In today’s world, keeping your online activities private is a big deal. You might be worried about who can see what you’re doing online, or maybe you just want to access content that’s not available in your region. That’s where a VPN comes in. Think of it as a secure tunnel for your internet connection. It hides your real location and scrambles your data, making it much harder for others to track you. We’ve looked at a bunch of them to find the best VPN options out there for you.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is a pretty solid choice if you’re looking to beef up your online privacy. They’ve got a massive network of servers, something like 8,200+ spread across 165 locations. That kind of reach is why many people consider it the best VPN service, since you’re likely to find a fast connection pretty much anywhere you are.
What really stands out is their speed. They use something called the NordLynx protocol, which is built on WireGuard, and it’s seriously fast. In tests, they’ve shown minimal speed loss, which is great if you’re streaming in 4K or doing anything that needs a quick connection.
Here’s a quick look at some of their specs:
| Feature | Detail |
| Server Locations | 165+ countries |
| Average Speed Loss | Minimal (around 3% in tests) |
| Simultaneous Connections | Up to 10 devices |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
They also throw in some extra privacy features. You get a kill switch, which cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops, and they have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t keep records of what you do online. For even more privacy, you can use their Double VPN feature, which routes your traffic through two servers instead of one. It’s a bit like putting your data in a double-locked box.
NordVPN aims to give you control over your digital life. They focus on encrypting your connection, shielding your devices from malware, and making sure your online activity stays private.
If you’re new to VPNs, the app is pretty straightforward. You can just let it pick the fastest server for you, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can pick one yourself from a long list. They also have apps for pretty much every device you can think of – Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even browser extensions.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is a pretty solid VPN choice, especially if you’re trying to keep costs down without sacrificing too many features. It’s one of those services that really tries to give you a lot for your money, which is nice. They let you connect an unlimited number of devices all at once, which is a huge deal if you’ve got a lot of gadgets or a family that all needs to be online securely.
When it comes to actually using it, the apps are generally clean and easy to figure out, no matter if you’re on your phone, computer, or even a smart TV. They’ve got servers in about 100 countries, so you can usually find a fast connection pretty close by. I found it worked well for getting into different Netflix libraries, which is always a plus.
Here’s a quick look at some of the things they offer:
- Unlimited Devices: Connect as many devices as you want simultaneously.
- CleanWeb: This is their built-in ad and tracker blocker. It actually does a decent job of cleaning up web pages.
- Camouflage Mode: This feature helps hide the fact that you’re even using a VPN, which can be useful on networks that might be watching.
- Surfshark One: For a bit more cash, you can bundle in antivirus software and other identity protection tools.
One thing to note is that while the long-term plans are quite affordable, the monthly price can be a bit steep. It’s definitely worth looking at the longer subscription options if you plan to use it for a while. Also, while they say it’s not guaranteed to work in really strict countries, it’s generally pretty reliable for most people.
Speed-wise, they’re usually pretty good. My tests showed a decent drop in download speeds, but nothing that really got in the way of streaming or browsing. Upload speeds can sometimes be a bit slower, but for most everyday tasks, it’s not a big issue. They also do regular security audits, which is always a good sign that they’re serious about privacy.
3. Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a solid choice, especially if you’re looking for a VPN that really prioritizes your privacy. They’ve got a lot going on under the hood to keep your online activity locked down. One of the standout features is their ‘Stealth’ protocol, which is designed to make your VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. This can be super helpful if you’re in a place where VPN use is restricted or frowned upon.
They also offer ‘Secure Core’ servers. Think of it like this: your internet traffic goes through one Proton VPN server, and then it’s routed through a second server in a different country before reaching its final destination. It adds an extra layer of protection, making it much harder to trace things back to you. Plus, their apps are open-source, meaning anyone can look at the code to make sure it’s secure, and they get regular security audits. That’s a big plus for transparency.
When it comes to speed, Proton VPN is pretty good. While it might not always be the absolute fastest, it’s generally fast enough for streaming in high definition or even some online gaming. They’ve also got features like VPN Accelerator that can help boost speeds, especially when you’re connecting to servers that are far away.
Here’s a quick look at some of their specs:
- Server Locations: Available in 122 countries.
- Speed Impact: Typically around 8% download and 4% upload speed loss on average.
- Supported Devices: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
- Pricing: You can get it for about $4.49 per month if you sign up for a two-year plan.
Proton VPN also gives you access to other Proton services like Mail and Drive, even on their free tiers. This makes it a really good value if you’re interested in a whole suite of privacy tools.
