Latest news with #Surfshark
Tom's Guide
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Tom's Guide
VPNs ordered to block illegal streaming sites in France – but how would this work?
French broadcaster Canal+, alongside the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP), recently dealt a blow to some of the best VPNs, with victory in its anti-piracy court case. The ruling ordered VPN providers to block access to over 200 "illegal sports streaming sites," with the case being described as a "legal first." NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN, and CyberGhost are named in the case, and all are disappointed with the outcome. Being forced to restrict access to any sites – illegal or not – is a direct contradiction of the fundamental principles of most VPNs. It has been claimed that this sets a dangerous precedent for future legal cases and VPN targeting. Appeals are expected, and it isn't yet clear what actions the VPN providers will take. However, should site blocking commence, we wanted to investigate what this might look like and who would be affected. We can't predict if – or how – providers will comply with blocking orders, but domain-level blocking would appear to be the likeliest technical approach. Many of the leading VPN providers operate their own DNS (Domain Name System) servers. DNS servers have been described as "the phonebook of the internet." They translate domain names and what you type into your browser into the correct IP address for your desired site. DNS servers are often used by VPNs, adblockers, and malware protection software to block malicious sites. If you try to access a site that has identified as malicious, an IP address isn't returned and you won't be able to visit the site. Providers will have a "blocklist" of dangerous sites you're unable to access. In theory, illegal streaming sites could be added to this list. Affected users could use a custom DNS server, different from the one used by their VPN, to access the blocked sites. Not every VPN supports custom DNS, but NordVPN and Proton VPN do. Surfshark has also just launched a privacy-focused public DNS service. It appears as though the ruling will only impact those in France or French territories. Denis Vyazovoy, CPO of AdGuard VPN, commented on the ruling, describing it as "territorial." He said "this ruling does not directly affect users outside of France who connect to French VPN servers, unless their subscription was initiated while they were in France/French territories." "VPN users in France who use one of the named providers will likely find that certain pirate IPTV and sports streaming sites simply stop working – that is assuming that the VPNs comply with the ruling." Vyazovoy was skeptical that providers would fully go along with the blocking and suggested removing physical French servers as a workaround. They could be replaced with virtual servers elsewhere and lead to a maintained user level in France. The Internet Infrastructure (i2) Coalition said in a statement that "the integrity of the internet" is at risk. "The French ruling not only misplaces responsibility: it fundamentally threatens the privacy and security of millions of users in France and beyond," the coalition added. The i2 Coalition oversees a working group known as the VPN Trust Initiative (VTI), of which NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are members. The VTI recognized the need to safeguard rightsholders but urged "precision, restraint, and accountability" when it comes to technical enforcement of the internet. AdGuard VPN CPO, Denis Vyazovoy, had further thoughts on the potential repercussions of this ruling. "This ruling sets a worrying precedent: VPNs are being treated more like content platforms than neutral privacy tools," he said. "If more rulings like this follow, established VPN services that appear to be primary targets of such injunctions may consider exiting France altogether or at least reconsider the terms of their presence there. This will deprive French users of essential and trusted privacy tools." Vyazovoy expressed his worry that other VPN providers will be the next targets. "Everyone in the industry should be paying close attention and preparing for similar legal challenges. This ruling sends a signal to the whole VPN market in France and possibly beyond." A repeated message is that it's wrong to target VPNs. The VTI said "this selective approach is certain to fail, as it targets symptoms rather than addressing the root causes of piracy." Vyazovoy believed that "this court decision pushes VPNs into becoming content police, which risks turning them from privacy tools into enforcement tools." "If VPNs are forced to monitor traffic or block domains, users can't fully trust them anymore. That could drive people to sketchier, less transparent VPNs that don't follow any rules at all," he added. "This alone creates potential privacy risks for users. The precedent this sets could also lead to wider blocks, more legal actions, and less digital freedom in the long run." It isn't yet clear how providers will respond, and there are various obstacles that need to be carefully navigated. NordVPN acknowledged the ruling and believed it "will have a negative impact on France's digital security." It added that its team "is currently assessing all possible approaches that align with both legal compliance and our core commitment to our users' freedom and privacy." Surfshark said it was "reviewing the ruling and assessing all available options, including a potential appeal." While Surfshark said it has "respect for the French legal process," it believed the decision would be dangerous for global internet freedoms. The provider added that "mandating that intermediaries implement content restrictions brings up critical issues related to freedom of expression, proportionality, and the protection of user rights." ExpressVPN was also disappointed with the decision and said it was reviewing the judgement. "We assure you that our commitment to privacy and our no logs policy will never be compromised," the provider commented. This is certainly not the last we will hear of this case, and we will carefully monitor the providers' next steps. 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). 2. 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.
