Informational Listicle (Sample)

Use Case: You have developed your niche and built an audience that trusts you. Now, you want to recommend worthy products to them and be part of making sales for brands you trust. Listicles can be tailored for any type of product: clothing & outerwear, office equipment, software & apps, entertainment & media, electronic devices, gaming accessories. They also provide an opportunity for affiliate listings and paid posts. These articles usually range from 1500-2500 words, are highly researched, and contain anywhere from 15-30 unique SEO keywords.

Please note that all of these blogs are intended as hypothetical samples only. They do not represent actual clients and the content has not been posted elsewhere on the web, for profit or otherwise. I do not represent any VPN service in any way.

The Best VPN Services for the Savvy (and Safe) Internet Users

Does it sometimes feel like that ad for super strength deodorant is “following” you around the web? Do Facebook and Instagram uncannily suggest pages for a movie you just watched or TV show you just got into? Are you embarrassed about that one time you had to Google “How to bake a potato?” If you answered YES to any of these, it might time for a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a way to create a secure connection over an insecure channel, like the world wide web. Employing a VPN will boost your internet browsing security and keep your search history and social info away from ill-willed data mining companies. A VPN will not only protect your data but can also let you browse region-sensitive content when you are abroad. Think: You’re on a vacation in Mexico but want to access your U.S. Netflix account.

Privacy is a huge talking point around the internet these days. That’s because our personal data is precious and should remain private, unless we consent to share. Here are some of the best VPN services that you can consider.

What Makes a Great VPN?

First, let’s talk about the evaluation process. What are we looking for when we review a VPN tool? Here are some must-have VPN features & functions:

Easy to use
Mediates DDOS attacks
Operates smoothly & quickly
Isn’t blocked by crucial networks
No IPv4/v6 leak (doesn’t get you backlisted from sites)
Doesn’t keep an activity log
Flexible, transparent pricing tiers

1. NordVPN – Popular VPN software with over 5300 servers in their network across 59 countries.

NordVPN boasts next-gen encryption for your private data and has pledged a no-logs policy to ensure nothing you do is monitored on stored anywhere, not even by them. They are compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Pros
-High number of servers to choose from
-frequent price sales & deals
-Quick Connect feature
-Intuitive & easy to learn

Cons
-Disjointed customer support
-Not all locations work as expected

2. ExpressVPN – Simple, “one click” IP & data protection with unlimited-bandwidth servers.

ExpressVPN lets you browse the web anonymously with features like 160 VPN locations, a built-in speed test, a kill switch in cases of VPN outages, and split tunneling so that some devices use the service and other access the internet directly.

Pros
-Connect up to 3 devices at a time
-Good connection speed
-Easy to install & run
-Has products for every OD & browser

Cons
-Occasionally stalls when changing locations
-Frequent, disruptive updates
-Slow iOS widget

3. ProtonVPN – Based in Switzerland, this VPN service started as a way to support journalists & activists.

ProtonVPN was designed to combat internet censorship and was built as a partner service to their communications channel, ProtonMail. A stand-out feature is Secure Core, which prevents compromised servers by first passing traffic through privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland and Iceland.

Pros
-Solid free plan
-TOR connections
-Modern, user-friendly interface

Cons
-Not as many servers as competitors
-Secure Core only for Premium subscribers

4. Microsoft VPN Client for Windows – VPN that comes (& updates) with Windows 10 Pro.

The Microsoft VPN is included with most versions of Windows/the Windows Server operating systems. Those already using the latest version of Windows will benefit from the built-in, easy-to-adopt simplicity of Microsoft’s native VPN.

Pros
-Easy install with Windows Pro
-Unblocks all major streaming sites
-Fast streaming & downloading speeds

Cons
-Not compatible with other OSs
-Requires Microsoft System Center to operate

5. NCP Secure Entry Client for Win32/64 – Secure Communication Products for mobility, M2M, IIoT, and classic VPN scenarios.

NCP offers an enterprise-grade VPN with centralized management with multi-tenant servers, an integrated personal firewall, and support for mixed OS environments. While they scale well for large groups, they have single-user & small installation solutions, too.

