This post will explain Best VPN Services. The best VPN services encrypt your internet traffic on free public WiFi, mask your IP address, and quickly circumvent internet geo-blocks. The table below compares the top 10 VPN services we looked at based on factors including speed, privacy, security, availability for US Netflix, cost, and more.
The VPNs mentioned above are the best ones that can be used with gaming consoles, streaming devices, smartphones, desktops, and laptops.
The top VPNs for each type we test for are listed further in this guide, along with review summaries of our top 10 VPN suggestions. We also go over why you need a VPN and how to pick the best VPN provider.
Why Confide in Top10VPN.com?
To provide the best VPN software recommendations, we tested and reviewed VPN services for tens of thousands of hours using our unbiased VPN review methodology.
- 30,000+ Total Testing Hours
- 3000+ hours of weekly speed tests
Review of VPN Services 71
- Daily Testing of Streaming Platforms 12
- 9,500+ IP and DNS leak tests were conducted.
- The amount we invested in testing ($25,000+)
Best VPNs: Test Ratings in Summary
The results of our most significant testing categories are shown in the table below for the top 10 VPN services:
The Best VPN Services of 2022
In this article, you can know about Best VPN Services here are the details below;
Although we give the 10 VPN providers in this review top marks, there isn’t really a single “best VPN.” Your particular needs will determine which VPN is best.
Do you want the Netflix libraries to be unblocked? torrent secretly? Or simply use free WiFi to keep secure?
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for streaming and gaming
Excellent for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, the best VPN overall. This is another Best VPN Services.
Ranked first among 71 VPN providers
Pros
o Consistently high speeds over all terrain
o Unblocks DAZN, HBO, and 10 different Netflix regions.
o Diskless servers, AES-256 encryption, and no data logging
o British Virgin Islands (BVI) jurisdiction that respects privacy
o The Fire TV app, Apple TV Smart DNS, and gaming consoles
o Excellent live chat client service.
Cons
o Costlier than its competitors
No user interface for Linux
ExpressVPN tops all of our test categories, making it the best VPN service of 2022. It runs seamlessly on all devices and is dependably quick and very secure.
Fast HD/4K streaming, lag-free gaming, and anonymous torrenting are all made possible with the VPN service.
ExpressVPN’s top-notch customer care is skilled and available round-the-clock via live chat if you run into technical difficulties.
Excellent for US Netflix streaming
ExpressVPN continues to be our top-rated VPN for streaming even after countless streaming tests.
It’s the most suitable VPN to unblock US Netflix & nine additional Netflix zones, to be more precise.
The following video, which features actual footage from our testing, will demonstrate how simple it is to use ExpressVPN to access US Netflix:
Play
Simply establish a connection to a US ExpressVPN server and launch Netflix without using any additional settings or features.
Additionally, the VPN can get around geoblocks on DAZN, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
With the Chrome, Firefox, and Edge VPN extensions from ExpressVPN, you can stream as well. Instead of being ordinary proxies (which do not encrypt internet traffic), these are full VPN extensions.
Additionally, ExpressVPN offers MediaStreamer, its Smart DNS tool, and a very nice Fire TV app. ExpressVPN can now be used on Apple TV, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
A VPN for torrenting that is extremely safe
P2P communication is permitted on all 3,000 ExpressVPN servers, and your data transfers are not tracked or recorded.
All file transfer information is encrypted using AES-256 using diskless (RAM-only) servers and secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway).
In our P2P tests, Lightway in particular demonstrated excellent file-sharing speeds, averaging a download bitrate of 9.4MiB/s. Only IPVanish (9.9MiB/s) among the best VPNs had better torrent speeds.
Clients for BitTorrent are completely compatible with ExpressVPN.
A VPN kill switch, one of the VPN’s many additional security features, stopped our IP address from leaking in the few cases when our VPN connection broke.
You may torrent without limitations and in safety with ExpressVPN thanks to these security measures.
costly yet worth the increased cost
Although ExpressVPN isn’t flawless, its primary flaw is its higher-than-average monthly pricing.
The lowest price for the VPN service is $6.67 per month with a 15-month commitment.
The service is more expensive than many premium competitors, but with its higher capabilities, you receive your money’s value.
ExpressVPN provides 7- and 30-day free trials if you wish to test the VPN first.
2. NordVPN – Best VPN for Security
Globally extremely quick speeds and high security settings.
Pros
o Strong encryption using the algorithm AES-256-GCM
o Use of the WireGuard (NordLynx) protocol throughout its network
- Additional security features include diskless servers and multihop
o Zero-logs policy confirmed, no IP or DNS leaks
o Allows P2P traffic on numerous servers and streams US Netflix
o Simple apps and round-the-clock live chat assistance
Cons
o Netflix and the Firestick app don’t operate nicely together
o The Android app lacks a kill button
o Is not PayPal-compatible
o The desktop layout might be improved.