They also have a pretty decent free version, which is rare for VPNs that offer this level of security. It’s not as feature-rich as the paid version, of course, but it’s a great way to try them out or for basic privacy needs. The apps themselves are pretty user-friendly, with a clean interface that doesn’t feel overwhelming, even with all the advanced options available. Many users even mention it in best bang for buck vpn reddit discussions for giving solid value without being too costly.
4. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a solid choice if you’re looking for a VPN that’s both user-friendly and packed with features. It’s got a really clean interface, which makes it easy to jump right in, even if you’re new to VPNs. They have servers in a ton of countries – 105, to be exact – so you’ve got plenty of options for connecting wherever you need to be.
One of the standout things about ExpressVPN is its own protocol, called Lightway. It’s built with security in mind, using a cryptography library that’s been checked out by third parties. Plus, they’re even looking ahead to future threats, like those from quantum computers, with post-quantum encryption. It’s a pretty forward-thinking approach.
When it comes to speed, ExpressVPN generally performs well. In recent tests, it was among the fastest we checked, with speed loss that shouldn’t get in the way of streaming, gaming, or video calls. They’ve made some clever upgrades to their protocols, like Lightway Turbo, which can send data through multiple tunnels at once to boost speeds. It’s impressive how they’ve improved speed test results over time.
Privacy is a big deal for ExpressVPN. They’ve had a lot of independent audits, more than most other VPNs, which really shows they’re serious about being open about their practices. Their TrustedServer technology, which means all server data is wiped on reboot, has also been verified. They were also one of the first to add protections against potential quantum computer threats.
ExpressVPN doesn’t keep logs of what you do online, and they state clearly that they don’t sell your data. They also have a bug bounty program, encouraging security experts to find and report any weaknesses.
Here’s a quick look at some of its features:
- Lightway Protocol: A custom, fast, and secure VPN protocol.
- TrustedServer Technology: Ensures all data is wiped from servers when they restart.
- Shuffle IP: Automatically assigns a new IP address for each website you visit, making tracking harder.
- Threat Manager: Blocks malicious websites and trackers.
- Password Manager (ExpressVPN Keys): Included with your subscription.
It’s not the cheapest option out there, and there’s no free version to try out. But if you want a reliable, secure, and easy-to-use VPN with a strong focus on privacy and future-proofing, ExpressVPN is definitely worth considering. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out risk-free.
5. Mullvad
Mullvad is a VPN service that really doubles down on privacy. It’s designed for people who want to keep their online activity as private as possible. When you sign up, you don’t give them any personal details. Instead, you get a random account number. You use this number to log in and manage your account. This way, Mullvad knows very little about its users, which is great if you’re worried about your data being handed over to anyone.
They even let you pay anonymously with cash, which is pretty unique. This avoids leaving any digital trace. They don’t do automatic renewals either, because that would mean they’d have to keep track of your subscription details. It’s all about minimizing what they know.
Here’s a quick look at some of their features:
- Anonymous Account Creation: No email or personal info needed, just a generated account number.
- Anonymous Payment Options: Accepts cash by mail for ultimate privacy.
- No Automatic Renewals: Prevents them from storing recurring payment data.
- Open-Source Apps: Their software code is public for anyone to check.
- Advanced Privacy Features: Includes things like DAITA to help protect against AI traffic analysis.
Mullvad’s pricing is straightforward: 5 euros (around $6) per month. There are no long-term deals or discounts, just a flat monthly rate. You can pay for multiple months at once if you want, but it’s always the same price per month. This makes it easy to budget for, and you only pay for what you need.
In terms of performance, Mullvad is quite fast. Our tests showed a speed loss of about 24%, which is good for a VPN. They have a decent number of servers, around 690 across 49 countries. While not the biggest network, their speeds are solid for things like streaming or downloading.
Mullvad’s commitment to privacy is really its main selling point. They’re transparent about their operations and have a clear privacy policy. If your top priority is keeping your online life private, Mullvad is definitely worth considering.
6. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access, or PIA as it’s often called, is a solid choice if you’re looking for a VPN that’s pretty straightforward to use. Even if you’re not super tech-savvy, PIA makes it easy to get set up and running. They’ve got apps for pretty much everything – Windows, Mac, Linux, your phone (both Android and iOS), and even some smart TVs. One of its big draws is the sheer number of servers it has, spread across 91 countries. That’s a lot of options for finding a good connection.
