The 11 Best VPN Service Providers
What is the Best VPN Service?
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.
Wednesday, December 4th
2024 VPN Service Provider Reviews
Mullvad
Mullvad VPN is the absolute best choice for privacy-conscious VPN users. With its unique account system that doesn't even require your email address, you can stay truly anonymous online. We appreciate Mullvad's cutting-edge features like quantum-resistant tunnels and protection against AI-guided traffic analysis. At just $5.41 per month and a promise of no price hikes, ever, Mullvad provides excellent value. Their privacy policy is the most trustworthy we've encountered. While Mullvad may have fewer servers than some competitors, its commitment to user privacy and innovative security measures earn it our top recommendation, well-deserving of a perfect 5-star rating.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear stands out with its playful bear-themed branding and easy-to-use interface. We appreciate their commitment to transparency, as they conduct annual independent security audits and publish the results. With over 8,000 servers across 45+ countries and features like VigilantBear (kill switch) and GhostBear (obfuscation), TunnelBear offers solid security options for your online activities. While it may not be the best for streaming geo-restricted content, it's an excellent choice for general browsing and travel, especially with its free 2GB monthly plan and no limit on number of devices. TunnelBear earns an excellent rating for its combination of security, ease of use, and charming presentation.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a top-tier VPN service with robust security features and high speed performance. With over 6,400 servers across 111 countries, you'll have plenty of options to connect and access content from different places. NordVPN's interface is easy for anyone to use, even if they're not tech-savvy. Their NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, is thought to be the best for gaming due to its fast performance. NordVPN isn't the cheapest or most secure option available among VPN providers that offer the same feature set, so it falls short of first place by just a bit.
IP Vanish
If you're looking for a VPN service that offers nifty perks like unlimited device connections and a handy streaming shortcut, IPVanish might be worth considering. However, it's important to note that they're not the cheapest out there, and there were past issues with logging user data, even though ownership has changed since then. All things considered, we'd rate IPVanish as a decent choice for casual users, but perhaps not the best pick if absolute privacy is your top priority.
Tor Guard
If you're looking for a VPN with extra features (like ad blocking), TorGuard might catch your eye. You'll get strong encryption and a wide server network, which is great for bypassing geo-restrictions. However, don't expect top-notch privacy here - TorGuard is based in the US and keeps some user data. Their pricing is a bit confusing, and you might need to fiddle with settings to get good streaming speeds. While TorGuard offers solid performance overall, it's not the best choice if anonymity is your top priority. it's okay, but there are better VPN services out there.
Private Internet Access
If you're looking for a long-term VPN service, Private Internet Access VPN (PIA VPN) might catch your eye with its affordable 3-year plans and unlimited device connections. However, don't be too quick to jump on board. While PIA offers a well-rounded set of privacy features, it's plagued by customer service issues and potential privacy concerns due to its US-based operations. You might find yourself frustrated with automatic renewals with no heads-up or a defective kill switch that could expose your real IP address. Given these drawbacks and the lack of transparency on their website, we can't recommend PIA as your go-to VPN solution. You'd be better off exploring more reliable services higher up on our list.
Vypr VPN
VyprVPN is a US-based company. From questionable privacy practices to customer complaints about slow speeds and frequent disconnections, they fall short in several key areas. The recent change in ownership (from a Swiss to an American company) without proper notification to users or update to their privacy policy is particularly concerning. Given these issues, we can't recommend VyprVPN as a reliable or trustworthy VPN service.
Pure VPN
PureVPN falls short in many areas, not least of all their complicated pricing structure. You'd think paying for their top-tier plan would give you all the bells and whistles, but surprisingly, some basic features come at an extra cost. What's more concerning is their history of potential IP address leaks and questionable logging practices. Given these issues and the flood of customer complaints, we can't recommend PureVPN. You're better off looking elsewhere for a more reliable and trustworthy VPN service.
Express VPN
ExpressVPN offers decent speeds and some neat proprietary features, but there are some serious red flags you should know about. The company's shady ownership history, past security leaks, and recent customer service issues are major turn-offs. It's also on the pricier side compared to other options out there. When it comes down to it, we can't recommend ExpressVPN as a VPN service. You'd be better off exploring other alternatives that don't come with so much baggage.
Cyber Ghost
At first glance, CyberGhost might seem like a decent option with its Romanian base and extra features, like a dedicated IP address. But dig a little deeper, and you'll find some skeletons in their closet. The company that owns CyberGhost has a sketchy past involving malware, and their privacy policy has some concerning loopholes - like logging your name, IP address, and general location. Plus, users report buggy apps and annoying pop-up ads, even for paying customers. While it offers okay speeds and a range of server locations, the negatives outweigh the positives here. We can't recommend CyberGhost - you'd be better off looking at some of the top-rated VPNs on our list instead.
Fastest VPN
You might be tempted by FastestVPN's low prices and lifetime plan, but we've got some bad news for you. With a history of IP leaks, a sketchy kill switch, and speeds that'll make you want to pull your hair out, FastestVPN is anything but the fastest. Oh, and did we mention they're may be padding their reviews with fake ones? Yikes! We hate to break it to you, but this VPN gets one of our lowest ratings. Our advice? Steer clear and invest in a more reliable VPN service that won't leave you high and dry.
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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:
- Speed. If you stream movies, download large files, or play online games, speed should be a priority. Some VPNs slow your connection significantly, while others offer minimal disruption. Look for services that are known for high performance in your region.
- Security and privacy. Not all VPNs offer the same level of protection. Check if the VPN uses military-grade encryption (AES-256) and has a no-logs policy to prevent your data from being stored or shared. Features like kill switches (which disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops) and DNS leak protection add extra layers of security.
- Device compatibility. If you need a VPN for more devices than just your computer (like your phone, tablet, or even a smart TV) it's a good idea to go with a VPN that supports all your devices. Some services allow multiple simultaneous connections, while others limit you to one or two.
- Server locations. A VPN with more server locations allows you to access content from different countries. If you need a specific location, like for streaming services or online shopping, verify that the VPN provider has servers there.
- Ease of use. Some VPNs come with complex setups, while others offer user-friendly apps that require just a tap to protect your connection. Choose a provider that matches your comfort level with technology.
- Customer reviews. Feedback from real users can give you insight into a VPN's reliability and performance. Look for patterns in reviews, like frequent mentions of connection drops, poor customer support, or ease of use, to make a more informed decision.
Top Consumer Reviews has evaluated and ranked the leading VPN providers available. We hope this review helps you find the best protection for your needs.
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