Top 8 VPN Services – Fast and More Secure in 2021

Too busy to read the entire article? Here’s THE BEST VPN for 2021
ExpressVPN – The fastest VPN on the market. It’s super secure, easy to use, inexpensive, and the best for streaming. Save 49% with this special discount coupon.

Finding a VPN that works well may seem impossible. Some VPNs work well for streaming but lack good security features, some are super secure but slow down your connection to the point that browsing becomes tedious … Not to mention the dozens of unreliable VPNs that monitor and track your activity or not even properly encrypt your data.

To save you time and trouble, our team has spent months testing over 300 VPNs to determine which are the best of all . These VPNs are great for accessing geoblocked content, protecting your connection (without slowing it down), and keeping your digital activity private. Some are so robust that they also work in countries with internet restrictions like China and Russia.

TLDR; Our # 1 choice is ExpressVPN for its unmatched security and impressive speeds for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. However, it also stands out for its commitment to keeping your digital activity private. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN for yourself before committing to subscribing ; If you are not impressed, you can easily get your money back, no questions asked.

You have little time? Here is a list of the best VPNs in October 2021

ExpressVPN – World’s Fastest VPN is # 1 Top Rated VPN for 2021 for Exceptional Security, Flawless Speeds, and Reliability
CyberGhost – Good server coverage helps you bypass geoblocks easily so you can enjoy the Internet with fewer restrictions.
PrivateVPN – A small but reliable network with good speeds to be safe on the Internet.
Private Internet Access – Its reliability and ease of use make it a solid choice.
IPVanish – Fast long distance connections to stream content from around the world
And 3 other VPNs of the best on the market | VPN performance comparison | Our research methodology | Frequent questions

Best VPNs – Full Review (Updated 2021)

Our team is spread over more than 40 countries around the world, including Spain and Mexico, and we have conducted hundreds of tests over several months to find the VPNs that offer the best speed, security and reliability. We surfed, downloaded files, watched streams, and downloaded torrents for weeks to bring you these confirmed results.

1. ExpressVPN – Fast, safe and reliable

Specific profile for torrent downloads: No (all servers allow P2P activity)
Works with: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney +, HBO NOW, Spotify, Amazon Prime Video, and many others
Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chromebook, Kindle Fire, browsers, and routers
Local servers: Multiple servers in 2 regions of Spain and 1 of Mexico so that you can access local content (TVE1, La Sexta, Antena 3…) when you are outside the country.
Data logging : Strict no logs policy
Money back guarantee: 30 days

Last offer from ExpressVPN October 2021: Get 3 months totally free with your annual subscription with it! It is not clear when it will end, so it is best to see if it is still available on the offers page .

ExpressVPN ranks first in many tests and analysis, being the best VPN for iOS , torrents and rúteres . It is a solid and reliable option.

ExpressVPN has 3,000+ high-speed servers in 160 locations around the world. It is also one of the fastest VPNs that we have reviewed . We ran a bunch of speed tests to confirm this, and we’ve included our UK test results below so you can see for yourself. As you might expect, connecting to the closest servers gives the best results; however, we were also impressed that our connections to the US and Australia were good – with speed losses of only 22% and 35% respectively. This is great news for fans of streaming videos and torrent downloads around the world.

Connection	Ping	Download speed	Upload speed
Initial speed on a UK server	10 ms	54,83 Mbps	11,21 Mbps
Quick connect to a UK server	12 ms	50,03 Mbps	10,94 Mbps
Manual connection to a UK server	13 ms	49,87 Mbps	10,10 Mbps
Quick connect to a US server	142 ms	42,64 Mbps	6,71 Mbps
Manual connection to a US server	134 ms	37,61 Mbps	9,24 Mbps
Quick connect to a server in France	41 ms	40,39 Mbps	11,13 Mbps
Quick connect to a server in Brazil	179 ms	38,46 Mbps	6,02 Mbps
Quick connect to an Australian server	288 ms	35,28 Mbps	6,13 Mbps

Its split tunneling functionality allows you to tailor ExpressVPN to your needs by selecting which applications and services are encrypted and flow through the VPN. I tested it by connecting to my local Netflix library in my browser at the same time that my BitTorrent was set to work over the VPN. It only took me a moment to set everything up and it worked flawlessly.

