Protecting our online privacy and security is more crucial than ever.
With the rise in cyber threats and surveillance, using a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become essential for safeguarding our sensitive information and browsing habits.
VPN services encrypt our internet connection, preventing third parties from monitoring our online activities.
As we move into the future, the scope of VPN services continues to evolve, offering a variety of features and options to suit different needs. Let us explore the vailable, best VPN services highlighting their features, strengths, and suitability for various users.
What are VPNs?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted connection over a public network, typically the Internet.
It allows users to access the internet securely and privately by routing their internet traffic through a remote server and encrypting it to protect it from interception by hackers, government agencies, or other malicious entities.
By using a VPN, users can hide their IP address, which is a unique identifier assigned to their device when connecting to the internet.
This helps to maintain anonymity online and prevents websites, advertisers, and other third parties from tracking their online activities and locations.
Additionally, VPNs encrypt all data transmitted between the user’s device and the VPN server, making it unreadable to anyone attempting to intercept it.
Uses of VPN Services
VPN technology is commonly used by individuals, businesses, and organisations for various purposes, including:
Privacy Protection
VPNs help to protect users’ privacy by masking their IP address and encrypting their internet traffic, making it difficult for third parties to monitor their online activities.
Security
VPNs add an extra layer of security to internet connections, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often targeted by hackers.
The encryption provided by VPNs helps to prevent unauthorised access to sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, and personal data.
Access Control
VPNs can be used to bypass geographical restrictions and censorship by routing internet traffic through servers located in different countries.
This allows users to access websites, streaming services, and other online content that may be blocked or restricted in their location.
Business Use
Many businesses and organisations use VPNs to provide secure remote access to their internal networks for employees working remotely.
VPNs help to ensure that sensitive company data remains protected, even when accessed from outside the office network.
Overview of the Best VPN Services
Here are some of the best services of VPN, known for their reliability, security, and performance:
| VPN Service | Features and Capabilities | Strengths | Weaknesses | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ProtonVPN | Multi-hop connections, access to Tor network, revamped app interface | Best free VPN subscription, strong privacy stance | Tough ChromeOS implementation | Experienced users, first-timers |
| NordVPN | Multi-hop connections, access to Tor network, modern design | Versatile offering, extensive server network | Expensive, lacklustre malware-blocking results | Privacy wonks, streaming enthusiasts |
| Surfshark VPN | Unlimited simultaneous connections, multi-hop connections, supports WireGuard protocol | Large global server presence, intriguing potential in Surfshark Nexus | High monthly price, privacy policy needs clarification | Large families, households with lots of devices |
| TunnelBear VPN | Simple interface, unlimited simultaneous connections, excellent privacy policies | Excellent privacy policies, annual independent audits | No multi-hop connections, data limit on free subscription | First-time VPN users, general purpose VPN users |
| ExpressVPN | Large server network, split tunnelling, stylish interface | Strong privacy and security practices, numerous server locations | Expensive compared with VPNs with similar feature sets, no multi-hop connections | Global location spoofers, users living or travelling outside the US |
| Private Internet Access VPN | Unlimited simultaneous connections, split tunnelling, multi-hop connections | Completed third-party audit, customisable interface | Expensive, no free version | Customisers, privacy wonks |
| CyberGhost VPN | Large, well-distributed server fleet, allows up to seven simultaneous connections, add-ons including antivirus | Outstanding speed test scores, newly completed third-party audit | Expensive, confusing privacy policies | Frequent travellers, users seeking global coverage |
| Mullvad VPN | Requires no email or account information, radically transparent, multi-hop and split tunnelling | Affordable, radically transparent | Awkward desktop interface, servers in a small range of countries | Bargain hunters, privacy-conscious users |
| IVPN | Privacy-protecting account system, powerful multi-hop system, flexible pricing | Powerful multi-hop system, flexible, affordable pricing | Offers few server locations, multi-hop and account ID features might confuse some | Strong privacy seekers, users seeking control over VPN connections |
| Mozilla VPN | Helps support nonprofit Mozilla, powered by privacy-focused Mullvad VPN, simple, classy design | Simple, classy design, multi-hop and split tunnelling | Gathers some user information, expensive compared with Mullvad VPN | Users seeking simple and secure VPN solution |
10 Best VPN Services
Let us now explore the best services of VPN available in detail:
1. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN stands out for its efficient features and capabilities aimed at providing users with maximum privacy and security.
