Best VPN services for 2021

Our best VPN list:

When choosing the VPN service that’s best for you, it is important to stop and think a little about the reasons why you need a VPN in the first place.

A decent VPN that unblocks streaming sites might not be sufficient for a tech-savvy user with exotic needs, or someone in a sensitive position, like a political activist.

The following list of the best VPNs of 2021 includes VPN services that cater to different needs and are 100% secure and reliable.

1. NordVPN - Best VPN in 2021

Fast, reliable, and inexpensive: this is NordVPN, our #1 VPN provider for this year.

NordVPN balances speed and security while also providing access to various streaming services like Netflix. Despite always being on the cutting edge of the VPN market, its price starts at $3.71 a month, which puts it among the cheapest VPN choices available.

Security and privacy

Based in Panama, NordVPN is not legally required to collect any information on its users. This is reflected in their no-logs policy, which was independently audited by Pricewaterhousecoopers (PwC). This is a crucial factor when choosing a VPN, especially if you want to hide your identity.

NordVPN implements AES-256 encryption - the go-to encryption cipher of this day, used even by the US government. NordVPN also implements IP and DNS leak protection, and offers great bonus features. These include an ad blocker, Double VPN, and integration with the Tor network (Onion over VPN).

When it comes to tunneling protocols, Nord uses NordLynx (a variation of WireGuard), OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, and IKEv2/IPsec, all of which offer top-notch security.

Speed

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs today thanks to its in-house tunneling protocol NordLynx. Speed tests performed by AV-Comparatives show that Nord offers high upload and download speeds, putting it at the top end of their list of fastest VPNs.

So, even though the connection speed depends on many different factors, you are not bound to experience significant slow-downs when using NordVPN.

Features

If you know a thing or two about VPNs and want a program that meets all your needs, then NordVPN is what you need.

It features security options like CyberSec (which blocks malware, infected sites, and ads), a kill switch for your internet, and a separate kill switch for specific applications in case your VPN connection drops. Additionally, NordVPN offers double encryption, split tunneling, and a free SOCKS5 proxy.

Finally, you can combine NordVPN with the Tor network or use Obfuscated servers to enjoy the service in countries such as China, where VPN use is restricted.

Streaming

After testing NordVPN on various streaming platforms, we can assure you that it will unblock virtually any geo-restricted website you want to access.

The VPN doesn’t struggle with such popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO. And having 5,500+ servers in 59 countries, you will always find a server in the country you need.

As a cherry on top, if you want to stream on devices that don’t support VPN - you can. Just use NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature.

Platforms

You can use a single NordVPN account on six devices simultaneously. In other words, all your phones and computers are covered. You can also share your account with friends or family members.

NordVPN offers apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, as well as extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Additionally, you can set it up manually on routers, firewalls, and other devices.

Customer support

The customer support of NordVPN is really good. Write them an email and you’ll get an answer in a couple of hours or give their live chat a chance for an almost immediate reply.

Those who are more tech-savvy can use Nord’s FAQ section and the knowledge base filled with extensive articles on various IT-related topics.

Price

You can get NordVPN for as cheap as $3.71 a month if you purchase the two-year subscription plan. This price is lower than the industry average, which is quite impressive keeping in mind all of NordVPN’s features and overall quality.

You can also buy a yearly subscription that would cost you $4.92 a month, or simply try NordVPN for one month for $11.95.

2. ExpressVPN - Expensive, but worth every penny

Albeit expensive, ExpressVPN has been among the top choices for a while thanks to its impressive speed test results, vast selection of features, and spotless reputation. It offers 160 locations in 94 countries and is a great example of security combined with performance.

Security and privacy

ExpressVPN is among the few VPN services on the market with an independently tested no-logs policy. Not only has this British Virgin Islands-based provider completed a PwC audit of their privacy practices - they have also been proven in real world situations.

As a matter of fact, ExpressVPN takes it one step further by using RAM-only servers, incapable of storing sensitive user data.

Like most VPNs on this list, ExpressVPN encrypts all your data with AES-256, which is the current encryption standard because of its complete impenetrability. The VPN is not susceptible to IP leaks of any kind, including those related to your connection dropping (their Network Lock will make sure of that!).

