11 Best VPN (September, 2023)

The best VPNs are VPN providers that offer the best anonymous and secure browsing experience for all users. NordVPN, Atlas VPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Windscribe, and IPVanish are some of the best VPN software options available.

These VPNs offer fast internet speeds, decent app compatibility, sufficient security features, and other essential benefits.

Although choosing the best VPN is every internet user’s desire, this can be challenging. So, this article will simplify things by listing the strong points of these VPNs so that choosing one will be easy.

This article will also offer some essential information that an individual should know regarding these Virtual Private Networks.

What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

A virtual private network is an application or an online service that takes your internet connection through a series of servers.

These servers, usually owned by all VPN providers, help to change the user’s location online. This way, an internet user from Canada can browse the internet, with their location showing that they’re coming from Russia.

So, you can use a VPN to trick sites like Google, allowing you to access search interests for other countries. You can also use them to access websites restricted to certain countries. Users in countries like China, where internet connectivity is heavily controlled, can access websites that their Internet Service Provider (ISP) bans.

A top secure VPN also encrypts your internet connection, masking it from the eyes of all who intend to pry.

Even when your internet connection is intercepted, hackers or even government agencies won’t be able to see your internet activity. So, you can browse the web in total secrecy, with no one aware of your activities.

Simply put, a VPN is software that offers freedom on the web, allowing users to go wherever they want. Users can browse the web without worrying about unknown individuals tracking their online activity.

How Do VPNs Work?

The only way for others to peek into your browsing activities is to gain access to your internet connection. This occurs when you browse with an insecure internet connection using an unprotected public server.

So, before your web traffic reaches the website you want to open, hackers and the like will have already gone through it.

As such, VPNs protect their users by routing the user’s web traffic through a secure server using their secure connection.

So, instead of the web traffic going from the user’s device to the website, it’ll head to the VPN’s server first. The VPN will then use a more secure connection from the server to connect the user to their desired website.

This way, the government, hackers, and other entities will only see the VPN’s connection when they try to peep into your browsing activities. This is where other features of a Virtual Private Network, like split tunnelling and scrambling, come in.

These features can scramble all attempts to determine an individual’s browsing activities and even cover the website the individual tried to visit.

As you can guess, most of these features that VPNs offer are geared towards enhancing privacy and online anonymity.

While these features work perfectly for that purpose, they are harsh on your internet speeds. This is why people experience a drop in speed when they use a VPN for browsing.

Nonetheless, the best VPNs have thought about these issues and developed several protocols. Some of these protocols include the WireGuard Protocol and OpenVPN.

These protocols are all designed to enhance browsing speed. Some of them are so good that it’s hard for users to detect the drop in speeds when they use that VPN.

The Different Types of VPN

Many people believe that a VPN’s job focuses on providing online anonymity to internet users. This is the case for personal VPNs, the most popular virtual private network.

Other virtual private networks, on the other hand, focus on other aspects of online security other than anonymity.

The various Virtual Private Networks out there can be grouped into 4, and they’re explained below:

Remote Access VPN

Compared to the popular personal VPN, helpful to businesses and private users, this VPN is mainly valuable for businesses. Remote access VPNs are used by corporations to allow their workers to safely access company data.

Most modern companies store their information online, in their private office network. So, when workers access this data, they risk losing it to hackers and the like.

This is especially noticeable when those employees attempt to connect to the office network via an unsafe internet connection, such as public WiFi.

In such situations, these companies will provide a remote access VPN for workers. This way, a worker’s internet connection will be secured before accessing company data.

Personal VPN

This VPN is the commercial virtual private network the average internet user subscribes to. Such VPNs act as the middleman between the average internet user and the website they wish to visit.

So, they can encrypt the user’s connection, spoof their location, or allow them to browse the web anonymously.

Such VPNs don’t give access to a private network and provide security and anonymity on public networks. Some of the personal VPNs out there include ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN.

Mobile VPN

The mobile VPN is like the remote access VPN, the only difference being the provision it makes for network changes. Remote access VPNs allow users to access a private network from one location. Still, the user needs to be on the same network.

So, users can’t switch from one WiFi to another, disconnect and reconnect, or change their connection in any way. If they do, the connection is lost, and they would have to reconnect to the Virtual Private Network all over again.

Mobile VPNs are known for the consistent protection they provide, regardless of the hiccups in the connection. Such VPNs are used by police officers and firefighters.

Site-to-Site VPN

Where mobile VPNs and remote access VPNs allow people to access a private network, site-to-site VPNs join two networks together. This can allow a company that has two different branches to join their data networks together for collaboration.

Pros of VPN

Using a virtual private network has many benefits for both techies and the average user.

You probably don’t know its advantages if you’re not using a VPN. Some of the benefits that come with using a VPN are covered below.

Unblocking Apps

I am sure that some of us have encountered situations where some websites are unavailable for browsing.

This usually occurs when network providers lock users out of those websites for one reason or another. So, even when you have data on your phone or computer, those websites won’t open.

This is popular in countries like China, where the government doesn’t want citizens accessing certain websites or apps.

So, when internet users in China try to access websites like Facebook, their internet connection won’t go through.

This is where a good VPN is helpful, as it can cover the users’ browsing activities. So, the network won’t know which website the user is trying to visit, and it won’t hinder their connection.

This feature is also useful when people purchase social media-specific browsing plans and wish to use them for other things. So, you can purchase a Facebook data plan, which is only meant for Facebook browsing, but use it for other browsing activities.

Online Security

The internet isn’t any safer today than when it was first launched. The web is more dangerous now than ever, as information is a precious resource in this age. So, there’s every chance that your online activities are being monitored by hackers or the government.

In such cases, the best choice is to get a VPN to protect yourself from all suspicious entities online. Even if you can’t pay for a subscription, going with one of the best free VPN providers isn’t a bad choice. You’ll find such free VPN providers as you read ahead.

