A VPN can be used by anyone, as it’s very easy to use. You need no prior knowledge of using a VPN or any training. Nevertheless, users still find it difficult to pick the optimal VPN server location for their purpose. Most VPN providers have thousands of servers in dozens of different countries, but it solely depends on how you choose the right server for your purpose and get the best experience out of it.
If you are also one of the VPN users who is not sure which VPN location you should choose, then this guide is for you.
Looking for the best service? Here is our guide pitting ExpressVPN V.S. IPVanish.
What Is A VPN Server?
A VPN server is a regular server with VPN server software installed on it. That’s because it facilitates hosting and distribution for service providers. Nonetheless, it differs from most servers because it has a larger number of virtual and physical connections.
With a VPN, a user can connect to a server and have their real IP address replaced with the server’s. Moreover, they must establish a connection to the server that authenticates them before they can use the VPN.
Many popular VPN providers have physical VPN servers but it’s somewhat rare. VPN providers with a large number of offices in many countries are the ones who usually have them. Servers for VPNs are typically rented from other data centers by many VPN providers.
Having a VPN connection that successfully masks your real location and IP address is important for maintaining your privacy and security, and this is where the server comes in. If the website you’re trying to access or any other third party is monitoring your connection, they will see the server’s IP address instead of your own.
Since the server’s IP address is used instead of your real one, it gives the impression that you’re connecting from another location when you’re somewhere else.
How Critical Is Choosing The Best VPN Server Location?
It’s important because it may affect your online experience. Moreover, you’d probably want to get the most out of your VPN usage and the money you pay for it, and selecting the proper server is a vital part of that. Selecting the wrong VPN server may result in slower speeds and may not protect your privacy perfectly.
Connection problems may occasionally be the result of subpar service, but sometimes, they result from selecting a VPN server in an inappropriate region. For example, you are trying to access the US Netflix library from a different region, and you have selected a VPN server in the US. Chances are that the server you have chosen might be overloaded with more users, and you may not be able to get the desired streaming speed.
This is why you must choose the best service available and enjoy seamless speed and unlimited freedom over the web.
Things to Consider While Choosing the Best VPN Server
Distance from the Server
Connecting to a VPN server in a location far away from you may result in slower speeds. Why? The reason behind this is that using a VPN causes a delay in all communications between your device(s), the VPN server, and the resources you’re trying to access.
To minimize frustrating delays when using the internet, connecting to a server that is physically closer to you is recommended.
Purpose of Use
If you are looking to download torrents, then you should opt for a server that supports P2P file sharing and is also located nearer to your actual location. However, if you are looking just to ensure your online privacy, then you should opt for a server that is not located in the country that is a member of the FVEY alliance. Even though a country’s laws do not have any impact on the servers of the VPN, it’s still better to be cautious than to be sorry.
Content You Want to Unblock
By using a VPN, you won’t need any specific servers to enjoy uninterrupted streaming. However, the VPN service must have servers in the origin country to bypass geo-restrictions. Likewise, you may need to activate the VPN to use the service when you are away from home and access your favorite streaming platforms.
For example, if you want to watch Hulu and you’re in a European country, then you would have to choose a VPN server based in the US. This is because Hulu is only available there. In case you encounter low streaming speed, you can try switching to a different server in the US offered by the VPN provider you are using.
Level of Privacy You Need
If you are using a premium VPN, you would most likely enjoy top-notch online privacy. As long as the VPN you use has robust encryption and VPN protocols, you should have more than enough privacy. If you want to be safe, you should only connect to servers that have been structured for using trusted and secure protocols.
Some of the most secure protocols you should look for in a VPN are:
- OpenVPN
- IKEv2/IPSec
- WireGuard
- L2TP
If a VPN server is configured with any of these, then you can trust it and connect to it without any worries.
Conclusion
Depending on how you use the internet and where you feel most comfortable traveling, you should select a server location. Selecting a server near your location will ensure the fastest and most stable connection possible.
Connecting to a server in a country where that permits content can help you avoid censorship. You can also access it outside of a country’s geographical restrictions. If security is your primary concern, connect to a server in a country with strict data privacy regulations.
Locations like Panama, Seychelles, and the British Virgin Islands are common places where reliable VPNs are based. Due to strict privacy regulations, these nation does not collect or process user data.
