Freelancers and remote workers predominantly use the internet to conduct their affairs. Before COVID-19, only 9.8 million people in the U.S. were working remotely. Today, this number reaches 70 million.
Many of them use virtual private networks (VPNs) to keep their online communication and sensitive data safe and secure.
In this post, we’ll show you all you need to know about choosing a VPN into your workflow.
What to look for when choosing a VPN
By looking at the benefits of VPN, it is clear that both remote workers and freelancers will benefit from it. Along with keeping their professional work secure, a VPN will also improve their privacy. All the VPNs might provide a similar service, but they aren’t the same. There are many differentiating factors when it comes to selecting the best VPN for remote work. Below we will recommend our top VPNs along with the factors we find most vital:
- A VPN should have the best encryption technology to keep you safe, which is practically impossible to crack.
- Internet speed. A bad VPN can slow down your internet speed, make work pain, and be an unnecessary hassle to deal with. While selecting a VPN, make sure that it provides high-speed internet access.
- A no-logging policy. The best VPN should have a strict no-logging policy. Means always look for VPN providers who keep no logs of their user’s data, so you will have peace of mind that your activities are not being recorded.
- Support for different operating systems. Look for a VPN that supports multiple other platforms. This will enable you to protect all of your devices with just one VPN subscription.
- Customer service support. Almost every VPN tries to provide an easy-to-use interface. However, there are times when you can’t find out a particular setting. This is where you need to contact their customer support team.
- No bandwidth limitations. Free VPNs have limitations on the types of traffic allowed over the network, which is not good if you want to work freely. That’s why consider ones that offer unlimited bandwidth.
What are the best VPNs for remote workers?
After looking at the above factors that will help you choose the best VPNs for remote workers and digital nomads, it is essential to compare the available VPNs most suited for a nomadic lifestyle.
Nord VPN
Nord VPN has been a mainstay in the industry for many years and is known for its consistent performance, a strong stance on privacy, and aggressive security features. Nord VPN currently operates around 5,500 servers in almost 60 countries.
It works in countries like China, where VPNs are usually blocked. Nord VPN encrypts your data twice by offering a Double VPN and an advanced VPN security feature that routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one.
Additionally, they also provide you with a kill switch. This switch will cut off all the internet traffic on your device if your connection drops for even a second.
| Pros | Cons |
· Expansive server network · Have no bandwidth caps · No-logs provider · Money-back guarantee | · The desktop app can sometimes be slow to connect. · Shared IP addresses |
Express VPN
It is one of the most famous VPNs among internet professionals and power users. Express VPN isn’t designed for businesses. They’re consumer-focused, which is great if you are a sole proprietor, remote, contract, or freelance worker on your own.
It has a server network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, having excellent security with strong 256-bit encryption and a no-logging policy to protect your privacy. Express VPN is available for Windows, Mac OS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more.
| Pros | Cons |
· Simple, easy-to-use interface · Keeps no logs of personal data · Strong reputation · 24/7 customer support | · Price slightly higher than competitors. · |
Surfshark
Surfshark is an award-winning VPN service having unique features. For one, it enables you to set specific encryption settings for individual networks, which is extremely good for remote workers who might use few different connections on a given day. Surfshark doesn’t limit the number of simultaneous connections, so every one of your devices can connect with it under a single subscription.
Other than that, Surfshark offers an Adblock that not only blocks advertising and malware but also counters phishing attempts and boosts browsing speed. It provides unbreakable 256-AES-GCM encryption, encompassing 3200+ servers in 65 countries.
| Pros | Cons |
· It provides a Diskless server network that ensures you leave no trace behind. · Ethereum, Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies accepted as payment · Zero logging policy. · 24/7 live chat | · Medium-sized network |
Vypr VPN
VyprVPN is a good option for travelers, especially for those who spend time in china. The great firewall of china restricts what sites and contents are accessible from China, and the government tries to crack down on VPN use by adding VPN protection to their networks. Many VPNs do not work I china, but VyprVPN does.
VyprVPN offers good security with 256-bit encryption along with a no-logging policy. It has a special feature called the Chameleon protocol that encrypts your data and your metadata. This protocol makes it the top choice for remote workers who will be traveling through China.
VyprVPN has a network of more than 700 servers in 70 countries and available for Mac, Windows, Android, and iOS.
| Pros | Cons |
· Chameleon Protocol · No usage or activity logs · VyprDNS · Unlimited high-speed bandwidth · Self-owned servers | · Fewer servers · Slower connections time in particular regions · Poor speeds in specific areas. |
Final Thoughts
Remote workers and freelancers benefit from a flexible work schedule which means they can work from anywhere outside the traditional office. However, they also require consideration of some security issues too. They are bound to take security measures to keep their safe from hackers and access content that is restricted in the country they are currently in.
If you’re a freelancer or working remotely, VPN can help alleviate both issues and improve your general online security. The VPNs mentioned above would be a great choice to help you do your best work.
You can also let us know what security measures did you take? Do you use VPN, or is there any other method you want to share? You can write in the comment section below.
