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Find & Compare the Best VPN Services

Want to find the best VPN? Our unbiased comparison tool lets you see all the best providers in one place. Read reviews, compare VPNs and find the one that's right for you.



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Showing: 1 ‐ 15 of 94 VPNs

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Hide.me

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What's good  

  • Zero logging policy
  • Killswitch auto-enabled
  • Many customizable features
  • Free 2GB/month plan
  • P2P servers

What's bad  

  • Mediocre speeds
  • High prices for premium subscription

Verdict

Hide.me is a great VPN for people who want to fully configure their VPN for even more privacy but it’s hindered by its relatively high price and slow speeds.

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IPVanish

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What's good  

  • Fast performance
  • IP address cycling
  • Live Chat
  • OpenVPN customizability
  • Good device support
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

What's bad  

  • Somewhat confusing interface
  • Potential logging concerns

Verdict

IPVanish offers pretty much everything you’ll need in a VPN including fast performance, excellent customer support, and good prices. With that said, if you’re new to VPNs, the user interface isn’t intuitive. So you might not utilize all the features IPVanish offers.

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TunnelBear

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What's good  

  • Excellent privacy policy
  • Super easy to set-up and use
  • Moderately priced with a decent free plan
  • Strong security features

What's bad  

  • Not much content in help pages
  • Only 20 server locations
  • Not a lot of features

Verdict

While it’s not the largest or most powerful VPN service available, TunnelBear VPN is great for people who don’t want or need a lot of customizability or features. 

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TorGuard

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What's good  

  • Plenty of servers and locations available
  • No logging
  • Excellent speeds
  • Two different clients available
  • Great device support
  • Stealth servers

What's bad  

  • Based in the US
  • Slightly more expensive

Verdict

TorGuard offers a VPN experience tailored to peer-to-peer file sharers. With a combination of excellent speeds, powerful features, and a no logging policy, reviews indicate they live up to the promises made on their site.

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CyberGhost

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What's good  

  • Pricing
  • Simple to use
  • Minimal logging
  • 7 simultaneous devices
  • Bitcoin payments
  • Torrenting support
  • Regional stream unlocking

What's bad  

  • Short trial period
  • So-so speeds
  • Limited chat support hours
  • Slow to connect to servers

Verdict

Combining an easy-to-use app with a strong network, CyberGhost proves that a VPN service doesn’t need to sacrifice usability to offer powerful protection.

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Windscribe

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What's good  

  • Free 10GB plan
  • Plenty of features and customization options
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • P2P servers
  • Malware and phishing protection

What's bad  

  • Average performance
  • No live chat or direct email support
  • Located in Canada (part of the Five Eyes surveillance program)

Verdict

Windscribe offers one of the best free VPNs on the market. And while it might not be the fastest, it offers a slew of useful and customizable features for people who take their privacy seriously.

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Mullvad

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What's good  

  • Cash and crypto payment options
  • Blowfish and AES-256 support
  • WireGuard support
  • Minimal logging
  • Port forwarding support
  • P2P support

What's bad  

  • 3-hour free trial
  • Limited server selection compared to the competition
  • Long term prices higher than most competitors
  • Slower than many competing services

Verdict

With their emphasis on privacy, Mullvad offers rock-solid security with a few compromises -- namely price and transfer speeds.

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ExpressVPN

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What's good  

  • Fast performance
  • Zero-log policy
  • Intuitive UI
  • Many layers of security to protect your identity while browsing the web

What's bad  

  • Higher price
  • Only 8 simultaneous connections

Verdict

While it might not be the cheapest VPN on the market, ExpressVPN provides excellent performance and privacy protection. It’s not super customizable, but it does everything it needs to do well.

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Surfshark

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What's good  

  • Great speeds
  • Extremely affordable
  • Multi-hop and split-tunnelling tools
  • Easy to use
  • Good support
  • Bitcoin payments

What's bad  

  • Kill switch unreliable
  • Speeds between servers vary greatly
  • Lacking proper security audits

Verdict

Surfshark may be a late entry in the world of VPNs but they have shown themselves to be a solid service with a great balance between features and usability. We recommend signing up for at least 6 months at a time for optimal pricing.

