How to Choose a VPN: 14 Factors to Consider and Why

A common error message displayed when someone attempts to view a censored website. In this case, I attempted to access TikTik via a server in India, where the website is blocked by censorship.

So you’re thinking about getting a VPN. Welcome to the club. I’ve used one for years. Why are you considering one?

As with many things in life, there is no one-size-fits-all. A VPN that meets my needs may not meet yours, and vice versa. In order to choose the best one for you, it’s helpful to be clear on why you want it and how you will use it.

I started using a VPN while I lived in China, where government censorship blocked access to many of the sites that we take for granted in the U.S. — Facebook, Google (Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube), Twitter, the New York Times and others. Using a VPN usually allowed me to access those sites and more. Sometimes the local government was able to block VPNs, so my friends and I would either find other ways to access blocked sites or we’d go without.

My VPN needs have changed somewhat since I returned to the U.S. I’m also more aware of digital security issues, which can lead to identity fraud or other serious problems. I want keep my personal and business data safe, to protect myself and my clients. Recently it was time for me to renew my VPN contract so I decided to assess my current needs and the different VPNs available, to decide if it made sense to renew with my old company or move to a new service. A colleague asked me to share my assessment criteria so that she and…