NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most well-known and reliable VPN services, offering high speed, a wide selection of servers (over 5500 in 60 countries), and a strict no-logs policy. It's based in Panama, which is known for its privacy-friendly laws. NordVPN utilizes AES-256-GCM encryption, ensuring your data is secure. It also includes features like Double VPN (routing your traffic through two servers) and Onion Over VPN for enhanced security. Their CyberSec feature blocks malicious websites and ads. NordVPN also offers dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Pricing is competitive, with various subscription lengths available.
Advantages:
- High connection speed
- Over 5500 servers in 60 countries
- Strict no-logs policy
- Double VPN encryption
- DNS leak protection
Malwarebytes Privacy
Malwarebytes Privacy is a VPN from the well-known cybersecurity company, offering a simple and intuitive interface, reliable protection using WireGuard protocol, and integration with other Malwarebytes products. It focuses on providing a streamlined VPN experience, making it easy for users to protect their online activity. While it doesn't have as many servers as some of the larger VPN providers (around 500 servers in 40+ countries), it prioritizes speed and security. It boasts features like a kill switch, which prevents your IP address from being exposed if the VPN connection drops. It also offers protection against online trackers, preventing websites from collecting your browsing data. Malwarebytes Privacy is a good choice for users who want a simple, reliable VPN from a trusted security vendor. Keep in mind that it is newer to the VPN space than others.
Advantages:
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Fast server connection
- Reliable encryption
- Integration with other Malwarebytes products
- Online tracking protection
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable VPN service with a large number of servers worldwide (servers in 94 countries) and an easy-to-use application available for a wide range of devices including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and even routers. They emphasize speed and security and are known for consistently providing fast connection speeds. ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy to protect your data. Their no-logs policy has been independently audited, providing further assurance. They also offer a kill switch and DNS leak protection. One downside is that it's generally priced higher than some of its competitors. It has excellent customer support and a 30-day money back guarantee.
Advantages:
- Very high speed
- Servers in 94 countries
- Easy-to-use application
- 24/7 Support
- Reliable encryption
Surfshark
Surfshark is a great option if you need to connect multiple devices; this VPN service offers unlimited connections, making it ideal for families or households with numerous devices. It boasts over 3200 servers in 65 countries, giving you plenty of options for server locations. Surfshark also includes a CleanWeb feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. The MultiHop feature routes your traffic through multiple servers for added security. They also have a Camouflage Mode, which hides the fact that you're using a VPN, and a NoBorders mode, which allows you to use Surfshark in regions with restrictive internet access. Overall, Surfshark offers a great balance of features, performance, and price.
Advantages:
- Unlimited device connections
- Over 3200 servers in 65 countries
- CleanWeb feature to block ads and trackers
- Multi-hop for added security
- Competitive Price
CyberGhost
CyberGhost VPN offers optimized servers for streaming and torrenting, making it a good choice for entertainment. It features a vast network of over 7700 servers in 90 countries, allowing you to find a server that suits your specific needs. Their apps have a user-friendly interface, allowing you to easily connect to optimized servers for Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services. CyberGhost uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. They also offer features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is known for its privacy-friendly laws. They offer a generous 45-day money-back guarantee for longer-term plans.
Advantages:
- Over 7700 servers in 90 countries
- Optimized servers for streaming and torrenting
- Automatic connection to the best server
- Strict no-logs policy
- Competitive Price
Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA is an open-source VPN, which increases transparency and trust in the service. This allows independent security researchers to audit the code for vulnerabilities. It boasts a massive network of over 35000 servers in 78 countries, providing you with plenty of options for server locations. PIA has a strict no-logs policy and uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data. It offers a kill switch and DNS leak protection. PIA also supports port forwarding, which can be useful for torrenting. PIA's open-source nature and focus on transparency make it a good choice for privacy-conscious users.
Advantages:
- Open-source VPN
- Over 35000 servers in 78 countries
- Strict no-logs policy
- Competitive Price
IPVanish
IPVanish offers a reliable connection and DNS leak protection, focused on privacy and security. It's based in the United States, which some privacy advocates find concerning,мbut IPVanish maintains a no-logs policy. It has over 1600 servers in 75 countries, offering a decent selection of server locations. IPVanish uses AES-256 encryption and offers a kill switch to prevent your IP address from being exposed if the VPN connection drops. IPVanish is popular among Kodi users because of its support for Kodi add-ons and its ability to protect your privacy while streaming. It also allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
Advantages:
- Reliable DNS leak protection
- Over 1600 servers in 75 countries
- Competitive Price
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN provides maximum security and privacy by using Secure Core servers. These servers are located in countries with strong privacy laws and are owned and operated by ProtonVPN. They also use AES-256 encryption and Perfect Forward Secrecy. It has over 1700 servers in 60 countries. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, known for its strong privacy laws. It also offers a free plan with limited features and server locations. ProtonVPN is a good choice for users who prioritize security and privacy above all else.
Advantages:
- Secure Core servers for maximum security
- Over 1700 servers in 60 countries
- Swiss jurisdiction with strong privacy laws
Windscribe
Windscribe offers a free VPN version with traffic limitations (10GB per month), as well as reliable paid plans with unlimited possibilities. It's based in Canada, which is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, but Windscribe maintains a no-logs policy. They have servers in over 60 countries and offer features like a firewall, ad blocker, and malware blocker. Windscribe also allows custom configurations for advanced users. Their "R.O.B.E.R.T." feature provides customizable blocking of various online threats. Windscribe's free plan makes it a popular choice for casual VPN users, while its paid plans offer more robust features.
Advantages:
- Free version with traffic limitations
- Servers in over 60 countries
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is known for its simple and intuitive interface, making it an excellent choice for beginner VPN users. It has over 4000 servers in 48 countries. TunnelBear uses AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. It also offers a kill switch and a "GhostBear" feature that obfuscates VPN traffic to bypass censorship. TunnelBear is one of the few VPN services that undergoes regular third-party security audits, which helps to ensure the security of its service. TunnelBear's focus on simplicity and security makes it a good choice for new VPN users.
Advantages:
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Over 4000 servers in 48 countries