Top VPN Providers - Expert Reviews
After testing 60+ VPN services, we've ranked the top 20 based on security, speed, reliability, and value. All providers offer money-back guarantees so you can try risk-free.
Special reminder: Specific prices, discounts, connections, refund times, service guarantees, etc. are subject to the information on the VPN provider's page or the information published by the VPN provider.
ExpressVPN
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
- Lightning-fast speeds
- TrustedServer technology (RAM-only)
- Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer
- 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN
- 5,400+ servers in 60 countries
- Double VPN encryption
- CyberSec ad blocker
- Dedicated IP option
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Surfshark
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- CleanWeb ad/malware blocker
- Camouflage mode (obfuscation)
- GPS spoofing on Android
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost
- 7,000+ servers in 90 countries
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- NoSpy servers (Romania)
- Optimized for streaming
- Automatic kill switch
Private Internet Access
- 35,000+ servers in 84 countries
- Open-source software
- MACE ad/tracker blocker
- Supports WireGuard
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ProtonVPN
- Swiss-based with strict privacy laws
- Secure Core architecture
- Free plan available (no logs)
- Tor over VPN servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
IPVanish
- 2,000+ servers in 75+ locations
- Unlimited device connections
- SOCKS5 web proxy included
- Owns its server network
- 30-day money-back guarantee
VyprVPN
- Owns and operates all servers
- Chameleon protocol (bypass VPN blocks)
- 300,000+ IP addresses
- No third-party server providers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Hotspot Shield
- Patented Hydra protocol (fast speeds)
- Free version available (with ads)
- Military-grade encryption
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Windscribe
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- Built-in firewall (kill switch)
- R.O.B.E.R.T. ad/tracker blocker
- Port forwarding available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
TunnelBear
- User-friendly interface
- Free plan (2GB/month)
- Independent security audits
- VigilantBear (kill switch)
Hide.me
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
Advertising Place
- Free plan with 10GB/month
- WireGuard protocol support
- No-logs policy (Malaysia-based)
- Stealth Guard feature
VPN Comparison Table
Special reminder: Specific prices, discounts, connections, refund times, service guarantees, etc. are subject to the information on the VPN provider's page or the information published by the VPN provider.
| VPN Provider | Starting Price | Servers | Simultaneous Connections | Money-Back Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | $6.67/month | 3,000+ in 94 countries | 5 | 30 days |
| NordVPN | $3.29/month | 5,400+ in 60 countries | 6 | 30 days |
| Surfshark | $2.30/month | 3,200+ in 100 countries | Unlimited | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | $2.19/month | 7,000+ in 90 countries | 7 | 45 days |
| Private Internet Access | $2.19/month | 35,000+ in 84 countries | 10 | 30 days |
How to Use a VPN: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Using a VPN is simple, but following these detailed steps will ensure optimal security and performance:
-
Choose the right VPN provider
Select a VPN based on your needs: streaming (ExpressVPN, NordVPN), torrenting (PIA, Surfshark), or privacy (ProtonVPN, Mullvad). Consider server locations, protocols, and logging policies.
-
Sign up and download the VPN app
Visit the provider's official website (avoid third-party app stores). Choose a subscription length (longer = better discounts). Download the appropriate app for your device (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux).
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Install and configure the VPN
Run the installer with administrator privileges. During setup, enable these recommended settings:
- Kill switch (network lock)
- Auto-connect on startup
- DNS leak protection
- Most secure protocol (WireGuard or OpenVPN)
-
Log in and connect to a server
Authenticate with your credentials. For general browsing, choose a nearby server for best speeds. For specific needs:
- Streaming: Use servers marked for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc.
- Privacy: Choose privacy-friendly countries (Switzerland, Iceland)
- Torrenting: Select P2P-optimized servers
-
Verify your VPN connection
Check for DNS leaks at DNSLeakTest.com. Confirm your IP address changed at WhatIsMyIP.com. Test WebRTC leaks at BrowserLeaks.com.
-
Advanced configuration (optional)
For maximum security:
- Enable obfuscation if in restrictive countries
- Use double VPN/multi-hop if available
- Configure router-level VPN for all devices
- Set up split tunneling for selective routing
Important Security Note
Always enable the kill switch feature to prevent data leaks if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This is especially crucial when using public Wi-Fi networks or in countries with internet restrictions.
VPN Limitations
While VPNs enhance privacy, they don't make you completely anonymous. Your VPN provider can see your activity if they keep logs. For maximum anonymity, combine VPN with Tor browser and practice good operational security.
VPN Protocols Explained: Which One Should You Use?
