VPN providers like to talk about their location as if it’s a big deal. They often point to the fantastic privacy laws of the country they’re in, claiming that this is a second layer of security over their other measures, including not keeping logs.
Are Some Countries Better Than Others for VPN Providers?
ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and ProtonVPN all praise the perks of being based in Panama. But does it really matter which VPN location is?
The short answer is no, it doesn’t matter what country the VPN is in, or at least not in most cases. Obviously, using a VPN that’s based in a restrictive country like Russia, China, or any other country that doesn’t care too much about the human right to privacy is a terrible idea. If the government in a place like this decides they want something from a company like your personal information, they will get it, hook or by crook. (Unfortunately, India may soon join these ranks with its new VPN law.)
When you think of the “free world,” it doesn’t matter where your VPN provider is located. At the very least, it won’t be enough to sway your purchasing decision one way or the other. This may sound strange considering countries like Panama, Switzerland and dependent territories like the British Virgin Islands are known for their secrecy. It’s only natural that laws that protect the offshore fortunes of billionaires should also protect VPN users’ information.
They do to a certain extent. A prosecutor could issue an unsubstantiated search warrant for access to your information in any of these locations. It will likely be rejected quickly. This is also the case in every other country. Even if the U.S. National Security Letters are a bit uncertain, you can still fight them to a point. They are not turning the United States into a second Russia.
The only exception seems to be torrenting, which has been the subject of several lawsuits. Some VPNs based in the United States have been ordered to stop torrent traffic. VPNs based in other countries don’t have to deal with these issues just yet.
Countries Work Together
However, you could convincingly argue that countries like Switzerland or Panama are better choices simply because things like National Security Letters don’t exist. The VPN marketing copy overlooks the key point where states are collaborating.
As we explained in our article on what VPNs offer law enforcement agencies, these privacy laws can change if pressure is put on them. If the U.S. government needs information about the identity of a Panamanian citizen or corporation, it can ask the Panamanian government to issue a warrant for their arrest. It’s very common practice and it happens quite often. It’s not common for a country to refuse, especially in cases where the country making the request has as much clout as the US.
Because of this, NordVPN admits, for just one example, that it will cooperate with law enforcement requests to record information, so long as they are “fairly granted by a court of law.” Similar to Switzerland which has a long and storied reputation for privacy. However, the government was able to carry out an order for the French police requesting data on the ProtonMail customer. Proton’s appeal was unsuccessful and the government had to supply the data. (Proton insists that Swiss law provides additional protections for VPNs like ProtonVPN that aren’t compatible with email services like ProtonMail.)
Yes, Swiss law is strong and providers have a good chance of appealing any warrant. If the legal remedy is unsuccessful, the provider must cooperate with the authorities.
Why Be Based There?
The question naturally arises as to why so many companies are based in the BVI, Panama or the Seychelles. While we can’t say for sure, the most likely explanation is that they’re fantastic places to stay one step ahead of the IRS. Offshore Protection, an organization that helps taxpayers avoid taxes, says the British Virgin Islands is “one of the most attractive locations to start an offshore business”.
The same applies to Panama, where the famous Panama Papers were created. The documents detail how the rich and famous have been hiding money in Panama and other countries like the Seychelles for many years. Switzerland is known for protecting data, as the Proton case shows. However, since WW2 it has also been a great place to hoard gold.
It is evident that these locations were chosen for their financial secrecy as well as consumer privacy. This can be seen from the locations of the employees of these companies. NordVPN, for example, may be incorporated in Panama, but a look at the company’s LinkedIn page shows that most of its employees are based in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, and we can conclude that they work from a company office there .
The same goes for ExpressVPN. Check out the staff page on LinkedIn and you’ll see that there’s no one working there in the British Virgin Islands (population 30,000 and a notoriously corrupt government) but in places as far away as Singapore, London and Poland to name a few . It’s not far-fetched to assume that some of these individuals are employed in an office in a physical location.
What Does Protect You?
This, of course, begs the question of what protects you when the location of these companies is not. In the event a warrant is served, it’s best to make sure nothing is found, so you need to make sure your VPN doesn’t keep logs. While it’s impossible to know for sure, VPNs’ reputation and performance could be an indicator.
If you’re concerned, you should make sure you sign up to a VPN completely anonymously to ensure you aren’t tracked down. You should also be careful not to do anything illegal with a VPN. Whichever method you choose, don’t believe everything VPNs claim about your location.
