Best VPN in South Africa
As you read this, more and more individuals are accessing the internet to complete online banking transactions, to make purchases, and to share information. This poses the question: “is the internet safe enough to accommodate this sensitive data”? The answer is complicated. Yes, cyber-attacks are real and there are ways that strangers can infiltrate your network. Still, there’s a means to protect yourself online so that you can browse through websites and submit information without being a vulnerable target. We’re talking VPNs. A VPN can be easy to set up and it will up your online security so that you can have peace of mind.
In This Guide:
- What is a VPN?
- Why is it important to have the best VPN?
- Which provider offers the best VPN service in South Africa?
- What is the best VPN router?
What is a VPN?
Before we delve into where and how you can access the best VPN (Virtual Private Network), let’s take a step back to discuss what a VPN is, exactly.
When you add a VPN to a device, then the VPN works to create an encrypted tunnel between you and a remote server. All your internet activity is then routed through this tunnel. To keep this tunnel private, a VPN will swap your IP address for another, thus masking your identity and location. This means that your data and your online movements are safeguarded against prying eyes along the way.
Why is it important to have the best VPN?
When you’re using the internet, you can never be sure if someone is following your movements and tracing your data. This is especially applicable when you use public Wi-Fi hotspots which tend to be more susceptible to security breaches. Essentially, a VPN will help you to do your online work using a secure tunnel, so that no one can access your precious data.
Apart from keeping you safe, a VPN also has the following benefits:
- You can share your files without worrying about data being stolen or exposed.
- It provides safe remote access to a network, which is ideal for employees who work from home.
- You can bypass blocked websites and filters.
- It can improve bandwidth and efficiency.
- It’s affordable and allows everyone the opportunity to enjoy a secure online browsing experience.
Which provider offers the best VPN service in South Africa?
If you are searching for a quality VPN that won’t let you down, then these or some of the best providers to consider:
NordVPN
Key Features: NordVPN conveniently runs on most applications, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. It’s “Zero-logging” policy prevents online activity from being recorded and it also offers a kill-switch and DNS leak protection option to completely mask your identity.
Price: From R32.50 per month
Express VPN
Key Features: Apart from being compatible with most applications, Express VPN can also be set up on Apple TV, Fire TV, PlayStation, and more. The company also boasts one of the best 24-hours support teams.
Price: Averages R79.00 per month
VyprVPN
Key Features: With VyperVPN you can enjoy unrestricted speeds on streaming platforms and a quality 24-hour customer support service.
Price: From R40 per month
IPVanish
Key Features: This VPN is popular for its ability to drastically improve download speeds. It also guarantees that your internet activity won’t be logged and for the somewhat hefty price, you can expect ultimate 24-hour support.
Price: From R80 per month
Cyber Ghost
Key Features: Cyber Ghost is well-known for its dedicated torrenting and streaming profiles. The company has a strict policy about keeping no logs and you’ll be able to use one VPN on 5 separate devices.
Price: From R32.50 per month
What is the best VPN router?
A VPN router has a VPN installed directly into it. This means that you won’t have to install the VPN software onto every device you want to use. According to online tech and customer reviews, the current top 5 best VPN routers include:
- Buffered VPN. This VPN provides 256-bit Blowfish encryption on the security front and it is a great choice for responsive browsing and internet gaming. It’s price ranges from R128 per month.
- Windscribe. With the ability to host as many devices as you want, Windscribe is a versatile VPN that’s perfect for large households or offices. Pricing starts at R60 per month.
- NordVPN. If you are not very tech-savvy, then NordVPN conveniently offers a selection of pre-configured VPN routers that are ultimately secured. The routers are priced from R50 per month.
- IPVanish. This VPN router can improve download speeds whilst securing a network. It also offers the option to come pre-installed on your chosen router or you can add it to an existing router. The average starting price is R50 per month.
- VyprVPN. VyprVPN is easy to install and can be paired with all the devices on your home network regardless of platform, operating system or device type. Pricing starts from R50 per month.