Best and most authentic VPN services will be explained in this article. The best VPN services encrypt your internet traffic on free public WiFi, mask your IP address, and quickly circumvent internet geo-blocks.
The top VPNs for each type we test for are listed further in this post, along with review summaries of our top 10 VPN suggestions. We also go over why you need a VPN and how to pick the best VPN provider.
Top VPN Services by Category
Although we give the ten VPN services we suggest the highest ratings possible, the truth is that there is no one ‘best VPN,’ as the best VPN software may vary depending on your individual requirements.
Do you want the Netflix libraries to be unblocked? anonymous torrenting Or simply use free WiFi to stay secure? See which VPNs we suggest for each well-known category we test for by clicking the buttons below.
The 10 Best VPN Services of 2024
In this article, you can know about best vpn Services here are the details below;
1. ExpressVPN
Excellent for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, the best VPN overall. Simply establish a connection to a US ExpressVPN server and launch Netflix without using any additional settings or features.
Additionally, the VPN can get around geoblocks on DAZN, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. The VPN addon for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge from ExpressVPN also allows streaming. Instead of being ordinary proxies (which do not encrypt internet traffic), these are full VPN extensions. Also check software development companies in Ohio
Additionally, ExpressVPN offers MediaStreamer, its Smart DNS tool, and a very nice Fire TV app. ExpressVPN can now be used on Apple TV, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
P2P communication is permitted on all 3,000 ExpressVPN servers, and your data transfers are not tracked or recorded.
All file transfer information is encrypted using AES-256 using diskless (RAM-only) servers and secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway).
In our P2P tests, Lightway in particular demonstrated excellent file-sharing speeds, averaging a download bitrate of 9.4MiB/s. Only IPVanish (9.9MiB/s) among the best VPNs had better torrent speeds.
A VPN kill switch, one of the VPN’s many additional security features, stopped our IP address from leaking in the few cases when our VPN connection broke.
With ExpressVPN, you may torrent without limitations and in safety because of these security measures.
Expensive but worth the higher price
Although ExpressVPN isn’t flawless, its primary flaw is its higher-than-average monthly pricing. The lowest price for the VPN service is $6.67 per month with a 15-month commitment. The service is more expensive than many premium competitors, but with its higher capabilities, you receive your money’s value.
ExpressVPN provides 7- and 30-day free trials if you wish to test the VPN first.
2. NordVPN
Strong security features and extremely quick worldwide speeds. A verified no-logs policy and advanced security settings Its extensive selection of top-notch security features is what distinguishes NordVPN from its competitors.
Secure encryption techniques like OpenVPN and WireGuard are utilised by NordVPN (branded as NordLynx). The VPN encrypts your data using AES-256, much like ExpressVPN does. Kill switches, split tunnelling, and double (multihop) VPN are further capabilities that boost privacy by routing your traffic across two VPN servers.
Additionally, NordVPN does not gather any private web history. Your IP address, browsing history, and bandwidth consumption information are not recorded.
Like ExpressVPN, the VPN service also employs diskless servers, which never store any data locally. Even better, CyberSec, an integrated virus and ad blocker, is included with the service. Across its full network of 5,372 servers, NordVPN is among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested.
Short-distance internet speed losses were as low as 1% in our most recent speed tests. On local connections, NordVPN is incredibly quick. In contrast, ExpressVPN suffered an 8% loss over the same distance.
Although we give NordVPN good marks, the Windows and macOS applications’ designs might use some work.
Although the desktop and laptop clients are not at all difficult to use, we don’t think NordVPN’s Windows and macOS VPN software is as user-friendly as ExpressVPN’s.
3. The best VPN for torrenting is PIA VPN.
The largest network of secure servers and the best VPN for torrenting.
With the largest server network available, Private Internet Access (PIA) is the most secure zero-logs VPN. Fast connection speeds are provided by all servers, especially when file-sharing.
To keep your online activities secret and secure, the American-based VPN also includes a host of sophisticated security features and a native Linux programme.
