Best VPNs 2023
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) enhances security and privacy for users while they access online services and websites. By concealing the user's real public IP address and establishing a secure "tunnel" for data transmission between their device and a remote server, a VPN safeguards their online activities. Many individuals opt for VPN services to maintain anonymity and prevent tracking, particularly when using public Wi-Fi networks, which pose higher risks to the security of their personal data.
Below is a look at some of the best VPNs available on the market.
NordVPN Review (Rating: ★★★★★)
NordVPN consistently impresses with its top-notch security features, lightning-fast speeds, and user-friendly interface. With military-grade encryption, a massive server network, and a strict no-logs policy, it's a privacy champion. The specialized servers for streaming and torrenting ensure uninterrupted entertainment. While not the cheapest, its value and customer support make it a top choice for those serious about online privacy and security. NordVPN earns a solid 5/5 rating.
ExpressVPN Review (Rating: ★★★★★)
ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN service that consistently impresses. With its state-of-the-art security features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, it ensures ironclad privacy. The extensive server network in over 90 countries delivers blazing-fast speeds, making it ideal for streaming and torrenting. ExpressVPN's user-friendly apps are available on all major platforms and are a breeze to use. While it's not the cheapest option, its reliability, performance, and 24/7 customer support justify the cost. ExpressVPN easily earns a 5/5 rating as a premium VPN choice.
CyberGhost VPN Review (Rating: ★★★★☆)
CyberGhost VPN is a user-friendly option that offers strong security features, including AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy. With thousands of servers in various locations, it provides good global coverage and reliable speeds for most online activities. Their dedicated streaming servers make accessing geo-restricted content a breeze. However, the occasional inconsistency in speeds and connection drops can be a drawback. Despite this, CyberGhost is a solid choice for privacy-conscious users, earning a 4/5 rating.
Surfshark VPN Review (Rating: ★★★★☆)
Surfshark VPN is a solid choice for those seeking budget-friendly yet robust online protection. With strong encryption, a growing server network, and a strict no-logs policy, it offers excellent privacy. Speeds are generally good, although they can vary by server. The unlimited simultaneous connections feature is a standout benefit. However, it may not have as many advanced features as some premium options. Overall, Surfshark is a reliable choice for most users, earning a 4/5 rating.
VyprVPN Review (Rating: ★★★★☆)
VyprVPN is a solid choice for users seeking a VPN with a focus on security and privacy. It boasts robust encryption, a no-logs policy, and a unique Chameleon protocol that helps bypass censorship and geo-restrictions in restrictive countries.
While the server network isn't as extensive as some competitors, it offers reliable speeds for most online activities, including streaming and torrenting. VyprVPN's user-friendly apps make it accessible for all levels of users.
Pricing is competitive, with a free trial available. However, it may not have as many advanced features as some premium options. Overall, VyprVPN is a trustworthy VPN that prioritizes security and privacy, earning a 4/5 rating.
Mullvad VPN Review (Rating: ★★★★☆)
Mullvad VPN is a privacy-focused service that excels in providing strong security and anonymity. It boasts end-to-end encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and an innovative approach to user privacy by using account numbers instead of usernames.
Although the server network is smaller compared to some competitors, it maintains reliable speeds and is suitable for most online activities. Mullvad's user-friendly interface ensures ease of use for both beginners and advanced users.
Pricing is straightforward and competitively priced. Additionally, Mullvad's commitment to privacy is truly commendable, making it a strong choice for privacy-conscious users.
Overall, Mullvad VPN earns a solid 4/5 rating for its dedication to user privacy and security.
ProtonVPN Review (Rating: ★★★★☆)
ProtonVPN is a solid choice for those who prioritize privacy and security. With strong encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and the added benefit of being developed by the creators of ProtonMail, it excels in safeguarding your online activities. While it may not have the vast server network of some competitors, it still offers good global coverage and respectable speeds. ProtonVPN's user-friendly apps make it accessible to users of all levels. Pricing is reasonable, with a free plan available, though it comes with limitations. Overall, ProtonVPN earns a 4/5 rating for its commitment to privacy and value.
Private Internet Access (PIA) Review (Rating: ★★★★☆)
Private Internet Access, or PIA, is a reputable VPN service known for its strong commitment to user privacy. With robust encryption and a proven no-logs policy, it's a reliable choice for safeguarding your online activities. PIA boasts a substantial server network, offering global coverage and decent speeds for most tasks, including streaming and torrenting.
The user interface is straightforward, making it accessible to users of all levels. Pricing is competitive, and the service allows multiple simultaneous connections, adding to its overall value.
However, while PIA excels in privacy and security, it may not offer the same intuitive user experience or specialized features as some premium competitors. Nonetheless, it's a trustworthy option for those who prioritize privacy without breaking the bank, earning a 4/5 rating.
Hotspot Shield Review (Rating: ★★★★☆)
Hotspot Shield is a VPN service known for its fast and reliable performance. It offers strong security measures, including robust encryption and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online privacy is well protected. Its proprietary Hydra protocol further enhances speed and security.
The server network is extensive, with servers in various locations, and it's great for streaming and torrenting. Hotspot Shield's user-friendly apps make it accessible to users of all levels.
Pricing is competitive, with a free version available that includes ads. However, the free version has limitations, and the premium plans offer a more seamless experience.
Overall, Hotspot Shield is an excellent choice for users who prioritize speed and security, earning a 4/5 rating.
PrivateVPN Review (Rating: ★★★★☆)
PrivateVPN is a reliable and privacy-focused VPN service that often flies under the radar. It offers robust security features, including strong encryption and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain confidential.
