What a VPN does — and what it doesn't
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server. Your ISP sees only encrypted traffic. The website you visit sees the VPN server's IP — not yours.
Chat Control uses client-side scanning — the surveillance happens on your device before data is encrypted. A VPN won't directly protect against that. But: it prevents metadata from being collected — who you communicate with, when, from where. Combine VPN + secure messengers + encrypted email for real protection.
Surfshark — Best all-rounder
Surfshark offers the best value. Unlimited devices means one account for your phone, laptop, tablet, and router. The no-logs policy was audited by Deloitte in 2022.
- $2.49/month (2-year plan)
- 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
- WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
- CleanWeb blocks ads & malware
ProtonVPN — Maximum privacy
From the makers of ProtonMail. Based in Switzerland with some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. Open source and independently audited. The free version is already very good.
- Free / $4.99/month (Plus)
- 3,800+ servers in 68 countries
- Secure Core (double encryption)
- Swiss jurisdiction
NordVPN — Largest network
NordVPN has the biggest server network and the most features. Double VPN encrypts through two servers. NordLynx is one of the fastest VPN protocols available.
- $3.49/month (2-year plan)
- 6,300+ servers in 111 countries
- Double VPN, Onion over VPN
- Panama (no data retention laws)
Comparison
| Feature | Surfshark | ProtonVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price/month | $2.49 | $4.99 | $3.49 |
| Devices | Unlimited | 10 | 10 |
| No-Logs (audited) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Open Source | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Free Version | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
How to set up a VPN
Choose a provider
For beginners: Surfshark (easy, cheap). For privacy maximalists: ProtonVPN (Switzerland, open source).
Download the app
Get it directly from the website or official app store. Never download from third parties.
Enable the kill switch
The kill switch cuts your internet if the VPN drops. Without it, you leak data. Check the settings.
Choose WireGuard
WireGuard is the fastest, most modern VPN protocol. Select it in settings under "Protocol."