A VPN, or virtual private network, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your online privacy and security. Whether you need to protect yourself on public Wi-Fi, hide your IP address from trackers, or access region-locked content while traveling, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and adds an important layer of protection. The challenge is that there are hundreds of VPNs competing for your attention, and separating the genuinely good services from the mediocre ones can feel overwhelming.
We have tested dozens of VPNs, reviewed their privacy policies, and benchmarked their connection speeds. The seven services profiled below represent the best of the best in their categories. Whether you want top-speed performance, maximum privacy, a low price, or a reliable free plan, there is a VPN on this list for you.
At a glance
- NordVPN — Best VPN overall
- ExpressVPN — Best VPN runner-up
- Surfshark — Best cheap VPN
- Private Internet Access — Best cheap VPN runner-up
- Proton VPN — Best free VPN
- Mullvad — Best VPN for privacy
- CyberGhost — Best VPN for travelers
When looking for the best VPN, you want trustworthy privacy practices, strong connection speeds, reliable streaming access, and a large, well-distributed server network. Every service below meets those essential requirements while adding something distinctive, whether it is a low price, unlimited simultaneous connections, or an unusually strong no-log record.
NordVPN — Best VPN overall
Who should use NordVPN?
NordVPN is our top choice for the best VPN overall because it does almost everything well. It combines outstanding speeds with a feature-rich experience that appeals to everyone from first-time users to network security enthusiasts. In hands-on testing, NordVPN averaged 72 percent of the base internet speed across all servers, making it the fastest VPN we have yet evaluated.
The service offers thousands of servers in dozens of countries, so finding a nearby or country-specific connection is easy. Its apps are clean, intuitive, and available on all major platforms. For more advanced users, NordVPN includes access to the Tor network over VPN, multi-hop connections, a secure file-sharing mesh network, ad and malware blocking, an antivirus component, and a password manager. The company also runs RAM-only diskless servers and subjects itself to regular independent audits.
Pros
- Tons of VPN configuration options
- Outstanding speeds
- Included antivirus and password manager
Cons
- Expensive
The biggest downside is cost. NordVPN is pricier than many rivals, especially if you choose a short-term subscription. Current pricing starts at about $3.39 per month on a two-year plan, while the usual monthly price is $12.99. Given the broad feature set, strong speeds, and reliable privacy protections, however, the price is justifiable for most users.
ExpressVPN — Best VPN runner-up
Who should use ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN is a fantastic alternative if you want an easy-to-use VPN with excellent speeds and broad device support. VPN novices can download the app, choose a server location, and connect in seconds. More advanced users can take advantage of split tunneling, protocol optimization, a kill switch, and other customization options. ExpressVPN also supports a huge range of devices, with up to 14 simultaneous connections depending on your subscription tier.
It earns the runner-up spot because NordVPN has a slight edge in average speeds and overall feature depth. That is not a knock against ExpressVPN. In fact, ExpressVPN unblocks all major streaming services, consistently delivers strong performance, and has an excellent privacy record with regular third-party audits.
Pros
- Excellent speeds
- Unblocks all streaming services
- Great security and privacy practices
Cons
- More expensive than other VPNs
- Light on extra security features
ExpressVPN recently revamped its membership options so users can select a tier that matches their budget. It also added ad and tracker blocking and a password manager. The current promotional price is about $2.79 per month, but the standard cost can be higher than competitors. Still, the overall package is excellent and easy to recommend.
Surfshark — Best cheap VPN
Who should use Surfshark?
Surfshark is ideal for people who want a premium VPN without a premium price. It offers blazing-fast speeds, a robust feature set, and unlimited simultaneous device connections. That means one subscription can cover every phone, tablet, laptop, and smart TV in your home. Privacy protections are also strong, with a no-log policy and multiple independent audits backing its claims.