Anonymity

You might believe that only hackers and malicious entities need to remain anonymous online. Well, that would have been okay in the past.

However, everyone needs to be anonymous in some situations these days. Anonymity is necessary when people don’t want to leave their information online. An example of this is when you’re torrenting.

Torrenting is a grey area for many countries, while others have strict laws against it since it conflicts with copyright laws. In countries where torrenting is illegal, anyone who torrents will be tracked by law enforcement agents and prosecuted.

However, people can avoid the eyes of law enforcement agents when they are anonymous while browsing.

This is a feature that only the best VPNs can grant a user. Besides torrenting, online gambling, downloading cracked games, and other gray online activities require a VPN for anonymity.

A superstar who doesn’t want hackers to track their online activities can also browse anonymously with a VPN.

Unblocking Streaming Services

Have you ever attempted to access UK Netflix using a Netflix account registered in China? This is the case for other streaming services that lock users to a particular region. So, when people use such streaming services, they can only watch content from their region.

However, virtual private networks can allow users to access servers in other regions. This would allow the user to fool the streaming services and access that region’s content. The best VPN apps also have features that unlock location-locked content for streaming services like Netflix.

Besides streaming services, this feature also allows users to access content on websites that are locked to a particular region. So, the users can choose servers for that location, and they’ll be able to access its content.

Avoid Cookie-Based Manipulation

Do you know that some websites you visit store your browsing data as cookies and give them to eCommerce websites?

So, when you visit some eCommerce websites for the first time, the products they recommend will be what you need. Those websites would have known this only if they snooped on your browsing activities.

While some people would be okay with it, many internet users won’t stand for this, as it breaches their online privacy. VPNs are perfect for such situations, as they block the activities of such cookies.

Cons of VPN

There are several drawbacks to using a VPN, in addition to the numerous benefits and increased security.

Some of these drawbacks might be minor issues for most users, while others may be significant deal-breakers. So, it’s best to consider these drawbacks before deciding if a Virtual Private Network is right for you.

VPNs Are Illegal in Some Countries

One of the most significant issues with using a VPN in a few countries is that the government disallows them.

This is the case in countries like China, North Korea, and other countries where the government actively monitors the internet. So, using a VPN in such countries is a crime. Of course, this drawback only affects users living in such countries.

Some Online Services Can Block Your Device

All streaming services, payment services, and other location-locked websites are aware of the existence of VPNs.

This means that they know these apps are designed to circumvent those service restrictions and don’t like them. So, whenever they find out a customer is using a VPN to access their service, they can blacklist that individual’s IP address.

That way, the customer won’t be able to access their service as long as they use that blacklisted device.

Those funds will be lost if the customer has an active subscription or funds in their account. Netflix, PayPal, and other location-locked services are notorious for this.

Some VPN Providers Can Sell a Customer’s Data

People use a VPN to prevent malicious entities from accessing their browsing data. This means that the VPN would protect their data to prevent it from being taken by others. This also means that the customer’s data is at the mercy of the virtual private network.

So, unless the VPN is trustworthy or has passed a no-logs audit, they can sell their customers’ data.

Connection Breaks

All VPNs come with a kill switch. The purpose of the kill switch is to sever the internet connection when the VPN protection is lost. This means they prevent your internet connection from revealing your browsing data when the VPN server drops.

Well, server drops occur regularly for many VPNs out there, making such disconnections constant. This can be quite a nuisance when you’re on a streaming service, playing games online, or downloading files.

VPNs Affect Internet Speed

A VPN works by rerouting the user’s web access through their secure servers before taking it to the target website.

When you combine this with other security features that a VPN offers, a drop in speed results. So, you can find yourself in situations where your VPN can cause your internet speed to drop to half what it was initially.

What is the Best VPN?

With thousands of VPNs available, it’s no surprise to hear someone ask, “What is the best VPN software?”

When you search the internet, you’ll also see thousands of VPNs claiming to be the best. Each one will claim to provide better services than the others, with features that outperform the competition.

However, the best VPNs are those that excel in all aspects of what a Virtual Private Network does. This includes internet speed, privacy features, security features, ease of usage, app compatibility, and customer support.

The best VPNs can unblock location-locked streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, etc.

Taking all these features into account, the best VPN options you can try include the following:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the best VPN networks out there and one of the oldest names in the business. With this age comes an impressive clientele and experience that also work in its favour. So, you can be sure of impeccable service when you decide on this VPN software.

NordVPN offers more than 5500 server locations in more than 50 countries. So, while it’s not widespread coverage like ExpressVPN, it’s good enough for many internet users.

When you pair this up with the NordLynx protocol, their version of WireGuard, you can be sure of a stable internet connection.

This VPN also offers different services, befitting its position as one the oldest virtual private networks in the business.

Split tunneling, AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, as well as Double VPN, and Onion over VPN are all features that Internet users can expect. Double VPN and Onion over VPN are unique features that can increase the security of a browsing session.

NordVPN, one of the best VPNs, provides its services across various platforms, from computers to smartphones.

Although this VPN works well on computers, some of its services haven’t been optimized enough for mobile. So, when users move between these platforms, they’ll notice some inconsistencies.

This VPN service is also cooking up a service beyond what other virtual private networks can offer–Meshnet.

Meshnet is a feature that’ll connect NordVPN users worldwide using an encrypted network connection. Although it’s still in the works, this service has some serious potential, so many NordVPN users are looking forward to it.

With NordVPN, you don’t have to worry about missing out on geo-locked content from streaming services. This VPN allows users to access location-locked content on Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Disney+, etc.

Features of NordVPN

• This VPN software can only support a maximum of 6 devices connected to the device with the VPN.
• There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for customers who are unsatisfied with their purchase.
• NordVPN offers more than 5,500 servers to choose from.
• They have more than 80 server locations in 59 countries worldwide.
• There’s a 24/7 live chat option for customers who are experiencing issues.
• NordVPN can deliver internet speeds reaching up to 800 Mbps.

