Here, we’ve compiled a list of reasons you’d need a VPN and which VPN service you should get. The most common reasons for getting a VPN are for streaming, ad blocking, and overall online privacy and security. But we’ve got recommendations for just about every reason or need you might have for a VPN. Before we dig into those, we can start off with just a quick list of the best overall VPNs. These VPNs will work well for pretty much any scenario. Below is a table of contents to help you navigate this article at a glance. You can use that or the links at the top of the page to jump to the sections you’re interested in reading. Hotspot Shield is a well-designed VPN with clear installation instructions for anyone new to the VPN market. It’s a top-rated VPN service with a straightforward and efficient interface and supports up to five devices. IPVanish is also a top pick for Windows users because it has clear instructions for using and making the most of the VPN. There’s a setup guide with step-by-step instructions, tips, screenshots, and a how-to video. Beyond that, the biggest perk with IPVanish (which pops up quickly in the Windows store) is that it supports a secure connection for unlimited laptops and desktops, plus any other smartphones, tablets, or mobile devices you own. CyberGhost goes the extra mile with numbered instructions that include screenshots and explain everything you need to do. This virtual private network also supports up to seven devices if you own multiple laptops and desktops. We’ve tested NordVPN enough to know it deserves high marks in terms of security, performance, and ease of use. The reason it’s a top VPN service for Mac users is flexibility. This VPN provider offers two different apps to install and download for Mac. One is available in the App Store and supports IKEv2 for fast performance. Another option is available to download from the NordVPN website itself. We think you can appreciate the clean interface in VPN Unlimited, a VPN for Mac made by a company called Keep Solid. It’s clear the developers want to ensure you can easily find all of the features. As a bonus, this VPN app is available for a quick download from the Mac App Store and supports high-end security using 256-bit keys and AES encryption with RSA authentication. We like Surfshark because it has a professional appearance, and it’s easy to find even the advanced functions, like the encryption settings. Furthermore, this provider received four out of five stars in our hands-on tests. Mac users will also like the Surfshark website’s well-designed wave and shark cartoon theme. Android users like being able to load apps that might not have made it through the golden gates of the Apple ecosystem. Because of this slightly more open architecture, there is also an opportunity for security issues. Fortunately, a VPN app can help protect you from harmful sites and secure your connection on the fly at all times. TunnelBear is easy to find in Google Play, and users have raved about it. Once you install the VPN, the interface is straightforward and efficient for securing your network access. We liked finding functions easily and not wading through complex settings when setting up the VPN connection. ExpressVPN is a good match for Android phones, tablets, and smart TVs. This VPN service promises a complete refund after your first 30 days, so you can test out all of the features to secure your online privacy. Users seem to love it based on the Google Play store rating of 4-stars even after thousands and thousands of reviews. NordVPN is incredibly user-friendly with its ‘Quick Connect’ button to find the VPN server closest to your location, and it connects super fast. It’s excellent for first-time users, and similar to other VPN services, you can bring that pricing down by putting money down up front. The best VPN providers tend to offer the most versions of the main app, and NordVPN is no exception. You can download the installer for your version of Linux in a matter of minutes and sign in with your registered account. You can then select the server you want for the VPN connection and adjust the settings. This VPN service even includes free malware software. ExpressVPN is lightning fast. And like NordVPN, it’s an ultimate VPN provider because many versions are available to install on everything from smart televisions to Android phones. A Linux version is available for those who want to use the operating system to avoid commercial wares. We’re big fans of Surfshark, and it’s not just because this VPN company uses quirky cartoon sharks as a mascot. You can install it on any Linux distribution and adjust settings as needed. This VPN service supports alternative security protocols, such as Shadowsocks, Wireguard, and L2TP. A VPN lets you browse the web anonymously and securely, and can even get you access to streaming content that’s not usually available. NordVPN tops our list of the best VPNs for streaming because it’s easy to use, affordable, fast, and secure and works with Netflix, Hulu, and most other streaming services. Nord is the ideal VPN service for those who haven’t used a VPN before and don’t consider themselves computer experts. Also, its SmartPlay technology is designed to bypass restrictions on streaming services, like Netflix, HBO, and Sling TV, so you can watch the content you want from anywhere in the world. Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN is a well-rounded service that’s excellent for streaming, whether you want to watch live sports, a foreign Netflix series, or want some added privacy while you binge YouTube videos. When it comes to speeds, ExpressVPN performs really well. And, of course, ExpressVPN is loaded up with great features, like an ad-blocker, split-tunneling, and a “kill” switch (which automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN drops). ProtonVPN saves you money while getting the job done without breaking the bank. There’s a lot to like about this VPN, but what makes ProtonVPN stand out is the company’s multiple price tiers — including a free version. The free version still gives you unlimited data, decent speeds, and all the security casual users need. Surfshark gives you extra features, like a custom DNS service, a security alert system, and a “camouflage” mode, so even your browser doesn’t see you’re using a VPN. These come on top of the standard features you’d expect from a top-shelf VPN—like split-tunneling, ad-blocking, and multi-hop connections. The new age of smart televisions has also ushered in another era: hackers have discovered a new way to steal personal information. Thankfully, a few VPN services make an app for smart televisions. ExpressVPN is our top pick because it’s available to download on most smart TVs. You can install the VPN app, log in, and trust that your smart TV is now protected over a secure connection to the internet. ExpressVPN offers some of the best instructions for installing the client on a router, which protects all smart TV models—or any smart home device. Private Internet Access is a well-known VPN company that is available for smart TVs and game consoles. Secure your HiSense, TCL, and Samsung TVs, as well as your PS4 and Xbox One. ExpressVPN is a top-rated VPN service overall, but if you plan to use a Samsung smart TV, it’s also the best way to protect your internet connection to that device. The reason is that ExpressVPN provides the best instructions for installing the VPN on your router with a helpful video and step-by-step guides for many router models. It’s also fast enough to ensure even 4K movies stream smoothly to your smart television. CyberGhost is also one of the best VPN services we’ve tested. You can use this VPN with your home router, and the company includes instructions for doing the installation yourself. CyberGhost is also a fast and efficient VPN tool with thousands of servers available for connecting. Private Internet Access is the next best VPN provider, and it provides clear step-by-step guides for using its service on your Wi-Fi router. Private Internet Access is also fast and provides a clear and professional interface that makes features easy to find. IPVanish is a top-rated VPN and connects at decent speeds. But we mostly like it because you can use unlimited devices with this VPN. That’s right, IPVanish doesn’t cap how many devices you can link to one account. (Most services only allow you to connect with up to five devices.) If you use Kodi on your smart television, you can keep watching on a smartphone, tablet, and a few extra laptops. A well-designed and powerful VPN for all online activity, PureVPN also lets you stream at fast speeds, even with the added security encryption. You can expect speeds of about 90 Mbps, which is fast enough for 4K movies and shows. Kodi works with smart televisions for lean-back streaming in your living room but also runs on tablets and phones. You can expect a smooth and steady stream no matter how you connect. For anyone looking to make sure they’re streaming their media streaming through secure connections, VyprVPN is a top provider for security. At 60 Mbps, it is also fast enough to keep up with your 4K streaming through the Kodi player, whether that’s to the smart television running Google Android TV or a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. What sets VPNSecure apart from top VPN service providers is a unique “meta search” function included with your VPN subscription. Meta search allows you to browse the web in a private shell that looks like Google Chrome or another browser, but hides all of your browsing history and searches. Surfshark is a top pick for protecting your internet feed, but it’s particularly well-suited to those who care about anonymous browsing. This VPN includes a powerful feature where you can decide whether there are specific sites you visit that bypass the VPN. This is helpful if you need optimal speeds for a connection you already know is safe and secure. Ultrasurf VPN is not the best VPN on the market, but it is an excellent option if you want to stay anonymous — no need to input your personal information to sign up. And did we mention it’s free? After downloading the free service and installing it, you can enable the encryption and protect your web activity. NordVPN is one of our top picks for its professional interface, the high number of VPN servers available (5,400), and quick speed. As a bonus, this VPN service also includes the CyberSec feature. CyberSec is mainly intended to alert you and block malicious sites known to distribute malware and viruses. It also blocks ads, which can be another way to distribute harmful code and unwanted installs if you click on the ad by mistake. TunnelBear’s ad blocker works as a Google Chrome extension and is ever-vigilant about ads on every website. Yet it’s also entirely free even if you are not a TunnelBear user. Apart from that, TunnelBear is also a top pick for powerful security protocols like 256-bit AES and a clean and even fun interface. Like NordVPN includes an ad blocker as a security measure, the CleanWeb blocker in Surfshark will protect you from clicking on ads that are known to distribute malware and viruses. A side benefit is that if a site is cluttered with too many ads, you can navigate the site faster and easier by blocking those ads. Surfshark also offers an optional encryption protocol called ChaCha that can protect all online activity. With PureVPN, you can enable just about any security protocol you want, including PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, OpenVPN, or IKEv2 VPN. This gives you the flexibility to choose the protocol you want and then see how that encryption impacts the connection for your Internet activity. PureVPN is also clear about a no-log policy that protects you from any inquiry about your online activity. Surfshark offers three security VPN protocol options: IKEv2, OpenVPN, and Wireguard. Surfshark also has a clear no-logs policy intended to provide some added reassurance. NordVPN emphasizes its “zero logs” policy in a more obvious and up-front way than some VPN companies. NordVPN offers OpenVPN, Wireguard, and IKEv2/IPSec protocols. You can try the one that provides the best encryption for your needs and see how it impacts bandwidth. ExpressVPN is one of the best and most common VPN services around. Regarding security offerings, ExpressVPN lets you pick from OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, IKEv2, and Lightway. You can activate the one you want and then monitor your connection speed. Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN ensures that you know they have a zero logs policy. CyberGhost — known for the high number of VPN servers available worldwide — is also a top pick for security. CyberGhost offers OpenVPN (TCP / UDP), IKEv2, Wireguard, and L2TP/IPSec so you can add the level of encryption desired. As usual, picking the highest military-grade protocol will impact the connection speed. If we’re talking about legitimate and valuable torrenting, then NordVPN is a good match. The company goes to great lengths to ensure you are protected, anonymous, and secure at all times, especially once you click that legal torrent link and start a download. Even though PureVPN isn’t rated as high as NordVPN overall, it’s a perfect fit for torrenting in every other way. Your download is protected because of a zero logs policy and the fact that PureVPN is based in Hong Kong. This means your online activity is not under surveillance at all times. With Surfshark, no one can ever track what you are downloading. This is because the company is based in the British Virgin Islands, and they do not collect any IP addresses as you browse torrent websites and start your downloads. Surfshark is one of the best VPN providers with a brilliant and usable interface. One of the main call-out features with ExpressVPN, at least in terms of router compatibility, is its firmware for common routers. You can download the firmware from the ExpressVPN site for Netgear, Linksys, and Asus routers. Once you install the firmware, the settings are easy to configure. NordVPN is the best option for installing the VPN app on your router. Or you can also purchase a router with NordVPN already installed and running, so no configuration is needed. Even if you install it on your own router, though, the instructions are about as simple as installing an app on your phone. NordVPN is our favorite VPN service on the market. Not only can you install CyberGhost on your router or buy a router with CyberGhost already installed, but this VPN service also works with various unusual devices. You can install the VPN on a Raspberry Pi single-board computer, USB drivers, and even on a network storage device. CyberGhost is a fast and capable VPN and has the highest number of servers available that we’ve found (more than 6,000). ExpressVPN is a top VPN service because it is professionally designed, easy to use, and supports several servers. That means fast speeds and reliability. ExpressVPN is also a highly secure VPN. It relies on industrial-strength encryption, 256-bit AES, to ensure no one can hack your online feed. Security protocols like L2TP/IPSec, SSTP, and PPTP ensure you have flexibility beyond the basics. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN is a top pick that’s also incredibly well-designed, offers a high number of servers for your connection, and has 256-bit AES encryption. There are fewer alternative security protocols available than you’ll find with ExpressVPN, but NordVPN still offers IKEv2/IPSec, so you can experiment and see how tighter security impacts download speed. VyprVPN is not as well-known as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. However, VyprVPN is top-rated because it offers several alternative security protocols such as OpenVPN, L2PT/IPSec, PPTP, IKEv2, Wireguard, and Chameleon. You can enable the protocol and see if you can still visit websites or stream media over the web as quickly with the added security. We also cover the best VPN user interfaces, best VPN for traveling, and the best VPN for power users. We’ve consistently picked NordVPN as a top VPN, mostly due to its professional design, extensive features, the high number of servers (5,484), and fast throughput. Another reason to consider this VPN is that there’s a free 30-day trial with no strings attached. With the trial, you can experiment with the features and see if the VPN service meets your needs. One of the things we like so much about VPNSecure is its app, MetaSearch, which protects your privacy. If you sign up for the trial, you can use that app as part of the test. Unlike some shorter trials that last just seven days, the VPNSecure trial lasts 30 days with no “gotchas,” like complicated cancellation policies. Norton is a trusted name in security, and the Norton Secure VPN service is one of our top picks. (Norton Secure VPN service provider is available as a separate app and included with the Norton 360 suite.) With Secure VPN, after the trial period ends and you order the service, you can still take advantage of the 60-day money-back guarantee if you decide it doesn’t meet your needs. Windscribe is a robust and highly capable VPN that we’ve rated higher than most, in general, and is a bit lower in price than some (at $9 per month). Instead of a 30-day trial, Windscribe offers a completely free service. All you need is your email address, and Windscribe will give you 10 GB of data a month, access to over 10 countries, and unlimited connections. (How’s that for a free trial?) PureVPN doesn’t necessarily have a free trial but lets you sign up for a full seven-day test for 99 cents. The trial is a great way to test a unique