DeepDotNet 
Finding a VPN is one of the biggest challenges you face when staying safe online. Some VPNs might not meet all your requirements or are not working for you, which might lead to your personal information being compromised without any way of knowing.
Sadly, not all VPNs are created equal. In this article, we will go over some crucial checks to know if you’re using a good VPN. By following these tips below you can rest easy knowing that your privacy and security are protected whenever you browse the internet with a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
1. Check the Affiliate program
The first place that you should look at when deciding which VPN to use is its affiliate program. This can give you information on how the company finances itself and it will also tell you if the VPN has a decent referral rate or not.
There are several online forums where people share their experiences with different VPNs, so it is always good to check on Reddit and other similar sites, as they might not be reliable sources due to their nature.
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2. Check for scam reports online
It is always good to read some negative reviews on a similar topic, like malicious activities or complaints about unblocking websites or content. If you find a lot of negative reports, then it might be time to look around for other options.
A VPN that is being reported as having malicious activities will always have something wrong with its software.
3. Check if there are any official complaints against them
If the VPN has a public complaint department, it should be very easy for you to check if any valid complaints have been filed against the company in the past. While this does not guarantee that you will get a good service, it is still a very good way of finding out about any issues before signing up with them.
If there are several complaints about issues like not getting access to certain websites or content, then choose another provider instead.
4. Check if the VPN is based outside your nation
If you are located in a country that has very strict legislation on privacy, then it is better to find a provider that is not based in your country. The best option is to find someone who lives outside your country, as it will be easier for them to protect you from government intervention and law enforcement agencies.
If the provider does not make any mention of where it is based, then you should move on and look for someone else.
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5. Check how many countries it covers
One thing that differentiates good VPNs from bad VPNs is how many countries they cover. Most providers cover around 5-20 countries at a maximum while some even offer unlimited servers. If the provider you are using offers very few servers in a few countries, then it is best to search for someone else.
It is better to use a provider that offers more servers in more countries as this makes it easier for you to access websites and content based on your location.
6. Look at its customer service
While there is no point in checking how good the customer service is if everything else seems good, it can be essential in times of need. You will have to contact the company’s customer care department if you find yourself locked out of your account or if you face any other issue with the VPN.
If you find that the company’s response is slow or inefficient, then it is best to look for another provider.
7. Check if it has any leaks
One of the main reasons why you should avoid using a VPN from your location is if there are many reports about it leaking data. It should be easy for you to check this by going online and searching for reviews on a similar topic.
If you find that many people have reported issues related to privacy, then it would be better for you to find a different provider.
8. Check if it is running its own DNS servers
If the VPN has its own DNS servers, then it means that you are forced to use them to access any websites or content that are not available in your location. The best option will be to find a provider which does not have its own DNS service, as this will always guarantee that your online activity remains private and safe.
Do not forget to check what the customer service department has to say on this, especially if you want full VPN freedom.
9. Check if it doesn’t have any malware
We have seen many cases where providers unknowingly install malware and viruses on their clients’ devices while they provide their services without even realizing it. It is important to check the company’s website for any signs of malicious code or other such issues.
If you find that the website runs slowly while there are several pop-ups and ads, then it is a good idea to look for another provider.
Conclusion
If you follow these steps when choosing a VPN, then it will be easy for you to find a provider that meets all your requirements and guarantees your safety online. Do not forget to conduct thorough research before signing up with any provider as this will help you prevent getting scammed or falling into any other situations that might compromise your personal data.
