VPNs can be extremely simple to set up if you simply go online, download the first one you see, and install it. But, in fact, it’s a lot more complicated. If you want the best VPN experience, you must not only choose the right service, but you must also understand how to set it up correctly for your needs.

To begin, determine why you need one. Is obtaining a safe VPN for improved online privacy and anonymity a top priority for you?

Do you want to use a Netflix VPN to watch Netflix from other countries? Maybe a VPN is your best bet for saving money on online shopping where rates are adjusted based on your preferences.

Then you must consider where this applies. Will you need it on your computer, phone, console, or television? Do you want it to be used by more than one person in your home?

Another important factor in your decision is the price. There are free VPN options and paying VPN options – do you need to pay for one or the other?

Then there’s the question of how to get it up and running once you’ve chosen one. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about getting one.

What do you need a VPN for?

A VPN will ping your IP address from different servers to make you appear to be somewhere you aren’t. This helps you to stay secret and anonymous behind the proxy address. So, in all situations, if you want online anonymity, this will provide it.

Some have extra protection by using double-hop servers, which means you’re hidden behind two servers rather than just one. Some, such as NordVPN, also have double encryption for incredibly secure data transmission.

Perhaps your requirements are more in the realms of entertainment and retail? It is possible to circumvent geo-restrictions by spoofing your location. For example, Netflix in the United States has a different selection of movies and shows than Netflix in the United Kingdom.

You’ll be blocked if you’re in the UK and want to watch your shows. You can also catch up with what you want to watch by using a VPN to make it look as if you are back in the US. You can also pretend to be anywhere in the world and watch programming from that area (though we don’t recommend this).

This will make you remain anonymous while shopping. Some websites, such as flight booking sites, can adjust rates depending on your location.

There are also reports that they’ll look at data on your computer, such as whether it’s a Mac or a PC, and change rates to match your perceived wealth – but this hasn’t been proved. In either case, a VPN will mask your identity and help you get a better deal.

Which devices do you need a VPN for?

Most VPN services allow you to use one account on several devices at the same time, but the number of devices varies from service to service, so make sure you know how many you need before you start looking.

ExpressVPN is one of the best, but it only allows you to connect to five computers, while Surfshark is less expensive but just as good.

It’s also worth noting that many VPNs allow you to install their software on your router. Since they connect to the router for their internet access, no matter how many devices you have, they’ll all be behind the VPN.

You won’t have to think about making too many account logins if you do this. However, since they’re all in the same place, you won’t be able to adjust it for each user at the same time.

How much does a VPN cost?

This is a complicated question since free VPN services are available. The catch is that most of them have a cap on the amount of data you can use, which is usually very little. In the occasional case where data is unlimited, speeds are severely restricted on ProtonVPN.

If you pay, you get a lot more in terms of features like the number of servers and countries you can connect to, protection, interfaces, and applications. This does not imply that you must pay a large sum. You’ll save a lot of money if you commit to a longer-term payment up front. Surfshark, for example, costs $12.95 a month but just $2.49 per month if you sign up for 24 months.

Check out the best VPNs this 2021 below:

2021’S Best Google Chrome VPNs And Extensions

How to install a VPN

You must first register for a service on the company’s website. After that, you’ll be able to download the client (app) for your smartphone. For example, it could be easier to set up on a computer before applying the software version to a smartphone.

Most VPN providers can walk you through the setup process, which is usually easy. However, for certain computers, such as Android or Chromebooks, it might be worthwhile to consult the VPN provider’s website for instructions.

If the VPN supports it, a third-party OpenVPN compliant client may be useful for setting up on something like a router. Many companies already provide this service, so following the installation instructions is easy. In most instances, you can find tutorials on the VPN provider’s website.

If you’re having difficulties, try these fast fixes:

Close and restart the client, then restart the device and try again.
If you have some other VPN program running, turn it off.
If the drive isn’t running, try using a VPN’s Repair feature or a feature in Settings with a similar name.
Check that you are properly logged in.
To be sure you’re getting what you need, try switching to different servers.
Switching protocols is also an option.
If you have a firewall or antivirus installed, switch them off to see if they’re the source of the problem.

If all else fails, you can normally contact a reputable VPN provider via live online chat, where a knowledgeable representative will gladly assist you. ExpressVPN, for example, provides live chat support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.