On top of standard VPN tools, Surfshark includes dynamic multi-hop connections, identity protection alerts, and antivirus features. The best part is the price. Long-term plans start at about $1.88 per month for two years plus three free months. That is an exceptional deal for a service with this level of performance and functionality.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Tons of extra features
- Low price on long-term plans
Cons
- Expensive month-to-month plans
- Large portion of global servers are virtual
The main caveat is that month-to-month plans are expensive, so the cheap pricing depends on committing to a longer subscription. Surfshark is also based in the Netherlands, a member of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. That matters little because of its independently verified no-logs policy, but privacy-focused users may still want to keep it in mind.
Private Internet Access — Best cheap VPN runner-up
Who should use Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access, or PIA, is a budget-friendly VPN that has continued to improve over the years. It has one of the least expensive subscription plans among top VPNs, and it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so the value is hard to beat. PIA has also completed multiple independent audits of its no-log policy, proving that user privacy is a genuine priority.
The service has an enormous server network, with more than 35,000 servers available worldwide. That is far more than most competitors. Power users will especially appreciate the customizability of the apps, which let you tweak encryption settings, connection features, and other options to match your preferences.
Pros
- Multiple independently verified no-log audits
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Vast server network
Cons
- App is a little clunky
- Speeds are fairly pedestrian
The interface is not as polished as some rivals, and speeds are not the fastest we have seen. However, PIA remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious users who want privacy and flexibility without paying a high monthly fee. Current pricing starts at around $2.19 per month on a two-year plan.
Proton VPN — Best free VPN
Who should use Proton VPN?
Proton VPN is the best free VPN because it actually respects your privacy and does not bombard you with ads. The free plan includes one device connection, access to servers in numerous locations, and no monthly data limits. In testing, speeds on the free tier ranked among the top ten VPNs we have tried, paid or free.
There are, naturally, some limitations. Free users get a smaller server selection and may not be able to unblock every streaming service. But for everyday browsing, shopping, and basic privacy protection, Proton VPN is an outstanding option at the unbeatable price of zero dollars. The paid version starts at about $4.49 per month for a two-year plan and adds more servers, streaming support, and features.
Pros
- Excellent privacy and transparency
- Strong catalog of security features
- Unrivaled free plan
- Good connection speeds
Cons
- Premium plans aren't the cheapest
- Not all features available across apps
Proton VPN comes from the team behind Proton Mail, making it easy to combine the VPN with a privacy-focused email service. The company has completed multiple independent audits confirming its no-log policy, including for the free tier. If you are not sure whether to pay for a VPN, Proton VPN is a great place to start.
Mullvad — Best VPN for privacy
Who should use Mullvad?
Mullvad is the clear winner for anyone who values privacy above all else. It does not require an email address, name, or phone number. Instead, you get a randomly generated account number that serves as your login. You can pay with a credit card, PayPal, or even mail in cash if you want maximum anonymity.
Mullvad has a strict no-log policy and does not collect identifying metadata from your usage. It has been verified through multiple independent audits, and its connection speeds are excellent, consistently ranking near the top of our speed tests. The service is simple and focused, with no unnecessary extras to clutter the experience.
Pros
- Exceptional privacy protections
- Strong security features
- Fast connection speeds
- Transparent and trustworthy company practices
Cons
- Weak streaming support
- Relatively small server network
- Lacks extra features
Mullvad costs a flat fee of about $5.26 per month regardless of plan length. That is affordable month-to-month, but it offers less long-term value than services with deep two-year discounts. It also struggles with some streaming services, so travelers who rely on VPNs for Netflix or other region-locked content may want to look elsewhere.
CyberGhost — Best VPN for travelers
Who should use CyberGhost?
CyberGhost is the best VPN for travelers because of its massive server network. It offers more than 11,500 servers in over 100 countries, giving users an unmatched number of connection points around the globe. That is especially useful when you need a server close to your current location or when you want to access content from a specific country while abroad.
CyberGhost also provides specialized servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. The desktop app is well designed and easy to navigate, even for beginners. A generous 45-day money-back guarantee makes it particularly attractive for travelers who want to try the service on a long trip before committing.
