What Factors Should You Consider When Comparing VPN Providers?

There’s no shortage of VPNs out there. Some are solid, others not so much. It’s easy to get pulled in by bold claims and flashy promises, but what actually matters depends on how you use the web.

Here’s a plain-spoken look at what to keep in mind before you pick one.

1. The Privacy Stuff—What’s Logged, What’s Not

If a VPN keeps logs, it kind of defeats the purpose. You want one that makes a clean break from your activity. No traffic records, no IP logs, no sneaky tracking. Some even run everything on RAM-only servers, which erase themselves on every reboot.

Also worth noting is where the VPN company is based. Some places, like Switzerland, have stronger privacy laws.

2. Speed That Doesn’t Drag You Down

Speed isn’t just about numbers. It’s about whether you notice the VPN or not. Good ones fade into the background. You should be able to stream, video call, or scroll without feeling slowed down.

And yes, those fast-sounding protocols like WireGuard or IKEv2 do help.

3. Can It Get Around Blocks?

If you’re traveling or living in a place with restrictions, a wide server network is gold. More servers in more countries means more doors to get where you need to go. That includes streamin,g too. Some VPNs are simply better at dodging geo-blocks.

Try a few services before committing long-term if that’s important to you.

4. Works on What You’ve Got

Some people just want a VPN for their laptop. Others need one that covers phones, tablets, TVs, maybe even a router. Make sure whatever you pick plays nice with your devices.

When it comes to Proton vs. Surfshark, that’s something to look at closely. One might offer more connections or an easier setup across platforms. It’s not always a flashy difference, but it makes life easier once you start juggling devices.

5. Extras That Actually Help

Not every VPN comes loaded with bonus features, and that’s fine. But a few can make a difference. Things like:

• A kill switch that cuts traffic if your VPN drops;
• Split tunneling, so some apps run outside the VPN;
• Multi-hop routes for added privacy;

They’re not always necessary, but they are definitely worth a glance if security is something that you care about.

6. Price: What’s Fair?

The cheapest option isn’t always the best. Look at what you get for the price. Does it include all the features, or will you be upsold later? Some plans look cheap upfront, then charge extra for basics.

Long-term deals save money, but don’t skip the refund policy in case it’s not your fit.

7. Do People Actually Trust It?

Forget the marketing. What do users say? Have there been audits? Data leaks? Any shady headlines? Trust builds from transparency; it doesn’t just come from a sleek homepage with flashy visuals. For example, it’s worth knowing that there are 1.5 billion VPN users in the world.

Look for honest product reviews and, if possible, third-party assessments. They’ll tell you more than most ads ever will.

Use these tips to find the best VPN and safeguard your online activity.