In addition, ExpressVPN uses lots of different tunneling protocols: their new and allegedly-revolutionary Lightway, OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), IKEv2/IPsec, L2TP/IPsec, and more. Even though the selection of protocols varies on different devices, you can always find one that balances speed and security according to your preferences.

Speed

Even though excelling in other areas, ExpressVPN offers only average speeds according to the tests at AV-Comparatives. However, the tests were performed before the introduction of Lightway, which is a much faster tunneling protocol than the more traditional OpenVPN.

Features

ExpressVPN offers all the features we expect of a top-tier VPN, such as IP address masking, integrated speed testing, and a kill switch. However, even advanced users won’t feel left out with the inclusion of features like Split Tunneling or Obfuscated Servers.

In short, although ExpressVPN doesn’t have as massive a feature list as massive as NordVPN, it is nevertheless one of the most solid choices on the market in that regard.

Streaming

This is where ExpressVPN truly shines. It flawlessly unlocks all the geo-restricted streaming libraries you want: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Youtube, HBO Go - you name it.

With the help of Smart DNS (MediaStreamer), the VPN also allows you to watch movies on devices that don’t support VPN, like Apple TV or gaming consoles.

Devices

You will be able to use ExpressVPN no matter what OS you have. The VPN service offers a selection of apps for both mobile and desktop. Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux operating systems all have their own applications you can download from the official site of ExpressVPN.

As is becoming the market standard, ExpressVPN also offers a custom app for Amazon Fire TV, which will let you install it directly onto your Fire Stick (Gen 2+). But what makes the service truly stand out, however, is their custom firmware for routers. This will make using VPN via your router a lot more convenient.

You can also use an ExpressVPN browser extension (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi). However, it only works if you have the full application installed.

Customer support

ExpressVPN has great customer support. You have a lot of ways to contact an agent, including 24/7 live chat, email support, and tickets. Usually, you’ll get an answer pretty quickly even when contacting the staff via email.

In addition to this, there are lots of step-by-step instructions on their site. You can use them when you need help customizing certain features of the VPN. The ExpressVPN self-help section might just be the most comprehensive we’ve seen.

Price

Compared to lots of other best VPN software providers on the market, ExpressVPN is expensive. Its cheapest subscription plan starts at $8.32 a month. This is a yearly subscription, so you’ll have to commit to the service if you want to save money.

Alternatively, you can pay a one-time price of $12.95 if you only want to try out ExpressVPN for a single month.

All subscriptions are subject to their 30-day money-back guarantee, which you will receive with no questions asked.

3. Surfshark VPN - Best feature-to-price ratio

Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark arguably offers the most value for your money of any VPN. It has a strict no-logs policy, a massive list of features, and an ever-growing server list - all for the competitive price of $2.49 a month.

It’s no wonder that Surfshark often finds itself on the lists of the best VPN service providers - especially as you can use one account on unlimited devices.

Security and privacy

The team behind Surfshark takes your security and privacy very seriously. That’s why all data that goes through the VPN gets encrypted with the strong AES-256 cipher, with strong features adding to the overall safety. Surfshark has a kill switch, leak protection, and an ad-blocker to make you as waterproof as possible.

In addition, Surfshark uses a bunch of tunneling protocols, all of which are extremely secure: WireGuard, OpenVPN TCP, OpenVPN UDP, IKEv2/IPsec, and the censorship-busting Shadowsocks. All their servers are RAM-only, which means that every time a server is rebooted, all the data gets completely wiped out.

Surfshark operates out of a privacy-friendly location and doesn’t store user activity data.

Speed

If VPNs often disappoint you in terms of speed, then Surfshark will be a breath of fresh air for you. In terms of download speed, it is listed as the #3 fastest VPN by AV-Comparatives. While its upload speed is a bit slower, Surfshark VPN is still one of the best choices for you if you struggle with internet speed.

This is all made possible due to their 3,200+ strong server list and the moden WireGuard tunneling protocol, which Surfshark implemented in 2020.

Features

Surfshark VPN is tightly packed with all sorts of cool features. All its servers support P2P file sharing (torrenting), each one having a private DNS for even more protection. In addition, Surfshark offers a multi-hop (double VPN) feature and Camouflage Mode to hide the fact you’re using a VPN.