One of the most widely used VPN services worldwide, NordVPN is also the best in terms of online safety.
Nearly as good as ExpressVPN, NordVPN is also much less expensive. Despite the robust encryption used to secure internet traffic, it provides fast speeds.
A no-logs policy that has been confirmed and high security settings
Its extensive selection of top-notch security features is what distinguishes NordVPN from its competitors.
Secure encryption techniques like OpenVPN and WireGuard are utilised by NordVPN (branded as NordLynx). The VPN encrypts your data with AES-256 just like ExpressVPN does.
Kill switches, split tunnelling, and double (multihop) VPN are further capabilities that boost privacy by routing your traffic across two VPN servers.
Additionally, NordVPN does not gather any private web history. Your IP address, browsing history, and bandwidth consumption information are not recorded.
Like ExpressVPN, the VPN service also employs diskless servers, which never store any data locally.
Even better, CyberSec, an integrated virus and ad blocker, is included with the service.
dependable connections with minimal speed loss
Across its entire network of 5,613 servers, NordVPN is among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested.
Short-distance internet speed losses of as little as 1% were observed in our most recent VPN speed tests. In contrast, Private Internet Access lost 6% and ExpressVPN dropped 8% over the same distance.
In terms of short-distance connections, NordVPN is incredibly quick.
not as simple to use as ExpressVPN
Although we give NordVPN high marks, the Windows and macOS applications’ designs could use some work.
Although the desktop and laptop clients are by no means difficult to use, we don’t think NordVPN’s Windows and macOS VPN software is as simple to use and intuitive as ExpressVPN’s.
The Windows client for NordVPN’s software.
The screenshot above demonstrates how needless it is to show server locations on a map and how it enlarges the VPN client interface.
3. PIA – The best VPN for torrenting VPN.
The biggest network of secure servers and the best VPN for torrenting.
Pros
o Quick 17,087 servers in 84 nations
Zero-logs policy has been confirmed.
- Streams BBC iPlayer and US Netflix
o Works from heavily censored nations
o VPN port forwarding and kill switches
o Excellent Linux native application
Cons
o The usability of the Mac client is poor
o Questionable Smart DNS software
o The Firestick app needs to be improved.
Private Internet Access (PIA) has the largest server network and is the most secure zero-logs VPN on the market. Fast connection speeds are provided by all servers, especially when file-sharing.
This is another Best VPN Services. For more advanced security features and a native Linux programme to protect your online privacy and security, choose the American-based VPN.
torrenting that is incredibly quick, private, and secure
The best VPN right now for anonymous file-sharing and torrenting is Private Internet Access.
Because to its no-logs policy, highly effective kill switch, and great P2P download bitrates, the VPN excels the competition.
Using PIA for torrenting anonymizes your IP address.
Port forwarding is another feature of PIA VPN that accelerates torrenting and aids in file-seeding. Sadly, US servers do not permit it.
large-scale server network with fast speeds
The VPN server network provided by PIA is among the most extensive and secure ones we’ve examined.
In 84 countries, the service offers access to 17,087 no-logs VPN servers.
We found that connecting to neighbouring server locations only resulted in a 6% reduction in internet speed, demonstrating the major impact of the VPN’s server size on short-distance speeds.
The Mac client may be easier to use.
Although PIA is a fantastic VPN for streaming, privacy, and security, it’s not the simplest VPN to use on MacBooks and iMacs.
The lengthy loading times of the macOS programme are our biggest complaint. If you are operating the VPN as a windowed application, it may take three seconds to load.
The software launches by default as a menu bar app, which is another problem. As a result, you are unable to dock the VPN application or start it from Spotlight.
4. Surfshark – Best Cheap VPN
Surfshark offers fantastic value at just $2.49 a month.
Pros
o On a two-year membership plan, very reasonable
o Mobile-only 7-day free trial available
o Plays Netflix, HBO Max, and other content
o An Android app setting for GPS spoofing
o No restrictions on device connections
o Extra options and advanced features
Cons
o Some servers’ connections are slow.
o Disallow port forwarding
IPv6 leak prevention is absent.
o An unchecked logging procedure
o The kill switch is not always on.
At a significantly lower cost, Surfshark competes with the best VPN services. Additionally, there is no compromising on quality.
Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming services are easily unblocked with the VPN, which enables unlimited device connections.
Overall, considering the calibre of its service, Surfshark offers outstanding value.
A top-notch VPN with a very affordable pricing
The most obvious advantage of Surfshark is its cost, which is very reasonable. More than that, we think it’s the best inexpensive VPN.
The VPN’s lowest price for a two-year subscription is just $2.49 a month. Even with the upfront payment of $59.76, this is still quite reasonably priced.
When a VPN is this inexpensive, you frequently won’t be getting a high-quality product. This is different because Surfshark is among the top VPNs we’ve tested.
able to get around IP and GPS blocking
Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max IP-based geoblocks may all be easily removed with Surfshark.
