Best VPN services in 2022

A VPN or Virtual Private Network is a security tool that ensures your security online by encrypting your data and helps to stay anonymous online. Additionally, a reliable VPN doesn’t collect your data, secures your internet connection, and unlocks global content libraries and regionally-blocked sites.

Only the best VPN provider can offer all those features and more for a great price. A VPN is easy to use and has plenty of server locations that you can choose from, so you can enjoy the wanted internet freedom.

With so many VPNs out there, choosing the best one is no easy task, especially when the market is overfilled with providers claiming to be the best. But that’s why we’re here to help.

Having tested and reviewed dozens of providers, we bring you our list with detailed reviews of the best VPN services in 2022. Read on to find the top ones in terms of security, privacy, streaming, pricing, and more.

Best VPNs of 2022 - our top 5

1. NordVPN – the best VPN overall in 2022
2. Surfshark VPN – best VPN for unlimited number of devices
3. IPVanish – best VPN for inexpensive, all-rounded protection
4. PrivateVPN – superb VPN for streaming
5. PureVPN – excellent VPN for security and privacy

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How to choose the best VPN?

The process of choosing the best VPN may differ for different users. That’s because while some people want a VPN primarily for security and privacy reasons, others just want to access global content libraries. No matter the reason, let’s take a look at the main criteria you should consider when looking for the best VPN solution:

• Security. Make sure the provider you're interested in offers strong encryption, such as AES, that makes your data unreadable. Furthermore, a reliable kill switch is also a crucial feature because it helps prohibit any accidental data leaks.
• Privacy. Especially in countries that aren't privacy-friendly, a VPN service with a reliable jurisdiction and a strict no-logs policy is a must. Even better if their policy is independently audited.
• Speed. Although security and privacy are top priorities, you don't want to compromise your device's performance because of it. Make sure you look through VPN speed tests before making any long-term commitments.
• Servers. The servers that are nearest to you will give you the best possible performance. So you should check whether there are some around your location. And if you wish to access from a particular country, make sure the VPN offers servers in that location.
• Streaming and torrenting. Such activities are often the main reason why users get a VPN in the first place. But not every provider supports P2P or is capable of bypassing geo-restrictions. Therefore, make sure that you choose a VPN that can meet your expectations.
• Customer support. You never know when you might run into issues – and when you do, you want to get support fast. The ideal solution is to pick providers that offer 24/7 assistance options.
• Price. Not everyone makes big bucks, and not every expensive VPN is necessarily good. Evaluate what the service offers and opt for the best price-quality ratio.

The best VPNs for 2022 – our detailed list:

The following list of the best VPNs of 2022 is constantly evolving and changing. But one thing is always true – top VPN services below cater to different needs but are all 100% secure and reliable. With that in mind, without further ado, let’s take a look at what we have.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN available today

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NordVPN is our best VPN of 2022. The reason behind this is simple: it is one of the top VPNs on the market that balances speed, security, and even entertainment. But let’s take a look at everything one step at a time.

Security and privacy: NordVPN security measures don’t disappoint – it uses AES-256 encryption, has a reliable kill switch, and boasts an audited no-logs policy.

Performance: To ensure your best experience, NordVPN offers NordLynx tunneling protocol, which is a variation of the well-known WireGuard. It allows you to experience super fast speeds without sacrificing your security.

Features: This VPN blocks annoying ads and infected sites, offers all kinds of server types (like obfuscated servers), and includes SOCKS5 proxies for easy torrenting.

Streaming: With this VPN you will be able to unblock virtually any streaming service including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and HBO Max. You can even use the VPN connection with devices that don’t support native VPN apps thanks to the SmartDNS technology.

Compatibility: NordVPN supports all the major platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. All of its applications are extremely easy to use, so you won’t have any problems even if it’s your first time using a VPN.

The prices of NordVPN start at 3.29/month and you get 6 simultaneous connections. And if you don’t fully enjoy the service, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To learn more, check our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – best feature-to-price ratio VPN

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Surfshark is our second best VPN on this list because of the value it provides for the (little) money you pay. However, price isn’t everything – let’s look at what this VPN has to offer.

