A virtual private network or VPN does a great job protecting your online privacy and boosting your overall mobile experience. With a simple tap, you can connect to a secure, encrypted server and surf the world wide web anonymously, which is especially useful when you’re on a public WiFi network. It can also unblock certain content you wouldn’t typically have access to — like foreign catalogs on your favorite streaming platforms. Pair that with fast and reliable PLDT Home Fiber Plus plans, and you can stream to your heart’s content whatever show or movie you desire.
How to choose the VPN app for you
There are a lot of VPN apps available for download on the Play Store and App Store, but many of the free ones are likely shady and won’t be able to provide the smooth experience you’re looking for. Worse, they might even expose your
data to a third-party tracking library — quite the opposite of why you want to use a VPN in the first place.
If you’ve decided to try VPNs, here are some trustworthy apps you can download according to your needs.
From Apple App Store Official Website
NordVPN
Best for accessing shows only available in other countries
Apart from being one of the most popular VPN apps for both Android and Apple users, it’s also known as one of the best at circumventing geographic restrictions. Great news if you have subscriptions for different streaming platforms—you’ll
have almost unparalleled access to everything and at superior speeds to boot.
Another feature worth noting is the Meshnet, which allows you to create your own secure network and connect your other devices to it via encrypted NordVPN connections. The caveat: It’s also one of the most expensive subscriptions at ₱2,890 for the
first year and Php4,890 for each succeeding year.
From Apple App Store Official Website
ExpressVPN
Best all-around VPN for most users
With an average review of 4.7 stars on the Play Store, ExpressVPN is another top pick for most users. It also supports different operating platforms from Windows, Mac, iOS, and Linux, with superb compatibility with Chromebooks, Amazon Fire TV, and Kindle
Fire.
It boasts an AES 256-bit encryption, making it one of the most secure VPN apps out there. It’s smooth and straightforward but with plenty of features for more advanced users. You’ll be happy to use it, so long as you’re ok paying around
₱5,790 annually (US$8.32 a month, billed for 12 months).
From ExitLag.com
ExitLag
Best for gamers
Calling itself the best gaming VPN, ExitLag aims to provide stable and increased performance for gamers. It claims to reduce lag, ping, packet loss, and jitter issues commonly experienced by those with weak Internet connections or those whose locations
are too far from the game servers.
ExitLag is able to iron out these kinks by sending network packets through the most optimal routes. In case one route becomes unstable, it will map out another route to keep the game connection unfazed. They even have a feature for an FPS (frames per
second) boost while playing. All for Php222/month.
From Apple App Store Official Website
SurfShark
For most users on a budget
International tech websites like TechRadar and Wired name Surfshark
as the best cheap VPN currently available. It’s user-friendly without scrimping on important features like unblocking geographic restrictions and securing your privacy. Plus, you can connect unlimited devices with just one subscription. Pretty
nifty for just ₱2,784 monthly (US$2.05/month).
From Apple App Store Official Website
Proton VPN
For new users who want to test VPNs for free
While most VPN apps offer a free trial, Proton VPN actually has a free version that you can use long-term—and with unlimited data. That means you can use a VPN whenever you feel your connection is
a privacy risk. The downside is you can only use three locations: USA, Netherlands, and Japan. But hey, that’s completely understandable when you’re getting free access.