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When you browse the internet, your personal information can be at risk. Whether you're checking your bank account from a café, streaming content from abroad, or simply browsing from home, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can protect your privacy. A VPN encrypts your data and routes it through secure servers, making it harder for hackers, governments, or companies to track your online activity.
VPNs are especially useful for frequent travelers, remote workers, or anyone concerned about security when using public Wi-Fi. They can also help bypass geographical restrictions, so you can access websites or content not available in your region. But not all VPNs are created equal.
Tuesday, February 18th
Mullvad VPN, based in Sweden, is an oft-recommended competitor in tech forums around the internet, known for its stalwart commitment to user privacy. With over 600 servers spread across 47+ countries, Mullvad offers fewer servers and locations than some competitors, but they go above and beyond when it comes to protecting user anonymity and staying ahead of potential security threats.
Simple pricing with anonymous payment options
Mullvad keeps pricing straightforward with a flat rate of €5 per month (approximately $5.41). They've never raised their prices since 2009 and have no plans to. What's just as impressive is their commitment to user privacy right from the start: you don't need to provide an email or any personal information to create an account. Instead, you're assigned a unique, randomly-generated account number. (Just be sure you save it somewhere, or else you'll be locked out of your account with no way to get back in.) Mullvad even allows you to make totally anonymous payments, accepting cash and cryptocurrency alongside traditional methods. If you need a refund, you can get one within 30 days of signing up, but not if you paid in cash.
Cutting-edge security features
In collaboration with universities, Mullvad has pioneered some impressive security measures, like DAITA (Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis), which combats sophisticated traffic analysis attempts. Mullvad also offers quantum-resistant VPN tunnels, preparing for potential future threats from quantum computing. Other security features you can enjoy with Mullvad VPN include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and multihop capabilities for routing through multiple servers.
Strong privacy practices
Mullvad's privacy policy is refreshingly clear while still being detailed. They maintain a strict no-logging policy and have undergone external audits to verify their security practices. The company's Swedish jurisdiction is considered favorable for privacy, but if they ever were legally compelled to spy on users, they promise to shut down operation of their VPN service in the affected jurisdiction until it's safe to resume. We found their transparency about server ownership and detailed server information particularly impressive - they list the ownership status and providers of their VPN servers (owned outright or rented), and you can filter the full list of servers by way more criteria than just location.
Only 5 devices
You can use Mullvad on Windows 10 and newer, macOS 12+, various Linux distributions, iOS, and Android. However, one drawback is the limit of 5 simultaneous device connections, which is fewer than many competitors offer. Mullvad's VPN tunnel supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols.
Good for beginners, too
Mullvad strikes a good balance between simplicity and advanced features. While tech-savvy users will appreciate the depth of options available, the straightforward account creation process and clean app interface make it accessible for beginners as well. We had no difficulty getting Mullvad up and running on our own devices.
Knowledgeable in-house support
Mullvad has an in-house support team, which lends itself to more knowledgeable assistance. The lack of a 24/7 live chat might be inconvenient for some cases, but you'll have the assurance that you're speaking to someone who really knows what they're talking about. If you get stuck after-hours, their website has dozens of step-by-step guides.
User reviews and reputation are usually glowing
Customer feedback for Mullvad is generally positive. Those who like this VPN service say they appreciate the company's no-nonsense approach and commitment to privacy. One reviewer noted, "Unlike many other VPN providers, this one doesn't use slimy marketing and fake promises." Other users are enthusiastic about Mullvad's reliability and continued affordability. A few users mentioned slower response times from customer support and trouble accessing particular streaming services, but neither of these are deal-breakers. While Mullvad VPN is geared towards privacy over bypassing geoblocks for streaming services, you can still try switching servers to access your streaming service - if it doesn't work, it's likely because the streaming service has blocked that server's IP address. Mullvad has fewer servers than some major competitors, though, so that could be a drawback. However, users report excellent speeds across the board.
The best VPN service for price and privacy
Mullvad is our top choice for VPN users for whom privacy and trustworthiness is of the utmost importance. We think it's also a pretty good deal - just over $5 a month for their full set of features and no price hikes in the foreseeable future make this VPN service hard to pass up. That's why Mullvad earns our 5 star rating.
TunnelBear is a VPN service that is based in Canada but was acquired by McAfee in 2018 and now falls under U.S. jurisdiction. They have over 8,000 servers across 45+ countries, and you can connect to city-level servers in the US and Canada with a paid subscription.
Great branding
TunnelBear runs a pretty hilarious blog - check out the January 2019 post chronicling their quest to create a TunnelBear puppet. It includes pictures of failed versions, each accompanied by witty descriptions. While you can't buy one anymore, we couldn't help but laugh out loud reading the article. This VPN's branding is spot-on and instantly recognizable.
Free plan with 2GB each month, bonuses to combat censorship
TunnelBear has a plan for individuals (Unlimited) and a plan for businesses (Teams). They also have a free plan, where users get 2GB of data each month at no charge. What's more, TunnelBear actively responds to global events and regional censorship. We found past announcements on Twitter (now X) that users in Brazil, Bangladesh, and Sierra Leone would receive an additional 10GB of free data monthly through their bandwidth program.