Security and privacy: When it comes to security, Surfshark has everything a reputable security tool must offer. It implements the unbreakable AES-256 encryption, and has an audited no-logs policy.

Performance: You can pick from lots of secure tunneling protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. This ensures fast connections and no noticeable speed drops.

Features: Plenty of Surfshark servers support P2P connections, which is really convenient for those who torrent a lot. Next, the service offers server obfuscation and the double VPN feature. You also get a malware blocker, split tunneling, and GPS spoofing on Android.

Streaming: This VPN unlocks lots of different streaming platforms. That includes not only the usual ones like Netflix or YouTube – you’ll also be able to enjoy DANZ, HBO Max, and Apple TV.

Compatibility: No matter which operating system you use, Surfshark has you covered. It has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Surfshark VPN price starts at 2.30/month, which seems even lower when you take into consideration that you also get unlimited simultaneous connections. And just in case, you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee for a refund.

Check out our full review of Surfshark VPN.

3. IPVanish – affordable, feature-packed VPN option

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IPVanish is our third best VPN option due to its versatility – protection, torrenting, and streaming. If none of the previous best VPNs scratched your itch the right way, then maybe IPVanish will be the VPN of your dreams.

Security and privacy: Like all the other best VPN services, IPVanish uses the military-grade AES-256 encryption with SHA-512 hash functions. There’s also an audited no-logs policy and a functional kill switch.

Performance: This VPN provider supports multiple tunneling protocols – WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. IPVanish will also provide you with high download speeds and a vast server selection.

Features: IPVanish offers split tunneling to decide which applications use the VPN tunnel. You also get a free SOCKS5 proxy for fast torrenting. Just like Surfshark and NordVPN, IPVanish offers obfuscated servers that will allow you to connect to their servers, in countries where VPNs are usually blocked.

Streaming: IPVanish works perfectly fine when unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. However, it may struggle with other streaming services, so keep this in mind if you want a VPN for the sole purpose of unblocking movies and shows.

Compatibility: For different device coverage IPVanish has you covered. The application works with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS operating systems.

When it comes to price, you can pay as little as 3.99/month if you get a long-term subscription. And, as all good VPNs should, IPVanish has a 30-day money-back guarantee for its long-term plans in case it doesn’t fit your needs.

To read more about IPVanish, visit our full review.

4. PrivateVPN – superb VPN for streaming

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Even though PrivateVPN isn’t as popular as our previously mentioned best VPNs, it’s actually a really good privacy tool that more people should know about.

Security and privacy: PrivateVPN implements the revered AES-256 encryption, which is the security standard in the VPN world. It also lets you configure the encryption according to your needs. You can pick the more lightweight AES-128 and even choose between the CBC and GCM modes. There’s also a high-quality kill switch that passed all our tests.

Performance: Speed is not PrivateVPN’s shining star. Instead of the WireGuard protocol, PrivateVPN offers OpenVPN as the alternative. It isn’t as fast, but if the speed isn’t too big of an issue for you, you won’t even notice the drop too much.

Features: As far as the features go, PrivateVPN has a few aces up its sleeve. Namely, HTTP and SOCKS5 proxies, as well as the support for port forwarding for a faster online connection.

Streaming: This VPN flawlessly works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and DAZN. However, PrivateVPN doesn’t offer the SmartDNS feature that allows you to stream unblocked content on devices that don’t support VPN connections.

Compatibility: With this VPN provider you can safely cover devices that run on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS operating systems.

You can buy PrivateVPN for as low as 2.00/month, much lower than most major VPN providers. There’s a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Also, you get 10 simultaneous connections.

Here is our full PrivateVPN review.

5. PureVPN – constantly audited for security

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If security is your main reason for investing in a VPN, PureVPN may catch your eye. Not only does it offer comprehensive security features, it’s also the first VPN on the market that has the always-on audit.

Security and privacy: PureVPN uses the AES-256 encryption, ensuring top-notch security. Additionally, it has a reliable kill switch that will guarantee no accidental data leaks.