While the server network is smaller compared to some competitors, PrivateVPN maintains consistent speeds, making it suitable for streaming, torrenting, and everyday internet use. Its user-friendly apps are accessible for users of all levels.
Pricing is competitive, and the service supports multiple simultaneous connections. However, it may lack some advanced features found in premium VPNs.
Overall, PrivateVPN is a solid choice for users who prioritize privacy and want dependable performance, earning a 4/5 rating.
HideMyAss (HMA) VPN Review (Rating: ★★★☆☆)
HideMyAss, or HMA VPN, is a VPN service known for its extensive server network with servers in over 190 countries. This widespread coverage makes it suitable for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from around the world.
In terms of security, HMA VPN offers strong encryption and a no-logs policy. However, there have been past controversies regarding its logging practices, which may raise concerns for privacy-conscious users.
Speeds are generally reliable for most online activities, including streaming and torrenting. The user interface is user-friendly, catering to a wide range of users.
Pricing is competitive, but it might not offer the same level of privacy and security as some other VPNs with a cleaner reputation.
In summary, HMA VPN is a service that provides global server coverage but may not be the best choice for users who prioritize absolute privacy and anonymity, earning a 3/5 rating.
TunnelBear VPN Review (Rating: ★★★☆☆)
TunnelBear VPN is a user-friendly and visually appealing option for beginners. Its simplicity makes it a great entry-level choice. It offers decent security features, like strong encryption and a no-logs policy, but it may not satisfy users with advanced privacy needs. While the server network is smaller than some competitors, it still provides reliable speeds for common tasks. However, its free plan comes with limitations, and the paid plans can be relatively expensive compared to more feature-rich options. TunnelBear is a decent VPN, especially for beginners, earning a 3/5 rating.
IPVanish Review (Rating: ★★★☆☆)
IPVanish offers a decent VPN service with some noteworthy features. Its security measures, including strong encryption and a zero-logs policy, provide reliable privacy protection. The server network is extensive, but it may lack the global coverage of some competitors. While it generally offers good speeds, occasional fluctuations can be frustrating. The user interface is straightforward, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. However, pricing tends to be on the higher side compared to similar providers. IPVanish is a reasonable option for users who prioritize privacy but may not offer the same level of performance and value as some other VPNs, earning a 3/5 rating.
Windscribe Review (Rating: ★★★☆☆)
Windscribe is a budget-friendly VPN option that offers a generous free plan with limited data. Its paid plans come with unlimited data and more server options. The security features, including strong encryption and a no-logs policy, are decent but not exceptional. It's a solid choice for basic privacy needs.
While the server network is adequate for most tasks, speeds can be inconsistent at times. Windscribe also includes a useful ad-blocker and firewall feature.
However, it may not be the best choice for users in regions with strict internet censorship, as it might struggle to bypass such restrictions. Overall, Windscribe is a budget-friendly option that gets the job done for casual users but falls short of top-tier VPNs, earning a 3/5 rating.
PureVPN Review (Rating: ★★★☆☆)
PureVPN is a VPN service with a mixed reputation. It offers robust security features, including strong encryption and a no-logs policy, to protect your online privacy. However, there have been concerns about the accuracy of its no-logs claim in the past, which may be a red flag for some users.
While the server network is extensive, speeds can be inconsistent, impacting streaming and torrenting. The user interface is user-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Pricing is competitive, with various subscription options. PureVPN also includes additional features like split tunneling and a kill switch.
Despite its potential privacy issues and occasional speed problems, PureVPN remains a service worth considering for users on a budget, earning a 3/5 rating.
ZenMate VPN Review (Rating: ★★★☆☆)
ZenMate VPN is an affordable option for users looking to enhance their online privacy. It offers decent security features, including strong encryption and a no-logs policy, ensuring basic privacy protection.
The server network is adequate, with servers in multiple locations, but it may not deliver top-tier speeds for streaming or torrenting. The user interface is user-friendly, catering to a wide audience.
Pricing is budget-friendly, making it an attractive choice for those on a tight budget. However, the service may lack some advanced features and server options found in premium VPNs.
In summary, ZenMate VPN provides basic privacy and security at an affordable price, earning a 3/5 rating.
StrongVPN Review (Rating: ★★★☆☆)
StrongVPN offers a decent VPN service with a focus on security. It provides strong encryption and claims a no-logs policy, which is reassuring for privacy-conscious users. However, there have been concerns in the past regarding the accuracy of this claim.
The server network is relatively small, which can impact connection speeds and global coverage. It may not be the ideal choice for users in regions with strict internet censorship.
The user interface is user-friendly, catering to a wide range of users. Pricing is competitive, with various subscription options available.
In summary, StrongVPN is a suitable choice for basic privacy and security needs but may not be as robust or reliable as some other VPNs, earning a 3/5 rating.
Goose VPN Review (Rating: ★★★☆☆)
Goose VPN is a straightforward VPN service that emphasizes user-friendliness. It offers reliable security features, including strong encryption and a no-logs policy, which is a plus for privacy-conscious users.
The server network is moderate in size, which can affect speeds and global coverage. While it generally performs well for everyday tasks, it may struggle with demanding activities like streaming or torrenting.
The user interface is intuitive, making it accessible for users of all levels. Pricing is competitive and includes a free trial, but it may lack some advanced features found in premium VPNs.
In summary, Goose VPN is a user-friendly option for basic privacy needs, but it may not be the best choice for those seeking extensive server options or top-tier performance, earning a 3/5 rating.