But there’s even more: ExpressVPN can help you access your favorite content even from platforms that don’t allow VPNs. Thanks to the MediaStreamer functionality and the VPN’s ability to bypass geoblocks, our researchers were able to watch US Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer from six different countries on smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, game consoles, and other devices.

ExpressVPN allows P2P connections on all its servers , so you don’t need a specific profile for torrent downloads. The Smart Location functionality of the app chooses the best server for you. It only took me 15 minutes to download a movie, so the process was quick and easy.

ExpressVPN offers 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN protocol support on all platforms , providing robust protection. Plus, it has DNS leak protection and Network Lock – its kill switch functionality.

ExpressVPN’s innovative TrustedServer technology ensures that ExpressVPN servers always load the same secure and up-to-date software, greatly reducing security risks. TrustedServer also allows ExpressVPN servers to operate using only RAM; Since servers never write to the hard drive, it is impossible for any information to be stored on the server after a restart – not even accidentally. This offers an unprecedented level of security.

We turned to our Asian researchers again to test ExpressVPN’s ability to bypass censorship, and we’re happy to say that ExpressVPN consistently bypasses the Great Firewall of China , making it one of the best options for regions with a great censorship.

The helpdesk and support is also excellent, with 24/7 chat support and setup guides for the many supported platforms. Whenever I used the chat, I spoke with a competent and helpful agent in less than two minutes.

Don’t use it if:
You are looking for a cheap VPN. ExpressVPN can be twice as expensive as some of the other VPNs on this list.

ExpressVPN offers a winning combination of performance and privacy that is definitely worth the investment. You can also try it for free without any risk on up to five devices , courtesy of the 30-day money-back guarantee. In short, this VPN will easily satisfy even the most demanding users.

Don’t miss out on the best deals on ExpressVPN! Get a very fast VPN with a discounted price with our discount coupons .

You want to know more? Explore our ExpressVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing.

2. CyberGhost – Massive server coverage and robust security

Vendor Logo of CyberGhost VPN graphic of cyberghost 8 apps user interface on different devices like laptops, desktops, and smartphones

Specific profile for torrent downloads: Yes

Works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Kodi, Spotify, Vudu, Crunchyroll and others
Disponible en: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, browsers, streaming devices y rúters
Local servers: 68 servers in Spain and 22 in Mexico so you can access local content
Data logging : Strict no logs policy
Money-back guarantee: Up to 45 days

October 2021 Sale : CyberGhost is currently offering an 83% discount on their most popular plan. Take advantage of this offer now and save a lot on your CyberGhost subscription.

CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs on the market and is often on our recommendation lists. It is a smart choice for its combination of reliability, security, ease of use and price .

This Romania-based provider has all the essentials: strong encryption, a zero-logs policy, and a huge network of over 6,100 servers in 90 countries. With leak-proof apps and kill switch functionality , this VPN is both stable and secure.

CyberGhost boasts one-click installation and use, as well as faster automatic connection to the server; Whenever I used the quick connect functionality , I was connected to a US server in less than 15 seconds. It’s also easy to navigate through the basic and advanced settings of the app. You can configure smart rules and customize your connection.

Our researchers in the UK, Australia, the US, and many other countries tested this VPN to access a long list of popular streaming websites and services. With the help of dedicated streaming servers, we were able to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Facebook, Crunchyroll, and more.

Although not as fast as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost offers excellent speeds for non- stop streaming and much more. When we tested various UK servers, we noticed some drops in speed. For example, our download speed dropped to 18.26 Mbps when we connected to the US – a 66% loss. However, we were able to watch Netflix and Hulu in HD. Even our connection to Australia stayed above the 5 Mbps minimum required to watch Netflix in HD.