Performance: While some time ago, PureVPN didn’t have impressive speeds, the implementation of the WireGuard protocol changed the game. The provider now offers solid speeds and doesn’t limit your browsing experience.

Features: Android users get to enjoy the split tunneling feature, it’s a great solution when you want only certain apps to go through a VPN connection. There’s also the port forwarding feature, useful for remote device access or setting up gaming servers.

Streaming: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu – you name it, PureVPN can unblock it. The provider can easily bypass restrictions on DAZN as well, which not many competitors can brag about.

Compatibility: PureVPN has apps for all of the famous platforms – Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. And everything is organized, clean, and ready to use.

In terms of pricing, you won’t have to break a bank. With prices starting from 1.99/month, PureVPN is a wallet-friendly solution. And since there’s a 31-day money-back guarantee, you can try the service out without instant long-term commitment.

Learn more in our PureVPN review.

6. Atlas VPN – inexpensive everyday VPN

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No one said that a VPN has to be expensive to be good, and Atlas VPN offers great value for affordable prices. Here’s what this VPN has to offer:

Security and privacy: Atlas VPN ensures next-gen security – together with a strict privacy policy, the market-standard AES 256-bit encryption ensures top-quality data protection. Not to mention the kill switch, it offers that helps prevent data leaks.

Performance: As for speed, the implementation of the WireGuard protocol accelerated the performance of Atlas VPN. It is now one of the fastest VPNs on the market – ideal choice for gaming, streaming, and other activities.

Features: You get to enjoy a malware-free experience – Atlas VPN SafeBrowse feature will simply block malicious websites. To ensure protection at all times, the SafeSwap feature will keep automatically rotating your IP address.

Streaming: With Atlas VPN, you’ll be able to Netflix and chill with shows from all over the world. And if you’re more of a YouTube or BBC iPlayer fan, Atlas VPN won’t disappoint you either.

Compatibility: While the best apps of most VPNs are desktop ones, Atlas VPN is more mobile-focused. Although the Windows and macOS apps are great, the Android and iOS apps run even smoother.

Starting from 1.89/month for unlimited simultaneous connections, Atlas VPN is definitely on the cheaper scale. And even if it doesn’t live up to your expectations, you can always make use of their 30-day money-back guarantee.

To learn more, check out our Altas VPN review.

7. Proton VPN – best freemium VPN

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A great free version, strict no-logs policy, and robust security features – Proton VPN is a great catch. It’s a versatile service suitable for both complete novices and tech masters.

Security and privacy: Like many first-class VPN services, Proton VPN uses the so-called unbreakable AES encryption. And in case your VPN connection drops, the provider’s kill switch is going to keep your data safe.

Performance: In the speed department, Proton VPN is pretty fast. Although at times, there can be some speed inconsistencies, the overall performance is great. Thanks to WireGuard, and Proton’s own VPN Accelerator feature, this provider can compete with the speediest VPN providers.

Features: There’s split tunneling, and the double VPN feature that basically lets you use 2 VPN servers at once. For additional privacy, Tor over VPN and alternate routing will help you browse peacefully in countries with restricted internet freedom.

Streaming: And if you’re in need of a VPN for streaming, Proton VPN will definitely do the trick. There’s Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more streaming services to enjoy.

Compatibility: While Windows users will experience the best version of Proton VPN, others, including macOS, Linux, and mobile users, won’t be disappointed either. The apps are very minimalistic, dark, and simple to navigate.

Proton VPN’s prices start from 4.99/month for 10 simultaneous connections. There’s also a limited free version. And if this provider turns out to be not your cup of tea, there’s a month-long money-back guarantee.

For more details, head over to the Proton VPN review.

8. VyprVPN – top VPN against censorship

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Speedy, very secure, and private – these are the first words that come to mind when describing VyprVPN. It’s focused heavily on bypassing censorship and giving the best overall browsing experience.

Security and privacy: VyprVPN has strong encryption and a fully-functional kill switch. A zero-log service, VyprVPN also has its privacy policy audited independently, so your data is in safe hands.

Performance: The provider includes one of the fastest protocols out there – WireGuard. Nearby servers can even be amazing for a buffering-free streaming or gaming experience.