However, Surfshark stands out due of its capacity to trick Android phones’ GPS systems.
Android mobile applications cannot determine your actual location using GPS thanks to the ‘Override GPS location’ capability.
The Android version of Surfshark’s GPS Override function.
modest speeds and slow connections to servers
Server connection times and speed have been the main problems we’ve encountered when testing Surfshark.
Frequently, we have to wait a few seconds before connecting to well-known servers. Once connected, however, the speeds are not as quick as those offered by NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Surfshark VPN 15% slower our internet speed on local connections . This isn’t terrible by any standards, but it’s much worse than the 1% of NordVPN. This is another Best VPN Services.
5. IPVanish VB- The best VPN for Firestick
A private, no-logs VPN that is ideal for Kodi and Firestick users.
Pros
o A fantastic Fire TV Stick app
o An.apk file for Android boxes’ side loading
- Rapid download speeds for short distances
o First-party DNS servers without logs
o SOCKS5 proxy for clients using torrents
o Infinite connections at once
Cons
o Won’t unlock a lot of streaming applications
O No VPN add-ons for browsers
o No Smart DNS software
o Unable to get over severe online filtering
o The kill switch is not always on.
Overall Score: 9.1
The following seven subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall rating. Read our VPN testing process for more information.
The top VPN app for Amazon Fire TV Stick is IPVanish. It doesn’t retain logs of your streaming behaviour and is quick and safe.
Due to the numerous privacy and security features it offers, IPVanish is especially well suited for anonymous viewing via IPTV and Kodi programmes. a proprietary Fire TV application
or the incredibly popular Amazon Fire TV Stick and other Fire TV devices, IPVanish continues to be the best-rated VPN. The programme is incredibly easy to use and records fast connection rates to neighbouring VPN servers.
the Amazon Fire TV Stick’s main screen for IPVanish. On neighbouring servers, its quick download and upload speeds are excellent. Only 10% of the download speed was lost in recent tests.
While Netflix and other well-known streaming services are not unblocked by IPVanish, we discovered that IPTV and Kodi are compatible with the VPN.
To utilise the VPN on Android devices without access to the Google Play Store, there is also an Android.APK file (e.g. Android boxes). servers with encrypted zero logs and 40,000 IP addresses
One of the most private VPN providers we’ve examined is IPVanish. There are no logs at all on any of IPVanish’s 2,000 servers. They don’t keep track of or record any of your online activities.
Moreover, while utilising the service’s VPN clients, we have never experienced an IP or DNS address leak.
With one of the 40,000 IP addresses offered by the service, you may securely safeguard your IP address. Avoid using it to get around geo-restrictions.
While IPVanish is excellent for anonymous Kodi and IPTV viewing, it struggles to get around geographic restrictions on videos.
The VPN is unable to get beyond the geographic restrictions placed by Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and several other content providers.
Additionally, there is no Smart DNS capabilities, which makes geo-restricted video streaming on Apple TV and gaming consoles more challenging.
The same holds true for getting over China’s tight internet censorship, something IPVanish is unable to do. Astrill is a better option for circumventing internet filtering.
5. Free Trial of the Best VPN, CyberGhost
Provides a free trial of the best VPN without any financial information.
Pros
o Seven-day, three-day, and 24-hour free trials
- No payment or credit card details is required for trials.
- Extended 45-day return policy & round-the-clock live support
8,800 servers spread out over 91 nations.
Notifies no personal usage information
o The use of Smart DNS to promote device compatibility
Cons
o Over long distances, slower than its rivals
o The features of browser extensions are constrained
o MacOS and mobile apps lack some functionality
o Does not function in China, Turkey, or the United Arab Emirates.
o Unsuitable for Chromebooks
Overall Score of 9.0
The following seven subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall rating. Read our VPN testing process for more information.
This is another Best VPN Services. Real free trials without asking for financial information
The only top VPN that offers free VPN trials without requesting payment information up front is CyberGhost.
There are three free trials available: a three-day trial on Android smartphones, a seven-day trial on iPhone/iPad, and a 24-hour trial on desktops and laptops.
To use CyberGhost for free for more than 50 days, you can even combine these free trial terms with the VPN’s 45-day repayment guarantee.
8,800 servers and dedicated IPs around the world
The large network of 8,800 servers that CyberGhost has contributed to its popularity among mobile workers and tourists.
The 91 countries’ abundance of servers makes it simple and quick to connect to one that is close by.
Additionally, customers that need to connect to particular web services using the same private dedicated IP address should use CyberGhost’s Dedicated IP.
However, only in Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and the US are dedicated IPs available; they are also more expensive.
6. CyberGhost Android’s Dedicated IP option
Internationally slower speeds. The primary problem with employing CyberGhost is the uneven speed over different distances.
he VPN’s speeds have consistently varied substantially over thousands of speed tests, especially across long distances.
