Google VPN: How Good is it?

If you’re looking for a free VPN that isn’t overly-invasive, you’ve probably heard about Google VPN. It’s one of the most recognizable VPNs around, and for good reason: while most VPNs try to log as much user data as possible and sell it to the highest bidder, Google’s “privacy ethos” is that users’ privacy is paramount; they don’t log any data and they don’t track users’ browsing habits.

In light of this, it’s not a huge surprise that many people have questions about Google VPN. So let’s take a closer look at what Google has to offer, and find out if it’s really as good as it sounds.

Features

Just like any other reputable VPN service, Google offers a variety of features. Basic usage is free, though you need to upgrade to premium (paid) status to access the more advanced functions. Let’s take a quick look at the differences between the free and paid plans before we get into the nitty-gritty of the VPN itself.

• Payment required: The free version of Google VPN is ad-supported. While this may be acceptable for those looking for a free solution, it doesn’t hold much water for those who want to keep their personal data secure. If you’re looking for a VPN that doesn’t require payment, then you should consider one of the many free VPNs out there.
• Storage: Free users can only store 12 songs, 500MB worth of photos, and 25MB of videos on Google’s servers. To get access to more storage, you need to upgrade to the premium plan.
• Bandwidth: The free version of Google VPN has a bandwidth limit of 1.5GB per day. Whether you use a lot or a little bandwidth, you’ll need to pay for extra speeds.
• Logs: This one may seem obvious, but just to be on the safe side, let’s reiterate: if you’re looking for a VPN, then you’re not going to be happy with whatever Google logs about you. The free version of the VPN logs your IP address and the websites you visit, but it does not keep a record of your browsing habits. For those interested in keeping their personal data private, this one’s a deal-breaker. You need to avoid any VPN that logs your data.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, it’s time to get into the nuts and bolts of Google VPN itself. Remember: this is a VPN, so we’re going to need to dive into the technical aspects a bit more than usual.

Security

If you’ve used any VPN before, then you know what a pain it can be to keep using the same one every time you log on. Imagine having to log on to your Steam account every time you use the computer, or having to enter the same password when you use a secure WiFi hotspot. That’s what makes VPNs so convenient: you can have a different password for every site you visit, so it’s not like you’re constantly re-using the same password. Your laptop, tablet, or phone is your own property and you can use it as much as you want without worrying about security issues. Your personal data is always safe because it’s on your own computer or device.

However, this security comes at a price: if you’re not careful, then you could leak your personal information by getting hacked. Remember: your laptop, tablet, or phone is your own property and you can use it as much as you want without worrying about security issues. So if you have an old, weak password that you use for everything or you frequently connect to unsecure WiFi networks, then it’s time for an upgrade! A good password manager can help you create strong, random passwords that you can use without having to worry about remembering them. With a little bit of effort, you can avoid getting hacked entirely. If you use public WiFi often, then you should look into getting a WiFi router with a password manager built-in so that you can connect without having to worry about remembering all the login details. This will also protect you from getting logged out by hackers, should they succeed in gaining access to your device. A VPN that doesn’t keep logs about your activity isn’t always the best solution. For example, if you use WiFi on public transportation, then you could find yourself prone to attacks.

Speed

As we’ve covered in the section above, the free version of Google VPN has a bandwidth limit of 1.5GB per day. For those in the United States, that may not seem like a lot. However, if you’re using an outdated or unreliable internet service, then you’re going to quickly run into speed problems. The amount of data you can use per day will vary based on your internet service provider and your plan, but for the average person, it’s probably not going to be much more than 1GB. Remember: the more you use, the more you pay. You’re going to need to find a balance between using the internet and keeping your data secure. If you know that you’re probably going to use more than 1.5GB per day, then it may be worth paying for a higher-tiered plan. Remember: there’s no such thing as a free lunch.

Logs

Just like the name suggests, the Logs feature of Google VPN is designed to keep a record of your activity. However, it doesn’t just store your activity on the internet: it also logs your computer’s internal (hard drive) activity. This means that if you use your laptop or mobile device to connect to WiFi networks or other computers, then the VPN will keep a record of everything you do while connected. While this may not seem like a major issue, if you’re looking for a truly private and secure internet experience, then you may want to skip this feature altogether.

Reliability

Last but not least, we have reliability. Does the service work as advertised? Is it really as fast as they say it is? Is it going to maintain my privacy? These are all important questions, and they all have an answer. Unfortunately, not all VPNs are created equal, and some are deliberately designed to be as unreliable as possible. While this may be useful for online criminals who want to remain undetected when using a VPN, it’s no match for those who are genuinely interested in maintaining their privacy. It’s always a good idea to do some research into a VPN before you commit to using it, especially if you’re planning on using a public WiFi network.

If you’re looking for a truly private and secure internet experience, then you may want to consider one of the reputable VPN services listed above. Remember: there are dozens of VPNs out there and it can be hard to know which one is right for you.