Costs of the VPN

NordVPN offers a month of service for $11.99 per month. However, customers that make yearly purchases will enjoy discounts on their monthly purchases.

So, if you want to pay less each month, purchasing their 1-year or 2-year subscriptions is the best option.

A customer who purchases a one-year subscription will pay $4.49 per month. A 2-year subscription is much cheaper as it will see customers paying $2.49 monthly.

Pros of NordVPN

• Besides the standard AES-256 security features, this VPN software offers other security-focused features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN. This makes it one of the best VPNs for cybersecurity.
• NordVPN offers some of the best internet speeds for a VPN. With this, users can rest assured of reliable performance when using streaming services.
• NordVPN offers numerous servers for users to choose from.
• This virtual private network offers browser extensions for computer users that don’t want to download the desktop app. Users can enjoy this lightweight option on Firefox, Edge, and Chrome browsers.
• NordVPN offers one of the best no-logging policies for a VPN. It also invites PricewaterhouseCoopers to annually confirm its no-logging policy.
• Besides their live chat support, NordVPN also offers helpful articles and a chatbot on their platform.
• Security is a strong point of this VPN, as it offers a variety of security features.

Cons of NordVPN

• Although the first-time fees for a NordVPN subscription are somewhat low, renewals can be pretty high.
• The six simultaneous connections are a letdown when most VPNs offer unlimited connections.
• Although NordVPN supports torrenting, not all servers on the platform support it.

Reasons to Consider NordVPN

NordVPN offers decent coverage, comprising more than 5500 server locations in more than 80 countries. It also allows for decent streaming with speeds of up to 950 Mbps. However, where this VPN truly shines is its security features, which are regularly updated.

So, if you need a reliable VPN with impeccable security, you should consider NordVPN.

2. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is one of the best VPNs on the market since it can serve when you need a trustworthy midrange service. This VPN does not fail when you need it. Atlas VPN is highly competitive in all areas where you might need a VPN.

This virtual private network allows users to unlock many locations on their favourite streaming services. Some streaming services supported by this VPN include BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, ITV, UK Netflix, and Disney+.

Atlas VPN provides ongoing support for their products, so you can expect to see updates that make this VPN easier to use.

This VPN also supports decent security features such as SafeSwap and the WireGuard protocol. SafeSwap is an exciting feature that allows users to simultaneously use multiple Internet Protocol (IP) addresses.

This way, users can enjoy increased anonymity while browsing online.

Atlas VPN also has other security features like split tunnelling, ad-blockers, and malware blockers that protect users from phishing attacks. Its tracker blocker also prevents anyone tracking you from receiving information about your browsing activities.

The Atlas VPN data breach monitor verifies that users’ data is not being stolen online. The other privacy protection features of this VPN include a private internet address book and a no-log policy.

Atlas VPN is one of the few VPNs available that offers the option to pay for subscriptions using cryptocurrency. This offers a whole new level of versatility in paying for subscriptions.

Features of Atlas VPN

• No 24/7 live chat customer support.
• More than 44 server locations are available in 38 countries.
• More than 750 servers are available.
• Internet connection speeds when using this VPN can reach 740 Mbps.
• 30-day money-back guarantee after payment.
• It supports connections from an unlimited number of devices.

Costs of the VPN

The monthly cost of subscribing to the Atlas VPN can be rather steep at $10.99. However, you can get great discounts when you sign up for yearly subscriptions.

A 1-year subscription will make it seem like users are paying $3.29 monthly. 2-year subscriptions, on the other hand, will make it seem like users are paying $1.89 monthly.

Pros of Atlas VPN

• Atlas VPN supports crypto payments on its platform.
• This VPN offers excellent value for its price, with average quality in all areas needed.
• Users can enjoy unlimited connections on one account with this virtual private network.
• Atlas VPN receives regular updates to correct issues on the platform.

Cons of Atlas VPN

• Atlas VPN offers basic apps, so you’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for advanced features.
• The number of countries in which the servers of Atlas VPN are located is smaller than most VPNs.
• Although Atlas VPN can unblock many streaming services, it’s not perfect. So, there may be hiccups while using this service.

Reasons to Consider Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is the best VPN to have if you don’t want to spend much but want to cover your bases. This VPN offers decent streaming location unlock, a decent number of server locations, and other features. It also supports cryptocurrency as a suitable means of payment.

Simply put, Atlas VPN is not outstanding in any area; however, it’s decent in every required area. As a result, Atlas VPN is the ideal mid-range VPN for users seeking an average VPN.

3. ExpressVPN

It’ll take a while to mention all the impressive things ExpressVPN brings to the table. This VPN seems to have it all: it offers split tunnelling, a kill switch, 3000 servers in 94 countries, etc.

However, having a network of 3000 servers doesn’t mean that ExpressVPN has the most servers out there.

The truth is that you’ll probably find many virtual private networks with more servers. However, none of them is as widespread as ExpressVPN. So, regardless of location, you can be sure of a reliable connection.

The ExpressVPN app uses Lightway protocols, OpenVPN, and impressive AES-256 encryption technology. So, internet users can be sure of light-speed connections and impressive security while browsing.

A VPN promises to secure your browsing activities from outsiders, but who will secure your data from the VPN? This caused many internet users who deal with sensitive information to avoid these virtual private networks.

As one of the most reliable VPNs, ExpressVPN offers a solution for this through their TrustedServer technology.

The TrustedServer technology of ExpressVPN works through a RAM-only DNS server. This way, no records of a customer’s browsing activity are kept on the network.

ExpressVPN is one of the few VPN providers that has taken steps to ensure that their service is consistent across platforms.