Is ExpressVPN better than NordVPN?
NordVPN is the best option if price is your main issue. However, ExpressVPN offers faster speeds than NordVPN and about 100 more server locations. Based on the country and location you want to connect your VPN to, ExpressVPN might be the ideal choice.
Is NordVPN the most reliable VPN? Both PCMag.com and Techradar.com have ranked NordVPN as the top VPN provider on the market due to its strong privacy-friendly stance and wide array of features. After an in-depth comparison with other VPN services, AVTest found NordVPN to be the fastest VPNa.
How much faster is ExpressVPN than NordVPN?
At nearly 450 Mbps, this is the fastest VPN speed test we’ve ever run. We can see that NordVPN is significantly faster than ExpressVPN at around 309 Mbps. It’s already clear that the WireGuard VPN protocol gives NordVPN an edge over the competition.
Is ExpressVPN the fastest VPN?
Does VPN affect speed? While all VPNs can slow down your internet connection, ExpressVPN is regularly ranked as one of the fastest VPN services available. The majority of users do not notice any difference in speed.
Is ExpressVPN or NordVPN better for Netflix?
NordVPN is better suited for Netflix than ExpressVPN. It has more servers, more concurrent connections, and is less expensive. It can be used to unblock 21 Netflix libraries including those from US, UK, Canada and other countries.
Can ExpressVPN be traced?
ExpressVPN never logs your internet traffic or VPN connections. This means nothing can be matched to an IP address or timestamp. It is impossible to track shared IP addresses.
Is ExpressVPN owned by China?
ExpressVPN is a VPN service provided by Express Technologies Ltd, a company registered in the British Virgin Islands. The software is advertised as a security and privacy tool that encrypts the user’s web browsing and hides their IP addresses.
Is ExpressVPN really the best?
ExpressVPN tops our list due in part to its strong encryption and privacy features, fast connections to its 3000 servers, and commitment to keeping user data safe from government eyes.
Why is ExpressVPN so expensive?
Why is ExpressVPN more expensive than other VPNs? Running a fast and secure network on the scale of ExpressVPN is expensive. Unlike cheap VPN providers, ExpressVPN invests in a superior and more secure platform to offer users a safer and more reliable experience.
Is ExpressVPN good 2021?
ExpressVPN is a great VPN for gaming. In general, we’ve been able to maintain high internet speeds when using ExpressVPN without experiencing any massive speed drops. ExpressVPN won’t stand out if you have fast internet connections.
Should I leave my VPN on all the time?
VPNs offer the safest online security, so you should keep your VPN active at all times to protect yourself from data leaks and cyberattacks, even when connected to public WiFi, and from intrusive snoopers like ISPs or advertisers. So keep your VPN on at all times.
What is VPN for? VPNs are used to hide your online activity. VPNs are used to protect against hackers and snoopers on public networks. However, they can also hide your IP address, browsing history, personal data and other information on any Wi-Fi network, even at home.
When should you not use VPN?
When Should You Not Use a VPN? One reason not to use a VPN is for gaming or downloading, as using a VPN can slow down your connection speeds. You can also turn off your VPN if you need to access content that isn’t available in your area.
Is it OK to leave VPN on all the time?
The answer to the question, “Should I keep my VPN on?” is yes. VPNs offer the best online security. You should always have your VPN active to protect against cyberattacks and data leaks when using public WiFi. So keep your VPN on at all times.
Is there a downside to using a VPN?
A VPN service can also have its disadvantages. Speed, Performance, Cost. The best encryption always brings some delay. Using the VPN service could slow down the speed of your Internet connection due to the processing power required for encryption.
When should I use a VPN on my phone?
server errorWhich VPN is best for mobile for free?
Top 5 Best Android VPNs
- NordVPN is a top VPN for Android that offers a free try.
- Surfshark is a low-cost Android VPN that offers a money-back guarantee.
- Atlas VPN offers a seamless Android app experience.
- ProtonVPN is a great free all-around VPN for Android.
- Hide.me is an independently verified free VPN for Android.
How do I get VPN on my phone for free?
Can police track VPN?
While police cannot view encrypted VPN traffic live, they can request usage logs or connection information from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Your ISP can send the police to you if they suspect you are using a VPN.
How to get a real IP address from VPN? Step 1: Check your IP address – Make sure your VPN is not connected. Once you’re sure your VPN is disconnected, go to Google and type awhat is my IP addressa to verify your actual IP. Step 2: Sign in to your VPN – Sign in to your VPN account and connect to the server of your choice. Make sure you are connected.