Connection	Ping	Download speed	Upload speed
Initial speed on a UK server	10 ms	54,83 Mbps	11,21 Mbps
Quick connect to a UK server	16 ms	36,01 Mbps	10,17 Mbps
Manual connection to a UK server	12 ms	16,21 Mbps	10,64 Mbps
Quick connect to a US server	201 ms	8,75 Mbps	7,87 Mbps
Manual connection to a US server	163 ms	18,26 Mbps	9,36 Mbps
Quick connect to a server in France	39 ms	26,73 Mbps	11,02 Mbps
Quick connect to a server in Brazil	549 ms	7,64 Mbps	5,96 Mbps
Quick connect to an Australian server	521 ms	5,65 Mbps	2,00 Mbps

CyberGhost is incredibly easy to use, but if you run into a problem, you can always get help via chat. I tested the chat every day for two weeks, asking questions about the number of servers, the ability to unblock services, and how to install the software, and all the responses I got were more than satisfactory.

Don’t use it if:
You need a VPN that works in China. CyberGhost is currently unable to bypass the Great Firewall of China.

CyberGhost strikes us as a simple VPN that does a good job in all areas. This makes it another of the main options on the market and places it in a deserved position in our general ranking. It didn’t work for our researcher in China, but it’s hard to find VPNs capable of bypassing the Great Firewall. Try it yourself on up to 7 devices at once risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee .

CyberGhost has some great deals right now – get a great price with one of our coupons .

You want to know more? Explore our CyberGhost review to see the full results of our research and testing.

3. PrivateVPN – Try it with a free trial

Specific profile for torrent downloads: No, but P2P traffic is allowed on all server
Funciona con: Netflix, Sling TV, Fox Go, Hulu, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video y BBC iPlayer
Available on: Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android and routers
Data logging : Strict no logs policy
Money back guarantee: 30 days

PrivateVPN manages a compact network of 150+ proprietary servers in 60 countries , but it is still an excellent option for accessing content from all over the world. Our researchers tested servers in the US, UK, Italy, and Australia to see how PrivateVPN performed at overcoming geoblocks. We tried to access US Netflix, Sling TV and BBC iPlayer, and the VPN unblocked them all.

When we ran speed tests, we found that PrivateVPN performs the best when connecting to nearby servers. The further you connect, the greater the loss of speed. However, it is important to note that despite the decrease in speed, our connections were fast enough to surf at high speed and watch streams in HD.

This Sweden-based provider is committed to ensuring the privacy and security of its users. Although it is subject to the jurisdiction of the 14 Eyes, PrivateVPN cannot provide your information as it does not record anything. Its simple and easy-to-use applications come with AES-256 bit encryption and support multiple protocols, including OpenVPN, the industry standard.

In addition to a kill switch, PrivateVPN offers protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. It also has a “cloak” mode designed to bypass VPN blocks and DPI firewalls, giving you unlimited access to global content. We know that the camouflage mode works because our researchers in China confirmed it.

Don’t use it if:
You need the fastest possible speeds over long distances.

If you’re looking for a provider with great prices for both short-term and long-term plans, PrivateVPN might be what you need. Its 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee give you plenty of time to try it out for yourself.

You want to know more? Explore our PrivateVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing.

4. Private Internet Access – Red global segura

Specific profile for torrent downloads: No (P2P allowed on all servers!)
Funciona con: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, HBO Go, HBO Now, Showtime y SkyTV
Disponible en: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, PS4/Xbox y rúters
Local servers: 68 servers in Spain and 22 in Mexico so you can access local content
Data logging : Strict no logs policy
Money back guarantee: 30 days

New for October 2021: PIA does not usually offer offers or discounts (it is already quite cheap), but at this moment you can get a subscription with an incredible 83% discount !

Offering exceptional security at a very affordable price has increased the popularity of Private Internet Access in recent years.

With Private Internet Access you are in good hands thanks to military-grade encryption and support for multiple VPN protocols that keep your identity and data out of the reach of hackers, trackers, and third parties. It also doesn’t store any information about you, so you can browse the Internet with complete anonymity.

The VPN’s built-in malware blocker, called MACE, promises to protect against malware and other viruses. We tested it by visiting a couple of torrent sites full of ads and questionable pop-ups and we are pleased to report that MACE worked flawlessly.

On these websites we also test the features of the VPN in order to download torrents. With a network of over 35,550 servers in 78 countries , we expected fast speeds for smooth torrenting – and the VPN did the trick.

