No doubt, VPNs are an excellent tool for online privacy and anonymous networking. There are a lot of VPNs available, but they offer different features as there are different providers. Some VPNs are known for their amazing features, while some are popular due to other unique factors. VPNs are increasingly popular due to their ability to provide secure, encrypted connections that allow users to access the internet anonymously from any location, bypass geo-restrictions from certain countries, and protect their data from being monitored by third-party providers. 

However, if you intend to protect your privacy online, then you'd need the best VPN services. In this blog post, we discuss the factors to consider when choosing the best VPN app and recommend a few VPNs that we deem to be the best out of many. 

Factors to consider when choosing the best VPN apps 

We all have different ways of acquiring the things we need. Most people prefer to choose a product recommended by others, while some prefer to select a product themselves. Regardless of your choice, knowing the factors that make a tool or product the best is important. 

Let's review the factors to consider when choosing the best VPN apps for your mobile devices. 

Speed 

One of the factors you'd want to consider when choosing the best VPN is its ability to retain faster speed whilst using its service. There is direct speed and connection speed. Direct speed is said to be faster than connection speed. This is because of the additional server added for more security. But you should confirm that the service provider is maintaining its server, not outsourcing servers.

Top-notch security 

One of the main reasons why VPNs were made was to offer you security by encrypting your IP address and offering you a new one that would be unable to be tracked. 

There are some VPNs that use 256-bit encryption with a better level of encoding. While some strive very hard to offer tight security with 2048-bit encryption. 

Additionally, you should be on the lookout for the logging policy of the VPN app you choose to install. It's best if you go for VPNs with no-logging regulations - they don't store your online data, which makes it absolutely impossible for you to be hacked. 

Price 

One thing you should note is no good VPN will come for free. However, you can save some money by getting a subscription and purchasing an annual plan or choosing from other available plans. 

Best VPN Apps You Can Choose

After taking note of the factors to consider, you can proceed to choose from the list of VPNs that will be shared below. 

ExpressVPN

One of the fastest VPNs is ExpressVPN. It is being tested for its reliability, fast speed, and strong security. This privacy network defeats content censorship and restrictions, so you can have the freedom to access any site. 

Express VPN offers more than 3,000 servers in 160 locations in 94 countries. Its five simultaneous connections will be more than enough for most users, along with of course fantastic apps on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Linux. It is also effortless to use on smart TVs, PlayStation, Xbox and routers.

The service uses AES-256 encryption and a range of other protocols (including IKEv2, OpenVPN and L2TP / IPsec) to keep your data safe. But perhaps most excitingly, it has begun rolling out its own Lightway protocol, which seeks to increase speed and reliability. But it should be emphasised that it is basically an extremely fast VPN service that enables lightning-fast speeds between servers in several countries.

It's easy to use, as the VPN uses intuitive tools, no matter what device you're using it on. The settings can thus be adjusted for both professionals and inexperienced users.

Pros

• It has about 3000+ servers.
• It can be used on Android, IOS, macOS, and Linux.
• It works with Hulu, Netflix, Amazon prime video, and many more. 
• It has a no-logging policy. 

Cons

• Quite pricey amongst other VPNs.

Atlas VPN 

Another VPN that you can choose is Atlas VPN. Atlas VPN is an excellent mobile VPN option, providing simplicity and security at an affordable cost. It even offers a free version for those on a budget. Although there are only 750+ servers in 38 countries, users can expect to find sufficient speeds for their needs.

The Atlas VPN apps for both operating systems have a sleek design and easy navigation, making it a great choice for both VPN novices and experienced users. With the kill switch feature, users can ensure the protection of their data, and the SafeBrowse feature blocks access to malicious websites.

The VPN provider promises not to collect, log, or retain any of its users' data, including their browsing activities, according to its privacy policy. Although the policy isn't audited and the company is based in the US, which is part of the 5-eyes alliance, it has no prior reputation issues.

Atlas VPN uses the efficient WireGuard protocol, which allows for a connection speed retention of around 80% on average. This VPN also enables access to geo-restricted content on popular streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and more.

Pricing starts at just $3 per month*, and users can connect an unlimited number of devices. There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee available.

Pros

• It prevents data leaks.
• Secures IP address from being hacked.
• Very strong encryption.
• No-logging policy.

Cons

• No dedicated IP addresses.

CyberGhost VPN 

Finally, on our list, the CyberGhost VPN is another VPN you'd want to choose for your online privacy. This network is ridiculously effective, boosting your security and digital privacy. 

CyberGhost is a top-performing mobile VPN for both security and streaming purposes, offering unblocking capabilities for multiple streaming platforms, robust security features, and over 9700 servers in 91 countries.

The CyberGhost apps are user-friendly and easy to set up, with a modern design that provides all necessary information. Although it doesn't have a kill switch on iOS, it does have an ad blocker for added protection. CyberGhost also operates NoSpy servers, ensuring additional privacy.

The privacy policy states that CyberGhost doesn't collect any data on its users' online activities, and the VPN has undergone an independent audit, further demonstrating its reliability.

This VPN allows access to geo-restricted content on popular streaming sites like Netflix, YouTube TV, Hulu, Apple TV, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Pricing starts at just $3.40 per month*, and the money-back guarantee lasts 45 days.

Pros

• Secures your connection when using public wi-fi.
• Hides your online identity.
• Superfast.
• Seamless streaming and browsing experience without any buffering or lag.
• Protects your IP address.

Cons

• Its software crashes.

Even more VPN providers are worth at least checking out:

NordVPN

Pros

• Excellent speeds
• Functional kill switch
• Zero logs provider
• Intuitive apps
• Unblocks most streaming sites
• 6 simultaneous connections
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• No free version
• The desktop app takes some getting used to

IPVanish

Pros

• Owns and manages their own servers 
• Powerful, configurable applications
• Better than average performance
• 250 GB of cloud storage included

Cons

• Doesn't unlock iPlayer, Amazon, Netflix
• Can’t signup with Bitcoin
• No support for apps in China

SurfShark

Pros

• Great price
• Unlimited number of devices
• User-friendly interface
• Great at unlocking popular pages

Cons 

• “Only” good speed
• Some functionality is missing
• The global server network is smaller than most other VPNs

Conclusion 

VPNs (virtual private networks) can provide a secure connection to the internet using tunneling technology, allowing users to access websites, apps, and services without worrying about their data being intercepted by malicious users; however, they can also be used to bypass censorship and geo-restrictions, allowing users to access content that may not be available in their own country or region, making them an invaluable tool for those looking to explore the full potential of the internet. 

By reviewing the various services, we wanted to help you make an informed decision about which provider best suits your needs, and ultimately unlock the full potential of the world wide web and provide the most value.

*The prices stated are prices that were in effect at the time of writing this blog.