There’s also a malware blocker, and an advanced split tunneling feature that lets you exclude apps and websites from the VPN connection.

Android users get yet another neat feature in GPS spoofing. It hides your phone’s physical location, showing the one that correlates with your current VPN server.

Streaming

With 3,200+ servers in 65 countries, you should always find the perfect server for the streaming service you want to unblock.

Surfshark VPN works wonders with Netflix, Peacock, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Youtube. And if you want to watch your favorite shows on your PlayStation, Smart DNS is there to help.

Platforms

One of the biggest selling points of Surfshark VPN is the possibility of unlimited simultaneous connections. In other words, a single subscription can cover all the devices owned by you and your family.

So, Surfshark will work with any of your Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV devices. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Customer support

If you encounter any problems when using or setting up Surfshark VPN, you can either try solving the problem yourself (with the help of extensive guides on their website) or use their 24/7 live chat for an instant reply.

Alternatively, you can submit a support ticket to get an email reply a bit later if you don’t want to chat.

Price

Surfshark VPN offers one of the lowest prices on the market and doesn’t apply price discrimination based on country. In other words, the program will cost you the same no matter where you live.

So, if you want the cheapest option, you should consider purchasing the two-year plan, which would cost you $2.49 a month. Short-term plans cost more: $6.49 a month for a 6-month subscription and $12.95 for a single month subscription.

Remember that 1 account is good for all your devices at the same time. You can also get a free 7-day trial for Android and iOS.

4. Private Internet Access - Best VPN for torrenting

No list of best VPN services would be complete without Private Internet Access (PIA). This US-based VPN has been a staple of the Virtual Private Network market for years, earning lots of user trust in the process.

PIA boasts possibly the largest network of any VPN, giving you the freedom to choose among 24,717+ servers in 77 countries.

However, its strength lies not only in numbers.

Security and privacy

Open-source and completely anonymous (as it doesn’t store any logs), PIA VPN gives you a lot of freedom to set your own level of security. Even though its default encryption is AES-128, you can upgrade it to AES-256 or even turn it off completely.

Also, you are free to pick your preferred handshake and data authentication methods as well as the VPN protocol (OpenVPN, IKEv2, or WireGuard). In addition, PIA has its own DNS, which minimizes the risk of DNS leaks, and has a kill switch to protect you from connection failures.

Although PIA’s US home is not the most privacy-friendly place in the world, the provider has always maintained a strict no-logs policy, which has been tested in the real world on numerous occasions.

Speed

PIA has been known to sometimes struggle with its download speeds (however, its upload speeds are usually excellent), but the massive increase in server count and introduction of WireGuard has largely solved those problems.

Currently, Private Internet Access ranks among the fastest VPN services on the market and is fighting for that top spot.

Features

Aside from the basic VPN features like the kill switch, Private Internet Access VPN also blocks ads, trackers, malware, and prevents all sorts of identity leaks. It also offers Split Tunneling and is compatible with DD-WRT routers.

PIA is one of our favorite VPNs for torrenting because it offers a great combo of torrenting-centric features. This includes a free SOCKS5 proxy and Port Forwarding to keep that download/upload ratio in the green.

Streaming

Trying to unblock Netflix with PIA VPN can be hit and miss. Even though some users claim to be able to access Netflix with certain PIA servers, we were only able to get to US Netflix on our 4th server tried.

In short, it’s not the best for streaming and unlike our top choices, it doesn’t offer Smart DNS for your Smart TV and console needs.

Platforms

You can download the PIA VPN app for your Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and Mac devices. However, if you want to use a browser extension instead, you can check out PIA’s extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Opera.

Unfortunately, Private Internet Access has no Amazon Fire TV app, which may have something to do with the fact that it’s not the best at unblocking geo-restricted content.

A single plan lets you use PIA VPN on 10 devices in total, which is quite generous compared to other VPN providers.

Customer support

When it comes to troubleshooting, PIA has a decent knowledge-base that may contain the solution you’re looking for.

However, if you come across a more sophisticated problem, you can either send a support ticket (filling it out might be a bit of a hassle) or use the 24/7 chat option.

Price

The monthly price of PIA VPN greatly differs depending on the plan you pick. Choosing a two-year plan is the least expensive option in the long run: you’ll pay only $2.69 a month. A yearly subscription is also a cheap option: it will cost you $3.33 a month.