Connection	Ping	Download speed	Upload speed
Initial speed on a UK server	10 ms	54,83 Mbps	11,21 Mbps
Recommended UK server	12 ms	53,74 Mbps	11,30 Mbps
Manual connection to a UK server	13 ms	34,52 Mbps	11,47 Mbps
Recommended US server	142 ms	22,98 Mbps	11,34 Mbps
Manual connection to a US server	130 ms	18,07 Mbps	11,31 Mbps
Manual connection to a server in France	45 ms	16,95 Mbps	11,34 Mbps
Manual connection to a server in Canada	171 ms	26,78 Mbps	11,42 Mbps
Manual connection to a server in Australia	227 ms	12,93 Mbps	6,95 Mbps

These speeds are not only fast enough for fast downloads but also for streaming HD videos with no buffering or lag. Private Internet Access geoblock bypass technology allowed us to watch Netflix US, Netflix UK, Amazon Prime Video, HBO GO, and several other streaming platforms. Unfortunately, he was unable to access Hulu and Disney +.

With a subscription to Private Internet Access you can connect up to ten devices at the same time, and it is compatible with all popular platforms. Their apps were intuitive and easy to use , but if you need additional help, it is available through chat – in which we were attended to quickly and excellently when we used it. You also have access to a huge information base with Frequently Asked Questions, tutorials, and installation and configuration guides.

Don’t use it if:
You want to watch Hulu outside the US Private Internet Access is currently unable to access Hulu.

Overall, Private Internet Access is excellent value for money and is a great VPN for those who value their privacy. Try the advanced security of Private Internet Access by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access offers a ton of ways to save. Take a look at our coupons for current discounts .

You want to know more? Explore our Private Internet Access review to see the full results of our research and testing.

5. IPvanish – A solid option for streaming

Funciona con: Netflix, Vudu, Fox Go, HBO Go, Disney+, Sling TV y DAZN
Disponible en: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon FireTV, Linux, Chrome OS y rúters
Data logging : Strict no logs policy
Money back guarantee: 30 days

IPVanish Offer October 2021: It is difficult to find active IPVanish offers, so I was quite surprised to find this one. Click here today to get a discount of 71% on your subscription IPVanish ! The discount is applied automatically when you press (no code to enter).
The balance between security and performance makes IPVanish another one of the best VPN providers. The VPN’s server coverage includes 1,400+ servers in more than 75 regions – more than 40,000 IP addresses. When we tested these servers, we found that they were well-equipped to unblock services like Netflix, Vudu, Fox Go, and Disney +. However, you will want to look for another option if you are a fan of British TV as BBC iPlayer is a notable exception to this list.

Service speeds are also very good. Although they slowed down a bit like all VPNs, our connections were always fast enough to stream in HD.

IPVanish also supports P2P connections and SOCKS5 proxies for fast torrenting; We tested servers in Spain, Canada and Malaysia and our download speed was always decent. Although IPVanish is a US-based provider (which would normally imply that it is subject to DMCA orders), it operates under a legitimate zero-logs policy.

256-bit encryption and different VPN protocols, including OpenVPN , make IPVanish secure. A kill switch functionality and DNS / IPv6 leak protection ensure that you are always protected.

IPVanish also has additional obfuscation settings and additional IP settings like reset intervals. These features and functionalities, along with its maximum limit of 10 simultaneous connections , make it stand out from many other VPN services.

One area that we felt needs improvement was customer service. The chat is quite fast, but with tickets you may have to wait up to 48 hours for a response – too long.

Don’t use it if:
You need a VPN that can unblock BBC iPlayer.
You want to avoid VPNs registered in the United States.

IPVanish is not the cheapest provider, but the price is right for the quality that the VPN offers.

You want to know more? Explore our IPVanish analysis to see the full results of our research and testing.

6. Hotspot Shield – Reliable protection and smooth streaming

Works with: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney +, and Sling TV
Disponible en: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Opera y Chromebook
Data log: Stores some network and personal information, but not usage logs
Money-back guarantee: 45 days

Hotspot Shield’s paid VPN, known as Hotspot Shield Premium, includes access to more than 3,200 servers worldwide, elegant applications, and a streamlined support service through email and chat. Is it worth its cost?

For us yes. This VPN is a solid choice for both casual and veteran users, providing excellent security with 128-bit / 256-bit encryption and a proprietary protocol called Catapult Hydra based on OpenSSL.