Whether you’re using a computer, a tablet, a smartphone, or some other device, the experience is the same. This way, if you’re used to operating ExpressVPN on one device, you can use its services on all of them.

This VPN is one of the few that can quickly access geo-blocked content on streaming services like Netflix.

The customer support of this virtual private network isn’t lacking in any way, as knowledgeable personnel are available 24/7. All these features combined make ExpressVPN one of the best VPNs to have.

Features of ExpressVPN

• 24/7 live chat customer support.
• 160 server locations to choose from in more than 90 countries.
• More than 3000 servers are available.
• Internet connection speeds when using this VPN can reach 560 Mbps.
• 30-day money-back guarantee after payment.
• A maximum of 5 devices can be connected to one device.

Cost of ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers different pricing structures when users pay for a month, 6 months, or the whole year. If you can afford it, paying for more than one month is preferable because you will receive a discount on monthly costs.

This way, the monthly costs for a one-year subscription are less than a six-month one. The monthly costs for a six-month subscription are also cheaper than a one-month subscription.

• 1 month: Costs $12.95 per month
• 6 months: Costs $9.99 per month
• 12 months: Costs $6.67 per month

Pros of ExpressVPN

• ExpressVPN is available on a wide range of devices, ranging from smartphones to Kindle tablets and computers.
• This premium VPN service provides some of the best support for torrenting. So, you can expect fast speeds even when you’re downloading torrents on your device.
• The TrustedServer technology and AES-256 encryption of ExpressVPN offer impeccable browsing security.
• Reliable 24/7 customer support from qualified staff.
• ExpressVPN offers a configurable toolbar allowing users to launch their favourite apps from the ExpressVPN app.

Cons of ExpressVPN

• Compared to many of the virtual private networks around, ExpressVPN is a bit costly.
• Its browsing speeds are also low for a VPN of its pedigree.
• The simultaneous device connections for ExpressVPN are just 5, which is lower than most VPNs.

Reasons to Consider ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs you can settle for, as it has a bit of everything. It’s usable on various devices, from computers to smart TV boxes and smartphones.

This virtual private network also offers a variety of valuable features that can be operated easily.

ExpressVPN boasts 24/7 customer support, including live chat support for customers that need help immediately.

However, this VPN is quite costly to subscribe to, and its speed is average. If you can stomach these disadvantages, ExpressVPN is a good choice.

4. Surfshark

Surfshark is one of the best VPNs out there when you’re looking to balance that delicate price/performance ratio.

This makes it a good option when you’re short on cash but can’t reduce your requirements. You can use this VPN on iOS devices, Android devices, Windows computers, Mac computers, Linux computers, smart TVs, and other devices.

Surfshark VPN apps are easy to use on all devices that support them. Despite its bargain price, this VPN offers split tunnelling, a kill switch, WireGuard VPN Protocol, AES-256 encryptions, and other security features. It also offers a Multi-hop VPN and a private DNS for added security, an ad-blocker, and tracking and malware-blocking features.

This virtual private network offers unlimited connections to one device. So, you can use the same Surfshark account to enjoy complete VPN services on several devices. This makes it one of the best at-home VPNs, as users need only one account to connect all other devices.

In terms of speed, Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs that you’ll see, as it can reach speeds of 950 Mbps. With such speeds, online streaming will be enjoyable, with few transmission breaks. However, you can only enjoy such speeds when WireGuard powers your downloads.

With Surfshark, users can stream Netflix from different countries like Japan, Canada, and the UK. This app also offers access to other streaming services like Amazon Prime, Disney+, 9Now, BBC iPlayer, and C4.

Customer support at this VPN is a delight, as the live chat option makes it easy to contact the customer support staff.

If you enjoy doing things yourself, then you can use their self-support options, which cover several valuable articles. Unlike other VPN websites, Surfshark includes screenshots in its help articles, making it easy to understand.

This is one of the virtual private networks that offer a complete Graphic User Interface (GUI) instead of a command line. Unfortunately, this feature is only available to Linux users.

Features of Surfshark

• 24/7 live chat customer support.
• More than 160 server locations are available in more than 100 countries.
• More than 3200 servers are available.
• Internet connection speeds when using this VPN can reach 950 Mbps.
• 30-day money-back guarantee after payment.
• An unlimited number of devices can be connected to one device.

Costs of Surfshark

A monthly subscription to Surfshark costs $12.95. However, you can get better discounts when you subscribe for a year (12 months) or 2 years (24 months). Making yearly subscriptions also allows a user to enjoy some free months.

A yearly subscription will have users paying $3.99 monthly, while 2-year subscriptions will have users paying $2.05 monthly. This is a great deal, making Surfshark one of the best VPNs for money.

Pros of Surfshark

• Internet speeds of 950 Mbps make Surfshark an excellent VPN for streaming movies or video games.
• Users can connect to server locations in more than 100 countries.
• Surfshark supports connections from an unlimited number of devices.
• This app has a “Pause” feature that can halt all VPN operations in seconds.
• The 1-year and 2-year plans of this VPN are remarkable for their price.

Cons of Surfshark

• The support for this VPN is not the best, as some of its features don’t work as they should. However, most customers won’t bother about this when they consider the bargain price.
• After first-time payments, Surfshark subscriptions experience a steep increase in price.
• The user interface of Surfshark apps can look complex to new users.

Reasons to Consider Surfshark

Surfshark is a well-rounded VPN that scores well in every area. It offers decent coverage with many servers and an unlimited number of connections.

This VPN is no slouch when it comes to unlocking streaming locations, and it also offers a high connection speed.

If you’re looking for a VPN that’s decent at everything and has decent speeds, then Surfshark is a good choice.

5. IPVanish

Compared to most VPNs that rent their servers, IPVanish is a US-based company that owns its own. This allows for a higher level of service compared to other VPNs.

