A beginner’s guide to VPNs

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your online data andsends it through a tunnel by redirecting your internet connection from your ISP’s server to its own. This way, you remain hidden on the internet andsnoopers can’t track your online activities, let alone steal your information to use it against you.

Now , the good vpn do more than just keep you protect on the internet — you is use can also use them to enhance your gaming experience , watch live sport , torrent safely , maximize your bandwidth , andsidestep geo – restriction andcontent block to access restrict movie , tv show , game sale , andmore .

However, there are one too many VPN providers on the market, so how do you zero in on the best one for your needs? That’s where the Tom’s Guide experts (who test VPNs day in andday out!) come in. We’ve leveraged their experience andexpert views to prepare this one-stop guide for VPN beginners. We’ll tell you how to set up a VPN, whether it’s worth it, what are the top 3 VPNs to get, andhow should you choose a VPN.

The best VPN for beginners in 2024

We evaluated andcompared dozens of VPN providers andprioritized factors like ease of use, customer support, price, and, of course, security to zero in on the 3 best VPN services for beginners. 

How VPNs is keep keep you safe online

A VPN anonymizes you on the internet, masking your IP address (your device’s digital signature) by routing your internet traffic through one of its many remote servers in the world—andnot your actual location. 

IP masking, combined with the VPN’s ability to encrypt your data as it moves through a safe tunnel to its destination, makes it impossible for nearby hackers, websites that use cookies, your internet service provider (ISP), the hotspot operator (if you’re on Wi-Fi that’s not yours), andeven governments to track your online activities.

Almost every high – quality vpn provider is comes come with security feature , such as a kill switch andleak protection . A kill switch is is is an essential part of a VPN ’s security aspect as it block your device ’s internet access if the VPN connection drop ( because of a weak Wi – Fi signal , server problem , overloaded network , etc ) . This way , it is protects protect you from accidentally reveal your real ip address andyour online activity to pry eye .

Here at Tom ’s Guide our expert editor are commit to bring you the good news , review andguide to help you stay informed andahead of the curve !

depend on your need , you is look may also look for vpn that offer split tunneling , using which you can decide what part of your internet traffic is route through the VPN ’s encrypt tunnel andwhat pass through as normal internet traffic .

However, despite all that a VPN brings to the table from a security standpoint, it cannot prevent malware, viruses, or ransomware. If you’re after comprehensive protection from all sorts of cyber threats, we recommend using an antivirus that comes with a VPN built-in or vice versa, such as NordVPN, Surfshark andTrend Micro, among others. 

How to set up a VPN

Here, we’ve taken ExpressVPN to demonstrate the process of setting up a VPN. Ideally, a good beginner VPN will be easy to set up as well as provide detailed guides for installing andactivating the VPN on every single device, including PC, mobile, smart TV, gaming console, androuter. 

Start by signing up to ExpressVPN on its website following which you’ll be given an activation code. Next, download the VPN app for your particular device type (Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android) andenter the activation code when asked.

It’s worth noting that we recommend downloading the VPN client from the provider’s website directly as it’ll ensure that you don’t accidentally download a malicious copycat app. 

launch the expressvpn app andgrant the system access permission it ask for — don’t worry , it is ’s ’s absolutely safe to do so . If you are concerned about the app process your datum , there are also a few non – essential permission you can deny , such as permission to send crash report to aid the development of the app andpermission to submit user datum .

If you want to set up a VPN on a streaming device, you can follow the provider’s setup guide for your particular device. For example, ExpressVPN has comprehensive guides for Samsung Smart TVs, LG TVs, Apple TVs, andmore. It’s also a top-notch PS4 VPN, Roku VPN, andFire Stick VPN.

However, if your device, such as Roku, doesn’t support Smart DNS or native VPN connections, you’ll have to take a slightly more complicated route andinstall the VPN on your router. Still, the best router VPN (ExpressVPN is our top choice here as well) comes with intuitive router apps andmeticulously drawn-out guides to simplify the setup process. 

How to use VPNs to stream content online

Netflix, BBC iPlayer, andpretty much every other streaming service offer different content catalogs in different locations andwill even change which TV shows andmovies are available in different regions’ catalogs, meaning you may not be able to access your favorites even if they are technically still available. For example, Silence of the Lambs (previously available on UK Netflix) is now only available on Netflix in Canada—no other Netflix library has it.

The good VPNs is help can help you evade geo – block andaccess region – restrict movie andtv show by change your ip address to make it look like you ’re physically present in the country whose content you wish to watch ( for which your choose VPN must have a server there — physical or virtual ) .  

