In today’s digital age, protecting your personal information and data is more critical than ever. A data breach is a real threat, and there are countless security risks out there that threaten our information.
As a remote worker or freelancer, having good internet security is absolutely essential to ensuring the safety of your personal data. That’s why so many people are looking for the best VPNs available today. A VPN can help keep your data encrypted and protected from hackers and cybercriminals.
It can also unblock websites and services that have been blocked, giving you full access to the Internet. Some VPNs are slow and unreliable, while others put your privacy at risk by collecting and selling your data to third parties. So, how do you know which VPN is right for you?
This blog post will look at the best VPNs for remote workers and freelancers in 2023. We’ll discuss the features to look for in a VPN, the benefits of using a VPN, and our top picks for the best VPNs for remote workers and freelancers.
What is VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that helps to keep your online activity private and secure. When you connect to the internet through a VPN, your traffic is routed through a secure server operated by the VPN provider.
This encrypts your data and makes it much more difficult for third parties to track your online activity. For remote workers and freelancers, VPNs offer an additional layer of security. By connecting to the internet through a VPN, you can be sure that your data is safe from eavesdroppers and hackers.
In addition, VPNs can help to improve your online privacy by hiding your IP address from websites and advertisers. As a result, VPNs are an essential tool for anyone who wants to maintain their privacy online.
Our Top Picks for the Best VPNs for Remote Workers and Freelancers
NordVPN
NordVPN is a leading VPN provider with robust security features and a huge network of servers. With over 5,600 servers in over 59 countries, NordVPN provides plenty of options for bypassing ISP throttling and accessing censored content.
It has an average speed of 369 Mbps capable of streaming HD video or gaming online, and the 256-bit encryption ensures that your data is safe and secure. In addition, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, so you can be confident that your privacy is protected. Overall, NordVPN is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a powerful and reliable VPN.
Price: $11.99 – $14.29 per month
Features:
- Meshnet powered by Nordlynx enables you to connect to other devices anywhere in the world.
- Threat protection from hazards such as viruses and trackers
- Dark web monitor to notify you of any data leak to the dark web
- Dedicated IP
- Secure internet
- Fastest VPN
- No log policy
- Server is everywhere
- Multiple devices of up to 6 can connect
- Multiple factor authentication
- Kill switch (except in android)
- Split tunneling support
Summary:
NordVPN is a reliable and affordable VPN service that offers a range of features to help you stay secure and anonymous online. The software is easy to use and provides 24/7 support if you need assistance. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service risk-free.
The service works with popular streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer to enjoy your favorite shows and movies from anywhere in the world. NordVPN also has a browser extension that allows you to access the internet securely and anonymously. The extension is available for Chrome and Firefox.
Overall, NordVPN is an excellent VPN service that provides all the features you need to stay safe and secure online.
Things to watch out For:
Customers can only choose a location, not a particular server.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for a fast, reliable VPN service. It offers high-level encryption, fast connection speeds, security features, and a user-friendly interface.
In addition to high-level encryption, it has built-in DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands, known for its stringent privacy laws.
ExpressVPN has 24/7 live chat support, 3000+ servers in 94 countries, and can bypass ISP throttle and access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services.
Overall, ExpressVPN is a great choice for those looking for a VPN service with excellent speed, security, and ease of use.
Price: $8.32 – 12.95 per month
Features:
- Kill switch
- private DNS for all servers/li>
- No login policy
- Slit tunneling
- Multiple device connection
- VPN for router
- unlimited bandwidth
Summary:
ExpressVPN is an excellent option for a reliable and high-performing VPN. It offers best-in-class encryption with 256-bit AES protection and a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
ExpressVPN boasts average speeds of 475 Mbps, making it fast enough to stream 4K UHD video content without buffering. And if you like to torrent, no problem – ExpressVPN supports torrenting on all of its servers.
So whether you’re looking to unblock websites, stay secure online, or enjoy a better browsing experience, ExpressVPN is worth considering.