Unlimited starts at $2.33/month when you buy 3 years
With the Unlimited plan, you're looking at:
The Business plan includes everything you get with Unlimited, plus a 7-day free trial and admin manager tools. It starts at $5.75 per user per month.
PayPal not accepted
TunnelBear accepts payment via credit card - no options for cryptocurrencies, or even PayPal. That might be a downside for some users, but should be fine for the casual VPN user.
Multiple protocols supported, Fastest Tunnel mode available
When you use TunnelBear, you can pick from different VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, or let the app choose for you each session with Auto mode. One of TunnelBear's most popular features is "Fastest Tunnel”. Based on your location, this setting will connect you to the closest location to you, meaning your data doesn't have to travel as far and speeds are faster. One longtime customer says, "I have left it in Fastest since I started years ago. I have not ever had a connection issue.” Sounds good to us!
A kill switch by any other name is just as effective
TunnelBear's features that secure your browsing experience have playful, bear-themed names for what are generally standard VPN capabilities. For example, SplitBear lets you selectively route some of your internet traffic through TunnelBear's VPN, while leaving other traffic untouched, which is commonly known as split tunneling. Similarly, TCP Override gives you a more stable connection by forcing TunnelBear to use TCP over UDP, which can be a good thing on unreliable networks, even if it results in a slightly slower experience. The VigilantBear feature is TunnelBear's version of a kill switch, keeping your data and location hidden if your VPN connection temporarily drops while you're moving between networks. GhostBear makes your VPN traffic less detectable to governments, ISPs, and networks that might attempt to block VPN connections, particularly useful for regions with restrictive internet policies. Don't worry about DNS leaks either - TunnelBear automatically protects against them. TunnelBear also uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is extremely difficult to break and widely considered one of the most secure encryption methods available.
Pioneer in annual audits
TunnelBear takes security seriously, and they want you to know it. Every year since 2016, they've hired an independent company called Cure53 to review their VPN service for any problems. (They claim to be the first VPN service to do this.) In their latest audit, Cure53 found 13 issues, but most weren't too serious, and TunnelBear fixed 12 of them right away. The auditors even said that TunnelBear has shown a "marked security improvement” each year. If you're curious about the details, you can read the full report online.
Wide device compatibility, unlimited connections
TunnelBear offers apps for most major operating systems, like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. They also have browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. One of TunnelBear's best features is that there is no limit on the number of devices you can use with a single account. This means you can protect all your devices - from your laptop to your smartphone to your tablet - without worrying about reaching a device cap. Simply download the app on each device, log in with your TunnelBear account, and you're good to go.
User-friendly for beginners
TunnelBear prides itself on its beginner-friendly, fun interface. The app has a simple, one-click connect feature and playful bear-themed design that make it approachable for newbies. At the same time, advanced users can still access more technical features like protocol selection (though they might miss the ability to pick a specific server within a certain location). Their privacy policy is written in clear, jargon-free language, too.
Customer support options and response times
TunnelBear offers customer support primarily through a ticketing system accessible via their website. They don't offer a live chat option or phone support, however. Response times seem to vary, with some customers reporting quick replies within a few hours, while others have experienced longer wait times of up to 24-48 hours. That's not great if you're in a time-crunch, but TunnelBear's website does include a help center with tons of FAQs and troubleshooting guides in that same approachable, beginner-friendly language, so you might be able to resolve simple connection issues yourself. Customers do appreciate the detailed and personalized responses they receive once their ticket is addressed, though.
Geoblock bypassing doesn't typically work
As to whether TunnelBear will work with the streaming service of your choice, the most common answer seems to be "no”, especially for Netflix. So, if you're shopping for a VPN service for the express purpose of bypassing geoblocking, you'll need to look elsewhere.
Great for travel
Canada is part of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, so if you need extreme privacy, this service may not be ideal for you. It also won't help you access German Netflix from the USA. However, if you need a VPN while traveling, TunnelBear seems to work well for bypassing censorship with its GhostBear feature. We commend their free version and the additional data gifted to users affected by government censorship around the world. Overall, we really like TunnelBear.
NordVPN is perhaps the most recognizable VPN provider in our review. With over 6,400 fast servers in 111 countries, you'll have plenty of options to connect and access content from different places. In operation since 2012 with their home base in Panama, they're not subject to any data retention laws nor do they participate in any intelligence-sharing alliances. That means they should be able to stick to their commitment of not keeping any user logs - but keep reading for more detail on this point.
$12.99 for monthly plan is $2 to $3 higher than average
NordVPN is a little more expensive than some competitors, but you can save money by purchasing a longer plan:
30-day guarantee and private ways to pay
All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try this VPN service risk-free. NordVPN occasionally offers special deals and discounts around holidays, especially on longer-term subscriptions. NordVPN accepts common payment methods like major credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and Amazon Pay, as well as more anonymous cryptocurrencies.