On the other hand, the monthly plan of PIA VPN goes for around the industry average, costing you $9.95.

5. Mullvad VPN - Most privacy-friendly VPN

Mullvad is the VPN choice for anyone who has a strong security, privacy, and anonymity focus. This little Swedish VPN has a completely anonymous sign-up process and zero third-party trackers on their website.

Its speed, features, and spirit of innovation are something many other VPN providers can look up to.

We especially like that Mullvad is open-source, doesn’t keep any logs, and places a high-degree of importance on business ethics.

Security and privacy

Mullvad takes your security and privacy very seriously. Aside from a completely anonymous account, Mullvad VPN implements AES-256 encryption to hide your data that goes through their servers. Needless to say, Mullvad also has the usual protections, namely, a kill switch and leak protection.

Mullvad lets you choose between two tunneling protocols: WireGuard and OpenVPN. While OpenVPN is the industry standard in terms of security, WireGuard lets you enjoy higher speeds while browsing the web or downloading content.

Speed

From our experience testing VPN services, we can say that Mullvad is one of the fastest VPNs in 2021 - especially if you use the WireGuard protocol.

Depending on the server you choose, you will experience only a minimal decline in download and upload speed. However, there’s one caveat - Mullvad doesn’t cover a huge number of countries, which means your speeds may suffer due to your location.

Features

Advanced users will really appreciate Mullvad because it’s rich in features that can be difficult to find otherwise.

For example, Mullvad VPN supports torrenting, offers port forwarding, the Bridge Mode feature to merge two or more networks, and split tunneling. In addition, it has a SOCKS5 proxy and supports IPv6. You can also edit your preferences, enabling a kill switch or making Mullvad automatically connect you to a server as soon as you turn on your device.

Streaming

This is the section that prevents Mullvad from taking a higher spot on the list of the best VPN software. It seems unblocking geo-restricted content is simply not Mullvad’s objective. For example, it struggles to unblock Netflix and BBC iPlayer, which is a bit disappointing.

On the other hand, Mullvad VPN lets you watch geo-restricted content on Youtube.

Platforms

As of now, Mullvad VPN supports Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS.

The user interface of the program is almost identical no matter which version you use. However, the number of features can differ. For example, the Android app is in its beta version and lacks features like the kill switch, and doesn’t support IPv6.

Customer support

If you are an advanced VPN user, you will like all the extensive guides that Mullvad features on their website.

However, when you come across a problem you can’t fix yourself, you can use Mullvad’s customer support - just write them an email or contact them via Twitter or Facebook.

Price

Unfortunately, there’s no free version of Mullvad VPN, so you’ll have to buy a subscription to try out this service yourself.

Mullvad costs $6/month no matter the subscription length. Even though this might sound like a disadvantage, we like that Mullvad doesn’t try to tie you down with a prolonged subscription plan.

6. VyprVPN – Top VPN against censorship

VyprVPN is often included among the best VPN apps. That’s because it simply is.

Excellent security, fast speeds, the ability to unblock Netflix and other streaming platforms, and fair prices make VyprVPN a popular choice among all kinds of users.

Security and privacy

It’s hard to find a more privacy and security oriented provider. Located in Switzerland, VyprVPN has an independently-audited no-logs policy and owns all of its servers.

To encrypt your data, VyprVPN uses AES with a 256-bit key, which is the current industry standard used by most important organizations and services. It also has a reliable kill switch and no IP or DNS leaks.

Also, there’s a wide selection of tunneling protocols, which encrypt the connection between you and a VPN server. Most importantly, VyprVPN supports WireGuard and offers Chameleon 2.0, which is great against Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). However, the L2TP/IPSec protocol is considered to be outdated and we don’t recommend using it.

Speed

VyprVPN doesn’t sacrifice performance for security. Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, it’s among the fastest services in 2021. If you have a decent internet connection, you should be able to stream in HD or 4K and download large files in a matter of minutes.

While VyprVPN doesn’t have many servers, they are decently-spread all over the world. This means that most of the time you won’t have to connect to another continent and experience increased lag, which is bad for gaming and VOIP calls.

Features

VyprVPN has few features and even those aren’t available on all devices. For instance, ad blocking and split tunneling is for Mac and Android only.