Extremely fast, private and secure torrenting.
The best VPN right now for anonymous file-sharing and torrenting is Private Internet Access.
Thanks to its no-logs policy, highly effective kill switch, and great P2P download bitrates, the VPN exceeds the competition.
Huge network with good speeds
Port forwarding is another feature of PIA VPN that accelerates torrenting and aids in file-seeding. Sadly, US servers do not permit it.
The server network used by PIA is not only the biggest one available; we have also tested it to be one of the safest.
17,193 no-logs VPN servers in 84 countries are accessible through the service.
We saw a mere 3% decrease in internet speed, indicating a considerable impact of the VPN’s server size on short-distance speeds.
Mac client could be more user friendly
It’s not the simplest VPN to use on MacBooks and iMacs, despite the fact that PIA is a solid VPN for privacy, security, and streaming.
The lengthy loading times of the macOS programme are our biggest complaint. If you’re using the VPN as a windowed app, it may take three seconds to load.
The software launches by default as a menu bar app, which is another problem. As a result, you are unable to dock the VPN application or start it from Spotlight.
4. Surfshark: Best Cheap VPN
Surfshark offers excellent value for your money at just $2.30 a month.
The following seven subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall rating. Read our VPN testing process for more information.
At a significantly lower cost, Surfshark competes with the best VPN services. Additionally, there is no compromising on quality.
Netflix, Disney+, and other streaming services are easily unblocked with the VPN, which enables unlimited device connections.
Given the calibre of its service, Surfshark overall offers outstanding value for the money.
An excellent VPN available for a very inferior price
The considerable prominent advantage of Surfshark is its cost, which is very reasonable. More than that, we think it’s the best inexpensive VPN.
On a two-year membership plan, the VPN’s lowest price is just $2.30 per month. This is still quite reasonably priced even after paying the upfront $59.76.
When a VPN is this inexpensive, you frequently won’t be getting a high-quality product. This is different because Surfshark is among the top VPNs we’ve tested.
Effective at bypassing IP and GPS blocks
In order to get around IP-based geoblocks imposed by services like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max, you should use Surfshark.
However, Surfshark stands out due of its capacity to trick Android phones’ GPS systems.
Android mobile applications cannot determine your actual location using GPS thanks to the ‘Override GPS location’ capability.
Surfshark Android’s GPS Override function.
Slow server connections and moderate speeds
Server connection times and speed have been the main problems we’ve encountered when testing Surfshark.
Frequently, we have to wait a few seconds before connecting to well-known servers. Once connected, however, the speeds are not as quick as those offered by NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Surfshark VPN decreased our internet speed by 15% while connecting over short distances. This is not terrible by any means, but it’s a lot worse than NordVPN’s 1%.
5. IPVanish: Best VPN for Firestick
A private, no-logs VPN that is ideal for Kodi and Firestick users.
The top VPN app for Amazon Fire TV Stick is IPVanish. It doesn’t retain logs of your streaming behaviour and is quick and safe.
IPVanish is especially well suited for anonymous streaming utilising Kodi and IPTV apps because of its many privacy and security options.
A private application for Fire TV devices
For the widely used Amazon Fire TV Stick and other Fire TV devices, IPVanish continues to be the best-rated VPN.
The programme is incredibly easy to use and records fast connection rates to neighbouring VPN servers.
On neighbouring servers, its quick download and upload speeds are excellent. Only a 10% decrease in download speed was seen in recent tests.
While Netflix and other well-known streaming services are not unblocked by IPVanish, we discovered that IPTV and Kodi are compatible with the VPN.
Even Android devices without access to the Google Play Store can utilise the VPN thanks to an Android.
Encrypted zero-logs servers and 40,000 IP addresses
One of the very most private VPN services we’ve examined is IPVanish.
There are no logs at all on any of IPVanish’s 2,000 servers. Your online behaviour is not tracked or stored by them.
Furthermore, while utilising the service’s VPN clients, we have never had an IP or DNS address leak.
