By Rashmi Goel
Virtual private network (VPN) software helps you stay anonymous online and change your location virtually. VPNs have evolved into slick, simple-to-use services that have a wide range of uses beyond staying private online, despite once being seen as niche and technical. The apps can be used to unblock overseas Netflix content as well as access censored news within authoritarian regimes - and no matter what device you use, you can be connected within seconds. Scroll down to see the detailed comparison of 15 of the best providers.
VPN: What Is It?
Basically, a VPN is a program that redirects your internet connection through its own servers, which are located around the world. The purpose of this is to enable you to change your location virtually online in order to remain anonymous and to trick sites such as Netflix into showing you blocked content.
Furthermore, VPNs encrypt your traffic, which means that your activity cannot be detected, even if intercepted. Using a VPN lets you browse anonymously, whether you're using it to protect yourself from hackers, your government, or even your ISP. Furthermore, you'll be able to access sites your ISP would normally block - take a look at TikTok or YouTube at school if you're in Russia or China, or Western news if you're in China.
The best VPN creates a more open internet and allows you to do what you want when you want.
Which Vpn Is Best?
As The number of VPN providers is growing, and the competition between them is stiffening all the time, deciding which VPN to use can be a challenge. Nonetheless, based on our thorough testing, we can safely say that ExpressVPN stands out among the rest. Due to the fact that it does all of that, and makes the process as simple and easy as possible for anyone, whether they are seasoned VPN users or total newbies. It works on just about every device and is reliable for unblocking a wide range of streaming sites, such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, as well as Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN Plus, and more. Lastly, it's super safe and boasts impressive privacy credentials across the board to keep you truly private online.
Bitdefender VPN
https://www.bitdefender.com
Bitdefender is a well-known antivirus company that recently launched a VPN stand-alone product. The Bitdefender VPN was previously bundled with the antivirus package, but now you can buy it on its own, and for a very reasonable price. The Bitdefender VPN is based on the Catapult Hydra protocol, which is used by Hotspot Shield. The use of Hotspot Shield does limit Bitdefender's ability to control logging policy, and it's also impossible to configure as a router VPN. The Bitdefender app is as simple as possible - depending on who you are, this may be a positive or a negative aspect. The program comes equipped with an on/off button, a selection of 30 or so server locations, a handy checkbox for making sure you're protected if you start P2P traffic, and a fully-functional kill switch in case of server dropouts. One of Bitdefender's unique features is its automatic connection time. VPNs can be configured to activate if they detect P2P, banking, mature websites, dating, and a variety of other websites that may be quite useful. However, the service offers little in the way of features that would make you choose it over those higher up the list.
Windscribe
https://windscribe.com
Besides offering a free service with 10GB of data each month, Windscribe also offers a decently priced paid service with unlimited data and can be used on multiple devices at once. A typical VPN service allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. There are many platforms for Windscribe to work with, including Amazon Fire and Kodi TV set-top boxes. There is a lot of connectivity, the service has a large geographical reach with hundreds of servers, and the user interface is attractive, if minimal. Windflix servers streamline the process of watching Netflix overseas. Windflix Chrome VPN extension is a unique feature. With tons of features and the ability to use the program without installing the desktop client, it is perfect for work computers and other devices. You'll see the Windscribe 2.0 interface has been spruced up and features a few neat features. Windscribe's network performance was less impressive, and even when it used the newly introduced WireGuard, it delivered slower connection times. However, it is not as fast as the very fastest providers. The fact that Windscribe takes bitcoin and doesn't require email addresses may appeal to users concerned about personal data security. Furthermore, it is based in Canada, which could attract the attention of users who are wary of US authorities. When you are unsure whether Windscribe will fit your needs, you can try it for free and then sign up once you are sure that it works.
Private Internet Access
https://www.privateinternetaccess.com
While Private Internet Access has been around for a long time, it hasn't fallen victim to new players as other dinosaurs have. The server network size of PIA is not disclosed, but we estimate it to sit around 10,000 servers, making it the most server-rich provider on the market. PIA really stands out when you look a little deeper. The proxy browser extensions offered by the company are also very good, providing users with a faster browsing experience. As a streaming VPN, it provides access to Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Although Private Internet Access is a good VPN, we found that it could not unblock BBC iPlayer in our latest review. The results are still excellent, but this time it's not a clean sweep. Meanwhile, PIA is still yet to conduct an independent security audit, and while it has been reported that one will be conducted, it currently lacks this very important proof that the promises it makes are credible. Despite the current climate, it's lagging behind here.
