Whenever we choose a VPN, we want privacy that actually works, connects quickly, and allows us to stream or access region-locked content if needed.
This guide also responds to marketing issues extensively.
Below you'll find a brief overview of the best vpn service providers, showing the pros, cons, and a quick comparison of costs.
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, Mullvad, Windscribe, CyberGhost, IPVanish, VyprVPN.
These apps are mature, and their set of features is large.
1. NordVPN
When we want a strong mix of speed, privacy protection, and streaming support, NordVPN is a good choice.
Pros:
- Fast in most regions.
- Excellent streaming unblocking.
- Advanced features like Double VPN and Threat Protection.
Cons:
- It can be pricier on short-term plans.
- Apps are feature-rich, which can overwhelm absolute beginners.
Pricing (high-level): NordVPN runs promotions and long-term plans lower monthly price. Check the official page for the current deal before you buy.
Verdict: Best all-rounder for speed, streaming and features.
2. ExpressVPN
Pros:
- Very easy to use.
- Strong privacy posture and audits.
- Great at unblocking streaming platforms.
Cons:
- Pricier than many competitors.
- No unlimited-device plan.
Pricing (high-level): ExpressVPN offers monthly and longer-term plans. Promotional multi-year pricing is common — check the provider for the current rate.
Verdict: Pay more for the least-hassle, best-in-class experience.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark is great for family use, with one account, unlimited devices, streaming, and a generally great app for everyday privacy.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Great long-term value.
- Feature-packed (ad/malware blocking, MultiHop).
Cons:
- The monthly price is higher than the long-term plans.
- Jurisdiction may not satisfy all privacy purists.
Pricing (high-level): Very aggressive long-term pricing; promotions frequently undercut many rivals.
Verdict: Best value for multi-device families and households.
4. Proton VPN
Proton VPN is No.1 when it comes to privacy: strong security, Swiss jurisdiction, and a truly free-to-use platform if you want to test before committing completely.
Pros:
- Strong privacy policies and Swiss jurisdiction.
- Secure Core servers for extra protection.
- A usable free plan for baseline privacy.
Cons:
- Free tier limits country choices and streaming.
- Secure Core routes can be slower than speed-optimised providers.
Verdict: Choose Proton VPN if transparency and privacy are your top priorities.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access (PIA) gives you deep control: lots of settings, an open-source client, and an emphasis on configurability for advanced users.
Pros:
- Highly configurable with many tweaks for power users.
- Competitive long-term pricing.
- Open-source clients on many platforms.
Cons:
- Not as beginner-friendly.
- Streaming is less consistent than top unblockers.
Verdict: This is great if you want more control and customisation deeply.
6. Mullvad
Mullvad's signup model prioritises privacy. You get an account number instead of an email-based login, and they accept nameless payments.
Pros:
- Account-number signup for strong anonymity.
- Simple, flat pricing and minimal data retention.
- Strong technical approach and fast performance.
Cons:
- Fewer convenience extras for average users.
- Less marketing and sometimes fewer beginner-friendly apps.
Verdict: Choose Mullvad when anonymity is the single most important factor for you.
7. Windscribe
If you want a strong free plan or a flexible payment model that lets you choose your location or expert-level features, Windscribe is the right VPN.
Pros:
- Generous free plan for casual use.
- Flexible paid plans and extras.
- Useful browser extensions and privacy features.
Cons:
- Server network and speeds lag behind top-tier players.
- Fewer advanced features compared with the leaders.
Verdict: Good for light users and people who want to test before buying.
8. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that helps protect users' privacy and security while they are online.
It works by encrypting your internet connection and routing it through a remote server, masking your real IP address and location.
Pros:
- Very easy to use.
- Hides your IP address
- Encrypts your internet traffic
- Prevents tracking by ISPs, hackers, or advertisers
- Dedicated streaming servers make it easy to pick the right location.
- Large server fleet.
Cons:
- Slower Speeds on Some Servers.