With one of the 40,000 IP addresses offered by the service, you may securely protect your IP location.
Don’t use it for bypassing geo-restrictions
While IPVanish is excellent for anonymous Kodi and IPTV viewing, it struggles to get around geographic restrictions on videos.
Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and several other entertainment services all have geo-blocks, which the VPN is unable to get over.
Additionally, there is no Smart DNS capabilities, which makes geo-restricted video streaming on Apple TV and gaming consoles more challenging.
In China, IPVanish is unable to get around the country’s tight internet censorship laws. Instead, we advise utilising Astrill to get around internet filtering.
6. CyberGhost: Best VPN for Public WiFi
A trustworthy automatic WiFi protection tool and a secure VPN.
The following seven subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall rating. Read our VPN testing process for more information.
Due to features like “Wi-Fi Auto-Protect” and “Dedicated IP,” we suggest CyberGhost to travellers and remote workers.
The VPN service is also quite reasonably priced, and you can benefit from a generous 45-day risk-free refund guarantee as well as a free one-day trial.
Additionally, if you run into problems with the VPN programme, knowledgeable support staff are accessible via live chat around-the-clock.
Advanced WiFi protection on insecure networks
You may decide which WiFi networks are safe to access and which ones aren’t using the WiFi protection feature (Wi-Fi Auto-Protect) of CyberGhost VPN.
Due to the increased danger of data profiling and Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks in these locations, we advise using the service to secure free public WiFi in airports, hotels, and coffee shops.
Dedicated IPs and over 7,000 servers
Because of its extensive network of 7,810 servers, CyberGhost is extremely well-liked among travellers and distant workers.
The 91 countries’ abundance of servers makes it simple and quick to connect to one that is close by.
Additionally, customers that need to connect to particular web services using the same private dedicated IP address should use CyberGhost’s Dedicated IP.
However, only in Canada, France, Germany, the UK, and the US are dedicated IPs available; they are also more expensive.
Slower international speeds
The primary problem with employing CyberGhost is the uneven speed over different distances.
The VPN’s speeds have consistently varied substantially over thousands of speed tests, especially across long distances.
CyberGhost is often slower and less dependable on international connections when compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
In other words, for heavy bandwidth activities like HD streaming and torrenting, we don’t recommend the VPN as highly.
7. PrivateVPN: Best VPN Free Trial
Only PrivateVPN, a leading VPN service, offers a real five-day VPN free trial for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
PrivateVPN is a fairly dependable VPN that unblocks the majority of websites and apps for a reasonable fee, despite having less users than the VPN services listed above.
5-day free trial on all platforms
You may test PrivateVPN for five days absolutely free, which is one of its key advantages.
You can test the VPN service on practically any device and there are no use limitations. No payment information is required from you either.
If you choose to sign up for PrivateVPN’s subscription service, it is also quite affordable. The monthly cost is reduced to $2.00 thanks to our special offer.
Surprisingly great at beating geo-restrictions
Unblocking programmes and websites is a strong suit of the VPN service.
In reality, PrivateVPN can unblock 14 different Netflix regions in addition to BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and many other services.
Small server network and slower international speeds
The limited server network of PrivateVPN is its primary flaw. Compared to ExpressVPN’s 3,000 servers, it only provides 200.
Because of the congested network caused by this small server park, PrivateVPN’s long-distance connections are frequently slower than those of its rivals.
Therefore, while viewing American Netflix or HBO Max from outside the US, don’t necessarily expect HD quality.
8. Proton VPN: Best VPN for Encryption
The team that developed ProtonMail, a secure email service, also developed Proton VPN. It comes as no shock that the software places a priority on privacy and security.
Both a free and a premium version of the VPN service are offered. All applications are open-source, and strong encryption is used for VPN connections.
Encryption of the highest level
High-security, encrypted VPN connections are now widely associated with Proton VPN.
The programme makes use of the AES-256 cryptography, the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, as well as Forward Secrecy (FS).
Proton VPN limits the amount of data in each encryption key by producing a distinct set of keys at regular intervals.
