Many of you cannot imagine life without browsing the Internet, most likely not knowing that this way of navigating is not 100% safe. With public Wi-Fi networks, hackers have more opportunities to access a device and steal passwords or bank account information. You need to use virtual private networks (VPNs) to prevent all this from happening.
A VPN provides a secure server that directs your web traffic through an encrypted tunnel – no third party can peep into it.
Several VPN providers on the web keep your online activity private, and access restricted websites & services.
Top 10 VPN Services
- NordVPN – best encryption
- ExpressVPN – best VPN overall
- Surfshark – best VPN for Torrenting
- IPVanish – best VPN for Android
- CyberGhost – best VPN for Mac
- Hotspot Shield – best VPN for Netflix
- Private Internet Access – best VPN for Windows
- Tunnelbear – best free VPN
- Encrypt.me – best VPN with Unlimited Devices
- HideMyAss! (HMA) VPN – best VPN for a Pc on Linux
Best VPN providers in detail :
As with everything else, VPNs have their advantages and a few drawbacks. Below you will find precise information about the best VPNs and a brief description of their available platforms, servers & countries, prices, support options, etc.
1.NordVPN
When buying a VPN, you need to consider digital security – it has to be one of the main concerns. NordVPN is among the fewest VPN providers that offer double VPN. With NordVPN, your internet traffic is directed through 2 main VPN servers (instead of one as usual), which means that who will encrypt the data twice. That makes NordVPN the best VPN provider for encryption.
Main features of NordVPN:
- Works on: Linux, Windows, iOS, macOS, Android
- Streaming websites unblocked: Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Trial/Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Number of servers: 5,400+
- Serve locations: 80+
- Countries: 59
- Maximum devices supported: 6
- Starting price: $3.71/month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Strong security features
Thousands of servers all over the world
Not subject to data retention laws
Apps for all devices
Payments in Bitcoin or credit cards
|
Apps’ usability could be improved
|
As for what we consider a disadvantage, experts point out that NordVPN should have focused a little bit more on user-testing for its applications.
2.Express VPN
ExpressVPN is the best VPN provider on the list that provides the best security, performance, and speed combinations. It has a general usage; you can use it by getting a version for PCs or getting an iPhone VPN.
What’s more about this VPN provider is that it offers all security features and encryption necessary, including split tunneling, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, etc. So, it provides everything you can expect from a top-rated VPN provider.
Main features of ExpressVPN:
-
- Works on: Android, Windows, Linux, macOS
- Streaming websites unblocked: Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Trial/Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Number of servers: 3,000+
- Server locations: 160
- Countries: 94
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- Starting price: $8.31/month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Easy-to-use
A wide range of available devices and platforms
Customer-friendly support
Not subject to data retention laws
|
Quite expensive
No packages for businesses
No phone support
|
As you can see, the most significant drawback here is that it is pretty expensive – ExpressVPN prices are higher than the average.
3.Surfshark
The most helpful thing about Surfshark is that it is one of the BPN companies that almost doesn’t affect all the average internet speeds. Therefore, Surfshark is considered one of the best VPNs for torrenting and downloading movies – it makes these processes very easy. Another thing to know is that with Surfshark, you get a different IP address each time you connect, making it hard for every hacker to trace you. And that makes Surfshark the best VPN provider for Torrent users.
Main features of Surfshark:
- Works on: macOS, iOS, Windows, Android
- Streaming websites unblocked: iPlayer, YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, Hulu
- 24/7 support: yes
- Trial/Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Number of servers: 3,200+
- Server locations: 100+
- Countries: 65
- Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
- Starting price: $2.49/month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Unlimited devices
Great speed
Low cost for one or two-year plans
Not subject to data retention laws
Built-in ad-blocker
|
No phone support
Apps are quite simplistic
|
But there are some drawbacks as well
- Srurfshark doesn’t provide phone support; it focuses more on emails and/or live chats.
- Its applications don’t have many features, anyway; the ones it has are user-friendly.
4.IPVanish
Next up on the checklist is IPVanish, a VPN provider that works exceptionally well, especially on Android devices. This VPN service has valid encryption methods, and it allows good download speeds. In addition, IPVanish offers a split tunnel feature responsible for protecting your internet traffic.
Main features of IPVanish:
- Works on: Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, iOS
- Streaming websites unblocked: Youtube, Netflix, Hulu
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Trial/Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Number of servers: 1600+
- Server locations: 75+
- Countries: 52
- Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
- Starting price: $2.62/month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Unlimited connections
Split tunneling
24/7 support over the phone
Low price
|
Problems with unlocking Amazon Prime and BBC iPlayer
Based in the US
|
Some tests suggest that this VPN provider (IPVanish) works well with Netflix but unfortunately struggles with BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
5.CyberGhost
According to some VPN reviews, CyberGhost is the best VPN provider for a Mac laptop (an average of 4,1 stars from almost 30,000 rankings on the App Store confirms that too). The best thing about CyberGhost is that it can automatically connect you to a server that better matches your purposes. On top of that, CyberGhost can block malicious sites, trackers, and ads.
