Best VPN of 2024 for Freelancers and Self-Employed [Tested by Freelancers]

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As a self-employed or freelancer, you are probably aware of the importance of selecting the appropriate VPN. Having a reliable VPN that can safeguard your data and ensure security while working from home or when traveling. In this article post, we will discuss the most suitable VPNs for remote workers and freelancers and offer useful advice on selecting the right VPN that caters to your specific requirements. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, this impartial guide will provide valuable insights and help you identify the most dependable and effective VPN available.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a program that enables a secure connection to another computer via the internet. VPNs are commonly used by businesses to provide remote workers with access to the company network from home, but individuals can also utilize them to safeguard their online privacy and security. Connecting to a VPN sends all your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel, ensuring your online activity remains private and secure. This means that any third party attempting to snoop on your connection cannot intercept or decipher the transmitted data, preventing them from accessing your browsing history or identifying your location.

How to choose a VPN?

Choosing the right VPN can be challenging, given the multitude of options available. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a VPN:

• Security and privacy: Opting for a VPN that employs robust encryption and follows a strict no-logs policy to ensure your data remains secure and confidential is essential.
• Speed: Select a VPN with fast servers, as slow connections can hamper your browsing experience and productivity.
• Price: VPN services come with different pricing plans, including free options, but it is crucial to consider the features and quality of service offered before choosing.
• Platform compatibility: Ensure that the VPN you choose has compatible apps for your device’s platform, whether Mac, iOS, Android, Windows, or Linux, to enable smooth and seamless usage.

Best VPNs for Freelancers and Self-Employed

Here are some of the best VPNs that freelancers and self-employed individuals can use to protect online activities and ensure secure connections. All tried and tested by freelancers.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a personal virtual private network (VPN) service provider. It has desktop applications for Windows, macOS, and Linux, mobile apps for Android and iOS, and an application for Android TV. NordVPN also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. NordVPN is a subsidiary of the Tefincom group.

The company offers a variety of features, including double VPN, Tor over VPN, anti-DDoS, automatic kill switch, and more. NordVPN encrypts all traffic with AES-256-CBC with a 2048-bit key.

Pricing plans start at $11.95 monthly, with discounts for longer subscriptions. A 3-day free trial is also available.

NordVPN has been praised for its security and privacy protection, and the company has also been ranked highly by independent reviewers. NordVPN is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a VPN provider that offers high-quality security and privacy protection.

2. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN offers a free version for users who want to test its features before committing to a purchase. With the free version, users can access three locations in Los Angeles, New York, and Amsterdam, with a 5 GB monthly data limit. The free version includes unlimited bandwidth, simultaneous connections, and military-grade encryption. However, users who require more advanced features can opt for the Premium version, which offers access to over 750 servers in 43 locations. The Premium version includes optimized streaming and Privacy Pro servers that Atlas VPN software engineers design. Users can choose from two types of premium Privacy Pro servers: SafeSwap and MultiHop+. Other Premium features include a data breach monitor, tracker blocker, better speed, military-grade encryption, 24/7 live support, compatibility with VPN for Android TV and Fire TV, and Linux. Additionally, Atlas VPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee to all customers, making it a risk-free option to try out.

3. SurfShark VPN

Surfshark is a VPN service that offers advanced online security and privacy features for its users. With over 3,200 servers in over 65 countries, Surfshark provides users with a fast and reliable connection to the internet. The service uses military-grade encryption to protect user data from hackers, snoopers, and other online threats. Surfshark offers advanced features such as CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and Camouflage Mode, which hides the user’s VPN connection from their internet service provider. Surfshark also allows for unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning users can protect all their devices with a single subscription. Furthermore, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to all users, allowing them to try the service risk-free. Overall, Surfshark is a reliable and user-friendly VPN service that provides advanced security features and a long refund period for added peace of mind.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a trusted VPN service provider with over 10 years of experience in the industry. It offers a wide range of features and benefits that help users protect their online privacy and security. ExpressVPN is available for all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and routers. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service risk-free. Some of the major features offered by ExpressVPN include military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, kill switch, split tunneling, and more. These features make it one of the best VPN services in the market.

