06-03-2018 , 12:02 AM
Quote:A virtual private network (VPN) enables users to send and receive data while remaining anonymous and secure online.
Welcome to the CNET 2018 Directory of VPN providers. In this directory, we're taking a look at a few of the very best commercial VPN service providers on the Internet. Rather than looking at the wide range of free providers, which often have a lot of limits (and dubious loyalties), we are looking at those vendors who charge a few bucks a month, but put your interests first, rather than those of shadowy advertisers and sponsors. Our VPN rankings are based more than 20 factors including number of server locations, client software, dedicated and dynamic IP, bandwidth caps, security, logging, customer support and price.
Let's look at each of our vendors below in a little more depth.
NordVPN – 5/5
Number of IP addresses: 2,000
Number of servers: 3500+ servers
Number of server locations: 61
Country/Jurisdiction: Panama
60+ countries
NordVPN picks up our first five/five rating. In terms of absolute point count, it is one point above the other two five point winners. NordVPN is firing on all cylinders, so we deducted only a few points from a perfect score.
They even offer the most generous simultaneous connection count, with six simultaneous connections through their network, where everyone else offers five or fewer. NordVPN's network isn't as large as some of their competitors, so if you're trying to obfuscate your tracks, you might want a company with more servers. Otherwise, this company is clearly providing a winning offering.
Their best plan is $2.75/month for a 3-year plan. While their monthly price of $11.95 is at the high end of the spectrum (and they did lose a few points for that), their yearly price of $69.00 is lower than most our contenders. And yes, they also have a full 30-day refund policy. NordVPN also offers a dedicated IP option, for those looking for a different level of VPN connection.
StrongVPN – 5/5
Number of IP addresses: 59,500
Number of servers: 689
Number of server locations: 70
StrongVPN blasts into the exclusive 5/5 club with excellent infrastructure and decent price performance. As with our other 5/5 winners, StrongVPN has a strong no-logging policy. Since VPN is all about protecting your privacy, that's a place the savvy VPN providers can pick up points.
Strong also picks up points for its large base of IP addresses, which also helps protect your anonymity. They have a solid collection of servers and worldwide locations. For those of you who need a dedicated IP, you can get one from the company, but you'll need to contact support to get help setting it up.
One of StrongVPN's strongest strengths is the company's network. They own and operate their entire network infrastructure, which means they have no externally-dictated limits on bandwidth or the type of traffic allowed on the network. This gives you the confidence that you'll be able to power through your work.
StrongVPN's monthly price of $10 is in the middle of the pack, but their yearly price of $69.99 is among the lowest of our contenders.
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What VPN solution do you prefer after reading this article?