NordVPN's NordLynx is considered the best for gaming
NordVPN has a comparatively limited list of options of compatible protocols. (A VPN protocol is a set of rules and processes that determine how data is encrypted and transmitted between your device and the VPN server, and it can affect your connection speed.) You can choose between OpenVPN, which users like because it's open-source and can be reviewed for vulnerabilities by the public, and WireGuard, which is a newer and faster protocol. NordVPN runs its own protocol based on WireGuard called NordLynx, which is reported to perform even faster on both local and international connections. If you're gaming with a VPN, this is the protocol you'll want to use.
Rich in features
NordVPN has a well-rounded set of features for extra security, privacy, and censorship circumvention, including:
Will log your data if asked to do so by enforcement
NordVPN's privacy practices have come under scrutiny due to a change in their stance on data logging. Their previous stance on data requests by law enforcement read, "NordVPN operates under the jurisdiction of Panama and will not comply with requests from foreign governments and law enforcement agencies.” But, after a joint operation led by Europol shut down another VPN service for non-compliance, NordVPN updated this statement to say they would "[... ] comply with requests from foreign governments and law enforcement agencies if these requests are delivered according to laws and regulations.” That implies if they were ordered to start logging your data, they would - despite claiming to be a "no-logs” VPN service. While this isn't likely to concern the average VPN user, we felt it important to alert you, as it raises questions about NordVPN's transparency.
Use on practically any device
NordVPN offers broad device compatibility, supporting Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android operating systems. You can set up NordVPN on various routers, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. One NordVPN account allows for usage of 6 devices simultaneously, which is about average for VPN services.
Tech support from real humans, 24/7
There's a reason NordVPN is so well-known: their interface is about as easy to use as it gets. If you're trying to protect your grandparents from phishing and malware, they shouldn't have any problems using this VPN service. Should they happen to need assistance at any point, NordVPN's customer service is available via email, live chat, and phone 24/7. Customers say support connects you with a real person rather than a chat bot.
Good reputation, with some bugs
NordVPN has a decent reputation among users, with a 4.2 rating on Trustpilot and 73% of reviews being 5 stars. Those who like this VPN service praise it for its reliability, speed, and excellent customer support. For example, one long-time user reported "smooth sailing" with no downtime or glitches over 10 years of use. Another was happy with the VPN's effectiveness in protecting their online privacy in a restrictive country. However, there are common complaints, too: some users have experienced issues with auto-renewal of subscriptions and occasional connection problems. It also appears to be highly unlikely you'll be able to connect if you're in China. On the bright side, NordVPN actively responds to customer feedback. They offer solutions to issues and show appreciation for positive reviews.
Streaming content from another country might not be possible
NordVPN being a top competitor has one major downside - you'll probably encounter difficulties with bypassing geoblocking on streaming platforms. That's because streaming services often target well-known VPNs and use advanced detection methods to block their IP addresses. While VPN providers try to stay ahead by refreshing IPs and using obfuscated servers, there's no guarantee of consistent access. That doesn't necessarily mean using a lesser-known VPN will guarantee you access to your favorite foreign content, though - streaming services sometimes employ browser fingerprinting techniques to figure out if you're using a VPN. To improve your chances of bypassing geoblocks, try experimenting with different browsers, clearing your cache, or waiting a few hours between connecting to different servers.
Fine for most users
NordVPN can give you a good balance of security and speed and will be the right choice for most people in need of a VPN service. However, it's not the cheapest, most secure, or best for getting past censorship. We can't give NordVPN our highest rating, but it still ranks near the top of the list.
IPVanish is a US-based VPN provider with over 40,000 unique IP addresses, 2,400+ servers, and more than 130 locations. Their website offers some free security tools, like a password generator and an IP checker.
Essential monthly plan is $12.99
IPVanish has monthly, annual, and biannual payment options for their Essential and Advanced plans. With Advanced, you get all the typical VPN features that come with Essential (kill switch, threat protection, customer support) plus some nice extras, including:
The monthly Essential plan is more expensive than most VPN providers at $12.99, but you could bring that down to just $2.19 per month (billed at $52.56) if you purchase 2 years upfront. You can pay via credit card or PayPal.
Create location shortcuts to your favorite streaming services
Among IPVanish's features, you'll get Automatic Startup, Threat Protection (against ads and malware), a kill switch, On Demand (choose which networks you trust and which domains you want to initiate an automatic VPN connection), and split tunneling by app or by domain. There are also VPN TV app shortcuts. For example, if you always watch Spanish TV shows with Hulu, you could create a shortcut to open Hulu with a connection to a VPN server based in Spain. (Now if only you could actually travel to Spain with one click of a button!) You can create up to 3 of these shortcuts at a time. You can also use IPVanish with Tor if you know how to configure it. IPVanish does not have a multi-hop feature.
Unlimited devices
IPVanish is supported on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, wifi routers, and various TV devices. The Essential plan can be used on an unlimited number of devices at a time, which makes it a good pick for households with many members and lots of tech among them.
Includes WireGuard
Protocols supported by IPVanish include WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPSec. If you're not sure which one is right for your purposes, they have a handy guide on their website. For example, you might be interested to know that IKEv2 is preferable for those who want to be able to switch between wifi and cellular without being disconnected from the VPN.
