Advice on VPN

[ausfox]

HI computing wizards out there. I am considering using a VPN for use at home as well as during my travels with an iPad. Any advice is welcomed. I have done a little research but would appreciate any further input. Thanks in advance

 

[moa999]

Key question would be for what reason?

In general VPNs will slow down general browsing and downloads.

The vast majority of websites are now https which is in essence a secure connection.

If privacy is a concern plenty of browser add-ons that can manage/delete cookies.

If it's circumventing geo restrictions then there might be a rationale.

 

[kelvedon]

If it's circumventing geo restrictions then there might be a rationale.

I too would ask for advice for this reason

 

[ausfox]

I have been geoblocked by 10 when I wanted to access news from Japan.
I am not worried about speed, rather security for banking or cc transactions.

 

[dxwell]

The VPN market is a game of chasing between VPN service and whatever internet-based service - you will need to use different VPNs across time to suit your needs. Here is my explanation.

• What is a VPN?
  • Imagine that Liz says "I don't want Sue to be able to talk to me".
  • Sue still wants to talk to Liz, so she instead Sue gives her message to Ann (the VPN).
  • Ann does what she is asked and passes that message to Liz.
• All good for now, but what is VPN blocking?
  • At first, Liz thinks that the message is coming from Ann.
  • But after a while, Liz sees that Ann is only an intermediary and the message is actually coming from Sue.
  • Liz stops all talk with Ann to block Sue.
• Why do I need to change to a different VPN over time?
  • Established VPN providers may already be blocked - you won't be able to get to the site you want.
  • There are very low barriers to entry for launching a VPN service - there may be a new one that meets your exact needs.
  • Online services try to preserve their geoblocking or other location-based service. They will work to find out the IP range of a VPN and then block that range. This means that the VPN that worked for you on Monday no longer works on Tuesday. Solution? Change to a new VPN.
• How do I find a suitable VPN?
  • Use a reputable site like These are your best, most secure VPN options (not a recommendation)
  • This will show the number of servers (which equates to speed) and number of IP addresses (some correlation to speed.

Hope all that makes sense. We did buy a drinks trolley for the good room today and did try out a couple of coughtails this afternoon, so EOE.

 

[Renato1]

I use VPN Unlimited. I first bought it through Stacksocial for US$29 for three years. As that period came to an end, they offered me lifetime for US$50.

Works fine - for my life time ....or theirs.

I could never follow their instructions for making it work on my Android phone. So I have only used it on Windows.

Main advantage - it is very cheap.
Cheers,
Renato

 

[davidj]

I am not worried about speed, rather security for banking or cc transactions.

You don't want to be using WiFi at all then.

 

[The man with no name]

There are many reasons to use a VPN so I won't dwell too much on the reasons why. I have been using Private Internet Access for years and have found them quite good, though not perfect.

PIA have a simple user interface and have been great for applications such as removing geoblocks or securing risky wifi. The downside being that I was totally unable to get past China's "Great Wall". Others such as Express VPN are able to get past but are twice the price with half the connections per user.

The only other problem I've encountered is a slowing of download speed of around 20% when the VPN is on. This has been a problem with all VPN's Ive tried to date.

 

[ctrunfree]

I've used PIA, but dumped them when they wouldn't respond to being geo-blocked by BBC iPlayer. I switched to Nord and haven't had any problems with them.

 

[VPS]

I use Zenmate and works fine

 

[opusman]

On a phone TunnelBear is a good option, and they allow a certain amount of free data each month.

 

[moa999]

I'd also add that if only wanting to use for WiFi protection (and getting Australian access), some mostly higher end routers can create OpenVPN endpoints

 

[ausfox]

I spend about 3 months a year OS so it is for use away from home that is my major concern.

 

[Nisho]

I have used IPVanish for a couple of years now.

While slightly pricier than other comparable options, they do have servers in Sydney & Melbourne and worldwide and you can have up to 5 simultaneous connections including iOS/Android. Speeds have been consistently quick so no complaints.

 

[Mrmaxwell]

I use NordVPN and have had no issues.

Current deal is US$99 for 3yrs which is awesome and much better than my $79 for 2yrs I signed up for. You can also cancel within 30 days if you decide against it.

 

[kookaburra75]

I use NordVPN and have had no issues.

Current deal is US$99 for 3yrs which is awesome and much better than my $79 for 2yrs I signed up for. You can also cancel within 30 days if you decide against it.

View attachment 134956

Another NordVPN user here. When I'm overseas, which is a bit, being able to connect to an Australian server for iView of SBS On Demand is handy. There's also the avoiding geo-blocking. Plus, Nord don't keep logs - an important question to ask if you considering using a VPN. There is a speed hit abt 20%

 

[Jmrocky]

Private Internet Access (or PIA)

Private Internet Access | Anonymous VPN Service Provider

7 dollars a month, with yearly plans as well. 28 countries to choose from, large server network and IOS/Android support and a very light client.

Been using them for ~2 years without an issue.

 

[Buzzard]

Another NORD user. Great for Netflix and watching V8 Supercars.
Only a few times I can't get to where I want to go without turning VPN off.
I also do my streaming via Wi-Fi without any problems.

 

[Mattg]

+1 for Nordvpn. Gets around most geo-blocking restrictions but doesn't work for Tenplay, for some reason.

 

[coriander]

+1 for NordVPN - excellent. Just got email offering 3 years for $89 (unsure if this is AU or US though) - will upgrade later today.