There are many reasons why people decide to get a VPN (virtual private network). Common reasons include wanting to watch and stream TV programmes from other countries and jurisdictions, security and privacy concerns and even as a result of censorship of the internet in some countries. When it comes to VPNs for freelancers, the same considerations will apply . However, it is likely that any freelancer needing a VPN for any reason will also look a little more closely at things like the cost of the VPN in question as well as what they get for their money when they do purchase the VPN they need.
TechRound has put together a selection of the top 10 VPNs for remote workers to help you compare VPNs for all your needs and requirements as someone who works remotely.
What is a VPN For Remote Workers?
A VPN, which stands for Virtual Private Network, refers to a tool that helps to keep your online activity private and secure. A VPN creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, which can help to prevent hackers from accessing your data.
Save 22% on NordLayer with TechRound, starting from $7 per user per month >>
What are the Benefits of VPNs for Remote Workers?
There are a number of benefits that VPNs can grant remote workers. These include the following:
- The ability to connect with the office securely
- Protect your company’s data and identity
- Avoid geo-restrictions
Any connection to the internet serves as a potential risk for your company’s servers, hence why companies end up investing in a multitude of cybersecurity measures.
If you are working remotely, you thus serve as a potential leak to your company’s security. A VPN fixes this as it creates a secure connection between yourself as the remote worker, and your company’s office. As such, you are then able to access all of the data typically housed at the office from an alternative location, whilst reaping the benefits of your office’s security setup.
1. Connect with the Office Securely
As any cybersecurity expert will tell you, any connection to the internet is a potential security risk for your company’s servers. That’s why offices spend thousands of dollars building up their cybersecurity measures.
But what happens when you leave this protective bubble?
In the outside world, you become a potential weak point in your office’s security. A VPN fixes this by creating a secure connection between you and your office. You get access to all of the data housed at work while still getting all of the benefits of your office’s security setup.
This way, you can do your job from wherever you like, and your company can rest assured that their data is never leaving safe hands.
2. Protect Your Personal Data and Identity
A VPN isn’t just for your company’s benefit. It also helps protect you.
Remote workers often do a lot of their business online. Whether you’re accessing your banking info, tax records, or any other sensitive information, you want to make sure your data isn’t being leaked.
The most important way a VPN will help you stay safe online is by securing this information, whether in public or at home.
On the bus or in a cafe, you probably often use free wifi to access the internet. Unfortunately, these public hotspots are often being used to collect your information, which can later be used against you in phishing schemes or ransomware attacks. VPNs mask your identity, protecting you from these sorts of schemes.
Even on your home internet, online actors are tracking your web presence and IP, building a sophisticated model of you. A VPN helps keep you protected online by shielding you from their eyes wherever you go.
Save 22% on NordLayer with TechRound, starting from $7 per user per month >>
3. Get Around Internet Restrictions
The internet is not as free and open as it once was. Governments and private businesses are happy to put up firewalls and geo-restrictions if it serves their needs. A VPN helps you scale these walls and gives you access to the goods on the other side.
For some people, accessing geo-restricted content is the primary reason to use a VPN. If you work or live in countries like China or Russia, you may not be able to access internet basics like Gmail or Twitter. A VPN will help you get around these blocks by making it appear that you are in a different location altogether.
Even if you aren’t living in a totalitarian state, geo-restrictions and firewalls can be bothersome. If you live in another country, you may not always want to be redirected to a website in a foreign language. A VPN can adjust your location so that you can get your preferred version of these websites. Furthermore, have you been in a hotel that has an erroneous firewall stopping you from getting work done? A VPN can tunnel through this firewall and let you work in peace.
You may not always think about it, but there are restrictions everywhere on the net. As you can see, a VPN can help you get around these restrictions to make the most out of your online experience.
There are many VPN providers available, and it can be difficult to choose the right one for your needs. Here are some of the best VPNs for remote workers:
NordVPN
- Zero logs
- Able to unlock geo-content on Netflix and other streaming sites
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Good speeds for downloading and streaming
Nord VPN for Freelancers stands out for a variety of reasons. One of which is its strong security features. NordVPN provides a logless policy, which in plain terms means it does not keep usage or connection logs.
NordVPN also provides additional features you may struggle to find with other VPNs on the market, making it a good all-rounder. This includes double-hop encryption, a kill switch and Tor over VPN.
Surfshark
- No limit on the number of devices you can connect on VPN
- Great budget option
- Live 24/7 chat support
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime
- Good security settings
Why pick Surfshark? Many choose Surfshark VPN for Windows as it is a cost-effective option that is a good all-rounder too. Unlike other VPNs available, this provider enables VPN users to connect as many devices as they wish at once.
Surfshark is also effective at unlocking geo-content on Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix, and also uses strong encryption settings.
Torrenting is also supported on this cheap VPN software and the kill switches available helps you to avoid data leaks.
Atlas VPN
- Ultra-fast 4k streaming
- Unlimited devices can connect at the same time
- 24/7 support available
- state-of-the-art cryptography, ensures a secure and seamless browsing experience.
Atlas VPN is great for freelancers who need to stream high-quality media but still have state-of-the-art cryptography and protection for their work. A great benefit is that they have 24/7 support available so no matter what time zone you are in you’ll be covered.
VyprVPN
- Strong and private connections
- Excellent Windows 10 app
- Unblocks major streaming services
- Fast speeds making it great for downloads
- 30-day money-back guarantee
VyprVPN for Windows 10 is incredibly user-friendly, which makes it another popular option amongst beginners. The app itself is easy to use and provides a lot of real-time data, as well as a simple installation process.
VyprVPN also provides its customers with secure, private connections and has fast speeds with unlimited data usage. This makes it brilliant for streaming and downloading as much as you would like!
If VyprVPN ends up not being for you, the VPN software provider also has a 30-day money-back guarantee too.
ExpressVPN
- Excellent download speeds
- Easy to use app
- Strong encryption and security settings
- 24/7 customer service support
- Unblocks most popular streaming platforms worldwide
ExpressVPN is considered one of the best VPNs for Windows thanks to its vast server network. VPN users have the ability to access all major streaming sites (including Netflix and Hulu) from almost anywhere worldwide, and benefit from fast download speeds.
The fast download speeds also make it an excellent option for P2P filesharing and streaming. In addition, the Windows 10 app is incredibly easy to use, if you are looking for a VPN software option that is simple to understand.
Save 22% on NordLayer with TechRound, starting from $7 per user per month >>