The Independent
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Proton VPN review 2025: The best privacy features of any service I've tested
Price Proton VPN isn't the cheapest VPN out there, but nor is it trying to be. It's more expensive than Surfshark, about on par with NordVPN, and cheaper than ExpressVPN. While it doesn't offer cyber insurance like Nord's Ultimate plan, you get plenty of privacy tools, bundled encrypted cloud storage and even a password manager. Unlike most VPNs, Proton isn't just selling you a VPN; it's selling a whole privacy ecosystem. The Free and Unlimited tiers are full security suites, bundling in extras like Proton Mail, Proton Drive and Proton Pass (its password manager), while VPN Plus is the core VPN product. However, even the VPN-only plan comes with access to Proton's free tools. While the free plan is one of the most generous around, delivering unlimited data, servers in five countries and no ads, you'll need to upgrade to the Plus plan if you want access to streaming, higher speeds, Secure Core routing and more server locations. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind. One really nice thing worth flagging is that Proton VPN doesn't do sneaky renewal price hikes. The price you sign up for is the price you'll keep paying, even after your first term ends. I've seen competitors double the price upon renewal. It's a refreshingly fair approach compared to other providers like NordVPN and Surfshark, who've faced backlash for quietly locking users into auto-renewals at steep new rates. That alone might make Proton VPN worth the extra quid. Proton Free This is arguably the best free VPN around. You get access to servers in five countries (the US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania and Poland), unlimited data and no ads, but you don't get streaming, torrenting, faster speeds, NetShield or Secure Core routing. It's limited to one device and slower overall, but still decent if you just want to keep your IP private. But Proton Free isn't just a VPN – it's a mini privacy suite. You also get 5GB of encrypted storage with Proton Drive, Proton Mail with basic features, and access to Proton Pass, the free version of its password manager. That includes unlimited password storage, unlimited devices and 10 email aliases. Proton VPN Plus The standard Proton VPN plan, Plus unlocks all the good stuff – full-speed servers in 110 countries, streaming support, Secure Core routing, NetShield ad and malware blocking, split tunnelling, torrenting, and use on up to 10 devices. You also get priority support with live chat. You still keep all the free tools from Proton's ecosystem, so you can use Proton Drive (5GB), Proton Mail and the free version of Proton Pass alongside your VPN plan. It's a nice bonus, and makes the value a little better compared to VPNs that give you just the tunnel. At the time of writing, the cheapest deal is the two-year plan, which costs £86.16 up-front (about £3.59/month). The one-year plan costs £59.88 (£4.99/month), or you can pay monthly for £9.49. Proton Unlimited For the full Proton experience, you'll want Proton Unlimited. As well as Proton VPN Plus, Proton Unlimited upgrades all its other tools too. You get Proton Mail Plus (with more addresses and folders), Proton Drive with 500GB encrypted storage, Proton Calendar and Proton Pass Plus, the premium version of its password manager with secure sharing, unlimited aliases and dark web monitoring. The two-year plan costs £158.16 (about £6.59 per month), the one-year plan is £98.29 (£8.19 per month), and the monthly price is £10.59 per month. Privacy and features If privacy is your main reason for using a VPN, Proton VPN is one of the most trustworthy services out there. Everything's open source, independently audited, and based in Switzerland, which means it's outside the reach of data-hungry intelligence alliances like Five Eyes. The no-logs policy is really clear. In fairness, I didn't dig through the open-source code myself, but knowing it's all public gave me confidence. You get strong AES-256 encryption and access to trusted tunnelling protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 and Proton's own Stealth protocol. WireGuard is the default, and it held up really well during my testing. It was consistently fast and stable, even on patchy