Not all VPN services are created equal. That’s why it’s important to focus on your priorities, which may be the following:

Speed

Let’s be honest. There’s nothing more frustrating than slow internet, especially when you’re streaming videos or downloading files. While a VPN will inevitably slow down your connection, there are some providers that allow for a very subtle change in speed so that you can continue to enjoy fast, reliable connectivity.

Security

At the end of the day, the goal of a VPN is to provide a safe connection with minimal risk. For this reason, features like AES-256 encryption and OpenVPN functionality should be on your radar. You may also want to look for VPNs that incorporate open-source software and accept anonymous payments.

Accessibility

VPN providers must abide by local laws, making it important to understand the country a VPN is based in and how its regulations might impact your privacy. This is particularly crucial if you live in a small or underdeveloped country or travel to one often. A quality VPN will have many servers all around the world.

Ease of Use

Chances are you lead a busy life and don’t have hours upon hours to learn a complicated VPN. The good news is there are many VPNs with user-friendly interfaces. You should be able to use them with ease, even if you’re not tech-savvy.

Compatibility

If you use many devices, the VPN you choose should support all of them. Ideally, it will offer a great connection on your desktop, laptop and smartphone. Since there are many situations in which VPN access will come in handy, it’s a mistake to limit yourself to a VPN that only works with one device.

Customer Support

Unless you’re a tech expert or have extensive knowledge of VPNs, customer support is essential. If possible, find a VPN that offers useful information that can help you out when you get stuck. A robust frequently asked questions (FAQs) section, live chat and dedicated representatives are all signs of excellent support.