CyberGhost is often slower and less dependable on international connections when compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
In other words, for heavy bandwidth activities like HD streaming and torrenting, we don’t recommend the VPN as highly.
7. Private VPN Best VPN for Public WiFi
An easy-to-use VPN that is great for protecting free public WiFi.
Pros
o Beginner-friendly programmes that are simple to use
o High-level encryption and servers with no logs
- Quick and safe connections across short distances
- $2.00 monthly price for a 3-year contract.
- Removes 14 Netflix region blocks
o Gets around Chinese internet censorship
Cons
o A 200 server small network
On long-distance connections, it is slower
O No VPN add-ons for browsers
o Game consoles cannot use Smart DNS.
o There isn’t always 24/7 live assistance accessible
o Lack of sufficient specificity in logging policy
9.3 Overall Score: 8.9
The following seven subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall rating. Read our VPN testing process for more information.
Secure free public WiFi connections can be achieved with the help of PrivateVPN, a no-logs VPN with user-friendly applications.
The VPN has a smaller server network than VPNs with better rankings, but it is still very effective at unblocking numerous streaming websites and apps.
advanced WiFi security on untrustworthy networks
Applications from PrivateVPN are not only user-friendly for beginners, but also quite secure.
The software uses a 2048-bit RSA handshake and the AES-256 cypher to encrypt internet connections.
, the no-logs VPN has a functional VPN kill switch to guard against unforeseen IP address leaks (which we have never found in our tests).
In places where there is a higher danger of data profiling and man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks, such as airports, hotels, and coffee shops, PrivateVPN’s protection is ideal for protecting free public WiFi. This is another Best VPN Services.
bypasses geo-restrictions on streaming easily
When it comes to unblocking programmes and websites, PrivateVPN excels.
In reality, the VPN can unblock 14 different Netflix locations in addition to BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and many other services.
US Netflix is always compatible with PrivateVPN.
However, the Smart DNS feature is absent. To utilise PrivateVPN with devices like Apple TV and game consoles, you must configure your network.
International speeds are slower and the server network is small.
The biggest weakness of PrivateVPN is its limited server network. In contrast to ExpressVPN’s 3,000 servers, it only provides 200.
Because of the congested network caused by this small server park, PrivateVPN’s long-distance connections are frequently slower than those of its rivals.
Therefore, while viewing American Netflix or HBO Max from outside the US, don’t necessarily expect HD quality.
8. Proton VPN The best VPN for encryption
A very secure VPN with capabilities for bank-grade encryption.
Pros
o No-logs policy and AES 256-bit cipherage
Higher encryption is provided via Secure Core technology.
o Capabilities for stopping IPv6 leaks
O The TOR server tool over VPN
o Every app is open-source
No data consumption limits apply to the free plan.
Cons
o No support for live chat available around-the-clock.
o No native Firestick app
- Avoids evading severe web censors
o No Smart DNS software
Overall Score: 8.7
The following seven subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall rating. Read our VPN testing process for more information.
The team that developed ProtonMail, a secure email service, also developed Proton VPN. It arrives as no surprise that the software places a priority on privacy and security.
There are free and paid versions of the VPN service. All applications are open-source, and strong encryption is used for VPN connections.
greatest level of encryption
The term “very safe and encrypted VPN connections” now includes Proton VPN.
The programme makes use of the AES-256 cryptography, the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, as well as Forward Secrecy (FS).
Proton VPN limits the amount of data in each encryption key by producing a distinct set of keys at regular intervals.
The strongest cyphers and encryption techniques are employed by Proton VPN.
Proton VPN, like all the other VPNs we suggest in this article, provides a functional kill switch to guard against unforeseen VPN connection failures.
Technology Secure Core
Proton VPN created and employs Secure Core, an additional layer of protection, on 40 of its servers.
In the Proton VPN app, you can toggle the Secure Core connection.
The system retransmits traffic through a number of servers before sending it to the target app or website.
Secure Core is comparable to NordVPN’s and Surfshark’s Multihop option.
Not the best purchase possible
Despite being a very good VPN, Proton VPN doesn’t offer the same level of value for money as other highly regarded services.
two-year subscription for $4.99 a month is the best deal available. Proton VPN lacks critical features even though it may not appear to be that pricey.
The VPN service lacks browser add-ons, a native Fire TV app, Smart DNS compatibility, and round-the-clock live chat assistance.
Go to Proton VPN.
Or read the entirety of our Proton VPN review.
9. Windscribe Best Free VPN
A safe free and paid VPN that excels at the majority of its tasks.
Pros
Most streaming services are unblocked by the free version.
o Permits torrenting on all public servers for free
o Does not compile individual traffic logs
o Gets through China’s content filters
o Residential IPs in the US and Canada are available
o Infinite connections at once
Cons
- Monthly data allowance of 10GB (free plan)
o Internationally sluggish speeds
o Delays in connections
o No Smart DNS software
o No support for live chat available around-the-clock.
o US Netflix is not unblocked by Windscribe Free
Overall Score: 8.6
The following seven subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall rating. Read our VPN testing process for more information.