wifi on the Tube. The Stealth protocol helps you get around VPN blocks or censorship, wrapping WireGuard in an extra layer to make it look like regular HTTPS traffic. Proton VPN also uses Smart Protocol, a feature that automatically selects the best tunnelling method if another connection is blocked. There's a kill switch baked in, too, but it's not enabled by default. I had to manually switch it on in the tab. Proton VPN's Always-on VPN feature is switched on by default, so the moment your phone or laptop reconnects to wifi or data, it'll automatically tunnel back through the VPN. While it's a great backup, the kill switch is still worth activating for the extra peace of mind. Secure Core is one of Proton VPN's standout features. It routes your traffic through an extra Proton-owned server before connecting to the internet. It's not the fastest. I noticed a slight slowdown when I used it over public wifi, but it's nice having the added layer of protection. I kept NetShield – Proton's ad and malware blocker – turned on for most of my testing, but honestly, it's not the most effective blocker I've used. You can choose whether to block just malware or go full ads and trackers, but it didn't stop much of it. It's nowhere near as customisable or effective as a dedicated ad blocker like AdGuard. There's also split tunnelling on Android and Windows, which worked perfectly when I excluded my banking app. Traffic was routed correctly, but it's still missing on iOS and macOS, which is disappointing. Proton VPN also supports torrenting via dedicated P2P servers, port forwarding, and there's even Tor over VPN support on the Windows application. You can also create custom connection profiles. I set one up for general streaming, another with Secure Core, and a third using the stealth protocol for testing in restricted networks. It saves reconfiguring everything each time. You can also set the VPN to auto-connect on launch or when connected to unsecured wifi. All of this is paired with Perfect Forward Secrecy, so even if someone did manage to snatch your encryption keys, they'd only get access to that one session, not any previous or future ones. There's some really advanced stuff here, especially for Windows users. Logging Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, which has some of the world's strongest privacy laws. That means it's not part of any surveillance alliances like Five Eyes, and the Swiss government can't demand your data without jumping through serious legal hoops. Even then, there's not much Proton could hand over. It has a strict no-logs policy. It doesn't track your browsing habits, record your IP address or identify what you were doing online. Proton's also proved it in court. In 2019, Swiss authorities issued an order asking Proton to start logging a specific user. But because of how Proton VPN is built, it physically couldn't. The authorities were told this, and the case was closed without any data being turned over. It's a rare real-world example of a no-logs policy actually being tested. In July 2024, Proton VPN passed its third consecutive infrastructure audit by the European security firm Securitum. The audit team physically visited Proton's offices, reviewed its VPN server configurations, operating procedures and change management systems, and confirmed that no logs or metadata are stored, not even temporarily. On top of that, Proton makes all its apps open source, runs a public bug bounty program, and releases a yearly transparency report. Few VPNs go to this level to prove their trustworthiness. Performance and speed Proton VPN's speeds are really good. On my 67Mbps broadband, Proton VPN only shaved about 6 per cent off my download speed when I connected to a UK server. That's basically nothing – everything still loaded quickly, and I was able to stream in HD without any buffering. Connecting to the US gave me a roughly 9 per cent dip, which again is decent, and lines up with the best VPNs I've tested. There's also a VPN Accelerator feature, which is designed to improve speeds on long-distance connections by reducing latency. It's hard to isolate the impact during day-to-day use, but it didn't seem to hurt. The connection was stable even when I was hopping between different countries and testing out Secure Core, which slows things down a touch. You are