VPN protocols determine how your data is transmitted. Each has different strengths in speed, security, and ability to bypass restrictions:
WireGuard
Best for: Speed and modern encryption
Pros: Lightweight, fast, secure
Cons: Less configurable
Used by: NordVPN (NordLynx), ProtonVPN, Mullvad
OpenVPN
Best for: Security and flexibility
Pros: Highly configurable, open-source
Cons: Slower than WireGuard
Used by: Most premium VPNs
IKEv2/IPsec
Best for: Mobile devices
Pros: Fast reconnections, stable
Cons: Can be blocked
Used by: ExpressVPN, NordVPN
L2TP/IPsec
Best for: Legacy support
Pros: Widely supported
Cons: Potentially compromised by NSA
Used by: Older devices
PPTP
Best for: Not recommended
Pros: Fast (but insecure)
Cons: Easily cracked
Used by: Avoid if possible
Protocol Recommendations
| Use Case | Recommended Protocol | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| General browsing | WireGuard | OpenVPN (UDP) |
| Streaming | WireGuard | IKEv2 |
| Torrenting | OpenVPN (UDP) | WireGuard |
| High security | OpenVPN (TCP) | WireGuard |
| Restrictive countries | Obfuscated OpenVPN | Stealth protocols |
VPN Usage Considerations and Best Practices
While VPNs offer significant benefits, these factors ensure safe and effective use:
Legal and Ethical Considerations
- Legality varies: VPNs are legal in most countries but restricted in some (China, Russia, UAE, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Belarus, Oman)
- Terms of service: Using VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions may violate streaming platforms' terms (though rarely enforced)
- Illegal activities: VPNs don't make illegal actions (piracy, hacking) legal
Performance Optimization
- Server selection: Choose geographically closer servers for better speeds
- Protocol choice: WireGuard typically offers best speed/security balance
- Time of day: Server load affects performance - try different times
- Device limitations: Older devices may perform better with IKEv2 than WireGuard
Security Best Practices
- Software updates: Always use the latest VPN client version
- Account security: Use strong passwords and enable 2FA if available
- Leak protection: Regularly test for DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leaks
- Session hygiene: Log out of accounts before connecting/disconnecting
- Multi-hop: Consider double VPN for sensitive activities
Privacy Considerations
- Jurisdiction matters: Prefer providers in privacy-friendly countries (not Five Eyes)
- Logging policies: Look for independently audited no-log policies
- Payment methods: For anonymity, use cryptocurrency or cash payments
- Free VPN risks: Most free VPNs have limitations or questionable data practices
Warning About Free VPN Services
Our security analysis found that 75% of free VPN apps contain tracking libraries, inject ads, or sell user data. Notable exceptions with legitimate free tiers include ProtonVPN and Windscribe (with registration).
VPN Challenges and Solutions
Understanding these common issues helps you select and use VPNs more effectively:
Technical Challenges
Slow Connection Speeds
- Solution: Try different server locations
- Fix: Switch to WireGuard protocol
- Tip: Use wired connection instead of Wi-Fi
- Advanced: Adjust MTU settings
VPN Connection Drops
- Solution: Enable kill switch feature
- Fix: Change VPN protocol (try OpenVPN TCP)
- Tip: Check for software updates
- Advanced: Adjust reconnection settings
Streaming Services Block VPN
- Solution: Use dedicated streaming servers
- Fix: Clear browser cache/cookies
- Tip: Try different server locations
- Advanced: Use obfuscated servers
Country-Specific Issues
| Country | VPN Restrictions | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|---|
| China | Great Firewall blocks most VPNs | Use obfuscated servers (ExpressVPN, NordVPN) |
| Russia | VPN ban enforced | Stealth protocols, Tor bridges |
| UAE | VOIP restrictions | Use VPNs with obfuscation |
| Iran | Heavy internet censorship | SSH tunneling + VPN |
Emerging VPN Technologies
- Quantum-resistant encryption: Preparing for future quantum computing threats
- Decentralized VPNs: Blockchain-based solutions like Orchid
- AI-powered routing: Automatically selects fastest servers
- IoT protection: VPN solutions for smart home devices
- Zero Trust integration: Combining VPN with Zero Trust architecture
VPN Frequently Asked Questions
Is using a VPN legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries, including the United States, Canada, and most of Europe. However, some countries restrict or ban VPN use, including China, Russia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Belarus, and the UAE. Even where legal, using a VPN for illegal activities remains illegal.
Can I be tracked if I use a VPN?
A quality no-logs VPN prevents your ISP from tracking your browsing history. However, you can still be tracked through:
- Browser fingerprinting
- Logged-in accounts (Google, Facebook)
- Cookies and tracking pixels
- Malware on your device
Do VPNs slow down internet speed?
All VPNs cause some speed reduction due to encryption overhead and server distance. Premium VPNs typically reduce speeds by 10-20%, while free VPNs may slow connections by 50% or more. WireGuard protocol offers the best speed/security balance.
Can I use a VPN for torrenting?
Yes, but choose VPNs that explicitly allow P2P traffic and have port forwarding support. Top choices for torrenting include:
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
- NordVPN (specialty P2P servers)
- Surfshark
- ExpressVPN
How do I choose between VPN protocols?
Follow these guidelines:
- WireGuard: Best for most users (fast and secure)
- OpenVPN: When you need maximum configurability
- IKEv2: For mobile devices that switch networks
- Obfuscated: In restrictive countries
- L2TP/PPTP: Avoid (outdated/insecure)
Are free VPNs safe to use?
Most free VPNs have significant limitations or security risks. Exceptions with reputable free plans include ProtonVPN (no logs, limited servers) and Windscribe (10GB/month with email). Avoid free VPNs that:
- Show ads or inject trackers
- Have vague privacy policies
- Limit speeds severely
- Come from unknown developers