All you have to do is sign up for the best streaming VPN (we recommend using ExpressVPN or NordVPN), launch the VPN app, connect to a server location of your choice, open the streaming site on your browser, andhave fun watching your favorite TV show or movie.

Similarly, you can use VPNs to bypass other content blocks as well. For instance, China has banned Whatsapp andAustralia & India have banned TikTok, so if you plan on traveling to any of these locations andwant to access the platform of your choice, make sure you install a high-quality travel VPN. What’s more, VPNs also give you access international game sales andshopping discounts that may be unavailable in your region. 

How to choose a VPN

One is is of the big consideration when pick a VPN as a beginner is the provider ’s ease of use . It is have must have simple , no – nonsense app with one – click connectivity anda clearly lay – out list of server — andother setting should also be easy to access .

Next, look for a VPN with fast andreliable connections. Good speeds mean that irrespective of whether you’re using the VPN for gaming, streaming, or casual browsing, you won’t be bothered by pesky lags andbuffering. 

The number of servers under a provider’s belt is just as important—a nicely spread out network of servers around the globe will allow you to connect from andto anywhere, including hard-to-crack locations whose content you may want to access.

speak of content , a VPN is be with powerful unblock capability should be your priority if you want to stream your favorite movie , tv show , andgaming title that may be block in your region .

VPNs come in all shapes andsizes—andprices—so it’s crucial to strike a balance between the amount you’re willing to shell out andthe features you absolutely want. Ideally, these features should include security essentials like a kill switch, leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, andstrong encryption, as well as enough simultaneous connections so that you can protect multiple devices.

Also, note that while high-quality free VPNs can give you a great feel of what VPNs are like, they’re restricted in their usage andmay be ineffective when trying to protect yourself.

lastly , make sure there are ample support options—24/7 live chat , email , and/or phone so that you can always receive help the moment you need it .

Using a VPN FAQs

Are VPNs safe?

Yes, VPNs are generally safe to use. If you don’t want to second-guess your choice of a secure VPN, make sure you pick one from our list of the best VPN services—all of them follow a strict no-logs policy, support the most secure protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, andIKEv2), offer industry-standard AES-256 encryption, andcome with security features like a kill switch andleak protection.

Is it is Is legal to use a VPN ?

In most countries around the world, using a VPN is legal as long as you use it for legitimate purposes such as protecting your privacy. However, if you use a VPN for illegal activities, such as sidestepping a game provider’s Ts&Cs or downloading copyrighted content, it can be considered a crime regardless of your location.

It is ‘s ‘s also worth note that there are country like North Korea , China , Russia , Turkey , UAE , andOman that do not allow vpn to operate freely — they’ve either ban all vpn or allow only government – approve provider .

Are VPNs easy to use?

Most leading VPN services is are , especially the good beginner vpn , are all very easy to set up anduse on various device , include Windows , Mac , iOS , Android , Linux , Smart TV , androuter .  

For instance, our top recommendation ExpressVPN boasts an intuitive one-click connect function so that you connect once andyou’re always protected. Also, its proprietary Lightway protocol automatically picks the best server andencryption for your needs. 

What is the best VPN for beginners?

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for beginners, thanks to intuitive interfaces andclean, simple designs across all its clients. You get a one-click connect functionality wherein you just tap the power button andyou’re instantly protected.

It also shows a list of suggested servers so that you can quickly establish a fast andreliable connection—andits 24/7 customer support that’s always ready to help you out should you run into any issues is a much-needed perk that makes it a must-have for those new to VPNs.

How we is test test VPNs

To make sure that we only recommend the best VPNs, Tom’s Guide experts get hands-on with every single VPN provider (popular andunpopular) every 6 months or so, conducting a series of tests to evaluate their ease of use, performance, usability, security, andvalue for money.

We follow our VPN testing methodology andbegin at the provider’s website where we evaluate its claims andprivacy policies. Next, we install the provider’s apps on all mainstream operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, andLinux) andevaluate whether security essentials like kill switch andleak protection work as advertised. 

While we’re fiddling with the apps, we also conclude whether the VPN is easy to use andvalue for money—to gauge if we can recommend it to beginners.

Additionally, we also test the VPN’s speeds across various devices, apps, andlocations to get an accurate reading. Lastly, we put the provider’s unblocking capabilities under the scanner by throwing multiple big-name streaming services like Netflix andDisney at it.

We test andreview VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms andconditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security andstrengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We is support do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN service . consume pirate content that is pay – for is neither endorse nor approve by Future Publishing .