A virtual private network service, aka a VPN, is one of the best tools you can use to boost your online privacy and security. It encrypts your traffic and tunnels it through a private server, allowing you to keep your online activities anonymous and hidden from prying eyes.
When looking for a great VPN, you’ll want to consider a few things: First and foremost, does it have a good privacy record; how are its average connection speeds; is it able to unblock streaming services effectively; and finally, does it have a large enough server network for your specific location needs? All of my curated picks below deliver these essentials plus more.
Why you should trust me: Here at PCWorld we’ve been testing computer hardware, software, and services since the 1980s. For my own part, I’m continually testing all of the major VPNs on the market and many lesser-known services with an eye toward the features and performance that a VPN user should care about most. To learn more about my testing methodology, scroll below my recommendations.
It’s that time of the year again, and VPN deals this Black Friday season have never looked better. Check out our roundup of the best Black Friday VPN deals to help you save big on these essential privacy tools.
Our top picks:
- Best VPN overall: ExpressVPN
- Fastest VPN: Hotspot Shield
- Best VPN for torrents: AirVPN
ExpressVPN – Best VPN overall
Pros
- Excellent speeds
- Easy-to-use interface
- Unblocks all streaming services
- Great security and privacy practices
Cons
- More expensive than many competitors
- Light on some features for a top VPN
Why I like ExpressVPN
It’s difficult to select the best overall VPN. Some services are weaker on privacy, but are significantly easier to use with tons of features, while others could use a serious interface redesign.
For many years we chose the best VPN based purely on privacy, but that is no longer the sole concern of most people when choosing a VPN. Privacy is important, to be sure, but so are performance, extra features, a wide country selection, and ease of use. ExpressVPN has it all, making it my top choice for VPN. Not only is it one of the fastest VPNs I’ve ever tested, but it also has a very easy-to-use Windows app.
Its servers are all diskless, running everything in RAM — a welcome practice that’s become fairly standard these days. ExpressVPN also has wide device support — recently adding AppleTV to its lineup of supported devices, as well as a smart DNS feature for set-top boxes, consoles, and more. It is even branching out from just being a VPN provider to taking a more holistic approach to security for users, adding ad- and tracker-blocking and, most recently, a password manager to the service, as well.
It’s not the cheapest VPN out there, but you do get excellent value for the price, and the service is regularly bringing in third-party auditors to bolster its privacy credentials.
Who should buy ExpressVPN
Since ExpressVPN is my pick for best VPN overall, I think it’s a great option for everyone. VPN novices will find that they can just download the software, choose their server location and connect — it’s as simple as that. But more advanced users will be able to choose from features such as split-tunneling, protocol optimization, and a kill switch.
Also, ExpressVPN in its attempt to provide an all-inclusive security suite now offers users ad- and tracker-blocking, parental controls, and most recently, a password manager. Plus, ExpressVPN has one of the most expansive device support networks I’ve ever seen. So users can use the VPN across practically any and all devices they own — up to eight simultaneous device connections.
NordVPN – Best VPN for features
Pros
- Loaded with tons of VPN configuration options
- Outstanding speeds
- Multiple independent no-logs audits
- Included antivirus and password manager
Cons
- Expensive
Why I like NordVPN
Just like my top pick, NordVPN is also an excellent choice. Nord is arguably more feature-filled than ExpressVPN even, and the service is just one part of a larger suite of privacy- and security-focused products from parent company Nord Security. The desktop app is very easy to use and offers a ton of different features including access to the TOR network over VPN, multi-hop options, Meshnet, and a security suite complete with ad- and malware-blocking and Nord’s latest password manager and link-checker safety tool.
NordVPN has also gone a long way to bolster user trust with the completion of its fourth independently verified no-logs policy earlier this year. The service also carries out vendor assessments and uses RAM-only diskless servers for increased security. The speeds are also outstanding, reaching an average of 72 percent of the base internet speed in a test across all servers — the fastest of any VPN I’ve tested.