Features: This VPN will automatically connect to a server if you connect to an unknown network. Also, there’s a feature called Malicious Site Block that blocks malicious websites. And if you only want some of the traffic to go through a VPN, you can make use of the split tunneling feature.

Streaming: VyprVPN is one of the top VPN choices for streaming since it’s capable of unblocking all of the most popular sites – Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, DAZN, and even more.

Compatibility: Whether you’re a Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS user – VyprVPN has apps for all of them. Both mobile and desktop applications are no nut-crackers – you’ll figure them out in minutes if not seconds.

The prices of VyprVPN are fairly hefty – starting from 8.33/month. But if you add your payment details, Android and iOS users can make use of the free 3-day trial. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you 33 free days in total!

Check our VyprVPN review for a full breakdown.

9. Ivacy VPN – safe VPN with anonymous payment options

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Ivacy VPN offers a massive array of worldwide servers, as well as fully anonymous payment options, top security features, and good streaming functionality. All of that – for a very good price.

Security and privacy: A simple and intuitive split tunneling function, AES-256 encryption, and no logs – something we’ve grown to expect from all premium VPNs by now.

Performance: Ivacy doesn’t offer the WireGuard protocol, which delivers faster speeds and additional security. However, it still does a solid job with OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols – the VPN offers above-average performance.

Features: The Ivacy’s Secure Download feature monitors your downloads for potentially harmful data. This additional layer of security separates this VPN from many others on the list. Plus, with cryptocurrency payments, privacy-conscious users can also purchase this VPN without giving away any of their private details.

Streaming: Ivacy offers specialized streaming servers, and they work really well on Netflix, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer. Services like DAZN work a bit worse – but even then, we managed to connect by picking a different server.

Compatibility: The VPN offers applications for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Plus, there are multiple additional solutions for browser extensions, streaming devices, smart TVs, routers, and more.

With Ivacy VPN you can cover 10 devices simultaneously. Sign up for a massive 5-year plan for just 1.19 a month – and you’ll get a solid password manager app thrown in for free. As usual, there’s a money-back guarantee in case you’re not happy with your purchase.

Here’s our Ivacy VPN review for more information.

10. Norton VPN – VPN for all-around online security

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Norton is known more for its excellent antivirus. But the VPN gives an extra layer of security, with safe browsing via servers in 30 countries and a powerful ad blocker.

Security and privacy: Norton VPN includes all safe browsing essentials, such as the AES-256 military-grade encryption, the split tunneling feature, and a strict no-logs policy. There’s also a system-wide kill switch that will keep your Internet data from leaking.

Performance: In terms of performance, Norton VPN uses the OpenVPN protocol on mobile apps and IPSec on desktop apps. Even though there's no WireGuard support, Norton VPN offers really good speeds.

Features: The ad blocker removes unwanted banners, pop ups, and redirects, reducing your exposure to online threats. Plus, the wifi security feature launches Norton VPN whenever you’re connected to an unsafe online network.

Streaming: Norton VPN is only okay when it comes to streaming. HBO Max and BBC iPlayer both work perfectly but we had some issues getting reliable Netflix or Hulu connections.

Compatibility: There are no dedicated NortonVPN apps for streaming devices. Nor are there any browser extensions – the apps are only available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Norton VPN price will depend on how many simultaneous connections you wish to have, as well as whether you want to use other Norton products. For one device only, Norton VPN starts at 2.49/month. Or you can go all-in, and pick up Norton 360, which includes Norton VPN, online identity protection, and a top antivirus – for 19.99/year.

If you want to learn more, check our Norton VPN review.

11. CyberGhost VPN – great global coverage

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CyberGhost VPN has a massive worldwide fleet of servers and can unblock almost all geo-restricted content. It has issues – namely with its applications and company ownership, but it’s still a very solid VPN.

Security and privacy: CyberGhost has the military-grade encryption, always-on kill switch, and a spotless leak track record. However, critics say it’s not enough and point to the fact CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, a company with alleged past involvement in malware distribution.

Performance: The WireGuard protocol offers some of the industry’s top speeds. In fact, it’s going neck-by-neck with the fastest VPNs out there.

