You might have across the term VPN in your lifetime, did it sounds complicated? If it does, then you might overestimate VPN in your view. If you are here to know whether using a VN is really complicated? Then you are at the right place to know the truth and make things easier, Without wasting further time let’s get started…
VPN (Virtual Private Network) originated in 1996 with the need for privacy on the internet. Initially, in the early’s 2000, VPNs are exclusively used in companies. But with the extensive growth of cyber attacks and breaches, users hailed for VPNs to keep their data & identity private.
⏳Short in Time? Here’s the short guide for your question
- VPNs are very simple to use and user-friendly.
- Install a VPN, connect to any server (one simple click) and you’re done.
- Enjoy surfing the web without any barriers.
Why the VPN sounds Complicated?
VPNs are simple tools to use and protect your digital privacy. When you surf the web, many things will come into the picture like breaches, hackers, threats, etc. Listening to those words and the things they related to makes you feel that it’s complicated. But it actually isn’t.
VPN isn’t rocket science😅, if you dig too much into it like what is protocol, encryption, tunneling, etc. All these things make it complicated for a beginner. If you are a techie, then will know about them.
Here’re the common terminology words used regarding VPN that make you feel it’s complicated.
- Standard Encryption
- Tunneling
- IP Address
- Servers
- Protocols
- Kill Switch
- Bandwidth
- Gateway
There are more than 1.2 billion people using VPNs by 2022, do you still think it’s complicated? If so let’s break it down to make it simple for you. Everyone who read this guide found using a VPN is very simple and started 🥳enjoys its benefits.
How Does a VPN Work?
Firstly VPNs create a secure encryption tunnel between you and the web before serving your request. VPN achieves this by masking your IP Address i.e your identity will be hidden from surveillance groups, ISP, and other middle man. So, no one knows who you are, what you do, and where you are on the web.
- Creates a secure encryption tunnel between your device and VPN Server
- Mask your IP Address with the VPN server IP
- Encrypt and decrypts your internet traffic at the VPN server and VPN client (App)
VPNs allow you to access all the geoblocked content around the world on websites or streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hul, BBC iPlayer, and many more by spoofing your location.
How To Setup & Use a VPN [4 Simple Steps]
It’s a pretty simple & straightforward process to install and use a VPN. It’s not complicated as everything is configured already. Here’s how to use a VPN in simple steps, just follow them.
- First, choose a VPN provider, we’ll recommend using ExpressVPN (user-friendly & simple to use).
- Download the VPN for your device platform (Ref Guide: iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS).
- Once installed on your device open the VPN app, and choose a server (Ex: USA New York).
- It’s that simple🥳, now you are anonymous on the web (enjoy the privacy & freedom)
Best Beginner-Friendly VPNs
1. ExpressVPN
Servers: 3000+ | Encryption: AES-256 | Protocol: Lightway(WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec | Speeds: Fast | Unblocking: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, etc | Torrenting: Supports on Every server | Headquarters: British Virgin Islands | Supported Devices: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Router, Fire TV Stick & Smart TV | Device Connections: 5 | Customer Support: 24/7 Live Chat
Pro’s
- Reliable VPN Connection
- Best Streaming Service Unblocker
- Strong security & privacy
- Fast VPN Speeds
Con’s
- Less Addition Security Features
- High Price
ExpressVPN is the best beginner-friendly VPN that quickly bypasses 🔥 geoblocks including popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and many more. Its decent server network is made of 3000+ servers and covers more than 93 countries. Thanks to its Lightway protocol offers ⚡ultra-fast speeds for a buffer-free streaming experience.
ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands (privacy friendly) and doesn’t store any of the user information, following a true no-log policy. It uses AES-256-bit encryption along with some advanced security features like Perfect forward secrecy, Custom DNS, and a Kill Switch to cut off the internet when the VPN connection is down.
In fact, one of the best Netflix VPNs and has a reliable service connection. Also, it has MediaStreamer which allows watching censored content on TVs and supports Oculus along with common device platforms like iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.
ExpressVPN accepts crypto payments (Additional Privacy) and has the best 24/7 live chat customer support. And you can try this VPN free for 30 days through its money-back program so you can claim a refund if you don’t like the service.
2. NordVPN
Servers: 5512 | Encryption: AES-256 | Protocol: NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec | Speeds: Ultra-Fast | Unblocking: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, etc | Torrenting: Dedicated P2P Servers | Headquarters: Panama | Supported Devices: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Router, Fire TV Stick & Smart TV | Device Connections: 6 | Customer Support: 24/7 Live Chat
Pro’s
- Best Privacy & Security
- Superior VPN Speeds
- Works in heavy censorship countries as well
- Unblocks Everything (Massive Server Network)
- Efficient customer support (24/7)
Con’s
- Slow speeds on long distant servers
NordVPN is one of the 💪solid VPNs for beginners offering next-generation military-grade encryption and ⚡ blazing-fast VPN speeds with its industry-leading NordLynx protocol. NordVPN ruled the VPN market in 2019 with its 5512 Massive Server Network. With this VPN you can easily bypass any censorship in the Middle East with its intelligent Obfuscated Servers and even works in Highly restricted countries like China, Russia, etc.
