We want to know what each service does best. We're not just examining VPNs for their technical weaknesses we're also looking for their individual performance strengths. That's why we put each VPN through its paces with our hands-on testing and review process, which is designed to cut through the hype. But it also means consumers have to wade through even more VPN advertising hype. On one hand, the array of affordable VPN options now available means that - no matter how casual or critical your privacy needs - there's a VPN service suited to your purpose. Over the past few years, a flood of VPN providers has entered the marketplace, which comes with both benefits and drawbacks. However, choosing the best VPN for your needs can be challenging. A bonus is that a VPN can also help you unblock geographically restricted content online while evading political censorship. Not only does a VPN allow you to connect more securely to shared Wi-Fi, but it also helps you avoid data throttling by your internet service provider and increases your personal safety by making it harder for public and private entities to see your browsing and search history. This encrypted connection adds an extra layer of security and privacy, which is a must-have if you ever send or receive sensitive information over the internet. If you want to keep your digital information secure and your online activity safe from prying eyes, it's a good idea to use a VPN, short for "virtual private network." Here's how it works: A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the internet.