Collected logs in the past, though ownership has since changed
IPVanish has always claimed to be a no-logs company, but in 2016, they handed over user data to the Department of Homeland Security without much of a fight. The user in question certainly deserved to face legal consequences for his online activity, but there are perfectly ethical and legal reasons to need total privacy from your chosen VPN service, and the 2016 incident demonstrates IPVanish's "no logs” claim was false. Since 2016, ownership of the company has changed twice, so it's up to you to decide how significant that is and whether you trust the new owners when they make the same promise not to log your identifying information.
24/7 support
IPVanish's customer support can be reached around the clock via email or their live chat. As mentioned before, if you purchase the Advanced plan, you'll also get access to phone support. Most people find it pretty easy to get customer support for tech issues, although a couple of reviewers griped that their phone calls went to voicemail. The most frequent complaint we found about customer support is that they don't always issue prompt refunds or handle account cancellations correctly.
Good reviews on third-party platforms
IPVanish has earned a rating of 4.3 from nearly 9,000 reviews on Trustpilot. Users who like it appreciate being able to bypass local restrictions, its ease of use, and choice of countries. Some issues with this VPN service mentioned were certain streaming services not being accessible, price increases for existing customers, and occasional disconnections with certain apps.
Fine for most cases
IPVanish seems like a decent service for the casual VPN user - if you're just interested in adding a layer of privacy to your internet use, this should do just fine. However, if you need ultimate privacy (like as a human rights activist operating in a repressive regime or as an individual who could face legal consequences for seeking uncensored information), we'd recommend a VPN provider that has no past of giving up user data during a raid.
TorGuard is a US-based VPN service, meaning it belongs to the 5-Eyes Alliance. They operate over 3,000 servers in more than 50 countries.TorGuard offers several different privacy-related tools in addition to their VPN service, like Anonymous Proxy, Anonymous Email, and pre-configured routers. They also have a VPN plan for businesses with management tools and features geared toward remote work.
Conflicting information, but Standard plan is between $5.20 to $10.99/month
The pricing structure for TorGuard's personal VPN service, called Anonymous VPN, is unclear. On one page, they offer monthly billing for the Standard Plan at $10.99, but state just below that amount that the actual billed amount is $9.99. It's the same issue with the Pro Plan ($14.29 - or maybe $12.99?). The Premium Plan is listed consistently as costing $16.49/month, though. On another page, they state that the Standard Plan is only $4 a month, and Pro is only $5.20 (but Premium is missing). At checkout, we were quoted $10.99 for the Standard Plan with a "Recurring Discount” of 50% off, bringing our total to $5.50. (Perplexing.) You can pay for your subscription with basically every payment method but cash.
Use on 8-30 devices
Each plan (Standard, Pro, Premium) comes with access to port forwarding, ad blocking, max security, max speeds, and a NAT firewall. With the Standard plan, you can use up to 8 devices, but with Pro and Premium you get 12 and 30, respectively. The two higher tiers grant you a dedicated IP address, and the Premium Plan includes a router "with annual billing”. (Again, no elaboration to be found on this point.) TorGuard can be used with macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, and wifi routers.
Missing features
Unfortunately, TorGuard doesn't offer split tunneling (which lets you choose specific traffic to be routed through your VPN) although they've been talking about adding it for years. There's also no multi-hop feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPNs for extra privacy. There seems to be a kill switch (shuts down your internet traffic if your VPN accidentally disconnects) but it apparently requires some manual configuration - it's not automatically turned on.
FAQ section is broken
TorGuard employs OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and Stunnel protocols. We wish we could tell you what TorGuard has to say about their VPN's speed and performance, but unfortunately, the FAQs on their website don't open to display the answers - so their official response to "What sort of speed will I get?” remains closed.
TorGuard stores some account owner info
TorGuard claims "no logs, nothing shared," but their privacy policy reveals a caveat: "unless required to do so by law." They also store the account owner's name, email address, and login timestamps. This might not be ideal if you're in a region with strict censorship laws. Some VPN providers offer more anonymity by not requiring an email address for account creation - instead, they generate login information for you, storing absolutely no personal data.
Customer support is fast
If you need tech support, TorGuard's tech agents are available via email and sometimes via chat, but they don't specify hours of availability or their typical response time. That said, plenty of customers have said service is fast and reliable. One customer, a self-proclaimed VPN newbie, raved about how helpful the support team was in holding their hand through the process of setting up a dedicated IP address to be able to stream content.
Billing department is a little aggressive
We found a few customer reviews reporting that despite having paid for months of their subscriptions well in advance, TorGuard kept sending reminders that their bills were due long before they really were. Experiences with other aspects of this VPN service are mixed. Some people say speeds are fast and they never get disconnected, while others report issues like high latency and having to reboot their computer to be able to reconnect.
Just okay
TorGuard is pretty average compared to other VPN services. However, their confusing pricing doesn't do them any favors, and neither does their iffy privacy policy or their subjectivity to US jurisdiction. This VPN isn't our favorite, but we wouldn't entirely discourage you from trying it out if you find it appealing.
Private Internet Access VPN (also known as PIA VPN) is based in the US and owned by Kape Technologies. While they don't specify how many servers they have, the number is guessed to be between 10,000-35,000, and they operate in 91 countries and all 50 US states.