Similar to Proton VPN, Windscribe VPN has two pricing tiers: free and premium.
The premium version is very effective at getting around streaming restrictions, while the free software version is the best free VPN we’ve examined.
prepared for global streaming
Windscribe stands out for its ease of use in circumventing streaming restrictions.
32 Netflix areas, including those in the US, UK, Brazil, Italy, and Germany, are accessible with the subscription version.
No longer can the free VPN access US Netflix, but it can unblock 6
HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, and more international libraries are available. However, you are constrained by the 10GB of monthly data allotment.
A great VPN option for BBC iPlayer and DAZN streaming is Windscribe.
Available residential IPs in the USA and Canada
This is another Best VPN Services. One of the few VPN services, Windscribe, offers residential IP addresses in Canada and the United States (Chicago, Dallas) (Toronto).
If you wish to continue utilising the same IP address in the US or Canada, these static IP addresses are helpful because they never change.
Residential IP addresses from internet service providers like AT&T are used by Windscribe. So they can get around geo-restrictions on streaming. These IPs do, however, come with an additional $8 monthly fee.
US Netflix is always unblocked using our Windscribe’s residential IP address in Chicago.
Furthermore, even if you share these IPs with a small number of other users, they are not as private as utilising the dynamic IP addresses that are shared by a large number of VPN users.
overseas connection and speed delays
When compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN, Windscribe had slower long-distance speeds, which was a problem.
streaming foreign video content, the picture quality suffers due to these reduced speeds. In our recent tests, we repeatedly noticed fuzzy broadcasts while streaming movies.
Additionally, it can take many seconds at best and many minutes at worst to connect to some servers. We occasionally had trouble connecting at all.
10. Astrill VPN Best VPN for China
The most trustworthy VPN for unblocking Chinese-blocked websites. This is another Best VPN Services.
Pros
100% dependability while working in China
O Exceptionally efficient Stealth VPN protocol
o A kill switch and leak protection
server multihop (at extra cost)
- Located in the Seychelles, which respects privacy
Cons
O The most costly VPN
o No refund is promised.
o Not suitable for streaming
o Kill switch absent on iOS and Android
o No add-ons for browsers
o No support for Smart DNS
Overall Score: 8.5
Although there are several VPN protocols available, we advise sticking with OpenVPN, WireGuard, and StealthVPN.
Utilizing first-party DNS servers, limiting DNS and IPv6 leaks, and having a functional kill switch for further IP address security are all advantages. Costly and without a money-back guarantee
In comparison to the majority of VPN services we’ve examined, Astrill is very pricey. You cannot get your money back if you are dissatisfied with the product, either.
The increased price wouldn’t be an issue if Astrill was exceptional in most aspects, however the VPN service has problems.
For instance, many video streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video, are not unblocked.
Additionally, the VPN lacks Smart DNS, browser extensions, and a kill switch for Android and iPhone mobile devices.
VPN Services We Also Took into Account
Since 2016, we’ve tested more than 200 VPN services and thoroughly examined 71 of them.
Numerous well-known VPN providers that we examined didn’t make our list of the top 10 recommendations for a variety of reasons.
Some of the most well-known VPNs that didn’t make it onto our list are listed below:
Formerly known as HideMyAss, HMA VPN
What we don’t like: HMA VPN continues to raise privacy issues for us due to their malfunctioning kill switch, recent invasive logging policy, and history of handing over user information to law authorities.
Hotspot Shield logs way too much information, which we don’t like. Your IP address, approximate location, connection timestamps, the amount of bandwidth utilised by each user and session, device-specific data, and non-personal logs of the websites you visit are all included in this.
Mullvad
What we dislike: Although Mullvad VPN is extremely safe, it cannot get around geo-restrictions. Most streaming services are not unblocked by it, and nations with strict censorship regulations cannot use it.
What we don’t like: PureVPN can’t get around strict web blocks or unblock US Netflix. Additionally, the VPN’s logging policy needs to be strengthened.
IVPN
What we don’t like: IVPN has a limited IP address space and a small server network. The poor international speeds we encountered while utilising the VPN are a result of this.
TunnelBear
What we don’t like: TunnelBear’s server network is extremely small and it is unable to circumvent most geo-blocks. This indicates that it cannot be used for streaming or in nations with strict censorship.
Secureline VPN by Avast
What we dislike: Avast VPN tracks excessive amounts of data, provides very minimal protection, and does a poor job of getting around geo-blocks. Simply said, it performs poorly in comparison to top VPN providers.
Secure & 360 VPN by Norton
What we don’t like: Norton VPN doesn’t clear websites, & none of its servers permit torrenting.