There’s also the Public Wi-Fi Protection feature that instantly connects you to VyprVPN as soon as you connect to an unknown Wi-Fi network. Additionally, this VPN is torrenting-friendly and doesn’t throttle the traffic.

Streaming

VyprVPN is great for streaming. We tested it on various geo-restricted streaming platforms and got some really positive results.

This VPN unblocks multiple Netflix libraries (US, Japan, Canada) and does so without a significant decline in speed. You can also use VyprVPN to watch content on other streaming sites like Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.

What’s more, this service has apps for Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV. You can also configure your router to work with VyprVPN in order to watch movies directly on your smart TV.

Platforms

Whether you use Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS, you will find the VyprVPN app to match your needs. It also has a router app, which is a rare find. There are even apps for Android TV, Blackphone, Anonabox, and QNAP.

However, there’s no dedicated app for Linux and no browser extensions at the moment.

You can use VyprVPN on five devices simultaneously.

Customer support

VyprVPN gives you a few different ways to get help. For example, you can submit a ticket and receive an email reply in a few hours.

There’s also a 24/7 live chat if you want to talk to an agent as soon as possible. Most of the time, they answer quickly and solve the issue in a matter of minutes.

However, if you don’t feel the need to talk to a person, you can browse through the Help Center where you’ll find lots of FAQs and articles.

Price

Even though VyprVPN is one of the best VPNs of the year, its price doesn’t reflect this high position.

At the moment, it starts at $1.66 a month (if you purchase a 36-month subscription) and covers 30 devices (limited offer). Alternatively, you will pay $3.75 a month for a 12-month plan, and $12.95 if you want to try VyprVPN for only one month.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Sadly, VyprVPN doesn’t offer anonymous payment options.

7. Windscribe VPN – Free version and biggest list of features

Windscribe VPN is perfect for those who are looking for a free Virtual Private Network service.

The free version comes with 10GB of monthly data and 10 locations to choose from. However, its paid version is even better, not limiting your data, locations, or the number of simultaneous connections.

Security and privacy

You can be sure that Windscribe VPN will keep you safe online. It uses military-grade encryption, which means that nobody will be able to snoop on your online activities – even your internet service provider.

Also, Windscribe lets you choose from a number of tunneling protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and two “stealth protocols.” Windscribe also comes with an exceptional kill switch that will save you in case of a VPN failure.

From the privacy standpoint, Windscribe is doing fine too. While located in Canada (Five Eyes), this service has a clear no-logs policy and a history of complying with zero requests from law enforcement. Finally, you can pay using Bitcoin or gift cards.

Speed

For the best performance, turn on the next-gen WireGuard protocol. It allows blazing-fast speeds which are more than enough for 4K streaming, torrenting, and low-latency gaming. With Windscribe, expect a minimum download and upload drop-off from your internet connection.

All 480+ servers in 60+ countries are physical, which means better performance compared to the virtual ones. It seems that Windscribe really went for quality instead of quantity this time.

Features

Like many services on this list of the best VPNs, Windscribe comes with a selection of features. Those include malware blocking, Double Hop, port forwarding, a free SOCKS5 proxy. The latter two are great for torrenting fans, which is allowed on all but Japanese and Indian servers.

Windscribe also offers its own domain and IP-blocking tool, and a selection of static IPs. Split tunneling is also supported – however, only on Android devices at the moment.

Streaming

If you need a VPN solely for streaming, you might want to invest in a paid version of Windscribe because the free version is able to unblock only certain libraries. For example, it successfully unblocked the US library of Netflix but failed to unblock the French one.

However, any paid plan of Windscribe VPN will open a wider door to the world of geo-blocked content. Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and many other streaming services usually work with this VPN flawlessly. There are even dedicated Netflix servers for the US, UK, Canada, and Japan libraries.

If some of the streaming platforms don’t work, there’s an option to purchase a static IP. This usually solves all the issues.

Platforms

Windscribe has dedicated applications for Mac,Windows, iOS, Android, Linux (beta), Amazon Fire Stick, Nvidia Shield, and Kodi. You can also install browser extensions for Chrome, Opera, Edge, and Firefox. Additionally, routers and NAS can be configured manually.

