First things first
What Is A VPN?
Whenever we surf the internet whether we’re in a public place, at home or at work, none of our data is encrypted. There is a risk that others can steal our data or track our digital movements. Anti-virus programmes only protect from things entering our computer or phone, not things going out — like our bank information, personal data, or private messages.
There is a very simple way to protect ourselves. Connect to a Virtual Private Network. Whenever you are connected to your VPN you are safely, securely, and anonymously surfing the web.
Another reason to use a VPN is to gain access to censored websites from your local internet connection. For example; I wanna live stream on Instagram but I’m in China? It gives you unrestricted access to filtered or blocked content.
What’s The Great Firewall Of China?
This is a term to describe the legislation that was created by the Chinese government to censor media in China.
To simplify, “The Great Firewall” is basically the blocking of popular global sites. Things that are blocked in China: Anything Google, Google Maps, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, the list goes on my friend.
Oh, and Pokemon Go. What has the world come to?
Okay, now we’ve got the basics out of the way.
You’ve probably seen my videos on YouTube or my live streams on Facebook. We all know that both of these platforms are blocked in China, right? Well, I need a reliable VPN with good connectivity.
“Kwadwo, that is exactly what I need. My Instagram fails to update, my Snapchat presence is non-existent, my connectivity drops off without notice and I get stranded on the streets of China because I can’t connect to Google Maps.”
I’ve got your back.
I use Astrill VPN and I love it.
Sure, there are cheaper VPN’s out there. You could save a couple of bucks here and there. But, I needed something that was stable, secure and reliable. And, Astrill VPN has never let me down.
I did have a few issues with them in the beginning. For some reason I couldn’t connect on my phone. But, they have fantastic support. I hopped onto their website and asked them a bunch of questions. Within no time they had a solution for me and the rest is history — I’ve never looked back and never sat staring at my screen praying for it to connect.
It works every time without fail.
There are often meetings where they clamp down on VPN’s. Suddenly an entire VPN service will lose their access. Customers suffer as they frantically try to get it back up and running. You don’t want to be in the midst of that, do you?
Great things about Express VPN
- ExpressVPN apps for Windows, Android, and Apple
- Best-in-class security & encryption
- Ultra-fast servers in 94 countries
- High-speed unlimited bandwidth
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day 100% money-back guarantee
Great things about Astrill VPN
- Super easy to use, connect with one click
- A network of powerful servers
- VPN servers in 115 cities across 64 countries
- Unlimited bandwidth and speed
- Connect unlimited devices
- Apple and Android Apps
- Amazing customer support
Great things about NordVPN
- Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS
- Secure up to 6 devices with a single account
- Secures your data with military-grade encryption
- Offers servers in 60 countries
- Quick Connect button — chooses the best server location for you
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day 100% money-back guarantee
What server should I use?
A very common question. This baffled me too at first.
VPN’s will usually have a set of Countries or servers that you can choose from. Your internet will be rerouted from where ever you are, connect in that Country and then provide you with your unblocked connectivity.
I used their speed test to figure out which location would be the fastest for me. I chose that one, favorited it and always connect to that one.
The basic Astrill membership gives you five simultaneous connections. You can watch YouTube on your iPhone, scroll through Facebook on your iPad, search Google on your computer, and you still have two more devices available to connect at the same time!
If you compare prices, it’s always almost more cost-effective to purchase an annual plan. All Express plans are covered by a no-hassle 100% money-back guarantee for your first 30 days of service.
NordVPN is the cheapest at only $6.99 per month when you purchase the annual plan. Plus, they often do super sales where you can purchase for as little as $2.99 per month when you commit to a three-year plan. Similar to Express, they also offer a 30-day 100% money-back guarantee.
I used the Astrill basic plan for a month and it was okay, but then I upgraded to the VIP service because I’m running a business and I don’t want my live streams to suck for you guys. I know how annoying that would be.
It allows you to add tons of VPN servers usage. Perfect for other YouTubers or Bloggers here in China who will be using a ton of data.
Do you have any questions? Pop them in the comment section below, I answer every single one.
A quick and important disclosure:
Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you. I recommend them because they are helpful and useful.
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