Finding the best VPN for your particular needs can be difficult. There are a growing number of VPN services to choose from, and not all offer the same level of security and speed. This is where our best VPN guide comes in. We have tested a multitude of VPN services and compiled a list of our recommendations for the best VPN that will maximize your security and privacy.
The list below features the absolute best VPN of 2022. You’ll mostly find the same names you see here, but we’ll call out when and where specific traits make for a better choice in a more narrow evaluation.
List of Best VPN service in 2022
Express VPN
Best VPN service for speed, Privacy and Unblocking.
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- Number of servers: 3,000+
- Server locations: 160
- Countries: 94
- Exclusive Offer: Three months free with one-year plan, plus a free year of Backblaze cloud backup (limited-time offer)
ExpressVPN gives you the choice of over 3,000 servers in 160 locations in 94 countries. Its five simultaneous connections will be more than enough for most subscribers and other great apps on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux as well as dedicated extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Express VPN is also available for smart TV systems like Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, Smart TV, and game consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
In terms of additional features, ExpressVPN goes above and beyond. Bitcoin payments, P2P support, kill switch, DNS leak protection, solid and reliable performance, and a clear no-logging policy that’s been verified by independent auditors.
Its best plan is priced at less than $7 a month for an annual package, which includes three months free. Either way, you can always take advantage of ExpressVPN’s Quibble-free 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use as a free trial.
Nord VPN
The best online VPN service for speed and security.
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- Number of servers: 5,200+
- Server locations: 80+
- Countries: 60
- Exclusive Offer: $3.30 a month for a two-year plan plus 3 months free
NordVPN is one of the most recognized brands in the field of VPNs. It offers a generous number of simultaneous connections, with six simultaneous connections on its network, where almost all other providers offer five or fewer. NordVPN also offers a dedicated IP option, for those looking for a different level of VPN connection. NordVPN offers a killswitch function and the possibility of a VPN in Tor.
NordVPN has a few options available included monthly subscriptions and an excellent value two-year special offer. If you want to give the service a whirl before you commit, NordVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark
Privacy tools, Excellent app, and Unlimited device connections.
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- Number of servers: 3,200
- Server locations: 100+
- Countries: 65
- Exclusive Offer: $2.49 a month for a two-year plan(This plan includes the biggest savings and is fully refundable for 30 days)
While Surfshark’s network is smaller than some, the VPN service makes it up on features and speed. It offers unlimited device support. If you want to run your entire home or office on Surfshark’s VPN, you don’t have to worry about how many devices you have on or connected. It also offers antimalware, ad-blocking, and tracker-blocking as part of its software.
That said, when it comes to keeping you and your online identity secure, Surfshark is all business. It has now added the new protocol in town WireGuard to its OpenVPN UDP and TCP and IKEv2 options. In addition, Surfshark boasts a private DNS and an extra security blanket via a double VPN hop. It also successfully gets to grips with unblocking geo-restricted access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and others.
Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to give it a try before committing for a longer period.
ProtonVPN
High-speed Swiss VPN that safeguards your privacy.
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- Number of servers: 1,500+
- Server locations: 85+
- Countries: 63
- Exclusive Offer: $8 per month ($96 charged yearly)
When you use ProtonVPN to browse the web, your Internet connection is encrypted. By routing your connection through encrypted tunnels, ProtonVPN’s advanced security features ensure that an attacker cannot eavesdrop on your connection. It also allows you to access websites that might be blocked in your country.
The very fact that Proton is based in Switzerland, instantly makes you just feel safer. And that’s only enhanced by terrific kill switches, the opportunity to pay by Bitcoin, and solid P2P support for torrenting.
IPVanish
Powerful Internet Privacy.
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu
- Number of servers: 2,000+
- Server locations: 75+
- Countries: 50+
- Exclusive Offer: $3.75 a month (70% discount) for a one-year plan
IPVanish VPN works by establishing an encrypted connection via a tunneling protocol to transmit the data that leaves your device — both the information about your device as well as the contents of your internet traffic. IPVanish spans 40,000+ IPs on 2,000+ VPN servers in 75+ locations, giving anyone the power to browse the internet anonymously and access a secure network, no matter where they are located.
Providing reliable VPN service for more than eight years, IPVanish is committed to giving subscribers the quality care they deserve. With 24/7 customer support through phone, email, and live chat, a team member is always available to answer questions or lend a helping hand.
IPVanish only allows a seven-day trial, rather than a full 30 days, but it does offer a full money-back guarantee.
FAQ
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for “Virtual Private Network” and describes the opportunity to establish a protected network connection when using public networks. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and disguise your online identity. This makes it more difficult for third parties to track your activities online and steal data. The encryption takes place in real-time.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN hides your IP address by letting the network redirect it through a specially configured remote server run by a VPN host. This means that if you surf online with a VPN, the VPN server becomes the source of your data. This means your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and other third parties cannot see which websites you visit or what data you send and receive online. A VPN works like a filter that turns all your data into “gibberish”. Even if someone were to get their hands on your data, it would be useless.
Is it worth having a VPN?
Absolutely. If you browse online, you simply need to use a VPN. Encrypted internet traffic, greater online privacy, and access to more content are the main advantages of a VPN. Furthermore, people are more vulnerable to cyber threats than they think. A VPN provides an extra layer of security that’s indispensable when you’re on public Wi-Fi, browsing websites without HTTPS, or using unsecured apps.
Are there any disadvantages to using a VPN?
It depends on the VPN service of your choice. Free VPN services often collect and sell user data — because they need to make money somehow. But if you’re willing to pay for the service, VPN benefits outweigh the possible disadvantages by a mile.
Make sure you choose an established VPN brand that offers a strict no-logs policy and is trusted by millions of internet users. That’s how you’ll get all VPN advantages without suffering any drawbacks.