Superior VPN
What we dislike: Betternet VPN is an unreliable VPN in general. It has poor performance, insufficient security protections, and leaks DNS requests.
Hola VPN.
What we don’t like: According to our testing, Hola VPN is among the worst VPN providers. It’s slow, inhibits BitTorrent traffic and Netflix, and monitors all of your online activity.
Buy VPN Guide
Before determining which VPN service is best for you, you must conduct your own research.
Before signing up for a VPN service, spend some time reading current reviews, test results, and recommendations from reliable and independent VPN review websites.
Features to Think About When Selecting a VPN
When selecting a VPN, we strongly suggest that you take into account the features and characteristics listed below.
Security
Look for the following characteristics in a VPN if you wish to secure your internet traffic when using free WiFi networks:
- Encryption using AES-256 and secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
- A kill switch for the VPN that will safeguard your true IP address if the VPN connection is lost.
- Specialized servers that support Tor over VPN and multi-hop, obfuscation, and other features.
- IP leak protection for IPv6 traffic (because the majority of VPNs are incompatible with IPv6 connections).
Privacy
Look for these essential characteristics in a VPN to anonymize your surfing activity:
- A no-logs privacy policy to avoid the tracking of your online behaviour.
- Company headquarters located in a nation without data retention regulations (i.e. a privacy-friendly jurisdiction).
- “RAM-only” servers, which don’t store data on hard drives.
Capabilities for streaming
Here are the product characteristics to look for if you want to utilise a VPN to access geo-restricted streaming services:
- Compatible with Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, US Netflix, and Hulu.
- Quick international connections, especially to well-known server hubs like the US and UK.
- Content on streaming devices can be unblocked using Smart DNS, Fire TV, and Android TV apps.
- Live chat assistance available around-the-clock to help users identify streaming servers more quickly.
Speed
The following are the more crucial factors to take into account if you want a VPN with the fastest outright speed:
- Employed a speed-optimized VPN protocol, such as WireGuard.
- Provides VPN servers with high bandwidth for dependable speed performance, such as 20Gbps.
- Runs a sizable server network that allows you to always connect to a server close by for the fastest speeds.
Compatibility with Devices
If you possess multiple computers and gadgets, take into account the following compatibility requirements:
- Native apps for mobile devices running Windows, macOS, iOS (iPhone and iPad), and Android.
- The ability to set up the VPN on routers and a native app for Fire TV devices.
- Smart DNS technology, which enables Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox to use the VPN service’s DNS credentials.
- VPN add-ons for Chrome and Firefox that can be used on Chromebooks and to control the VPN at the browser level.
- Roku, Chromecast, and other WiFi-connected gadgets can all use a VPN if your router is compatible with it.
- An Android.APK file that can be used to sideload (install) the VPN on Android devices without native VPN capabilities.
Innovative Features
Here are crucial features for expert VPN users to get the most of their VPN:
- A large number of simultaneous connections that are allowed, allowing you to safeguard every device you own.
- Split tunnelling, which allows you to set up specific hardware or software to leverage your regular internet connection.
- An ad blocker to keep trackers and advertisements out of your online experience.
Cheap: You’ll need to pay for at least two years in advance to get a reliable VPN for about $2 per month. The primary disadvantage is that you won’t be able to get your money back if the product goes worse over time. While we do suggest a few inexpensive VPNs, many of them have less features and perform poorly across a number of test categories.
Mid-Range: Most VPN plans cost about $6 per month. You can either purchase a superior VPN on a long-term plan for this amount, or a subpar VPN on a short-term plan. If this is your spending limit, you must determine if you can afford the higher initial cost of a better VPN.
Expensive: The best VPNs typically cost $12 or more per month. If your VPN is no longer adequate, you may easily transfer providers by paying on a monthly basis with a lower financial loss. The disadvantage is the gradually rising expense. However, by making an upfront yearly or multi-year subscription payment, you can lower the monthly cost.
Can I Obtain a VPN for Nothing?
There are many free VPNs available. They come in a mixture of quality levels, much like premium VPN services. If you only intend to use the VPN service occasionally and informally, you might be able to get by with a free one.
For instance, free VPNs like Windscribe Free and Proton VPN Free will function if you wish to utilise free public WiFi safely once or twice every month.
A free VPN, however, won’t be fast enough to consistently mask your IP address and get around geo-restrictions.
Most reliable free VPNs have monthly data caps or don’t support streaming and torrenting.
Additionally, you should exercise caution while choosing a free VPN. Many free VPNs are unsecure and ineffective, according to our research.
Testing VPN Services
Based on our VPN reviews, we have selected the top VPNs to suggest in this article.
We evaluate each VPN according to a number of criteria, and the results are used to generate an overall score.
Every top VPN provider should have:
- A “no-logs” or comparable privacy policy.
- Worldwide low latency and fast upload and download rates.
- Additional security, OpenVPN capabilities, and AES-256 encryption.
- Support for torrenting and streaming.