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IVPN

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What's good  

  • Multi-hop feature
  • Powerful customization options
  • Transparent privacy policy
  • Live chat
  • Bitcoin support

What's bad  

  • Inconsistent upload speeds
  • Doesn’t unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer

Verdict

IVPN is a great option for people who want more control of their VPN settings and want to protect their privacy. It’s not for people who want to get around geo-restrictions so if you want to stream US Netflix outside the US, look elsewhere.

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PureVPN

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What's good  

  • 7-day free trial
  • Support for a range of devices
  • Good transfer speeds
  • Torrenting support
  • Split Tunneling
  • Good multi-year pricing

What's bad  

  • iOS app currently not available
  • Questionable logging
  • So-so support

Verdict

If you’re looking for a VPN service that won’t impact your Internet speeds, PureVPN receives heaps of praise. Unfortunately, a questionable history of logging user data still appears to haunt the service provider. So if you’re looking for the utmost in privacy, you might look elsewhere.

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Private Internet Access (PIA)

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What's good  

  • Low price
  • Good peformance
  • High level of customization regarding encryption, authentication, and handshakes
  • Excellent ad-blocking on browser extensions
  • No logging

What's bad  

  • No obfuscation support
  • No live chat support
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ProtonVPN

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What's good  

  • Superb privacy
  • Good performance
  • Secure OpenVPN protocol
  • P2P and TOR support
  • Excellent free plan

What's bad  

  • Tiered pricing
  • Limited server locations

Verdict

Despite being a relative newcomer to the VPN scene, ProtonVPN offers a slick client, good overall performance, and excellent privacy. Its tiered pricing and limited server locations might turn away some, but it’s likely to change as the company matures.

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NordVPN

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What's good  

  • Huge server selection
  • SmartPlay streaming
  • Multiple security options
  • Apps for PC, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
  • User-friendly interface
  • Affordable multi-year pricing
  • Automatic kill switch
  • Zero log policy
  • P2P support
  • Based in Panama

What's bad  

  • No phone support
  • Abundance of options might feel confusing
  • So-so monthly pricing
  • Slow email support

Verdict

If you’re looking for a flexible, capable VPN service -- and don’t mind signing up for a year or two at a time -- NordVPN is an excellent value that competes with the best VPNs on the market.

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AzireVPN

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How to Choose the Best VPN

From protecting your online privacy to streaming your favorite foreign shows, a VPN service is essential to the modern Internet.

But with hundreds of VPNs to choose from, how do you know which one is right for you?

This guide will help lead you through the most important considerations when choosing a VPN.



VPN Basics

What Is a VPN?

VPN stands for “virtual private network” -- a technology that secures your internet connection and helps ensure the data you’re sending and receiving is encrypted, anonymous, and safe from prying eyes.

It's Virtual because while the connection makes it appear that you're connected to another physical network, you're simply routing your traffic using software through another network or computer.

It's Private because anything routed through the network -- including the sites you visit, emails you send, or files you downloads -- is encrypted and only visible to you and the site you are visiting or service you're using.

It's a Network because each encrypted connection uses a set of servers located around the world providing you with multiple options to secure your traffic based on where you'd like it to appear you are visiting from.

How Does It Work?


Technically speaking, a VPN redirects your Internet connection through a private network -- instead of using the usual public route provided by your Internet service provider.

Think of a VPN like a private tunnel that runs from your door all the way to your destination.

While you're in the tunnel, no one can track where you're going or what you're bringing along with you.

To use these private tunnels, you need to sign up for a VPN service and install special software known as a VPN app or client.

These apps connect your computer (or smartphone) to the VPN provider's private tunnels (or servers) and provide the keys needed to access them.

Once the connection is made, your data is automatically encrypted and allowed to travel privately.


Why You Should Use a VPN


As concerns about privacy and personal data continue to make headlines around the world, people are turning to VPNs to protect their data and online activities from hackers, commercial snooping, and government monitoring.

If you connect to the Internet at all -- be it from your mobile device or a PC -- securing your connection with a VPN is likely a worthwhile investment.

Benefits include:

 

Protection Anywhere

Whether you're on mobile data, using the Wi-Fi at your favorite coffee shop, or surfing from home, most VPNs have options to connect with any device from virtually any location.