Can VPN IP address be traced?
Your internet traffic and IP will no longer be tracked. However, you could still be tracked if you use a low-quality VPN.
Is it safe to use any VPN?
A reliable virtual private network (VPN) allows you to surf the Internet safely. VPN security protects you from IP and secures your online history. It is increasingly used to prevent snooping by government agencies. However, VPNs cannot protect you in all scenarios.
Is it safe for me to use a free VPN? Free VPNs are risky because they compromise your privacy instead of protecting it. Notably, many free VPN service providers don’t have the means to protect your information and prevent others from engaging in the shady practice of selling it.
Why VPN should not be used?
One reason not to use a VPN is when gaming or downloading, as using a VPN can slow down the speed of your connection. You can also pause your VPN if you want to access content that isn’t available in your area.
What are the benefits of a VPN?
VPN Pros What are the benefits of using VPN? VPN to access your computer?
- Secure your network. The advantages of using VPNs VPN are enormous. …
- Hide your private information. …
- Prevent data throttling. …
- Avoid bandwidth throttling. …
- Access geoblocked services…
- Network scalability. …
- Reduce support costs.
What is the disadvantage of VPN?
We’ve listed the main disadvantages of using VPNs below: Certain VPNs can slow down your connection speed. You may be denied access to certain websites or services such as Netflix. VPNs are not legal or strictly controlled in certain countries, including China.
What VPN should I avoid?
country of origin. Do not connect to a VPN server located in any of the Five Eyes countries. These include the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Avoid the “Nine Eyes” countries, which include France, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands.
Whats safer than a VPN?
A proxy server. Proxy servers were the main way internet users could hide their IP addresses and stay safe online before the widespread adoption of VPNs. Proxy servers act as intermediaries or gateways between you and the Internet. The server has its own IP that receives your internet traffic.
Is there a danger in using a VPN?
VPNs are unsafe because they expose entire networks to threats like malware, DDoS attacks, and spoofing attacks. The entire network can be destroyed if an attacker manages to intrude via an untrusted device.
Which VPN has all countries?
1. ExpressVPN. If you’re looking for a super-reliable VPN server network that’s spread all over the world, ExpressVPN should be your top choice.
Which Free VPN Has All Countries? Get the Best Free VPN Services Today!
- Proton VPN free. Secure and unlimited data is the most reliable free VPN. …
- Privado VPN. Excellent server range for a free VPN. …
- Hide me. Hide.me is an incredibly flexible and powerful VPN. …
- wind recorder. Generous with data and secure too. …
- Hotspot Shield is free…
- Atlas VPN.
Does NordVPN have all countries?
NordVPN has servers in more than 59 countries around the world. These locations include the United States of America, Canada, Brazil and France.
Which country is best for NordVPN?
Switzerland is by far the safest nation to connect with. Its constitution guarantees privacy and there are strict laws and regulations to ensure the security of personal information. Despite its location in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is neither a member of the European Union nor the European Economic Area.
How many countries are in NordVPN?
NordVPN offers thousands of servers in 50 countries around the world. In addition to standard VPN servers and locations like NordVPN Canada or NordVPN USA, you can choose servers optimized for specific purposes, such as: B. P2P sharing or connections from countries with Internet restrictions.
Which country has fastest VPN?
| country | Average download speed (Mbps) | VPN ban |
|---|---|---|
| Taiwan | 85.02 | no |
| Singapore | 70.86 | no |
| Sweden | 55.18 | no |
| Denmark | 49.19 | no |
Which country VPN is best for Netflix?
SurfShark found that Netflix has the most titles in the United States overall with 5,879 movies and shows. Canada has the largest film catalog with 4,043 films.
Is there any VPN that works with Netflix?
1. ExpressVPN. It’s no easy feat, but ExpressVPN currently tops our Netflix VPN guide. ExpressVPN has been the most reliable service for accessing worldwide catalog exclusives over the years, even when Netflix has been the heaviest.
Is VPN faster than Internet?
What Does a VPN Do for Internet Speed? In most cases, you won’t see any speed increase from using a VPN. A VPN cannot increase bandwidth beyond the capacity of your connection.
Why is my VPN so slow? Server load When too many users are connected to a single server and the VPN connection speed is reduced. Congestion issues are common with free and slow VPNs that cram too many users onto just a few servers hoping that being free is enough to attract users.