feature, which has to do with mode settings. PureVPN lets you choose how you want to use the product and configures settings for that function. VPN Unlimited allows you to pay one price one time — no need to cough up money monthly. You can pay $200 for your IP address to be protected for life from hackers and identity theft. CyberGhost has a pricey monthly plan, but it has a 28-month plan we think you might like. You won’t have to worry about monthly payments with this VPN service because you’ll pay $56.94 upfront (making it $2.03 monthly for those 28 months). TunnelBear offers a free version, but you might be safe seeing this as a “trial.” It’s free for 500 MB of browsing per month, and that can be used in one sitting for most people. But it’s still a great way to see if the VPN meets your needs before paying for unlimited data and could work for a device you use less often. Mullvad VPN lets you pay with Bitcoin and Swish (a mobile payment app). If you pay with Bitcoin, you receive an extra 10% off the regular price. Mullvad VPN is a fairly basic VPN provider otherwise, but it’s a smart choice if you have some Bitcoin money to spend. If paying with cash sounds unusual or odd (but also extremely secure), then Private Internet Access takes a close second place. You can pay with gift cards, like those from Target or Starbucks. As you can guess, the gift card doesn’t have to be in your name and could be something you received from someone else as a gift. In some cases, you can also pay for a gift card with cash, further obscuring your identity. We like Windscribe as a VPN even before the fact that this provider lets you pay with so many alternative payment methods. One of the unique options is Paymentwall (we have not found another VPN company supporting this method). As a bonus, you can get a 55% discount if you pay for the entire year. We like TunnelBear, and not just because the website and app constantly make quirky and funny comments about bears. The truth is, using TunnelBear is convenient because it’s so apparent how everything works and what the features do. There are bright colors, cartoon bears, and a professional look. Surfshark doesn’t take itself too seriously, at least with its interface. Yet, despite a fun look and feel, Surfshark is a serious VPN for VPN users who know this is serious business. With this VPN service, you can easily find email security features and explore other options quickly. You can enable a secure connection or discover what some of the more advanced functions do without hunting around too much. ExpressVPN doesn’t have funny cartoon characters like TunnelBear or the shark and water theme of SurfShark, but it’s effortless to use. ExpressVPNs entire VPN interface and experience match the professionalism and attention to detail of the creative logo, which projects a feeling of trust — something you definitely want out of a VPN. If you are relaxing after a night in Rome and need to log in to Netflix to catch up on your shows, with a VPN, you can choose your home country (such as the U.S.) for the connection. A VPN service allows you to connect securely, privately, and without fuss. CyberGhost lets travelers connect from pretty much anywhere with over 6,000 servers. This VPN service is also professional and reliable for those who need the best security and protection. As a bonus, you can use seven devices you own under one account (most only allow five). NordVPN is well-designed, offers reasonable pricing plans, and is powerful and efficient in how it connects. One of the key selling points is NordVPN’s almost 5,400 servers. There are over 1,800 servers in the U.S. alone in 15 different locations. That means if you travel to Boston or New York, you can expect to find a fast, reliable connection to a VPN server. ExpressVPN has nearly 3,000 servers in almost 100 countries worldwide. And this service makes it possible to not only connect in the city or country you visit, but you can also expect to connect at other locations. So, if you are visiting Stockholm for a few days, you can connect to a server in Chicago if you’d like. ExpressVPN also has more servers in more countries than most VPN providers—160 cities and 94 countries. While Private Internet Access can’t boast as many country locations for its servers as ExpressVPN, it still offers over 3,000 total at 67 locations in 46 countries. That’s enough for any traveler to find a fast and reliable connection. It also means PIA lets you connect to Hulu and other streaming platforms even if you decide to spend a few days in Austria or Belgium. While PureVPN can’t quite match the total server count of CyberGhost, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Private Internet Access, it does offer over 2,000 servers. Importantly, it also trumps many other VPN providers in how many countries are available for a connection—over 140 of them (the most we have found). There’s no question CyberGhost is one of the best and fastest VPN services you will find. It has a tremendously high number of VPN servers at 6,000. That means you can always find a connection, even if you travel overseas or just need to try a different way of connecting. It’s our top pick because of its fast speeds, highly usable interface, and fair pricing plans. NordVPN has the name recognition and the interface to make it stand out for all types of users, but it’s also appealing to advanced users. That’s because, like CyberGhost, it has a high number of VPN servers — over 5,000 — and is also extremely fast. You’re in good hands with Hotspot Shield, whether you use it casually to protect your web travels or if you are a VPN user who constantly downloads massive files across devices. It’s rated higher than most because of the pro interface, powerful features, fast speeds, and over 1,800 servers. Power users can find advanced features quickly since they won’t be buried in a complicated interface.
