How to Switch Your VPN Provider – The Ultimate Guide

While the internet offers several perks, one of the worst things is the fact that it’s become such a global phenomenon and a place that everyone and anyone can go to easily find almost any information they want. With no boundaries and no restrictions, anyone can live their lives online and access content from anywhere in the world; which in turn, can open the door to all sorts of risks and dangers.

Even though the internet was never meant to be used in this way, it has now become a necessary evil. Many people have embraced the opportunities that come with being online and use it to access social media, shop online, watch movies and TV shows, and even play games.

It’s a place that people can go when they want to feel safe but often don’t feel safe enough to actually leave the house. When it comes to keeping your personal information secure while online, a virtual private network (VPN) can be a godsend. A VPN can encrypt your internet traffic, hiding your identity and allowing you to visit websites that may be dangerous, untrusted, or simply unavailable otherwise.

Whether you’re just looking to switch to a more expensive option or are completely disconnected from the internet for a week, there are ways that you can effectively do so without losing your connection to important services such as email and social media.

Here, we’ll discuss the various options available to you when it comes to switching your VPN provider as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.

OpenVPN

One of the most popular and most well-known VPNs is OpenVPN, developed by OpenVPN, Inc. OpenVPN connects you to a server farm in a different country, allowing you to access your desired content and services without worrying about your personal information being compromised.

There is a wealth of information available online regarding OpenVPN, with many positive reviews. If you’re looking for an open-source solution with good usability, then OpenVPN is a great choice. You don’t need to worry about installing extra software, it’s easily configured through a web interface, and it’s completely free for the first year. After that, you’ll need to decide whether or not to continue paying.

L2TP/IPSec

If you’re looking for a solution that doesn’t require you to configure any VPN settings, then you can try an IP-sec or Layer 2 tunneled VPN. These types of VPNs are typically used within a corporate environment where users need to be assured of security levels and can’t have their settings changed without their consent. L2TP/IPSec is a combination of the two, enabling you to use IPsec to set up a VPN tunnel with the assistance of a centralized server.

There are several VPN providers that offer L2TP/IPSec, allowing you to set it up in a matter of minutes.

PPTP

If you need a simple, no-frills solution that’s completely free, then you can try a Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) VPN. These types of VPNs are very similar to the one above, with the exception that they don’t use a centralized server to assist in the setup process. You can download and install the software on your computer or device, and you’re good to go. No frills, no fuss. Just pure internet freedom.

Chrome

Another great option for people who want to switch their VPN provider without losing their connection to important services is the chrome extension, Best VPN. This extension will allow you to easily connect to a VPN server based on your location or network, as well as keep your current session active even if you change computers or devices. So, if you’ve got a spare laptop or computer lying around that you don’t use, then you can configure it to be your own personal VPN server.

There are several advantages to using a VPN while online. One of the more prominent among them is the protection against malicious websites and hackers. The entire point of using a VPN is to conceal your identity online, which is why you need to make sure that your chosen VPN is secure enough to maintain your confidential information. Many reputable VPNs offer military-grade encryption, enabling you to stay secure even when you visit dangerous websites or networks. In some cases, you may need to pay for an additional layer of encryption to ensure the confidentiality of your information.

Private DNS

If you’re planning to access a restricted website or network, then it’s a good idea to use private DNS to bypass the nation-specific DNS restrictions. Using private DNS means that all of your internet requests will be routed through a third-party server instead of your ISP’s DNS server. Because your ISP can see all of your internet traffic, this has the potential to expose you to certain risks.

If you need to access a country-restricted website or network, then using VPN is generally a safer bet. Your VPN provider will have servers in several locations around the world, meaning that you should be able to find a location that allows you to access the site or network you want to visit without risking your personal information.

IPVanish

A relatively new player in the VPN arena is IPVanish, which offers customers a simple-to-use, no-strings attached experience. IPVanish is highly customizable, offering the ability to connect through different devices and locations using their native apps for iOS and Android. Plus, using their service is completely free for the first year. After that, you’ll need to decide whether or not to continue paying.

IPVanish is a bit more expensive than the other providers mentioned above, but they do offer a number of excellent features that make them a worthwhile investment for anyone who needs protection while online. One of the more prominent among these features is their strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your personal information is never logged and always stays private. Another great feature is their focus on maintaining a high level of privacy for their customers. In most cases, they don’t need to keep any logs at all, making them a complete non-logging VPN.

IPVanish also offers something that the others don’t, a kill switch. When you connect to a VPN, there’s always the chance that you could lose connection to important services or crash your device. By enabling a kill switch, IPVanish will end your current session if it loses connection to the internet for more than five minutes. Most VPNs don’t offer this feature for security reasons, but it’s a critical one to have when you’re dealing with confidential information.

PIA

Probably the biggest name in the VPN industry is Pure Internet Access, better known as PIA. It was originally a VPN provider that primarily marketed itself to adults who want to keep their personal information private, especially while on the internet. Despite the name, PIA now offers great discounts for students and offers a free version that lacks some of the more advanced features. However, if you need a VPN and don’t mind spending a bit more money, then you can check out their premium package which offers all of the features found in the more expensive ones.

One of the reasons why PIA is so popular is that they specifically design their product to be easy to use for anyone who’s never setup a VPN in their life. Normally, people who need protection while online have to manually configure their VPN through a series of complicated steps. With PIA, you can simply follow the on-screen instructions and within minutes, you’ll have a fully-functional and secure VPN connection. This is why PIA is one of the most popular choices when it comes to switching your VPN provider.

NordVPN

If you live in Europe or plan to travel there frequently, then NordVPN is a great option. Not only does it offer a 1-year free trial and a 30-day money back guarantee, but they also offer great deals for frequent travelers and students. In some cases, you can get an additional year of service for free when you meet certain requirements. Plus, all of their servers are located in secured data centers around the world, guaranteeing that your personal information is always safe.

FREETEL

FREETEL is a new player in the VPN industry that’s specifically designed for people who need a little more security than the average VPN provides. As the name suggests, their network is completely free and open, with no paid plans or log-ins required. They also offer customers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money back guarantee if they don’t like the service. If you’re looking for an open-source solution that doesn’t require any configuration, then FREETEL could be a good option for you.