Pros
- Enormous global server network
- Independently verified no-log policy
- Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Server speeds can be hit-or-miss
- Lacks extra security features offered by competitors
In testing, European servers performed very well, while some Asian locations were less consistent. The service is gradually upgrading its network to 10Gbps connections, so speeds should improve in the future. Pricing starts around $2.19 per month on a two-year plan, making CyberGhost a solid value for frequent travelers.
Other VPNs we liked
The VPN market is crowded, and a few services just missed our top seven but are still worth mentioning. PrivadoVPN has a strong free tier that is second only to Proton VPN, though its server network is smaller. Windscribe Pro offers great security and a browser extension that blocks ads, but its interface can feel clunky. Hide.me gives power users an impressive array of configurable settings, although speeds were inconsistent in our latest tests. IPVanish nails the basics, including solid speeds and a large network, but it stumbles when unblocking streaming services. Norton VPN is a simple and effective option from a well-known security company, with an easy interface and improving feature set, but it only offers yearly plans and has a smaller server network.
Can I get a better VPN deal?
The prices listed here are the latest tracked baselines, but they do not always include the lowest promotional offers. It pays to compare long-term discounts against renewal pricing before subscribing. Many VPNs run frequent sales, and major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday often bring steep discounts. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for one of those events can save you a significant amount of money.
How we test VPNs
We judge every VPN on server network size, connection speed, privacy protections, ease of use, extra features, and cost. Speed tests average connections across several global locations and compare them with a baseline internet speed to get an accurate picture of performance. We also thoroughly research each service's privacy policy, audit history, and data collection practices. Finally, we assess the overall value by comparing the price and feature set with industry averages. This hands-on approach helps ensure that the services we recommend are genuinely reliable and worth your money.
How to choose the best VPN
When shopping for a VPN, start by looking at the server network. A service with at least 1,000 servers and 30 or more country locations is a good baseline. Next, consider connection speed. Reviews that provide relative averages are more useful than raw Mbps figures because speeds vary by location and network conditions.
Privacy is another critical factor. Look for a clear no-log policy, independent audits, and a company based in a jurisdiction with strong privacy protections. Finally, compare pricing structures. Some VPNs are expensive month-to-month but become very affordable with a long-term plan. Choose the billing cycle that fits your needs and budget.
The VPN features you should care about
Extra features can be tempting, but most users will get real value from only a handful of VPN extras. A kill switch automatically blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, preventing your activity from being exposed. Split tunneling lets you route only selected traffic through the VPN while allowing other traffic, such as games, to connect directly. Multi-hop routes your data through multiple servers for an extra layer of privacy. You should also pay attention to the VPN protocol. WireGuard is a strong default choice because it is fast, secure, and open source.
VPN FAQ
What is the best VPN?
NordVPN is our pick for the best VPN overall because it offers the fastest speeds, a large server network, and the most complete feature set of any service we have tested.
What is the best cheap VPN?
Surfshark is the best cheap VPN. It combines strong speeds, robust privacy features, and unlimited device connections at a very low long-term price.
What is a VPN?
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. It routes your traffic through a remote server, making it appear as though you are browsing from that server's location. This protects your activity from snooping on public Wi-Fi and helps shield your identity online.
Can I be tracked with a VPN?
A VPN reduces tracking but does not make you completely anonymous. Websites you log into can still identify you, and trackers that rely on cookies can still collect information about your browsing behavior within those sites.
Will a VPN protect me on public Wi-Fi?
Yes. A VPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address, making it much harder for hackers to intercept your traffic on unsecured public networks. It is still wise to use strong passwords and keep your apps updated.
Will a VPN slow down my internet?
You may see a moderate decrease in speed because your traffic is being encrypted and rerouted through another server. Connecting to a server close to your physical location will generally produce less slowdown than using one on the other side of the world.
Source:PCWorld News