What is a VPN? Why Do I Need one for my Windows 10 Device?
What Does a VPN Do?
A free public Wi-Fi hotspot can be a sweet spot for many internet dwellers, but you have no idea that these ‘Free’ Wi-Fi hotspots are going to cost you more than money. You are also not safe even on a so-called ‘secure’ private Wi-Fi connection. Many unpleasant external parties like your internet provider, advertisers, and even hackers can snip off your digital privacy and anonymity by tracking your browsing activities and taking control of your data.
As an ardent Internet user, you can enjoy absolute digital freedom by installing a VPN client on your device. A VPN or a Virtual Private protects your sensitive data while browsing the Internet. It also shields your identity by masking your real IP address. More than protecting your online identity, a VPN connection offers you the benefit of bypassing internet censorship. It means that you will become a privileged internet champion to access any website beyond geographic borders. It also allows you to share files securely from a remote network.
In gist, a VPN does the following:
- Protect your device from harmful public Wi-fi hotspots
- Access your business network safely while traveling
- Hide Your browsing activity from local network and ISP
- Watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and other popular streaming channels beyond geographic barriers.
- Play games without any blackouts or censorship.
- Stay anonymous while surfing the internet.
- Download files with Torrents.
1. Windscribe VPN
Highlights:
- High-standard encryption – AES 256-bit and 4096-bit RSA keys.
- 480+ servers in over 50 countries.
- Provides static IPs.
- Free from data logging.
- Comes with an automatic kill switch.
- DNS/IPv6 leak protection.
- WebRTC leak protection.
2. TunnelBear VPN
Highlights:
- The server network covers 22 countries.
- Allows split tunneling.
- Compatible with TOR.
- Allows 5 simultaneous connections.
- Has an automatic Wi-Fi protection option.
- The GhostBear feature hides your VPN connection.
- The Chrome extension comes with an ad blocker.
3. Proton VPN
Highlights:
- AES-256 and RSA 2048 encryption standards.
- Versatile tunneling protocols.
- 628+ servers in over 40 countries.
- Offers specialized Tor over and
- Double VPN servers.
- Reliable no-log policy.
- Allows split tunneling.
- Features an automatic kill switch.
- Servers in 50 countries
- P2P Support
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- 10GBIT Servers
- Up to 10 Devices
- Professional Support
4. Hotspot Shield VPN
Highlights:
- 3000+ servers in over 70 countries.
- Strong encryption protocols.
- Blocks ads and malware.
- Protects from DNS leaks.
- Easy-to-use client.
- Torrent-friendly VPN.
- 3,200 servers in 80+ countries
- Military-grade encryption
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Link up to 5 devices
- 45-Day Money-Back guarantee
- 24/7 live tech support
5. ZenMate VPN
Highlights:
- 300+ servers in over 30 countries.
- Comes with a kill switch
- Allows torrenting.
- Strict no-log policy
- Reliable tunneling protocols.
- Private DNS servers offering DN leak protection.
- Allows 5 simultaneous connections.
- Decent speeds.
- Clean user-interface.
Final Thoughts
The Internet is getting notorious each day, trying to break into our privacy and corrupting our devices. These free VPNs for Windows 10 can offer robust data security while browsing the Internet, thus allowing us to experience absolute online freedom. Make a note of the fact that these free versions come with limited features required for your basic security needs. You can unlock and explore some advanced features of these VPNs only if you choose to opt for their paid versions.