The only reason I placed Nord second is due to the slight edge ExpressVPN has in regards to privacy and transparency. Still, you can’t go wrong if you decide to go with NordVPN as your VPN of choice.
Who should buy NordVPN
Similar to ExpressVPN, I think NordVPN is truly a solid option for everyone. It comes with an excellent feature set that will appeal to power users as well as an easy-to-use app that is intuitive and straightforward. Also, just like ExpressVPN, there will be no problems accessing any geo-restricted streaming service while using NordVPN.
Additionally, for those who don’t want to bother subscribing to a lot of different security apps, NordVPN offers its own security features such as malware protection, ad- and tracker-blocking, and file-download protection all in one convenient subscription.
Surfshark – Best cheap VPN
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Works well with Netflix
- Built-in extras such as ad tracker and malware blocking
- Low price on long-term plans
Cons
- Indicators for ping or server load are not readily available
- Based in the Netherlands and subject to government data sharing requests
Why I like Surfshark
Surfshark is one of those VPNs that does everything well. It has blazing-fast speeds, a robust feature set second only to NordVPN, and excellent privacy credentials thanks to its no-log policy and multiple independent audits. But the best thing about Surfshark is the price. Taking advantage of its 2-year plan offer will net you comprehensive protection for just over $2 per month. That’s basically unheard of for a premium VPN service. A subscription comes with all of your standard VPN features, plus infinitely customizable Dynamic MultiHop connections, identity protection alerts, and antivirus/malware protection.
While the price for a monthly subscription to Surfshark might be a bit steep, the long-term plans are much more affordable. I typically advise against long-term VPN plans as the market changes so frequently, but Surfshark is a rare exception. It’s an established company with a reliable track-record and consistently good service. If you want to save some money and get one of the best VPNs on the market, look no further.
Who should buy Surfshark
Surfshark is a great all-around VPN option for most people. That being said, those who don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for their VPN will find that Surfshark easily meets their needs without breaking the bank.
Mullvad – Best VPN for privacy
Pros
- Good speeds
- Inexpensive monthly plan
- Unrivaled anonymity
- Open-source
Cons
- Struggles with unblocking streaming services
- Smaller server network
- Lacks some extra features that other VPNs offer
Why I like Mullvad
As Hotspot Shield is to speeds, so Mullvad is to privacy and anonymity. I’ve never seen another VPN that actively resists knowing who you are the way Mullvad does. Mullvad doesn’t ask for your email address, name, or anything else. Instead it assigns a random account number that acts as your identifier and login.
Mullvad accepts payments using standard methods such as credit cards and PayPal, but you can also mail your payment in cash to remain as private as possible. Mullvad has a no-logging policy and doesn’t collect any identifying metadata from your usage.
Mullvad is also fast, ranking among our top five for speeds.
Who should buy Mullvad
Mullvad is all about privacy. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a more than capable VPN for any user. But the ultra-privacy conscious will find the most to like in its anonymized payment system, commitment to not collecting metadata, and strong privacy promises. I did find some hiccups when trying to access streaming services, so users who want their VPN to bypass location-restricted content may want to look elsewhere.
IVPN – Best VPN for privacy runner-up
Pros
- Excellent speeds for its U.S., UK and European servers
- Interface is easy to understand
- Default WireGuard protocol connects quickly
Cons
- It’s on the expensive side at $100 per year
- Server network is under 100 servers
Why I like IVPN
Coming in behind Mullvad is IVPN. This Gibraltar-based VPN recently moved to dumping email-based identifiers and going with randomly assigned account numbers instead. Similar to Mullvad, it accepts a variety of payment options for privacy including cash, as well as the standard credit cards, PayPal, and other options like Bitcoin and Monero. IVPN doesn’t rank as one of the fastest VPNs, but it does have acceptable speeds for most casual uses.