being routed through two servers, after all. That said, the UI experience varies quite a bit between platforms. On macOS, the app is clean and easy to navigate. You get a subtle map at the top, a country list on the left and tabs for things like Secure Core, NetShield and the kill switch. Most of the more advanced settings are tucked away. It's simple and lightweight, though probably too stripped-back for anyone looking to tweak things. The Windows app has more features but feels cluttered. There's a two-panel layout with the server list, including labels for P2P and Tor, on the left, and a settings sidebar on the right where you can toggle port forwarding, switch protocols, and configure the kill switch. There's also an interactive world map in the middle. You can click on countries to connect, but it's not all that useful in practice. It mostly feels like a visual flourish that gets in the way more than anything, especially when you just want to scroll and connect quickly. You can still monitor your real-time speed, IP address and server load from the main screen, which is handy. iOS and Android apps The Proton VPN mobile apps aren't quite as slick or intuitive as the desktop version, and the layout varies depending on whether you're on iOS or Android. On iOS and Android, the Home tab shows a giant world map up top, but it's mostly there for decoration. You can't tap on it to choose a location, so it ends up feeling like wasted space. Below that, you have quick connect buttons for the fastest server and your most recent connection, plus a readout of how many ads and trackers have been blocked. To pick a server, you need to head into the Locations tab. There's also a Profiles tab where you can save custom presets, which is useful if you regularly switch between different setups like Secure Core or Stealth. You'll find settings like NetShield, the kill switch and Always-on VPN tucked into the main menu, but you don't get features like split tunnelling or port forwarding because of iOS restrictions. Android users also get more control: there's split tunnelling, port forwarding, custom DNS settings, and even a home screen widget for one-tap access. That said, both apps require a fair bit of tab-hopping. The map looks nice, but doesn't do anything, and all the real functionality is hidden behind secondary menus. It's not bad, and everything's clearly labelled, but it does take a few extra taps to get where you want to go. Proton VPN and streaming Proton VPN might not rave about streaming support as much as its rivals, but it still works like a charm. I tested it with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, ITVX and Sky Go, and everything played smoothly without any errors. I didn't have to bounce around different servers or dig through support articles to find one that worked. Content like EastEnders on BBC iPlayer and The Genius Game on ITVX loaded and played without any issues. I streamed a few episodes of The Devil's Plan on Netflix in HD during testing and didn't run into any buffering, even when connected to servers further afield. The connection was stable throughout. Obviously, this will also largely depend on the speed of your wifi connection – the faster your wifi, the less likely you'll run into buffering. Streaming isn't available on the free plan. You'll need to be on the Plus or Unlimited tier to get access. But if you're already signed up, it worked perfectly for streaming all our services. Support Proton VPN has live chat support, but only if you're a paying user. You won't see the chat option unless you're logged in to a Plus or Unlimited account. To access it, I had to log in to the website and then click on Live chat at the bottom. It can only be accessed during its operating hours (9am to midnight CET), but you can also leave a message and Proton will get back to you by email. I asked a question about the kill switch and only had to wait about 10 seconds to get connected to an agent. The person I spoke to was helpful and gave a clear answer without fobbing me off or linking to a generic support article. If you're using the free version, you won't get live chat. You're directed to submit a support ticket or dig through the help centre instead. The support docs are decent, though, and there's a fair amount of detail once you land on the right page.