Secure Core technology
Proton VPN created and employs Secure Core, an additional layer of protection, on 40 of its servers.
Secure Core is comparable to NordVPN’s and Surfshark’s Multihop option.
Not the best value for your money
Despite being a very good VPN, Proton VPN doesn’t offer the same level of value for money as other highly regarded services.
With a two-year subscription, the best deal is $4.99 per month. Proton VPN lacks crucial features despite appearing to be reasonably priced.
The VPN service lacks browser add-ons, a native Fire TV app, Smart DNS compatibility, and round-the-clock live chat assistance.
9. Windscribe: Best Free VPN
An effective VPN that is both free and premium.
Similar to Proton VPN, Windscribe VPN has two pricing tiers: free and premium.
The premium version is very effective at getting around streaming restrictions, while the free software version is the best free VPN we’ve examined.
Optimized for worldwide streaming
Windscribe stands out for its ease of use in circumventing streaming restrictions. 32 Netflix areas, including those in the US, UK, Brazil, Italy, and Germany, are accessible with the subscription version. No longer can the free VPN access US Netflix, but it can unblock 6
HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, and more international libraries are available. However, you are constrained by the 10GB of monthly data allotment. Additionally, Windscribe is a top VPN for BBC iPlayer and DAZN streaming.
Residential IPs available in USA and Canada One of the few VPN services, Windscribe, offers residential IP addresses in Canada and the United States (Chicago, Dallas) (Toronto).
If you wish to continue utilising the same IP address in the US or Canada, these static IP addresses are helpful because they never change.
Residential IP addresses from internet service providers like AT&T are used by Windscribe. So they can get around geo-restrictions on streaming. These IPs do, however, come with an additional $8 monthly fee.
These IPs are also less private than utilising the dynamic IP addresses shared by a large number of VPN users, even if they are assigned to a small number of people (not just you).
Slow international speeds and connection times
When compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN, Windscribe had inferior long-distance connections, which was an issue.
When streaming foreign video content, these reduced rates have an impact on the picture quality. In our recent tests, we repeatedly noticed fuzzy broadcasts while streaming movies.
Additionally, it can take many seconds at best and many minutes at worst to connect to some servers. We occasionally had trouble connecting at all.
10. Astrill: Best VPN for China
The best trustworthy VPN for unblocking Chinese-blocked websites. Astrill VPN has obviously been designed to get beyond the strictest internet censorship laws in nations like the UAE, Turkey, and China.
For increased online security, the software also includes a variety of cutting-edge security features.
Works in China 100% of the time
The most dependable VPN for circumventing censorship is by far Astrill.
In our China VPN tests, we have never failed to unblock a website by turning on the service’s Stealth VPN protocol.
Stealth VPN’s inability to function on iOS devices is its lone drawback. The best VPN for iPhone & iPad in China is ExpressVPN. Wide range of security features. Also check software companies in washington DC
One of the services that provides the most sophisticated security settings is Astrill. The Astrill VPN application’s settings menu.
Although there are several VPN protocols available, we advise sticking with OpenVPN, WireGuard, and StealthVPN.
Utilizing first-party DNS servers, limiting DNS and IPv6 leaks, and having a functional kill switch for further IP address security are all advantages.
Expensive with no money-back guarantee
In comparison to the majority of VPN services we’ve examined, Astrill is very pricey. Additionally, you cannot get your money back if you are dissatisfied with the goods.
The increased price wouldn’t be an issue if Astrill was exceptional in most aspects, however the VPN service has problems.
For instance, many video streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video, are not unblocked.
Additionally, the VPN lacks Smart DNS, browser extensions, and a kill switch for Android and iPhone mobile devices.
VPN Services We Also Considered
For a variety of reasons, many well-known VPN services missed our list of the top 10 suggestions.
The most well-known VPNs we’ve tested and assessed are listed below, along with the reasons why they didn’t make our list:
HMA VPN (formerly HideMyAss!)