Another option is OVPN. This VPN doesn’t go to the levels that Mullvad and IVPN do, but it does only require a username and password to create an account. OVPN doesn’t require an email address, though you can add one as a backstop for account recovery should you forget your password. OVPN doesn’t rank in our top 10 for speeds, but it’s just outside the top performers at number 12.
Who should buy IVPN
IVPN will mainly appeal to those concerned with privacy. Similar to Mullvad, it has an anonymized payment system and further obfuscates user IDs via randomly assigned number instead of emails. Not to mention that it has a strong privacy policy as well.
Hotspot Shield – Fastest VPN
Pros
- Very fast
- Large country selection and plenty of servers
Cons
- Domain visits are recorded, though not tied to you
- Expensive
Why I like Hotspot Shield
While my pick for best overall VPN, ExpressVPN, boasts above-average speeds, Hotspot Shield is on another level. No other service comes close to hitting the speeds I’ve seen with this service. This isn’t just a one-off occurrence either; Hotspot Shield has consistently been at the top with speeds that are 12 to 15 percentage points above the competition. In my tests, Hotspot Shield maintained around 67 percent of the base speed. That’s substantially faster than you’ll see with most VPN services — though your experience may vary.
On the downside, Hotspot Shield doesn’t allow for a way to pay anonymously and its privacy policy may not sit well with some. Still, Hotspot Shield has excellent speeds, its desktop application is very nice, and as a bonus it works with U.S. Netflix.
Who should buy Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is for those looking to maintain the fastest connection possible with the minimum loss of base speed. In the past it was far and away the fastest VPN I had ever tested, but in recent years other services seem to be catching up.
Regardless, it is still one of the best around if connection speed is your main concern. I also found that it can access location-restricted content on most major streaming services. This, combined with its excellent speeds makes it a good option if you mainly use a VPN to access streaming content.
Private Internet Access – Best VPN for split-tunneling
Pros
- Multiple independently verified no-log audits
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Vast server network
- Great extra features such as multi-hop and split tunneling
Cons
- App is a little awkward to use
- Speeds are fairly pedestrian
Why I like Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) has been around for awhile and has demonstrated that it can continue to innovate and improve with each passing year. The latest version of PIA is no different. By putting itself through yet another independent audit of its no-logs policy it keeps proving that user privacy is its top priority.
It also comes with a solid all-around feature set, but the one that stands out with PIA is its split-tunneling. While this is a common feature in most of the services on this list, PIA goes above and beyond. Not only does it allow users to pick and choose which apps they wish to run through the VPN, but it also allows them to designate IP addresses and DNS requests. It even comes with the option for an app-based kill switch, which will block traffic only on specific apps should the VPN connection break. Power users will find that they can tweak these two highly configurable features in tandem to fully optimize their connections.
There are a few awkward interface issues and PIA isn’t the fastest service I’ve ever tested. But neither of these issues make the service any less viable.
Who should buy Private Internet Access
PIA is continuing to establish itself, along with the likes of ExpressVPN and NordVPN, as one of the best VPNs around. I think it can be a great VPN for all users. However, where PIA really shines is in its extensive customizable feature set. Power users and those who like their apps to be customized to their individual needs will especially love all of the tweaking that this app allows you to do — even outside of just split-tunneling.
AirVPN – Best VPN for torrents
Pros
- Excellent speeds
- Detailed real-time information about the network
- Good pricing with many subscription options
Cons
- Team is largely anonymous
Why I like AirVPN
Torrents get a bad rap, and to be honest, that’s for good reason. Using torrents is the number-one way to download pirated material including movies, TV shows, music, and games. But that’s not all there is to torrenting. It’s a very efficient way to download legitimate software such as Linux distributions and authorized content from sites such as BitTorrent Now.
Whatever your reasons, when it comes to torrenting, a VPN makes it easier — especially if the network you’re on blocks torrenting. There are many VPNs among our top picks that could be used for downloading torrents, but my preferred choice is AirVPN. This no-frills VPN has a reasonable number of servers and country locations, really good speeds, excellent network transparency, and a focus on user protection. The price is also right at about $58 a year.
