A VPN, or virtual private network, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to strengthen your online privacy and security. Whether you want to protect yourself on public Wi-Fi, hide your IP address from trackers, or access region-locked content while traveling, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic and adds a crucial layer of protection. The challenge is that hundreds of VPNs are competing for your attention, and separating the genuinely good services from the mediocre ones can be overwhelming.

To save you time and effort, we have tested and reviewed a wide range of VPNs to narrow down the field to the very best options available today. The list includes the best overall VPN, the fastest service, the best free option, and the best choices for privacy, streaming, and travel. Every VPN featured here delivers on the essentials: trustworthy privacy practices, strong connection speeds, reliable streaming access, and a large, well-distributed server network.

At a glance

• NordVPN - Best VPN overall
• ExpressVPN - Best VPN runner-up
• Surfshark - Best cheap VPN
• Private Internet Access - Best cheap VPN runner-up
• Proton VPN - Best free VPN
• Mullvad - Best VPN for privacy
• CyberGhost - Best VPN for travelers

NordVPN - Best VPN overall

Price when reviewed: Basic plan from $3.39 a month for 2 years. Usually $12.99 a month.

Pros

• Tons of VPN configuration options
• Outstanding speeds
• Included antivirus and password manager

Cons

• Expensive

NordVPN is hard to beat because it balances privacy, speed, features, and ease of use better than any other VPN we have tested. It is the most full-featured service on the market, offering tools that appeal to power users while maintaining an intuitive app that beginners can use without a steep learning curve. The service also carries out regular independent audits and uses RAM-only diskless servers for increased security, which gives privacy-conscious users confidence that their data will remain anonymous.

If speed is your priority, NordVPN will impress as well. In testing, speeds averaged 72 percent of the base internet speed across all servers, making it the fastest VPN tested. The desktop app is easy to use and includes a range of extras such as Tor-over-VPN, multi-hop connections, Meshnet file sharing, ad- and malware-blocking, plus Nord's password manager and link-checker safety tool. It also works with all major streaming services and has an extensive global server network.

The only real downside is price. Even with long-term discounts, NordVPN can be more expensive than many other VPNs, but the combination of performance, privacy, and features makes it worth the cost.

ExpressVPN - Best VPN runner-up

Price when reviewed: Plans from $3.49 a month for 2 years plus 4 free months.

Pros

• Excellent speeds
• Unblocks all streaming services
• Great security and privacy practices

Cons

• More expensive than other VPNs
• Light on extra security features

ExpressVPN is a great option for almost everyone. Beginners can download the software, select a server location, and connect in seconds, while advanced users can take advantage of split-tunneling, protocol optimization, kill switch, and more. It has one of the most expansive device support ecosystems available, and depending on your subscription tier, it allows up to 14 simultaneous connections.

ExpressVPN also offers a smart DNS feature for set-top boxes, consoles, and other devices that do not normally support VPN apps. Its advanced Lightway protocol now includes a Turbo mode that boosts speeds on many server connections, though not across the board. The service has recently added ad- and tracker-blocking and a password manager, moving toward a more holistic security approach.

It is not the cheapest VPN, but the value is strong. Multiple subscription tiers let users choose a plan that fits their budget, and third-party auditors regularly validate its privacy practices. ExpressVPN has also built a sterling user privacy record over the years.

Surfshark - Best cheap VPN

Price when reviewed: From $1.88 a month for 2 years plus 3 free months. Usually $15.45 a month.

Pros

• Unlimited simultaneous device connections
• Tons of extra features
• Low price on long-term plans

Cons

• Expensive month-to-month plans
• Large portion of global servers are virtual

Surfshark is one of those VPNs that does everything well. It has blazing-fast speeds, a robust feature set second only to NordVPN, and excellent privacy credentials thanks to its no-log policy and multiple independent audits. Subscriptions include standard VPN features plus customizable dynamic multi-hop connections, identity protection alerts, and antivirus/malware protection.

The biggest selling point is the price. A two-year plan costs just over $2 per month, which is almost unheard of for a premium VPN with this feature set. Surfshark is a great all-around choice for most people, especially those who want to save money without sacrificing performance or privacy.

