**Everyone Is After Your Browsing Information—Here’s How a VPN Can Assist**
It may seem flattering, but don’t get too full of yourself: everyone is interested in your browsing information. From the links you click on to the sites you visit, this personal data is extremely valuable to external parties. Your internet service provider (ISP) and tech giants like Google might want to *sell* or *exploit* your information, while government and law enforcement entities are keen to monitor your online behavior for surveillance reasons. Texans, for example, experienced this reality first-hand earlier this year when a new law mandated age verification for adult content.
One method to regain some of your online privacy is by utilizing a Virtual Private Network, or [VPN](https://mashable.com/review/what-is-a-vpn). A VPN establishes an [encrypted](https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/encryption) connection between your device and a private, remote server offered by the VPN provider, and subsequently directs your traffic to the public web. In simpler terms, a VPN enables you to surf the internet without being easily monitored.
### Why Is a VPN Necessary?
Even the [top VPNs](https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/best-vpn/) cannot render you entirely anonymous online—VPN providers can still monitor your activity while you’re connected to their servers. However, they *can* safeguard your personal data and conceal your actual [IP address](https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/ip-address) from unwelcome observers. The most reputable VPN providers operate transparently and adhere to independently verified no-logs policies, ensuring they neither collect nor store user data.
[SEE ALSO: The finest free VPN](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-free-vpn)
While privacy constitutes the primary reason for utilizing a VPN, it also provides the extra advantage of allowing you to disguise your location. This can assist you in circumventing geo-restrictions on content that is not accessible in your area. For instance, if you are in the U.S. and wish to access streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer or ITVX, a VPN can facilitate this.
### Which VPN Is the Best?
After evaluating and re-evaluating numerous popular VPN providers across various platforms, [TunnelBear](https://mashable.com/review/tunnelbear-review-vpn) has been identified as my top recommendation for most users. Its user-friendly, delightful app supports split tunneling and permits unlimited simultaneous connections. It also features a limited free tier. TunnelBear distinguishes itself through its transparency—its privacy policy is straightforward, and it consistently releases security audits and transparency reports, available to anyone. Its history is impeccable.
For users in search of a more feature-rich VPN, I suggest [NordVPN](https://mashable.com/review/nordvpn). It offers a large server network adept at unblocking regional content (hello, *Love Island UK* enthusiasts) and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. NordVPN’s elegant app includes multi-hop servers and other advanced functionalities, and users can enhance their plans to incorporate additional security tools, such as an ad/tracker blocker and a data breach scanner. While NordVPN has faced a setback on its reputation due to a server breach a few years ago, it has since made significant improvements in transparency and reliability, including regular third-party evaluations of its no-log policy (though an account is required to access them).
[ExpressVPN](https://mashable.com/review/express-vpn-review) and CyberGhost VPN also merit mention for unblocking geo-restricted content and location spoofing. However, I wouldn’t specifically recommend them for long-term utilization, for reasons I’ll outline below.
### What I’m Testing Next
I recently explored the free version of [Proton VPN](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-free-vpn-for-pc) on Windows, and it’s a robust contender for future inclusion in this compilation. Proton VPN’s business model prioritizes transparency and digital safety, and its free tier comes without data restrictions. I will reach a final decision after assessing the paid version and more of its applications.
*Stay tuned for Mashable’s guide to the finest VPN services of 2024. Note: VPN providers often adjust their pricing for long-term plans, so the rates mentioned here were accurate at the time of publication.*