Who should buy AirVPN
As AirVPN allows for P2P connections on all of its servers, it’s a great option for those who want to use their VPN to remain anonymous while surfing the web or torrenting. It also uses diskless RAM servers so data is only kept for as long as you’re actively using the VPN itself. Plus, AirVPN’s small team of dedicated hacktivists and privacy advocates are committed to putting user privacy and security at the forefront. This means that it’s ideal for privacy-conscious users.
CyberGhost – Best VPN for server locations
Pros
- Independently verified no-log policy
- Seriously impressive server spread
- Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Server speeds can be hit-or-miss
- Lacks some extra security features offered by competitors
Why I like CyberGhost
If you want variety and options in the server locations from your VPN, then there are none better than CyberGhost. It offers a staggering 9,000+ servers for users to connect to, which is more than twice as many as top-pick ExpressVPN. Unlike some competitors, these servers aren’t all concentrated in the U.S. or Europe, either.
The server spread totals 120+ countries all across the world. The service even recommends optimized servers to users for various needs such as gaming, streaming, and torrenting. In my testing I found that some of the servers were faster than others, with servers located in Europe having excellent speeds and servers in Asia not fairing as well. But overall, the speeds are good enough to do most of what you want to do with a VPN — web browsing, streaming, etc.
CyberGhost also has a well-designed Windows app that is intuitive and easy to use, even when tweaking settings. It lacks some of the power-user features that other VPNs on this list provide such as multi-hop and IP rotation, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker for the average user. Ultimately, CyberGhost is a straightforward and easy-to-use VPN service with an incredible number of server locations.
Who should buy CyberGhost
Due to its plethora of servers and locations, CyberGhost is one of the best options to find a server no matter where you need it in the world. For those who travel a lot or just need access to a diverse and vast server spread, CyberGhost is definitely worth consideration.
AVG Secure – Best VPN for novices
Pros
- Good speeds
- Allows an excellent 10 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Does log some data
- No real customizability for power users
Why I like AVG Secure
If you want something that’s all about ease-of-use then AVG Secure is a good choice. First, it comes from a known and trusted security company, so there are fewer worries about data security than with one of the independent services.
The key thing with AVG Secure is that the interface is easy to understand and use. It has a big “Change location” button to help you select the country you’d like to appear to be in. The app also tells you what your current IP address is and how long you’ve been connected to the VPN. That’s pretty much it. This VPN also works with streaming services and it has P2P servers. One thing it doesn’t have is a lot of extra features, which is actually perfect for anyone looking for a no-frills VPN.
Who should buy AVG Secure
Those new to the VPN game will find a lot to like with AVG Secure. It’s dead-simple to use and the interface is designed in a way that is intuitive even for novices.
Windscribe Pro – Best budget VPN
Pros
- Good free plan
- Fast speeds
- Unlimited device connections
Cons
- Streaming unblocking is inconsistent
- No independent audit
Why I like Windscribe
Choosing the best VPN for you can often come down to price. Windscribe Pro offers a reasonable price on its annual plan of around $6 per month, but what really makes this a great VPN for the budget-conscious is the “Build a Plan” option. This allows you to pick and choose the number of servers you need so that you aren’t paying for anything you’ll never use.
It’s also really easy to use and offers great security, with both a Windows client and browser extension that work in tandem to keep your browsing private and pop-up free. Windscribe also offers a free option which is one of my favorites, and is a great way to test out the service before deciding if you want to upgrade to a paid tier.
Who should buy Windscribe
Windscribe is great for people who are new to VPNs or just need a VPN service for a short period of time. Those who have never used a VPN can use Windscribe’s free option to play around and start getting used to using a VPN service. Alternatively, if you only need a few servers for your VPN then Windscribe Pro’s “Build A Plan” subscription makes for a budget option that is seriously worth considering.
