How to choose a VPN for remote work and travel

When you work remotely, your office could be a café, a coworking space, or a hotel room anywhere in the world. This flexibility often means connecting to public Wi-Fi networks that you do not control. Using these networks without protection can expose your professional and personal data to security risks.

A virtual private network, or VPN, is a fundamental tool for securing your internet connection while traveling. It creates an encrypted tunnel for your data, protecting it from being intercepted on unsecured networks. It also helps you access services from your home country that might be unavailable abroad. Choosing the right service is about balancing security, performance, and cost.

Why use a VPN for remote work?

For remote work, a VPN is not just for accessing entertainment. It is an essential tool for protecting sensitive information and maintaining productivity. Its primary functions go far beyond masking your location for streaming services.

Secure your data on public networks

Public Wi-Fi in places like airports, cafes, and hotels is convenient but often unsecured. Without protection, others on the same network could potentially intercept your data. A VPN encrypts your connection, which scrambles your data and makes it unreadable to anyone who might be monitoring the network. This is crucial when handling client information, company documents, or personal financial details.

Access company networks and services

Many companies require employees to use a VPN to connect to internal networks, servers, or cloud-based tools. This security measure ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive company resources. A reliable personal VPN is also useful for adding a layer of security even when your company does not mandate one.

Maintain access to home country services

Some online services, particularly banking and government portals, may restrict access from foreign IP addresses as a security precaution. When you travel, a VPN allows you to connect through a server in your home country. This makes it appear as though you are browsing from home, ensuring you can manage your finances and other essential accounts without being locked out.

Bypass local internet restrictions

In some countries, governments may block access to certain websites, social media platforms, or communication apps. A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions by routing your connection through a server in a different country. However, be aware that using a VPN to circumvent local laws can have serious consequences. You are responsible for understanding and complying with the regulations of your destination.

Key security features to look for

Not all VPN services offer the same level of protection. For professional use, security should be your top priority. Look past the marketing claims and focus on the technical features that provide genuine privacy and data protection.

Strong encryption standards

The core of a VPN is its encryption. Look for services that use modern, strong encryption protocols. The current industry standard is AES-256, which is widely used by governments and security organizations. This level of encryption is practically impossible to break with current technology, ensuring your data remains confidential.

A strict no-logs policy

A VPN protects your data from outsiders, but the VPN provider itself can see your online activity. A trustworthy VPN should have a strict no-logs or zero-logs policy. This means the company does not collect or store any information about your online activities, such as the websites you visit or the files you download. The best providers have their no-logs policies verified by independent, third-party audits.

An automatic kill switch

A kill switch is a critical failsafe feature. If your VPN connection unexpectedly drops, the kill switch immediately blocks all internet traffic to and from your device. This prevents your real IP address and unencrypted data from being accidentally exposed. Without a kill switch, you might not even realize your connection has dropped, leaving you vulnerable on an unsecured network.

DNS leak protection

When you type a website address into your browser, your device sends a DNS request to find the site’s IP address. This request can sometimes bypass the VPN tunnel, leaking information about your browsing activity. A secure VPN includes built-in DNS leak protection to ensure these requests are always sent through the encrypted tunnel, protecting your privacy.

Comparing speed, servers, and usability

A VPN is only useful if it works smoothly without disrupting your workflow. Performance, server availability, and ease of use are just as important as security for day-to-day remote work.

Server network size and distribution

A large and geographically diverse server network is a major advantage. The more servers a VPN has, the less likely they are to be overloaded, which generally results in better speeds. Having servers in many different countries gives you more options for connecting and accessing geo-restricted content. For optimal performance, you will want to connect to a server that is physically close to your location.

Connection speed and performance

All VPNs will slow your internet connection to some degree because of the encryption process. However, a high-quality VPN service minimizes this impact. Speed is essential for video calls, uploading large files, and general productivity. Many services offer free trials or money-back guarantees, which you can use to test the speeds on the networks you typically use before committing to a subscription.

Simultaneous connections and device support

As a remote worker, you likely use multiple devices, such as a laptop, phone, and tablet. Check how many devices you can connect simultaneously under one subscription, as the number varies between providers. Also, ensure the VPN provider offers easy-to-use applications for all your operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Free vs. paid VPN services

When looking for a VPN, you will find many free options. While tempting, these services come with significant trade-offs that make them unsuitable for professional use. Paid services operate on a different business model that better aligns with a user’s need for privacy and security.

The risks of free VPNs

Free VPN providers have to make money somehow. Many do so by collecting and selling user data to advertisers and other third parties, which defeats the purpose of using a VPN for privacy. They also tend to have weaker security, fewer server locations, and slower speeds due to network congestion. Some free VPNs have even been found to contain malware. For these reasons, relying on a free service to protect sensitive work information is a serious risk.

The benefits of paid VPNs

With a paid VPN, your subscription fee is the company’s primary source of revenue. This business model incentivizes them to provide a high-quality service focused on protecting your privacy. Paid services typically offer robust security features, audited no-logs policies, large and fast server networks, and dedicated customer support. The subscription cost is an investment in security for professional remote work.

Checklist for choosing a remote work VPN

Use this list to evaluate different VPN services based on the features that matter most for working while traveling. A systematic approach will help you select a service that is both secure and practical for your needs.

1. Check for essential security features. Does the service offer AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection? These are non-negotiable for protecting work data.
2. Verify the logging policy. Look for a clear, strict no-logs policy on the provider’s website. Give preference to services that have undergone an independent audit to verify their claims.
3. Evaluate the server network. Does the provider have a large number of servers in the countries you need to connect to or through? A geographically diverse network ensures reliable connections and good speeds.
4. Test the speed and performance. Take advantage of a free trial or money-back guarantee. Run speed tests and see how the VPN performs during your typical work activities, like video calls and file transfers.
5. Confirm device compatibility and connections. Make sure the VPN has user-friendly apps for all your devices. Check the number of simultaneous connections allowed to ensure it covers your laptop, phone, and any other work tools.
6. Assess the price and value. Compare the subscription costs against the features offered. Long-term plans are often much cheaper than paying month-to-month. A reliable paid service is a worthwhile investment in your professional security.

Check before you go

VPN features, local regulations, and company policies can change. Always verify the specifics for your situation, as rules differ by country, service provider, and your employer.

• Official government websites of your destination: Check for any laws or regulations regarding the use of VPNs in the country you plan to visit.
• Your employer or clients: Confirm any specific security requirements or VPN protocols they mandate for accessing company networks and data.
• The VPN provider’s terms of service: Read the privacy policy and terms to fully understand their logging practices and the protections they offer.
• A qualified legal professional: For advice on the legal implications of using a VPN in a specific country, especially in regions with strict internet censorship.