What we don’t like: It will take some time for HMA VPN to earn back our trust as it previously had a very intrusive logging policy.
Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield logs way too much information, which we don’t like. Your IP address, approximate location, connection timestamps, the amount of bandwidth utilised by each user and session, device-specific data, and non-personal logs of the websites you visit are all included in this. This is another best vpn Services.
Mullvad
What we don’t like: Mullvad VPN can’t effectively get around geo-restrictions. It is unable to unblock many streaming services, and nations with strict censorship regulations cannot use it.
IVPN
What we don’t like: IVPN has a limited IP address space and a small server network. The poor international speeds we encountered while utilising the VPN are a result of this. This is another best vpn Services.
PureVPN
What we don’t like about PureVPN is that it can’t unblock US Netflix and that it keeps much too many use data.
TunnelBear
What we don’t like: TunnelBear’s server network is extremely small and it is unable to circumvent most geo-blocks. This indicates that it isn’t very helpful for streaming or use in nations with strict censorship. This is another best vpn Services.
Avast SecurelineVPN
What we dislike: Avast VPN tracks excessive amounts of data, provides very minimal protection, and does a poor job of getting around geo-blocks. Simply said, it performs poorly in comparison to top VPN services.
Norton Secure VPN
What we don’t like: On any of its servers, Norton Secure VPN forbids torrenting and does not unblock websites. This is another best vpn Services.
Betternet VPN
What we dislike: Betternet VPN is an unreliable VPN in general. It has poor performance, insufficient security protections, and leaks DNS requests.
Hola VPN
What we don’t like: According to our testing, Hola VPN is among the worst VPN services. It’s slow, incompatible with Netflix, obstructs BitTorrent transmission, and tracks everything you do online. This is another best vpn Services.
VPN Buying Guide
Before deciding which VPN service is best for you, you must conduct your own research. When selecting a VPN, you must take into account the features and elements listed below. This is another best vpn Services.
Features to Consider When Choosing a VPN
Security
Look for the following characteristics in a VPN if you wish to secure your internet traffic when using free WiFi networks:
- Encryption using AES-256 and secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
- A kill switch for the VPN that will safeguard your true IP address if the VPN connection is lost.
- Specialized servers that support Tor over VPN and multi-hop, obfuscation, and other features.
- IP leak protection for IPv6 traffic (because the majority of VPNs are incompatible with IPv6 connections).
Privacy
Look for these essential qualities in a VPN to anonymize your browsing activity:
- A no-logs privacy policy to prevent the tracking of your online behaviour.
- Company headquarters located in a nation without data retention regulations (i.e. a privacy-friendly jurisdiction).
- “RAM-only” servers, which don’t store data on hard drives.
Streaming Capabilities
Here are the effect features to look for if you want to utilise a VPN to access geo-restricted streaming services:
- Compatible with Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, US Netflix, and Hulu.
- Quick international connections, especially to well-known server hubs like the US and UK.
- Content on streaming devices can be unblocked using Smart DNS, Fire TV, and Android TV apps.
- Live chat assistance available around-the-clock to help users identify streaming servers more quickly.
Speed
Here are some of the more crucial things to think about if you want a VPN with the quickest outright speed:
- Utilizes WireGuard or a proprietary VPN protocol that’s optimised for speed.
- Provides VPN servers with high bandwidth for dependable speed performance, such as 20Gbps.
- Runs a sizable server network that allows you to always connect to a server close by for the fastest speeds.
Device Compatibility
Consider the following compatibility requirements if you own multiple computers and gadgets:
- Native apps for mobile devices running Windows, macOS, iOS (iPhone and iPad), and Android.
- The ability to set up the VPN on routers and a native app for Fire TV devices.
- Smart DNS technology, which enables Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox to use the VPN service’s DNS credentials.
- VPN add-ons for Chrome and Firefox that can be used on Chromebooks and to control the VPN at the browser level.
- Roku, Chromecast, and other WiFi-connected gadgets can all use a VPN if your router is compatible with it.
