You don’t want to expose your private data, freelance business, or client communication and login details to risk. To enhance privacy, we use a VPN. However, there are crucial factors to consider when choosing the best anonymous VPN service. I’ll simplify this process by suggesting three top VPN services for digital nomads and freelancers.
A few important notes about VPNs
Are you new to what a VPN service is?
Make sure you read this whole article before you pick a VPN solution. It’s beneficial that you know a few things about this so you, as a freelancer or digital nomad, have some awareness about the security and privacy around VPNs.
Remember, we need to trust the VPN service we are using. Because…
You’re basically routing most of your website activity and traffic through ONE service provider. They could potentially see all your activity in one convenient place.
So which VPN service is actually private?
The VPN providers below are my picks based on my research with them, and yes, I have tried them all. At this point, Surfshark, NordVPN, and Windscribe are what I recommend for you.
Why do I need a VPN service in my freelance work?
A VPN service is essential for both your private and business online activities. It encrypts and secures most data transmitted between your computer and the open Internet.
You shouldn’t risk using random café Wi-Fi or free public networks in shopping centers. These networks may harbor tech-savvy individuals who can intercept data traffic.
I’ve done it myself, so I understand how it works.
Moreover, consider the Internet service providers these public networks use. Are they secure? Do they have a no-log policy? Most likely not. This is another fundamental privacy concern to keep in mind.
When working with clients online, you’re responsible for their privacy and security, especially when handling their online platforms, login details, and various communications. And this is why picking top VPN services for digital nomads and others working online, is important. While properly configured email service providers offer encryption, this is uncommon for people to use. Therefore, a quality no-log VPN service can significantly enhance security when sending and receiving business-related emails between colleagues and clients.
But, a few things can be good to know about VPNs before choosing the right one.
Which VPN services are actually secure and private?
First of all, I think we can begin with the conclusion that nothing is really private. Ever. Internet security is so-so. No matter what companies are saying, 100% security is an illusion.
But let’s at least stop exposing our asses to complete openness. We should harden the security of our computers and network activity to make it harder to sniff, track, and peek into our online activity.
When it comes to secure VPN services, we just have to decide whom we want to trust, based on their policies and service management. Services based in the US are compromised from the start, as the “laws” there make it easy for “governments” to take over and demand insights.
- We want to go for VPN services that do NOT operate in the US. That can help.
- We want to choose VPN services that have a no-logging policy. That can also help.
- And we want VPN services that even promote 3rd party reviews for security. This can also improve security trust.
Like I mentioned, a VPN service takes over most of your Internet traffic stream and sends it through their servers. Then what do they do with all your data?
Well, we don’t really know. We can only hope that they are ethical and honest.
Here are 3 VPN services I, for now, consider to have the highest potential for security and privacy.
Surfshark VPN – A new, uncrowded and excellent VPN service
Surfshark is one of the recommended VPN services with a no-log policy. They support both Mac and Windows devices. They also have mobile apps, so they cover all your needs.
They have servers all over the world, good speed, and a very lightweight app.
Another interesting service they now offer as part of their VPN service is the ability to create new private emails with a new identity. You can use this email as normal, and you set up a forward address to a real email account where you want to receive messages.
While using the app, they have a very neat function to block ads and bots on THEIR SERVER to save you a lot of data. This will improve overall Internet speed, as many things are blocked from downloading to your browser.
This is perfect when using their VPN service on your mobile.
Price: Get this awesome 82% discount deal at $2.49 per month
NordVPN — Fast VPN service with many servers
NordVPN is a highly recommended VPN service with fast speed and a no-log policy.
They have a huge collection of servers all around the world, with over 5,200 boxes scattered around the planet. They also say they are the fastest VPN service. I don’t know—I haven’t used them that much.
NordVPN is a popular VPN service that supports all operating systems, including Linux, and you get apps for both iPhone and Android.
Prices: Down to $2.99 monthly for a 3-year plan. $11.95 for a monthly plan.
Windscribe VPN – Slick VPN service with ad blocker
I really like Windscribe and its the VPN service I used the most. They have a neat Mac app. But I also use them on my iPhone. One really nice feature is their built-in ad blocker that speeds up web page loading times.
They also offer their custom DNS service called R.O.B.E.R.T that will filter out a lot of crap online. Its a server side IP blocking too. To limited stuff like porn, ads, marketing scripts, and bad VPN services.
They have a no-log policy and offer apps for all platforms, including Linux.
Their front page slogan, as of today, is “Browse the web privately as it was meant to be.” I like that. Good spirit in the company. I like the team and how they communicate in a real and raw manner to the public. They are also good at educating their customers about Internet privacy and how things actually work.
Price: $4.08 for a yearly plan. $9 for a monthly plan.
What to Look Out for in VPN Services
If you didn’t read my article intro, here’s an important recap of what to look out for in VPN services. Keep this in mind, and share it with your friends to educate their minds.
VPN Service with No-Log Policy in Their Privacy Statement
VPN service providers with no-log policy don’t keep logs of what you’re doing online. They focus on an authentic service for privacy and security. They won’t present to you any ridiculous excuses like “in case of law enforcement”… “National security”… “legal… —whatever.”
Choose a VPN Provider That Is Not Based in the U.S.
I don’t pick VPN services based in the U.S. as it is a problematic country when it comes to government control, surveillance, limited freedom, and questionable governance.
Your VPN provider has their own servers taking care of the encryption back and forth. So they, technically, have access to peek into whatever you’re doing online.
That’s why we want to raise the likelihood that the provider we pick is outside of the U.S.
A VPN Service with Fast Speed
When you connect with your VPN provider, everything is encrypted. This process takes time and can slow down the overall Internet speed.
So be aware that when being connected to any VPN service, some reduced speed WILL occur since encryption and decryption takes time. That’s why we want to PAY for a proper VPN service with quality software and servers.
Choose a VPN Service with Many Servers Worldwide
This is not necessarily because you will be traveling so much, but it’s good to have the option to switch servers now and then, as one or two can be quite crowded and slow.
When many customers are connected to the same VPN server at the same time, the slower it gets. That’s when it’s good to switch over to another server in the list. Picking one closest to the country you are in will usually be the fastest.
NordVPN is awesome when it comes to servers. Like I mentioned, over 5400 VPN servers all around the world.
It’s also especially good when you will be working with different clients around the world, because sometimes you need to log into their systems, such as websites, hosting providers, and other platforms.
If you’re a Web Designer living in Thailand trying to log into your customer’s hosting provider in Denmark, you may be blocked. That’s the moment you want to switch your VPN server to Denmark to make it look like you are coming from Denmark. Problem solved.
Conclusion on the Top VPN Services for Digital Nomads and Freelancers
Everyone should use a proper VPN service. But picking one of the top VPN services for digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and freelancers is even more important.
We do so much work and activity online for ourselves and our clients, so we have a greater responsibility. If you specifically want a VPN service that blocks ads, choose Windscribe. Other than that, pick either Surfshark or NordVPN. Both are very good.
If you haven’t found your method to work online and have more freedom yet, consider building websites to make a living.
And as I mentioned, pay for a good VPN service. Don’t pick any free service just because it’s free! You would never know—are they simply snoopy services offering a free service only to be able to monitor and screen all their customers through their servers?