How to set up a VPN

It only takes a minute to get your VPN up and running

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VPNs are handy digital tools – and they’ve never been more popular. As for why, well, they give your digital privacy a huge boost and keep your personal data out of the hands of dodgy cybercriminals. Plus, you can use one to unblock Netflix shows from around the world without leaving your couch.

Unfortunately, some VPN providers go heavy on technical jargon. This can be offputting to new users who, as a result, might decide that VPNs are just too complicated to factor into their day-to-day lives.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way, and today’sbest VPNsare especially user-friendly. At TechRadar, we’ve spentmore than 3,000 hourstesting these services, and I’ve vetted the installation process of providers from all corners of the industry. With that in mind, keep reading for my fuss-free, stressless guide to setting up avirtual private network (VPN).

NordVPN- from $3.39 per monthThe best VPN for most peopleNordVPN sits at the top of our overall rankings thanks to stylish apps that work with pretty much every device you can think of – from PCs, mobile devices, and even your smart TV. Installation and setup are quick and easy, and joining one of 6,000 servers in 111 countries only takes a tap of the handy “auto connect” button. NordVPN also unblocks all of today’s most popular streaming platforms (and smaller regional services) and is more than quick enough to keep up with HD movie marathons and 4K streams. Take NordVPN for a test drive with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

How do VPNs work?

Let’s cover how VPNs work (without the techy jargon) before diving into how to set one up.

When you’re online, doing your thing, and punch in a URL, your traffic leaves the device you’re using and heads to the site. A VPN adds another step to this process. So, instead of heading straight to the site you want to check out, your traffic firstpasses through a secure tunneloperated by the VPN provider. Your traffic is encrypted in this tunnel, preventing third-party bad actors from exploiting it for their own ends, and putting a stop to ISP snooping, too.

VPNs also spoof yourIP addressby giving you a shiny new one when you connect to a server. By masking your original IP address, it’s much harder for sites and snoopers to keep tabs on your activity, and you’ll enjoy greater anonymity overall. IP spoofing is also how you can get around pesky geo-restrictions (like the ones Netflix uses to keep users in certain countries from checking out certain shows and movies). Connect to a server in the United States, for example, and you’ll get a US IP address you can use to browse the web as though you were really in America.

How to set up a VPN

VPNs are designed to be easy to use, regardless of your skill level, and the process is mostly the same regardless of whether you’re using a PC, laptop, or phone.

The first thing you’ll need to do is download the VPN app from the provider’s app or the app store (and make sure it’s the real deal) then follow along with the installation instructions. You can tweak the VPN’s advanced options if you want – but this is totally optional.

Below, I’ve outlined the setup process for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.

Setting up a VPN on Windows

Setting up a VPN on Mac

Setting up a VPN on Android and iOS

Generally speaking, the setup process for anAndroid VPNand aniOS VPNis virtually identical, save for a few device-specific actions.

How to choose a VPN

Putting VPNs to the test is our bread and butter – after all, not all services are made the same. With that in mind, here are the top factors to keep in mind when shopping around for a reliable VPN.

How to choose a VPN server

If, when you open up your VPN app and see the sheer number of servers at your fingertips, you feel slightly overwhelmed – don’t worry. Most VPNs have an auto-connect feature that’ll pair you up with what it thinks is the best server for you, depending on its performance and proximity to your location. If you’re just going to be browsing the web and catching up on social media, this auto-assigned server will do the trick, but for some activities, it’s better to be choosy.

You’ll find servers stored in a handy list – though they can get quite lengthy. VPNs tend to sort their servers by location, which is useful, and I always appreciate it when there’s a search bar, too. Some VPNs even had dedicated servers for dedicated tasks. Think streaming, gaming, and torrenting, which can reduce your search time massively.

How to choose a VPN protocol

VPN protocolscan be particularly intimidating to new VPN users – but I’ll walk you through today’s most trusted picks, what they excel at, and when you might want to use them.

OpenVPNhas been a cornerstone of the VPN industry for years. It’s a battle-tested protocol you’ll find offered by most providers—– and that’s because it packs a good blend of speed and security. Although it’s a decent alrounder, it’s not the quickest option anymore, but can reach speeds of over 200 Mbps if you’re using one of thefastest VPNsavailable.

IKEv2is the mobile gold standard. In fact, mostmobile VPN appsuseIKEv2by default because it can handle switching networks particularly well. So, when you’re switching from a Wi-Fi hotspot to mobile data, IKEv2 has your back. IKEv2 is quicker than OpenVPN (by a little bit) but does get blocked more easily by eagle-eyed network admins.

WireGuardis a newer protocol that’s seen a surge in popularity recently. It was developed from the ground up, and used to be considered a promising up-and-comer, but now, it’s as widespread and well-trusted as OpenVPN. WireGuard is wickedly fast, seeing as it’s composed of fewer lines of code than OpenVPN, and doesn’t sacrifice speed in the process. What’s not to like?

A handful of VPN providers have developed their very own VPN protocols.ExpressVPNhasLightway, NordVPN hasNordLynx, andHotspot Shieldhas Catapult Hydra.

OpenVPN TCP is a solid all-rounder and a long-standing favorite of the privacy-oriented. If you’d rather prioritize speed, however, and want to give your streams, games, or torrents a boost, you’re better off going with the lightning-fast WireGuard.

FAQs

Why should I use a VPN?

VPNs encrypt your data, making it unreadable to would-be snoopers and your ISP, and boost your overall digital privacy. This is particularly important if you do a lot of online banking or shopping, and don’t want your financial details to fall into the wrong hands. Plus, a VPN can spoof your location and help you unblock streaming content from all over the world.

Can I use a free VPN?

Free VPNshave their uses, sure, and can be handy if you don’t have a budget to work with or if you want a temporary solution to a block, ban, or internet blackout. However, they also come with serious limitations –  think monthly data allowances, bandwidth caps, and a smaller selection of servers. Worse still, some free VPNs are little more than scams that’ll collect your data and sell it on to the highest bidder.

Do I have to manually set up a VPN?

Usually, yes – but today’s top VPNs handle the complicated automations for you. Once you’ve picked your plan and downloaded the app, the VPN will usually install itself on your device.

River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.

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.

River is a Tech Software Editor and VPN expert at TechRadar. They’re on-hand to keep VPN and cybersecurity content up-to-date and accurate. When they’re not helping readers find the best VPNs around (and the best deals), River can be found in close proximity to their PS5 or being pushed about the countryside by the lovely Welsh weather.

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