ProtonVPN
https://protonvpn.com
ProtonVPN comes from the creators of ProtonMail, and in the past year or so it's gone from being an afterthought to a powerful privacy tool that can compete with the big dogs. ProtonVPN's excellent connection speeds when using both WireGuard and OpenVPN (the latter made possible by Proton's proprietary VPN Accelerator technology), in conjunction with its zero-logging policy and string encryption, make it an attractive option for those who want maximum privacy online. ProtonVPN also offers its Secure Core servers, which are located in privacy-friendly countries and have physical security measures in place. These can be used to route to any destination of your choice. ProtonVPN also excels at unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime in our testing for the ProtonVPN review. With Proton, there are fewer and fewer faults to pick out, but some things still annoy me. The number of servers that support P2P traffic is rather small compared to competitors - although in our last testing, we noticed there were 17 servers. They are also a little expensive, but they can be used to route to any destination of your choice for added anonymity. While testing ProtonVPN for the full ProtonVPN review, it excelled when it came to unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime videos. The support team is very good in case you run into any problems, but there are still some sticking points. The number of servers that support P2P traffic is relatively low compared to competitors - even though our last test found that there were up to 17. This is an incredibly fast VPN service that's on the up, and the developers are doing some serious work rather than resting on their laurels - and because of that, we wholeheartedly recommend it. As a whole, ProtonVPN is doing well, and it seems that the developers aren't resting on their laurels. As a result, ProtonVPN is a service we confidently recommend.
Ivacy
https://www.ivacy.com
Ivacy is the cheapest VPN if you don't mind signing up for five years. Compared to Bitdefender, Ivacy offers a lot more from its apps than Bitdefender does. Servers can be filtered for the best ones to use with a specific streaming provider, you can save your favorites, choose protocols, and the app even claims to scan downloaded files for viruses. Split tunneling and a kill switch are also included. However, there are some usability issues that are not particularly satisfactory. Streaming Mode threw up a number of problems, like hidden IP addresses and incompatible servers, when using automatic server selection.
ExpressVPN
https://www.expressvpn.com
Despite fierce competition in the industry, we can confidently say that ExpressVPN is the best VPN on the market today based on independent testing and user reviews. ExpressVPN's headline numbers are impressive: over 3,000 servers in 160 locations in 94 countries around the world. The vast majority of providers have more servers than this - meaning that no matter where you are, you'll get fast, reliable connections. Your data will be secured by super-secure, industry-standard AES-256 encryption paired with OpenVPN and Lightway protocols. There is no doubt that Lightway stands out here because of its open-source, proprietary protocol. ExpressVPN also makes use of its own TrustedServer technology to ensure that its RAM-only DNS servers never keep a record of your activities or your online activity. Overall, ExpressVPN is extremely fast and secure. Recent updates to ExpressVPN's apps have improved their aesthetics, made them more stable, and made them easier to navigate. There is a wide range of devices the app will cover, too - you can protect not only your PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android, but also your router, Chromebook, Linux PC, Fire TV Stick, and a plethora of other devices. Users are installing VPNs to access geo-blocked streaming content, and if that's you, ExpressVPN is the best. It unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime reliably in our testing, as well as a variety of regional TV channels around the world. If you're looking to install your VPN on plenty of devices, you're going to have an issue with ExpressVPN's 5-device policy. Their live chat support has been quick and knowledgeable, and in general better than most other VPN providers. On top of that, their on-site instructions are excellent. As a whole, it makes for a near-unbeatable package that is both well suited to experts and newbies alike - and we think the premium price is well worth it given the value you receive.