 

Secured Transmission

VPNs don't just protect your web browsing, they protect email sending and receiving, file transfers, peer-to-peer transfers, and any data that goes out of or comes into your network.

 

Unlocked Geographic Restrictions

Popular streaming services, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, USTVNow, and Kodi plug-ins, often limit access to features or content based on your location. With a VPN, you simply switch to a server in the location required and enjoy content with less restrictions.


Setting Up and Using a VPN


The exact steps involved will depend on the device you are planning to use with your VPN and the service provider your choose.

VPNs aren't just for gamers, businesses, or the tech-savvy.

Setting up a VPN used to be complicated. These days, most service providers offer dedicated mobile apps and computer applications to help make set up easy.

Many also support OpenVPN -- one of the gold standards for manual VPN setup -- or router-based setups that you configure yourself.

However, connecting to a VPN using an app is all most people will need.

You’ll typically install the app on each device you want to protect and choose a server from the interface. The app handles everything else to keep you secure.

A few taps and a few seconds to connect is all that is required.

If you have multiple devices and don't feel like installing apps on each of them, you can try a router-based setup if your VPN provider allows. However, this is probably more complicated than the average person really wants to deal with.


     

    Expert Tip: Many VPN providers offer free trials that allow you to test how the service works before you spend any money. We list free trial availability and length in our VPN summaries to help you take advantage.

    Free trial terms will vary by provider. Some might require a credit card or payment method before signing up. If so, remember to cancel service if you do not plan to subscribe or you might be automatically billed at the end of the trial.


    Factors to Consider

    There's no single VPN provider that is perfect for everyone...

    From the devices you use and how you use them to your budget and security concerns, each factor will impact which services are ideal for you.

    As with any other service, choosing the right provider is essential to getting the most from your experience.

    When you're considering routing your most sensitive information through a server, doing the research to find one you can trust is worth it. You certainly don't want to choose the first random option on a list.

    Reputation is everything with VPN providers. Much like any other service, your best option for finding a reliable service is do to a bit of research and read reviews about the providers.

    We have our own vpn comparisons and reviews available. But you can also use sites like Reddit to see what others are saying.

    However, in the end, it's about more than just reviews -- it's also about finding a good fit for your needs.

    Let's look at some of the most important considerations when choosing a VPN.


    1. Price (And Why Free Isn't Always Free)


    While a quick Google search is likely to turn up free VPN options, you need to be very careful when choosing a free VPN provider.

    In fact, we wouldn't recommend most of them...

    Why not?

    At best, many are not a good experience. Slow transfer speeds, added pop-ups, or inconsistent connections make them frustrating to use.

    At worst, free VPNs could be decreasing your security instead of increasing it by serving you malware or logging your data for later resale to third-parties.

    The whole idea of a VPN is going off the radar. Giving another company permission to track what you do doesn't make sense.

    The majority of the time, paying for a reputable VPN is worth it!

    For a recent example of free VPNs farming people's data, check out this report from HackRead.

    However, if you don't have the budget -- or simply need a VPN in a pinch, a reliable free option is certainly better than nothing. We list two popular options in our recommendations .

    In most cases though, you can find a reliable VPN service for between $5 and $10 a month -- especially if you're willing to sign up for a year or more of service at a time.


    2. Server Locations and Number of Servers


    In general, you want to have a provider with as many servers as possible.

    More servers means:

    • More options for connecting from locations around the world and bypassing geo-blocking of services
    • Better ability for the service to handle large amounts of traffic and keep speeds as close as possible to your true ISP-provided speed
    • More choices for finding a server closer to you or trying different options should you find a server slow or unresponsive

    Most good VPN services offer a wide range of servers.

    However, just because a VPN offers thousands of servers, doesn't mean you'll ever use them all.

    In reality, you'll probably only switch between servers if you want to change your location or if the connection is weak on your current server.

    We'd recommend choosing a provider with at least 50 to 100 servers. While bigger numbers might be convenient, they're not a necessity.


    3. Provider Location or Jurisdiction


    Location plays into two considerations when choosing a VPN provider:

    • Laws the VPN may be required to uphold
    • How quickly your computer or phone can send or receive information using their servers

    VPN businesses are subject to any laws in the areas in which they're headquartered.