Main features of CyberGhost:
- Works on: Windows, Linux, Android, macOS, iOS
- Streaming websites unblocked: YouTube, Netflix, Hulu
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Trial/Money-back guarantee: 45 days
- Number of servers: 7000
- Server locations: 100+
- Countries: 91
- Maximum devices supported: 7
- Starting price: $2.4/month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Thousands of servers around the globe
45-day money-back guarantee
7 supported devices
Affordable costs
|
Problems with accessing iPlayer
Best prices come with a 3-year plan
|
Some reports suggest that CyberGhost may not be the best option for BBC iPlayer users. Another CyberGhost drawback is that you must stick to a minimum 3-year plan to get the best VPN deals.
6.Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield offers the best speed among other VPN services. In addition, this company allows you to watch Netflix on your smartphone or computer without lags or delays. In case you don’t want to spend any penny more, you can try the free Android version.
Main features of Hotspot Shield:
- Works on: Android, Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS
- Streaming websites unblocked: Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, iPlayer, Disney+, YouTube, Prime
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Trial/Money-back guarantee: 45 days
- Number of servers: 3200
- Server locations: 130+
- Countries: 80
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- Starting price: Free or $7.99/month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Fast VPN
Free option for Android
45-day money-back guarantee
|
Based in the US
Doesn’t support P2P or BitTorrent
|
Regardless, there are two drawbacks you need to consider before choosing Hotspot Shield as your VPN provider:
- It is a US company based
- It doesn’t support BitTorrent or P2P
7.Private Internet Access (PIA)
Referring to some Windows-based device tests, Private Internet Access is the best VPN service for Windows offering incredible loading speeds. It also provides excellent apps for Android and iOS devices. On top of that, PIA has a first-rate Chrome extension that makes this company the best VPN for Chrome. To add more, Private Internet Access can block third-party cookies, location access, and site referrers.
Main features of PIA
- Works on: Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android
- Streaming websites unblocked: YouTube, Hulu, Netflix, YouTube
- 24/7 support: No
- Trial/Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Number of servers: 35000+
- Server locations: 130+
- Countries: 78
- Maximum devices supported: 10
- Starting price: $3/month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Exceptionally fast on Windows
Tens of thousands of servers
10 supported devices
|
No 24/7 support
Based in the US
Slow on Macs
|
Private Internet Access is one of the multiple suitable VPN providers with a strict privacy policy. However, you need to know that it is located in the US. Another disadvantage is that the company performance on Macs leaves much to be desired and doesn’t have customer support.
8.Tunnelbear
Tunnelbear is another VPN company on the list that offers a free package with 500 MB of data/month. Even though this free plan is not enough to listen to music or watch TV, who can utilize it for some basic web browsing? This plan is fantastic for testing, so Tunnelbear doesn’t have VPN trials.
However, if you want unlimited bandwidth, you must upgrade to a paid plan. Remember: Tunnelbear can be a perfect VPN solution for those ready to stay with the company for 1-3 years.
Main features of Tunnelbear:
- Works on: macOS, iOS, Windows, Android
- Streaming websites unblocked: Hulu, YouTube
- 24/7/ support: No
- Trial/Money-back guarantee: None
- Number of servers: 1000+
- Server locations: 26+
- Countries: 26+
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- Starting price: Free or $3.33/month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Free plan
User-friendly apps
Pay with Bitcoins
Regular audits by independent third party
High internet speed on Mac
|
Fewer available countries than top VPN providers offer
No live chat support
No money-back guarantee
Problems with Netflix and BBC iPlayer
|
Same as with other VPN companies, Tunnelbear has some weaknesses too. For example, the absence of a money-back guarantee is industry standard. Another weak spot is that it struggles with unlocking BBC iPlayer and Netflix.
9.Encrypt.me
Encrypt.me is another VPN provider on the list that offers digital security to endless devices for a very reasonable price. The Encrypt.me cheapest plan includes 5GB of data for only $2.99/month. Plus, it is the only of the best VPN providers that offer weekly programs for $3.99. And all that makes this company the best VPN service for numerous devices.
Main features of Encrypt.me:
- Works on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS
- Streaming websites unblocked: iPlayer, YouTube
- 24/7 support: No
- Trial/Money-back guarantee: 14 days
- Number of servers: 130+
- Server locations: 75+
- Countries:75
- Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
- Starting price: $2.99/month (5GB)
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Flexible pricing
User-friendly mobile applications
A large choice of encryption protocols
|
US-based (logging policy)
No access to Netflix
|
There are also some Encrypt disadvantages:
- It is based in the US
- It keeps customer data for 16 days before deletion
- It has trouble with unblocking Netflix
10.HideMyAss (HMA)
HMA is one of the best VPN providers on the list, boasting dozens of countries in this industry. In addition, the company offers a distinguishing feature that is easily configurable options for OpenVPN or Linux VPN clients – being the best VPN for PC on Linux.
Main features of HMA:
- Works on: Android, Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS
- Streaming websites unblocked: YouTube, Netflix
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Trial/Money-back guarantee: 30 days
- Number of servers:1000+
- Server locations: 290+
- Countries: 190
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- Starting price: $4.8/month
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
Almost all countries covered
Live support
No-logs security audit by a third party
|
Doesn’t unblock Prime Video, iPlayer, Disney+
|
HMA’s disadvantage is that it won’t help you to unblock Disney, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video – it is only used for Netflix. However, the company allows peer-to-peer computing, which is good news for BitTorrent fans.
This article was published in August 2022. If prices change, we will try to update the article as soon as possible.
