Whether you’re streaming TV or playing online games, a VPN improves performance and protects you from hackers and other cyberthreats. We recommend picking one that offers a no-logs policy and a wide range of security features, including split tunneling, obfuscation (which makes it harder for apps to detect the VPN) and Tor over VPN.
Privacy
A VPN encrypts all your online data, making it impossible for hackers to read your personal information. It also masks your IP address, which indicates your geographic location. This protects you from your ISP, government and local businesses. The best VPNs offer 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logging policy, with DNS leak protection and regular third-party audits. Those who want extra privacy should look for a VPN that offers strong obfuscation and is based outside of countries that are part of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance. The top premium VPNs are fast, easy to use and secure. Among them, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are good for anyone who wants an all-in-one security suite. Both offer built-in ad-blocking, antivirus and tracker-free browsing, as well as easy-to-use mobile apps. Both have a generous money-back guarantee. They also let you connect multiple devices at once. But if you need a quick fix, Norton LifeLock’s free VPN is decent and works on four devices.
Speed
NordVPN is a top consumer VPN that checks all the right boxes. It’s easy to use across platforms and offers robust performance that’s good for streaming, plus a range of other features. Its privacy features include superb encryption, a legitimate zero-logs policy and the option for a second layer of security through what it calls Double VPN. Private Internet Access is another excellent choice for consumers who need a full-featured VPN that unblocks many popular streaming sites, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Disney+. Its massive network of servers enables you to connect to one that’s closest to your location and offers fast, stable connections. Its multi-hop feature is especially impressive. And it’s working to implement its Nexus VPN network which will automatically optimize connections by ensuring that you connect to the fastest possible server. Its pricing is also competitive, though it doesn’t offer a free trial. Its logging policies are clear and transparent, too. It accepts cryptocurrency, which provides an extra layer of privacy.
Apps
When you choose a vpn site, it’s important to make sure that the company offers apps for your devices. ExpressVPN’s app has a clean, intuitive design and connects to a wide range of devices with just one tap. It shows your current protection level, recommended servers and recent connection history. You can also see how much of your data is being encrypted and which protocol you’re using. NordVPN has a similar app with a great design and plenty of features, including access to Tor over VPN and multi-hop options. It’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, but it’s an excellent option for those who prioritize security and have a lot of different devices to protect. Mullvad takes privacy seriously and has a unique way to do business. You can open an account without giving any personal details and pay via crypto, cash or a bitcoin address. It also obfuscates user IDs by using randomly assigned numbers instead of email addresses.
Pricing
If you’re aiming for complete anonymity in a Jason Bourne-style way, Mullvad delivers with a simple price structure that lets you sign up for a month, year or decade without ever giving over any identifying information. The company accepts any number of untraceable payments from cryptocurrency to cash and it even offers a money-back guarantee. NordVPN is another Editors’ Choice winner that impresses with robust performance, a wide range of devices supported and the ability to connect six devices at once. It also boasts regular security audits. Surfshark, meanwhile, stands out for offering not just a VPN but a full security suite. Its value-packed service includes ad- and tracker-blocking, antimalware, data breach alerts and a password manager to protect your privacy. Its servers are diskless and run in RAM to minimize data leakage. Its apps are easy to use and it has an extensive worldwide network of servers. Its only drawback is that it’s expensive compared to the competition.