Best VPN Services Reviews
The online world can be a wonderful yet scary place. Nowadays, we use the internet for everything, from shopping to speaking with friends and accessing entertainment. However, our online activity is monitored, and our data is at risk of being sold to advertisement companies. Even worse, cybercriminals are always on the lookout for ways to get their hands on our information. That’s where VPN services come in. Although they offer several additional benefits, their main objective is to help you surf the web privately and securely.
Best VPN Services of 2024
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Why Trust the Best Reviews Team?
The Best Reviews team has been reviewing VPN services for over a decade. We have reviewed more than 100 providers and spent around 12,000 hours researching VPNs and online security.
Although we may receive some compensation through our affiliate links, all our reviews are unbiased and written by experts. You can read more about how we sustain our work here.
ExpressVPN
The software is easy to use across all devices, and the speed trumps many of its competitors, making it one of the fastest VPNs on the market. Android and iOS customers can make the most of a 7-day free trial with unlimited bandwidth and everyone can enjoy three months for free when opting for annual billing. Read our ExpressVPN review.
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NordVPN
Speaking of which, these are only some of NordVPN’s special servers that compose a global network filled with unusual locations, P2P countries, support for Onion over VPN, and more. NordVPN has a handful of different subscriptions in the form of simple apps for all kinds of devices and user types.
For as little as $3.99 per month, users can enjoy all the perks of having a secure and high-speed VPN. Plus, a generous refund policy allows you to get your money back if you decide NordVPN isn’t for you during the first 30 days. Read our NordVPN review.
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Surfshark
Established in 2018, Surfshark offers aesthetically-pleasing apps for multiple platforms. The Netherlands-based company continues to enhance its cybersecurity, merging with Nord Security in 2022. The VPN service doesn’t miss out on any critical security features, such as a static IP address and kill switch, and provides servers in more than 100 countries.
Additionally, Surfshark offers several encryption protocols (including WireGuard) and P2P support, alternative IDs, and a no-logs policy. It is one of the cheapest services on the market and offers a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS devices, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee to test the service risk free. Read our Surfshark review.
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CyberGhost
It has paid careful attention to safety concerns since it debuted in 2010, hiding torrent practices in untraceable servers and special security settings, while still being suitable for those that simply want to surf anonymously on public Wi-Fi or unblock geo-restricted websites comfortably at home.
As a package that shouldn’t stay invisible to anyone considering a VPN service, CyberGhost’s short and long-term subscriptions will tempt anyone to discover the service’s simple and very attractive apps that have customizable features to ensure everyone has the best experience on computers, mobile, and other devices. Read our CyberGhost review.
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ZoogVPN
Something ZoogVPN takes to heart with various types of tunneling protocols you can pick from. On top of that, it's based in Greece, a country outside the 14 eyes surveillance alliance which won't spy on its citizens. Security is good and all, but if you don't get decent speed and are not able to browse the internet, what good does high security do? Well, no need to worry!
ZoogVPN not only claims that it will unblock any website from any country, but it will also do it with “blazing fast speed”. Read our ZoogVPN review.
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IPVanish
Offering customers an impressive 2,200 servers worldwide to choose from, IPVanish is both comprehensive and reliable. It’s also one of the few VPN providers that manage a big portion of its infrastructure in-house, owning 80% of its servers and only using self-developed software for its service. This reduces the company’s reliance on third parties, making it an even more trustworthy option.
As one of the strongest VPNs on the market, IPVanish also boasts a vast range of features that not only provide faster speeds but also permit a custom encryption level and all other elements of a VPN connection. With prices starting as low as $2.99 per month, users certainly get a lot for their money. Read our IPVanish review.
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Private Internet Access
The Private Internet Access VPN allows users to browse the internet anonymously using several encryption and privacy tools to guarantee total security on unlimited devices. Suitable for users of any ability, PIA offers an abundance of servers in over 90 countries and even reserves special servers for streaming. Plus, the service’s platform has a unique and simplified design, making its extensive customization as easy as pie.
The VPN service rewards committed clients who opt for longer plans while also letting newcomers get a risk-free taster of the product with its 7-day free trial (on the mobile app) and 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our Private Internet Access review.
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TunnelBear
The company’s apps feature cartoon bears traveling through tunnels as the software connects to other parts of the world, but there are many other funny bear references, too, not only on the company’s website, blog and social media channels but even in the software updates and install process, too. This makes for a very positive experience and does well for the company since it makes users more curious to try it, even if just to see how it all works.
For that purpose TunnelBear offers an unlimited time free version of the service that can easily be upgraded to eliminate any bandwidth restrictions enforced in the demo program, though everything else – such as the entire server network, support for computers and mobile, and the rest of the program’s features – are available with the free version, which is very generous. Read our TunnelBear review.
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What Is a VPN? 🛡️
A virtual private network (VPN) is software that encrypts your internet traffic, protecting your online activity. It allows you to connect to servers all over the world, tricking websites into thinking you’re located somewhere else.
The best way to visualize how a VPN works is to imagine that you’re entering a tunnel by yourself. This tunnel is made of strong materials, protecting you from people outside looking at you. This way, you can browse online with complete privacy, regardless of whether you’re using your home network or public Wi-Fi.
Why Do You Need a VPN?
There are plenty of reasons why you need to use a VPN service:
- Unrestricted access to the internet: A VPN allows you to reach websites blocked by the network’s admins. This way, VPN services are often used to bypass restrictions implemented by the government, schools, companies, or even ISPs.
- Bypassing geo-blocking: Some VPN services are able to bypass geo-blocks created by websites. With a VPN, you’re able to unblock content that’s not available to you due to your location, such as streaming services, online games, or apps.