NordVPN
https://nordvpn.com
NordVPN, arguably the biggest name in the industry and a well-known presence in popular culture, isn't shy about bragging about its capabilities. While NordVPN is not present in as many regions as ExpressVPN, you'll still be very well served with its 5,000 servers in 60 countries. NordLynx is a reworked version of WireGuard, which is what most people will likely use to connect to those servers. Shortly put, the connection was stable, and the speed was excellent, reaching 760Mbps during our testing. The software includes a kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and some unusual options like Onion over VPN and Double VPN, which ensure you're safe online. Threat Protection is another interesting feature, and while not fully implemented yet, it will be rewritten in later updates. NORD apps are powerful and fairly pleasant to use, but on a smartphone, the map-based interface can be a hindrance rather than a benefit. Furthermore, the browser extensions are very basic, but the apps are very capable, and they can be installed on a wide range of devices. Streaming is NordVPN's forte. As for Netflix, iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more, Nord continues to be the best VPN at unblocking TV shows and streaming services.
Surfshark
https://surfshark.com
Surfshark should be on your radar if you want to keep costs down but still use one of the best VPN services available. There are tons of devices supported by Surfshark's apps, which boast an ever-growing number of expert features. MultiHop and Nexus - the latter of which is still in development, but looks promising - will be available as well as a kill switch, split tunneling, standard AES-256 encryption, and more. Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections are very attractive for gear hoarders. In essence, one plan can be installed on a wide range of devices, so you can have complete protection or share it with your entire family. With the most recent testing for our Surfshark review, connection speeds improved considerably, and the few complaints we had disappeared - Surfshark compares well to Express and Nord. Plus, Surfshark is very reliable for streaming currently. With its extremely low price, Surfshark is an excellent budget option, and any small issues it might have would fade away as soon as you consider its low price.
CyberGhost
https://www.cyberghostvpn.com
A long-standing name in the VPN business, CyberGhost is known for its privacy, streaming performance, and torrent-friendly servers. A network of over 7,800 servers is one of the largest in the industry, and with servers in 91 countries, there's plenty of variety when it comes to connecting. CyberGhost VPN recently delivered absolute 850Mbps connection speeds, and while few users will achieve such high speeds, it's still a coveted accolade. Previously, CyberGhost's apps were redesigned, but Version 8 makes the experience more modern and sleek. CyberGhost can be installed on seven devices - and after that, you'll need to unregister a device to switch to another, rather than simply logging out as almost all other providers do. As well as dedicated streaming features such as Netflix and iPlayer-optimized servers, CyberGhost Apps are very capable when it comes to unblocking. A significant downside is that CyberGhost has not been subjected to an independent security audit. This was once a bonus, but it's now commonplace, and we hope CyberGhost will take it seriously. The good streaming quality and great speeds of CyberGhost have earned it a place near the top of our rankings. Definitely worth checking out.
Hotspot Shield
https://www.hotspotshield.com
Hotspot Shield's paid-for VPN works just as well as its free VPN, according to our Hotspot Shield review. Thousands of servers worldwide allow you to ensure a reliable connection. Nevertheless, in our recent testing, we discovered that Hotspot Shield's proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol falls behind the fastest VPN services using WireGuard, and while it was once one of the fastest, it is now distinctly mid-table with peaks of only 310Mbps. Hotspot Shield impresses with an excellent kill switch, a bundled call blocker, and a password manager that we couldn't break. While the provider does log a small amount of user data when in use, some users may be concerned. Despite its solid reputation, Hotspot Shield suffers from a number of small app inconsistencies, low peak speeds, some logging, and the competition's steady improvements. Hotspot Shield must keep up or risk being left behind.
Hide.me
https://hide.me/en
It's been around since 2011, and during that time, it's gained quite a following and made quite a name for itself in the VPN industry. Although it lacks the sheer number of servers found in PIA or CyberGhost, it's more than sufficient to provide reliable, fast connections. WireGuard's speed tops out at 900Mbps, while Hide.me's OpenVPN speeds are nearly twice as fast as those of many competitors. It's likely, though, that your internet connection can't compete. With lots of protocol choices, DNS protection, torrenting support, and more, Hide.me's Windows VPN apps are powerful and configurable. It is clearly designed for advanced users, and those who have the know-how and inclination to get into the settings will be greatly rewarded. Nevertheless, for newbies, it may be a bit overwhelming and won't offer such an effortless experience as more welcoming providers - and its Mac offerings are quite weak. Also worth mentioning was that there were some minor technical problems with the apps, and a problem with the kill switch (although it was not critical). The streaming performance of Hide.me was good. Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ are all accessible via the app. Furthermore, Hide.me also has excellent privacy credentials - even though its security hasn't been audited yet. The software is a great choice, especially if you like to tinker with it.