IPVanish is one of the best VPNs when it comes to technical features and apps that’ll benefit tech-savvy users.

One of the perks of using this VPN is that customers can connect to unlimited devices. So, if you want all devices in your home to enjoy the benefits of a VPN, you just need one VPN account.

After that, you can install the virtual private network on one device and connect other devices to that one.

IPVanish is also known for providing customers with privacy, as its VPN passed its no-logs audit. So, you can use this company’s app if you wish for your browsing activities to be kept secret from everyone.

IPVanish offers an easy-to-use interface that even newbies can get into, alongside other essential features. Some of these features include a kill switch, OpenVPN, and the WireGuard Protocol.

The WireGuard Protocol allows this VPN to offer browsing speeds of 700 Mbps; however, its OpenVPN speeds are poor in comparison.

With such speeds, using streaming services will be fun, as it ensures that there’ll be no hiccups while streaming movies.

However, IPVanish struggles when it comes to unblocking geo-locked streaming locations. For now, Netflix lovers can only enjoy US Netflix since others aren’t certain to work.

Besides Netflix, users can also enjoy streaming from C4, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

Features of IPVanish

• 24/7 live chat customer support.
• More than 75 server locations are available in more than 50 countries.
• More than 2000 servers are available.
• Internet connection speeds when using this VPN can reach 700 Mbps.
• 30-day money-back guarantee after payment.
• It supports connections from an unlimited number of devices.

Costs of IPVanish

The monthly subscription cost for IPVanish is $10.99 per month. Of course, if you want things cheaper, you need to go for a yearly subscription. If you go for a yearly subscription, the discounts will make it look like you’re paying $3.19 monthly.

Customers should also be aware that the 30-day money-back guarantee is only available to yearly subscribers. So, if you’ve made a monthly subscription, you won’t be able to enjoy this perk.

Pros of IPVanish

• IPVanish offers unlimited device connections.
• This is one of the few VPNs that have passed a no-logs audit. So, customers can be confident that their information won’t be stored when they use this VPN.
• IPVanish offers decent speeds of around 700 Mbps when customers use the WireGuard Protocol while browsing.
• This VPN offers a variety of features that customers will enjoy using.
• This VPN also offers a “Scramble” feature that allows customers in countries like China to use its services. While this feature can’t compete with specialized China VPNs, it’s still decent.

Cons of IPVanish

• The mobile app interface for IPVanish looks clustered, so it can be a bit overwhelming for new users.
• The desktop app for IPVanish occasionally suffers from some usability issues.
• Besides US Netflix, other Netflix locations are hit-and-miss. Canada Netflix and Australia Netflix are unavailable with this VPN.
• The OpenVPN speeds for IPVanish are low compared to what other VPNs offer.

Reasons to Consider IPVanish

IPVanish isn’t the most stable VPN out there, as its desktop apps have issues, and the mobile app looks clustered.

Unblocking Netflix with this VPN isn’t ideal either, as most locations are hit or miss, and some can’t be unblocked. So, you shouldn’t consider this VPN if you want a perfect streaming experience.

However, IPVanish is one of the best VPN networks to use when you have many devices to protect. With the unlimited connections from this VPN, you only need one VPN account, and you’re okay.

Another advantage of IPVanish is its incredibly fast WireGuard Protocol speeds.

6. Mullvad

When you look at all the VPNs on this list, you’ll see that Mullvad is old-school in its approach. This is one of the best-dedicated VPNs for customers who value online anonymity above all else.

So, while Mullvad might be subpar in other features, users can rest assured that their online presence will be hidden.

The privacy aspects of this virtual private network start from the registration phase, as registration doesn’t require personal information. So, you can stay anonymous as you sign up and begin using this VPN.

Besides privacy, many customers also prefer Mullvad for its transparency. That’s because this VPN has put its entire infrastructure through comprehensive audits.

This way, users are certain of what they’re paying for and confident in its capability to do its job.

In terms of customer support, Mullvad isn’t doing so well. They don’t offer a live chat customer support option, and their customer support isn’t 24/7, either.

This VPN doesn’t work well for streaming either, as it doesn’t unlock geo-blocked streaming locations.

Nonetheless, this VPN offers decent speeds, as customers can enjoy up to 750 Mbps when using the internet. Alongside speed, Mullvad also excels in security features such as a kill switch, port forwarding, and IPv6 leak protection.

Subscription payments for Mullvad include popular payment channels like bank transfers and e-wallets.

Besides that, this VPN also supports cryptocurrency payments for customers who want to pay with Bitcoin. If you prefer, you can mail your subscription payments to Mullvad in envelopes.

Features of Mullvad

• No 24/7 live chat customer support.
• 68 server locations to choose from in 38 countries.
• More than 800 servers are available.
• Internet connection speeds when using this VPN can reach 750 Mbps.
• 30-day money-back guarantee after payment.
• It supports connections from a maximum of 5 devices.
• Mullvad doesn’t unblock any streaming service.

Costs of Mullvad

Unlike other VPNs, Mullvad allows customers to make monthly payments. So, there are no discounts even if you paid for a year or more than 1 year. Monthly subscriptions for this VPN cost $6.

Pros of Mullvad

• Customers can sign up for this VPN service without providing any personal information. This will allow them to enjoy complete anonymity while registering with the VPN.
• Mullvad offers users complete anonymity when paying for their services. This can be seen from the fact that they support cryptocurrency payments and accept cash payments via snail mail.
• Mullvad offers fast internet speeds even when compared to other virtual private networks.
• The apps and infrastructure of this VPN have undergone various audits. This shows how confident they are in the services that they offer customers.

Cons of Mullvad

• Mullvad only offers the most basic features for a VPN. So, if you’re used to the modern features of VPNs like ExpressVPN, this might not be the VPN for you.
• Mullvad isn’t a suitable VPN for streaming services, as it doesn’t unlock any streaming locations.
• This VPN only offers monthly subscription payments for its services. So, you can’t enjoy any discounts even if you subscribe yearly.

