Free vs Paid VPN: Do These Offer the Same Level of Security? - By: Sam Manlosa

With the internet being a part of our day-to-day life, uninterrupted and secure flow of data and information has become a very serious concern. How can you guarantee the safe and secure transfer of information from one device to another? You might argue that you have a firewall or anti-virus software for protection! But are you sure that this is enough? When you consider the ever sophisticated methods for spying, virus infection and the likes, you might want to reconsider.

Firewalls and anti-virus software will protect your data only when it is stored on your hard drive. Once you transmit data through various avenues, your data becomes an enticing target for waylaying net attackers who snoop and pry endangering your privacy and safety in the process.

Thankfully, this is where VPN can play a major role in ensuring that you are protected from all sorts of malicious attacks. But before you decide to sign up for a VPN service, which one should you get to ensure maximum protection? Should you get a paid or free VPN service? What is the difference? If you can get it for free, why would you choose something else that compels you to pay for the service?

Think about the following attributes of free VPN services before you fully commit to dumping the need to buy a reliable VPN package in favor of a free version:

- While free VPN employs many of the same infrastructures as those in pad versions, these are largely inferior and poorly maintained. Your signal can go out at any time and even when it is on, it can be too weak compromising its usefulness. Especially if you are using a dynamic VPN service that is supposed to seamlessly switch you between different signal providers, you should ensure that the connection is maintained at all times.

- Free VPN services also have limited bandwidth, generally not more than 512 kbps and are shared between multiple clients. You might as well not have a connection to the internet if loading a VPN-protected page will take ages. The download speed can be irksome and annoying especially with bigger files.

- Free VPN services have a limited geographic reach. These will not allow you to get through internet restrictions or sites with a proxy checker. If you wish to remain anonymous, this is definitely not the right way to do it.

- Free VPN services live on advertisements and sponsorships so there is a real possibility that your private and confidential data is being used for internet marketing purposes. You will also be flooded with unwanted advertisements and promos based on your browsing history. This defeats the purpose of having a VPN in the first place.

When you think about it, how can anyone offer free VPN services when the cost of maintaining the servers is pretty high? At some point or another, the service quality will be compromised in favor of costs!!

In contrast, most paid VPN services promise and actually deliver a bountiful and enriching internet experience. With superior infrastructure, data remains secure and confidential when transmitted. The protocols and encryption systems in place are top-of-the-line. There are no limitations with speed and bandwidth allowing lightning fast downloads even with big files. Paid VPN services also have server locations in many countries so your surfing habits are not restricted.

So ask yourself: can free VPN service really compete with paid VPN providers? More to the point, how much is $10 per month when what’s at stake are confidential information that can cause you all sorts of trouble if not secured? In the battle between free vs paid VPN service, the winner is clear; do not risk your data security for a few bucks. With paid VPN services, you can be assured, secure, and protected.

About the Author

The author is a freelance writer who frequently writes about VPN services. For more information on the difference between free and paid VPN, visit free vs paid VPN or go to Best VPN Connection for additional resources on all things VPN.

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