$11.95 for one month to $1.98/month with 3-year plan
Private Internet Access has 3 pricing options: 1 month at $11.95, 1 year at $3.33 a month, and 3 years (plus 4 months free) at $1.98 a month with a frequently-run deal for 83% off. Just be aware that, if you see promises of a lifetime price-lock with the 3-year plan, you shouldn't trust it: we found reports from users whose subscription costs still went up significantly despite being told they'd get to keep the same price upon renewal. If you purchase a plan and are unhappy with it, you can request a refund within 30 days. PIA accepts all mainstream payment methods as well as cryptocurrencies.
Dedicated IP available but costs extra
PIA VPN's features include split tunneling, P2P support, a kill switch, multi-hop, SSL encryption to obscure your use of a VPN, port forwarding (for faster downloads), protection against malware and ads, and more. You can get a dedicated IP or antivirus software for an added fee on the checkout page.
Unlimited devices included with subscription
PIA VPN is compatible with virtually every app and device, including iOS, Mac, Android, Windows, Linux, smart TVs, consoles, and more. There's no limit to the number of devices you can use on one account.
Website makes it hard to confirm what they offer
Private Internet Access VPN only uses protocols that are open-source. The two they name as being part of their service are WireGuard and OpenVPN - if there's a more extensive list somewhere, it isn't easily findable. In general, we found PIA VPN's website to be somewhat opaque. They seem to dumb down their explanation of their offerings so as not to overwhelm the casual shopper, but they don't have in-depth information readily accessible to more advanced users who might want to verify their claims of being "the best” against their actual offerings.
US-based operations mean higher exposure potential
We don't think PIA VPN can be considered the safest VPN provider in terms of privacy, given their ownership by a company with a history in peddling malware and their operation as a US company. However, their no-logs policy has been verified by a third-party auditor (Deloitte) and we know of no cases where they exposed user information.
Critical issues with billing and kill switch
Private Internet Access has an "F” from the Better Business Bureau for failure to respond to customer complaints. Nearly all of these had to do with billing issues: despite canceling their subscriptions, customers continued to be billed with no response from the company when contacted about it. However, PIA VPN has an "Excellent” rating over on Trustpilot from over 10,000 reviews. People who like it say it works well with Linux and that speeds are reliable. Users who dislike PIA VPN say customer support never responded to their tickets, they can't connect on their Smart TVs, and sometimes the kill switch fails - which can leak your real IP.
Not transparent enough to recommend
We're just not confident in the quality of Private Internet Access's services. To earn a higher rating from us in the future, they'll need to improve the quality of their customer service, address the kill switch glitches, and increase transparency about their offerings on their website. For now, we'd recommend you check out the VPN services nearer the top of our list.
VyprVPN is a VPN service with 300,000+ IP addresses and over 700 servers, which they own outright, across 70+ locations. They used to be owned by the Swiss company GoldenFrog, but are now owned by Certida, which is based in the US.
$3 to $10 a month
Although VyprVPN no longer provides a free trial, they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans. Their pricing structure is as follows:
Business plans available
They also offer business plans, including a cloud option for $349 per year and a regular business plan starting at $299 per year for 3 users, with additional users costing $99 per year each. These plans come with features like multiple user management, dedicated servers, and account managers, making VyprVPN suitable for both individual and business users.
Choose your protocol
With VyprVPN, you have several protocols to choose from: WireGuard (generally the fastest), IPSec, OpenVPN, and their proprietary protocol, Chameleon. Chameleon is advertised to customers who need to get around strict censorship, like in Russia, Iran, Turkey, India, and China. Supposedly, its Smart IP function, which regularly changes your IP address during your session, makes it harder to detect. However, when we searched customer reviews, we found several complaints that it doesn't work in several of the aforementioned countries.
Proprietary DNS leak protection
VyprVPN offers you the typical range of features you'll find with other VPN services. You can use Split Tunneling to route some of your traffic through the VPN while keeping other connections direct. VyprVPN provides its own DNS service to protect against censorship, unlike other VPN providers that might use third-party DNS services. VyprVPN claims to be a No-Log VPN, meaning they don't store your traffic logs. For added security, there's automatic protection on public wifi and a kill switch that blocks all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects.
User trust has been damaged
When it comes to trustworthiness, VyprVPN's qualifications include being audited by a third party service, Leviathan, to prove they don't log data and that they're owning (not renting) their servers and networks. They also spearheaded an initiative to create a standardized vetting process for VPN providers by reaching out to the Center for Democracy and Technology. That said, some customers were alarmed that the transfer of ownership from a Swiss to an American company occurred without much notification to their users. Indeed, VyprVPN's privacy policy page still redirects to GoldenFrog's privacy policy. Being based in the United States places Certida under U.S. jurisdiction, which means it could potentially face law enforcement requests, subpoenas, or other demands for user data. Although VPNs may not be required by U.S. law to retain user logs, they could be compelled to turn over any available data if legally requested.
Only 5 devices allowed simultaneously
You can use VyprVPN on most devices and operating systems. The service supports Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, routers, and even TV devices, like 2nd generation Fire Sticks, Apple TV and Android TV. You used to be able to connect to 30 devices simultaneously, and before that, it was unlimited. Now you can only connect to 5 at any given time.