- How simple it is to install and utilise the app on various devices.
- The calibre of the online help resources and customer service.
You may have also seen ratings given for “Price & Value for Money” and “Bypassing Censorship” in our reviews.
On this page, “Price & Value for Money” is not taken into consideration. Regardless of cost, we take overall quality into account. You can determine whether the cost of a VPN is one that you are willing to pay for yourself.
A minor amount of the category “Features, Encryption & Security” is devoted to “Bypassing Censorship.” Read about our VPN testing procedure to find out exactly how it operates.
VPN test equipment
We test VPN software on a variety of gadgets, such as:
- The Lenovo T480 and T480s
- Mac Mini, MacBook Pro, and iMac
- iPad Pro & iPhone 12
- Galaxy S8 from Samsung
- Apple TV, Sony Bravia, and Fire TV Stick
- Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5
The VPN factors we evaluate are broken down in greater depth below, along with the percentage of the overall rating that each category contributes to:
1. 30% Privacy & Log Policy
Minimum Requirement: Regularly wipes servers and does not retain any personally identifying online data.
No logs should be kept at all, is what we advise. genuinely zero-logs
Use a VPN that doesn’t record information that could be used to identify you or link your online behaviour to you.
We have very strict policies on VPNs that acknowledge logging connection info, DNS requests, or IP addresses.
Usage data that is anonymous or aggregated is okay. This can include your monthly login total, the overall amount of data consumed, or the total number of people connected at once to a server.
We are more tolerant of VPN services that immediately after your session ends or within 24 hours destroy the data they have acquired.
We carefully examine each VPN’s privacy policy to see how it handles your data.
Additionally, we investigate a VPN’s background and corporate ownership to decide whether or not you can trust it.
2. 25% Speed & Reliability
Fast adequately for HD streaming on local connections as a minimum requirement. Less than 20% or 40% speed loss on local connections, respectively. To determine how quickly a VPN is, we employ two separate speed tests: manual and automatic.
The VPN is utilised during our manual speed tests on a managed, specialised testing network. We establish connections to many servers across the globe and keep track of how much they slow down our connections.
Our automated tests are built on a custom speed testing programme that we run on 11 of our own servers spread out throughout the globe.
Our automated speed test tool evaluates 16 of the most well-liked VPNs every day, updating speed information every six hours.
Though maybe less personable than our manual results, our automatic outcomes are more reliable because of their regularity and scale.
Before we use our methodology and provide a speed rating, we consider the download paces, upload speeds, & ping from both sets of tests.
3. 20% for features, encryption, and security
128 encryption, 100 servers, & an internet kill switch are the very minimum requirements.
-256, OpenVPN, or a comparable VPN, and obfuscation tools are all recommended.
AES encryption cyphers are used by almost all of the VPNs we test. While AES-128 is completely secure, we seek for AES-256 for the highest level of protection.
Another important security component we consider is VPN Protocols. As it best balances speed and security, OpenVPN is typically available as a default protocol option in VPN services.
WireGuard and their own custom protocol, both of which we highly recommend, are now being offered by more VPNs. We never suggest a proprietary protocol without first inspecting and testing it, so don’t worry.
Another crucial factor is the quantity of servers offered by a VPN service. It’s challenging to determine precisely how many VPN servers are the ideal number, though.
Before suggesting a VPN, we verify that its server network is extensive and international.
In addition, we confirm there are enough VPN servers in the most well-known areas to prevent lag and traffic congestion even during periods of high usage.
The best VPN services also offer some kind of obfuscation. Whether censorship is imposed by your business, school, or government, this technology is crucial.
We utilise a server we own in China to test each VPN’s capacity to circumvent the most stringent web censorship.
4. 10% of streams
Twelve of the most well-liked streaming services, including Netflix, DAZN, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer, are active subscribers for us.
month, we invest hours connecting to VPN servers to test each VPN’s ability to let us stream the desired content.
At the very least, every high-end VPN should have access to the US Netflix catalogue.
5% of torrenting
Allows private torrenting on numerous hosts is the bare minimum requirement. Allows high-speed torrenting on all waitpeople, with no data recording, is what we advise. Never allow torrenting to be severely restricted by a premium VPN. Additionally, torrenting ought to be permitted almost on any server.
Additionally, we evaluate P2P bitrates for torrent VPNs and keep track of them to determine whether VPN providers have made their services faster for file-sharing.
5. Usefulness: 5%
Easy installation and user-friendly apps on all major platforms are the minimum requirements. All of the aforementioned, in addition to clear in-app labels and apps for uncommon platforms, are things we advise.
We ensure that every VPN we test offers born apps for Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS & iOS, and Google Android at the very least, unless a VPN is exclusively available on mobile devices.
These apps ought to have a clear “for beginners” designation. To connect to a server, it shouldn’t take more than a few taps or clicks, and the server list should be logically arranged and simple to use.
