Top 10 VPN Services for 2022
VPN clients are important to the security of your business. Read all you need to know about the top 10 VPN client services for 2022.
VPN clients are important to the security of a business, company, or corporation. Some business owners know this but lack information on what a VPN client does. Others are aware of how a VPN client functions but need to compare the best VPN services on the market. Fortunately, everything you need to know about VPN services is discussed below. Keep reading for important information on the top 10 VPN services for 2022.
What Is a VPN Client?
A virtual private network (VPN) client is essential for the security of personal and business-related internet connections. A VPN client is essentially a firewall for web use, which provides an additional layer of data security protection and encryption. To fully understand VPN client functionality, it is first useful to understand more about VPNs and VPN servers.
Understanding VPNs
An actual VPN (virtual private network) is simply a service used to connect you to the internet. A VPN helps secure activities you conduct online, including your traffic and data usage. Online traffic refers to sites you visit, how long you visit and links you click on. Online data involves your uploads and downloads and personal accounts you access. A VPN requires both a VPN client and VPN server to provide secure and proper protection.
What is a VPN Server?
A VPN server is either virtual or physical and typically has more communication ports than other servers. The VPN server is programmed to deliver and host VPN services to users around the globe. A VPN server differs from a VPN client because the server can establish connections with multiple simultaneous clients. A VPN client initiates connection with the server and can only connect with one simultaneously.
VPN Client Functionality
When you connect with the internet you generally use an internet service provider (ISP). An ISP is a company, which provides internet access as a professional service. Information going out through an ISP is commonly in plain and readable format. This information and data are vulnerable to hacks and cybertheft, including identify theft and stalking (because your location is revealed by your ISP). A VPN client creates a secure connection between you and a VPN server. Some function in the background, while others have user-configurable physical front-end interfaces. VPN clients are either software programs, physical devices, or both. In modern times, using a VPN is vital to protecting your most valuable data and private information.
The Importance of VPN Clients in Modern Times
Cybercrimes are increasing rapidly every year. Internet users have developed a precarious comfort level with online transactions. Consumers expect fast, convenient transactions and therefore allow payment information to be stored online. Some people even allow this to happen without requiring passwords for access. Businessowners are responsible for company, employee, and customer information as well. The importance of using a powerful VPN client for personal and business purposes cannot be overstated in modern times susceptible to increased cybercrime activity.
Most Popular Universal VPN Software Clients
Universal VPN software clients are popular because of the secure access they provide for an extremely wide range of personal and business-related online activities. Two highly popular universal VPN software clients today include Pulse Secure and Auvik. For more information on popular universal VPN software clients please continue reading for a VPN service Top-10 list (including pros, cons, and pricing).
Top 10 VPN Services - Pros, Cons and Pricing
Multiple VPN services offer many benefits but only some rise above the others to earn the best reputations. Your VPN client needs to provide functionality, high-level security, and reliability. Excellent customer service is also needed especially when breakdowns or other issues arise. The VPN clients listed below comprise the top 10 best products on the market today:
1. NordVPN.
Pros: Brand recognition; affordability; generous simultaneous connections.
Cons: Hid a security breach from the public and did not correct issues immediately.
Pricing: $3.67 per month (two-year plan required).
2. ExpressVPN.
Pros: Fast; reliable; secure; 24/ customer support via live chat, Bitcoin payment compatible.
Cons: Newer version produces a 2% loss of speed from 2019 version.
Pricing: $6.67 per month (for 15 months with 3-months free).
3. SurfShark.
Pros: Extremely affordable; multiple helpful features; fast speeds.
Cons: Smaller network; no 1-year plans offered; $60 up-front payment required.
Pricing: $2.49 per month promotion using “surfsharkdeal” code (two-year plan required).
4. ProtonVPN.
Pros: Free account available; supports ten devices; strong security; transparent policies.
Cons: More expensive than most other VPN clients; offers less features for the money.
Pricing: $4 per month (two-year plan paid in advance).
5. IPVanish.
Pros: Simple; good for beginners; connection kill-switch; unlimited simultaneous connections.
Cons: Only offers 7-day free trial (most others offer 30); limited to U.S. only.
Pricing: $3.75 per month (for first year - billed in advance).
6. CyberGhost.
Pros: Military-level encryption; P2P-optimized servers; easy to use.
Cons: Trouble unblocking HBOMax; cannot unblock DAZN or Sky TV.
Pricing: $2.25 per month (two-year plan required- billed in advance).
7. Private Internet Access.
Pros: Unlimited bandwidth; military-grade encryption; faster speeds than most.
Cons: Lacks live chat support; privacy policy is confusing; odd login process.
Pricing: $2.08 per month (thirty-eight month plan required).
8. VyprVPN.
Pros: Functions with multiple international libraries; advanced features; user-friendly.
Cons: Lacks VPN browser extensions and smart DNS functionality.
Pricing: $1.67 per month (three-year plan required with one year free).
9. Hotspot Shield.
Pros: 45-day free trial (longer than most); real-time malware protection; no IP address leaks.
Cons: More expensive than most; limited WireGuard support: monetized mobile subscription complicates security.
Pricing: $7.99 per month (paid annually).
10. StrongVPN (merged with SaferVPN).
Pros: Fast speeds; live phone support provided; supports 12 simultaneous devices.
Cons: Part of 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes and 14 Eyes international surveillance and data retention laws; split tunneling is limited.
Pricing: $3.33 per month (for first year paid in advance).\
Future-Proof Your Network Now
If you are currently using a VPN client, why do you also need to future-proof your network? The in-process development of quantum computers means hackers might steal encrypted data now and store it until a quantum computer develops the power to break the encryption. Quantum safe VPNs are in development by Verizon and others, which use session key exchange security methods and cryptographic ciphers to ensure advanced levels of protection. For now, use modular equipment and centralized management for your business. Stick below 50 milliseconds when roaming between QoS access points. Prepare for 10G to avoid future bottlenecks and stay current on Ethernet specifications updates.