Things to watch out For:
It cannot unblock BBC iPlayer
CyberGhost VPN
If you’re looking for a VPN that’s packed with advanced security features and is easy to use, CyberGhost is a great option. It offers high-speed connections, a built-in ad blocker, and up to 7 simultaneous connections per account. Plus, it works on all major operating systems and mobile devices.
With over 100 locations in 91 countries and 7,700 servers, CyberGhost can help you stay connected and safe no matter where you are. And if you ever need assistance, their 24/7 customer support team is always available via chat or email.
Most importantly, CyberGhost keeps no activity log, so you can always browse with confidence, knowing your privacy is protected. For streaming lovers, CyberGhost is ideal because it provides excellent streaming for sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
Price: $2.03- $12.99 per month.
Features:
- High speed
- No log of activities
- Has public wifi protection
- 26-bit encryption
- Kill switch
- support operating systems like iOS, Android, Windows, Linus, and macOS
- 7 simultaneous connections per account
- Dedicated IP address
Summary:
CyberGhost VPN is a reliable and affordable way to browse the web securely, and access blocked sites. With a 45-day money-back guarantee, it’s one of the most generous offers on the market. CyberGhost can unblock 85% of most blocked sites, making it a great option for streaming and browsing.
It uses OpenVPN, Wireguard, and the IKEv2 protocol for security and an average speed of 548 Mbps. Additionally, it has protection from DNS and WebRTC leaks. If you’re in the market for a VPN, CyberGhost is worth considering.
Things to watch out For:
Its operation in bypassing China’s Great Firewall is neither smooth nor reliable.
IPVanish VPN
IPVanish is a high-quality service with over 2000 servers in 75 locations worldwide. It offers a massive selection of options for connecting to the internet. With 40,000+ IP addresses, you’re sure to find one that works for you.
It offers unlimited multiple connections to connect all your devices simultaneously. If you’re a fan of Netflix or Kodi, you’ll be happy to know that IPVanish works with both of them.
It offers high speeds and protection from malware and ransomware. And if you’re worried about public wifi, it has you covered there too. So if you’re looking for a great VPN service, check out IPVanish.
Price: $3.99 – $10.99 per month.
Features:
- Split tunneling
- Kill switch
- SOCKS5 Proxy
- Many connection protocols
- VPN for router
- Shared IP addresses
- No log policy
- Unlimited multiple connections
Summary:
IPVanish VPN is an excellent choice for a reliable and affordable VPN service. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free. IPVanish can unblock 70% of most blocked sites, making it a great choice for streaming and browsing.
It uses the OpenVPN, Wireguard, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2 protocols for security and speed. With an average speed of 463 Mbps, you can stream 4k UHD video without buffering. IPVanish also protects against DNS leaks and offers 24/7 customer support.
Things to watch out For:
It cannot bypass China’s Firewall
Proton VPN
ProtonVPN is a Swiss VPN provider that offers servers in 64 countries and unlimited bandwidth. It has a free plan and also accepts bitcoin payments. The company has 10 Gbit servers and provides extensions for both Chrome and Firefox.
This product supports all device platforms, connecting up to 10 devices simultaneously. In terms of security, ProtonVPN keeps no logs of user activity and is therefore considered a very safe and reliable VPN service.
This is a great VPN provider for those seeking detailed and comprehensive service.
Price: $4.99-$9.99 per month.
Features:
- Stealth VPN protocol
- 256-AES encryption
- Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols
- Full disk encryption
- Split tunneling
- Netshield for Malware filtering and ad blocking benefit
- DNS leak protection
- 1,772 servers in 64 countries
Summary:
ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN service known for its high speeds and strong privacy protections. The VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee and offers a limited free plan. Its average speed is 243 Mbps, which supports Tor for accessing onion sites.
ProtonVPN’s servers are high-speed, with a minimum of 1 Gbps bandwidth. The interface is easy to navigate and has modern features. You can sign up without giving personal information and make payments using bitcoin. The customer support is professional and friendly. ProtonVPN is a great choice for a fast and secure VPN service.
