As the pandemic brought the whole world to a grind, millions of people had to get used to a new routine where most of their work and life takes place online. Likewise, thousands of businesses transitioned to remote work where having a safe and secure connection is of paramount importance.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an online service that provides the user with a private network that encrypts their internet protocol (IP) address and any data flow associated with their internet activity. VPNs have also become more popular over the years as a globalized population sought access to their favourite shows while travelling or living abroad, which might otherwise not be accessible in their home country.

Here we look at the key features in a VPN service and the best option for the UK when it comes to choosing the right VPN provider.

Key Features to Look Out For in a VPN

A simple Google search can come up with hundreds of VPN service providers, making it difficult for users to make a quick and informed decision. However, not all VPNs are made equal, and there are three key features customers need to look out for when choosing the right service for them.

1. Security

One of the primary reasons for using a VPN is the added security that comes with it. A good VPN provider would come with a built-in malware blocker, no-logs policy, and a multi-phase encryption method.

2. Affordability

A study by Cornell University has found that, after customer reviews, price is the second most important factor when choosing a VPN provider. With so much competition on the market, even the best VPNs need to remain competitive and affordable. That said, a premium VPN provider will usually come with a higher speed, cover more countries, and be accessible on more devices instead of a free version that might have more limited options.

3. Accessibility

It’s common for a person to rely on three or four devices throughout their day as they navigate work and private life. A good VPN service will be accessible on iOS, Linux, and Windows, as well as other services such as Apple TV and Amazon Fire to ensure a seamless experience.

All VPN providers listed below cover this functionality and offer some additional benefits as well.

Surfshark

Surfshark is one of the best options on the market when it comes to VPN providers as the service leads the way in terms of price, security, and connectivity. With over 1700 servers across 65+ countries, users can access content from almost any corner of the world. Surfshark also offers an unlimited number of device connections for a single account, making it super easy to maintain privacy regardless of which device is being used.

Other key benefits:

• Enhanced Security – Surfshark takes security very seriously, and the service comes with an ad and malware blocker (CleanWeb) to ensure that users stay safe while browsing the web. Not only that, but Surshark relies 100% on diskless, RAM-only servers, which increases user privacy and security.
• Access from Any Device – Surfshark works on any device and is compatible with most operating systems. Users can browse the web using Surfshark on Chrome, Firefox, Apple TV, etc. The Kill Switch feature ensures that when the VPN connection drops all devices are disconnected from the internet at the same time to preserve privacy and security.
• Affordable Plans – Surfshark comes with three different subscription options, starting at $2.49 per month on a 24-month contract and going up to $12.95 per month for users who prefer to stay on a monthly subscription.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a great option for users who have privacy concerns as the service has its own private, encrypted DNS on every server they use. This makes user connections much safer and faster. The provider has over 3,000 servers in over 94 countries, which gives users access to content from every part of the world.

Other key features:

• Focused on Speed – ExpressVPN comes with a built-in speed test feature. This allows users to find and use the fastest server in a given location, maintaining the best possible speed at all times.
• Unlimited Bandwidth – users can download as much content as they want without any traffic limitations from their internet service provider. Platforms such as Hulu, Netflix, and Prime Video are also available, and users can switch between servers to get country-specific content.
• Customer Care – as a well-established VPN provider, ExpressVPN offers a live chat as well as 24/7 customer support. The provider also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if the customers do not enjoy their services.

All these benefits come at a higher cost, though, as the starting price is $8.32 per month on an annual contract and goes up to $12.95 for monthly subscriptions.

IPVanish

IPVanish has over 1,500 servers across 55 countries, 90 of which are based in the UK, making it a good option for anyone looking for a VPN in the UK. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Texas, U.S., IPVanish comes with great local speeds and has a no-logs policy, which means no data is stored while using the service.

The provider also has a Kill Switch functionality, which disconnects the device from the internet once the VPN connection drops. This ensures that user privacy and security are upheld at all times, and no data leaks can occur.

Other key benefits:

• Added Security – all plans at IPVanish come with a 250GB SugarSync secure cloud storage, which offers users to back up all their encrypted data for computers, tablets, and mobile devices. Data can also be remotely deleted should users ever lose or have their devices stolen.
• First-class Customer Care – IPVanish comes with 24/7 customer support, which is helpful if users are accessing the network from different parts of the world, though it’s worth mentioning that there’s no live chat option available. Customers can also sign up for the service and use the 30-day money-back guarantee policy if they do not enjoy the service.
• Affordable Pricing: IPVanish also comes in three different plans to fit any budget. Their pricing starts at $3.25 per month for an annual contract and goes up to $12 per month for a monthly subscription. All plans include a SugarSync 250GB cloud storage.

While IPVanish has great local speeds, the service speed does drop significantly when it comes to long-distance connectivity, reducing user experience over time. Also, this VPN can sometimes struggle with accessing Netflix and Hulu.

NordVPN

NordVPN has over 437 servers present in the UK, making it one of the most accessible VPN providers in the UK. The service has over 5,500 servers across 59 countries, giving plenty of options for customers to choose from.

Other Key Benefits:

• Extra Online Protection: NordVPN comes with a CyberSec functionality that can steer users away from malware-infected websites or block pop-up ads.
• Easy Access: users can install browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox on any device, making secure browsing that much easier.
• Affordable: users can pay using standard online payment options, cryptocurrency, or by using cash in certain retail stores. The service is affordable at $3.71 per month on its two-year contract going up to $11.95 for monthly subscriptions.

One drawback to NordVPN is that it limits users to have up to six devices connected at any given time. Users can also have issues with speed, depending on the servers they’re accessing.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost has the highest number of servers both in the UK and across the world, making it one of the most widely accessible VPN providers. The UK boasts 528 providers alone, while additional 6,500 servers are spread across 111 countries. CyberGhost also offers split tunnelling allowing users to switch between public and private browsing depending on their needs.

Other Key Benefits:

• Personalized Browsing: CyberGhost comes with a Smart Rules feature, which allows users to set rules for different applications to use different servers.
• Easier P2P Data-Sharing – CyberGhost has servers that are optimized for torrenting, which hides your tracks when it comes to uploading or downloading files. Keeping in mind that the UK is considering jail time for repeated copyright infringement, users can use the extra security to ensure they remain protected even in accidental copyright infringements.
• Accessible on All Devices – the provider has some of the widest range of compatibility and can be used across Windows, Linux and iOS as well as on Xbox 360 and One, Playstation 3 & 4, and a variety of TV services.

This VPN service does have a limit of up to seven devices per subscription, limiting some users. Likewise, some bad press has been in the past that their parent company, Kape Technologies, has been involved in spreading malware, which can be disconcerting for new users.

What’s Next?

In the end, choosing the right VPN provider depends on a number of factors. While some users might care about speed and price, others might be more concerned with security and server accessibility. There’s no one single answer as to which option is the best, and users would need to do their research before making their final choice. Luckily, most options have a money-back guarantee, so users don’t lose cash in the process.