Unhappy customers
When we combed through customer reviews of VyprVPN, we found concerning reports of unapproved charges, frequent disconnections, slow speeds, and unanswered requests for support. We found no positive reviews on Trustpilot that were more recent than 3 years old.
Can't recommend VyprVPN
VyprVPN seems to be struggling to keep their customers happy and their service running smoothly. We're worried about their privacy practices because we can't find an up-to-date privacy policy after their ownership changed. They've also continued to take away features, like reducing their simultaneous device usage from unlimited devices, to 30, and now to just 5. Because of these issues, we don't think it's a good idea to use VyprVPN.
PureVPN is based in the Canary Islands and offers over 6,000 servers with locations in more than 65 countries. PureVPN allows you to use their VPN on 10 devices at a time, which is a decent amount. They support Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, and more.
Too many pricing considerations
PureVPN's pricing tiers are numerous, and therefore a bit overwhelming. On top of weighing the pricing differences between a 5-year, 2-year, 1-year, and a monthly plan, you'll also need to decide if you need Standard, Plus, or Max. Prices will range between $1.99 and $3.29 a month for a 5-year plan, $2.15 to $4.15 for the 2-year, $3.99 to $6.99 for the 1-year, and $12.95 to $19.95 for the monthly plan (which is expensive). You can pay for your subscription with PayPal, credit card, or Bitcoin.
"Max” plan lacks some features you'd expect to find
PureVPN's Standard plan is the cheapest and includes a One-Tap Tracker Blocker. The Plus plan adds a password manager and a file encryption tool - neither of which are particularly compelling to us. The Max tier builds on the previous two tiers and adds Dark Web Monitoring and Remove My Data. We're surprised that features like a dedicated IP or server and port forwarding are available, but only if you pay extra monthly fees - they aren't even included in the Max plan.
Not transparent about privacy features
PureVPN seems to gear the information they share about their service to those who might find jargon intimidating. However, that makes it harder for those diligently researching all their options to compare PureVPN to competing VPN services. For example, rather than telling us outright that they offer split-tunneling, their Features page advertises that you can "protect apps separately”, and the "learn more” link below it just takes you to a pricing page instead of expounding on how that feature works. Supposedly, they have a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and support WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.
May expose your IP address
PureVPN undergoes periodic third-party audits, but the most recent of these turned up issues including logging the times and number of instances when a user connected to a server, as well as IP address exposure when connection to a server with a manual configuration failed. Reddit users don't seem to think this VPN provider can be trusted when they say they don't log anything, and the results of this audit seem to be an admission of guilt by PureVPN.
Complaints are numerous and varied
PureVPN has a lot of complaints about their auto-renewal policy. If you decide to purchase a plan, make sure you set a reminder to cancel before the renewal date, as they won't send you a reminder - even if you're on a 5-year plan and may have forgotten you're even subscribed. Other issues described by customers include poor geoblock bypassing, slow speeds and instability, buggy apps that don't let you sign in, and email spam. Although you'll find them highly rated by third-party consumer review platforms, one customer pointed out that they offer free months of their VPN service to subscribers in exchange for positive reviews.
Better options available
In our opinion, PureVPN is far too expensive for the quality of service they offer. Given the likelihood your IP address could be exposed through this service, we can't recommend them above other VPN providers.
ExpressVPN is a very well-known VPN service provider that includes a password manager with every subscription. Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN has unspecified "thousands” of servers across "dozens” of locations worldwide. However, our research uncovered some controversies raising questions about how trustworthy they really are.
New ownership made money selling malware
You'll want to be aware of some concerning facts about ExpressVPN's ownership. The company that bought ExpressVPN, now called Kape Technologies, used to be known as Crossrider. Before 2017, Crossrider wasn't in the VPN business - they were actually involved in creating malware. In fact, Malwarebytes, a well-known anti-malware company, discovered that Crossrider was hiding malware in software installation packages. This malware was designed to take over people's web browsers to harvest their private data - exactly what a VPN is meant to prevent. Even though ExpressVPN is supposed to operate independently from its new owner, this situation doesn't look good for the company's reputation. It'd be natural to feel uneasy about using a VPN service owned by a company with such a questionable past.
Starting at $6.67 a month
ExpressVPN's pricing structure ranges from $6.67 to $12.95 per month, depending on the length of your subscription (1-12 months). The more you buy up front, the more you save. They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is pretty standard in the industry. They don't appear to have a dedicated plan for businesses, but there's no limit to the number of accounts you can purchase.
Might be hard to cancel
We found that ExpressVPN accepts most payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and even cryptocurrencies if you're really prioritizing anonymity. However, you may want to know that some customers have had difficulties with cancellation and refund processes, even within the 30-day window.
Does not work in China
ExpressVPN utilizes its proprietary Lightway protocol (which is open-source and available to the public for review) alongside industry standards like OpenVPN and IKEv2. Oddly, they don't support WireGuard, which is favored by most users for its superior speed. That said, customer reviews indicate that the speed of this VPN still ranges from "reasonable” to "great”, although your experiences will always depend on several variables unique to you. Just know that if you're traveling to Asian countries, particularly China, you likely won't be able to bypass the Great Firewall with this VPN.