Things to watch out For:
It cannot bypass China’s Firewall
Surfshark
Surfshark VPN is a reliable and fun VPN service with plenty of features to keep you safe online. It offers unlimited device connections to protect your devices with one account. It has 3,200 high-speed servers in 60 countries so that you can browse the web quickly and easily.
It protects you from viruses and malware with its AEM-256-GCM encryption. It offers ad-blocking to keep you safe from malicious ads. It provides IP addresses in 60 countries so that you can browse the web anonymously.
The VPN is independently audited by a third party to ensure your data is safe. Finally, Surfshark VPN offers a money-back guarantee so you can try the service risk-free. Surfshark VPN is an excellent choice for a reliable and fun VPN service.
Price: $2.05 – 12.95 per month.
Features:
- The average speed of 324Mbps
- Multiple protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, Shadowsocks, and WireDuard
- Unlimited device connections
- CleanWeb for Ad-blocking, malware, and trackers
- 24/7 customer support
- Kill switch
- Bypass China’s Great Firewall
- Support P2P
- Bypasser for specific Apps and website
- Strict no log policy
- Camouflage mode
- DNS leak protection
- Whitelister for split tunneling
Summary:
Surfshark VPN is one of the best platforms for accessing streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. With servers in over 63 countries, it provides fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth.
In addition, Surfshark VPN supports torrenting and Shadowsocks encryption for android and windows customers. It also provides optimum leak protection and public wifi protection. Based in the British Virgin Islands, it offers legal data protection from government spying and data collection. Lastly, Surfshark VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Things to watch out For:
The connection can be slow at times.
PureVPN
PureVPN is one of the world’s most popular and trusted VPN providers. With over 6,500 servers in 78 countries, it offers many users a fast and reliable service.
The company’s 256-bit AES encryption ensures that your data is safe and secure, and its average speed of 210 Mbps means you can browse the internet without any lag or delays. The company also offers a generous 31 days money-back guarantee so that you can try the service risk-free.
In addition, Pure VPN supports 20+ devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, and Chrome, making it a great choice for those who want to protect their devices. Pure VPN is an excellent choice for those looking for a fast, reliable, and secure VPN service.
Price: $1.99 – 10.95 per month
Features:
- Split tunneling
- 256-AES encryption
- Many connection protocols
- No log of activities
- Dedicated IP address
- Internet kill switch
- Supports 10 multiple logins
- Port forwarding.
Summary:
PureVPN offers a wide range of features and a well-deserved reputation for reliability. PureVPN has servers in 78 countries, so users can choose from a wide range of places. PureVPN has servers in 78 countries, providing users with plenty of options for choosing a location.
In addition, PureVPN offers a variety of protocols, including OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, and SSTP. PureVPN has several security features, such as military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch.
PureVPN offers several security features, including military-grade encryption, a strict no-log policy, and a kill switch. It also has many other features, such as protection against DNS leaks and a dedicated IP address.
Moreover, PureVPN provides many other features, including DNS leak protection and a dedicated IP address. PureVPN is an excellent choice for a reliable and feature-rich VPN provider.
Things to watch out For:
Some users complained about the connection problem, and DNS leak protection is not 100%.
Features to Consider When Buying VPNs for Remote Workers & Freelancers
When looking for a VPN to use as a remote worker or freelancer, there are several key features to look for.
Encryption Protocol
When choosing a VPN, it’s essential to consider the encryption protocol used. A robust encryption protocol will help to protect your data from hackers and other online threats. Several VPN protocols are available, such as OpenVPN, Wireguard, and IKEv2.
Each has advantages and disadvantages, so research is vital to see which will best suit your needs. For example, OpenVPN is an excellent option for security-conscious users, while Wireguard is perfect for those who want a fast and efficient VPN connection.
Whichever protocol you choose, ensure that it offers the level of protection you need.
No Log Stance
Your data will not be tracked or monitored by the VPN service. This is important because your browsing activities will be private and secure.
It also means you can browse the internet without worrying about collecting or selling your data to third parties. When choosing a VPN, make sure it has a strict no-log policy so you can browse the internet with peace of mind.