Reasons to Consider Mullvad

Mullvad is a basic VPN on all fronts, without the modern features that characterize other virtual private networks. Although this VPN network offers fast internet speeds, you can use their services for streaming.

So, Mullvad is one of the best VPNs for privacy, as it suits users who want to enjoy complete anonymity. It’s also perfect for peer-to-peer connections since it offers decent online anonymity.

Since this VPN regularly audits its apps, it’s a good option for paranoid users who like to consider the effectiveness of all VPN features.

7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs you can consider if you love torrenting. With up to 8900 servers in 91 countries, torrent users would have many options.

Customers can use CyberGhost on their Android phones, tablets, iPhones, Linux devices, Windows and Mac computers, smart TVs, etc.

If you feel like enjoying online privacy when you browse with your gaming console, you’ll benefit from Smart DNS. The Smart DNS feature allows users to set up CyberGhost on their gaming consoles.

If streaming is your thing, you’ll also enjoy using CyberGhost, as it effortlessly unblocks many streaming locations.

So, users can use this virtual private network to watch Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services. This app also offers some special servers that allow users to stream HBO Max, Hulu, and other streaming services.

CyberGhost offers a decent speed of more than 700 Mbps, which is a boon for streamers, online gamers, and torrent users. It also offers a modern user interface that makes the app easy to use.

Deloitte has audited the no-log policy of this VPN and affirmed it to be the real deal. So, users that desire complete privacy, even from the VPN provider, will enjoy using this VPN.

Features of CyberGhost

• 24/7 live chat customer support.
• More than 115 server locations are available in 91 countries.
• More than 8900 servers are available.
• Internet connection speeds when using this VPN can reach 700 Mbps.
• 45-day money-back guarantee after payment.
• It supports connections from a maximum of 7 devices.

Costs of CyberGhost

CyberGhost requires monthly subscriptions for customers to fully utilize its services. A monthly subscription costs $12.99, but if this is too costly for you, you can consider a yearly subscription.

Yearly subscriptions are much cheaper than monthly subscriptions, as they come with discounts. Apart from a price reduction, yearly subscriptions can also offer free monthly subscriptions.

So, many customers consider yearly subscriptions the best way to pay for a VPN.

When customers subscribe for a year, the monthly costs come down to $4.29. 2-year subscriptions are much cheaper, as monthly subscriptions come down to $2.03.

Pros of CyberGhost

• The no-log audit by Deloitte shows that CyberGhost’s no-log policy is trustworthy.
• Engaging the WireGuard Protocol allows users to enjoy browsing speeds above 700 Mbps.
• The speed of this VPN network makes it suitable for streamers and torrent users.
• This VPN supports almost all internet-enabled devices.
• The 45-day money-back guarantee is 15 days more than the norm. This gives customers more time to check out this VPN before deciding if it suits them.

Cons of CyberGhost

• CyberGhost’s app support is far from perfect, as some of its desktop apps still have the occasional hiccup.
• Although CyberGhost allows you to access many different locations for streaming services, it does not work with UK Netflix or Disney+.

Reasons to Consider CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers some of the best internet speeds for a VPN service, especially when you engage the WireGuard Protocol.

This is a good VPN for torrenting, and it also suits users who want their online activities to remain anonymous. CyberGhost is also suitable for lovers of streaming services, as long as they won’t be watching Disney+ or UK Netflix.

8. Hide.Me

Established in 2011, Hide.Me is one of the best VPNs you can hope for when it comes to streaming. This VPN is strong in unblocking Netflix for all countries, BBC iPlayer, ITV, Disney+, and other streaming services.

When you pair this up with its 880 Mbps internet speeds, you’ll have a lovely combination for streaming.

However, note that these high speeds are only available when engaging the WireGuard Protocol of the VPN. When you use OpenVPN, browsing speeds drop to 450 Mbps.

Hide.Me offers 2000-strong server locations from up to 75 countries. This gives it a widespread connection that will benefit many users, along with 10 simultaneous connections on one account.

For any number greater than 10, the user would have to unregister a device to add a new one.

Hide.Me supports various internet-enabled devices, such as iPhones, Android phones, computers, and Amazon Fire TV.

Customers who can’t install the Hide.Me desktop app on their computers can also use their browser extensions. This VPN offers browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox.

When it comes to the features that a VPN offers, Hide.Me is no slouch, as it offers a lot. This VPN offers a kill switch that blocks the internet connection when the VPN drops.

Users can also configure this kill switch to close specific apps or start others when the VPN drops.

Among the many features that Hide.Me offers is “Bolt”. Bolt is a customization tweak that increases the computer’s speed and shuts down any services that interfere with internet speed.

That way, users get the most from their internet connection.

Features of Hide.Me

• 24/7 live chat customer support.
• More than 75 server locations are available in 48 countries.
• More than 2000 servers are available.
• Internet connection speed when using this VPN can reach 880 Mbps.
• 30-day money-back guarantee after payment.
• It supports connections from a maximum of 10 devices.

Costs of Hide.Me

In terms of price, Hide.Me isn’t too bad, as monthly subscriptions cost $9.95. However, customers can enjoy decent discounts when they pay for a 1-year subscription and better ones for 2-year subscriptions.

A 1-year subscription will cost $6.65 per month, while a 2-year subscription will cost $2.49 monthly. So, if you can afford it, it’s best to subscribe for 2 years at a time.

Pros of Hide.Me

• Hide.Me offers fast browsing speeds that go up to 880 Mbps.
• The fast browsing speeds of this VPN make it one of the best VPN software for streaming services.
• Hide.Me is one of the few VPNs with a decent free plan.
• This VPN offers many features that can be configured to fit the user’s requirements.
• Although their last audit was in 2015, this VPN offers a variety of privacy features that customers can trust.
• Hide.Me users can enjoy free cloud storage of up to 2 TB from Internxt.