And now the best part – Windscribe offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Even though Windscribe’s design is a bit simplistic, this doesn’t interfere with user experience, as all the apps are intuitive and easy to use.

Customer support

If you’re somewhat knowledgeable in IT and can usually cope with technical problems yourself, you will appreciate the vast knowledge base of Windscribe. You can also browse through various setup guides and the FAQ section.

Unfortunately, there’s no live chat if you want immediate help. The only way to talk to an agent is to send a support ticket through Windscribe’s website. However, if you feel adventurous, you can try to chat with a bot named Garry - it can help you with simple technical questions.

Price

Windscribe VPN has a very simple pricing system. A single-month plan will cost you $9.00, while a yearly subscription will take $4.08 out of your wallet every month. Both plans will give you unlimited data, access to all the locations, and connection to unlimited devices.

There’s also the possibility to build your own plan. This can be useful if you usually connect to a few countries only, as the plan charges $1 per location (with 10GB of data). If you want unlimited data, you have to pay $1 extra.

Payment options include credit cards, Bitcoin, and gift cards. You can test the premium Windscribe version freely for one day.

8. CyberGhost VPN – Truly global coverage

CyberGhost is a great VPN with 6,800+ servers in 89 countries and no monthly data limits.

Its main strengths lie in its breakneck speeds, huge server list, and the ability to unblock almost any geo-restricted content.

At the same time, this is one of the cheapest VPNs, with the prices starting from $2.25 a month only.

Security and privacy

Like many other top VPN services, CyberGhost VPN implements military-grade encryption to encrypt your internet traffic. In addition, it has an always-on kill switch and no leaks.

When it comes to VPN protocols, CyberGhost has WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. While it doesn’t have a “stealth protocol,” you can still use it in China and other countries where the internet is restricted.

This provider doesn’t keep any logs (including traffic, timestamps, and IP addresses). However, its owner is a UK company Kape Technologies which has a spotty reputation.

Speed

Thanks to its vast server network and the WireGuard protocol, CyberGhost offers some of the industry’s best speeds. It’s probably not the fastest one, but if you have a decent connection, the drop-off shouldn’t be a problem.

Unless you reside in a really remote location, CyberGhost should be able to give high-quality streaming, fast downloads, and low latency video calls.

Features

CyberGhost VPN has the majority of the features any experienced VPN user needs. It supports torrenting and split tunneling (Windows and Android), offers dedicated IP addresses, and has a free SOCKS5 proxy.

Those who want extra protection will be happy with the Tor over VPN feature. We recommend it to anyone living in a place where internet freedom is restricted.

Moreover, for $0.84/month only, you can get access to NoSpy servers located in Romania. They will give you not only more privacy but also improved performance.

For an additional price of $1.39, you can also get the CyberGhost Windows Security Suite that includes an antivirus program, the Security Updater that checks for outdated apps, and the Privacy Guard feature that lets you control how much data you share with Microsoft.

Streaming

CyberGhost VPN is one of the best when it comes to streaming. It has a long list of optimized servers dedicated for Netflix and other content platforms.

This service unblocks multiple Netflix libraries, including the US. Furthermore, it gives you Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and many more.

Lastly, CyberGhost VPN allows seven devices at a time, so you can easily share your account with family and friends.

Platforms

CyberGhost VPN is extremely versatile when it comes to applications for different platforms. It offers desktop apps for Windows, Linux, and Mac, as well as mobile applications for iOS and Android. There are dedicated Amazon Fire TV & Fire Stick and Android TV clients too.

Aside from that, you can download free browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, or set up CyberGhost on a number of routers and NAS.

Last but not least comes the SmartDNS feature. It will allow you to unblock your favorite movies and shows on gaming consoles and different smart TVs.

Customer support

Like many other best VPN services of the year, CyberGhost VPN offers 24/7 customer support via live chat, which is available in English, French, and German. Alternatively, you can submit a request form.

You can also browse through the numerous troubleshooting guides on the official website of CyberGhost VPN. There are whole sections dedicated to different operating systems like Windows, Linux, Android, Mac, and others.

Price

There are four plans in total, ranging from one month ($12.99) up to three years ($2.25/month). At the moment, the last plan comes with 3 months extra.

Additionally, you can buy a dedicated IP for $5/month. The available locations are the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Germany.