- Interface Can Be Overwhelming for Beginners.
- Expensive Monthly Plan.
- Parent company history raises privacy questions for some users.
- Not the best choice for maximum privacy.
Verdict: A good plug-and-play option for streaming-focused users.
9. IPVanish
IPVanish works well on Fire TV, Kodi, and remote devices and protects your online privacy and security by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address. It's the best choice if you use a streaming box.
Pros
- Strong support for Fire TV and set-top boxes.
- Unlimited Device Connections.
- Strong Encryption & Security.
- 2,000+ servers in over 75 countries.
- Decent Speeds.
- Easy-to-Use.
Cons
- Mixed Streaming Performance.
- No Anonymous Payment Options.
- Limited Advanced Features.
- Not always the fastest on independent speed tests.
- Customer Support Could Be Better.
Verdict: If you depend on streaming boxes and remote installs, consider IPVanish.
10. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is useful when travelling in areas with limited network coverage. Their Chameleon protocol helps obfuscate VPN traffic.
It is known for owning and operating its own server infrastructure, which is relatively rare among VPN providers in terms of security and privacy.
Pros:
- Chameleon protocol for obfuscation.
- Owns and operates many of its servers.
- Verified No-Logs Policy.
- Unblocks Streaming Services.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility.
- Reliable Speeds.
Cons:
- Smaller feature set than the biggest players.
- Pricing is not the cheapest (Short-Term).
- Limited Extra Features.
- No Anonymous Payments.
Verdict: You can use it for travelling to countries with high censorship or when you need an unobtrusive connection.
Quick comparison
| Best for | Service | Standout reason |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | NordVPN | Speed, features, streaming |
| Simplest | ExpressVPN | Ease of use and consistent security |
| Best value | Surfshark | Unlimited devices, low long-term cost |
| Privacy-first | Proton VPN | Swiss jurisdiction, transparency |
| Anonymity | Mullvad | Account-number signup, minimal data |
Pricing reality check
Expect $2–$13 per month, depending on plan length and provider. Long-term plans drop the monthly cost significantly. Always confirm the current promo before buying.
How to choose the right VPN
- Decide the primary purpose: privacy, streaming, travel, or torrenting.
- Want to test first? Try free tiers (Proton, Windscribe).
- How many devices will you use? Surfshark allows unlimited devices.
- Care about company jurisdiction and audits? Prefer Switzerland or audited providers.
- Need obfuscation for restrictive networks? Look at VyprVPN, Mullvad, and Express (obfuscation features).
Real-world tips that actually matter
- Choose long-term plans if you like the service cheaper per month.
- Check the money-back guarantee; most providers offer 30 days.
- Prefer audited providers if privacy is crucial.
- Use WireGuard or an equivalent modern protocol for better speed.
- Remember, a VPN helps with privacy but doesn’t replace good security habits.
One-minute setup
Pick a provider, create an account, install the app, enable the kill switch, and pick a nearby server for speed or a specific country for content.
FAQ
Will a VPN make me anonymous?
No, a VPN improves privacy and hides IP addresses. Still, full anonymity requires additional steps: burner emails, anonymous payments, Tor when needed, and avoiding logins to identifying services while on the VPN.
Does a VPN slow my internet?
Sometimes, because traffic goes through another server. Modern protocols like WireGuard and Lightway minimise the speed impact on good providers.
Are free VPNs safe?
Some free VPNs are fine for light use. Others monetise by logging or injecting ads. Proton VPN and Windscribe offer usable free tiers; read privacy policies before trusting any free provider.
Can I use a VPN for Netflix?
Yes, many providers can unblock Netflix, but streaming services periodically rotate and block IP ranges.
Nord, Express, Surfshark, and CyberGhost are commonly used for streaming.
Final verdict: For most people who want speed plus streaming and a strong feature set, NordVPN is a safe pick.
If you want the absolute easiest experience, ExpressVPN. For the best household value, Surfshark. For privacy and transparency, Proton or Mullvad.
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