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The 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 11th

2024 VPN Service Provider Reviews

Mullvad Review Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award 5 Star Rating

Mullvad

5 Star Rating Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

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 Review 4.5 Star Rating

TunnelBear

4.5 Star Rating

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 Review 4 Star Rating

NordVPN

4 Star Rating

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 Review 3.5 Star Rating

IP Vanish

3.5 Star Rating

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 Review 3 Star Rating

Tor Guard

3 Star Rating

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 Review 2.5 Star Rating

Private Internet Access

2.5 Star Rating

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 Review 2 Star Rating

Vypr VPN

2 Star Rating

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 Review 2 Star Rating

Pure VPN

2 Star Rating

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 Review 2 Star Rating

Express VPN

2 Star Rating

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 Review 1.5 Star Rating

Cyber Ghost

1.5 Star Rating

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 Review 1 Star Rating

Fastest VPN

1 Star Rating

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.

Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

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.

The Best VPN Service Providers Compare VPN Service Providers Compare VPN Service Provider Reviews What are the best VPN Service Providers Best VPN Service Provider Reviews

VPN Service Provider FAQ

A Virtual Private Network is security software that hides your personal identity and information from hackers, businesses, and government agencies. You will want to use a VPN if you're concerned about a person or entity finding out which websites you've visited and when or monitoring your general activities online.
Nothing in technology is 100% secure. You should research which VPNs offer the best security and choose from among those options. Every VPN provider is operated by human beings who can make mistakes. But there are several that have strict policies, protocols, processes, and procedures for ensuring that user data is protected.
VPNs give you an alternative IP address to the one your hometown internet service provider will give you. The alternative IP address can be located in another town, region, or a whole other country entirely. It's usually up to you. When you browse with a VPN, it's harder if not impossible for a hacker, business, or government agency to trace your web activity to your precise location. Another thing a VPN does is fully encrypt or scramble your data transfers so that anyone trying to peek at your data stream will not be able to interpret what they see.
In most cases using a VPN is very simple. You sign up for a pricing plan and then download the VPN software to your computer. Once you install the software, it may ask you for some information so it can configure your services. After it's done, every time you start your computer the VPN software can immediately begin hiding your activity online.
A VPN can be useful if you want to access websites, watch videos, or transfer file content to or from other countries that ban foreign IP addresses. For example, if you want to watch a streaming movie that is only available in the Netherlands, simply open your VPN software and choose an IP address location in the Netherlands. The VPN will make it appear to the movie streaming service as if you're online in that country. However, be aware that streaming video service providers are becoming increasingly sophisticated at detecting VPN use and blocking you. Be sure to research what you can and cannot do with a specific VPN.
It could be, so definitely do your research. With some VPN providers, your IP address is fully logged or tracked. In that case, you are not 100% protected from inquiries by businesses or law enforcement organizations in the event that your connection is compromised or comes under suspicion of illegal activities. Even if a VPN provider says they don't log your IP address, it's not necessarily a good idea to take them at their word. Many VPN companies want to protect themselves first in the case of a court order or law enforcement action against any users on their service.
Most democratic countries do not have laws against using a VPN. In some countries, however, it is highly illegal to use a VPN. Be sure to read the terms of service of the VPN provider as well as research the laws in your country before buying, installing, or using a VPN solution.
You don't need to use a VPN at home if your connection is protected from intrusion by a properly-configured router and Wi-Fi access point. VPNs are most useful when you're connecting from a public hotspot such as at a café or library. But, home use still has the advantage of helping to further secure your data and hide your location from outside entities that try to watch what you're doing online.

Compare VPN Service Providers

Select any 2 VPN Service Providers to compare them head to head

best-vpn-services
  • Mullvad
  • TunnelBear
  • NordVPN
  • IP Vanish
  • Tor Guard
  • Private Internet Access
  • Vypr VPN
  • Pure VPN
  • Express VPN
  • Cyber Ghost
  • Fastest VPN
Mullvad vs TunnelBear Mullvad vs NordVPN Mullvad vs IP Vanish Mullvad vs Tor Guard Mullvad vs Private Internet Access Mullvad vs Vypr VPN Mullvad vs Pure VPN Mullvad vs Express VPN Mullvad vs Cyber Ghost Mullvad vs Fastest VPN TunnelBear vs NordVPN TunnelBear vs IP Vanish TunnelBear vs Tor Guard TunnelBear vs Private Internet Access TunnelBear vs Vypr VPN TunnelBear vs Pure VPN TunnelBear vs Express VPN TunnelBear vs Cyber Ghost TunnelBear vs Fastest VPN NordVPN vs IP Vanish NordVPN vs Tor Guard NordVPN vs Private Internet Access NordVPN vs Vypr VPN NordVPN vs Pure VPN NordVPN vs Express VPN NordVPN vs Cyber Ghost NordVPN vs Fastest VPN IP Vanish vs Tor Guard IP Vanish vs Private Internet Access IP Vanish vs Vypr VPN IP Vanish vs Pure VPN IP Vanish vs Express VPN IP Vanish vs Cyber Ghost IP Vanish vs Fastest VPN Tor Guard vs Private Internet Access Tor Guard vs Vypr VPN Tor Guard vs Pure VPN Tor Guard vs Express VPN Tor Guard vs Cyber Ghost Tor Guard vs Fastest VPN Private Internet Access vs Vypr VPN Private Internet Access vs Pure VPN Private Internet Access vs Express VPN Private Internet Access vs Cyber Ghost Private Internet Access vs Fastest VPN Vypr VPN vs Pure VPN Vypr VPN vs Express VPN Vypr VPN vs Cyber Ghost Vypr VPN vs Fastest VPN Pure VPN vs Express VPN Pure VPN vs Cyber Ghost Pure VPN vs Fastest VPN Express VPN vs Cyber Ghost Express VPN vs Fastest VPN Cyber Ghost vs Fastest VPN
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