A virtual private network (VPN) app for smartphones encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server operated by a VPN provider. This creates a secure, private connection between your device and the internet, so your activities are protected from data interception, hacking, or surveillance.
Using a VPN app is especially useful if you rely on public Wi-Fi connections. It’s also a must if you travel and find yourself relying on airport or hotel Wi-Fi when you need to do banking or online shopping.
VPNs also let you connect to sites as if you’re in another location, which can be useful for accessing streaming services abroad.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is highly rated because of its security features, available for more than 105 countries. It also features 24/7 support, fast speeds and works on all platforms. Use it on up to eight devices; there are no activity logs, and it offers best-in-class encryption. ExpressVPN protects you from security breaches, including packet sniffing, rogue Wi-Fi networks, and man-in-the-middle attacks. It offers a 30-day free trial and costs US$8.32 (±R156) per month on a 12-month plan.
NordVPN
NordVPN promises threat protection against malware, web trackers, and ads. Its dark web monitor will see if accounts have been compromised, and it supports fast browsing, multiple devices and hides your IP address. NordVPN has a nifty “split tunnelling” feature to choose specific apps that need VPN protection, or double VPN protection. Plus, SmartDNS for accessing streaming services abroad. A standard two-year plan costs US$2.99 (±R56) a month.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers a 45-day trial and promises access to servers in over 100 countries with streaming-optimised servers for Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+ and a bunch of others. It works across smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, desktops, and gaming consoles, with up to seven simultaneous streams. It comes standard with data encryption, 24/7 support, public Wi-Fi protection, fast speeds, ad blocking, and other security addons. A two-year plan costs US$2.03 (±R43) monthly.
Surfshark
Need a VPN service to keep you safe online? Surfshark has a Starter tier, which is ideal if you rely on public Wi-Fi. Check out its One and One+ tiers for more robust support like antivirus, alerts for data breaches, and the ability to browse privately. Plus, it removes ads, cookie pop-ups and trackers. Works for more than 100 countries, has 24/7 support, and is valid for unlimited devices. The Starter tier is US$1.99 (±R37) a month on a two-year plan.
PrivateVPN
If you’re somewhat technically challenged, PrivateVPN promises a 1-click setup to start browsing safely within 60 seconds – you simply download and connect. It has support for computers, smartphones, tablets, routers, and offers military-grade 2048-bit encryption. There’s also direct chat support, with over 200 servers in 63 countries. There’s no data logging, and PrivateVPN offers fast speeds, supports torrenting, and gives you 10 simultaneous connections with unique IP addresses on each. A three-year plan costs US$2 (±R37) a month.
A VPN is a great way to protect your device from being hacked, while also allowing you to browse safely and securely. To learn more about the other dangers online and how to protect yourself against them, read our listicle on educating yourself about various internet dangers.
