Virtual private networks, or VPNs, safeguard our privacy by encrypting our browsing information and IP addresses. The best VPNs make use of the most advanced technology. Additionally, they provide the fastest speeds in addition to a wealth of helpful features that enhance our online privacy and digital security.
All of those are essential because, to put it simply, the internet is full of risks (and annoyances). For instance, there are websites with spyware, advertisers who use trackers to target us, businesses that record and sell our browsing information to the highest bidder, and governments that can spy on us. All those issues can be avoided by simply establishing a VPN connection.
We selected 10 VPNs, but only a few stand out as the best of the best. Let us look at it!
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN tops all our test categories, making it the best VPN service of 2022. It runs smoothly on all devices, is incredibly secure, and is constantly quick.
It starts with 256-bit AES as the baseline and then enhances it by providing a wide range of secure VPN protocols. Even better, ExpressVPN developed its VPN protocol that is quick and well-encrypted.
Fast HD/4K streaming, lag-free gaming, and worldwide anonymous torrenting are all made possible by the VPN service.
ExpressVPN’s top-notch customer support is knowledgeable and available round-the-clock via live chat if you run into technical difficulties.
Pros
- Across any distance, consistently high speeds
- Unlocks 10 regions of Netflix, DAZN, HBO, and more
- Policy of no logs, servers with RAM-based diskless encryption
- British Virgin Islands (BVI) jurisdiction that respects the privacy
- Smart DNS for Apple TV, the Fire TV app, and gaming consoles
- Responsive and informed 24-hour live customer service
Cons
- More costly than its competitors
- No general user interface for Linux
- No port forwarding for torrents,
- No split tunneling on macOS
NordVPN
An extensive selection of top-notch security features is present in the NordVPN applications. After a minor server breach in 2018, many were improved.
Secure encryption protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard are utilized by NordVPN (branded as NordLynx). The VPN encrypts your data with AES-256 just like ExpressVPN does.
A kill switch and double (multihop) VPN are additional features that increase anonymity by routing your traffic through two VPN servers.
Additionally, NordVPN does not gather any private weblogs. Your IP address, browsing history, and bandwidth usage information are not recorded.
Like ExpressVPN, the VPN service also employs diskless servers, which never store any data locally.
Even better, CyberSec, an integrated malware and ad blocker, is included with the service.
[Click Here] up to 68% off + 3 Months Free on NordVPN Complete Plan coupon codes
Pros
- Outstanding speeds on both short and long distances
- Utilizing the WireGuard (NordLynx) protocol throughout its network
- Allows P2P traffic and streams US Netflix on many servers.
- No IP or DNS leaks, and the zero-logs policy has been verified
- Additional security features like diskless servers and multihop
- 24/7 live chat support is helpful
Cons
- Applications on PCs and Macs cannot be resized.
- Netflix on Fire TV is less dependable
- Unreliable in China at getting around web filters
- 2018 saw a minor server breach
PIA VPN
Private Internet Access is fast, in general, but we found its speed on Windows exceptional. Additionally, the app performs admirably. It provides countless customization options to satisfy VPN experts while still being user-friendly enough for VPN beginners.
With the largest server network available, Private Internet Access (PIA) is the most private and secure zero-logs VPN. Fast connection speeds are provided by all servers, especially when file-sharing.
The American-based VPN also has a tonne of high-tech security features and a rare native Linux application to protect the privacy and security of your online activity.
Pros
- 17,087 fast P2P servers in 84 countries
- Ensured that the logging policy was zero
- Effective VPN port forwarding and kill switch
- 50 US states can access US Netflix and BBC iPlayer servers to avoid blackouts in those states.
- Excellent Linux native application
Cons
- Mac client is not user-friendly.
- Streaming apps are not compatible with Smart DNS.
- The Firestick app needs to be improved.
- USA-based corporate headquarters (FVEY jurisdiction)
Surfshark
For Surfshark, security is the name of the game. It provides the standard privacy features found in VPNs, but frequently also includes extra security-enhancing features. Camouflage Mode makes it possible to use a VPN even if you do not want your network administrator, school, or government to know you’re doing so.
Additionally, Surfshark provides a wide range of additional cybersecurity features, including antivirus software, data leak detection, and a secure search engine, for an additional fee.
Pros
- On a two-year subscription plan, very affordable
- Mobile users can access a 7-day free trial that includes Netflix, HBO Max, and more.
- Android app settings for GPS spoofing
- Endless connections to devices
- Additional settings and advanced features
Cons
- The kill switch is not always turned on.
- Unchecked loggpracticesises
- IPv6 leak protection is absent
- Has an inconsistent NoBorders mode in China and does not work with Hulu
- No OpenVPN on macOS
IPVanish
The top VPN app for Amazon Fire TV Stick is IPVanish. It does not keep logs of your streaming activity and is quick and secure.
Due to the numerous privacy and security features it offers, IPVanish is especially well suited for anonymous streaming via IPTV and Kodi apps.
For the incredibly popular Amazon Fire TV Stick and other Fire TV devices, IPVanish continues to be the best-rated VPN.
The app is incredibly easy to use and records fast connection speeds to nearby VPN servers
The dedication to customer service that IPVanish has is what distinguishes it from competing businesses. You have no idea how difficult it can be at times to get businesses to answer our technical inquiries. Many VPNs do not provide phone support, and a good number don’t have answers available all the time.
You can reach out to the helpful customer service representatives at IPVanish at any
Pros:
- Fantastic Fire TV Stick app.
- For side loading on Android boxes, use the apk file
- Fast download rates for short distances
- First-party DNS servers without logs
- For clients of torrents, the SOCKS5 proxy
- Numerous connections at once
Cons
- Not many streaming apps are unblocked
- No browser add-ons for VPN
- Game consoles and Apple TVs do not support Smart DNS.
