 countries, no-logs policy, 10 simultaneous connections, ad blocker, SOCKS5 proxy, 24/7 live chat support
Affordable pricing, fast and reliable connections, easy-to-use apps, unblocks geo-restricted content, excellent customer support
US-based, no free trial available
$2.69/month (2 year plan)
Surfshark VPN
256-bit AES encryption, 3200+ servers in 65 countries, no-logs policy, unlimited simultaneous connections, Whitelister, kill switch, 24/7 live chat support
Affordable pricing, extra security features, fast and reliable connections, unblocks streaming services, free trial and money-back guarantee available
Some servers can be slow, no router app available
$2.49/month (2 year plan)
Hotspot Shield
256-bit AES encryption, 3200+ servers in 80+ countries, no-logs policy, 5 simultaneous connections, ad tracker blocker, 24/7 live chat support
Fast and stable connections, unblocks geo-restricted content, user-friendly apps, free version available
Expensive compared to other VPN services, limited features in the free version
$7.99/month (1 year plan)
IPVanish VPN
256-bit AES encryption, 1600+ servers in 75+ countries, no-logs policy, 10 simultaneous connections, SOCKS5 proxy, 24/7 live chat support
Fast and reliable connections, unblocks geo-restricted content, user-friendly apps, excellent customer support
US-based, no free trial available
$3.49/month (1 year plan)
StrongVPN
256-bit AES encryption, 950+ servers in 30 countries, no-logs policy, 12 simultaneous connections, WireGuard protocol, 24/7 live chat support
Fast and stable connections, unblocks geo-restricted content, customizable apps, good for streaming and torrenting
Expensive compared to other VPN services, few server locations, inconsistent customer support
$5.83/month (1 year plan)
VyprVPN
256-bit AES encryption, 700+ servers in 64 countries, no-logs policy, 5 simultaneous connections, Chameleon protocol, NAT firewall, 24/7 live chat support
Robust encryption and protocols, fast and reliable connections, unblocks geo-restricted content, user-friendly apps
Expensive compared to other VPN services, no anonymous payment options
$2.50/month (2 year plan)
TunnelBear
256-bit AES encryption, servers in 23 countries, no-logs policy, 5 simultaneous connections, GhostBear, VigilantBear, 24/7 live chat support
User-friendly and quirky apps, free plan available, fast and reliable connections
Some features limited in the free version, limited server network, not suitable for heavy streaming or torrenting
$3.33/month (1 year plan)
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Using VPN:

Advantages:

Using a VPN has several advantages, such as:

  • Online security: VPN encrypts your online traffic and protects your online activity from cyber threats and identity thefts.
  • Privacy: VPN hides your real IP address and makes it difficult for websites and online services to track your location and online activity.
  • Data protection: VPN protects your sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, and personal data, from being intercepted and stolen.
  • Unblock geo-restricted content: VPN allows you to access geo-restricted content, such as streaming services and websites, from anywhere in the world.
  • Bypass censorship: VPN allows you to bypass government censorship and access restricted content in countries with heavy internet censorship.

Disadvantages:

Using a VPN also has some disadvantages, such as:

  • Slower internet speed: VPN can slow down your internet speed due to encryption and routing.
  • Extra cost: VPN services often require a subscription fee, which can be an extra cost for some users.
  • Not foolproof: VPN is not a foolproof solution for online security and privacy, as it can still be vulnerable to VPN leaks and cyberattacks.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the difference between a paid and a free VPN service?

Paid VPN services offer better security, privacy, speed, and customer support compared to free VPN services. Free VPN services often have limitations in terms of server network, data usage, bandwidth, and features. They may also collect and sell your data for advertising purposes.

2. Can a VPN service be hacked?

Yes, VPN services can also be vulnerable to cyberattacks and VPN leaks if they do not implement proper security protocols and encryption. Therefore, it is important to choose a reliable and secure VPN service with a no-logs policy.

3. Can I use a VPN for torrenting?

Yes, you can use a VPN for torrenting to protect your online identity and avoid legal consequences. However, not all VPN services allow torrenting, and some may limit your bandwidth and speed.

4. Can I use a VPN on all devices?

Most VPN services offer apps for different devices, such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and routers. However, some VPN services may not have apps for all devices or may require manual configuration.

5. Can I use a VPN to access Netflix?

Yes, you can use a VPN to access Netflix and other streaming services that are not available in your region. However, not all VPN services can unblock Netflix, and some may have slow connections for streaming.

6. Does using a VPN slow down my internet speed?

Yes, using a VPN can slow down your internet speed due to encryption and routing. However, some VPN services offer fast and reliable connections that do not affect your speed significantly.

7. How do I choose the right VPN service?

You can choose the right VPN service by considering factors such as security, privacy, speed, server network, user-friendliness, pricing, and customer support. You can also read reviews and compare different VPN services before making a decision.

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8. Can I use a VPN to bypass government censorship?

Yes, you can use a VPN to bypass government censorship and access restricted content in countries with heavy internet censorship. However, some countries may block VPN services, and using a VPN may be illegal in some countries.

9. How does a VPN protect my online privacy?

A VPN protects your online privacy by hiding your real IP address and encrypting your online traffic. It also prevents websites and online services from tracking your location, online activity, and identity.

10. Can I use a VPN to avoid ISP throttling?

Yes, you can use a VPN to avoid ISP throttling, which is when your internet service provider slows down your internet speed for certain activities, such as streaming or torrenting. VPN encrypts your data, making it difficult for your ISP to detect your online activity.

11. Can I use a VPN to protect my mobile device?

Yes, you can use a VPN to protect your mobile device, such as Android, iOS, or Windows Phone. Most VPN services offer apps for mobile devices or manual configuration instructions.

12. Can I use a VPN for online banking?

Yes, you can use a VPN for online banking to protect your sensitive information from being intercepted and stolen. However, not all VPN services are suitable for online banking, and some may have slow connections for financial transactions.

13. How do I know if my VPN is working?

You can test if your VPN is working by visiting websites that detect your IP address, such as whatismyip.com. If your IP address is different from your real IP address, the VPN is working correctly. You can also check for VPN leaks and DNS leaks using online tools.

Conclusion:

Using a VPN service is essential for online security, privacy, and data protection. With our list of Top 10 VPN Services of 2016, you can choose the right VPN service that meets your requirements and budget. However, before using a VPN, make sure to read the terms of service and privacy policy carefully and understand the risks and limitations. Stay safe online!

Closing or Disclaimer:

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. We do not endorse or promote any specific VPN service and do not take responsibility for any consequences of using a VPN service. Users are advised to do their research and use VPN services at their own risk.