Setting up a VPN is a fairly straightforward process no matter what device you're using. Follow the guide whether you're on iOS, Mac, Windows, or Android.
It is true that with the pandemic, fewer and fewer people are working from the airport, hotel or cafe. Despite everything, more and more of us are working outside our employer's premises. This phenomenon, along with the constant increase in cybercrime and hacking, prompts many professionals to install a VPN.
In a home environment, a VPN not only secures your connection to the online service you are connecting to, but also your connection to other users on your Wi-Fi network. So if you have confidential information, or if you just don't want your roommates or kids to access your corporate, health, financial, or other data, a VPN will protect your computer, phone, or tablet connection from the prying eyes of people in your household. .
This article gives you some generic VPN installation and configuration tips, then a precise installation guide for four popular VPN services, one per platform: NordVPN for iOS, IPVanish for MacOS, ExpressVPN for Windows 10, and Surfshark for Android.

Some quick tips

First and foremost, you have to understand that your experience with a VPN will be different from that of another user, and especially those who review them. Every internet connection is different, so even if you've looked to experts for the fastest VPN, keep in mind that where you connect and how you use it will influence your experience. When choosing a VPN, it is recommended that you take advantage of the trial period or make sure there is a money back guarantee. You must absolutely test before committing.
Then, you will have to choose if your VPN is still active or if you prefer to activate it on demand. In your VPN preferences, you should be able to choose whether the app activates when your device starts up. If you prefer to use it occasionally, turn this option off.
Most modern VPN services have what is called a "Kill Switch". Some applications activate it by default, but for others you have to look for the option in the preferences. This feature disables your network connection if the VPN cannot be used. I recommend you to activate it. Indeed, if you use a VPN, it is to protect your data. In the event of a service failure, your data should not suddenly find itself unprotected.

How to install a VPN on iOS

As with any application, to install a VPN on your iPhone or iPad, go to the App Store and find the one of your choice.
On iOS, we chose NordVPN . In our test of a dozen VPNs, it took first place overall. It was among the fastest VPNs, and it scored substantial among most testers.

NordVPN

NordVPN is a service that provides secure browsing solutions through the use of VPN server. These servers allow you to hide the identification elements of your connection (such as the country of origin for example).
• Downloads: 15
• Release date: 03/22/2021
• Author: NordVPN.com
• License: Commercial License
• Categories: Internet - Security - VPN
• Operating system: Android - Linux - Windows 7/8 / 8.1 / 10 - iOS iPhone / iPad - macOS
Now here are the steps to install a VPN on iOS:
1. To get started, open the App Store and find the VPN you want to install.
2. Once you've found the app, tap "Get".
3. Then authorize its download using Touch ID, Face ID, or your Apple password.
4. Once the app has downloaded, launch it.
5. The following steps may differ slightly depending on the VPN you choose, but are generally similar. The first time you open the app, you'll probably be offered to allow the app to send you notifications. I recommend that you agree, because if your VPN has something to notify you (usually about your connection), it may be important to know.
6. iOS will also ask you to approve adding VPN functionality to the operating system. You will have to accept the VPN and also, probably, activate it in the settings.
7. Finally, decide if you want the VPN to launch automatically when you start your phone.

How to install a VPN on Mac

Unlike iOS, few popular VPNs are available in the App Store on MacOS. So you will probably have to go to the publisher's website, download the software, then open the archive and install it manually.
On MacOS, we chose IPVanish . While IPVanish didn't score very well in terms of overall performance, we liked its relatively low ping time and quick time to establish a connection. We also like the depth of control and options that IPVanish offers, along with a very nifty performance graph that is constantly updated.

IPVanish

IPVanish is a subscription VPN service. It allows you to establish a secure internet connection so you can browse without worrying about hackers or tracers.
• Downloads: 1
• Release date: 01/15/2021
• Author: J2 Global, Inc
• License: Commercial License
• Categories: Internet - Security
• Operating system: Android - Linux - Windows - iOS iPhone / iPad - macOS
Here are the steps to follow to install a VPN on MacOS:
1. To get started, go to the website of the VPN you have chosen. You may need to purchase the software, request a trial version, or create an account.
2. Download the VPN installer.
3. Start the installer or double-click the archive file. You will likely need to give macOS permission to open it.
4. You will probably need to run the installer or copy it to your "Applications" folder. Do what is best for the situation.
5. The following steps may differ slightly depending on the VPN you choose, but are generally similar. You may be asked for a variety of permissions, including permission to run an application downloaded from the Internet and permission to install certain features. If you have chosen a trusted VPN service, you can give the required permissions.
6. Finally, decide if you want the VPN to launch automatically when you start your Mac.

How to install a VPN on Windows

As on MacOS, there are few VPNs in the more popular ones in the Microsoft Store. Once again, you will need to go to the publisher's website and download the software, then open the archive and install it manually. On Windows, we chose ExpressVPN . In terms of overall performance, he was among the best. We also liked that it works on a wide variety of devices.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a web browsing service with a secure connection that creates a tunnel between your computer and the internet so that you can browse anonymously.
• Downloads: 5
• Release date: 03/12/2021
• Author: ExpressVPN
• License: Commercial License
• Categories: Internet - Security - VPN
• Operating system: Android - Linux - Windows - iOS iPhone / iPad - macOS

Here are the steps to follow to install a VPN on Windows:

1. To get started, go to the website of the VPN you have chosen. You may need to purchase the software, request a trial version, or create an account.
2. Download the VPN installer. You can, like me, download the installation file and then run it, or run it directly. Personally, I prefer to keep a copy of my installation files.
3. Start the installer or double-click the archive file. You will probably need to give Windows permission to open it.
4. The following steps may differ slightly depending on the VPN you choose, but are generally similar. Windows Device Guard may ask you for various permissions, including permission to install certain features, or to send and receive data. If you have chosen a trusted VPN service, you can give the required permissions.
5. Finally, decide if you want the VPN to start automatically when Windows starts up.

How to install a VPN on Android

Even though you can install Android apps from multiple locations, it's always safer (especially for VPNs) to use the Google Play Store.
For Android, we chose Surfshark . It ranks average in our test, but our colleagues at CNET rank it as very fast. Once again, this is an illustration of the fact that it is best to test VPNs before using them, as results may vary from user to user.

Surfshark

Surfshark is a private and secure browsing offer with connection to VPN servers. Surf the internet with confidence and access all your content from anywhere in the world.
• Downloads: 5
• Release date: 02/25/2021
• Author: Surfshark
• License: Commercial License
• Categories: Internet - Security - VPN
• Operating system: Android - Linux - Windows - iOS iPhone / iPad - macOS

Here are the steps to follow to install a VPN on Android:

1. To get started, open the Google Play Store and find the VPN you want to install.
2. Once you've found the app, tap "Download."
3. Once the app has downloaded, launch it.
4. The following steps may differ slightly depending on the VPN you choose, but are generally similar. Android isn't as picky about permissions as iOS, but it's asking for its share. You will need to give the VPN permission requested during installation and first use.
5. Finally, decide if you want the VPN to launch automatically when you start your phone.
There you go, setting up a VPN is not that complicated, whatever your platform! It's true that this guide doesn't include Linux but let's be honest: if you're using Linux, you probably don't need my help setting up a VPN (or anything else for that matter).