Features: The VPN fully supports torrenting, dedicated IPs, as well as split tunneling. Plus, Tor over VPN is an excellent privacy feature, especially if you want to protect your browsing activities.

Streaming: CyberGhost’s main strength is streaming. Servers are fully optimized for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and several other major platforms.

Compatibility: CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire Stick. However, in our review, we found several functionality bugs in some of these apps – which is never a nice thing to see.

The service is pretty affordable, too. On a 3-year plan, CyberGhost VPN will cost 2.29/month. You get 7 simultaneous connections, a long 45-day money-back guarantee and a 24-hour free trial for you to try as well.

Our CyberGhost VPN review has even more information for you.

12. ExpressVPN – fast VPN with extensive features

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ExpressVPN is the darling of VPN reviews, and there are plenty of reasons for it. A solid all-round VPN for streaming with top security features is a good overall option. That is, if you’re okay with higher prices and some black spots in the company’s recent moves.

Security and privacy: With an independently tested no-logs policy and RAM-only servers, the security is great. Some people, however, point to ExpressVPN’s CIO having a history of covert surveillance tool misuse and the fact that ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies – a company with alleged links to malware distribution.

Performance: The custom Lightway protocol offers above-average speeds and reliable overall connection reliability.

Features: ExpressVPN offers IP address masking, integrated speed testing, and a kill switch. Plus, split tunneling and obfuscated servers help you customize and encrypt the connections even further.

Streaming: The streaming functionality is excellent, ExpressVPN can unblock Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and just about any other streaming service. There’s even the Smart DNS feature to use a VPN on devices that don’t directly support it, like gaming consoles.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN offers apps for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and even Linux, as well as plenty of other integrations, including an option to download it directly on your router.

But it is when we see the price, that we realize that ExpressVPN is a premium product. Starting at 8.32/month on a long-term deal, it’s one of the more expensive options out there. Luckily, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee you can use.

Learn more in our ExpressVPN review.

How we test and rank these VPNs

Ranking VPN services is no easy feat. You have to consider a lot of factors, from the number of features to compatibility with various devices.

So what should you know before buying a Virtual Private Network? There’s more than a few things to check if you want to choose the best option for you.

Below is the VPN buying guide for 2022 with 7 crucial points we considered in making this list:

1. Speed. Unless your ISP is using bandwidth throttling, your connection with a VPN will be slower because of encryption, distance to the server, and other factors. That being said, it doesn’t have to be slow. If fast speed is a priority, search for a service that offers the WireGuard protocol and is often mentioned on fastest VPN lists.
2. Server list. Check if the VPN has enough servers around your location. Some concentrate their resources in North America and Europe, but others have solid presence in Asia as well. Also, make sure there are servers in the countries to which you’re planning to connect to. Finally, look for a VPN that has only physical servers with RAM-only storage.
3. VPN jurisdiction. You have to be a really bad girl or a bad boy to get noticed by the intelligence agencies. Nevertheless, it’s still better when your VPN is in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, such as Switzerland, and not in one of the 14-Eyes countries (US, UK, Australia, etc.) or, even worse, a country like China.
4. Streaming and torrenting. Some VPNs are unable to unblock Netflix and other streaming platforms, while others prohibit P2P traffic. If that’s what you need, make sure you’ll be able to do both.
5. Apps and supported devices. Most VPNs support the major OS types, but if you’re a fan of Linux, the list narrows down. Furthermore, you would want to protect all of your devices, so make sure your provider supports your router, game console, and smart TV. Finally, check if the number of simultaneous connections will be enough for you.
6. Customer support. Don’t settle for a VPN that doesn’t offer a 24/7 live chat. It’s an industry standard, not some premium feature.
7. Bang-for-the-buck. Finally, make sure you’re not overpaying. There are many VPNs with similar features and contrasting prices. Also, don’t forget to exercise your money-back guarantee – most providers give one month to test things out.