ProtonVPN – Best free VPN
Pros
- Excellent free plan
- Great privacy tools
- Reliable and transparent no-logs policy
Cons
- Expensive
Why I like ProtonVPN
If you’re looking for speed and top-notch privacy in a free VPN then ProtonVPN is an excellent choice. Many free VPNs come with either ridiculous limitations or annoying ads. Mercifully, ProtonVPN has no ads and the restrictions are fairly tame compared to other services. For the low, low cost of nothing, you’ll get a one-device connection limit and access to five servers located in Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and the U.S. In my testing I also found that speeds were very good even with the free version, ranking in the top 10 of all VPNs, paid or free.
The VPN is from the same company behind ProtonMail, a privacy-focused email service, and those same values are carried over to the VPN as well. The company has undergone an independent audit confirming its no-logs policy — which extends to the free VPN as well. Overall, you get a lot for paying nothing and this easily makes it our favorite free VPN.
Who should use ProtonVPN
Whether you opt for the free or paid version, ProtonVPN is a good option for anyone. The free version specifically will appeal to those on a tight budget, or those who just need a VPN to do the occasional online task safely and securely online. Since there are no monthly data limits on Proton’s free VPN servers, it’s also an excellent option if you want to stream videos while using a VPN — just be aware, the free servers don’t promise to work with Netflix like some of Proton’s paid servers do.
Other VPN reviews and features
- TunnelBear VPN: A charming and easy-to-use VPN is great for novices and those who just need simple, but effective online privacy.
- PrivadoVPN: Swiss-based VPN comes with decent speeds, good streaming service compatibility, and an excellent free version.
- Norton Secure VPN: A simple, but underdeveloped VPN from the trusted security giant.
- Here’s why you need a VPN with in-flight Wi-Fi
- How to test your VPN speed
- VPNs and the law: How often does law enforcement actually request VPN logs?
What to look for in a VPN
One of the first things you should look for when shopping around for a VPN is the number of servers and locations. It’s difficult to judge any VPN by just one feature, but a semi-reliable way to tell if a VPN is even worth your time is to look at the server network. Anything with 1,000 or more servers and 30 or more country locations will do.
The next thing to consider is a VPN’s speed. This may be tricky to do since you aren’t likely to be able to test connection speeds without paying to use the service. Reading reviews online will give you a general estimate. Look for reviews, like ours, that give you a relative average of connection speeds rather than direct Mbps speed comparisons for a more accurate picture.
You’ll also want to read up on a VPN’s privacy protections. Does it have a no-logs policy? Has it undergone any independent audits of its servers? Where is the VPN company located? All of these will give you an idea of whether or not a VPN is transparent with its data collection policies and if it’s subject to government data sharing requirements.
Other factors you’ll want to take into consideration are the overall ease-of-use, user experience, and any additional features. Some of these features, such as split-tunneling and kill switches, can be extremely useful for certain purposes and might sway your subscription decision one way or the other.
Finally, as with all subscription services, you’ll want to review the price of a VPN service. Do you want a monthly or yearly subscription? Some top VPNs might be pricey month-to-month, but actually become quite affordable with long-term plans.
How I tested
I judge VPNs on a variety of criteria including server network, connection speeds, privacy protections, ease-of-use, additional features, and cost. For a more detailed guide on how my process, check out PCWorld’s comprehensive guide on how we test VPN services.
Speed tests are kept as simple as possible. I average the connections between different global locations for any given VPN and then compare them to our baseline internet speed to get a good picture of the overall connection speeds. I thoroughly research and analyze the privacy policies and histories of each VPN and note any outstanding discrepancies or data collection issues.
Experience and ease-of-use are subjective, but I try my best to give an accurate representation of how it feels to work with the VPN. And finally, I compare the value of the service based upon its price and additional features to the industry average to help you gain an accurate picture of what you’ll get for your money.