- Unable to get around strict web censorship
- The kill switch is not always turned on.
- The iOS app lacks a kill switch.
CyberGhost
Although we only tested CyberGhost in the United States, you shouldn’t have any trouble connecting anywhere in the world because it has over 7,500 servers in 91 different nations.
Since the business is based in Romania and is not a part of the global surveillance networks we keep mentioning, as well as the fact that Romania has virtually no data retention regulations of its own, CyberGhost is a fantastic privacy option. New customers can get up to 78% off + 2 months free using CyberGhost coupon.
Pros
- Live support round-the-clock
- 8,800 servers spread out over 91 nations
- Not record personal usage information
- To increase device compatibility, use the Smart DNS tool.
Cons
- Over long distances, it is slower than its competitors.
- Only four countries are covered by browser add-ons.
- Apps for iOS and OS X lack key settings.
- No ports have been forwarded
- OpenVPN is not an option on Mac or iOS.
- Works poorly in the UAE, Turkey, and China
Read CyberGhost VPN Full Review Here
ProtonVPN
Although the name change from ProtonVPN to Proton seems insignificant, it has significant implications for the VPN provider. It now features the entire Proton collection of cybersecurity tools as Proton. ProtonMail, ProtonCalendar, ProtonDrive, and ProtonVPN are all included in this. Therefore, Proton is a reliable personal VPN to use at the office.
Paying particular attention to the ProtonVPN tool, we had excellent speeds when testing it on Windows and Mac. Additionally, setting up the app before Zoom meetings is simple due to how user-friendly it was.
Pros
- 256-bit AES encryption and a privacy-first logging policy
- With Secure Core technology, IPv6 leak prevention is more capable.
- Using a VPN server and TOR
- Each app has been independently audited and is open-source.
- Data usage is not capped on the free plan.
Cons
- No round-the-clock live chat assistance
- No smart DNS exists to unblock apps.
- No browser add-ons for VPN
- Not applicable in China
- Nearly as costly as ExpressVPN
Windscribe
A capable Canadian VPN, Windscribe has a tonne of unique features and is appealing to a wide range of users.
A lot of hardware to safeguard? Along with functional browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, there are attractive open-source applications for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Additionally, a subscription covers an unlimited number of devices, so you can probably connect your whole house using a Windscribe plan
Pros
- Many streaming services are unblocked in the free version.
- Allows torrenting on all public servers for free
- Does not gather individual internet traffic logs
- Bypasses content filters in China and is available with US and Canadian residential IPs
- Numerous connections at once
Cons
- 10GB of data each month (free plan)
- The free plan will not allow access to US Netflix
- Internationally sluggish speeds and lengthy server connections
- No independent audit of no-logs
- No live chat support from humans
- Smart DNS is not supported.
Atlas VPN
Although Atlas VPN is a newcomer to the VPN industry, we are already impressed with what it is capable of.
With AES-256 encryption and a strict privacy policy, we received all the security we would anticipate from a top-tier VPN. We also received a tonne of extras, including free access to a data breach monitor, unlimited simultaneous connections, rotating IP addresses, and access to multiple streaming platforms. We anticipate hearing a lot more about this VPN in the upcoming months and years.
Pros
- Affordability
- numerous connections at once
- Watch for data breaches
- access to every streaming service
- modernized support site
- accepts crypto payments
- good value
Cons
- 44 locations, 750 servers
- Does not support OpenVPN
- Expect inconsistent behavior while it establishes itself because it is new.
Norton Secure VPN
Norton has a Secure VPN, and it is not half bad. Norton is perhaps best known for its LifeLock identity theft protection (read more in our LifeLock review) and its Norton antivirus software. We received a different IP address each time we used the macOS app, making it challenging to identify us online. Since we are looking for online anonymity, we were happy with this VPN app.
Pros
- 256-bit AES encryption
- every time you connect, a different IP address is used
- 10 maximum devices
- affordable
Cons
- Located in the US, a Five Eyes participant
- No split tunneling on Mac or iOS devices.
- Not every location has Netflix.
- There is no kill switch for Macs or iOS devices.
FAQs
- How Do VPN Services Work?
To get around internet geo-blocks, users can access proxy servers through a VPN (virtual private network) service.
Additionally, VPN software shields your internet data transfers from unauthorized data profiling and hacking attempts.
A VPN basically has two purposes: to mask your public IP address and to encrypt your internet traffic.
- Do I Require a VPN On Each Device?
Yes, each device you want to connect to the VPN with needs to have a VPN client installed. Fortunately, you can connect to multiple devices using a single account with all the VPNs we recommend on our website.
Therefore, you can easily connect to your VPN account with any device, whether you have a Windows PC, laptop, Macbook, iPhone, or Android smartphone, without having to create a new account.
- Why would you use a VPN?
An Internet security service called a virtual private network (VPN) enables users to access the Internet as if they were linked to a private network. To establish a secure connection over insecure Internet infrastructure, VPNs use encryption.
- How do VPNs aid in data security?
Data can be scrambled using encryption so that only authorized parties can decipher it. It takes readable data and modifies it so that anyone who intercepts it, including attackers, thinks it’s random. Thus, encryption is comparable to a “secret code.”
Establishing secure connections between devices is how a VPN operates. All connected devices create encryption keys, which are then used to encrypt and decrypt all data sent between them over the VPN.
- Are VPN Services Legal?
Most nations, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, permit the use of VPN services.
However, Belarus, Iraq, North Korea, and Turkmenistan do not allow the use of VPNs. Additionally, VPNs are subject to governmental restrictions in China, Iran, Oman, Russia, Turkey, and the UAE.