We give top marks to VPNs that have a well-designed Amazon Fire TV app, a GUI for Linux, or a powerful Smart DNS tool for gaming consoles and streaming devices.
In our assessments, we also take into history a service’s online installation guides for more specialised platforms.
6. Support for clients: 5%
A support email address and online troubleshooting resources are the bare minimum requirements. All of the aforementioned, as well as comprehensive FAQs and round-the-clock live chat help, are recommended.
Years of VPN testing have taught us one important lesson: the best VPNs stand out from the competition by providing excellent customer service.
The best VPNs provide comprehensive how-to tutorials and live chat help that is available around-the-clock to make problems considerably less painful.
You should bear no less than a prompt and beneficial email support service in addition to some fundamental online FAQs.
How Do VPN Services Work?
In order to get around internet geo-blocks, users can access proxy servers through a VPN (virtual private network) service. Additionally, VPN software shields your internet data transfers from unauthorised data profiling and hacking activities.
Using VPN software, you may establish a secure connection between your device and a distant server. A VPN basically has two purposes: to mask your public IP address and to encrypt your internet traffic.
The websites and applications you use are connected to your device using VPN software over an encrypted connection. By connecting to a secure VPN server, it accomplishes this.
Your public IP address is swapped with the server’s IP address when you connect to a VPN server. This may give the impression that the you are browsing from another location or nation.
Your online privacy, security, and freedom are all considerably increased by encrypting your data transfers and altering your IP address.
Defining a VPN in a Video
We created the brief video below to plainly define a VPN service, what it does, and how it functions:
Play
Once you know how they operate, VPNs are actually fairly straightforward.
Why a VPN Service Is Necessary
A list of the advantages of using a VPN service is provided below.
Typically, VPN services are used for:
- Safeguarding private information on open WiFi networks.
- Avoiding Internet Service Providers’ detection of your site traffic (ISPs).
- Unblocking foreign streaming services and websites.
- Protecting your identity and torrenting behaviour.
- Avoiding censorship and internet outages imposed by the government.
1. Data transfers on open WiFi networks should be encrypted.
To steal critical information like your bank account information and passwords, cybercriminals use public WiFi networks that do not require a password. Your sensitive data is at risk when you utilise a public WiFi connection that doesn’t require a password.
Your web traffic can be shielded from hackers and other outside parties using VPN software. It encrypts your surfing activities and almost eliminates the possibility of hackers intercepting data transmissions.
We use Mullvad to encrypt all internet traffic.
2. Hide Your ISP From Your Web Activity
Every website you visit and message you send is subject to monitoring by Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Your ISP will very probably be obligated to keep a record of your surfing history for at least a year, depending on where you live.
Your website requests are encrypted by a VPN as they move from your device to the VPN server. This implies that it will be much more difficult for your ISP to monitor your online behaviour and browsing patterns.
VPN services also make it much more difficult for the websites you visit to recognise you by changing your IP address.
3. Remove geo-restricted web content (video)
Your public IP address is used by streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer to restrict the selection of movies and TV episodes you may access.
Every country has a unique library of content, and some content platforms are exclusively accessible in a particular nation.
To replace your actual IP address with an IP address from another country, you can use a VPN. On Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and other streaming services, you can use this method to “trick” the system and unblock regionally restricted content.
Using Private Internet Access, we quickly unblocked US Netflix.
4. While torrenting, conceal your IP address.
Without a VPN or proxy, P2P file sharing can be risky. Everyone with whom you share files can see your individual IP address, and your ISP can keep tabs on your download history.
Your identity, IP address, and file-sharing activity are all concealed from your ISP and other users by using a VPN. This safeguards you against the dangers of torrenting using your actual IP address. On qBittorrent, we evaluated CyberGhost’s torrenting skills.
5. Avoid the government’s censorship
The content you can view and do online is restricted by governments all over the world. In times of political unrest, some governments even decide to shut down specific online services, like social media platforms.
The best VPN services for circumventing internet restrictions employ obfuscation technology, which is made especially for this purpose. VPNs with obfuscation enable you to safely access the global internet by encrypting your web traffic and altering your IP address.
You may increase your online security, privacy, and freedom by using VPN services. But even the best VPNs have their own setbacks.
The following are some limitations of VPN software:
- Offer total malware and virus protection. Even if your VPN features a malware-blocking tool, you should still use reputable antivirus software.
- Securely save all of your passwords. Password managers are now available from certain VPNs, however we advise choosing well-known ones like LastPass or 1Password.
- Quicken your internet connection. Only if your ISP is slowing down your connection will this not apply.
- Disable ads. Some VPNs have an ad-blocker built in. If yours doesn’t, it would be wise to purchase one. We advise using uBlock Origin.
- Complete anonymity for you. Although VPNs can increase your privacy, they cannot entirely mask your identity. Other techniques for monitoring your internet activities include traffic analysis, tracking software, and browser fingerprinting.