Hotspot Shield offers fast speeds and compresses stream data to avoid buffering pauses and lag. During our tests we unblocked Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney + and other popular platforms, and we were able to watch the streams in HD .

As for additional functionalities, you have the essential automatic disconnection and little else. You won’t find custom DNS settings or additional torrenting help from this provider. Although P2P traffic is allowed, you would be better off with another VPN if torrenting is a priority for you .

This is because, despite its excellent overall performance, Hotspot Shield is not a log-free VPN service. Keeping records with the US jurisdiction can mean that you could be an easy target for copyright trolls or DMCA requests, especially if you are a US resident.

Don’t use it if:
You need a VPN to download torrents. The Hotspot Shield site and registration policy could be problematic.

Although Hotspot Shield has its downsides, it is still a popular, powerful, and inexpensive VPN service. We recommend that you give it a try by taking advantage of its 45-day money-back guarantee.

You want to know more? Explore our Hotspot Shield review to see the full results of our research and testing.

7. VyprVPN – Automatic protection on public connections

Funciona con: Netflix, HBO NOW, Sling TV, Sky Go, Hulu, Vudu y Amazon Prime Video
Disponible en: Windows, Mac, iOs, Android, smart TVs y rúters
Data logging : Strict no logs policy
Money back guarantee: 30 days

Its global network has 700 servers and more than 200,000 IP addresses . During our tests, the VPN outperformed geo-blocking technologies from services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Sling TV.

Our researchers in Europe found that the fastest speeds were those of servers in the US ; however, the VPN had inconsistent results connecting to some regions of Europe from the US. The verdict? VyprVPN’s US servers are fast, but the others could be better.

The VPN also gives you the functionality it is famous for: its Chameleon protocol , which provides additional protection and greater ability to overcome geographic restrictions. Our researchers from Chian Russia and Saudi Arabia tested it and confirmed that it works .

Regardless of where you connect, your data will be protected with AES 256-bit encryption and your identity and activity will be kept secret thanks to its strict no-logs policy. The VPN also offers automatic protection on public WiFi .

VyprVPN is not a cheap service, but you do get unlimited bandwidth and data, and you can enjoy great discounts by opting for the longer plans. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try the service risk-free.

Don’t use it if:
You want to pay with Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency

VyprVPN has proven to be a reliable provider that values user privacy. It’s especially worth it if you live in a country with heavy internet censorship or travel to one frequently.

You want to know more? Explore our VyprVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing.

8. ProtonVPN – A basic but reliable machine

Funciona con: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max y BBC iPlayer
Available on: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, Android TV and routers
Record data: Strict policy of not keeping records
Money back guarantee: 30 days

ProtonVPN has 1,250 servers in 54 countries and can unblock some geo-restricted websites and streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. It allows P2P activity on all of its servers, so you can use it to download torrents.

It uses AES-256 encryption along with the OpenVPN protocol , the industry security standard. This means that your activity and identity are hidden from the websites you visit, your ISP and the authorities.

ProtonVPN is registered in Switzerland and has a strict no-logs policy . It does not store any information about you or your Internet activity – and even if it did, the government could not force it to provide it due to the country’s data protection laws.

You can connect up to 10 devices with one account . This means that you can keep your devices protected and access your favorite movies and series from all over the world.

During testing, ProtonVPN seamlessly unblocked several of the most popular streaming platforms , such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max. However, it was not able to unblock Disney + and ESPN, so keep that in mind if you want to watch content from any of these services.

You can try ProtonVPN using its free version, which gives you unlimited bandwidth and you don’t have to see ads to use it. However, the free version does not allow you to access geo-restricted content and the speed is not the best.

Don’t use it if:
You need a VPN to watch Disney + or ESPN.

ProtonVPN is a stable service that offers adequate encryption and unlocks various streaming platforms. If you want to try it, use its 30-day money-back guarantee and see if it is what you were looking for without any risk to your pocket.

You want to know more? Explore our ProtonVPN review to see the full results of our research and testing.