PIA also comes with a feature called MACE, which is basically an ad blocker. It did a pretty good job in our tests, stopping ads on pages that usually have tons of them, and it even helped block us from visiting some sketchy websites. Plus, like some of the other top VPNs out there, PIA offers obfuscation, which is a nice extra layer if you need to hide the fact that you’re even using a VPN.
Here’s a quick look at some of the specs:
- Server Locations: 91 countries
- Apps Available: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Android TV, tvOS
- Best Monthly Price: Around $2.03/month (with a 3-year plan)
- Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days
While PIA is generally good, some users have noted that its upload speeds can be a bit slower compared to download speeds. Also, while they have live chat support, it might not be as polished as some other providers. It’s not quite as packed with fancy features as some of the pricier options, but for everyday use, it gets the job done.
They also have a strict policy about not keeping logs of your online activity, which is a big plus for privacy. This has even been checked by independent auditors, so you can feel more confident about your data staying private. It’s a good option if you want a reliable VPN without too much fuss.
7. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is a name you might recognize, and for good reason. They’ve been around for a while, and they’ve got a pretty solid reputation, especially when it comes to speed. Seriously, their download speeds are among the fastest we’ve seen. It’s like they’ve figured out a secret sauce to keep things moving quickly, which is great if you’re into streaming movies or downloading big files. They use their own protocol called Hydra, which they say is built for performance. It also uses strong encryption, so your connection is kept private.
When it comes to security, Hotspot Shield does a decent job. They’ve got features built into their apps to stop leaks, like DNS and WebRTC leaks. We tested it out, and it seemed to hold up well, no leaks detected. The Hydra protocol also helps it work in places where the internet is more restricted, which is a plus if you travel a lot.
One thing to note is that while download speeds are fantastic, the upload speeds can take a pretty big hit. So, if you’re constantly uploading large amounts of data, this might not be the best fit for that specific task.
Here’s a quick look at what Hotspot Shield offers:
- Speed: Blazing fast download speeds, but slower upload speeds.
- Security: Good protection against leaks and uses strong encryption.
- Privacy: They’ve had their no-logs policy checked by an outside company, which is reassuring.
- Protocol: Uses the proprietary Hydra protocol for speed and security.
- Availability: Works in over 80 countries.
They even have a free plan, which is pretty rare for VPNs that offer this level of speed. It’s not as feature-rich as the paid version, and it has some limitations, but it’s a good way to try out their service, especially for desktop users. The paid version comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to decide if it’s right for you.
8. Best Overall
When you’re trying to pick the best VPN, it can get a little overwhelming with all the choices out there. But if we had to pick one that just about everyone can agree on, it’s a tough call. We’re looking for a service that balances speed, security, ease of use, and a good price. It needs to work well for everyday tasks like browsing and streaming, but also offer solid protection when you need it most.
This VPN really hits the sweet spot for most users. It’s not the cheapest, and it’s not the most feature-packed for super-technical users, but it gets the job done reliably for the vast majority of people. Think of it as the dependable sedan of the VPN world – it might not turn heads, but it’ll get you where you need to go safely and comfortably.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Speed: You won’t be waiting around for pages to load or videos to buffer. It’s consistently fast, which is a big deal when you’re using the internet.
- Security: They use strong encryption and have a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t keep records of what you do online. That’s the core of what a VPN should do.
- Ease of Use: The apps are straightforward. You can connect with a single click, and changing servers or settings is pretty simple, even if you’re new to VPNs.
- Server Network: A large number of servers in many countries means you can usually find a fast connection close to you, or easily access content from different regions.
While no VPN is perfect, this one comes pretty close for general use. It’s a solid choice that offers a good mix of performance and protection without being overly complicated or expensive for what you get. It’s the kind of VPN you can set up and forget about, knowing it’s doing its job in the background.
It’s a great all-rounder that balances performance with privacy. You get good speeds for streaming and downloading, and the security features are top-notch. Plus, the apps are really easy to figure out, which is a huge plus for anyone who isn’t a tech whiz.
9. Best Premium Features
When you’re looking for a VPN that goes the extra mile, it’s all about those extra bells and whistles. We’re talking about features that aren’t just about hiding your IP address, but about giving you more control and better protection.
Some services really shine here with advanced options. Think about things like:
- Dedicated IP addresses: This is a static IP that’s just for you, which can be handy for accessing certain services or for running servers without getting flagged.
- Advanced kill switch options: Beyond just cutting your internet if the VPN drops, some offer more granular control, like letting specific apps keep running.