One thing to keep in mind is that Surfshark is based in the Netherlands. The country has strong personal privacy laws, but it is a member of the 14 Eyes Data Sharing Alliance, meaning the government could require Surfshark to share user data if asked. This should not matter because of the independently verified no-logs policy, but privacy-conscious users should be aware.

Private Internet Access - Best cheap VPN runner-up

Price when reviewed: From $2.19 a month for 2 years plus 2 free months. Usually $11.99 a month.

Pros

• Multiple independently verified no-log audits
• Unlimited simultaneous device connections
• Vast server network

Cons

• App is a little clunky
• Speeds are fairly pedestrian

Private Internet Access, or PIA, has been around for a while and continues to improve. It has put itself through multiple independent audits of its no-logs policy, proving that user privacy is a top priority. PIA can be a great VPN for all users, but it really shines in terms of price and customization.

The service offers one of the least expensive subscription plans among top VPNs, both monthly and long-term. Power users who like to customize their apps to individual needs will especially appreciate all the tweaking PIA allows. It also provides unlimited device connections and claims to have more than 35,000 servers, though it offers fewer country locations than some competitors.

The interface is rather dated, and there are a few awkward user experience issues. Speeds are not the fastest we have tested, either. Still, these issues do not take away too much from the great value PIA offers.

Proton VPN - Best free VPN

Price when reviewed: From $4.49 per month for 2 years. Free VPN available.

Pros

• Excellent privacy and transparency
• Strong catalog of security features
• Unrivaled free plan
• Good connection speeds

Cons

• Premium plans aren't the cheapest
• Not all features available across apps

Whether you choose the free or paid version, Proton VPN is a solid choice. The free plan is particularly appealing for those on a tight budget or anyone who only needs a VPN for occasional safe browsing. Many free VPNs come with ridiculous limitations or annoying ads, but Proton VPN has no ads and its restrictions are fairly tame.

With the free version, you get one device connection and access to 10 servers around the world. In testing, speeds were very good even on the free plan, ranking in the top 10 of all VPNs tested. There are no monthly data limits on Proton's free VPN servers, making it an excellent option for streaming, though free servers do not promise to work with Netflix like some paid servers do.

Proton VPN comes from the same company behind Proton Mail, so it integrates easily into the Proton ecosystem. The company has undergone multiple independent audits confirming its no-logs policy, including for the free VPN. Premium pricing is a bit high, so trying the free version first is a smart move.

Mullvad - Best VPN for privacy

Price when reviewed: $5.26 a month (€5) flat fee, regardless of commitment length.

Pros

• Exceptional privacy protections
• Strong security features
• Fast connection speeds
• Transparent and trustworthy company practices

Cons

• Weak streaming support
• Relatively small server network
• Lacks extra features

Mullvad is the undisputed king of privacy and anonymity. It does not ask for your email address, name, or any other identifying information. Instead, it assigns a random account number that acts as your identifier and login. You can pay with credit cards or PayPal, but you can also mail cash to remain as private as possible.

Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy and does not collect identifying metadata from your usage, all backed by multiple independent security audits. The service is built with one goal in mind: protecting your privacy, even if that means leaving out extra features. It is still excellent for everyday use, but privacy-focused users will get the most out of its anonymous payment options and unwavering commitment to keeping data private.

Mullvad is also fast, ranking among the top five for speeds in our testing. It charges a flat fee across all plan lengths, making it very affordable month-to-month, but long-term value is lower than competitors. Streaming support can be hit-or-miss, so users who need to bypass location-restricted content should consider that before subscribing.

CyberGhost - Best VPN for travelers

Price when reviewed: $2.19 a month for 2 years plus 2 free months. Usually $12.99 a month.

Pros

• Enormous global server network
• Independently verified no-log policy
• Generous 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Server speeds can be hit-or-miss
• Lacks extra security features offered by competitors

Frequent travelers need variety and wide coverage in server locations. CyberGhost delivers both with more than 11,500 servers across 100+ countries, which is more than twice as many as most other VPNs on this list. Unlike some competitors, the servers are not all concentrated in the U.S. or Europe. The service also recommends optimized servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting, and it has special physical NoSpy servers housed in its home offices in Romania.

