As an entrepreneurship consultant who assists small and medium-sized businesses, I often advise Charlotte professionals on the best virtual private network (VPN) services to protect their data and privacy.
Charlotte‘s massive banking and finance sector, coupled with its fast-rising tech industry, make it a prime target for cyber attacks. At the same time, recent regulations like GDPR demonstrate the increased scrutiny around data privacy.
That‘s why a VPN is an essential tool for any Charlotte business or professional handling sensitive information.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll compare the top three VPNs I recommend based on extensive research and client feedback:
Overview of Recommended VPN Services
ExpressVPN is my top choice – it offers unmatched speeds, best-in-class encryption, and helpful customer support.
NordVPN is ideal for anonymity and defeating censorship with features like Onion Over VPN.
Surfshark is perfect for solopreneurs on a budget who need protection across unlimited devices.
Now let‘s dig deeper into what makes each of these VPNs great for business use in Charlotte:
#1 ExpressVPN
With 3,000+ fast servers across 94 countries, ExpressVPN is a favorite among Charlotte startups and professionals for secure remote work.
Key Features
- AES 256-bit encryption
- 3,000+ servers in 160 locations
- Unlimited bandwidth and speeds up to 8.8Gbps
- MediaStreamer feature to bypass firewalls
- Available for all devices: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers
- 24/7 live chat support
Why Choose ExpressVPN?
- Lightning-fast speeds for video calls and large file transfers
- MediaStreamer unblocks VoIP and streaming sites
- Ideal for secure remote access to business networks and servers
- Robust leak protection and split tunneling features
- Unlimited bandwidth for unrestricted usage
Pricing
- $12.95/month billed monthly
- $9.99/month for 6-month plan
- $8.32/month for 15-month plan
With fast speeds, great customer service, and reliable connections, ExpressVPN is my first recommendation for Charlotte entrepreneurs and business owners.
#2 NordVPN
With specialty servers optimized for anonymity, NordVPN is great for Charlotte professionals who handle highly sensitive client data.
Key Features
- 5,400+ servers in 80 countries
- Onion Over VPN and Obfuscated Servers
- Up to 6 simultaneous connections
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- 2048-bit encryption
- Strict no-logs policy
Why Choose NordVPN?
- Onion Over VPN routes traffic through the anonymous Tor network
- Obfuscated servers mask the fact you‘re using a VPN
- Ideal for accountants, lawyers, and financial advisors sharing confidential documents
- Double VPN option for routing connections through two VPN servers
- Cryptocurrency payment option for complete anonymity
Pricing
- $3.29/month for 2-year plan
- $4.92/month for 1-year plan
- $11.95/month billed monthly
With unrivaled features for anonymity, NordVPN is the leading choice for Charlotte professionals handling highly sensitive data.
#3 Surfshark
For solopreneurs and small business owners on a budget, Surfshark delivers impressive security for an affordable price.
Key Features
- 3,200+ servers in over 65 countries
- Unlimited devices on a single account
- CAMOflage mode disguises VPN usage
- AES 256-bit encryption
- RAM-only servers store no user logs
Why Choose Surfshark?
- Budget-friendly pricing ideal for cost-conscious entrepreneurs
- No limit on connected devices per account
- CAMOflage mode hides VPN use from your ISP
- Good balance of security, speed, and price
- 30-day money back guarantee to test it risk-free
Pricing
- Only $2.49/month for 24-month plan
- $12.95/month billed monthly
For lean startups and solopreneurs who need to prioritize affordability, Surfshark is the clear choice.
Why Every Charlotte Business Needs a VPN
Beyond just security, here are some key reasons all Charlotte companies should use a VPN:
- Secure remote access to your business network and servers
- Safely work from home, coworking spaces, and shared workspaces
- Encrypt sensitive communications and transfers
- Access geo-blocked content and apps when traveling internationally
- Prevent bandwidth throttling or restrictions by your ISP
- Reduce risk of DDoS attacks taking down your website
- Secure guest WiFi networks in airports, hotels, and coffee shops
According to Fundera, 43% of small businesses have suffered a cyber attack. Don‘t let yours be next.
Is Using a VPN Legal in Charlotte?
Yes, VPN usage is entirely legal in Charlotte and the rest of North Carolina. There are no laws prohibiting the use of VPN services by residents or businesses.
Some key regulations relating to privacy and data security include:
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-60 et seq – Requires businesses to destroy records containing personal identifying information when no longer needed for business purposes.
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 75-65 – Mandates disclosure of security breaches involving personal information of NC residents.
- GDPR – European data privacy regulations apply to Charlotte companies handling data of EU citizens.
As long as you adhere to applicable laws, using a VPN provides an added layer of protection and privacy for your Charlotte business‘s online data and communications.
Final Thoughts
From rapidly growing startups to major banking institutions, all Charlotte businesses and professionals should invest in a high-quality VPN. Make sure to evaluate factors like speed, number of server locations, supported devices, and budget when choosing the right provider.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to offer tailored advice to find the ideal VPN solution for your business needs and budget.