- An Android.APK file that can be used to sideload (install) the VPN on Android devices without native VPN capabilities.
Advanced Features
Here are crucial features for expert VPN users to get the most of their VPN:
- A large number of simultaneous connections that are allowed, allowing you to secure every device you own.
- Split tunnelling, which allows you to set up specific hardware or software to leverage your regular internet connection.
- An ad blocker to keep trackers and advertisements out of your online experience.
Price
Although the price of a VPN varies depending on its quality and length of subscription, you may anticipate to pay between $2 and $13 per month for a paid VPN service.
Cheap: You’ll need to pay for at least two years in advance to get a reliable VPN for about $2 per month. The primary disadvantage is that you won’t be able to get your money back if the product goes worse over time. Aside from the inexpensive VPNs we suggest in this post, several of the cheaper VPNs have fewer functionality and are more recent additions to the market. There has therefore been less time to develop trust.
Mid-Range: Most VPN plans cost about $6 per month. You can either purchase a superior VPN on a long-term plan for this amount, or a subpar VPN on a short-term plan. If this is your spending limit, you must determine if you can afford the higher initial cost of a better VPN.
Costly: The best VPNs are only accessible to those who pay more than $12.00 a month. Further, you will have the choice of paying monthly as opposed to upfront each year. If your VPN is no longer adequate, you may easily transfer providers by paying on a monthly basis with a lower financial loss. The obvious drawback is the ever rising expense.
Can I Get a VPN for Free?
There are several free VPNs available. They come in a combination of quality levels, much as paid VPN services. If you simply intend to occasionally and casually use the service, you might be able to get by with a free VPN.
Free VPNs like Windscribe Free and Proton VPNfor instance, will function if you want to utilise free public WiFi occasionally and securely.
A free VPN, however, won’t be fast enough to consistently mask your IP address and get around geo-restrictions.
Most reliable free VPNs have monthly data caps or don’t support streaming and torrenting.
How We Test VPN Services
Additionally, you should exercise caution while using a free VPN. Many free VPNs are unsecure and ineffective, according to our research.
Testing VPN Services
Based on our VPN reviews, we highlight the top VPNs in this article.
We evaluate each VPN according to a number of criteria, and the results are used to generate an overall score.
Every top VPN provider should have:
- A “no-logs” or comparable privacy policy.
- Worldwide low latency and fast upload and download rates.
- Additional security, OpenVPN capabilities, and AES-256 encryption.
- Support for torrenting and streaming.
- How simple it is to install and utilise the app on various devices.
- The calibre of the online help resources and customer service.
You may have also seen ratings given for “Price & Value for Money” and “Bypassing Censorship” in our reviews.
On this page, “Price & Value for Money” is not taken into consideration. Regardless of cost, we take overall quality into account. You can determine whether the cost of a VPN is one that you are willing to pay for yourself.
A small portion of the category “Features, Encryption & Security” is devoted to “Bypassing Censorship.” Read about our VPN testing procedure to find out exactly how it operates.
The VPN factors we evaluate are broken down in greater depth below, along with the percentage of the overall rating that each category contributes to:
1. Privacy & Logging Policy: 30%
Minimum Requirement: Regularly wipes servers and does not retain any personally identifying online data.
We advise not keeping any logs at all. genuinely zero-logs
Use a VPN that doesn’t record information that could be used to identify you or link your online behaviour to you.
We have very strict policies on VPNs that acknowledge logging connection info, DNS requests, or IP addresses.
Usage data that is anonymous or aggregated is acceptable. This can include your monthly login total, the overall amount of data consumed, or the total number of people connected at once to a server.
We are more tolerant of VPN services that immediately after your session ends or within 24 hours delete the data they have collected.
We carefully examine each VPN’s privacy policy to see how it handles your data.
In order to determine whether or not you should trust a VPN, we also consider its background and corporate ownership.
2. Speed & Reliability: 25%
Quick enough for HD streaming on local connections as a minimum requirement.