Speed
When you connect to a VPN, your data travels further to reach the server. This can slow down your connection, especially if you’re connecting to a server that’s far away. That’s why it’s crucial to test out the speeds of different servers before settling on one.
If speed is your top priority, look for a VPN that has servers in locations close to you. That way, you can be sure that your data won’t have to travel as far, and your connection will be faster.
Kill Switch
A kill switch is a security feature that immediately disconnects your device from the Internet if the VPN connection is lost. This prevents your data from being exposed if the VPN server happens to go offline.
While all reputable VPN providers include a kill switch in their software, it’s always worth checking to make sure. After all, your privacy is at stake.
Browser Extension
A browser extension can be handy if you only want to encrypt certain activities rather than your entire internet connection. For example, you may want to use a VPN for online banking or shopping rather than for general browsing.
Some VPNs offer extensions for popular web browsers such as Chrome and Firefox, so it’s worth checking to see if your preferred VPN has one available. If security and privacy are your main concerns, then a VPN with a browser extension is worth considering.
Privacy
When protecting your privacy, some VPNs collect logs of user activity, while others don’t. Even those that don’t collect records can still see your IP address and other information about your connection. So it’s important to read the privacy policy carefully to see what information is collected and how it is used.
Regarding payment, some VPNs accept anonymous methods like cryptocurrency, while others require you to provide your name and email address. So if privacy is a concern, choose a VPN that meets your needs.
Server Location
The server location can be important for several reasons. If you want to access geo-restricted content, choose a VPN with servers in the required country. If you are concerned about privacy, look for a provider with servers in countries with stronger privacy laws.
A fast connection is also more likely if the servers are located close to your actual location. Check the list of available servers before signing up for a VPN service. Otherwise, you might be unable to access the content or websites you want.
Static IP
For those unfamiliar, a static IP address is an IP address that doesn’t change. This can be useful if you access certain websites or services requiring a specific IP address. Some VPNs offer this as an optional add-on service.
While a static IP address isn’t essential, it’s something to consider if you need maximum flexibility and compatibility from your VPN. A static IP can be a valuable asset if you’re accessing geo-blocked content or trying to avoid ever-changing IP addresses.
Flexibility
When choosing a VPN, flexibility is an important consideration. Look for a provider that offers multiple protocols, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Also, check to see if the service supports mobile devices so you can use it on your smartphone or tablet. This way, you’ll be able to access your VPN from any location and device.
Does Remote Desktop Make a Good Alternative to VPN?
Both remote desktops and virtual private networks let organizations and remote workers connect from afar, but there are clear differences between the two.
VPNs are great for employees who need to connect to their company’s network from outside the office because they can be used to create a secure connection to remote servers over the internet.
A remote desktop is used to provide remote access to desktops and applications. It can use different protocols, such as the Remote Desktop Protocol, the Independent Computing Architecture (ICA), or Virtual Network Computing (VNC).
An example of a virtual desktop based on the Remote Desktop Protocol is the V2 Cloud. V2 Cloud offers cloud-based virtual desktop solutions that are cost-efficient, easy to use, fast, and scalable.
There are a number of key differences between VPNs and virtual desktops that users should be aware of:
VPN let users connect to secure networks whereas RDP only provides access to a particular desktop. VPNs create a private network on top of the internet. This can increase users’ security and privacy because their data is encrypted. VPNs give less control than remote desktop solutions and limit remote workers’ activities and flexibility.
RDP lets users use all of the resources on a remote host, while a VPN only lets users connect to the network. A remote desktop can be helpful if you need to use specialized software on the host system or if the host computer can handle tasks that require a lot of processing power.
VPNs and virtual desktops offer different advantages and disadvantages depending on user needs, so it is important to choose the right solution for you.
Final Thoughts
A VPN is a great investment for any remote worker or freelancer. It provides security and privacy while you’re online, and it can also bypass geo-restrictions to give you access to the content and websites you want.
With features like military-grade encryption and a strict no-log policy, NordVPN is a reliable and trusted choice for remote workers and freelancers everywhere. So why not give it a try today?