- Securing your connection: By encrypting internet traffic, VPNs make browsing the web more secure. In addition to ensuring that hackers can’t access your information while in transit, they also shield your devices from being hacked when using public Wi-Fi.
- Stops ISP throttling: ISPs might throttle your connection due to a variety of reasons. They do this by limiting the internet speed of your IP. Since VPN services change your IP, they’re able to fix this issue and improve your connection speed.
- Prevent tracking: Nowadays, most websites track your movements online in order to target ads specifically to you. By providing anonymity, these companies won’t be able to track you.
- Cheaper flights: Some websites, such as plane ticket sellers, will increase prices when they’re visited by the same IP several times. With a VPN service, the website isn’t able to understand that you’re the one visiting the website and, therefore, you will be able to pay lower rates for your flight.
How To Choose the Best VPN for You
The VPN industry is an oversaturated market. There are hundreds of providers out there, making it difficult to pinpoint which one to choose – especially when they all seem very similar. When searching, keep in mind the following:
Standard Features 🛡️
Regardless of the reason you’re getting a VPN service, there are a few standard boxes that need to be ticked. The first is that the network needs to be reliable and comprehensive. A VPN network with a low number of servers may frequently get too crowded, disturbing your browser experience due to low speeds and stability. Plus, it’s essential that the provider operates their own network of servers instead of borrowing from another service.
When it comes to the app itself, features you shouldn’t pass on include:
- End-to-end encryption 🔒: The most basic feature a VPN service has to offer.
- Kill switch ✋: Stops the internet connection when the VPN service malfunctions to ensure privacy at all times.
- No DNS leaks 🔰: If a VPN service has DNS leaks, then websites will be able to route back to your IP. So, always test the provider for DNS leaks on a neutral website like https://www.dnsleaktest.com/.
- Multiplatform 📱: One subscription should be enough to protect all your devices, including your computer, phone, and smart TV.
- Protocols 📃: Although beginners will usually prefer the plug-and-play aspect of VPN services, it’s always better to have a few options when it comes to encryption protocols (OpenVPN, IPSec, Wireguard, L2TP, etc.).
No-Logs Policy 🚫
The main objective of using a VPN service is to have a private connection. So, what would be the point of subscribing to a service that may keep logs of your data? As a rule of thumb, you should always go with a provider that has a no-logs policy. Better yet, choose a VPN service that has zero-knowledge architecture, meaning that they don’t have any access to your information and, therefore, can’t pass it on to anyone else (government, advertisement companies, etc.).
Speeds ⚡
Since VPN services reroute your connection to their servers (some of them located extremely far away), internet speeds usually go down and pings go up. For a smooth user experience, it’s essential that the VPN provider is able to provide fast and stable connections.
Streaming ▶️
Streaming content that isn’t available in the user’s location has become one of the main reasons why people use a VPN service. As a result, streaming providers have caught up and have come up with countermeasures. So, if your main objective is to unlock geo-blocked content, make sure to choose a provider that can unblock the websites you want to use. Be very careful with the marketing these companies sometimes have, as several VPN providers claim they’re able to unblock certain streaming services when they can’t.
On the bright side, some VPNs come with dedicated servers for streaming, which provide faster and more stable connections to allow users to watch their favorite TV shows without constant buffering.
Headquarters Location 📍
VPN services need to follow the laws where their headquarters are located. So, it’s preferable to opt for a VPN provider that is located in privacy paradises, where there are strict laws protecting citizens’ privacy, such as Switzerland or Malta.
Optional Features for Specific Situations 🌐
Specific situations require specific needs. For example, if you want to bypass government censorship in the country where you live, it’s essential that you go with a VPN service that provides top-notch privacy and security.
Remember that some countries with strong internet censorship forbid the use of VPN services. So, if you’re located in one of these areas and need to use a VPN, make sure you choose a highly secure solution that provides advanced features like a double VPN and multi-hop, just to name a few.
Meanwhile, people who are into P2P should consider a VPN service that provides P2P-dedicated servers to ensure smooth torrenting and seeding.
Paid vs Free VPN Services
There are many free VPN services out there – especially for mobile devices. However, you need to be very careful with these free options. As the saying goes, ‘if something is free, you’re the product’. This statement is especially true for the VPN industry, where many free providers keep logs of your online activities and sell them to third-party ad agencies.
Moreover, free VPN service connections are not the most reliable. They usually have smaller, overloaded server networks, so connections are usually slow and unstable. Of course, advanced features and customization are off the table. Even so, there are some free options that can surprise you – you just need to research the product thoroughly to ensure you’re not using an insecure app.
Some VPN services offer limited free versions that are as secure as the paid ones. Plus, there are a couple of companies that are extremely transparent on how they make money with their free VPN service. While not perfect, you can at least see if it’s information you’re willing to share in exchange for your free ride. Still, it’s important to mention that paid VPNs are usually affordable.
Free VPN Services 🆓 |
Paid VPN Services 💸 |
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May keep logs | No-logs policy |
Low speeds | High speeds |
May contain ads | No ads |
Small VPN network | Medium or large VPN network |
Basic security features | Advanced security features |
Best VPN Deals
Best Free VPN Services
Best VPN Services for Different Devices
Best VPN Services for Streaming
Ready for Safe and Unblocked Web Surfing?
Using a VPN is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Even if you aren’t interested in bypassing internet restrictions, the added security and privacy VPN services provide are essential for today’s online landscape.
The best part is that you don’t need to break the bank to get a reliable VPN service with advanced security features, high speeds, and a stable VPN network. Plus, a free VPN can be enough for internet users who don’t require all the bells and whistles – just make sure you’re signing up for a service that has the objective of keeping you secure instead of making a quick buck.
It's important to remember that VPN services are just one piece of the big puzzle that is online security. Using a password manager, an internet security suite, and a secure browser are all essential to safeguard your digital self.