VPN Recommendations

[wowzz]

I looking at using a VPN for added security when carrying out online banking, share purchasing etc.
To be honest, I'm titally overwhelned by the choice out there. At present I'm considering TunnelBear.
Any recommendations for any other providers, please.

[BonnieLass]

I use Bitdefender, it not only provides a VPN but also SafePay. I have used them for a couple years and had no issues.

https://www.bitdefender.com/en-gb/co...imate-security (full security inc VPN and SafePay - which I use)

https://www.bitdefender.com/en-gb/consumer/vpn (standalone VPN)

[wowzz]

Originally Posted by BonnieLass

I use Bitdefender, it not only provides a VPN but also SafePay. I have used them for a couple years and had no issues.

https://www.bitdefender.com/en-gb/co...imate-security (full security inc VPN and SafePay - which I use)

https://www.bitdefender.com/en-gb/consumer/vpn (standalone VPN)

Thanks - I'll have a look.

[Jhieminga]

I can only offer my own observations, but I have been using Surfshark for several months now and it ticks the boxes for what I want. Just my two cents, but for the purposes you mention, using a private browser window and keeping your login details secure should provide you with plenty of security. That is, as long as you use the same computer, at home and with proper anti-malware/virus precautions in place. The VPN only becomes of interest once you start using these services from locations all around the globe on a variety of WiFi providers if you ask me.

[TWT]

I've used TunnelBear, ExpressVPN and Nord VPN.

I didn't like the first 2, both had functionality issues but I've been happy with Nord VPN for the past 2 years, no issues.

[cavuman1]

ExpressVPN user here. I agree with TWT that there were functionality issues early on, but the newer version runs without a hitch and offers more than 150 router locations. It is expensive, however, at $110/annum.

- Ed

[Tim00]

I've used the paid Proton VPN for several years. It offers ad blocking and as far as I can judge, good security.

[Abrahn]

One thing that the VPN providers offer is malware and advert blocking in the network rather than rely on the application layer.

[FullOppositeRudder]

Totally happy with Hideaway - from the same people who devised Mailwasher.

[Xiellmoz]

Can proxies be better than a VPN?

[jbcarioca]

I've been using Nord.vpn for about 15 years. They are consistent, have obfuscated choices (i.e. not identifiable as a VPN), and have options for many countries. Because i have need for secure access in many countries, that is a large value for me. When problems happen they are quick with solutions. Some VPN providers do not offer support for MAC OS or IOS.

A key advantage over many is that the same account can be used for mobile devices and desktops, and changing protocols or locations is very simple. It is simple to use through any type of inflight internet access, and is usually fast enough to avoid instability.

Over the years I've tried nearly everything in the air and had large and frequent problems. Of course everything in the air has improved but of all the VPN's I've sued Nord is the only one that does not slow traffic so much as to make them useless. Lastly they upgrade their software very frequently, I thought that was a problem but find out that the upgrades rarely take longer than a minute or two with a stable connection.

[atakacs]

I would add Mulvad and Nym as two contenders for people wanting maximum discretion.

Note that PPRUNE is blocking access when using most VPNs.

[alexcunille]

I’d personally avoid free VPNs for financial stuff. If you’re routing sensitive traffic through a VPN provider, you really want one with a decent reputation and clear privacy policies. Proton and Mullvad get recommended a lot for that reason.

That said, if you travel frequently, you've likely run into being locked out of a site just because your connection looks like it's coming from a server farm. I searched for a VPN that wouldn't give me headaches with my banking app. What I've found works more reliably is Mysterium VPN - it uses a decentralized infrastructure for its IP pool, giving you access to residential IPs so your traffic looks like a standard home connection rather than a VPN.

[SpringHeeledJack]

I would agree that the free VPN's are less reliable and your data might well be at risk by whomever. I used Nord VPN flawlessly for several years, stopped for a while and recently took advantage of a very inexpensive offer, but since reinstalling it seems slow, buggy and tbh more hassle than it's worth. I'm a bit disappointed.

[First.officer]

I'll vouch for NordVPN ..... I can watch porn at top-notch speeds, no buffering and no restrictions from Keir Starmer.