A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and reroutes it through a server that can’t be traced back to you. It can also help you circumvent location-based content restrictions.
Surfshark is snapping at the heels of pricier brands with its excellent speed performance and great day-to-day privacy. It even offers a free password manager.
1. ExpressVPN
With an expansive global network and fast servers in popular countries, ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs around. It also has a good record when it comes to security, clearing two third-party audits (Cure53 and KPMG) and boasting a no-logs policy that holds up in court.
The service has a number of security features, including a kill switch, IP address-masking, and ad blockers, as well as strong encryption and secure tunneling protocols. It also supports up to eight simultaneous connections per subscription, meaning you can protect every device in your household.
Its knowledgebase articles are well-written, avoiding assumptions about technical expertise and offering multiple suggestions to resolve issues rather than simply pointing you to the FAQ. It would be nice to see it accept more payment methods, though, like Surfshark and NordVPN do.
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers a dizzying number of server locations (more than 9,370) in over 100 countries. That includes specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. The service is also compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, including Linux, Chromebook, and some wireless routers (TomatoUSB Merlin Build and DD-WRT).
Its Windows client lets you force websites to connect via HTTPS, which keeps your data from being stolen along the way—especially useful for banking sites. And its add-on security suite provides antivirus, malware, and firewall functionality.
The company’s no-logging policy and transparency reports make it a good choice for people looking to stay private online. However, it does store information about your hardware to keep track of simultaneous connections—a common practice among VPNs. Still, it promises not to share that information with law enforcement.
3. Windscribe
Windscribe offers a mind-boggling range of features and benefits. It combines a powerful malware-blocking tool (R.O.B.E.R.T) with split tunneling, location warp, and double VPN for heightened privacy. The service also supports a wide variety of protocols, including advanced options like Perfect Forward Secrecy and API resolution.
Its RAM-only servers ensure that your connection details are wiped each time you disconnect, and it offers transparency reports to show that it hasn’t shared data with any government body in the past. Its VPN app is easy to use and can be paired with Android’s Always On mode for a reliable kill switch.
Other features include a secure hotspot, which lets you turn your device into a VPN WiFi router for other devices to use. The app also has a Debug menu that lets you change advanced settings.
4. Proton
Proton’s suite of apps includes its Proton Mail email client, Proton Pass password manager and a Proton VPN service. Its niche privacy amenities are a big draw for power users, especially those who inspect source code and appreciate granular options like server connections.
With a large international server network, excellent region-restricted content unblocking and modest prices, Proton stacks up well against the competition. Its zippy 21% average internet speed loss solidifies it as a capable choice for bandwidth-demanding applications like 4K streaming or video conferencing, too. There are other similar VPN to this which is v2ray 机场怎么选.
The Swiss company’s robust transparency, including its yearly no-logs audit and a reader-friendly privacy policy, compensate for its traditional bare metal servers rather than RAM-only infrastructure. Plus, its jurisdiction outside the Five, Nine and 14 Eyes keeps it from complying with unauthorized data requests.
5. UltraVPN
UltraVPN offers a wide range of features, including a no-logs policy and a large number of superfast servers. Its network covers 100+ fast servers in 85+ countries and is well-distributed across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania.
This VPN uses AES-256 encryption to protect your data from hackers and cyber criminals. In addition, it has an unbreakable Catapult Hydra tunneling protocol that enables it to bypass censorship and access geo-restricted platforms like Netflix and Hulu.
It also has a unique DNS filtering feature that blocks websites and apps at the DNS level, keeping you safe from snooping on public Wi-Fi networks. However, the number of servers is slightly less than competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark. It is still enough to provide a fast and stable connection.