Paid VPN vs free VPN: What is better?
VPNs can be divided into two types: paid and free. This article will show the differences between these two types and help you decide which one is better for you. We will start by explaining what a VPN is and how it works. Then, we will discuss the pros and cons of free and paid VPN software. Finally, we will show you which VPN providers are worth the price.
What is a VPN?
VPN allows you to browse the internet without anyone being able to see what you're doing. For example, if you're connected to the school's network and try to access Instagram, you will be blocked because Instagram is not an educational website. However, if you use a VPN, you can bypass the school's network and access Facebook without any problems.
VPN is a tool that helps you stay safe and secure online, avoid censorship, unblock websites, block ads or viruses, and even can help you save some money. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. VPN makes it harder for people to track your online activity and helps you avoid potential risks from hackers and other cyber threats. See why you should use a VPN in 2022.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location.
Encryption is a process of transforming readable data into an unreadable format. This makes it very difficult for anyone who intercepts your data to read. A VPN can use a combination of encryption algorithms to protect your data. The most common encryption algorithms are AES-256, Blowfish, and 3DES. Encryption works by using a public key and a private key. The public key is used to encrypt data, and the private key is used to decrypt it.
Routing is the process of forwarding data packets from one network to another. If you're routing internet traffic, your data packets are sent from your computer to the VPN server and then out to the internet. The routing process changes your IP address so that it appears you're located in the same country as the VPN server. That way, you can access websites that might be blocked in your own country.
If you'd like to know more about VPNs, check this article: How does a VPN work?
Free or paid VPN?
Paid VPNs are more reliable and offer more features and locations than free options; It's less likely that the paid service will sell your data or surprise you with ads. However, free VPNs can be a good choice if you only need a VPN for occasional use and you don't really care about developed customer service or connection stability at the highest level.
The cons of Free VPNs
Fewer features and locations
Free VPNs offer fewer advanced features than paid VPNs. You won’t find there working kill switches, ad protection, or other features like IP shuffling, access to the TOR network, or double VPN. Developing mobile and desktop applications can also be demanding for free VPN providers if they have to work on a tight or no budget.
Due to limited resources, free VPN providers can't afford to buy servers worldwide. Their service might be limited to just a few locations and overloaded servers.
Risk of compromising privacy
For some reason, although free VPN does not generate profit, it is working. If you are considering using a free VPN, It is important to find out how that company is maintained. It is good if a free VPN is sponsored by a regular foundation that relies on the generosity of its donors. However, it is not good if the free VPN is sponsored by a government organization or other group that wants to tempt you with a free VPN so they can use you later..
The possibility of trading your data
Remember, if you’re not paying for the product, you are the product. As free VPNs need to generate revenue somehow, selling your data is the most obvious way to do it.
What kind of information are they selling? Here are some examples:
- Personal information can include your name, gender, age, email address, and even your physical address.
- Internet activity – free VPNs keep track of the websites you visit and the apps you use. This data is then used to show targeted ads.
- Geo-location data – free VPNs also track your location, which can be helpful for advertisers that want to show you location-specific ads.
- Connection logs are records of the times you connect to and disconnect from a VPN server. Such information can be used to identify patterns in your internet usage.
- Bandwidth usage – some free VPNs limit the amount of data you can use per month. This data is then used to upsell you to a paid subscription. Aside from the data types mentioned above, free VPNs may also sell other information, such as your IP address and connection details.
Worse customer service
Some free VPN providers do not have customer service available. This can be frustrating and time-consuming if you have any problems with the service.
Limits in speed and data transfer
Your internet speeds might be slower. Free VPNs often limit your connection speed to save on bandwidth costs. They may also have a transfer limit, so you're more likely to experience poor speed and run out of quota.
Higher unreliability
Free VPNs are generally less stable than paid VPNs. This is because they often have fewer resources to invest in their infrastructure and staff. Additionally, free VPNs are more likely to be used by scammers and hackers, which can result in the provider getting banned on specific servers. This can disrupt service for other users relying on the free VPN.
Unwanted ads
If you are using a free VPN provider, then it is likely that you will be bombarded with unwanted ads. These ads can take many forms, but the most common are those that state your device is being hacked, it is infected, or businesses are tracking your activity.
Lower motivation in maintaining the quality of services
Since Free VPNs don't generate revenue from subscribers, they are more likely to cut corners regarding customer support, security updates, and server maintenance. As a result, free VPNs are more likely to experience lower levels of security and privacy protection, as well as slower speeds and more downtime.
The pros of Free VPNs
Free of charge
You save money and don't have to spend time on registration, selecting a payment method, or making the payment.
