PC Magazine - USA (2021-03)

(Antfer) #1

Hotspot Shield VPN is our current pick for fastest VPN.
It had the least impact on download speed test results
and the smallest increase in latency. Surfshark,
however, is close behind.


While there is clearly a difference in performance
between these services, I maintain that speed should
not be a major factor when choosing between VPNs.
Privacy and value are far more important, as is the
ability to test a service in your own environment to
make sure the speeds are tolerable in your area.


Mullvad offers apps for Linux, macOS, and Windows,
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use the VPN service. An Android app remains in Beta,
and an iOS app was recently released with support for
WireGuard. In fact, Mullvad only uses WireGuard for
its mobile apps.


A LOT FOR A LITTLE
Mullvad does much correctly. It’s remarkably
transparent, providing information we rarely see from
any company, and has an excellent stance on consumer
privacy and security. It’s extremely affordable, and
while Mullvad may not offer the kitchen sink, it offers a
lot for less than half the average price. It maintains
fewer servers in fewer locations, but its main issue is an
app that’s in need of a refresh.


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service, and we suspect that most consumers will be
willing to tolerate a little UX frustration in exchange for
secure, cheap VPN protection. It’s an Editors’ Choice
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PC MAGAZINE DIGITAL EDITION (^) I SUBSCRIBE (^) I MARCH 2021
Speed should
not be a major
factor when
choosing
between VPNs.
Privacy and
value are
far more
important.

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