- Split tunneling: This lets you choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. Super useful if you need to access local services while still being protected.
- Double VPN or Multi-hop: Routing your traffic through two different VPN servers adds another layer of encryption and makes it even harder to trace your activity.
These premium features can make a big difference for users who need more than just basic privacy. They often come with a slightly higher price tag, but for the added security and flexibility, many find it’s well worth the investment.
The best VPNs don’t just offer a secure tunnel; they provide tools that let you fine-tune your online experience for maximum privacy and convenience. It’s about having options that fit your specific needs, whether that’s bypassing geo-restrictions or securing sensitive work data.
10. Best For Multi-Device Protection
When you’ve got a lot of gadgets, keeping them all secure can feel like a chore. Think about it: your phone, your tablet, your laptop, maybe even a smart TV or a gaming console. Each one is a potential entry point for unwanted attention online. That’s where a VPN that handles multiple devices really shines. You don’t want to be stuck choosing which device gets protected. The best VPNs for multi-device protection let you cover everything with a single subscription.
Some services really stand out here. They understand that modern life means more screens, more connections, and more need for privacy across the board. You’re not just protecting one thing; you’re protecting your whole digital life. This means looking for providers that offer unlimited simultaneous connections or a very generous number, like 10 or more. It simplifies things immensely.
Here’s what to look for:
- Unlimited Connections: Some VPNs, like Surfshark, allow you to connect as many devices as you want under one account. This is the ultimate in convenience.
- Generous Connection Limits: Others might offer a high number, say 10 or 12 connections. This is usually more than enough for most households.
- Router Support: For devices that don’t natively support VPN apps (like some smart TVs or gaming consoles), being able to install the VPN on your router is a game-changer. This protects all devices connected to your Wi-Fi network.
- Easy Setup: The best options make it simple to get connected on all your devices, with clear instructions and user-friendly apps for different operating systems.
Protecting multiple devices means you can keep your entire digital footprint secure without juggling multiple accounts or worrying about hitting a connection limit. It’s about peace of mind, knowing that from your phone on the go to your home computer, your online activity is shielded.
For example, a service that offers unlimited connections is fantastic if you have a large family or a lot of personal tech. You can install it on everyone’s phone, tablet, and computer without a second thought. This kind of flexibility is what makes a VPN truly practical for everyday use. You can find some great options reviewed on this list of VPNs.
Wrapping Up Your Online Privacy Journey
So, we’ve gone over why keeping your online activity private is a good idea and how a VPN can really help with that. It’s not just for tech wizards or people doing shady stuff; it’s for anyone who uses the internet. Think of it like locking your front door – you do it to keep unwanted visitors out. A VPN does something similar for your digital life, hiding your tracks and keeping your personal information safer from prying eyes. We looked at some top choices, and the main takeaway is that you don’t have to break the bank to get good protection. Finding the right VPN means looking at what matters most to you, whether that’s speed, extra features, or just a simple setup. By picking a solid VPN service, you’re taking a big step towards a more secure and private online experience. It’s a smart move in today’s world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a VPN and why should I use one?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is like a secret tunnel for your internet activity. It hides your online actions and location from your internet provider and websites. Think of it as putting on an invisibility cloak when you go online. This helps keep your personal information, like passwords and bank details, safe from hackers and prevents others from tracking what you do online.
How does a VPN protect my privacy?
A VPN scrambles your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone trying to peek. It also masks your real internet address (IP address), making it seem like you’re browsing from a different place. This stops websites and advertisers from following you around the internet and collecting your data.
Can a VPN help me access blocked content?
Yes! Because a VPN can make it look like you’re in another country, you can use it to access websites or streaming services that might be blocked in your region. It’s like having a digital passport to explore the whole internet.
Will using a VPN slow down my internet speed?
Sometimes, using a VPN can slightly slow down your internet. This is because your data has to travel through an extra server. However, the best VPNs are very fast and the speed difference is usually so small you won’t even notice it.
Are free VPNs a good option?
While free VPNs might seem tempting, they often aren’t as safe or reliable as paid ones. Some free VPNs might track your data, show you ads, or have weak security. It’s generally better to use a trusted, paid VPN for real privacy protection.
How many devices can I use with one VPN subscription?
Most VPN services let you connect multiple devices with a single account. This means you can protect your phone, computer, tablet, and other gadgets all at the same time. Always check the specific VPN’s policy on how many devices are allowed.
