VPNs: A Necessary Evil? – Currency Forecast

The modern age, you see, is plagued by an insatiable curiosity – not in the pursuit of knowledge, but in the relentless tracking of one’s utterly mundane digital existence. Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs as the unimaginative call them, have become… fashionable. A rather dreary necessity for those who still cling to the illusion of privacy. They encrypt one’s online ramblings, obscure one’s digital footprint, and generally endeavour to confound the ever-vigilant eyes of advertisers and, dare one suggest, governments. It’s a cat-and-mouse game, naturally, with the cats possessing considerably more resources and, frankly, a far greater dedication to the chase.

For those engaged in the delightfully illicit world of cryptocurrency – a realm already steeped in a charming air of mystery – a VPN is less an affectation and more a sensible precaution. Wallet access, exchange logins… such details are far too interesting to leave exposed to the vulgar gaze of the unprotected internet. A VPN provides a layer of obfuscation, a veil of respectability, if you will. Though, one shudders to think what sort of individuals require such discreet protection. That being said, let us examine the top six purveyors of this digital subterfuge, as of January 2026.

1. TunnelBear VPN

TunnelBear, a delightful moniker, I must say. It attempts, rather adorably, to make the rather serious business of online privacy… approachable. Beneath the playful façade lies a service that genuinely cares about protecting one’s data – or at least, claims to. They boast of ‘no-logs policies’ and ‘independent audits’ – a comforting thought, assuming one trusts the auditors as much as one trusts the VPN provider. Unlimited connections are permitted, which is rather generous, and it possesses the usual security features. A free plan, naturally limited, allows one to dabble before committing to the full expense of this digital camouflage.

However, prepare for a rather sluggish experience. Speed, alas, is sacrificed at the altar of privacy. And their server network, while adequate, lacks the global reach of some of the more ambitious providers. For those who value simplicity and a faintly whimsical aesthetic above all else, TunnelBear will suffice. But for the discerning user, those who demand both privacy and performance, it may prove a tad… pedestrian.

2. Mullvad VPN

Mullvad, a name that sounds suspiciously like a villain from a particularly obscure spy novel. Remarkably, it doesn’t even require an email address! Such a delightfully anarchic approach. They operate on a flat fee, and one can pay without revealing one’s identity. Very convenient for those with, shall we say, a desire for complete and utter discretion. It includes all the expected protections and boasts a functional, if somewhat uninspired, interface.

Mullvad is commendably speedy and reliable. Streaming services, thankfully, are unimpeded by its services. Though, its server network is surprisingly modest. It is best suited for those who place a premium on privacy and reliability, and have no desire for frills or extravagance.

3. Proton VPN

Proton VPN, quite the ambition. A fully-featured plan, it offers a surprisingly generous free tier, though naturally limited in scope. Paid plans unlock a veritable cornucopia of features – kill switches, split tunnelling, malware blocking, port forwarding, and even access to the Tor network! And, rather cleverly, integrates with their other products, such as email and cloud storage. A truly comprehensive system for the paranoid gent or lady.

As for performance, Proton VPN offers remarkably fast upload speeds. Streaming access is generally reliable, though occasional limitations may occur. The apps are sleek and intuitive, particularly on mobile devices. One suspects, however, that all this functionality comes at a price – in terms of complexity, if nothing else.

4. Hide.me VPN

Hide.me. A rather uninspired name, truthfully. It offers a free plan and a paid subscription, supporting up to ten devices. The free version, predictably, is limited. Paid plans are reasonably priced. It functions on a variety of platforms, with the standard security features one has come to expect.

It performs admirably, with minimal impact on connection speeds. Netflix access is consistently reliable. The service prides itself on not storing IP addresses or payment information, and utilises physical servers. Perfect for those who truly, desperately need to avoid scrutiny.

5. NordVPN

NordVPN. A rather imposing name, suggesting a Scandinavian sense of stoicism and impenetrable security. It supports six simultaneous connections and boasts a vast server network spanning a considerable number of countries. It includes all the usual protections, and even Threat Protection Pro – which scans for malicious websites. However, the pricing is rather steep, and the plans are occasionally… opaque.

It delivers stable connections and reliable streaming access. The apps are clean and easy to navigate, but perhaps a little too automatic for those who enjoy a degree of manual control. It remains popular, naturally, because it simply works – a tragically underrated quality in this age of endless complexity.

6. Surfshark VPN

Surfshark. A rather playful name, considering the serious nature of the service it provides. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections. A rather bold claim. It boasts a server network spanning a hundred countries, and includes additional tools such as antivirus protection and identity monitoring. It is, essentially, attempting to become a one-stop shop for all your paranoid needs.

It is consistently performant and easy to use. Streaming access is generally stable. The apps are uniform across devices. Surfshark also publishes transparency reports and undergoes third-party audits. Which is reassuring, but one always suspects there is more to the story than meets the eye.

Final thoughts

VPNs, then, are a curious invention. A digital fig leaf, if you will. They offer a degree of protection, certainly, but are by no means a guarantee of complete anonymity. One should always experiment with a free plan or trial before committing to a subscription. After all, a little caution is always advisable, especially in this increasingly intrusive world.

2026-01-23 11:35