Free Vs Paid VPN
In a world of increasing internet activities, the use of VPNs will likely continue to increase over the years. However, a common debate has always been which the better option is between Paid VPNs and Free VPNs. In order to determine which the better option between the two is, we shall conduct a comparison of the various features offered while weighing the advantages and disadvantages of both the Free and Paid VPN. Finally, we will make a recommendation based on which is the best VPN for use.
Here’s what to expect when using a Free VPN
- Slow speeds and unstable connections
- Sharing and selling of user information to various 3rd party advertisers
- Inserts scripts into your PC for online advertising
- Insecure protocols
- No active support
- Most VPNs ban HTTPS browsing
The following are features you will receive when using Paid VPNs
- Premium Customer care and services
- More (unlimited) Bandwidth
- Multi-device use
- High level and reliable encryption
- Fast and stable connections
- Multiple Servers evenly spread out
The following are important details that must be considered when choosing between Paid and Free VPN services
Servers
Free VPNs: do not rely on their servers to sustain their services; instead, they sell user bandwidth while collecting data logs. Unfortunately, Free VPNs rely on your computer activities to serve the bandwidth of other users. This consequently slows down your PC as your processors and bandwidth are used as servers for other clients
Paid VPNS: Premium VPNs have servers spread out across different countries. The presence of servers ensures that connections can be maintained at all times without compromising privacy or affecting speed of your PC
Verdict: When it comes to servers, Paid VPNs win due to their reliability in connection
Support
Free VPNs: Cheap can turn out to expensive when using free VPNS. This is due to the lack of a reliable support team to guide the user through various steps. Additionally, the lack of support exposes users to the risk of sharing personal information or being attacked by malicious web users when attempting to navigate through the system
Paid VPNs: Paid VPNs usually offer 24/7 support with call support for selected regions. Therefore, you can learn anything or ask any question while seeking clarifications on the use of the VPN from the ever responsive support. Additionally, the support makes using the VPN easier as they promptly respond to user issues or queries.
Verdict: Support is essential when dealing with VPNs as they make usage easier and smoother. Paid VPNS win due to 24/7 responsive support
VPN Protocols
Free VPNS: Free VPN services often provide PPTP VPNS only. Unfortunately, PPTP VPN is insecure and exposes you to the risk of online attacks or stolen identity by malicious users and hackers. Using such VPNs at the airports or public places does not protect you from hackers as they can access your login details and user information
Paid VPNs: Users of paid VPNs can use PPTP, Open VPN, L2TP/IPSEC, SSH, and even SSTP to secure all connections. This means that connections are secure from hackers and malicious internet users. Paid VPN therefore, appears more reliable when it comes to privacy and security as all the protocols make it possible for users to browse from anywhere without fearing security breaches.
Verdict: Paid VPNs win when it comes to VPN Protocols
Connection Speed
Free VPNs: Users of free VPNs are mostly affected by reduced speed levels. This is due to the lack of servers and also the congested number of users limiting overall bandwidth. Thus, speed levels are usually dependent on the number of users online.
Paid VPNs: As mentioned earlier, paid VPNs rely on servers to offer bandwidth and secure connections to users. This means your processor and bandwidth is only reserved for personal PC use based on your subscription. Therefore, paid VPNs are consistent and reliable when it comes to speed due to the even distribution of servers across different countries
Verdict: Paid VPNs win due to their consistency in connection speed
Anonymity
Free VPNs: Free VPNs require little to no personal information when signing in. This is because no payment details are required. Further, the lack of customer support means that no contact details will be exchanged when using a free VPN. Therefore, free VPNs are effective when in need of light browsing or short access to blocked sites
Paid VPN: Personal details such as credit card number or a PayPal email address may be required due to payments. Thus, you will have to share some personal information and contact details when signing up for Paid VPN services. However, Paid VPNs secure the information provided and do not release them to third parties
Verdict: Free VPNs win due to the ease of signing up but paid VPNs also secure your login information and do not share with anyone and if you think not to share even payment details then you can get paid VPNs with bitcoin where you only have to do with email address.
Usage
Free VPNs: Free VPNs are often characterized by unending user ads which might end up compromising the use. Additionally, the connection can be interrupted due to server congestions which might disrupt usage. User activities is usually monitored by bots which might lead to illegal access of user accounts and bank information
Paid VPNs: Most paid VPNs use state of the art technology that clears all user logs in a bid to secure user connections. This prevents bots from recognizing your browsing preferences and lining up relevant ads. Therefore, Paid VPNs are secure as they do not store any user information. Also, the secure and stable connection helps ensure the user remains connected and protected at all times
Final Verdict
Although Free VPNs might appear cheap and easy to access, they do come at a costly price. Free VPNs are less secure and stable which reduce their usability. Also, the lack of a 24/7 support makes it harder to navigate the sites thus limiting the scope of use. However, paid VPNS are more stable and reliable as they have servers evenly distributed across multiple countries. This makes the connection stable, and the use of multiple protocols such as Open VPN, L2TP/IPSEC, SSH make it safer for use. Paid VPNs do not monitor user activities; this makes them safer and more reliable when dealing with important and personal issues. Therefore, when compared to free VPNs, paid VPNs are more effective, reliable and secure as they offer value for money and protect you every time you are online.