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Surfshark launches long-awaited 7-day free trial – try the best streaming VPN for free
Do you want to protect your privacy online with one of the best VPNs but not sure if a VPN is for you? You're in luck, as Surfshark has just launched a 7-day free trial of its VPN for all first-time users. The trial is available for all one and two-year Surfshark plans and it allows you to try out everything the best streaming VPN has to offer. Surfshark previously offered a 7-day free trial for iPhone and Android VPN users, but has now extended this to all devices – making it one of the best VPN free trials out there. Surfshark: the best cheap VPNSurfshark sits at #2 in our best VPN list and we rate it as the best cheap VPN. It's also the fastest VPN we've tested and is very reliable for streaming. You can protect an unlimited number of devices on one plan and it boasts some great features including Alt ID, Bypasser, and Antivirus. The 2-year deal works out at $2.19 per month ($59.13 up front before tax), with an extra 3 months included for free. You can try all this with Surfshark's 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is the first major VPN provider to offer a true 7-day free trial for all devices. NordVPN offers a 7-day free trial on Android, and CyberGhost has a 7-day free trial for its iPhone VPN app. Most leading VPN providers provide a 30-day money-back guarantee. However, these require you to pay up front – something not necessary with Surfshark's 7-day free trial. You have to enter your card details to sign-up for the trial, but payment won't be taken until it's complete. You can cancel beforehand, and even after finishing the trial, you can still benefit from Surfshark's 30-day money-back guarantee and claim a refund if you like. To try out Surfshark for free, first head to its website and select your desired plan. Then enter your email address and payment details to confirm you're a first-time user. Next, fill in your login credentials to create an account. Surfshark's free trial can be activated on up to three devices at once, so it doesn't matter which device you sign-up on. Now you're all set, and can download the Surfshark app, enabling you to protect your privacy online. Surfshark is lightning quick and the fastest VPN out there. In our testing it hit speeds of over 950 Mbps and, as long as your internet connection is solid, it will never slow you down. As a result, we rate Surfshark as the number one streaming VPN. It had no issues unblocking any of the streaming sites we threw at it, so whether it's Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer, Surfshark has you covered. You can protect an unlimited number of devices on one plan with rock solid privacy and security. Alternative ID is included with all plans, allowing you to create a fake online persona. A kill switch and Surfshark's version of split tunneling – Bypasser – are present too. The more expensive Surfshark One plan includes Surfshark's award-winning Antivirus and ID alerts. The data removal service Incogni is thrown in with the most expensive plan, Surfshark One+. Surfshark also has paid add-ons such as Dedicated IP and Alternative Number. 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). 2. 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.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Report reveals alarming collection of data by AI chatbots
The analysis revealed striking differences in data collection among popular AI services, with some collecting up to 90% of possible data types. A new Surfshark report has revealed that while AI-powered chatbots have become essential tools for gathering information and creating content, they come with a significant trade-off in privacy. The analysis revealed striking differences in data collection practices among popular AI services, with some platforms collecting up to 90% of possible data types. AI data collection Karolis Kaciulis, a Leading System Engineer at Surfshark, stated that a comprehensive examination of AI data collection practices reveals the hidden costs of 'free' AI assistance and emphasises the importance of privacy awareness when selecting AI tools. 'We identified the 10 most popular AI chatbots, with Meta AI added as an additional app on May 20, 2025, and analysed their privacy details on the Apple App Store. 'The comparison was based on how many types of data each app collects, whether it collects any data linked to you, and whether the app includes third-party advertisers. We also checked the privacy policies of DeepSeek and ChatGPT to better understand what kind of data is kept on servers and for how long,' Kaciulis said. ALSO READ: Hidden dangers of increasingly advanced AI assistants AI apps According to the study, nearly half (45%) of the examined AI apps gather location data from users, while 30% of the AI services track user information for targeted advertising purposes. Meta's recently introduced chatbot app, Meta AI, collects the most user data among the analysed apps, gathering 32 out of 35 possible data types — over 90% of the total. Google Gemini collects 22 unique data types. This includes precise location data, which only Gemini, Meta AI, Copilot, and Perplexity collect. ChatGPT collects 10 types of data, such as contact information, user content, identifiers, usage data, and diagnostics, while avoiding tracking data or using third-party advertising within the app. Copilot, Poe, and Jasper are the three apps that collect data used to track you. This data could be sold to data brokers or used to display targeted advertisements in your app. Chatbots Kaciulis said AI chatbots learn from diverse sources of information, with Meta AI having the additional factor of learning from Facebook and Instagram posts and images. 