A VPN protects your data when you use public networks. It also helps you bypass geo-restrictions to watch media that would otherwise be unavailable in your area.
Look for a service with a good feature suite, device compatibility and pricing. Some offer free trials and money-back guarantees.
1. ExpressVPN
If you want a premium VPN option to sign up for, ExpressVPN is one of the best choices available. This top-rated service offers a robust network of servers with plenty of options for geo-unblocking, rock solid security thanks to a no-logging policy and RAM-only servers, and some of the best speeds around.
Its software is easy to use on all major platforms and comes with a full set of advanced features that give it an edge over the competition. Its OpenVPN UDP tunneling protocol provides high-speed connections with relatively low packet loss and latency. If you need more reliability, however, the service also offers the TCP tunneling protocol. Both protocols work well for most users, though the TCP connection may be more prone to dropouts and is not recommended for streaming.
Another key benefit of ExpressVPN is its wide range of payment methods and its no-fee, 30-day money back guarantee. This makes it a good choice for newcomers to VPN services who may be concerned about the cost or security of their data. Most competitors use lifetime subscriptions to cut costs, but this can often lead to a lack of sustainable revenue. ExpressVPN is different, and it invests in technology and customer support to make sure its users are happy.
For those looking to protect multiple devices, ExpressVPN has you covered with up to eight simultaneous connections per subscription. The company also offers a variety of plans, including month-to-month and six-month deals as well as a one-year plan with unlimited bandwidth and other features. This means it is a great option for families or individuals who need the flexibility to connect a variety of devices on the go.
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is one of the most popular VPN options to sign up for, praised by the community for its stellar performance with streaming platforms and high torrenting speeds. It offers thousands of servers, a swift WireGuard protocol, specialty servers, and a dedicated IP address add-on at very competitive prices. In terms of security, it keeps no logs that can be tied back to an individual user and features a comprehensive set of security add-ons and downloadable antivirus protection.
The brand’s apps are simple to use and feature an intuitive interface, making it easy for even novices to navigate and find what they need. Both the iOS and Android apps include a stripped-back mobile VPN mode, with a panel that displays only your current location and a Connect button, and there’s also a full-screen mode for power users. CyberGhost has also included DNS and IP leak protection in its mobile and desktop apps, which prevent websites from seeing your real IP address by redirecting the traffic through the VPN server.
Speeds are good overall, though CyberGhost doesn’t rank at the top of our tests. It lags slightly on local download speeds and doesn’t perform as well on long-distance connections, but overall it remains very competitive and easily beats competitors that offer lower monthly fees. Ping times on nearby servers are low enough for lag-free online gaming, too.
CyberGhost is a transparent brand, publishing a privacy report every three months and regularly updating the community about legal requests it receives from authorities. It’s also been audited by Deloitte, a major global auditor, which lends credibility to the service’s privacy claims. Its transparency goes further than many of its competitors, with a free email breach monitor and a tab that displays all the security elements in use.
3. ZenMate
ZenMate is a solid VPN service that offers industry-standard security and privacy features. It has excellent speeds and works well with popular streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. However, it doesn’t have ad or tracker blocking and lacks extra features like split tunneling. It’s a good option for beginners, but advanced users may want to look elsewhere.
The Windows client is based on CyberGhost 7, but with some of the extras removed (there’s no ad blocker, for instance). It has a very straightforward interface that even complete newbies will have no trouble using. The main window shows you a default location, a list with more countries and a big connect button. Clicking it will automatically choose the fastest server based on your location. Alternatively, you can select from a list of other options including locations optimized for streaming or downloading and even save a server as a favorite.
On mobile devices, the ZenMate app is also very easy to use, although more experienced users will notice some omissions. The desktop apps have a clear on/off switch, a handy location list that includes a built-in favorites system and a menu for adjusting other settings. However, the mobile apps are missing some important options, such as the ability to manually change protocols and the ability to connect with a random port.
In terms of security, ZenMate uses military-grade encryption, so it’s unlikely to be broken by hackers or government agencies. However, it does operate out of Germany, which is part of the 14 eyes network and can share customer information with other nations. As a result, ZenMate is not the best choice for people who need to access content in censored regions such as China or Russia.
4. IPVanish
IPVanish offers a great value for those looking to add security and speed to their home internet use at an affordable annual price. The service comes with multiple features and support for several different VPN protocols and connection types, including the new WireGuard tunneling method. IPVanish also provides unlimited connections and a no-fee seven day money back guarantee. The service accepts credit cards, PayPal, and Bitcoin if you want to keep your payments completely anonymous.
As a bonus, IPVanish’s VPN package comes bundled with VIPRE antimalware software to protect your computer from malware, rootkits, viruses, ransomware, and more. This is a welcome feature considering how many other VPN providers have skimped on this area. The VPN also performs well in our speed tests, although navigating the website can be confusing for less technical users.
Another perk is IPVanish’s no-logs policy, which is a big plus for those worried about government surveillance. The company is based in the US, which is part of the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance of surveillance-sharing countries, but IPVanish says it doesn’t have any user data to share.
The service has more than 2,000 servers across the globe and offers a variety of connection types, including OpenVPN (TCP and UDP), IPSec, and IKEv2. Its desktop apps are easy to use and include a Quick Connect feature that automatically selects the best server for your location. However, the iOS app lacks a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Other key features that make IPVanish a top choice for many include split tunneling, which allows you to route some of your internet traffic through the VPN while leaving other traffic unprotected. The service also has a free trial and an excellent live chat customer support team.
5. Windscribe
Windscribe is a solid option for anyone who wants to stay private online. It uses strong encryption, offers a large server network, and comes with a no-logs policy. Plus, it works with most popular streaming services. It also has a split tunneling feature that lets you choose which apps to protect with a VPN and which ones are OK without one.
However, it’s important to note that Windscribe is located in Canada, which means it falls under the Five Eyes alliance. In addition, the company’s servers in Ukraine were seized by police in June 2021, and they weren’t encrypted, meaning the authorities could see user activity. As a result, some users are wary about using Windscribe.
Another issue is the lack of a dedicated chat support team. While the company has an FAQ page and an email address, there’s no phone number or live chat option. Fortunately, it does offer a free trial that allows you to test out its service before signing up.
The Windscribe app has a simple interface that makes it easy to use. A list of the available servers is displayed along with a latency indicator that indicates how fast the server is at the moment. Clicking on a server opens a map with more details, including the number of users currently connected and the location of the server.
In addition to a standard kill switch, the Windscribe app features an auto-pilot mode that automatically selects the best server for your location. It also has a time warp feature that fakes your timezone so websites are less likely to detect your VPN usage. Its browser extensions offer additional privacy features, such as Ad Crusher and Malware Evader, and WebRTC Slayer that limits WebRTC requests to further improve security.