De beste online VPN-dienst voor snelheid (2024)

FAQs

What is the most effective VPN? ›

ExpressVPN is currently CNET's pick for the best VPN overall, scoring an 8.8/10 on our VPN rating scale. It's a veteran VPN provider that consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to privacy and transparency. It's also excellent for streaming and the easiest VPN app to use on any platform.

VPNs don't provide privacy, with a few exceptions (detailed below). They are just a proxy. If somebody wants to tap your connection, they can still do so - they just have to do so at a different point (ie. when your traffic leaves the VPN server).

While VPNs are meant to protect your data from third-party snoopers, many free VPNs sell your data to others to make an income. Third-party snoopers typically use this information to better target ads to individuals. Lastly, free VPNs often limit the amount of data you can use and only cover one or two devices.

One of the best alternatives to a VPN is a proxy server. A proxy server acts as a gateway that sits between a user's device and the internet. The user can activate the server in their web browser and proceed to reroute their traffic through it. This helps to hide their IP address from any web servers that they visit.

One of the primary reasons for using a VPN is to benefit from the strong encryption protocols that keep your data secure. However, many free VPNs employ weak or outdated encryption protocols like PPTP, which can leave you vulnerable to cyber threats, data theft and more.

When it comes to exposure to malware, using a free VPN is also riskier than having no VPN at all. That's because some free VPNs may contain malware or adware, infecting your device and compromising your security. Of course, it's important to note that not all free VPN providers sell your data or expose you to malware.

It's one of the most important things you can have when you spend a lot (or even a little) of time on the internet. You want to keep yourself protected as much as you can, and you can do so with just a few bucks a month. And that makes a VPN worth the money. Deciding whether to spend on one might be challenging.

Whether police can track VPN traffic is a common concern among users seeking online privacy. The truth is: the police can't monitor encrypted VPN traffic. However, they can ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to provide connection or usage logs through a court order, which can lead them to your VPN provider.

Are VPNs illegal? ›

Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries around the world, including the US, Canada, and most of Europe. However, you might risk heavy fines or even imprisonment for using a VPN in a country that bans it, for example, North Korea or Iraq.

Yes, you should leave your VPN on all the time. VPNs offer the best online security, so keeping it on will protect you against data leaks and cyberattacks, especially while you're using public Wi-Fi. It can also safeguard against intrusive snoopers such as ISPs or advertisers. Always use a VPN when you go online.

Speed winner: NordVPN is the fastest VPN we tested

In our 2024 tests, NordVPN resulted in an 11.1% average speed loss. While ExpressVPN was slower, with an average 24.8% dip in speeds, it was still plenty fast for bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K video streaming, gaming and working from home.