Less than a 20% loss in local connections’ speed, or a 40% loss in distant connections’
To determine how quickly a VPN is, we use two different speed tests: manual and automatic.
We use a controlled, dedicated testing network to run the VPN during our manual speed tests. We establish connections to many servers across the globe and keep track of how much they slow down our connections.
Our automated tests are built on a custom speed testing programme that we run on 11 of our own servers spread out throughout the globe.
Our automated speed test tool evaluates 16 of the most well-liked VPNs every day, updating speed information every six hours.
Though perhaps less relatable than our manual results, our automated results are more reliable because of their regularity and scale. Also check home inspection software
Before we use our formula and assign a speed rating, we consider the download speeds, upload speeds, and ping from both sets of tests.
3. Features, Encryption & Security: 20%
AES-128 encryption, 100 waitpeople, and an internet kill switch are the very minimum requirements.
AES-256, OpenVPN, or a comparable VPN, and obfuscation tools are all recommended.
Almost every VPN we are test uses some form of AES encryption cipher. While AES-128 is completely secure, we seek out AES-256 for the highest level of protection.
VPN Protocols is another key protection feature we factor in. Most VPNs offer OpenVPN as a insolvency protocol choice, as it best balances speed with protection.
More VPNs are now showing WireGuard, or their own bespoke protocol, both of which we rank highly. Don’t worry, we never suggest a proprietary protocol without inspecting and testing it first.
The number of servers a VPN service provides is also important. However, it’s hard to say exactly how many VPN servers is the right number.
We make sure a VPN has a wide and global spread of servers, before recommending it.
Equally, we verify there are enough VPN servers in the most popular locations to avoid lag and traffic congestion even under high load.
The very best VPNs also provide some form of obfuscation. This is crucial equipment if you’re wanting to escape censorship, whether it’s from your company, school, or government.
We own a server situated in China which we use to test each VPN’s ability to beat the toughest of web censorship.
4. Streaming: 10%
Minimum Requirement: Unblocks the American Netflix collection.
We Suggest: Unblocks multiple streaming libraries around the world.
Twelve of the most well-liked streaming services, including Netflix, DAZN, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer, are active subscribers for us.
Every month, we invest hours connecting to VPN servers to test each VPN’s ability to let us stream the desired content.
At the very least, every high-end VPN should have access to the US Netflix catalogue.
5. Torrenting: 5%
Allows private torrenting on numerous hosts is the bare minimum requirement.
Permits high-speed torrenting on all servers, with no data logging, is what we advise.
Never allow torrenting to be too severely restricted by a paid VPN. Additionally, torrenting ought to be permitted nearly on any server.
In order to determine which VPN services have been optimised for faster file-sharing, we additionally test and record P2P bitrates for torrent VPNs.
6. Ease of Use: 5%
Easy installation and user-friendly apps on all major platforms are the minimum requirements.
All of the aforementioned, in addition to clear in-app labels and apps for uncommon platforms, are things we advise.
We ensure that every VPN we test has native apps for Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS and iOS, and Google Android at the very least, unless a VPN is only available on mobile devices.
These apps ought to have a clear “for beginners” designation. To connect to a server, it shouldn’t take more than a few taps or clicks, and the server list should be logically arranged and simple to use.
We give top marks to VPNs that have a well-designed Amazon Fire TV app, a GUI for Linux, or a powerful Smart DNS tool for gaming consoles and streaming devices.
In our reviews, we also take into history a service’s online installation guides for more specialised platforms.
7. Customer Support: 5%
A support email address and online troubleshooting resources are the bare minimum requirements.
All of the aforementioned, as well as comprehensive FAQs and round-the-clock live chat support, are recommended.
Years of VPN testing have taught us one important lesson: the best VPNs stand out from the competition by providing excellent customer service.
The best VPNs provide comprehensive how-to tutorials and live chat help that is available around-the-clock to make problems considerably less painful.
You should bear no less than a prompt and beneficial email support service in addition to some fundamental online FAQs.
What Is a VPN Service?