    This means they might be required to log information, prevent access to particular types, or otherwise provide information to government officials or other authorities based on local laws and regulations.

    Knowing the exact requirements is often a bit clouded, but if you're interested in learning more, " Who Are the Five, Nine, and Fourteen Eyes, and What Do They Do? " is an excellent read that lays out common alliances between the intelligence gathering forces and various authorities around the world.

    Reading it might also give you more motivation to sign up for a VPN. It's definitely eye-opening...

    Our comparison tool makes it easy to find VPN services based outside the US for those worried about location concerns.

    The speed concerns are relatively minor but still relevant if you use a provider with a low number of servers.

    If the servers they have are a long distance from your location, you might notice reduced speeds on your connection and slight delays when loading websites or playing online games.


    4. Logging


    The whole idea behind using a VPN is to keep companies from snooping around in your online activity.

    So if you use a VPN that logs data about how and when you use your VPN, you're essentially trading one type of monitoring for another. 

    And most VPNs that log usage or traffic are required by law to surrender any data they hold to authorities.

    That doesn't account for what they might personally do with the logs. If they're selling it to third-parties and can be subpoenaed by the government, you're essentially paying for encryption but no real additional protection as long as you're only using trusted networks to browse the web.

    In our opinion, this doesn't make any sense. Choosing a zero log provider provides comprehensive protection and most are priced similar to providers that log information.

    Better protection at no extra cost? Seems like an obvious winner to us...

    You can find a full list of zero log VPN providers using our comparison tool .


    5. Concurrent Connections (and Why You Want Them)


    These days, it's not uncommon to jump between multiple devices during the day.

    You might start your morning checking email on your laptop, use your phone on the commute to work, and end the night streaming a movie or reading on your tablet.

    You want to be able to protect your activity on all of these devices as easily as possible.

    Signing up for a VPN that allows you to use multiple devices with your service makes it simple. There's no need to sign in and out of the VPN or change settings every time you switch.

    Having a provider that allows a large number of connections also makes it possible to protect everyone in the family . After all, in many regions, the person who is named on the Internet or phone account is often responsible for the actions of anyone using it.

    Being able to keep everything connected to your Internet secured through a single VPN account isn't just convenient, it's practical as well.


    6. Protocols & Encryption Types


    Encryption, on a basic level, is protecting the information you transfer and ensuring that only you and the recipient can read it.

    There's multiple types of encryption as well as different grades of encryption within the types.

    In most cases, you want a VPN that offers AES-256 encryption . If using SSL, 2048-bit grade encryption is preferred. Regardless of the type, bigger numbers usually means better protection.

    If the provider doesn't list the exact types of encryption they use -- or worse still don't encrypt at all -- steer clear . This could be a red flag.

    Most VPN services will list encryption options by names -- including PPTP, OpenVPN, Tor, L2TP, and a few others.

    These different names describe how the VPN establishes connections and transports your data.

    Which protocol will work best for you depends on the hardware you use and any local regulations around how you are allowed use your Internet connection.

    For the average user, the OpenVPN protocol will cover everything for you.

    If you use peer-to-peer file sharing programs such as Bittorrent or eMule, support for the SOCKS5 protocol can make setting up connections easier as well.

    The PTPP and L2TP protocols are both older standards. While most modern operating systems offer built-in support for these protocols, they're not the most secure options available.

    If your VPN provider only offers these protocols, you might want to steer clear. It could mean their services are out of date or poorly maintained.

    Looking for the most anonymity?

    VPNs that use Tor routing add an extra layer of protection to your online adventures. However, this often comes at the cost of speed and isn't compatible with video streaming, file sharing, or other bandwidth-heavy services.

    In general, protocol support isn't an issue with major VPN providers.

    Most support all of the protocols listed above and many connect by default using the trusted OpenVPN protocol.

    However, if you need a specific protocol or have in-depth questions, asking the provider before purchasing is a good idea.


    7. Use of File Sharing Services


    If you're using peer-to-peer file sharing programs -- such as BitTorrent, eMule, or Soulseek -- you'll need to be sure that your VPN provider allows file sharing.

    Support varies by provider. Some providers block it completely. Others will allow peer-to-peer on specific servers or throttle your speeds when using peer-to-peer services.

