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Everything you need to know about VPN!

Rebecca Knoll
Rebecca Knoll
Editor at WLX
Last updated: June 2024

VPN stands for “virtual private network“. What exactly is a VPN? How does a VPN work? How does a VPN protect me and who is the best VPN provider? Read up on all you need to know in just 2 minutes!

Using the internet unprotected can have serious consequences.

How does a VPN work?

Insecure internet connection (without VPN)

When you visit a website on the internet, your PC, tablet, or phone establishes a connection with the website servers on which that particular website is saved. Once the connection to the server has been established and the website contents have been downloaded, the third-party server also records your IP address. For laypeople, this doesn’t sound too bad at first. But here’s what a lot of people don’t know: Your IP address is a unique number that can be used to determine your place of residence and other private data. So does every website operator know your private address?

“If you surf the internet without using a VPN, every website operator can find out your address.”

Important:

If your connection to the server is not secured (i.e. without VPN), then intelligence services, internet providers and hackers can all track your internet activity.

Secure internet connection (with VPN)

If you connect to the internet using a VPN, then there is no longer a direct connection to the website’s server. Your PC, tablet, or phone first connects to a VPN server, which then redirects all data to the website server. This means that the website operator will only see the IP address of the VPN server.  The identity of the VPN user remains hidden to third parties. Important: Providers such as Cyberghost do not save their clients’ IPs , although doing so would be legal due to their business headquarters being locate abroad.

VPNs hide your IP address using their servers.

In addition to anonymization against website operators, your internet connection is also encrypted. This therefore gives intelligence agencies, internet service providers and hackers no chance to spy on you. Providers such as Cyberghost use military encryption technologies that cannot be decrypted by current technological standards.

Safe & secure – Top 4 facts about VPNs:

  •  A VPN takes around 3 minutes to install
  •  A VPN is also easy for everyday internet users to get to grips with
  •  Using a VPN makes you completely anonymous
  •  VPNs provide you with protection against hackers

What are the advantages of using a VPN?

The biggest advantage of VPNs lies in the fact that you can use them to surf the internet anonymously and securely. By providing you with anonymity, VPNs protect you and ensure you won’t be receiving disciplinary warning letters. Using a VPN is particularly advisable for users of file sharing and torrenting platforms. As demonstrated by the great Redtube scandal , one should always use a VPN when accessing erotic websites nowadays, as accessing these sites can quickly lead to a written warning, which can end up costing you dearly.

VPNs can also be beneficial for streamers. For instance, a VPN makes it very easy for you to access the desired content e.g., if you are on holiday and would like to access German content.

How do I use a VPN?

Using a VPN is relatively easy, even for non-professionals. You first need to select a VPN provider (overview of the best providers). Next, download and install the VPN software on your PC, tablet, or phone. Installation takes just a few clicks. After being installed, open the program and click on “Activate VPN”. The VPN then connects to the VPN server, after which you can surf the internet securely and anonymously.

Greater online security in 5 steps

  1. Choose from the best VPNs (VPN ranking)
  2. Download and install VPN
  3. Start VPN program
  4. Click on “connect now”
  5. Surf securely

How do I find the best VPN?

The VPN market is growing fast and so is the number of options. This makes it difficult to find the right VPN provider. Established all-round providers, such as Cyberghost, are recommended for both beginners and advanced users. The software can be used on up to 6 devices simultaneously, whether they be PCs/Macs, tablets, smartphones or gaming consoles.

Cyberghost also runs on Linux computers and is compatible with almost all streaming providers. In addition, data transfer is encrypted to the highest security standards. With over 1800 servers, CyberghostVPN’s server network is particularly stable and reliable.

Last updated: November 2024

Provider
Specials
Rating
Information
BEST VPN 2024
80% of our users choose this VPN provider.
  • Cheapest provider in our comparison
  • 4K streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+
  • Adblocker and Antivirus software included
  • 256-bit AES encryption for security
  • Compatible with all common operating systems
  • Simultaneous use on multiple devices
Available on:
9,8
80% of our users choose this VPN provider.
Visit Site
  • Unlimited streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime and more
  • Try for free with 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 6200+ servers in more than 110 countries
  • State-of-the-art encryption and threat protection
  • Available for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices
  • Use on up to 6 devices at the same time
Available on:
9,6
  • Free trial period: 45-day money-back guarantee
  • 4K streaming without interruptions
  • Ultra-fast servers with speeds of 10,000 MBit/s
  • Secure encryption according to military standard
  • Windows, Mac, Android and iOS compatible
  • Connect up to 7 devices with just one subscription
  • Limited payment options
  • Less comprehensive mobile version
Available on:
9,3
  • Free trial period: 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Connect up to 8 devices at once
  • Works on every platform: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
  • Geoblocking with 105+ servers worldwide
  • No activity logs and AES-256 protection
  • UHD streaming on Amazon Prime, Disney+, Netflix
  • Few devices can be used at the same time
  • Comparatively high price
  • No dedicated IP address
Available on:
9,1
  • Servers in 60 countries
  • Up to 10 devices simultaneously
  • Good choice for streaming
  • Fully open source software
  • Unlimited P2P/torrenting
  • Built-in ad blocker
  • Longer loading times in comparison
  • Limited customer support
Available on:
8,9
  • 3200+ servers in 100 countries
  • Connect many devices
  • Very secure streaming
  • Securely encrypts your activities
  • Industry leading encryption
  • Integrated adblocker
  • Partially throttled surfing speed
  • Customer support could be improved
Available on:
8,3

of our number 1 VPN

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