Use it anonymously
You do not have to tell your VPN provider who you are. You can avoid the payment step, where you must provide your personal information. Anonymously buying a VPN is not easy - you cannot use your bank or PayPal account. You have to pay with cryptocurrency, but it is still possible to track you based on the place from where you got the cryptocurrency, the method of payment, or where you stored it. Buying a VPN without revealing yourself is difficult but possible.
The cons of Paid VPNs
Disclosure during payment
It costs you money, and, as mentioned above, it is possible to buy a premium VPN anonymously, but it takes much work and requires knowledge of how to do it so no one will track your activity.
The pros of Paid VPNs
More features and locations
Paid VPN providers compete with each other not only in price but also in features. You will find not only working kill switches, ad protection, IP shuffler, access to the TOR network, DNS leaking protection, disabled IPv6, or double VPN but much more. Their mobile, desktop and other applications are on a higher level partly because they have a larger budget.
Locations and number of servers - this is what each premium VPN provider boasts. You may find a server in most countries of the world. You will not complain about the lack of servers or their overload.
Lower risk of compromising privacy and trading your data
Although there are known cases where premium VPN providers violated users’ privacy rights, your private data is less likely to be sold than if you were using a free VPN. Paid VPNs don’t have the same financial incentives to sell your data as free ones; your data is more likely to stay safe and private here.
Better customer service
Premium VPN providers have better customer service because they have the resources to invest in it. They can afford to hire more staff and provide them with training to offer a higher level of support. They also tend to be more responsive to customer queries and requests, which means that you're more likely to get a resolution to your problem promptly. Paid VPNs offer a better experience for their customers. Usually, they have a team of customer service representatives available 24/7 to help.
Better performance
Paid VPNs can offer a more stable and reliable service. They have a much larger infrastructure in place. This includes having more servers located around the world and a team of people who are constantly working on maintaining and improving the service. If there are any issues with the service, they can be quickly fixed, and users can always expect a high level of performance - because they paid for it.
Provider’s motivation to keep client satisfied.
A paid VPN service provider is more likely to satisfy their clients than a free VPN service provider. This is because the paid provider is asking for money and therefore needs to maintain a good reputation to compete with other providers. Additionally, the paid provider will likely have more resources available to invest in customer satisfaction.
Money-back guarantee program
Paid VPNs often offer a money-back guarantee program, which is a great way to try out the service without commitment. If you're not happy with the service, you can cancel within the first 30 days and get your money back.
Which paid VPN to choose?
Are paid VPNs worth the price? It depends on your needs. A paid VPN may be a good option if you value security and privacy. However, free VPNs may be better if you're on a budget or use VPN occasionally. Whichever you choose, make sure you do your research to find a reputable service. You have to consider three main factors: features, price, and duration.
Features - some VPNs offer more bells and whistles than others. You will likely have to pay more if you need a VPN with robust security features. On the other hand, if you need a VPN for occasional web browsing, you can get by with a less feature-rich option.
Your needs will also affect the price of your VPN. If you need a VPN for business purposes, you'll have to pay more than someone who needs a VPN for personal use. This is because business-oriented VPNs often come with additional features and support that aren't necessary for individual use cases.
Finally,duration is also an essential factor in the cost of a VPN. If you only need a VPN for a short period, you can usually get by with a cheaper option. However, if you need a VPN that's going to be used long-term, you'll likely have to pay more upfront. This is because long-term subscriptions usually come with discounts that make them more affordable in the long run.
Recommended VPNs
NordVPN
NordVPN has an extensive network of servers, you can always find a fast and reliable connection. Second, their network is stable. You won't have to worry about dropped connections or other interruptions. Third, NordVPN has excellent customer support, if you have any questions or problems, you can always get help from a live person. And fourth, NordVPN offers a money-back guarantee program, so if you're unsatisfied with the service, you can always get your money back. Finally, NordVPN has applications for all major platforms, you can always stay protected, no matter what device you use.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a great option. One thing that sets ExpressVPN apart from other providers is its choice of protocols. Whether you're looking for a fast and secure connection or more flexibility, ExpressVPN has you covered. And with servers in over 90 countries, you're sure to find a location that meets your needs. Plus, ExpressVPN is one of the few providers that has been independently audited. This means you can be confident that your data is being handled securely and privately. If you're looking for a VPN provider that shows a consistent commitment to internet privacy and digital freedom, ExpressVPN is worth considering.
VPN4Test
If you're looking for a free VPN provider, you can't go wrong with VPN4Test. They offer multiple protocols to choose from, including TPC, UDP, and TOR, so you can always find the right one for your needs. Their double VPN feature ensures that traffic is routed through two servers for maximum security. And with over seven years of experience on the market, you can rest assured that VPN4Test is a trustworthy and reliable provider. Why not give them a try today? You won't be disappointed.