8 devices at once
You can use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices simultaneously, with apps available for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, and various router types. They also offer solutions for streaming devices like Apple TV, Fire Stick, and Android TV. This wide compatibility is a strong point, but the device limit might be restrictive for larger households or small businesses.
Has had long-term leaks in the past
ExpressVPN comes with features including split tunneling, a kill switch, and TrustedServer technology that prevents data from ever being written to hard drives. They also provide VPN router software and a dedicated VPN router called Aircove. However, during our research, we learned of a concerning DNS leak bug that affected a small percentage of Windows users with active split tunneling for a few years, exposing their browsing history to ISPs. While ExpressVPN has since addressed and fixed this issue, it still raises questions about their "no-logs" policy claims.
Not a favorite with privacy geeks
ExpressVPN touts a strict no-logs policy, conducts third-party audits, and uses AES-256 encryption. However, the DNS leak issue and the company's acquisition by Kape Technologies have gotten people in the privacy community talking - and the consensus seems to be that if absolute privacy is your concern, ExpressVPN won't cut it.
24/7 chat is impersonal and often unhelpful
ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, which can be helpful for quick and simple issues. For more complicated issues, though, you could be in for some aggravation. Some users report receiving generic, scripted responses that fail to address their specific problems. Common complaints include being told to wait for the issue to resolve itself or switch servers, or being offered free months of service instead of actual solutions. One customer griped that responses often come so quickly they seem automated rather than from a real person. We also found reports of massive layoffs happening at ExpressVPN, which tracks with what customers are experiencing on their end.
Not your best option
Between this company's shady ownership, past leaks, and current customer service difficulties, we wouldn't recommend ExpressVPN as your first choice if you're looking for a VPN service.
CyberGhost is a VPN provider based in Romania, which means it doesn't fall under the jurisdictions of 5, 9, or 14 Eyes alliances. However, CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, which used to sell malware concealed in their software that collected user data to be sold to third parties.
$12.99 a month is higher than average
CyberGhost VPN has a few pricing plans for you to choose from:
Free trial, no credit card info needed
This VPN service provides a 14-45 day money-back guarantee, depending on the plan. Free trials are available without providing credit card info upfront, but make sure you read the fine print on how long they last, because it varies by device:
Payment with crypto accepted
All trials offer full access to features. A dedicated IP can be added for an extra $2.50 to $5/month. If you're in the US, you can pay with PayPal, major credit cards, BitPay, and more.
Conflicting information on website about maximum speeds
CyberGhost supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. CyberGhost's website can be a bit confusing when it comes to their advertised server speeds, though. In one section, they advertise an upgrade to high-speed 10 Gbps connections, which would be ideal for smooth streaming, gaming, and downloading. But in another section, they mention a maximum speed of only 1 Gbps, which is much slower and would impact performance if a lot of people were sharing the server. That said, plenty of customer reviews mention fast speeds and no issues with uploading, downloading, or streaming.
Dedicated IP included
Among the features CyberGhost offers, you'll find the typical ones like customizable VPN protocols, an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, wifi protection on unsecured public networks, and VPN split tunneling. In addition, you'll get a dedicated IP address that no one else uses but you, which makes your online activity look less suspicious and can keep you from being blacklisted by streaming services, banking sites, and email providers - though be aware it won't grant you the anonymity that a shared IP address does. Your subscription will also include a content blocker, which hides annoying ads and prevents websites from tracking your online activities. CyberGhost uses RAM-only servers, which means all data is wiped when the physical server is restarted.
Test speed for different activities before committing
CyberGhost has a convenient speed test feature on their website so you can see if it'll work for your purposes before you buy. For example, if you're looking for a VPN so you can watch German Netflix, you can select a server from their dropdown menu, click "Get Results," and view the ping, server load, and distance for that specific activity. (Lower ping times and shorter distances generally result in faster connections, while lower server loads typically mean better performance.)
Loopholes in the privacy policy
CyberGhost occasionally completes third-party audits, but not on any regular schedule as far as we could tell. The privacy policy states that they don't keep logs of your browsing history and traffic, but they do retain personal data like your name, email address... your IP address (huh?) ...approximate location (now that's just creepy) - and they may communicate these details with their parent company, Kape Technologies, and any of its subsidiaries. That makes CyberGhost's Romanian jurisdiction somewhat useless, as Kape is a UK-based company.
Supports most operating systems
CyberGhost supports many different operating systems, so you're likely to find a version that works for your devices. You can use CyberGhost on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices. They also offer apps for smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and even Raspberry Pi. Some Linux users have had problems, though, reporting that the app doesn't have a user-friendly interface and is missing some important features like a kill switch. It also doesn't start automatically when you reboot your computer.
Mobile and desktop are glitchy
According to our research, CyberGhost's apps look nice, but can be pretty buggy - some users report the MacOS app taking 1-2 minutes to launch and connect, the Windows app blocking websites unless you disable the kill switch, and the Android app needing to be uninstalled and reinstalled.
Support agents always available, but not always helpful
If you need help from CyberGhost VPN's customer support, you can reach them 24/7 via email or live chat. That said, there seems to be a high rate of unresolved issues. Customers reported receiving repetitive troubleshooting suggestions, leading them to suspect that support representatives were following scripted responses rather than reviewing their ticket history.
