Reader question: ‘Are all VPNs the same? Which one should I go with?’

I recently received a great question from a reader named Jim. He wanted to know about VPNs, and I think this is something many folks may be unclear about.

“I have a question about iPhone security. Are all VPNs the same? Or is one better than the other?” He went on to say that his phone has been compromised in the past.

Jim’s on the money with wanting to protect himself. It can be hard to choose from all the VPN providers out there. I do extensive research on my sponsors, and I can say with full confidence that ExpressVPN is the best option out there.

Don’t go with the free option, ever

Personally, I wouldn’t trust a free VPN. In many cases, they’re worse than not using a VPN at all. This is your privacy we’re talking about — it’s worth shelling out money for. Many cheap or free VPNs make money by selling your data to ad companies.

That doesn’t sit right with me. A company that protects your information shouldn’t turn around and sell it to advertisers. ExpressVPN doesn’t do that. In fact, the company developed a technology called Trusted Server that makes it impossible for their servers to log any of your info. 

Plus, you’re getting lightning-quick service when you sign up for ExpressVPN. Even when you connect to servers thousands of miles away, you can still stream HD quality videos without any annoying lag.

You can’t say the same for many other VPN options. And forget it if you’re talking about the free ones.

The best part? It’s easy on your wallet and easy to set up

One of the biggest reasons why I love ExpressVPN is its low price. You can get three months free when you sign up for one year at ExpressVPN.com/Kim. That means you’re getting 12 months for $6.67 each — plus three months for nothing at all.

But there’s more to ExpressVPN than its affordability. You’re also getting top-notch service. It’s super easy to set up and use. Just fire up the app and, with the click of a button, you’re connected! There’s no better way to protect yourself.

Another feature you’ll love: You can watch movies that are blocked in the U.S., thanks to the magic of ExpressVPN. For example, you can’t find “Die Hard” on American Netflix thanks to a licensing agreement — but if you have ExpressVPN, you can work around those restrictions! Here’s exactly what to do.

Tips for better iPhone battery life

Phone dying too fast throughout the day? Try one or all of these tips for more juice.

The replacements

Some items need to be replaced more often than most of us actually do. I’ve got you covered! Even better, these household items are on sale now:

  • Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you’re sick. Bacteria sits in the bristles. Grab a four-pack for 13% off now. 
  • Dishwashing sponges should be replaced every couple of weeks. Set yourself up for six months to a year with a 24-pack for under $10.
  • You’re supposed to replace your pillow every year or so. Get a four-pack of quality down-alternative pillows to update your household ($29.99, 32% off).
  • Spices lose their flavor fast, but whole spices can last for three to four years. Now you just need a spice grinder. This Ninja model is 28% off.
  • At least once a year, replace your shower curtain liner to keep mold and mildew at bay. This bestselling liner is 29% off now and $11.99.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Hot take: Compressed air isn’t worth the money. The cans run out so fast! I like this high-powered blower instead.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Bosses are firing Gen Z workers fast

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Gen Z grads are getting the axe — 6 in 10 employers have already let them go. Plus, a massive security breach exposed the private info of millions. Find out how one guy spent $1K on Facebook Ads to find love and about a new law that could change your car radio.

🇰🇵 Live fast, die Jong: A Nashville man could spend 20 years in prison for helping North Koreans infiltrate U.S. companies. North Korean intelligence used his identity to get remote IT positions, then had company-issued laptops sent to his home. Then the North Koreans logged onto these laptops to spy on U.S. companies. 

$174,000 salary

To manage a fast-food restaurant in California. Monique Pizano, a 27-year-old Raising Cane’s manager, makes six figures (paywall link) after bonuses, depending on her location’s performance. That’s egg-cellent! (Get it? It’s a chicken fast-food joint. Tough crowd!)

National Cheeseburger Day 2024: Best apps for burger deals

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Whether you prefer your burgers stacked high, smashed flat, or dripping with cheese, today is all about celebrating the king of fast food with some great deals.

Upload vs. download speeds

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Are your video calls freezing or games lagging even with fast internet? The issue might be your upload speed, not download. Here’s how to check it.

AI is running for mayor

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A guy tried getting ChatGPT elected as the mayor of Cheyenne, Wyoming, but voters shut that down fast. Google secretly scraped $5 billion worth of data, moped thieves stealing AirPods Max, and Chick-fil-A is launching a streaming platform.

NYC to London in 1.5 hours: NASA’s officially working on commercial aircraft with speeds between Mach 2 and Mach 4, or from 1,535 to 3,045 miles per hour — twice the F/A-18’s Mach 1.8. That’s so fast your in-flight peanuts will catch up with you at the baggage claim.

Smartphones in school? Not so fast

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Giving your kid a smartphone is meant to keep them safe and connected. But now, schools are pushing back, saying they cause more harm than good. 

The rise of the restaurant robots

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We’ve all heard the predictions that robots would take our jobs. Well, for fast food workers, that day has arrived.

Your cheap clothes could cause cancer

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Bought anything from fast fashion company Shein? You might be putting your health at risk.

2-hour flight

Travel time from NYC to London by 2030. Research from the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority says traveling at supersonic speeds is coming … fast. The expected time flying from London to Sydney? Just two hours. In no time at all, you could be joining an Australian game party in the LAN down under.

😱 The truth is out: Earlier this year, Raffaela Spone was accused of creating a deepfake video of her daughter’s cheerleading competitor vaping. The community turned on Spone, complete with death threats. Fast-forward — the video turned out to be real and the investigation was botched. Yeah, Spone’s suing for $20 million.

This mom goes screen-free

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Most kids are glued to the computer. But Stacy Liberatore, Deputy Science and Technology Editor at DailyMail.com, takes a different approach — she says no to screens for her daughter. Plus, updates on ChatGPT-4o, Gmail AI features, and fast food freebies. 

Lightning fast: In Microsoft Word, use Ctrl + the arrow keys to move through words or paragraphs quickly. Combine that shortcut with Shift to select text as you go.

Top eBay seller makes $25M a year — here's how

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Want to start your own eBay side biz? Don’t miss this! Linda Lightman started selling her sons’ video games on eBay in the ’90s. Fast forward to today, and she owns a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse where she employs a small army of people. 

Electric bike's hidden deadly danger

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Sure, your e-bike is fast. But is it worth your life? I give you the scoop in 60 seconds.