It offers multi-hop connections, allowing users to route their internet traffic through multiple servers for enhanced anonymity.
Additionally, ProtonVPN provides access to the Tor network via VPN, further enhancing privacy protection.
Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for both beginners and experienced users to navigate and customise their VPN settings according to their preferences.
| Features | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|
| Multi-hop connections | Yes |
| Access to Tor network via VPN | Yes |
| Free VPN subscription option | Yes |
| User-friendly interface | Yes |
Pricing:
| Free | Plus | Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | starts from $9.99/month | starts from $12.99/month |
2. NordVPN
NordVPN offers a comprehensive range of features and capabilities designed to provide users with top-notch privacy and security.
One of its standout features is multi-hop connections, which allow users to route their internet traffic through multiple servers for added anonymity.
Additionally, NordVPN provides access to Tor over VPN, further enhancing privacy protection.
Its modern and intuitive design makes it easy for users to customise their VPN settings and access advanced features such as split tunneling and dedicated IP addresses.
| Features | NordVPN |
|---|---|
| Multi-hop connections | Yes |
| Access to Tor network via VPN | Yes |
| Split tunnelling | Yes |
| Dedicated IP addresses | Yes |
Pricing:
| 2 Year Plan | 1 Year Plan | Monthly Plan |
|---|---|---|
| starts from $$5.39/month | starts from $6.99/month | starts from $14.99/month |
3. Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN offers a range of features and capabilities aimed at providing users with comprehensive privacy and security protections.
It provides unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing users to protect all their devices with a single subscription.
Surfshark supports the WireGuard protocol, which ensures fast and secure VPN connections.
Additionally, it offers multi-hop connections and split tunneling giving users greater control over their online privacy.
Its user-friendly interface and extensive global server presence make it easy for users to access region-restricted content and browse the internet securely.
| Features | Surfshark VPN |
|---|---|
| Unlimited simultaneous connections | Yes |
| WireGuard protocol support | Yes |
| Multi-hop connections | Yes |
| Split tunnelling | Yes |
Pricing:
| Plans | Starter | One | One+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $13.99 | $14.99 | $15.99 |
| 1 Year | $3.99/month | $4.79/month | $5.99/month |
| 2 Year | $2.49/month | $3.19/month | $4.97/month |
4. TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear VPN offers a range of features and capabilities designed to provide users with a simple yet effective privacy and security solution.
It boasts a user-friendly interface with a whimsical bear-themed design, making it particularly appealing to first-time VPN users.
TunnelBear VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing users to protect all their devices with a single subscription.
While it may lack some advanced features offered by competitors, such as multi-hop connections, TunnelBear VPN focuses on simplicity and ease of use.
| Features | TunnelBear VPN |
|---|---|
| Unlimited simultaneous connections | Yes |
| User-friendly interface | Yes |
| Transparency and trustworthiness | Yes |
| Free subscription option with data limit | Yes |
Pricing:
| Free | Unlimited | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $4.99/month | $5.75/month |
5. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers a wide range of features and capabilities designed to provide users with maximum privacy and security.
It boasts a large and diversely distributed fleet of servers across 94 countries, ensuring fast and reliable VPN connections.
ExpressVPN utilises its technology called LightWay along with the open-source OpenVPN protocol, ensuring robust encryption and security.
Additionally, it offers split tunnelling, allowing users to route certain traffic through the VPN while accessing local services simultaneously.
Its stylish and intuitive interface makes it easy for users to customise their VPN settings and access advanced features.
| Features | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|
| Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers | Yes |
| Uses LightWay technology and OpenVPN protocol | Yes |
| Split tunnelling | Yes |
| Stylish interface | Yes |
Pricing:
| 1 Month | 6 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|
| $12.95/month | $9.99/month | $6.67/month |
6. Private Internet Access VPN
Private Internet Access VPN offers a range of features and capabilities aimed at providing users with comprehensive privacy and security protections.
It provides unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing users to protect all their devices with a single subscription.