In order to get around internet geo-blocks, users can access proxy servers through a VPN (virtual private network) service. VPN software also secures your internet data transfers against hacking attempts and unsolicited data profiling. A VPN basically has two purposes: to mask your public IP address and to encrypt your internet traffic.
Between your instrument and the websites and applications you use, VPN software creates an encrypted connection. By connecting to a secure VPN server, it accomplishes this.
Your public IP address is swapped out for the server’s IP address when you connect to a VPN server. This may give the impression that you are browsing from another location or nation.
Your online privacy, security, and freedom are all considerably increased by encrypting your data transfers and altering your IP address.
What Is a VPN: Video Explainer
We created the brief video below to plainly define a VPN service, what it does, and how it functions:
Once you know how they operate, VPNs are actually fairly straightforward.
Why You Need a Personal VPN
Below is an overview of why we highly recommend utilising a VPN service.
Common uses of VPN services include:
- Safeguarding private information on open WiFi networks.
Why ISPs shouldn’t be able to see your website traffic (ISPs).
- Unblocking foreign streaming services and websites.
- Protecting your identity and torrenting behaviour.
- Avoiding censorship and internet outages imposed by the government.
8. Encrypt Data Transfers on Public WiFi Networks
To steal private information like your bank account information and passwords, cybercriminals use open WiFi networks without password protection.
Your sensitive data is at risk when you use a public WiFi connection that doesn’t require a password.
Your web traffic can be shielded from hackers and other outside parties using VPN software. It encrypts your surfing activities and almost eliminates the possibility of hackers intercepting data transmissions.
9. Hide Your Web Activity from Your ISP
Every website you visit and message you send can be monitored by Internet service providers (ISPs).
Your ISP will very probably be obligated to keep a record of your surfing history for at least a year, depending on where you live.
Your website requests are encrypted by a VPN as they move from your device to the VPN server. This implies that it will be considerably more difficult for your ISP to monitor your online behaviour and surfing patterns.
VPN services also make it far more difficult for the websites you visit to recognise you by altering your IP address.
10. Access Geo-Blocked Streaming Content
Your public IP address is used by streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer to restrict the selection of movies and TV episodes you may access.
Every country has a unique library of content, and some content platforms are exclusively accessible in a particular nation.
To replace your actual IP address with an IP address from another country, you can use a VPN. This way you can ‘trick’ streaming services, and unblock region-restricted content on Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and more.
11. Secure Your Connection While Torrenting
Clients for BitTorrent are completely compatible with ExpressVPN.
Without security, P2P file sharing can be risky. Everyone with whom you share files can see your individual IP address, and your ISP can keep tabs on your download history.
Your identity, IP address, and file-sharing behaviour are all concealed from your ISP and other users by using a VPN. This safeguards you against the dangers of torrenting using your actual IP address.
12. Circumvent Government Censorship
The content that may and cannot be viewed online is censored by governments all around the world.
Some countries even choose to shut down particular online services, including social media platforms, in times of political instability.
The best VPN services come with obfuscation technologies, which is a particular form of technology meant to bypass complex systems of censorship.
VPNs with obfuscation enable you to safely access the global internet by encrypting your web traffic and changing your IP address.
Limitations of VPN Services
Online security, privacy, and independence are all greatly enhanced with VPN services. But even the best VPNs come with limitations.
The following are some limitations of VPN software:
- Offer total malware and virus protection. Even if your VPN features a malware-blocking tool, you should still use reputable antivirus software.
- Securely save all of your passwords. Password managers are now available from some VPNs, but we advise using well-known ones like LastPass or 1Password.
- Quicken your internet connection. Only if your ISP is slowing down your connection will this not apply.
- Disable ads. An ad-blocker is included with some VPNs. It’s worth getting one if yours doesn’t. We advise using uBlock Origin.
- Complete anonymity for you. Although VPNs can increase your privacy, they cannot completely mask your identity. There are further techniques for monitoring your internet activities, such as traffic analysis, tracking software, and browser fingerprinting.