    Be sure to check the terms of service and features for a provider to ensure it will work with the services you plan to use.


    8. Access to Netflix and Other Websites Blocked in Your Region


    If you're trying to access a site that isn't available in your region, VPNs could be the answer.

    Many VPN providers offer geo-blocking bypass features that essentially make it appear that you're from the area where a particular service -- such as Netflix -- is available.

    However, since many video streaming services are aware that people use VPNs to bypass region restrictions, you might find that the feature is unavailable from time to time.

    VPN providers and content providers are often in a cat-and-mouse game of updating features to one up each other.

    If either feature is important to you -- and you don't see specific mention that the VPN works with a specific service on their site -- we'd recommend contacting their support before agreeing to service.

    You can also use our comparison tool to find a range of options that support peer-to-peer tools or Netflix .


    9. Kill Switch


    Looking for better protection? Insist on a kill switch.

    While the name might sound a little dramatic, choosing a provider with a kill switch option is one of those things that will either be essential to you or something you don't ever use .

    Though setting the feature up will be different depending on your provider, most kill switches work in a similar way -- if your connection to the VPN drops then Internet access is cut off completely.

    This means less worry of sending information over an unprotected network.

    Some providers also allow you to tie the kill switch to specific applications. For example, if you're only worried about keeping your browser or peer-to-peer activity but not worried about when you use Netflix, you can set the kill switch to only work for your browser or peer-to-peer.

    Just keep in mind that if your connection to the VPN is unstable, your ability to access the Internet will be unstable as well. However, in most cases, this feature is offered by premium providers. So you should find server connections stable and reliable.

    You can find a full list of VPNs with kill switches using our comparison tool .


    10. Good Support


    Even with the best VPN, you'll likely encounter an odd issue from time to time. You also might have questions about how to best use your VPN or change settings.

    When these moments happen, good support makes all the difference .

    Like most companies, support available through VPN providers vary. Common options include:

    • Chat support
    • Phone support
    • Email support

    Be sure to check which types are supported and maybe even give them a call and ask a few basic questions. This means you'll know what to expect and how to get help should you need it.

    We offer a full list of VPNs with chat support on our comparison tool if you're looking for a provider that offers real-time support from the convenience of your browser.

    We recommend avoiding companies that only use email support when possible. While they might offer perfectly acceptable service, email support often takes longer to resolve issues. When your privacy and Internet access is on the line, speed is an important thing.


    11. Anonymous Payments


    Since privacy is a major consideration for choosing a VPN, paying for it with your credit card or bank account might seem counter-intuitive.

    But consider this information from Torrent VPN Guide:

    "In reality, unless a government agency is chasing, nobody is going to subpoena your VPN payment history. Furthermore, if you use a true non-logging VPN service, there is no link between your VPN activity and your personal VPN account anyway.

    This means that even someone linked you to a specific VPN account, they still wouldn't know what you had been doing while connected to the VPN.

    That said, you're assuming that the VPN provider is being completely honest about their logging policy. If they were secretly keeping logs or sharing them with another company/agency, your VPN history could theoretically be traced. This isn't likely but is a possibility."

    While most services will allow you to pay via a prepaid credit card, these still often require activation involving your personal information.

    To help combat this, many of the best VPN providers have started accepting cryptocurrency -- such as Monero and Bitcoin .

    There's even a few that will allow you to use gift cards for other businesses, such as Starbucks or McDonalds, to pay for VPN fees. This offers all of the convenience of using a prepaid card without requiring an activation.

    Anonymous payments keep more than your internet traffic private.


    Common Questions









    Is Using a VPN Legal?

    This depends on your location and local laws.

    In many countries, VPN use is completely legal and even encouraged.

    However, in some countries with restricted Internet policies, VPN use is either limited to government-approved VPN providers or illegal altogether.

    If you travel often, understanding the VPN laws at your destination is important.

    Just because they're legal in your home country doesn't mean you're immune from trouble should you be found using a VPN in a restricted region.

    Examples of countries with VPN restrictions include:

    • North Korea
    • Belarus
    • Iran
    • Turkey
    • China
    • Russia
    • United Arab Emirates
    • Oman
    • Iraq
    • Turkmenistan

    Always consult local regulations before using a VPN service to understand the risks involved. You can also check this list from The Best VPN.