Private Internet Access VPN also offers split tunnelling and multi-hop connections, giving users greater control over their online privacy.
Its customisable interface allows users to easily access advanced settings and features according to their preferences.
Additionally, it boasts a large server network, ensuring fast and reliable VPN connections.
| Features | Private Internet Access VPN |
|---|---|
| Unlimited simultaneous connections | Yes |
| Split tunnelling | Yes |
| Multi-hop connections | Yes |
| Customisable interface | Yes |
Pricing:
| 1 Month | 1 Year | 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| $11.95/month | $3.33/month | $1.98/month |
7. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN offers a comprehensive set of features and capabilities designed to provide users with robust privacy and security protections.
It boasts a large and well-distributed server fleet across 90 countries, ensuring users have access to a wide range of server locations for fast and reliable VPN connections.
CyberGhost VPN allows up to seven simultaneous connections, making it suitable for households or individuals with multiple devices.
Additionally, it offers several add-ons, including antivirus protection, to enhance user security. Its user-friendly interface and outstanding speed test scores make it a popular choice among users seeking reliable VPN services.
| Features | CyberGhost VPN |
|---|---|
| Large, well-distributed server fleet | Yes |
| Allows up to seven simultaneous connections | Yes |
| Add-ons including antivirus | Yes |
| Outstanding speed test scores | Yes |
Pricing:
| 1 Month | 6 Months | 28 Months |
|---|---|---|
| $12.99/month | $6.99/month | $2.03/month |
8. Mullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN offers a range of features and capabilities focused on providing users with maximum privacy and security.
It prioritises user anonymity by requiring no email or account information during signup, ensuring minimal data collection.
Mullvad VPN supports multi-hop, split tunnelling, and port forwarding, giving users advanced control over their VPN connections.
Its radically transparent approach provides customers with extensive information about how the service works, enhancing user trust and confidence.
| Features | Mullvad VPN |
|---|---|
| Requires no email or account information | Yes |
| Radically transparent | Yes |
| Multi-hop and split tunnelling | Yes |
| Affordable | Yes |
Pricing:
$5.42/month
9. IVPN
IVPN offers a range of features and capabilities focused on providing users with strong privacy protections.
It utilises a privacy-protecting account system that requires minimal personal information, ensuring user anonymity.
IVPN’s powerful multi-hop system allows users to choose any entry and exit point for their VPN connections, enhancing privacy and security.
It also offers flexible and affordable pricing options, making it accessible to users with varying budgets.
| Features | IVPN |
|---|---|
| Privacy-protecting account system | Yes |
| Powerful multi-hop system | Yes |
| Flexible, affordable pricing | Yes |
| Strong stance on transparency | Yes |
Pricing:
| Plan | Standard | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Week | $2 | $4 |
| 1 Month | $6 | $10 |
| 1 Year | $60 | $100 |
| 2 Years | $100 | $160 |
| 3 Years | $140 | $220 |
10. Mozilla VPN
Mozilla VPN offers a range of features and capabilities aimed at providing users with a secure and private browsing experience.
It is powered by privacy-focused Mullvad VPN, ensuring strong security and privacy protections.
Mozilla VPN’s simple and classy design makes it easy to use, while its multi-hop and split tunnelling capabilities give users greater control over their VPN connections.
Additionally, it helps support the nonprofit Mozilla, contributing to the promotion of an open internet.
| Features | Mozilla VPN |
|---|---|
| Helps support nonprofit Mozilla | Yes |
| Powered by privacy-focused Mullvad VPN | Yes |
| Simple, classy design | Yes |
| Multi-hop and split tunnelling | Yes |
Pricing:
$4.99/month
Final Words
Selecting the best VPN services requires careful consideration of various factors, including features, capabilities, pricing, and suitability for individual needs. Each VPN service reviewed offers unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to different preferences and requirements.
Whether prioritising privacy, security, user-friendliness, or affordability, there is a VPN service available to meet diverse needs. By assessing the features and capabilities of each VPN service and considering personal preferences, users can make an informed decision to ensure their online activities remain private, secure, and unrestricted.
As technology evolves and online threats continue to emerge, choosing a reliable VPN service remains essential for safeguarding digital privacy and security in an increasingly interconnected world.