CyberGhost VPN offers a lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee, which should be enough for you to make up your mind. There’s also a 24-hour free trial for desktop users.

Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, AmazonPay, and Bitcoin.

9. ProtonVPN – Best freemium VPN

Created by the same company behind ProtonMail, ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN service with 1,000+ servers in 50+ countries.

ProtonVPN is open-source, keeps no logs, has a good free version, and offers a lot of useful features for beginners and advanced users alike.

Security and privacy

ProtonVPN uses the bank-grade AES-256 encryption, which would potentially take millions of years to crack. In other words, it’s impossible for anyone to steal the data you send online when using ProtonVPN. On top of that, this service has no DNS or IP leaks whatsoever.

There are three tunneling protocols to choose from: OpenVPN (TCP), OpenVPN (UDP), and IKEv2/IPSec. While the latter is considered to be faster, the other two are more secure. Unfortunately, ProtonVPN is yet to implement the WireGuard protocol.

Privacy-wise, this provider looks great. Located in Switzerland, it has no connection to the Fourteen Eyes alliance members. Moreover, it keeps no activity logs and has its open-source apps audited.

Speed

All VPNs have an effect on internet speed, and ProtonVPN is no exception. However, the fact that this service doesn’t have WireGuard automatically puts it on the second-tier list. There, ProtonVPN manages to fare pretty well.

For the best performance, we recommend choosing IKEv2 over OpenVPN. Also, don’t forget that the speed also depends on your chosen pricing plan. Only Plus and Visionary users are entitled to use 10 Gbps servers.

Features

ProtonVPN is quite a feature-rich service. It automatically blocks trackers and dangerous websites (NetShield), and offers its own version of multi-hop, named SecureCore. Tor over VPN is also available, but once again, to Visionary and Plus subscribers only.

In addition, it lets you customize your Quick Connection preferences and create different profiles for different online activities (for example, you can use separate profiles for streaming and torrenting).

There are lots of customization options for split tunneling, letting you exclude/include apps or even websites.

Streaming

To be fair, ProtonVPN is not the best option for Netflix and streaming in general. While it has specialized servers that can unblock your movies and TV shows, we can’t guarantee they will work all the time.

Even though ProtonVPN claims to offer Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer, you should consider yourself lucky if you manage to unblock anything but Netflix.

And now comes the sad part – streaming servers are available to Plus and Visionary users only.

Platforms

You can use ProtonVPN on many platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. Even though each app is slightly different (lacking a feature or two, or using only one tunnel protocol), the most important features are the same.

There are also apps for Android TV and Chromebook users plus some tutorials on configuring ProtonVPN on routers.

The number of simultaneous connections depends on your pricing plan. Free users get one while Visionary subscribers enjoy ten devices per account.

Customer support

Like many other services on this list of the best VPN software, ProtonVPN has a huge knowledge center with lots of guides that help you deal with various issues yourself.

However, if you want the help of a real human being, you’ll have to create a support ticket – there’s no live chat available.

Free users usually get a reply within a few hours, while paid users get their problems solved a bit quicker. We think that this is fair.

Price

The free version of ProtonVPN allows for one VPN connection and provides you with servers in only three countries. On the bright side, you can use it indefinitely as it has no data caps.

Then, there are three paid versions, which cost $4, $8, and $24 a month if you choose the annual plan. The difference in price comes from the number of features and allowed connections. Additionally, the priciest option gives you access to ProtonMail.

Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and gift cards. All subscribers are eligible for a 30-day money-back guarantee.

10. TorGuard – Excellent for torrenting

TorGuard is a secure and fast VPN for P2P fans. While it can do way more than that, some users might lack streaming and customer support options.

So, what are the biggest pros and cons of this provider? Read on to find out.

Security and privacy

As TorGuard VPN is highly customizable, it allows you to select your preferred encryption cipher. You can choose among AES-128, AES-256, and Blowfish. It’s even possible to turn off encryption entirely, however, this is not recommended.

When it comes to VPN protocols, you have lots of options, too. WireGuard, OpenConnect, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/PSec – you name it. On top of that, you get StealthVPN protocol for use in locations with restricted internet access.

Privacy is one of the weaker points of TorGuard. It’s based in the US (Five Eyes) and is open about giving away your information to the authorities if requested.