    Your Turn

    Choosing the ideal VPN provider for your needs might seem complex. But by understanding what to look for and what you need, the process is much easier.

    With everything in this guide, you have the information and tools you need to make an informed decision.

    Looking for more information?

    Be sure to check out our VPN comparison tool .

    It allows you to filter through the best VPN services available by feature, location, security concerns, and more.

    We've checked each provider to see what they offer and their prices.

    In short, we did the research so you don't have to.


    Looking for the best VPN service?
    Browse the expert reviews or check out our recommendations .



     
    REFERENCES:
    [1] Engadget: The Essential 2018 VPN Buyer’s Guide
    [2] CNet: A Buyer’s Guide to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in 2018
    [3] Lawyerist: Virtual Private Network (VPN) Buyer’s Guide
    [4] Fast Company: Our Privacy Concerns Have Brought This VPN Provider Tons of New Users
    [5] ThatOnePrivacySite: Choosing a VPN
    [6] HowToGeek: How to Choose the Best VPN Service for Your Needs
    [7] LifeHacker: Why You Should Be Using a VPN (and How to Choose One)
    [8] ConsumerReports: How to Choose a VPN for Digital Privacy and Security
    [9] SpreadPrivacy: How to Choose a Good VPN
    [10] CloudFlare: What is a VPN

    Looking for a new VPN in 2022? These picks are some of the best options available!

    By Type:

    Perfect for:


    Best Free VPN Plans of 2022

    Looking to protect your connection and secure your personal information without paying monthly or yearly for a VPN?

    You need to be careful about which free options you use.

    Fortunately, while there are a lot of questionable services out there, the following picks are excellent choices with a proven record of security and a range of useful features.


    With the huge variety of VPN options available -- and just as many prices -- it can be hard to know which VPN is best for you.

    Our research shows the following picks offer an exceptional combination of features, pricing, and security.

    Better yet, most can keep your entire collection of devices protected with a single monthly fee.

    • NordVPN 
      Best Paid VPN Plan for the Average Person 
      For as little as $2.99 per month, NordVPN offers access to more than 5600 servers in 60+ countries, unlimited bandwidth, P2P/BitTorrent support, easy-to-use mobile and computer apps, and will even allow you to stream popular video services such as Netflix from other countries.
    • MullVad 
      Best Paid VPN Plan for Power Users 
      With prices starting at $5 per month, Mullvad is one of the highest-rated VPN services in terms of security and anonymity options. However, it's also not the most user-friendly. However, for those who per month for “unlimited” 4G LTE data, calling, and texts + 100GB of Google One storage and 5GB of 4G LTE hotspot data.
    • VPN Unlimited 
      Best Budget Paid VPN Plan  
      With prices as low as $2.78 per month, VPN Unlimited offers most of the features of pricier options. However, speeds are a bit slower and servers are limited. Still, with 400 servers across 70 locations, you can likely find a server location for your needs. 
    • TunnelBear 
      Best Paid VPN Plan for Beginners
      At prices as low as $4.99 a month, TunnelBear might not be the lowest-priced option on the market. But it is super-simple to use with a well-planned -- and somewhat humorous -- app. If you're worried about all the technical terms involved with VPN use, TunnelBear has you covered.
    • TorGuard 
      Best Paid VPN Plan for P2P & Torrenting 
      With plans as $5.95, TorGuard is one of the few VPNs designed from the ground up to work with BitTorrent. Anonymous payment options and a bounty of configuration options make it easy to secure your connection exactly how you'd prefer. Each of their 3000 servers are also optimized for P2P use and bypassing regional restrictions for added flexibility.

    Best VPN for Basic or Occasional Use in 2022

    If you don't plan on using a VPN often or are intimidated by all the technical features on offer, these VPNs are excellent picks.

    They cover the basics of keeping your connection secure and offer easy-to-use apps and software to avoid frustration.

