The Best 12 Virtual Private Network Services
A virtual private network (VPN) service is like having a private, secure tunnel between your device and the internet, which keeps your online activities shielded from prying eyes. When you connect to a VPN, it encrypts your internet traffic, making it nearly impossible for anyone, including hackers, your ISP, or even the government, to see what you’re doing online. It’s especially useful if you’re on public Wi-Fi, like at a coffee shop or airport, where your data is more vulnerable to attacks.
But VPNs do more than just protect your privacy. They allow you to change your virtual location by connecting to servers in different countries. This means you can access content that might be restricted or blocked in your region, such as streaming services or websites only available in other parts of the world. This is great for travelers, expats, or anyone wanting to enjoy global content.
VPNs are also commonly used to bypass censorship in certain countries, giving people access to uncensored information and a more open internet. Whether you’re looking to boost your online security, maintain your privacy, or access content freely, a VPN offers a flexible solution that helps you take control of your online experience.
Best Virtual Private Network Services
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is widely recognized for its exceptional speed and top-tier security features. It operates over 3,000 servers across 94 countries, ensuring that users can access content globally while maintaining fast connections. Its Lightway protocol, developed in-house, optimizes speed without compromising security. ExpressVPN is excellent for streaming, easily bypassing geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. It offers 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection, ensuring that your data remains private. Additionally, ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning none of your online activity is recorded or tracked.
NordVPN
NordVPN is known for its emphasis on security, offering features such as double VPN, which routes your traffic through two servers for double encryption. With over 5,000 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN provides solid performance for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. The service includes specialty servers, such as Onion over VPN, for additional anonymity, and P2P-optimized servers for fast and secure file sharing. NordVPN also offers CyberSec, a feature that blocks ads and malware. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited, providing extra reassurance for privacy-conscious users.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that doesn’t compromise on quality. It’s one of the few VPNs that allows unlimited device connections on a single account, making it perfect for families or households with many devices. Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, offering reliable connections and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. It includes features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and a MultiHop option for extra security by routing traffic through two VPN servers. Surfshark also has a no-logs policy and strong encryption protocols.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is well-suited for both VPN beginners and advanced users, offering an easy-to-navigate interface while still packing powerful features. It has an impressive 7,000+ servers in 90+ countries, with dedicated servers optimized for streaming on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. CyberGhost is a strong advocate for privacy, offering a strict no-logs policy, 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS and IP leak protection. The service also includes specialized servers for torrenting and offers fast speeds and reliable security.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access is a highly configurable VPN that offers advanced privacy and security options. It features over 10,000 servers across 84 countries, providing strong performance and flexibility for users who want to fine-tune their VPN settings. PIA is popular with privacy advocates for its customizable encryption settings, supporting AES-128 or AES-256 encryption. It also allows users to choose between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec protocols. PIA has a proven no-logs policy and includes a kill switch, ad and malware blocking via its MACE feature, and P2P support for secure torrenting.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN, developed by the creators of ProtonMail, is focused on delivering top-notch security and privacy. Its free tier is highly praised for offering unlimited data, though with access to fewer servers and slower speeds. Premium users, however, gain access to over 1,500 servers in 60 countries, with high speeds and features like Secure Core, which routes your traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries to mitigate the risk of attacks. ProtonVPN is excellent for users who prioritize privacy, offering AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and Tor over VPN integration for additional anonymity.
IPVanish
IPVanish is a powerful choice for users looking for strong security features combined with unlimited device connections. It operates over 2,000 servers in 75+ locations and offers strong encryption, including support for the WireGuard protocol. IPVanish is particularly well-regarded in the Kodi community for its compatibility with streaming devices. It supports torrenting and P2P sharing on all its servers, and its no-logs policy ensures that none of your data is tracked or stored. The service also includes a kill switch, split tunneling, and advanced DNS and IP leak protection.
Windscribe
Windscribe offers one of the most generous free plans among VPN providers, with up to 10GB of data per month for free users. Paid users get access to a broader server network with servers in over 60 countries. Windscribe is unique for its robust privacy features, including built-in ad and malware blockers and the option to create double-hop connections for enhanced security. The service is known for its ease of use, strong encryption, and solid performance for streaming and torrenting. Windscribe is also a strong advocate for privacy, with a clear no-logs policy.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is famous for its speed, thanks to its proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol, which ensures fast and reliable connections even on high-latency networks. It offers over 3,200 servers in 80+ countries and is a strong option for streaming, allowing users to access services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu from anywhere in the world. However, Hotspot Shield has had some controversy over its logging policy in the past, though the company claims it does not track user activity. It includes standard security features like 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and malware protection.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN is known for its ability to bypass censorship, particularly in countries with strict internet controls like China. It has a proprietary Chameleon protocol that obfuscates VPN traffic to avoid detection. VyprVPN owns and operates its own servers, which provides an additional layer of privacy and control over its network. With over 700 servers in 70 countries, it offers fast and stable connections for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. The service also features a no-logs policy that has been independently audited, making it a strong choice for privacy-focused users.
Mullvad
Mullvad is a privacy-first VPN that takes anonymity to a new level. Unlike most VPNs, Mullvad doesn’t require any personal information to sign up. Instead, you generate a random account number to access the service. Mullvad operates servers in 38 countries and is known for its excellent speeds and strong encryption. It offers simple pricing, with no tiers or discounts, and it’s a favorite among privacy advocates for its strict no-logs policy. Mullvad is great for users who value security and anonymity over extra features.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is one of the most user-friendly VPNs, making it perfect for beginners or casual users. Its free plan offers 500MB of data per month, which is suitable for light browsing or occasional use. The paid version provides access to servers in over 41 countries, with strong encryption, a kill switch, and GhostBear, which makes your VPN traffic less detectable for countries with strict internet censorship. While TunnelBear is not as feature-rich as some competitors, its simple design, reliable performance, and commitment to privacy make it a popular choice for those new to VPNs.
