What are the Best VPNs in Canada? (2021)
If you’ve actively used a laptop, cellphone, or tablet in the past few years you’ve likely heard about the security benefits of VPNs. VPNs (virtual private networks) allow you to encrypt your data and ensure privacy from internet service providers. For years, VPNs have been suggested in order to access region-blocked websites like Hulu, HBO Max, or U.S. Netflix. However, a legitimate case can be made for users to constantly be connected to a virtual private network. With so many possible options, Canadians have wondered: What are the best VPNs in Canada?By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of their importance, how they function, as well as the best available options for Canadians.
What is a VPN?
Virtual private networks ensure that all your data navigates through a virtual encrypted tunnel. After turning on a VPN, the service connects your device to a remote server owned by them. VPNs can help protect your privacy when you’re in public or at home. Since internet service providers supply us with WiFi, they also have access to all our internet data and history. In addition, the ongoing scandal surrounding social media companies’ treatment of user data may be another important reason to start using a VPN.
What is the best VPN?
There are tons of virtual private network services to choose from, each with varying perks and prices. If you’ve constantly wondered: What is the best VPN? Look no further. Here are five of the best VPNs for Canadians as of Summer 2021:
TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear is a safe, simple and intuitive virtual private network provider. It is a particularly strong choice for Canadian users due to its number of servers on both Canada’s east and west coasts. Because of this, users across the country will have strong connections to their virtual private network servers, regardless of their location. A yearly plan costs around $75 CAD, or you could pay a flat rate of $150 for a three year plan. Fortunately, a free version exists if you want to try out the TunnelBear experience without paying. Although limited to 500MB of browsing a month, the trial allows you to connect to all their worldwide servers, and experience their renowned speed with ensured privacy.
NordVPN
NordVPN provides the ultimate privacy experience. With strong encryption technology and hundreds of servers in 59 countries, Nord is known for its incredible service and seasoned privacy. Nord allows you to connect six devices at once, and will block ads no matter where you end up browsing. A one-year plan with Nord will cost around $75 CAD, while a two-year plan is closer to $112 CAD. However, one of Nord’s strengths is its advertising and partnerships. Dozens of influencers and online companies have committed partnerships with Nord, allowing them to provide their viewers with exclusive deals. Thankfully, Nord recently introduced a 30 day risk-free trial for those who want to test out the service before committing to paying.
Surfshark VPN
Surfshark boasts high-speed connection to virtual private networks on over 500 servers in 65 countries. Surfshark’s main attraction is its unlimited number of simultaneous connections. With a Surfshark plan, you can switch on your VPN with as many devices as you please. Such a plan may interest you if you have a large family or several roommates, and want to provide VPN services to everybody’s devices. A subscription to Surfshark costs around $50 CAD for a 6-month plan, and $75 for a year-long plan. Once again, they provide a 30 day trial to test out their VPN technology before charging you anything. While it may not be as powerful or user friendly as the other entries on this list, it is still one of the best VPNs for Canadians, especially if you are interested in introducing a large household to virtual private networks.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another respected service that provides similar specs to its competition: over 500 servers and the ability to use VPN on five devices simultaneously. On top of its friendly interface, its greatest strength is its diversity of server locations. ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, allowing a larger variety of connection destinations than its competitors.. Unfortunately, its largest flaw is its price. A 6-month plan costs $75 CAD, while a yearly plan costs as much as $125. If you care about connecting to as many countries as possible while using your VPN, ExpressVPN may be right for you. However, if you want a more affordable VPN plan, you may want to consider another option from the list.
Hotspot Shield VPN
Last but not least, Hotspot Shield provides rapid VPN services to hundreds of servers in 80 countries. With its simple apps for all devices, Hotspot Shield is optimized for mobile users and gaming above everything else. Once again, Hotspot Shield may turn people off with its price. A yearly plan costs around $130 CAD. Thankfully, they offer a great free version for all devices. Hotspot Shield’s free subscription tier allows 500MB of browsing per day, which is a great alternative for users that don’t use much internet on a daily basis. However, the free version is restricted to U.S. servers, and one device at a time. Overall, Hotspot Shield VPN provides an ideal free experience, but its premium subscription may be too steep to afford on a yearly basis.
Best VPN to Use – Conclusion
These five companies provide some of the best VPN services money can buy. If you’re interested in investing in a virtual private network, we would suggest starting with a free trial to gauge your interest. Then, consider your wants and needs before committing. Do you want a speedy connection? Server diversity? Several connected devices? Or not to pay at all? Criteria such as these can help you select the perfect service that fits you personally. Finally, once you’ve found your personal best VPN to use, be sure to use Planhub’s internet search tool to find an accommodating internet plan at an affordable price!