Pros
-One-click installation
-Friendly Net Detection Server feature
-Supports cellular roaming

Cons
-Can be convoluted dealing with NCP resellers
-Few reviews/customer POVs currently available

6. NetMotion – Mobile-first enterprise VPN offering deep insights (+ dashboards) on remote workers.

NetMotion is a VPN that specializes in enterprise services, offering additional business intelligence features to diagnose workspace issues, identify training opportunities, and take action to improve the employee experience (particularly if you use a remote workforce at all).

Pros
-Great mobile VPN connection
-Accommodates the switch from internet to intranet
-Comprehensive NetMotion Analytics
-Won’t drop no-service areas

Cons
-Occasionally interferes with network-connected features like printing
-Undocking laptop may cause a service disconnect

7. VyprVPN – With 2 million+ users, VyprVPN is an audited, no-log service that uses WireGuard encryption.

VyprVPN has been verified through an independent audit to log zero user data, which is a huge plus for data security junkies or those mistrusting of vacant software promises. Their protocols use strong AES 256-bit encryption and provide DNS protection, including IPsec, OpenVPN, and Chameleon.

Pros
-Independent no-log audit
-Up to 5 connections at once
-Supports Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and other top streaming services
-Bright, pleasant interface

Cons
-Fewer servers available than competitors
-Higher cost for licenses

8. IPVanish – VPN that provides secure 256-bit AES encryption to keep your data safe from Big Tech & cyber criminals.

IPVanish offers each user access to over 1500 anonymous servers, protecting you from network hackers, ISPs, and grabby advertisers. They also offer plans with SugarSync for secure file management and encrypted data backup across any device.

Pros
-Ten device connection limit
-Good diversity of servers
-LAN traffic blocking button feature

Cons
-Convoluted privacy policy (& no audits)
-A bit of a CPU hog
-USA servers fill-up fast at peak times

9. Perimeter 81 – Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) software that caters to small business owners and enterprises alike for complete network visibility.

Perimeter 81 is a multi-tenant cloud VPN service with additional network features like integrations with popular software (Salesforce, Amazon AWS, Google Cloud) and

Pros
-Bi/monthly activity audits & reports
-No bandwidth limits
-Great self-service knowledge base

Cons
-Minimum of 5 users for the basic plan
-Phone support only for Enterprise plan

10. Psiphon – Circumvention tool that utilizes VPN, SSH, and HTTP Proxy technology to provide uncensored Internet access.

Psiphon is ideal for users who want a free open source VPN option, even if that means making some sacrifices when it comes to full-security and in-client third party advertisements. Still, this is a decent option if you’re specifically looking for a free tool available for Android, iOS, and Windows.

Pros
-Free to use (unlimited bandwidth)
-Open source VPN tool with code available on GitHub

Cons
-Not designed for anti-surveillance purposes
-Shares data with third-party advertisers
-2Mbps max on the free plan

VPN FAQ

Still have lingering questions? That’s what we’re here for.

How do I choose the best VPN?

Well, using our guide, of course! The sad truth is that it might take some guess-and-checking before you find the perfect VPN software for your needs. Keep a look out for free trials and cheap entry-level offers to get you through the “Is this VPN for me?” stage.

How do you test VPNs?

There are different “tests” you can run when employing a new VPN (or checking-up on an old one). Here are some helpful resources:

You may also be interested in testing a VPN user interface or general performance. For that, look for software demos, free trials, or do a quick search on YouTube for “[VPN name] demo.” For example: How to Use NordVPN.

Is it illegal to have a VPN in the U.S. or Canada?

Short answer: No, it’s not. What can potentially be illegal is how you use it. Just like it’s not illegal to own a car…but it is illegal to speed. Just follow the VPN do’s and don’ts. You should never use your VPN to stream region-blocked material, torrent or access copyright content without paying for it, or hiding any unlawful online activity. Reminder: In some countries, it is illegal to use a VPN. Check before you download.

Are no-fee VPNs any good?

They can be. But nothing in life is really “free”—so what are you sacrificing? Using a free VPN may compromise your security, track your online activity, limit what sites it works with, limit your data usage, slow down your internet speed, serve you intrusive ads, or even sell your bandwidth. If you are still interested in free VPNs, here are a few you can check out:

Hotspot Shield Free VPN
TunnelBear
ProtonVPN Free
Windscribe
Speedify
Hide.me

In Conclusion

The above list contains some of the best VPN services on the market. Which one you go with will be determined by your unique needs as a user or corporation. Then, you can enjoy the freedom of safe, private internet access forever.