Best VPN Services
Comparing NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, Mullvad, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, Windscribe, TunnelBear, and IVPN to secure your online privacy.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, protecting your data from hackers, ISPs, and snoops. Whether you want to bypass geo-restrictions, download files safely, or simply maintain your privacy, choosing the right provider is essential. This guide compares 10 top VPN options.
VPN Comparison Matrix
Click on column headers to sort the table.
| Name | Price/Yr | Servers | Speed | No-Logs | Kill Switch | Devices | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $47.88 | 6,000+ | Excellent | Yes (Audited) | Yes | 6 | Excellent |
| ExpressVPN | $99.95 | 3,000+ | Excellent | Yes (Audited) | Yes | 8 | Excellent |
| Surfshark | $29.88 | 3,200+ | Good | Yes (Audited) | Yes | Unlimited | Good |
| ProtonVPN | $59.88 | 3,000+ | Good | Yes (Audited) | Yes | 10 | Good |
| Mullvad | $66.00 | 650+ | Excellent | Yes (Audited) | Yes | 5 | Poor |
| Private Internet Access | $26.28 | 30,000+ | Good | Yes (Audited) | Yes | Unlimited | Good |
| CyberGhost | $26.28 | 9,000+ | Good | Yes (Audited) | Yes | 7 | Good |
| Windscribe | $69.00 | 500+ | Good | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | Good |
| TunnelBear | $39.96 | 5,000+ | Average | Yes (Audited) | Yes | Unlimited | Poor |
| IVPN | $72.00 | 150+ | Excellent | Yes (Audited) | Yes | 7 | Poor |
Category Winners
Best Overall
NordVPN
A superb balance of speed, security features, huge server network, and reliable streaming unblocking.
Best Budget
Surfshark
Incredibly affordable on long-term plans while offering unlimited simultaneous connections.
Best Speed
ExpressVPN
Consistently delivers lightning-fast connections worldwide, perfect for 4K streaming and large downloads.
Most Private
Mullvad
Privacy purists' top choice. No email required for sign-up, accepts cash payments, and strictly zero logs.
Best Free Tier
ProtonVPN
The best free option available, featuring unlimited bandwidth and excellent security without ads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are VPNs legal to use?
Yes, in most countries around the world, using a VPN is perfectly legal. However, using a VPN to commit illegal acts remains illegal, and some heavily restricted countries do ban or regulate VPN usage.
Does a VPN slow down my internet?
Because a VPN encrypts your data and routes it through an external server, you may experience a slight drop in speed. Top-tier providers optimize their networks so the reduction is often unnoticeable, especially with fast protocols like WireGuard.
What is a VPN kill switch?
A kill switch is a crucial security feature that instantly disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, preventing your real IP address and unencrypted data from leaking.
Are free VPNs safe?
While there are a few safe free tiers from reputable providers (like ProtonVPN), many free VPNs have been caught logging user data, injecting ads, or even selling bandwidth. Always use trusted free services and avoid completely unknown providers.
Can I use a VPN on my smartphone?
Yes, virtually all top VPN providers offer dedicated apps for iOS and Android devices. Many also allow simultaneous connections across multiple devices with a single subscription.
Will a VPN protect me from viruses?
A VPN provides encryption and privacy, but it is not an antivirus program. While some VPNs offer basic ad-blocking or malicious site filtering, they cannot remove malware once downloaded to your device.
What does a "no-logs" policy mean?
A no-logs policy means the VPN provider does not record or store your browsing activity, IP address, or connection timestamps. The most trustworthy providers regularly undergo independent third-party audits to prove their no-logs claims.