Best VPN

Even though the most popular VPN services all share the same features, there is a handful that stands out from the rest of the competition.

A VPN, which stands for “virtual private network,” is a technology that protects your privacy and keeps you safe and sound as you surf the internet.

Best VPN

You can view content that is typically unavailable in your region by changing your location, accessing websites that are usually blocked in your country, and doing a great deal more.

With so many VPNs out there, it may be hard to work out which one is the best for you.

Although there are hundreds of VPN providers from which to choose, we are here to help you with selecting the ideal VPN service for your specific requirements.

If you want some extra guidance, then check out the buyer’s guide at the end, where we will show you all of the vital features you need to look out for when buying a VPN.

The Top 4 Best VPN Services

Here are our recommendations for the best three VPN services available right now.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN often tops the charts when it comes to the very best VPNs available right now.

All of this is thanks to the constant upgrade that the company is making to its service, including adding some big network upgrades, such as 1Gbps servers to 10Gbps servers and from 4-core to 20/32.

Powerful core features offer all the privacy and control that anyone could need. It has 160 locations spread out over 94 countries and can consistently unblock almost any site.

Its applications are always being improved to be more streamlined and user-friendly, and its customer service is unparalleled in its industry.

ExpressVPN provides access to every feature available. From lightning-fast speeds to advanced security features, amazing ease of use to round-the-clock customer assistance, and even free cloud backup, this service has it all.

Pros

  • Multiple server locations are available – from this, you can set your location to almost any country you want
  • Split-tunneling – Split tunneling enables you to route only a portion of the traffic generated by an application or device through a VPN while allowing other programs or devices direct access to the internet. This is especially helpful if you want to take use of services that function more effectively when they are aware of your location, while at the same time benefiting from protected access to potentially sensitive communications and data.
  • Very secure – this service takes privacy and security very seriously, so you won’t have to worry about your data being leaked

Cons

  • Expensive – this is a “higher-end VPN service, but for everything that you’re getting, it might just be worth the price
  • No multi-hop connections – this would provide yet another added layer of protection for even more security and privacy

2. Surfshark

When you go to the Surfshark website, the extremely competitive headline pricing will be the very first thing that catches your attention.

There is a truly remarkable offer available here, but you shouldn’t solely concentrate on its monetary value of it… There is a great deal more that can be found on Surfshark.

There are 3,200 servers in Surfshark’s network, which is not quite as many as some other providers’ networks have, but with 100+ locations in 99+ countries, there is a good possibility that it covers the places that you want.

Access to the network can be gained from a broad variety of devices, including computers running Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as smart TVs like Amazon Fire and others.

Because it doesn’t impose any limits on the number of connections or devices, Surfshark is distinguished from the majority of its rivals in that it doesn’t require users to keep track of the hardware to which they are simultaneously connected.

Pros

  • Unlimited number of connections simultaneously – many people/devices can use this service at once
  • Large global server presence – almost any country you could want is available to you here
  • Instruments for multi-hop and split tunneling – adds even more privacy protection

Cons

  • Higher monthly price – though more budget-friendly than other VPNs, this is still pretty proxy when paid for monthly
  • The privacy policy is confusing – many previous customers have reported that the privacy policy seems worded n an odd way, so pay close attention
Best VPN

3. NordVPN

There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to the NordVPN service. The service is quick (up to 820Mbps from 760Mbps), enormously powerful, continues to maintain a significant value does everything possible to establish its privacy credentials in every area, which makes the service an obvious pick for your VPN shortlist.

In terms of the number of servers available, Nord outperforms ExpressVPN by a wide margin, with over 5,000 at its disposal.

Although it doesn’t cover quite as many countries as ExpressVPN, NordVPN still most probably has servers in your country of choice.

It enables up to six simultaneous connections, which is one more than ExpressVPN allows, but many other providers, such as Surfshark, don’t impose any connection limits on their users.

A consistent choice among customers, NordVPN provides lightning-fast server speeds, additional privacy features such as ‘Double VPN’ encryption, and a no-log policy that has been independently audited.

Pros

  • Multi-hop connections, split tunneling, and Tor connections – makes for a very private and secure service
  • Multiple server locations are available – no matter what country you’re looking for, NordVPN almost definitely has a server there

Cons

  • Expensive – this is another pretty pricy VPN service, but the cost becomes more reasonable if you sign up for a multi-year plan.
  • Not very good at blocking malware – this is something every good VPN should be able to handle

4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN’s network, streaming scores, apps, performance, support, and other aspects have all experienced significant improvements since the service’s early years and is a favorite choice among those looking for a VPN service.

It’s still one of the best VPN providers for many reasons, including the fact that it has an excellent free plan, open-source applications, and extensive network coverage.

Just a few short years ago, the Proton VPN network consisted of a few hundred servers spread over 14 countries; today, it boasts over 1,750 servers spread across 63 countries, making it significantly more competitive.

You can get access to these servers through a broad variety of applications that are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Chromebook, and Android TV.

A generous ten-device limit, which is greater than the likes of Express or Nord, means that it will be possible for you to connect and use all of your hardware at the same time.

Pros

  • Excellent free subscription – if you want to test out this service but don’t want to commit to the cost, you can get a free subscription that offers you a taste of the VPN as a whole
  • Very quick – sometimes running a VPN can slow everything down, but that won’t be an issue here, and your devices should be able to go as fast as ever

Cons

  • The pricing structure is odd – the subscription lengths and the pricing of these can make it confusing to know which is the best for you. Be sure to read what comes with each package in great detail before buying a subscription
  • A bit clunky on Chrome – when used with Chrome OS, this VPN seems to slow down or struggle a little

Buyers Guide

Finding the right VPN for you begins with knowing what you want from it, and what you want it to provide you.

Do you want to be able to watch tv shows only available in other countries? What about keeping yourself secure online?

Here are some of the most important features of a VPN that you need to look out for.

Location

Choosing a service that has numerous locations as well as apps for every platform is a good place to start, but at the end of the day, the only thing that truly matters is whether or not it covers the places and platforms that you will be utilizing.

Features

Find a VPN that can unblock your preferred streaming services like Netflix and iPlayer if watching movies and TV shows online is one of your top priorities.

Users of Torrent will, of course, want P2P support on as many servers as is humanly practical.

In addition, they will want a reliable kill switch to keep their identity hidden, as well as an audited no-log policy to ensure that all of their activities online remain confidential.

Connections

The majority of VPNs impose restrictions on the number of devices a user can connect to the service simultaneously.

If you need to secure many mobile devices, laptops, smart TVs, or other pieces of hardware, you should look for a service provider that allows for a greater number of simultaneous connections or, better yet, one that doesn’t impose any connection limits at all.

Price

You should choose a VPN that supports what you want to do. That doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – there are some incredible bargains on our list.

The price is useful later on when you’re trying to narrow down your options and make a decision.

Matt Johnson
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