In addition, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, so your online activities will remain private. But ExpressVPN is not perfect. Like any other service, it has its pros and cons. If you’re looking for a reliable, trustworthy VPN service that can help you protect your online privacy, then ExpressVPN is a good option. However, other cheaper VPNs are available if you’re on a tight budget.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is a popular VPN service that provides its users with robust online security and privacy features. With more than 7,600 servers in over 90 countries, CyberGhost offers its users access to a vast network of servers around the world. The service offers a variety of features, including military-grade encryption, ad blocking, and a strict no-logs policy. CyberGhost VPN offers users a 45-day money-back guarantee, one of the longest refund policies in the VPN industry. This means that users can try out the service risk-free for up to 45 days, and if they are not satisfied with the service, they can receive a full refund. Overall, CyberGhost VPN is a reliable and user-friendly VPN service that provides users with advanced security and privacy features and a long refund period for added peace of mind.

6. Ivacy VPN

Ivacy VPN is one of the most popular providers known for its strong security and privacy features. Ivacy VPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning the company never logs or monitors your data and activities. Ivacy VPN is also one of the few VPNs that offer a true kill switch feature, which will prevent your data from leaking if the VPN connection drops.

Ivacy VPN is a good choice for people looking for a robust and reliable VPN provider. It offers perfect security and privacy features and has a strict no-logs policy. Ivacy VPN is also one of the few VPNs that offer a true kill switch feature, which is a great way to prevent your data from leaking if the VPN connection drops.

If you’re in the market for a fast and reliable VPN service, IvacyVPN is worth considering. Although it’s not the cheapest provider, it offers many features and benefits that make it worth the price. In particular, we love how easy it is to use, how fast it is, and how many servers there are to choose from. We also appreciate that Ivacy offers a 7-day money-back guarantee so that you can try out the service risk-free. On top of this, IvacyVPN comes with a Premium Password Manager.

7. Panda VPN

PandaVPN is one of the most user-friendly VPNs available today. PandaVPN makes it easy to connect to a virtual private network, or VPN, on your iPhone or iPad. With just a few taps, you can browse the internet with increased privacy and security.

PandaVPN is one of the most user-friendly VPN apps available today. PandaVPN easily connects to a virtual private network on your iPhone or iPad. With just a few taps, you can browse the internet with increased privacy and security.

PandaVPN offers both free and premium plans. The free plan includes 500MB of data daily, while the premium provides unlimited data. You can also connect to one of PandaVPN’s server locations in over 20 countries.

Whether you’re looking to protect your privacy or unblock geo-restricted content, PandaVPN is a great option.

What types of encryption do VPNs use to protect data?

VPNs typically use a variety of encryption protocols to protect user data. The encryption strength offered by VPNs depends on the protocol they use. Generally, the higher the encryption level, the more secure the VPN is. The most common ones are:

1. OpenVPN – an open-source protocol that uses OpenSSL encryption and is widely considered the most secure option.
2. IPSec – a set of protocols that establish secure connections and offer strong encryption.
3. L2TP – a protocol that combines PPTP and L2F, offering improved security and encryption.
4. SSTP – a Microsoft-developed protocol that uses SSL encryption and is highly secure.
5. WireGuard – a relatively new and highly efficient protocol that uses state-of-the-art cryptography to offer strong encryption.

In what ways can a VPN be beneficial?

A VPN can provide a secure and private online browsing experience, protecting your data from hackers, ISPs, and other third parties. It can also enable users to access websites and content that may be blocked or restricted in their country, providing greater freedom and flexibility while browsing the web. Overall, a VPN is a valuable tool for enhancing online privacy and security while providing access to restricted content.

