The top VPNs for online privacy and security – tested and reviewed by our experts. By clicking on the product name in the list below, you can easily access updated prices, technical specifications, and additional details about each product.
9.8
Exceptional
- Built-in malware protection
- 30-day refund promise
- No web logs & no IP/DNS leaks
- Servers in 111 countries
9.5
Very Good
- Automatic Wi-Fi protection
- Allows up to seven simultaneous
- Apps, browser extensions & Smart DNS
- No web logs & no IP/DNS leaks
9.3
Good
- Ad & tracker blocker included
- Connect to unlimited devices at the same time
- Native apps & browser extensions
- No web logs & no IP/DNS leaks
9.0
Good
- Full security suite included in select subscriptions
- Ad-tracker blocking
- Fresh third-party logging audit
- Antivirus performed well in testing
9.3
Very Good
- Works with popular platforms & services
- Strong privacy and security practises
- 3,000 servers in 106 countries
- No web logs & no IP/DNS address leaks
8.3
Excellent
- Solid speeds
- Inexpensive and has a multitude of pricing plans
- Can ublock Netflix, BBC iPlayer
- Incredibly user-friendly
Why use a VPN service?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an online security service that enables users to access the internet as if they were connected to a private network. VPNs use encryption to establish a secure connection over the unsecured infrastructure of the internet.
Encryption is a method of transforming data into an unreadable format, ensuring that only authorized individuals can comprehend the information. It takes readable data and alters it in such a way that it seems random to potential attackers or anyone intercepting it. In this sense, encryption acts like a “secret code.”
A VPN functions by creating encrypted connections between devices. Each device connecting to the VPN generates encryption keys, which are then used to encode and decode all transmitted information.
The result of this encryption is that VPN connections remain secure and private, even when transmitted over public internet infrastructure. For example, imagine John is shopping online from his hotel room. If a hacker has secretly infiltrated the hotel’s network and is monitoring the data traffic (similar to wiretapping a phone line), John’s data remains protected due to the VPN. The hacker can only see the encrypted version of the data.
When conducting transactions or handling sensitive information, a VPN significantly enhances your security.
Yes, you’ll need to install a VPN client on each device you want to connect to the VPN.
Fortunately, all of the VPN services recommended on our site allow you to connect multiple devices under a single account.
Whether you’re using a Windows PC, laptop, MacBook, iPhone, or Android device, you can easily connect to your VPN account on any of these devices without the need to register for a separate account.
We tested, reviewed, and ranked dozens of leading VPN services to create this top 10 list. To determine which VPNs truly offer the best value, we evaluated their features, reputations, and pricing.
The primary reason for using a VPN is security, so we focused on services that offer military-grade encryption, a variety of protocols (such as OpenVPN, L2TP, IKEv2, and more), DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. We also assessed each VPN’s server count, their locations, as well as speed and latency performance.
Next, we considered ease of use, customer support, and user reviews from trusted sites like Trustpilot.
Finally, we reviewed the pricing of each VPN service to identify the best deals that offer the greatest value for money.