Best VPN services compared

	NordVPN	Surfshark	IPVanish	PrivateVPN	PureVPN	AtlasVPN	Proton VPN	VyprVPN	Ivacy VPN	Norton VPN	CyberGhost VPN	ExpressVPN
Brand
Rating	4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★	4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.2 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.1 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	4.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆	3.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Free version	Yes, 7-day	Yes, 7-day	No	Yes, 7-day	Yes, 7-day	Yes, unlimited	Yes, unlimited	Yes, 3-day	Yes, 1-day	Yes, 7-day	Yes, 1-day	No
Price (lowest price per month)	3.29/month	2.30/month	3.99/month	2.00/month	1.99/month	1.89/month	4.99/month	8.33/month	1.19/month	2.49/month	2.29/month	8.32/month
Streaming	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more	Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Video, and more	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, DAZN	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, DAZN	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Youtube	BBC iPlayer, HBO	Netflix, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more
Logging	No logs, independently audited twice by PwC	No logs, independently audited by Cure 53	No logs, independently audited by Leviathan	No logs, not audited	No logs, always-on audit by KPMG	No logs, independently audited by VerSprite (iOS penetration testing)	No logs, independently audited by Securitum	No logs, independently audited by Leviathan	No logs, not audited	No logs, not audited	No logs, not audited	No logs, independently audited by PwC
Servers	5500+ servers in 59 countries	3200+ servers in 95 countries	2000+ servers in 50 countries	200+ servers in 63 countries	6500+ servers in 78 countries	750+ servers in 37 countries	1700+ servers in 63 countries	700+ servers in 64+ countries	5700+ servers, 68 countries	1000+ servers, 30 countries	8000+ servers in 91 countries	3000+ servers in 91 countries
Simultaneous connections	6	Unlimited	Unlimited	6	6	Unlimited	Up to 10	30	10	10	7	5
Country	Panama	The Netherlands	United States (part of 5 Eyes)	Sweden (Part of 14 Eyes)	British Virgin Islands	United States (part of 5 Eyes)	Switzerland	Switzerland	Singapore	United States	Romania	British Virgin Islands
Review	NordVPN review	Surfshark VPN review	IPVanish review	PrivateVPN review	PureVPN review	Atlas VPN review	Proton VPN review	VyprVPN review	Ivacy VPN review	Norton VPN review	CyberGhost VPN review	ExpressVPN review

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What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that secures your connection over the Internet. It encrypts your IP address and hides your activity from third parties – hackers, the government, or your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

The best VPN providers include a big array of servers all across the world. In order to change your IP to a different one anywhere, a VPN makes it as simple as clicking a button. Then, all of your traffic gets routed through an encrypted tunnel. As a result, anyone who try to look into your traffic will only be able to see that you are connected through an encrypted tunnel – without being able to take a peek at what is inside that tunnel.

This is an excellent feature for several types of people: many use VPN to avoid spying and hacking that can happen when connected to an unsafe wireless connection. Journalists use it when working with sensitive information or accessing various online resources. Others need this functionality to access geo-restricted websites and see the content that is banned in their countries, either by copyright agreements or government censorship.

Reasons why you need a VPN

There are several reasons why you could need a VPN: let’s talk about some of the main ones in detail.

• Protection against cyberthreats. Your digital footprints are scattered all around the web. Your browsing activity can be tracked and used against you. A VPN masks your IP, helping avoid certain cyber threats.
• Securing your online privacy. Your passwords, banking details, and other personal information can leak through an unsafe online connection – a VPN can help protect it.
• Improving connection speed. Your ISP might be throttling your connection to specific services, like streaming or torrenting. With a VPN, it can’t tell what connections you’re using: letting you hit full speed.
• Bypassing geo-restrictions. What we see online is merely a fraction of what’s there. Websites and streaming services have loads of geo-restricted content. By using a VPN, you can change your IP and access it all.

How does a VPN work?

Generally, when you're connecting to some website, your device sends a query to your ISPs DNS server asking for its IP address. Then, your ISP routes your request to the website's server. When your device crunches the data, it displays a website with videos and pictures once it fully loads. This is fast, but it leaves a lot of traces of what you were doing online. So, over time, ISPs can harness quite a lot of information about their users.

