It is now common knowledge that Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are necessities for remote workers and businesses. They ensure that you avoid security threats. However, many individuals struggle to choose between a free or paid VPN. In this article, you will find useful tips to help you make quality decisions when choosing between these types of VPNs. You will also find help comparing these two particular VPNs: Surfshark vs NordVPN.
Free VPN vs Paid VPN
You will not have to pay monthly or annual subscription fees when you get a free VPN. Meanwhile, you will have to pay a yearly or monthly subscription free when using a paid VPN. Of course, it sounds exciting to choose a free VPN. After all, who does not want freebies? However, you will make a mistake if you assume that you can get a free VPN without any cost.
The first thing to think about is that companies own the so-called free VPNs. So, how do these organisations get the money to pay their staff and other important things? Note that the numerous servers of a VPN need maintenance. How will these companies achieve this while making their services a charity?
The answer to how free VPN companies operate is simple. First, they will continually flood you with paid ads, so you can hardly use the service for a long time without interruption. Second, some free VPN services might collect user data, and in some cases, this data is shared with third parties for monetization. This raises concerns about privacy and security, making it important to carefully evaluate any VPN provider before use.
Nothing is Free, After All
So, in reality, nothing is free at the end of the day. In most cases, these free VPNs only offer limited services until you upgrade to the paid version. In other words, they only tell you the service is free to attract you.
They do not guarantee your privacy unless you have upgraded to the paid version. Meanwhile, some free VPNs may monetize user data, which can compromise privacy. In the end, these services often come with hidden trade-offs, even if they appear free.
Key Considerations for Selecting a VPN
The two most important features of a VPN are efficiency and security. In other words, a good VPN service should be functional and capable of protecting your data. Most paid VPNs have these qualities. Additionally, the following features are also important:
Device Compatibility
Some VPNS cannot work on certain operating systems. So, when choosing a VPN, it is good to know whether it is compatible with your device. It will be a waste of money if you have subscribed to the service before realizing this.
Ease of Use
If a VPN is difficult to use, it may not be the right fit for you. Some VPN providers focus more on aesthetics than usability, so it’s important to choose one that offers both security and a seamless user experience.
Money-Back Guarantees
A good VPN should make customers happy. However, this is not always the case. Customers might not get what they expect from a VPN. Due to this possibility, reputable VPN companies offer free trials or money-back guarantees. When choosing a VPN service, look out for this feature because you might need it.
Why Customer Support Matters
Customer support is a key factor when choosing a VPN, as reliable assistance ensures a smoother experience. The best VPN providers offer 24/7 support, making it easy to resolve issues whenever they appear.
Here are some of the reasons customer support is essential when choosing a VPN service:
● Minimizing Service Downtime: VPN issues, such as connection failures or blocked servers, can disrupt your browsing or work. Quick access to reliable customer support ensures minimal downtime and faster troubleshooting.
● Ensuring Security and Privacy: If you suspect a security breach, unauthorized access, or any unusual activity, immediate customer support can help you verify and secure your connection. This is especially critical for those using VPNs for sensitive tasks.
● 24/7 Accessibility for Uninterrupted Use: Many users rely on VPNs for work, travel, or streaming across different time zones. Having round-the-clock support means you can resolve issues anytime, ensuring uninterrupted access when you need it most.
Surfshark vs NordVPN
Note that Surfshark vs NordVPN is not the debate between two free VPNs. These two services require a monthly or yearly subscription fee. Nonetheless, they both offer a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Given the strong features of both, deciding between these two VPNs can be difficult.
After considering online reviews and the opinions of experts, here are some comparisons that might make your decision easier:
● Rating: Based on reviews by third-party websites, NordVPN has a 4.9 out of 5 rating. Meanwhile, Surfshark has a 4.7 out of 5 rating.
● Ranking: According to Cybernews, after reviewing 41 VPNs, NordVPN ranked first. Surfshark ranked second.
● Servers: NordVPN has over 7,000 servers across 118 countries. In comparison, Surfshark has 3,200 servers across 100 countries.
● Coupons: This is one of the few areas where Surfshark is better. Surfshark offers 86% off in coupons, while NordVPN offers 72% off in discounts.
● Cost: The monthly subscription fee for Surfshark is $2.19, while NordVPN’s subscription fee is $3.39.
Note that these two services offer 24-hour customer service support and are compatible with various devices. However, NordVPN stands out due to its extensive server network, which improves performance and reliability.
Choosing the Right VPN for Your Needs
Free VPNs come with certain risks, which makes them less reliable for those who prioritize security and privacy. When selecting a paid VPN, it’s important to look for key features such as 24/7 customer support, ease of use, and broad device compatibility. Considering these factors, NordVPN’s extensive server network gives it a slight edge over Surfshark in terms of efficiency and performance.