With such a vast network, CyberGhost is one of the best options for finding a server no matter where you are in the world. The Windows app is well-designed, intuitive, and easy to use. It lacks some power-user features like multi-hop and IP rotation, but that should not be a deal breaker for the average user.

In testing, European servers delivered excellent speeds while some Asian servers were slower. Overall, speeds are good enough for web browsing, streaming, and most other tasks. The service is also upgrading its network to 10Gbps, which should bring a speed boost in the near future.

Other VPNs we liked

Several other VPNs rise above the rest but did not quite make the main list. PrivadoVPN is a strong overall service, and its free version is second only to Proton VPN, though the server network is smaller. Windscribe Pro offers great security with a Windows client and browser extension that work together to block ads while keeping browsing private, but its interface is wonky and the server network is small. Hide.me is a well-rounded service with fantastic configurable settings, but speed results have been inconsistent and the Windows app can be tricky for beginners. IPVanish nails the basics with decent speeds, a large server network, and independent audits, but it struggles with unblocking streaming services and monthly pricing is steep. Norton VPN is simple, effective, and recently improved its features and privacy commitments, though it only offers yearly pricing and the server network is on the smaller side.

How to choose the best VPN

One of the first things to look for is the number of servers and locations. It is difficult to judge a VPN by a single feature, but a semi-reliable indicator is the server network. Anything with 1,000 or more servers and 30 or more country locations is worth considering.

Speed

Speed is another essential factor. Since you cannot easily test connection speeds without paying, reading reviews that provide a relative average of connection speeds is more useful than direct Mbps comparisons.

Privacy

Read up on a VPN's privacy protections. Does it have a no-logs policy? Has it undergone independent audits? Where is the company located? These questions reveal whether a VPN is transparent about data collection and whether it is subject to government data sharing requirements.

Price

Review the price structure carefully. Some top VPNs are pricey month-to-month but become quite affordable with long-term plans. Sales events such as Prime Day and Black Friday also provide excellent opportunities to find cheaper VPN deals.

VPN features you should care about

Kill switch

If your VPN disconnects unexpectedly, a kill switch automatically blocks internet access, preventing your online activities from being accidentally revealed.

Split tunneling

This feature lets you designate certain traffic to go through the VPN while other content, such as games, remains unhindered. It is a great way to avoid potential performance bottlenecks.

Multi-hop

When extra privacy is needed, multi-hop sends your traffic through two or more VPN servers, with re-encryption at each pass.

Protocols

A VPN's protocol governs how traffic moves from a device through a VPN server to the web. Popular options include OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and PPTP. WireGuard is often the best choice for most people because it is open source, fast, and continually audited for security weaknesses.

Best VPN FAQ

What is the best VPN?

NordVPN is our pick for the best VPN. It has fast speeds, a large server network, and the most extensive feature set on the market. No other VPN currently provides as much value or as many features.

What is the best cheap VPN?

Surfshark is the best cheap VPN. It offers great speeds, robust features, and excellent privacy credentials at a very low long-term price. For budget-friendly service, Surfshark is hard to beat.

What is a VPN?

VPNs create a secure tunnel between your PC and the internet. Your web traffic is routed through a selected VPN server, making it appear as though you are browsing from that server's location. The VPN also encrypts your data so third parties like your ISP cannot see your online activities.

Can I be tracked with a VPN?

VPNs improve privacy and security but do not make you completely anonymous. They keep your ISP from seeing your traffic but do not stop site-level tracking or logged-in identity. If you sign into a website while using a VPN, your identity is still revealed to that site.

Will a VPN protect me on public Wi-Fi?

Yes, a VPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address, making it much harder for hackers to intercept your traffic. Public Wi-Fi is vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, and a VPN prevents this by encrypting the connection. It is still wise to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.

Will a VPN slow down my internet?

Most users will see a moderate speed decrease because traffic is rerouted and encrypted through a VPN server. The impact depends on the server location you choose. Modern VPNs have the infrastructure to maintain high-speed secure connections, so reliable services like those on this list should not cause a noticeable slowdown.

Source:PCWorld News