Cons of Hide.Me

• Although the kill switch for Hide.Me comes with many customization options. But these options are not yet perfect. So, users might experience some technical issues while using this VPN.
• Hide.Me comes with many customization options, which can overwhelm a new user.
• The Mac desktop for this VPN is underpowered compared to its Windows counterpart.

Reasons to Consider Hide.Me

Hide.Me is a VPN for the advanced internet user, as its features are too complex for newbies. This VPN offers decent privacy features and some of the best internet speeds.

Combining this with its streaming capability makes the perfect combination for lovers of streaming services.

9. Windscribe

Windscribe is another VPN service that connects to an unlimited number of other devices. So, you don’t need to purchase two accounts if you wish to offer VPN services to all devices in your office.

You just need to install Windscribe on one device and connect other devices to that one.

Users can install Windscribe on various devices, from smartphones to computers, Kodi TV set-top boxes, and Amazon Fire tablets. Users can connect to over 400 servers in 62 countries on these devices, showing a decent geographical reach.

Windscribe offers a user-friendly interface that even newbies can get into. Its streaming service is top-notch, with a “Windflix server” dedicated to streaming Netflix movies from different countries.

If the regular Windscribe desktop app seems too heavy for your computer, you can make do with their Chrome extension. The Chrome extension offers many features that can be found on the desktop app, making it handy for many users.

If you’re based in Canada, then you’re in luck, as Windscribe accepts cryptocurrency payments. So, Canadians can use Bitcoins to purchase their Windscribe subscription. This option also preserves the user’s privacy, as email addresses aren’t even required for Bitcoin payments.

Features of Windscribe

• No 24/7 live chat customer support.
• 110 server locations to choose from in 62 countries.
• More than 400 servers are available.
• Internet connection speeds when using this VPN can reach 700 Mbps.
• 3-day money-back guarantee after payment.
• It supports connections from an unlimited number of devices.

Costs of Windscribe

Unlike the other VPNs on this list, Windscribe has a free option to consider before paying for a subscription. This free high-speed VPN offers up to 10 GB worth of data per month.

If you desire unlimited data and the various features of Windscribe, you need to pay for a subscription. Monthly subscriptions to this VPN cost $9.

Pros of Windscribe

• Windscribe apps come with many features that will benefit users of those devices. These features can also be configured by users to better fit their needs.
• This software offers the best tracker blocker of any VPN software.
• This app offers decent browsing speeds of up to 700 Mbps.
• Windscribe offers a free version that users can try to see if the VPN is worth a subscription.
• An unlimited number of devices can be connected to one Windscribe subscription plan.
• Windscribe offers browser extensions for Opera, Firefox, and Chrome. This makes it suitable for users who don’t want to install the desktop app on their computers.

Cons of Windscribe

• Due to the wide variety of features that Windscribe apps offer, they can sometimes be too complex to use.
• Windscribe doesn’t offer a live-chat customer support channel. However, they still offer a subreddit and an email address that customers can use. Of course, this doesn’t excuse them from having a more compelling live chat customer support channel.
• There has yet to be a security audit of this VPN by a reputable third party. So, its security features may not be as good as they claim to be.

Reasons to Consider Windscribe

Windscribe is a Canadian VPN that comes with an average number of server locations in more than 66 countries. Although server locations are not a strong point, this VPN makes up for it with unlimited connections and various features.

Of course, these features might be too much for a newbie. However, if you take the time to get the hang of them, you’ll enjoy using this VPN. The 10 Gb free plan with up to 700 Mbps speeds Windscribe offers makes it one of the best free high-speed VPNs.

10. Private Internet Access

This virtual private network is another old name in the business and has retained its standing as a reliable VPN. Unlike other old VPNs that washed away with time or fell behind the competition, Private Internet Access is doing fine.

This is also a trustworthy VPN that didn’t cut corners to offer the low prices that make it stand out.

This age has also allowed it to accrue up to 10,000 servers for users to choose from. Considering that these servers are spread among 84 countries, you’ll get an idea of their coverage.

This makes Private Internet Access one of the best VPNs due to its widespread coverage.

Private Internet Access offers full support for its desktop apps, with features getting updates all the time. Their desktop app offers a kill switch, port forwarding, proxy browser extensions, and an overall fast browsing experience.

This VPN also provides one of the best streaming services out there, which covers various streaming services.

When using the WireGuard protocol while browsing, users can enjoy browsing speeds of up to 450 Mbps. These speeds are suitable for casual browsing or streaming movies.

However, these numbers might be limiting if you want to game online or use any speed-reliant app.

Private Internet Access is one of the best VPNs with no logs, as it boasts a zero-logging policy. This zero-logging policy has been tested by many users using independent audits, and it has been confirmed to be true.

With this VPN’s apps being open source, users have been able to check and confirm most of its features.

Features of Private Internet Access

• This VPN software can only support a maximum of 10 devices connecting to the device with the VPN.
• There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for customers who are unsatisfied with their purchase.
• Private Internet Access offers more than 10,000 servers to choose from.
• They have server locations in more than 84 countries worldwide.
• There’s a 24/7 live chat option for customers who are experiencing issues.
• This VPN offers browsing speeds of up to 450 Mbps.

Costs of Private Internet Access

Subscribing to a Private Internet Access account for a month costs $11.99. However, users can enjoy discounts when they subscribe for more than 6 months at once, with up to 4 months free.

A 6-month subscription will see users paying $7.50 monthly, while 2-year subscriptions will have users paying $2.03 monthly. Compared to paying for a month, paying for 6 months or 2 years at once is an excellent way to save funds.