Other notable VPNs and security suites
There are many more worthwhile VPNs than just our favorites listed above, including AVG Internet Security, ESET Security Premium, FastestVPN, Hide.me, HMA Pro 4, OVPN, Perfect Privacy, PrivateVPN by TrunkSpace Hosting, PureVPN, Speedify 10, VPNCity, ClearVPN, Malwarebytes Privacy, TorGuard, VeePN, AceVPN.com, and SurfEasy.
I’ll keep evaluating new ones and reevaluating services we’ve already tested on a regular basis, so be sure to come back to see what else we’ve put through their paces.
FAQ
What is a VPN?
VPNs create a secure tunnel between your PC and the internet. You connect to a VPN server, which can be located in the United States or a foreign country — say, France or Japan. Your web traffic then goes through that server to make it appear as though you’re browsing from that server’s location, and not from your actual location.
When you’re using a VPN, it’s difficult for others to snoop on your web-browsing activity. Only you, the VPN service, and the website you’re visiting will know what you’re up to.
A VPN can be a great response to a variety of concerns, such as online privacy, anonymity, greater security on public Wi-Fi, and, of course, spoofing locations.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
Yes! It is perfectly legal in most countries, including the United States, to use a VPN. While using a VPN, you might find some websites that try to block your connection, but this is an individual website’s use policy and has nothing to do with the legality of the VPN itself. One thing to note though, while it’s legal to use a VPN, some of the activities done while using a VPN might be illegal. Such things as downloading pirated copyrighted content or accessing dark web markets are illegal whether you use a VPN or not.
Do VPNs protect against malware and computer viruses?
No, a VPN connection itself does not protect you from malware and computer viruses. It does however encrypt your internet traffic and keep prying eyes from accessing your browsing history.
Some VPN services, such as NordVPN, do, however, provide additional security features such as ad- and malware-blockers, anti-phishing warnings, and a password manager. This seems to be a trend from VPN providers to offer extra security features, but they are still a ways away from offering comprehensive protection. I still recommend that everyone use a dependable antivirus suite along with a VPN to ensure full protection.
Will a VPN affect my internet speeds?
Most likely you will see a moderate speed decrease to your internet while using a VPN. This is mainly due to the process of your internet traffic being rerouted and encrypted through a VPN server before heading on to its destination. The amount of latency you will experience through this process is down to what country’s server you choose to proxy your traffic through. If you choose a server located on the other side of the world, then you will notice a much greater hit than if you were to connect to a server nearby in your same country.
Thankfully, most modern VPNs should have the infrastructure to maintain high-speed, secure data transfer rates. So it’s likely you can still browse and stream with no noticeable impact while using a reputable VPN like those listed above.
Will a VPN make me anonymous online?
Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as just turning on your VPN and disappearing off grid. While VPNs certainly offer better privacy and security, they don’t make you completely anonymous. There are a mindboggling number of ways that companies track you across the internet and a VPN isn’t capable of blocking all of them. For example, when you sign into a website, your identity is still revealed to that website, VPN or not. Or when you log into your Gmail account while using a VPN, Google can now collect personalized cookies based on your browsing.
How many servers should my VPN have?
There is no set number of servers that make one VPN better than another. However, most major VPN providers offer between 3,000 to 5,000 servers. Also, we recommend avoiding any paid services whose providers have under 1,000 servers as this may be an indication that the company is not yet well established, meaning that there is a higher chance for reliability issues.
It is common for VPN providers to advertise the number of servers they have, but this is largely a marketing gimmick and doesn’t generally equate to the quality of the VPN provider itself. Things such as the spread of server locations and server quality are as important, if not more so, than the number of available servers.
Editor’s note: Because online services are often iterative, gaining new features and performance improvements over time, our reviews are subject to change in order to accurately reflect the current state of the services.
Author: Sam Singleton, Assistant Editor, PCWorld
Sam Singleton is PCWorld's VPN beat reporter and jack of all trades. When he's not on the hunt for the best computer deals he's covering VPNs, productivity software, laptops, and a wide gamut of consumer-grade hardware and software.