Best VPNs – Quick Comparison Table

	Free trial	Money back guarantee	Supported streaming services
ExpressVPN	–	30 days	Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV, DAZN, BBC iPlayer
CyberGhost	24 hours	up to 45 days	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Comedy Central, Eurosport, ESPN…
PrivateVPN	7 days	30 days	Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer…
Private Internet Access	–	30 days	Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, HBO Go, HBO Now, Showtime, SkyTV.
IPVanish	–	7 days	Netflix, Vudu, Fox Go, HBO Go, Disney+, DAZN…
Hotspot Shield	7 days	45 days	Netflix (in the US catalogue), BBC iPlayer
VyprVPN	–	30 days	Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video…
ProtonVPN	–	30 days	Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, HBO Max y BBC iPlayer

Why do you need a VPN

The dangers of the Internet threaten your freedom and choice:

Cybercriminals are hunting your personal information to steal your money or even your identity using advanced tools
Companies track you and affect your pocket with dynamic prices that benefit them, while keeping the cheapest prices hidden
ISPs slow down your connection speed when you want to download torrents
Governments censor what you can see on the Internet

A VPN is a valuable tool to protect yourself and regain your freedom on the Internet. A VPN allows you to:

Enjoy the complete catalogs of Netflix USA and other streaming services, overcoming the policies of limited access to movies and series of the platforms and making the most of your subscription
Protect your personal information so that it does not fall into the hands of hackers, advertising agencies or other third parties
Have total anonymity every time you connect to the Internet, whether to watch the news, download torrents, make purchases online or do research on a topic
Increase the speed of your connection, especially if your ISP is limiting it (it happens more than you think)

During our latest tests, we discovered that there are more than 300 VPN services available. While many VPNs can do some of the things described above (and many promise everything just to come up short), only the best VPNs can do all of the above.

Research methodology: How we rank and compare these VPNs

With Hundreds Of VPNs Claiming To Be The Best, How Do You Pick The Right One? We have done the hard work for you. We have tested over 300 and collected the best VPNs on the market here. Our in-depth analyzes give you all the information you need, covering all the important criteria you need to make the best decision.

My rigorous tests included many tests, and each of the 300 VPNs I tested was analyzed to the millimeter. My research also includes field tests conducted by our researchers from more than 30 countries, who tested each of the VPNs to overcome local geoblocks, ISP throttling, government censorship, and online tracking. All tests are performed frequently to ensure that the results we provide are always up to date. Here are the key factors that determine the ranking of VPNs:

Security

Two fundamental aspects of a good VPN are privacy and security. It will be difficult for you to find a provider that does not offer both in theory, but in practice things can be very different.

A VPN with a proven no-logs policy will ensure that your fingerprint is safe. A no-logs policy means that no information about you is collected, stored, or shared. These policies protect you and your privacy from snoopers, which is why they are one of the main criteria in our VPN rankings.

Speed

Another mandatory ingredient in a good VPn recipe is speed. Using a VPN, your traffic is sent through additional servers, which affects your speed. All VPNs involve some degree of slowdown; the real question is how much. The fastest VPN services have minimal impact on the quality of your connection. They allow you to browse, download torrents and watch streaming videos without the annoying pauses due to buffering or lag.

A truly fast VPN will also help you overcome ISP’s throttling (speed limitation), being able to make you have a speed faster than the speed of your connection without VPN.

Our tests include remote intercontinental connections with limited bandwidth to really put every VPN to the test.

Streaming

Speaking of streaming, VPNs are a popular solution for accessing all content on platforms like Netflix , Hulu , BBC iPlayer, or DAZN . These platforms limit their service based on your region, but connecting to the right VPN server can open the door to your favorite series and movies.

Torrent downloads

VPNs are also useful for download fans, especially in countries where torrenting is prohibited. Even if you follow the rules (we recommend doing so), downloading torrents without additional protection can expose you to hackers and greedy copyright trolls.

P2P connections are not secure , but you can change this with a good VPN for torrenting . By hiding your real IP address and hiding your traffic behind a layer of encryption , you will avoid all the threats associated with torrenting and enjoy worry-free. In our VPN comparison, we checked the P2P profiles, SOCKS5 proxies and the ease of installing torrent clients using each VPN service.

