Thorough Comparison of Five Recommended VPN Services|Explanation of Advantages and How to Choose

momoka
Updated on 2022-11-24
In addition, VPN services may be used for services that cannot be connected in Japan, or when you want to use Japanese services overseas where regulations are strict.
In today's world where the use of the Internet is indispensable, the safety of communication is becoming important. That's where VPN services come in. However, many VPN services have been released and many people do not know which one to choose.

This article introduces the benefits of using a VPN and how to choose one for those who are considering using a VPN. Then, we will pick up 8 recommended VPN services and make a thorough comparison.

VPN is an abbreviation of “Virtual Private Network”, which literally means “virtual leased line” in Japanese. A leased line is a line that is dedicated to the company that uses it, and is characterized by high security. A VPN connection treats a shared Internet line as if it were a virtual independent dedicated line, instead of actually pulling a physical dedicated line. A VPN service is a service that provides such a VPN connection.

When exchanging important information such as customer data on an internal network, there is a risk of information leakage if the public Internet is used. As a countermeasure, VPN services are often introduced.

For example, it is used to secure the Internet environment when using free Wi-Fi that anyone can use or when exchanging data between multiple locations. In addition, VPN services may be used for services that cannot be connected in Japan, or when you want to use Japanese services overseas where regulations are strict.

Benefits of using a VPN service

What are the specific benefits of using a VPN service? Here are some of the benefits of using a VPN service.

Safe use of free Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in hotels, convenience stores, etc. is available to everyone. However, since anyone can use it, there is a possibility that the contents of the communication may be seen by a third party. If you can freely access important company customer information, it will affect social credibility. Therefore, if you use a VPN service, you can use the Internet with high security without worrying about outside intrusion, even from free Wi-Fi at cafes and hotels.

can be accessed remotely

In modern times, the way we work has changed dramatically, and we are in an era where we can work in a variety of places. However, using the public Internet from hotels, cafes, etc. to access the corporate network poses a security problem. The advantage of using a VPN is that you can safely access the internal network from a remote location outside the company. If you use a VPN service, you can work in the same communication environment as when you are at the office from home, not only when you have offices all over the country or overseas, but also in recent remote work. You can access it not only from your PC, but also from your smartphone or tablet.

Supports multiple locations

By using a VPN, it is possible to operate as a network that connects three or more locations. In addition to VPN, there is a private network called "dedicated line" that increases security. This is also a secure communication, but since it is a one-to-one connection, companies with multiple locations must set up a "dedicated line" for each location. It costs hundreds of thousands of yen per month just to install one "dedicated line", so a large amount of money is required. With a VPN, you can connect three or more locations by placing a router at each location. As a result, it is possible to secure a smooth Internet communication environment at a low cost.

Disadvantages of using a VPN service

So far, I have explained the advantages of using a VPN service, but there are also some disadvantages. Below we explain what the drawbacks are.

Information can be leaked

Depending on the VPN service, there may be a difference in security level and safety may be low. A VPN is just a virtual private line. Although encryption is used and security is higher than normal lines, there are risks such as malware intrusion and cyber attacks because the public Internet is encrypted. The possibility of information leakage due to this is not zero. It can also leave you vulnerable if the initial setup isn't done well. There is also the possibility of information leakage due to employee human error.

Communication speed may be slow

Since you are using the public internet, the communication speed may be slow during the daytime or at night. It may be possible to handle daily peak hours, but if access suddenly increases due to some kind of accident such as a disaster, communication will become difficult. If your line speed slows down, your business will suffer.

How to choose a VPN service

When using a VPN service, it is important to choose a service that suits your purpose and usage from the following four perspectives.

  • Choose from what suits your purpose
  • Choose from those with a no-logs policy
  • Choose from the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously
  • Choose one with a strong support system

Choose from what suits your purpose

It is important to choose a VPN service that suits your purpose. For example, there are various reasons such as "strengthening security when conducting important exchanges with business partners and related companies on the Internet".

When it comes to enhancing the security of your transactions, you should opt for a paid service instead of using a free VPN service. And while text-based communication doesn't need to be very fast, if you're exchanging large amounts of data such as videos, you'll need to choose a VPN service with a fast communication speed.

When using overseas services, there is a high possibility that the service will not be available if there is no VPN server in the country where the desired service is provided. So be sure to check the server location information for each VPN service.

In this way, it is important to choose a VPN service that suits your purpose.

Choose from those with a no-logs policy

The VPN service specification has a no-logs policy. This is to keep no logs. A log is a record of who used which IP address from where and when. In other words, a no-logs policy is a declaration that no information about users' VPN usage will be retained. Those with a no-logs policy have solid measures in place to protect privacy and prevent personal information leaks, which is something you want to pay attention to when choosing a VPN service.

However, since there is no clear standard for this no-log policy, it is interpreted as a log decided by each VPN service. Therefore, even if a no-log policy is written, it is necessary to confirm which logs are retained and which logs are not retained in the user agreement or privacy policy. I can't recommend a service that just writes a no-logs policy and doesn't write in detail about log retention.