When you subscribe to a VPN service, you're entering an agreement to borrow their infrastructure. Such services own a large volume of servers, so even though your traffic is still routed through your ISP, it's encrypted. The VPN uses a tunneling protocol to connect to your selected remote server. However, this time you're not connecting directly.

The end website receives a different IP address than your own, and your ISP can only tell that you're using a VPN, but it doesn't know what you're doing. That way, your privacy becomes protected by a veil of shadow.

Benefits of using a VPN

Those new to this field may ask: "What can you do with a VPN?" It turns out, there are quite a few ways these tools can help you on a daily basis. Here are the benefits of using a VPN on different devices and for different purposes:

• Best VPNs for Windows can help you remain anonymous online by securing your data with a military-grade encryption. They also include additional security features, such as a kill switch, obfuscation, and split tunneling to boost your privacy even more.
• Premium VPNs for Mac are useful for securing your browsing activities and often even offer some extras, such as dark web monitoring or an ad and tracker blocker. This way you can enjoy a safe and seamless browsing experience.
• Android VPNs is excellent for protecting your privacy when using public wifi in airports, cafes, and shopping malls. Once your internet traffic is rerouted through a secure VPN server, you reduce the risk of exposing private information.
• Top VPNs for iPhone can also be beneficial when you need to browse online while on the go. A VPN would encrypt your traffic so that you wouldn't need to worry about insecure networks or ISP tracking. Some of them even include a Safe Browser to maximize the protection.
• Excellent streaming VPNs allows you to enjoy watching your favorite movies with friends and family on Smart TVs or streaming devices. Top products have a Smart DNS feature which makes it possible to use a VPN even on devices that don't support such connections.
• Great VPNs for torrenting doesn't block P2P traffic and provides fast speeds. Thus, you can easily download your desired content from file-sharing sites and ensure that your data is safe, whether from the ISP or online scammers.
• Top-class Netflix VPNs allows you to access your regular shows while travelling abroad. For example, you can watch Netflix US on holiday or even explore other global libraries at home.

These are only a few ways of using a Virtual Private Network. Others may include avoiding bandwidth throttling, defending against malware, or finding the lowest prices when doing online shopping.

Are VPNs legal to use?

Yes, VPN usage is legal in most countries. However, some of the places that prohibit or restrict VPN usage are China, North Korea, Iraq, Belarus, UAE, Egypt, Turkey, and Russia. In such locations, you should check whether VPNs are legal (or only restricted) beforehand, and what are the consequences of using one.

In other parts of the world, whether you want a VPN for streaming or keeping your data private from prying eyes, it’s perfectly safe to use it. That said, illegal activities don’t become legal with a VPN. This means that pirating copyrighted content, hacking, or cyberbullying don’t suddenly become acceptable just because your data is encrypted.

What are the limitations of a VPN?

Although VPN is a good tool to make your connection safer, this doesn't protect you from all possible dangers. Your connection will indeed be much safer with them, but if you enter your personal information on some sketchy website, your data will still end up in someone's hands.

You can still download malware when using a VPN, as they aren't intended to check your files. So it still matters to exercise proper cyber-hygiene when visiting websites, even when using a VPN.

Be mindful of your browser if you're using an outdated app that has Javascript vulnerabilities. This could also be used to inject malicious code into your system, which is also a cause for concern. Keeping your daily applications and installing important security updates is paramount.

How do I get a VPN?

If you prefer a DIY approach, you can rent a server somewhere far away and then self-host a VPN for yourself. You'd need a cloud hosting provider and some technical know-how.

For everyone else, there are VPN service providers. These are businesses that are lending their server fleet for a monthly fee. Here’s how to get a VPN:

1. Choose a VPN service provider and purchase a subscription. NordVPN now offers a 68% discount.
2. Download, install the client, and log in.
3. Establish a connection by picking any VPN server of your choice.
4. Now, you have a VPN installed and active on your device.

You can minimize the VPN to the background so it doesn't interfere with your browsing. However, if you head online to check your IP address, it would display a different one as if you actually were teleported to a foreign country.

Can I use a VPN on mobile devices?

Yes, you not only can but you should always use a VPN on mobile devices. Since we often use them to access the Internet, it poses similar risks as laptops or other devices that aren’t connected to a VPN.