NordVPN truly values users’ privacy and is one of the best No-log VPNs in the market i.e based in Panama (Non-Surveillance group). It doesn’t store any user information on the servers (Disk-less RAM) and is packed with a 🥳handful of security features like Threat Protection, CyberSec (Block ads & malware), Kill Switch, and split tunneling.
NordVPN has been very loyal to its customers from the beginning and serves more than 14M+ users across the globe. Also, it has dedicated servers for Onion Over VPN & Double VPN for complete anonymity (speeds will be low). NordVPN is an all-rounder and works flawlessly either for streaming services or torrenting websites. commendable services awarded as Editor’s Choice Award.
Their 24/7 Live customer support is the best (quick & effective) in the VPN market. It supports all the device platforms like Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS along with Router, Fire TV & Android TV. Plus, you will get a 30-day money-back guarantee program to try the service for free.
3. SurfsharkVPN
Servers: 3200+ | Encryption: AES-256 | Protocol: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec | Speeds: Fast | Unblocking: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, etc | Torrenting: Supports on Every server | Headquarters: British Virgin Islands | Supported Devices: Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, Router, Fire TV Stick & Smart TV | Device Connections: Unlimited | Customer Support: 24/7 Live Chat
Pro’s
- 500+ Servers in the Middle East
- Camouflage mode to bypass censorship
- Unlimited Connections
- Decent VPN Speeds
Con’s
- No Consistent speeds
Surfshark is another budget 👑premium VPN for beginners that maintains 500+ servers in the Middle East along and 3200+ servers covering the globe. It’s based in the same location where ExpressVPN resides and offers superior privacy with AES-256 bit encryption and has a camouflage mode & Multi-hop feature to bypass censorship even in highly restricted countries.
Surfshark can unblock almost all streaming services, even if you connect as many devices as you like. It ships with decent security features like DoubleVPN, Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and ad-blocker for an uninterrupted experience. It has DNS/IP leak protection to safeguard your identity from leaks.
Though it won’t have any dedicated P2P Servers, you can enjoy torrenting on every server and you can get a dedicated IP Address as well. Surfshark servers run on diskless ram technology (volatile) and it doesn’t store any of the user information. Independently audited two times by Cure53.
It offers Apps for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Chrome, Edge, etc with a similar interface on almost all device platforms. So, it eases your navigation when you use it on different platforms.
It has 24/7 customer support for any of your queries and its team is responsive. Yet they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee program i.e no risk in taking the subscription (you will get a 100% refund if you don’t like the service).
🙌Wrap Up!
I hope this guide changed your thinking about “is using a VPN complicated“. And now you are able to enjoy the benefits of owning a VPN service. Though the terminologies and keywords used sound complicated to you at the very beginning, actually there are simple (if you can see them from 🦅eagle’s view).
Also, most of the VPNs are pre-configured so you can directly use the without bothering about the configuration and settings. You will get used to everything once you start using VPN, ExpressVPN is one such that simplifies things. Also, it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee program i.e risk-free and instant refund if you don’t like the service.
FAQs Related to Using a VPN
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network that routes all your internet traffic through a private network where no one knows your identity by assigning you a new IP Address. Also, it encrypts your data with AES-256 (military grade) before routing i.e you will be under the radar while you surf online.
How simple is it to use a VPN?
It’s a 🤗one-click job, that simple. Once you have installed the VPN on your device, you don’t need to configure anything as most premium VPNs will be configured automatically. Also, they are smart enough to change the changes like protocols, and servers based on your activities.
What are the benefits of using a VPN?
VPNs are primarily used to keep you anonymous while browsing the internet. But there are several benefits of using a VPN like unblocking restricted websites, torrenting, streaming, accessing services, and booking flights, and hotels at cheap prices.
Is it really required to use a VPN in 2023?
VPNs are essential things for users in 2023 since your privacy is at risk. While the data breaches, hackers, and preying eyes count 🔥rising on daily basis. It’s recommended to turn your VPN on all the time when you connect to the internet.
Can I unblock Netflix using a VPN?
Yes, you can unblock Netflix with a VPN to watch your favorite shows on other Netflix regions without any additional cost. But Netflix uses tough geoblocks, so not every VPN can make it. Know the Best Netflix VPNs.