 Choose from the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously

Most VPN services limit the number of devices that can be connected at the same time from 1 to 10. If you use many devices according to the size of your company, check the number of available devices. For personal and family use, you may not need to worry about it. But if your company uses a lot of devices, choose a plan that doesn't limit the number of devices.

Choose one with a strong support system

Many VPN services operate their bases overseas. Therefore, when trouble occurs, problems such as not being able to make inquiries in Japanese may occur. Make sure that the official website supports Japanese, and that support is provided in case of trouble. If you are worried about communicating in English, you may want to choose a VPN service made in Japan.

In addition, I would like to confirm firmly whether they will support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whether it is a live chat or an inquiry form, and how long it will take to get a response.

Comparison chart of 8 recommended VPN services

There are various types of VPN services, and it can be difficult to decide which one to choose when making a comparison. This time, we will pick up 8 recommended services and introduce them.

5 Recommended VPN Services

From here, we will introduce the recommended VPN services listed above in order. Please use this as a reference when making comparisons.

 NordVPN (node ​​VPN)

"NordVPN" is a VPN service operated by Tefincom & Co., SA in Panama. It is one of the leading VPN services, and features a unique security feature that goes through two VPN servers . With over 5,000 servers in 59 countries, speeds are impeccable. In addition, you can register up to 6 devices with one account . Many other VPN services use 2 to 4 devices, so it is useful for long-term overseas travel.

In addition, there are periods of 1 month, 1 year, and 2 years, and each plan is divided into Standard Plus Complete. With the standard 2-year long-term contract, you can use the VPN service at a very reasonable price of 400 yen or less per month . “NordVPN” is a VPN service recommended for those who value high security and those who want to keep costs low.

表は横にスクロールします

▼ Click here for the official website of “NordVPN” ▼

Surfshark

"Surfshark" is operated by a Dutch company called Surfshark BV. The feature of "Surfshark" is that the devices that can be connected are unlimited . It will be very convenient when you go abroad for a long time. If you have a long-term contract of 24 months , you can use it at a low price of 319 yen per month . There is also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use it if you want to try it first. Also, since it does not support Japanese, some level of English is required.
“Surfshark” is recommended for companies that use multiple devices a lot, and for people who want to keep costs low.

表は横にスクロールします

Millen VPN

"MillenVPN" is a VPN service made in Japan operated by Aspocket Co., Ltd. The feature of “MillenVPN” is that it is a domestic VPN that can be used at a low price. Since it is a domestic product, support in Japanese is substantial . Another feature is that the 2-year plan can be used at a low price of 360 yen per month . In addition, some say that the procedure is easier than overseas VPN services.

“MillenVPN” is recommended for those who want enhanced support in Japanese.

表は横にスクロールします

▼Check here for details on “MillenVPN” pricing!
 

Atlas VPN

Thorough comparison of 8 recommended VPN services | Explanation of benefits and how to choose


“Atlas VPN” is a VPN service provided by Peakstar Technologies, a US company established in 2019. Although it is a relatively new service within the industry, it already offers over 750 servers worldwide and boasts over 6 million users.
Encrypted communication technology "AES-256" is used, and this encryption technology is the same as the standard used by the military, banks, government agencies, etc. around the world, so the security level is very high and you can use it with confidence. You could call it a VPN service.

In addition, "Atlas VPN" is attractive because it is very reasonably priced compared to other companies' VPNs! The fee is 1,398 yen (excluding tax) per month for the 1-month plan and 261 yen (excluding tax) per month for the 2-year plan .
In addition to the paid plan, there is also a free plan, so it is also recommended for those who want to try using a VPN.

Sekai VPN


 

"Sekai VPN" is a Japanese VPN service operated by Interlink Co., Ltd. The feature of "Sekai VPN" is that the free trial period is long. While other VPN services offer a 30-day money-back guarantee or two weeks free, Sekai VPN can be used free of charge for two months . It is a VPN service that you can easily try because it has Japanese language support. “Sekai VPN” also does not have a no-log policy, so you should refrain from using it at work. The fee is 1,000 yen (excluding tax) per month, and there are no discounts for long-term contracts.
"Sekai VPN" is recommended for those who want to use Japanese services from overseas and those who want to use services limited to overseas.

ExpressVPN


 

ExpressVPN is operated by a British Virgin Islands company called Express VPN International Ltd. The feature of "ExpressVPN" is the speed of communication speed. Security is also higher than other VPN services. In addition, it is a well-known and long-established VPN service, so it is recommended for those who use VPN services for the first time. The fee is a little high at about 1,144 yen/month for a 12-month contract, but the speed of communication and the high level of security are highly rated.
“ExpressVPN” is a VPN service recommended for those who have no running cost limit.

summary

This time, we explained what a VPN service is, its benefits, and more, and thoroughly compared how to choose and recommended VPN services. I think that many people do not understand the complicated plans, fees, and differences of many VPN services.

In such a case, please refer to the VPN selection points and comparison list introduced in this article to find a service that suits your company's purpose and purpose.