Censorship

Last but not least, let’s talk about censorship. You know that you are using a reliable provider when your VPN works in a country that actively tries to block them. When we research the services, we look at additional obfuscation features and special settings. The best VPN services on our overall list have proven to be the best on the market in heavily censored regions like China , Iran, or the UAE .

Many other factors played a significant role in our ranking, some of them being the extent of the network, the encryption, the security features, the ease of use, and of course the price . We spare no expense to analyze every detail in our VPN analysis and tests.

Frequent questions

Are VPNs legal?

People sometimes think that VPNs could be illegal because they are sometimes used for illicit purposes. However, in most countries around the world, the use of VPNs is completely legal – although there are important exceptions that you should be aware of. The only countries where using a VPN constitutes a legal gray area (and in some cases it is prohibited) are China, Iraq, Iran, Russia, Belarus, Turkey, Oman, and the UAE.

The things a VPN does – encrypt data, combat geoblocks, and provide anonymity – aren’t illegal. But remember: Anything that is illegal without a VPN is still illegal with a VPN. We do not condone using a VPN for any type of illegal activity.

Are VPNs safe?

In most countries, yes. However, it is your responsibility to ensure that you follow the rules and do not do anything disruptive.

However, you could be taking a risk if:

You are using a VPN not allowed by the government in a country whose government decrees which VPNs are allowed to use.
Torrent downloads that are copyrighted with a VPN that keeps logs or does not have a kill switch

Are VPNs difficult to use?

The best VPNs are very easy to use. In most cases, you just have to download the app on your device, install it and launch it.

The best VPN services on the market, the ones we have recommended above, have intuitive interfaces that are easy to use even for beginners. Many of them even have a quick connect button that instantly connects you to the best server nearby. If you are trying to bypass a geoblock, simply select a server in the desired location.

Tip: If you’re just starting out with VPNs and want to learn more about what they do, take a look at our beginner’s guide to VPNs – it’s packed with information on the features, uses, and benefits of VPNs.

How much does a VPN cost?

After hearing all the wonderful things a VPN can do, you might wonder how much these types of services cost. All of the VPNs I’ve recommended on this list are super cheap – some cost less than $ 2 a month.

If you’re ready to make a purchase, check out our VPN discount coupons page first . You will find exclusive discounts that will save you money .

Are there free VPNs?

There are free VPNs, but our advice is simple: it’s best to stay well away from them.

There is no doubt that getting something for nothing sounds great; However, with the wrong free VPN, you could end up paying a lot over time in the form of malware infections, very slow speeds, and even identity theft.

However, not all free VPNs are scams. We recently researched dozens of services to find the free VPNs that really are legitimate . They all have their limitations, such as data limits or restricted access to various functionalities, but they are safe to use if you really need them.

Can I use Tor or a proxy instead of a VPN?

Tor, proxies, and VPNs are three totally different types of software that are sometimes used for the same purpose. Let’s take a closer look.

Tor (short for The Onion Router , “the onion router”) uses an anonymizing network that redirects your connection through several volunteer servers. Although this process makes you and your data much more difficult to monitor, it will slow down your speed. Tor is a very complex subject, so read our complete guide on Tor if you are curious and want more information or some advice.

Compared to using a VPN, Tor has its drawbacks . Although it is free, the encryption is weaker and the connections much slower. If maximum privacy is what you want, it’s best to use Tor and a VPN together. A stable VPN eliminates the downsides of Tor, while Tor improves privacy one more level.

To make it work, you need a VPN like ExpressVPN that has its own web.onion on the Tor network .

Proxy services have an advantage over VPNs : they offer fast speeds (and they hide your IP address). However, they don’t have any other security measures, they don’t encrypt your data, and they don’t even have an interface.

This makes proxies unsafe and unusable. However, a proxy can improve your connection speed if you are not concerned about your privacy.

There are hundreds of proxies to choose from, so choosing the right one is important . An even better option is to invest in an inexpensive VPN and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with added protection and privacy, as well as even better speeds.

Note: At vpnMentor we have a free proxy tool ! It is at your disposal if you are in a hurry and do not have time to search and choose one.

Should I use a VPN on my phone?

Ideally, you should use a VPN on every device with an Internet connection that you use; after all, every Internet connection is a gateway for hacking, surveillance, and tracking.

Many VPNs, including the services on our list, offer apps for m