Free vs Paid VPN: Which One Is Better for You?

Today, we are using the internet more than ever before. The usage has increased considerably with the emergence of streaming devices like Firestick, Roku, and Chromecast. Spending time online lets us access the content of our choice. But it also poses risks to our security and privacy. The most effective way through which you can safeguard your online activities is a VPN. However, today, the market is flooded with VPN services. Some of them are completely free, while others are paid.

So, which is the best VPN to use? Free vs Paid VPN? You might be tempted to pick a free service. We recommend that you read this entire article to make an informed decision.

What Is a Free VPN Service?

A free VPN is a VPN service that you can get without paying a monthly fee. Anyone can use a free VPN. The providers of such a service make money by giving you ads. They also use your data to make money. You will also receive notifications to subscribe to the paid versions.

When you subscribe to a paid version of a free VPN, it lets the providers make money. If you are fine with browsing online with ads and have budget issues, you can look for a free VPN. Some of them certainly offer high security and performance.

How to Choose a Free VPN?

You need to exercise caution when it comes to choosing a free VPN. So, when you are testing out free, popular VPNs on the market to use with a streaming device like Firestick,  consider these things:

1. The data limit put by the provider: Your VPN service should not put a heavy limit on the amount of data you can use. This paves the way for a smooth browsing and streaming experience.
2. Security protocols: The VPN service should have essential privacy features. Chief among them include a kill switch, which blocks any traffic from getting through in case the VPN loses connection. Another important privacy feature is the split tunneling. It lets you route only specific apps through the VPN. The VPN should have at least AES-256 encryption to keep you secure.
3. Server locations: If you want to access a wider range of content, you should choose a VPN with multiple server locations. If the server locations are insufficient, the connection speed will be reduced. It will negatively affect your streaming experience.
4. Usability: The interface of your VPN should be easy to use. It doesn’t matter the amount of technical expertise you have; you should be easily able to use your VPN. 
5. Minimal impact on your internet speed: Your VPN’s speed considerably affects your online activities. So, look for a service that does not put restrictions on your internet speed.

What Is A Paid VPN Service?

Besides free VPNs, there are a host of providers that offer paid VPN services. They make money through your subscription fee. But these providers make good use of your money. They use it to improve the VPN service and, consequently, your online privacy and security.

If you use the internet heavily, the best VPN to use would be a paid one. Such services have huge bandwidth and access to many servers. They also have advanced security protocols and responsive customer service. Paid VPNs do not sell user data. So, you can be doubly sure of protecting yourself online.

When you opt for a paid VPN, you usually get what has been promised to you. After all, you are giving them your money for the service.

When Should You Use A Free VPN?

If you don’t depend on using the internet heavily every day, a free VPN service would be ideal. Having said that, it is still necessary to exercise caution while using a free VPN. Before opting for a free VPN, you must look at how safe it is to use.

You cannot expect a free VPN to not log your data or sell it to outside parties. Still, ensure that it provides a decent level of encryption. The best VPN to use if you are looking for a free service is one that has good privacy features. The VPN should have features such as a kill switch and facilitate fast browsing.

Additionally, check whether the service has usage or data limitations. Ultimately, you should ensure that your VPN is safe to use and useful for you.

Some Benefits of Using a Free VPN

A free VPN does not have as many features as its paid version. Still, there are some undeniable benefits of using it. These include:

1. Your browsing data is always private: The free VPN provides an obscured IP address, which conceals your location.
2. There are many VPN service providers on the market that you can choose from. You can try out various trial versions and free options and then choose what suits you best. 
3. A free VPN prevents identity theft: Identity theft occurs when you are using a public or free Wi-Fi network. A free VPN ensures that your personal information is inaccessible.
4. The service is cost-effective: Compared to paid VPNs, a free VPN is ideal for cost-conscious people.

Benefits of a Paid VPN

The best VPN to use for a high level of security and speed is a paid service. It has the following benefits.

1. An extensive network of servers: A paid service has over 6,000 servers in as many as 60 countries. This guarantees the highest speed, no matter your location.
2. Robust privacy: A paid VPN does not sell your browsing data and, in turn, gives you the strongest privacy.
3. Strong encryption: A paid VPN has top-notch encryption. It prevents third parties from accessing your internet and stealing your private data.
4. Bypass heavy geo-restrictions: A good paid VPN makes geo-restricted services accessible. You can watch a variety of content from different locations without compromising your security.

The Final Verdict: Free vs Paid VPN

The best VPN to use mainly depends on your individual requirements. Going for a paid service is a much better option on any day. But if you use the internet casually and don’t participate in activities that require you to disclose sensitive information, a free VPN can serve you well, too. Either way, using any VPN will give you some level of online protection. So, getting one is definitely worth your investment. 

Continue Reading:

ISP vs VPN: Know the difference

Common VPN Error Codes