Speed

TorGuard is among the fastest VPNs in 2021, provided you use WireGuard. Its large server selection (3,000+ servers in 50+ countries) probably also had something to do with it.

However, keep in mind that VPN speed results depend on many factors, like the server you’re connected to and the quality of your own internet connection. TorGuard uses virtual servers, meaning they will give you less performance. But if you have a decent connection, you should be able to torrent and stream without any issues with TorGuard on.

Features

All the subscription plans of TorGuard include a NAT Firewall, the Shadowsocks proxy, a malware and ad-blocking tool. The VPN also allows port forwarding and prevents bandwidth throttling.

On the other hand, some features, like split tunneling (Android) are available on certain devices only.

All in all, you should remember that TorGuard VPN caters to advanced users and its vast selection of features and configurations can be too complicated for beginners.

Streaming

Those who use VPN services solely for accessing Netflix and other streaming websites should consider another VPN provider. That’s because, unless you additionally buy an IP address for streaming, you won’t be able to watch geo-restricted content on sites like Hulu, Disney+, and HBO.

Platforms

Whether you're a Linux fan or can’t think about using any other OS than Windows, TorGuard VPN has you covered: they offer native apps for Android, iPhone, Linux, macOS, and Windows. You can also download Firefox and Chrome extensions for your browsers.

However, you should know that TorGuard’s apps can be a bit confusing, especially if you’ve never used a VPN before. While offering a lot of configuration options, they might be difficult to navigate if you’re only interested in the most basic functions.

Customer support

It seems that at the moment, TorGuard VPN doesn’t offer the option of 24/7 live chat. Instead, you can take advantage of their email support - just send them a ticket and you’ll get a reply in a few hours or the next day.

Alternatively, you can try your luck with the FAQ section, knowledge base, or the community forum of TorGuard, which are filled with lots of useful info about the VPN.

Price

The monthly plan of TorGuard VPN is averagely-priced, going up to $9.99. If you want to cut the price by half, you can pay about $5 a month if you buy one of TorGuard’s long-term subscriptions ($29.99 for half a year or $59.99 for a whole year). Every single plan allows for at least eight simultaneous connections.

How did 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 2021 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 top 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 from 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 Fourteen Eyes countries (US, UK, Australia, etc.) or, in the worst case, 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 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.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a service that secures your connection over the internet. It does so by encrypting your traffic and hiding your Internet Protocol (IP) address from third parties, such as your government or your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Companies use VPNs to secure remote access of company data, but lots of individuals also need this type of service. I’m talking about journalists who work with sensitive information and want to remain anonymous, or those who live under authoritarian regimes and want to unblock access to various internet resources.

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’s what you can do with a VPN:

• Protect your data. All reputable VPNs use military-grade encryption, which means that the information you’re sending over the internet becomes virtually impossible to decipher for third-parties.
• Hide your online activities. A VPN hides your real IP address, so your government and ISP have no way to tell what you’re doing online.
• Protect your identity. If you’re using a VPN to access a website or online service, e.g. Google, this service will have no way of knowing your real IP and thus your location/identity (assuming you are not connected to a Google account).
• Secure your wifi connection. Hotels and airports offer free but often unsecured wifi. Therefore, hackers might be snooping on your traffic. Luckily, thanks to the VPN’s encryption, that is no longer a problem.
• Unblocking websites. Countries like China have a long list of blocked websites and other internet resources. With a VPN, you’ll be able to bypass these blocks by connecting to a server in another country.
• Beating geo-blocking. I bet you’ve seen a message “This content is unavailable in your country” at least once. Due to geo-blocking, you may not see the same Netflix shows that are available in the US or another country. However, the best VPN services can unblock multiple streaming platforms, no matter where you are.
• Safe torrenting. P2P is legal in most countries, but that doesn’t mean downloading copyrighted content is. A VPN will protect your identity and your location from both the ISP and the government.

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.

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 use Netflix and other streaming platforms with most 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.

Can you be tracked if you use VPN?

In theory, you can be tracked even if you use a VPN. However, only governments hold such power and they likely won’t spend the necessary resources to get you.

But doing that won’t be easy if you use an anonymous payment and a throwaway email to create your account. The tracking also becomes much harder if you use Tor over VPN and your chosen provider doesn’t keep any logs.