'People should keep in mind that even though these chatbots may provide you with a quick answer, the results they get are mediocre. Why is that? AI chatbots are being fed with all kinds of information, and the majority of it can be inaccurate. 'Every person is responsible for the results they provide at their job, but generative AI is not; it is unaccountable and is not legally subject to the same scrutiny as a human,' Kaciulis said. Kaciulis said the latest example of how X's Grok responded to unrelated prompts and discussed white nationalist themes with X users highlights the challenge with current generative AI standards. ALSO READ: The rise of AI tools and their impact on smartphone use
Tom's Guide
22-05-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Grab yourself some great VPN deals this Memorial Day
U.S. Memorial Day 2025 is nearly upon us. Travel might be high on your agenda this holiday period, but have you considered the risks that come with it? Whether you're travelling abroad, meeting friends and family, or just staying local, cybersecurity threats are never far away and the best VPNs are here to help. AAA predicts over 45 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home over the weekend and a VPN is the perfect travel companion. You might find yourself posting on social media, browsing the web away from home, or trying to find time to catch up on your favorite streaming shows. A VPN can help with all of this and there are some great deals and discounts to be found this Memorial Day. Not every provider has a Memorial Day or holiday deal – ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access are noticeable absentees. But there are a few deals around, and we've collated some of the best. Plus, some providers are throwing in a free eSIM with certain plans, ideal for if you want to secure your data when travelling abroad. Here's everything you need to know about Memorial Day's best VPN deals. Surfshark: the best 'cheap' dealSurfshark sits at #2 on our best VPN list and is a brilliant cheap VPN. With speeds exceeding 950 Mbps in our testing, it's the fastest VPN out there and is perfect for streaming. Surfshark's apps are simple to use and you can protect as many devices as you like on one plan. The 2-year deal starts at $1.99 per month ($53.73 up front). There's 4 extra months of protection thrown in for free and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark's spring sale sees it drop to the cheapest price it's been for a while, with the two-year plan working out at just $1.99 per month ($53.73 up front). Surfshark is a fantastic VPN and sits at number two on our best VPN list. We rate it as the best cheap VPN and it's the fastest VPN we've tested – hitting speeds of over 950 Mbps. This makes it one of the best streaming VPNs, and in our testing it unblocked all the major streaming sites with ease. So wherever you are this Memorial Day weekend, you should have no trouble accessing your favorite shows. Surfshark's unlimited connections policy means you can protect as many devices as you like on one plan – everyone you see this weekend can benefit from VPN protection. Surfshark has rock-solid privacy and security credentials and easy to use apps. You can even create a fake online alias thanks to its Alternative ID feature. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee and an extra four months of protection included for free. NordVPN: the best VPN NordVPN is our #1 rated VPN provider. It's fast, great for streaming, and boasts class-leading privacy. There's over 7,000 servers worldwide and protection for up to 10 devices. The 2-year plan works out at $3.39 per month ($81.36 up front). It includes a free 1 GB Saily eSIM and a 30-day money-back guarantee. NordVPN is the best VPN out there right now. It combines speed, features, privacy, and security, making it a superb all rounder. Plans start at $3.39 per month ($81.36 up front), with a 1 GB eSIM thrown in for free. 5 and 10 GB eSIMs are included with more expensive plans. This deal isn't the cheapest we've seen Nord, but it's still a lower price than some of its competitors. What's great about this deal is the inclusion of a Saily eSIM. Saily brings cybersecurity protection to the world of eSIMs. You can purchase mobile data for over 200 countries, enabling you to avoid nasty roaming charges or dodgy free public Wi-Fi. There's an ad and tracker blocker, plus Virtual Location allows you to hide your true location. Like Surfshark, NordVPN is super fast and can exceed 950 Mbps. You can protect up to 10 devices on one plan and there's apps for all major platforms. It has some of the best streaming unblocking capabilities and there's over 7,000 servers worldwide. More expensive plans included additional features such as Threat Protection Pro, the NordPass password manager, and NordProtect – an ID theft protection suite. Proton VPN: the best VPN for privacyProton VPN makes privacy its priority. It's a verified no-logging VPN and is very secure. Plus it boasts a host of anti-censorship features designed for those living with internet restrictions. It's very quick, has a load of features, and can protect up to 10 devices on one plan. $2.99 per month ($71.76 up front) for the 2-year plan is the cheapest we've seen it for a long time. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee and also one of the best free VPNs, Proton VPN Free. Proton VPN is celebrating its anniversary with this great deal. At $2.99 per month ($71.76 up front), this is as cheap as Proton VPN has ever been. There's no extra months or free eSIMs, but if privacy is your biggest concern, this deal isn't to be missed. Protecting your privacy is Proton VPN's primary goal. It's a verified no-logs VPN, with a huge 12,000-strong server fleet. It's just as fast as NordVPN and Surfshark and has excellent streaming credentials. Its apps aren't the simplest for beginners but the UI has recently had a shiny new update. Proton's real strength lies in its privacy. It offers a host of anti-censorship features specifically designed for those living under internet restrictions. You can route your VPN traffic through two servers rather than one with Secure Core, and even access Proton VPN Free – one of the best free VPNs – without creating an account. IPVanish: travel securely with a 3 GB eSIMIPVanish isn't a VPN big hitter but has a holiday deal worth considering. The 2-year Advanced plan includes a free 3 GB eSIM, and some great features, for $3.29 per month ($85.97 up front). There's protection for an unlimited number of devices, award winning threat protection, and speeds of over 700 Mbps. IPVanish won't set the world alight, but it's a very solid VPN. If you like the idea of a free eSIM, you might be interested in this deal from IPVanish. The 2-year "Advanced" plan is $3.29 per month ($78.96 up front) and comes with a free 3 GB eSIM. This is cheaper than NordVPN Basic and you get more data. IPVanish can't quite match the big hitters, but it still offers some very decent features. There's VIPRE, an award winning threat protection, a QR code and link checker, cloud backup, a secure browser, and unlimited device protection. As well as this, IPVanish boasts speeds of over 700 Mbps, a verified no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. So it's one to consider this Memorial Day. PrivadoVPN: cheap and fastPrivadoVPN is incredible value. The 2-year plan comes in at just $1.11 per month ($30 up front), with 3 extra months for free. It's not packed full of features, but if your main priority is streaming then it's one to look at. It's great at unblocking and is very quick. Server size is limited, but there's protection for 10 devices and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can't beat PrivadoVPN for price. The $1.11 per month ($30 up front) price tag has been here a while and it's incredible value. PrivadoVPN is very fast and could be for you if all you want to do is stream. There's P2P support and a 10 device connection limit. It's not packed with features and you may experience difficulty with some of its apps. However, its free VPN, PrivadoVPN Free, is the best out there. You're not going to get a lot of thrills with PrivadoVPN, but for the price it's hard to ignore. You might be wondering why you need a VPN this Memorial Day (and beyond). VPNs protect your privacy – not anonymity. They encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address, keeping it hidden from third parties and hackers. VPNs keep your data safe when browsing the web and some premium plans come with added threat protection features. These tools often include ad and tracker blockers and warn you about potential malware, scams, or viruses. NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro was recently rated as the best VPN malware protection. Surfshark's antivirus and IPVanish's VIPRE are also both award winning. Travel is often a big part of Memorial Day weekend, and you may find yourself away from home. If you're tempted to connect to free, public Wi-Fi, maybe in a hotel or airport, then a VPN can help. Hackers can intercept these Wi-Fi networks and even set up their own fake hotspots, designed to steal your data when you connect to them. A VPN will hide your personal data, keeping it safe even if a hacker accesses it. You may decide to use mobile data rather than free Wi-Fi. eSIMs are the perfect way to avoid nasty roaming charges. NordVPN and IPVanish include a free eSIM in their deals, with locations available worldwide. Finally, a VPN is ideal for unblocking streaming sites. If you're away from home but can't miss your favorite show, connect to a server in your home country and stream away. The best streaming VPNs can unblock all major platforms, and as long as your internet is good, won't slow you down. VPNs aren't for everyone but they might be for you. Just remember, they can't save you money on your Memorial Day flights! 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). 2. 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.