For instance, we connect our phones to public wifi. In such cases, data encryption can help prevent malware distribution or personal data theft. It can also secure your financial data and audio (or video) conversations from third-party peeks.

The best VPN providers for mobile devices offer comprehensive security of your personal information. Yet, it’s worth noting that mobile VPN apps are slightly different from desktop ones. What was initially promised on desktop might not be present on the mobile app. So you should always check before purchase.

Can VPN services be trusted?

All VPN providers claim to have no-logs policies, but this isn't often the truth. There are many reports of a no-logs VPN service which leaked its users' private information after a major data breach. So, even if you're not paranoid, it may be a bit hard to trust such claims.

Users expect increased privacy and complete peace of mind when choosing a VPN. However, we discovered data from several mobile VPNs leaked online during our research. Some of the most popular Android VPNs, such as SuperVPN, GeckoVPN, and ChatVPN, have been discovered to log massive amounts of user information. Usernames, email addresses, payment-related data, password strings, and more were all logged.

There are plenty of safe and trustworthy VPN services, but it's essential to choose wisely and not go for an untested option: using unreliable VPNs can do you more harm than good.

Here's what you should look for in a reliable VPN service:

• Independent audits. If a service had its no-logs policy audited, it's a good chance that a VPN is trustworthy. Agencies like PwC are multi-million dollar industries that are outside the scope of bribery. So, if they're saying that a VPN adheres to privacy policy claims, you should probably take note.
• Court cases. There's no better method to prove its privacy policy claims than their response to the law requests. If a VPN service collaborates with law enforcement and shows up in court with a list of logs, don't think that it would be different in your case.
• Ownership. You should always take into account the owners of a VPN service. Chances are they manage several other products and look into how they are managed. Were there any data breaches or privacy scandals? This may also help to form a perspective on how your data will be treated.
• Privacy policies. You should carefully review what the policy includes and what information it collects. The less data it gathers, the more privacy you're ensured.
• Privacy-friendly headquarters. Some countries belong to the 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes, or 14-Eyes alliances. They are known to share personal data of their citizens and even attempt to force tech companies to provide them encryption backdoors.

Video review: Best VPNs of 2022

Free vs. Paid VPNs: which is the best for you?

In general, paid VPNs are better than the free ones. The latter have to rely on ads and selling your data (which is not always anonymized), unless they are offered by a premium VPN provider. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a good free VPN – it’s just that they will have one or more limitations that often are a deal-breaker.

The most common free VPN limitations are as follows:

• Speed. Most free services are slower than paid ones. While you might be able to stream in full HD using some VPNs, expect a serious drop-off in speeds.
• Servers. Free VPNs usually offer only a few servers in the US, the Netherlands, and some other countries. Also, those servers tend to be overloaded and have high latency, which is bad for gaming and VoIP calls.
• Data limit. Freemium VPN services will often give you a certain amount of GBs per month or MBs per day. Therefore, downloading large files or streaming high quality videos will soon leave you blocked until next month.
• Number of devices. Expect to get only one connection per account. This means that you won’t be able to use a free VPN on both your computer and your smartphone.
• Geo-blocking and P2P. You won’t be able to access worldwide content of Netflix or other streaming platforms with most free VPNs. What’s more, some of them also prohibit torrenting, especially if they don’t have a data limit.

If you choose a solid paid VPN, you won’t have to deal with the issues listed above. You won’t see any ads either, and your data won’t be sold to third parties. Also, you can expect priority customer support which will solve most of the problems right away.

What's the fastest VPN?

When we're talking about the VPN speeds, we're actually factoring in several different things.

• The distance from your location to a VPN server to your device
• The used tunneling protocol
• The VPN server's load
• Your baseline Internet speed

Even time of the day could also be an important factor. All of this makes the evaluation for the fastest VPN that much more challenging.

We usually calculate the drop-off speeds in our reviews and comparisons compared to the baseline speed test results. So the faster VPN is the one that reduces your baseline speed less. Here is the list of top 5 fastest VPN providers from our list with the WireGuard tunneling protocol:

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