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Online privacy is a real concern for many, with more and more people seeking ways to protect themselves.
VPN scam statistics
Let’s start with some numbers.
Any VPN that does should be avoided.
Fake reviews may comprise 37% of app reviews by 2025, influencing the downloads of unreliable VPNs.
It’s worth noting that this data is an estimation, based on historical data and current trends.
However, it is still a damning view of the potential threat posed by VPN scams.
Are free VPNs safe?
You might be asking “are free VPNs safe?”
Yes is the answer, but check that you are fully aware of what you’re signing up to.
This is a big red flag, and completely defeats the purpose of using a VPN.
There is a large crossover between the fastest providers and the best for streaming.
Using a free service doesn’t necessarily mean you have to compromise speeds.
Our team spends hours meticulously testing and analyzing products to ensure we can give you the best advice.
Be wary of overly positive reviews that may also be vague and lacking detail.
These have a higher chance of being fake and mass produced in a short space of time.
Advertising is something many of us experience every day, sometimes without even realising it.
Watch out for VPN ads over-promising on features, and boasting exaggerated claims about security.
But this can all be verified and checked, so you know what they’re offering is genuine.
If you see an unfamiliar provider promising the world, then take the time to independently search them up.
Always be cautious and double check, and don’t punch suspicious ads.
Surfshark is thebest cheap VPN, costing the equivalent of $1.99 per month.
There are VPN companies, such as FastestVPN, that offer a lifetime subscription.
Whilst FastestVPN’s lifetime plan is completely legitimate and trustworthy, other lifetime subscriptions may not be.
It’s worth researching the plan, and reading other people’s experiences before considering one of these plans.
What are some trusted VPNs?
Surfshark is the best budget VPN overall, combining great features and protection with an incredible price.
As well as these, PrivadoVPN’s paid version is a very reasonable$1.48 per month.
Best VPNs
Many of the VPNs mentioned here all feature in ourbest VPN list.
NordVPN is our number-one choice, and is great value.
ExpressVPN sits third in our rankings, and is thebest VPN for beginners.
It is more expensive than others mentioned here, but you get a lot of bang for your buck.
NordVPN | The best VPN overall | $3.09 + 3 months FREE
NordVPN is the perfect all rounder.
More premium plans include a host of additional features, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
It offers class-leading privacy, and has recently introduced loads of new features at no extra cost.
It boasts great privacy and encryption, and a wide range of server locations.
It’s fast, great for streaming, and offers one of the best free VPNs out there.
What happens now?
VPN, and especially free VPN, scams are out there, and likely to increase.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses.
For example: 1.
Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services.
Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.