Annoying pop-up ads for subscribers
CyberGhost VPN has a 4.2-star average on Trustpilot from over 22,000 reviews. Some who like this VPN service say they appreciate its reliability, user-friendly interface, and minimal disconnections over years of use. However, others have reported frustrating technical issues like frequent logouts and authentication problems, an increase in pop-up ads even for paid subscribers, and a difficult cancellation process (sometimes resulting in needing to cancel a credit card altogether).
Can't recommend
Between the questionable past of CyberGhost's new ownership, the privacy policy loopholes (why do they need all that info on you?), and reports of apps being buggy, there are just too many iffy things about CyberGhost to fully recommend them. It seems a lot like you'd be trading being spied on by the wider internet for being spied on by CyberGhost and their buyers. We'd advise you to check out a VPN provider closer to the top of our list first.
Based in the Cayman Islands, FastestVPN has over 800 servers in more than 49 countries. It's owned by Fast Technology Ltd, of which Pakistani businessman Azneem Bilwani is the founder. You may want to know that another of his companies has been accused of fraud.
$5 a month
FastestVPN's pricing starts at $5 per month, billed monthly. They also offer a $40 lifetime plan. During our visit, they were running a promotion: $19.95 billed biannually for two years (one year paid, one year free). After 2 years, we assume you'd resume paying $19.95 each year. We are a bit apprehensive about their lifetime plan - several other VPN providers in this review have stated that they will never offer one-time lifetime payments because it would not support the costs of running their businesses. A struggling VPN service might resort to alternative revenue sources (like selling your data) to make ends meet. FastestVPN accepts payment via credit card and PayPal, but not cryptocurrency. If you choose to try FastestVPN out, you have 31 days to get your money back.
Standard features
FastestVPN's features include DNS leak prevention, split-tunneling (which they call Smart Tunneling), a kill switch, a NAT firewall, and an ad-blocker. They say you'll get unlimited bandwidth with no cap for uploading or downloading files. FastestVPN doesn't offer dedicated IPs, but you can upgrade your subscription to get a static IP. This is similar to a dedicated IP in that it's the one you'll always browse from, though other users might also be assigned the same IP address - it's not exclusively yours.
Lifetime plan might not include access to all features
Protocols supported by FastestVPN include WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenConnect, IPSec, OpenVPN, and L2TP. However, we found complaints from some customers that after upgrading to a Lifetime subscription, they lost access to certain features and a few protocols, including WireGuard - which many people prefer for its speed. That seems like evidence of the cost-cutting we were concerned about.
History of leaking user IPs
FastestVPN makes the standard "no-logs” promise and submits to third-party audits by Altius IT, although not as regularly as some other VPN services. A few years ago, they were found to leak users' real locations in several different tests. While from the latest audit these appear to have been resolved, we still found a few recent complaints about DNS request leaks here.
Use 10 devices simultaneously
FastestVPN is supported on Windows, Playstation, Mac, Android, Android Box, iOS, routers, and FireTV. You can use up to 10 devices at once on any single subscription.
Issues with kill switch and speeds
FastestVPN has a 24/7 live chat support team - which is good, because you might find yourself needing to ask for help frequently. From what we can tell, this VPN service can get pretty buggy - whether it's certain protocols not working on particular devices, the kill switch failing, or video streaming speeds being throttled. Despite the company's name, we found quite a few complaints about connection speed.
They seem to pay for fake reviews
Although FastestVPN scores well on third-party review platforms, we'd urge you to take these reviews with a grain of salt - not many of the reviews read like a real person wrote them. The company also appears to employ bots on Reddit to leave positive-but-bland comments on posts asking for VPN recommendations.
Not a trustworthy VPN service
Our trust in FastestVPN to deliver what they promise is low. Between past leaks, kill switch failures, and potentially fake reviews, we would suggest you try a higher-rated VPN service instead.
Some offer blazing-fast speeds, while others might slow your connection. Some provide extra security features, like multi-hop encryption or malware protection, while others focus on ease of use and broad device compatibility. Free VPNs exist, but they often come with limitations like data caps, slower speeds, or even questionable privacy practices. (Ironic, no?)
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a VPN is the availability of advanced features like split tunneling and kill switches. Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which ones connect directly to the internet. This feature is helpful if you want to protect sensitive activities, like online banking, while still using your regular internet speed for things like streaming or gaming. A kill switch, on the other hand, is a safety feature that automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection drops. This prevents your data from being exposed during those brief moments when you're not protected, ensuring that your privacy remains intact at all times.
You should carefully consider the country where the company operates. This is important because of international surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes. These alliances are agreements between countries to share intelligence information, which could potentially include data collected by VPNs. If you're using a VPN based in a country within these alliances, your data might be at risk due to laws requiring VPN providers to collect and share user information. For maximum privacy, you might want to choose a VPN provider based outside of these alliances, in countries with strong privacy laws. By doing so, you can reduce the risk of your data being shared or accessed by government agencies, even if requested.
Here are a few things to think about when choosing a VPN provider:
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