1. Privacy and Security: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure from prying eyes.
2. Remote Access: VPNs allow freelancers and remote workers to access their company’s network securely from anywhere, enabling more flexibility and productivity.
3. Bypass Geo-Restrictions: VPNs can help users bypass geo-restrictions and access content that is not available in their location.
4. Improved Speed and Performance: Sometimes, a VPN can improve internet speed and performance by reducing latency and preventing ISP throttling.
5. Protection on Public Wi-Fi: VPNs can protect your data when using public Wi-Fi, which is often unsecured and susceptible to cyber threats.
6. Anonymous Browsing: A VPN can mask your IP address and online activity, providing anonymity while browsing the web.

Are VPNs safe?

While VPNs are generally safe, selecting a reliable and trustworthy VPN provider is crucial. Numerous low-quality and free VPNs are available that can jeopardize your security. It’s vital to conduct thorough research on a company before selecting a provider and read reviews from other users to assess the quality of the service. It is recommended to use a VPN only if you are confident in its reliability and safety.

Are VPNs legal?

The use of VPNs is legal in most countries, but in some nations, it is restricted or banned entirely. Countries like China, Russia, and Turkey have laws prohibiting or limiting VPN use. If you plan on traveling to any of these countries, it is essential to check local regulations regarding VPN usage to avoid any legal repercussions.

Are there any free VPNs available, and are they safe to use?

Free VPN services are available, but not all are safe to use. Some free VPN providers may keep logs of your online activity or share your data with third parties, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN for privacy and security. Additionally, free VPNs may not offer the same level of encryption or server coverage as paid options, resulting in slower speeds and limited access to content.

However, reputable free VPNs, such as NordVPN and Atlas VPN, offer limited features and data usages. These VPNs may be suitable for occasional use or to test the service before subscribing to a paid version.

How do I know if a VPN is trustworthy and secure?

To ensure that a VPN is trustworthy and secure, you should consider the following factors:

1. Reputation: Look for a VPN service with a good industry reputation and positive reviews from users.
2. Security Features: Ensure that the VPN employs strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and offers additional security features like a kill switch.
3. Jurisdiction: Check where the VPN service is based, as some countries have laws that require companies to log user data.
4. Transparency: A trustworthy VPN provider will be transparent about their policies and practices, including how they handle user data and government requests.
5. Speed: Test the VPN’s speed and ensure it doesn’t slow down your internet connection.
6. Customer Support: Choose a VPN service that offers reliable and accessible customer support.

How can I test if my VPN is working correctly?

Here are some ways to test if your VPN is working correctly:

• IP Leak Test: Perform an IP leak test to ensure your IP address is hidden and not leaking. Various online tools are available for this, such as WhatIsMyIPAddress.com or IPLeak.net.
• DNS Leak Test: Check if your DNS requests are routed through the VPN connection by performing a DNS leak test. You can use websites like DNSLeakTest.com or DNSLeak.com for this.
• Speed Test: Test the speed of your internet connection while connected to the VPN to ensure that it is not significantly slower than your regular internet speed.
• Geo-Location Test: Verify that your VPN successfully changes your location using a geo-location test tool like IPLocation.net.
• Torrenting Test: Use a torrenting website like uTorrent or BitTorrent to check if your VPN effectively hides your IP address while downloading.

Are there any risks associated with using a VPN as a freelancer?

While VPNs are generally considered safe and secure, there are some potential risks to be aware of:

1. Malware: Some free VPN services may contain malware or adware that can compromise your device’s security.
2. Logging Policies: VPN providers may log user data, including online activities, IP addresses, and location, and may share this data with third parties.
3. Legal Issues: Using a VPN in some countries is restricted or banned, which can result in legal issues or fines.
4. Connection Drops: In some cases, VPN connections may drop, revealing your IP address and online activities.
5. Compatibility Issues: Some VPNs may have compatibility issues with certain devices, operating systems, or applications.

To minimize these risks, it is essential to choose a reputable and trustworthy VPN provider, avoid free VPNs, read their privacy policy and terms of service, and ensure that they have a strict no-logs policy. Additionally, regularly updating your VPN software and testing it for IP leaks can help ensure your online activities remain private and secure.

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