So you've found out about anonymous surfing, why you should use it, and how to start. You need to connect to a virtual private network. But then you find out that free stuff sucks, and to get fast connections, unlimited bandwidth, and a choice of server locations (IP locations), you need to sign up for a monthly service. How can you be sure that what you're signing up for is right, when there's so much to choose from? Here are some tips to point you in the direction of a great VPN site.

Read reviews, but with a grain of salt

Reading reviews is a great idea. One of the great thing about the internet is that you don't have to believe everything on the websites. Simply go to Google search, type in the name of your service and 'review'. You'll get tons of results of personal reviews of the service, and you can check out other experiences people have had. It may seal the deal, and convince to buy it, or you find out it's a scam.

The trouble with these is that a lot of people do this for a living - I should know, I'm one of those guys. By clicking on the links in a review, you're probably going to help that person make a percentage of whatever you purchase. This is fine - they wrote the review, they helped you, and so they make a commission. The problem is that many people haven't actually used these services, and simply set up a sight with false reviews, fake user comments, and just repeat information you could have researched yourself.

So read some reviews, but make sure to get them from a couple different sources.

Do you research, but don't worry about it so much

Most VPN services will have a monthly option available. As much as it's tempting to get a great deal on a year of service, if this is your first time purchasing, then you should try it out for a month. IF you're satisfied after a month, then sign up for a year. At most, you'll end up paying a few dollars more for that first month than you would have if you signed up for a year right away. On the off chance that it's a crappy service however, you'll save yourself tons of headache of getting refund, or dealing with a year of service that you're unhappy with. You should be able to do all your research in an hour or two, and then sign up. Also, most good VPN sites will come with a money back guarantee.

Get something with more server locations

Some VPN services make you choose between servers. Don't do it. There are plenty of other services out there that allow for free access to all of their servers, all with unlimited bandwidth. A choice of servers (even if they're in the same country), means that you'll always be able to get the fastest speeds, and you'll also be able to change your IP address to a variety of countries around the world. One thing I've found true from using VPN services is that while a server might be fast today, the next day it might be over logged and slow. Multiple server locations just means you've got your bases covered.