Virtual Private Networks, more commonly referred to as VPNs, have secured a strong position in today’s highly digitalized world. When cybersecurity is more important than ever and e-criminals run rampant, one cannot understate the value of a protected network connection. However, to get the most out of your VPN service, you need to know how it works.
One of the crucial things to address is the location of your VPN server. The best countries to connect to through a VPN server offer internet privacy with minimum obstacles to access. So, a good VPN server is a must, whether you want to bypass geo-blocks to visit a specific site like Hey Discount or keep your identity safe.
If you value anonymity above all, Switzerland and Iceland are excellent options. On the other hand, Estonia might be a good choice as its government places little to no limitations on internet access. Other attractive alternatives include Canada — a top-notch choice if you live in the US; the United Kingdom — a country offering high connection speeds; and Malaysia — a place well-known for its strict data privacy laws.
Here is a list of the best countries to set your VPN to in 2022:
Switzerland
This Central European landlocked country tops the list of the best places to connect to through a VPN server. The main reasons behind this choice are its location, low internet penetration rate, and data privacy laws.
Switzerland is not a part of the European Union and, therefore, is not subject to EU data retention directives. The country also has strict data privacy laws, making it one of the safest places to store your data. Moreover, the Alpine state is not a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence-sharing agreement.
What’s more, the internet connection in Switzerland is quite fast — the average download speed is around 43 Mbps. And so, you can rest assured that your online activities will remain private and secure at all times.
Iceland
The Nordic lands of Iceland occupy the second place on our list. This country is free of any censorship and has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. As a result, it’s an outstanding option for those who seek to protect their data.
Iceland should be high on your list if you are looking for a safe haven for your data. The country’s constitution protects its citizens from any intrusions by other countries or corporations. Plus, the government does not place any restrictions on internet access.
Nevertheless, it’s not just the government that supports internet freedom in Iceland, either. A great majority of Icelanders believe in the importance of data protection and privacy and are willing to defend their rights online.
Estonia
Estonia is another excellent choice for those looking for a safe and secure place to connect to through a VPN server. A small country with a population of just 1.3 million people, it is considered one of the most pro-internet countries in Europe.
In fact, Estonia has one of the fastest fixed internet connection speeds globally — an average of approximately 82 Mbps, as well as a firm grasp of data privacy laws, with no registration requirements for obtaining an internet connection. Estonians enjoy complete freedom on the web and have no restrictions on accessing content that may be considered questionable or even illegal in other countries.
Canada
Canada is, in many ways, the ideal country to base your VPN. The country is a member of the Five Eyes Alliance, which means it has good relations with most other Western countries and receives support in matters of cybercrime.
Furthermore, Canada has no connection or cooperation with the NSA. Canada’s privacy policies are also at an all-time high; its government has taken no steps to sabotage internet freedom or spy on any form of user data.
Canada has been involved in some of the most active attempts to protect its citizens’ privacy. If you live in the United States, Canada should be high on your list of potential VPN server locations.
Malaysia
Malaysia is an attractive choice for those looking for a safe and secure place to connect to through a VPN server. The Malaysian government has proven to be a real advocate when it comes to internet freedom. It enjoys the title of being one of the best countries to set your VPN to in 2022 and is considered a true paragon of internet privacy.
Malaysia is one of the countries that have not signed the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). Consequently, you can rest assured that you won’t have any trouble accessing certain websites or services if you set your VPN to this country.
Furthermore, the Malaysia Communications & Multimedia Act 1998 prohibits anyone from intentionally preventing or obstructing anyone from sending any information online. It promotes the free flow of information and communications over the Internet, allowing you to enjoy everything it has to offer with no restrictions.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are plenty of options to choose from. The countries mentioned above are all excellent choices to connect to through a VPN server in 2022. However, there are also alternative options you can opt for, including Hong Kong and Singapore — two great choices if you’re looking for high connection speeds. Still, the best country to set your VPN to depends on your own preferences and needs.
If you want to stay safe online, choosing the right VPN service is essential. Remember that one of the critical advantages of a VPN is that it allows you to bypass geo-blocks. Whether you need to unblock websites or online content, connecting to a server in the right country can help you do so.