    • TunnelBear
      Best Overall VPN for Basic or Light Use
      TunnelBear's affordable pricing and simple software make it an easy pick for those looking for a basic VPN. If you're only looking to protect your connection while using public Wi-Fi or travelling, their free plan may cover you completely as well.
    • ProtonVPN
      Best Basic Single-Device VPN Plan
      If you only want to protect a single device, Proton VPN's free plan is a compelling choice. You'll get unlimited bandwidth on their slower servers. Still, unless you need to transfer really large files, most reviewers found it speedy enough for streaming and general use. And it's hard to beat the price...
    • CyberGhost
      Best Basic VPN for Filesharing and Streaming
      CyberGhost offers a straight-forward app focused on what you want to do. This makes it very easy to use if you want access to more powerful features but are intimidated by the technical side of VPN use. It's not the lowest-priced provider in this category, but it offers a comprehensive set of features perfect for streaming or using P2P applications.

    Best VPN for Netflix & Video Streaming in 2022

    VPNs are a popular way to unlock additional content on streaming platforms such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer.

    However, streaming providers and VPN services are always working to outdo one another.

    The following picks have an excellent record of bypassing regional locks to let you enjoy the very best of most platforms.

    • ExpressVPN
      Best Overall VPN for Netflix and Video Streaming
      With a great reputation for bypassing regional restrictions and some of the fastest speeds reviewers experienced on a VPN, ExpressVPN offers everything you need to enjoy the best of your favorite streaming services.
    • NordVPN
      Best Server Selection for Netflix and Streaming VPNs
      With a massive selection of servers -- more than 5600 servers and counting -- NordVPN is a great option for anyone looking to unlock Netflix or other video streaming services in other regions.
    • Surfshark
      Best Budget VPN for Netflix and Streaming
      Surfshark doesn't offer quite as many features as other VPNs. However, it covers everything you need to stream video using popular services in other regions at a price lower than most of the competition. 
    • CyberGhost
      Best Beginner VPN for Streaming & Netflix
      CyberGhost makes setting up your VPN for streaming video content simple. Just install the app and then choose a server designated for streaming. No complicated settings or technical jargon to worry about!
    • Windscribe
      Best Netflix and Streaming VPN for Families
      Windscribe makes it easy to find servers for viewing Netflix in other regions. Their Windflix servers are configured to make accessing additional content simple. But while most providers limit you to a handful of simultaneous connections, Windscribe allows unlimited connections with a single account. This makes keeping everyone's phones, tablets, PCs, and more easy and affordable.

    Best VPN for Bittorrent & P2P Filesharing

    Using a VPN is an essential part of keeping your filesharing activities private. However, unless your VPN allows filesharing -- and includes features to support common methods such as Bittorrent -- you might find your information leaked or transfers throttled.

    The following picks offer support for filesharing and the speeds to let you transfer files quickly.

    • TorGuard
      Best VPN Designed for Torrenting
      Designed specifically to address the concerns of BitTorrent users, TorGuard offers fast speeds, a huge selection of servers, and excellent support for P2P filesharing. Their StealthVPN feature also helps to hide your VPN use while a kill switch ensures everything is kept secure should your VPN connection fail for any reason.
    • ExpressVPN
      Best VPN for Fast Torrenting and Filesharing
      Reviewers consistently praised ExpressVPN for its solid speeds and excellent security -- including a built-in kill switch to shut down torrenting activity if the VPN connection fails. If transfer speeds are important, ExpressVPN is a solid option.    
    • Mullvad 
      Best VPN for Torrenting Anonymously
      Mullvad is always at the top of the charts in terms of security and features. However, it also allows anonymous payments, WireGuard support, port forwarding, and requires no additional information to sign up for an account. If anonymity is important to you, Mullvad sets the bar.
    • NordVPN
      Best VPN for Light or Occasional Torrenting
      NordVPN's biggest perk is its huge selection of servers. While it's not the fastest option available, it offers all the features you need to keep your torrenting or filesharing activities secure. So if you're not using P2P constantly, it's a good middle ground between price, speeds, and ease of use.
    • CyberGhost
      Best Basic VPN for Torrenting
      If you know you need a VPN service to help keep your filesharing activities secure but you're not sure how to use one, CyberGhost is probably a good fit. It's priced fairly, offers good speeds, and has plenty of servers. Better still, using the VPN is as simple as installing the app on your phone or computer and clicking "Torrent Anonymously".

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