Avira Phantom VPN is fast and free(-ish)

Avira Phantom VPN is a fast virtual private network for Windows and Android. Once running, the program encrypts all your internet traffic, keeping you safe even when using insecure wireless hotspots.

Avira Phantom VPN can also help you bypass geographical restrictions on websites by assigning you an IP address from another country. Options include Austria, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Netherland, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA.

Setup is easy. At a minimum, all you have to do is turn Phantom on and off as required. If you head into Settings, there’s little more than options to assign your preferred server country and have Phantom load when your computer starts (or not).

If you need maximum privacy then you could even use the program without registering, but beware: the 500MB/ month free data allowance won’t last long, and handing over your details still only gets you 1GB/ month.

Performance was a major plus for us, though, with speedy connections to most sites, so the program could be useful in some situations.

If it works for you, the unrestricted commercial edition costs $77.99 a year.

Avira Phantom VPN is a free application for Windows and Android.