Mullvad
https://mullvad.net
Mullvad offers a very interesting proposition - it eschews gimmicks in favor of true privacy. However, while this endears the Sweden-based provider to techies and old-school VPN veterans, its rivals like ExpressVPN and NordVPN probably offer a better proposition to more casual users. Mullvad offers no tricks and a very transparent website, making it one of the few providers that do not claim 'anything can be unblocked' or 'anonymity is guaranteed. Instead, it offers simple, effective, and open-source apps without taking any personal information, accepting cash via snail mail, and never taking any personal information. The no-nonsense approach to online privacy also avoids the immense complexity of other expert VPNs, and while a very small percentage of users will want to tweak countless DNS settings, most will appreciate the ease of use. However, Mullvad does lack in some important areas, as we noted. Although connection speeds are very fast, streaming services cannot be unblocked - and are unlikely to be unblocked. Furthermore, the apps lack some fairly common usability features, such as automatic selection of the closest/fastest location. As well, for support, you'll have to rely on an email address rather than a live chat. Still, Mullvad is undoubtedly the best VPN for privacy-conscious users looking for a transparent service.
IVPN
https://www.ivpn.net
In many ways, IVPN is much like Mullvad - it's a VPN provider that invests heavily in online privacy (good) but ignores some of the more modern features we've come to expect like Netflix unblocking (bad). It's free to sign up, and with subscription plans starting from just a week-long, it's flexible, too. As a standard feature, WireGuard support, ads and tracker blocking, and bitcoin payment are all available. Torrent enthusiasts will likely enjoy the port forwarding and multi-hop connections that come with the Pro plan. IVPN is a competitor to Mullvad and operates in the same space as it - but with a cooler logo. It is well worth considering even if you are not concerned with streaming.
TunnelBear
https://www.tunnelbear.com
TunnelBear could be a good choice for those who haven't used a VPN before - and maybe are a little intimidated by the prospect. It comes with a limited free plan (which, admittedly, only gives you 500MB of data a month), or you can upgrade to the full service, which gives you access to over 1,000 servers in 46 countries. Nevertheless, if you are searching for a VPN that can truly keep your information safe, its comprehensive privacy policy and regular audits will be of particular interest. Although TunnelBear is simple, it is also weak. Even though the VPN is easy to use, so is ExpressVPN, and many other top-rated providers, but once you get used to using them, you'll be able to explore more in-depth options. With TunnelBear, you won't have such luck, since there aren't many configuration options. The only option is to run TunnelBear's client software - unless you run Linux - which may concern some privacy-conscious users, and there's no option to set up TunnelBear connections on routers or other devices. Lastly, this Canadian company is now owned by McAfee, which may mean it is subject to US search warrants. TunnelBear is a decent choice if you're in need of a VPN for setting and forgetting.
IPVanish
https://www.ipvanish.com
Despite its long history, IPVanish is widely regarded as a safe, reliable, and trustworthy VPN provider in the US. With a bunch of useful additions and powerful apps that display all the data you could want, it appears to be geared toward the tech-savvy user. WireGuard was only implemented recently by IPVanish, but thanks to that addition, it is now one of the fastest services we have tested. Though OpenVPN's speeds aren't as impressive, most users are likely to use the new protocol anyway. The Scramble feature allows VPN access from countries like China, and though it isn't as robust as other specialized China VPN services, it is still quite useful. IPVanish's apps - they're full of interesting features, like individually selectable servers - divide opinion. Split tunnel and kill switch, map interface for choosing locations, and rolling speed graphs. This may be fascinating to some, but it may be too much for others. Users love the stripped-back apps of ExpressVPN. With regard to apps, IPVanish doesn't tend to deliver as frequent updates as its competitors. This means that new features are slow to arrive, and if something exciting is on the horizon, it could still be months before it's released - just look at how long it took WireGuard to reach the market. Although it has lost some ground compared to the top services, IPVanish is still a great choice, particularly if you enjoy in-depth, techy software.