Pros of Private Internet Access

• Private Internet Access is one of the most reliable VPN services with its zero-logging policy.
• This software offers reliable desktop apps and reliable features that won’t fail.
• Users from other countries can unlock United States (US) Netflix with this VPN.
• This VPN software offers one of the most significant numbers of server locations out there, at 10,000.
• Private Internet Access offers dedicated IPs for customers interested in one.
• Although the support site for Private Internet Access is a little lacking, their live chat customer support works well enough. So, if you can’t find the answers to your problems on their support site, you can easily contact customer support.
• Unlike other VPNs that only support their Windows desktop apps, Private Internet Access supports all platforms equally. So, you can enjoy similar functionality if you’re using an Android phone, an iPhone, or a Mac computer.

Cons of Private Internet Access

• The features offered by Private Internet Access might be too complex for a newbie.
• There has been no independent audit of many of the security features of this VPN. So, it’s unknown if they will function as they should.

Reasons to Consider Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is a VPN that offers an impressive 10,000 locations spread across more than 84 countries. This offers widespread coverage that few VPNs can match.

However, its speeds may be subpar at 450 Mbps for gaming and other speed-intensive uses.

Nonetheless, it’s a good choice if you’re using this app for simple purposes like browsing the internet or streaming movies. Users will also appreciate the multitude of features that Private Internet Access offers.

While this clusters the dashboard and makes it look complex, users can also choose to hide all but the most essential features.

11. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is one of the best VPN options available, and it’s a product of the Swedish Proton brand. This is another VPN app for people who don’t want to leave any tracks while browsing.

With the software’s string encryptions and zero-logging policy, users can be assured of increased privacy while browsing.

Besides this, Proton VPN also offers its secure core servers for customers who want more privacy when browsing. These core servers are located in physically secure locations in countries with lax privacy laws.

This way, customers can route to these core servers before routing to their destination for increased privacy.

Choosing your desired server location on this app is easy, as it just involves selecting a location on a map. This map view offers easy navigation but also includes a variety of other features, which can confuse newbies.

However, a few minutes spent exploring this feature will make it easier to understand how it works.

Using Proton VPN allows for fast connection speeds of up to 510 Mbps with its OpenVPN and WireGuard technologies.

The effects of OpenVPN technology are also increased by the VPN’s native accelerator technology. Alongside a VPN, this company also offers other security features like Proton Drive, Proton Mail, and Proton Calendar.

Streaming services are also easily accessible with Proton VPN. So, you can watch your favourite geo-locked streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, etc.

Proton VPN is another virtual private network that supports cryptocurrency payments. This way, you can make anonymous payments with Bitcoin. If you prefer cash payments more, you’re in luck, as Proton VPN also supports it.

Features of Proton VPN

• Live chat is available as a customer support option.
• There are lots of server locations to choose from in 64 countries.
• More than 1700 servers are available.
• Internet connection speeds when using this VPN can reach 510 Mbps.
• 30-day money-back guarantee after payment.
• A maximum of 10 devices can connect to the device with the VPN.

Costs of Proton VPN

Proton VPN costs $9.99 monthly, but you can get it for cheap when you make yearly subscriptions. When you purchase a one-year subscription, the costs will appear to be $5.99 per month.

If you choose the 2-year subscription, the costs will appear to be $4.99 per month.

Pros of Proton VPN

• Proton VPN is one of the best VPN apps for users who want increased privacy.
• This virtual private network is an excellent option for streaming geo-locked media content.
• This VPN software offers decent connection speeds of up to 510 Mbps.
• Proton VPN offers adequate support for all its apps, regardless of the device. So, you’re unlikely to encounter any hiccups when using the services on their apps.
• The free plan of this VPN allows users to enjoy up to 100 servers, which is more than most VPNs provide.
• Proton VPN offers unlimited bandwidth for their free plan.
• Proton VPN offers many open-source apps, so users can quickly check the code of these apps. This way, they can verify the authenticity of these codes and confirm that they work as they should.

Cons of Proton VPN

• Although Proton VPN offers decent internet speeds, the network can take a while to get connected. This is also apparent when you’re connecting with the WireGuard protocol active.
• It’s not easy to access Proton VPN’s support website.
• Even though this virtual private network offers numerous servers, it only has a few Peer-To-Peer (P2P) servers among them.
• Proton VPN’s subscription plans are quite costly compared to the competition’s.
• Proton VPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee comes with other conditions. Customers who request a refund after purchasing this VPN will only receive refunds for their unused subscription time. So, if you request a refund for 5 days after using the VPN, you’ll only receive refunds equal to 25 days of unused time.

Reasons to Consider Proton VPN

Proton VPN is excellent for customers requiring a wide range of VPN features. Although its speed is average, it makes up for it with its widespread servers.

While the connected devices for this VPN aren’t unlimited, they’re up to 10, which is an impressive number.

Proton VPN offers one of the best free VPN services compared to other virtual private networks. The features that its free plan offers are beyond those of other VPNs.

So, it’s the best VPN to go for when you don’t have money for a subscription.

This VPN is also the best for its transparency, as it hides nothing from its users. Its open-source apps also allow users to check their codes and satisfy their curiosity.

Does a VPN server and location matter?

When VPN users want to unblock a location-locked streaming service, they’ll need to choose a server located in that location. What about when browsing casually–what is the best server to choose?

This is a question that many VPN users ask when they want to choose a server location.

The truth is that your server and your current location matter if you care about speed. The closer a user is to a server, the faster their internet speeds are when using that server.

So, you must choose the server closest to your location if you desire the best speeds.

Best VPN conclusion

Choosing the best VPN directly affects an internet user’s safety and browsing experience. Making the wrong choice puts you at risk, which is why we’ve compiled the best options out there.

Alongside these choices, we’ve also included the essential information that you’ll need to make your choices. This way, you can be sure that you’re choosing the best VPN for your needs.

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