Virtual private networks or ‘VPNs’ have become increasingly popular over the last few years. Much of this popularity stemmed from the growing demand for remote work. Companies needed a way to keep their network and data secure despite the fact that employees may we working from just about anywhere.
VPNs do exactly that. They essentially extend a private network from one place to another. It can be thought of as a tunnel from one specific network directly to a computer. Its primary purpose is to ensure that all data and information sent through this tunnel can’t be seen by anyone else. This gives users a higher level of privacy and prevents outsiders from snooping in on what you’re doing on the internet.
Over the past few years, there has been a large influx of VPN services, but, in spite of that, finding the best VPN could prove to be a difficult endeavour. The sheer quantity of options on the market means that there will always be a wide range of economical VPN choices accessible, no matter how major or trivial your privacy requirements are. However, this means that you will have to sift through even more providers offering fluff to find the best VPN service.
In this article, we’ll go over the best VPN service providers in 2023, their features, merits, and demerits to help you select what will work best for your privacy needs.
Best VPN services in 2023
1. NordVPN
The biggest name in VPNs – Super fast and very secure
From £2.89 (UK) / $3.99 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Streaming sites unblocked: Apple, Disney, iPlayer, Netflix, Prime Video and more…
Number of servers: 5,300+
Server locations: 80+ in 59 countries
Maximum devices supported: 6
24/7 support: Yes
Trial: 30 days
Pros
+ Excellent security features
+ Decent unblocking capabilities
+ Incredible speeds with NordLynx protocol
+ Great value subscription options
Cons
– User experience and support could still be improved
Overview
NordVPN is probably one of the most well-known names in the VPN industry. It provides a large number of simultaneous connections, with six available on its network, compared to almost all other providers’ five or less. This means users can connect and secure up to six different devices at a time.
For those searching for a more advanced VPN connection, NordVPN also provides a dedicated IP feature. And, it has a kill switch, which will disconnect your internet connection if the VPN goes down for whatever reason.
NordVPN has traditionally been a very strong tool for unblocking a wide variety of apps and streaming services, including WhatsApp, YouTube, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer and more. And after some iffy months, we’re starting to see it firing on all cylinders once again when it comes to getting you access to global Netflix catalogs.
NordVPN offers proxy addons for Firefox and Chrome browsers, which make setup quick and easy. It also provides users with a plethora of payment options including credit card, PayPal, and Bitcoin. Users can also get additional virus protection through Threat Protection, NordVPN’s own antivirus and malware protection.
Over the last few years, the provider’s unique NordLynx protocol has got a lot of attention. It has contributed to Nord’s connection speeds being among the fastest and most consistent VPN services, even from servers located furthest away. To date, there have been no reports of any privacy leaks from its users.
The only noticeable drawbacks to this service are the static IP addresses, limited torrenting support, and the frequent complaints of unresponsive customer service.
2. ExpressVPN
A great alternative to NordVPN for speed, privacy and unblocking
From £6.58 (UK) / $8.32 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Streaming sites unblocked: Apple, Disney, iPlayer, Netflix, Prime Video and more…
Number of servers: 3,000+
Server locations: 160 in 94 countries
Maximum devices supported: 5
24/7 support: Yes
Trial: 30 days
Pros
+ Superb all-round performance
+ Easy to run on a wide range of devices
+ Among the fastest VPNs available
+ Ace 24/7 support service
Cons
– A little more expensive
– Lack of long-term subscription options
Overview
ExpressVPN continues to surpass expectations across the board, with over 3,000 servers in 160 locations spanning across 94 different countries. Its five concurrent connections will be sufficient for most subscribers, and it’s also very easy to use on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, and devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, and Smart TVs.
Moreover, it also features some specialised plugins for Chrome and Firefox along with amazing apps on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Linux. To secure your data, the service previously employed industry-standard encrypting and a variety of additional protocols (including IKEv2, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec). However, its own open-sourced Lightway standard is now completely available on all applications which offer enhanced speed and reliability.
However, users seem to consistently complain about the absence of telephone support, as well as slower speeds on Mac devices.
3: Atlas VPN
Best cheap VPN – Unlimited devices and solid streaming
From £1.34 (UK) / $1.83 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Streaming sites unblocked: Apple, Disney, iPlayer, US & UK Netflix, Prime Video and more…
Number of servers: 750+
Server locations: 50 in 42 countries
Maximum devices supported: Unlimited devices
24/7 support: Yes
Trial: 30 days (Plus limited free version)
Pros
+ Unlimited simultaneous connections
+ Solid streaming speeds
+ Bargain price
+ Free version (with unlimited bandwidth)
Cons
– Not available on Linux or as browser extensions
– Smaller server network
Overview
Atlas VPN is another one of the cheapest VPN services on our list. The three-year subscription is a fantastic deal at just £1.34 (UK) / $1.83 (US) per month. There’s even a free version that offers unlimited bandwidth and simultaneous connections out-of-the-box. But, it’s definitely worth upgrading to the full version of Atlas VPN to unlock all servers and features.
While the server network is smaller than some of the bigger names on this list, the coverage is more than adequate for the average user. And, that’s who Atlas VPN is for—those that want an easy-to-use VPN that is reliable and doesn’t break the bank.
The app interface is a pleasure to use and everything we tested—speed, unblocking, privacy, support—was above average, nudging Atlas VPN towards the top of this list. For a true premium experience and access to more advanced features, though, look to the big names.
With WireGuard speeds pushing 780Mbps and streaming optimised servers, you should have no problem gaming and watching YouTube videos at 4K resolution. We were able to unblock Apple TV+, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, US & UK Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and ITV with relative ease. Netflix in Australia, Japan and Canada gave us some issues, but persistence normally paid off here.
4. Private Internet Access
A great all-round VPN that keeps getting better
From £1.67 (UK) / $2.03 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Streaming sites unblocked: Apple, Disney, US Netflix, Prime Video
Number of servers: 10,000+
Server locations: 100 in 78 countries
Maximum devices supported: 10
24/7 support: Yes
Trial: 30 days
Pros
+ Insane amount of many servers
+ Feature-filled apps
+ New features regularly added
+ Great value
+ Decent unblocking performance
+ Very useful browser extensions
Cons
– WireGuard speeds not up to scratch
– No security audit
Overview
Private Internet Access (PIA) is continuing to grow, with what is perhaps the largest server network of any service. Though PIA doesn’t provide exact figures, it has at least 10,000 servers and potentially more than 35,000, so you’ll always be able to have a solid connection no matter where you are, with no risk of congestion.
PIA can also unblock US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other streaming services. Although WireGuard speeds aren’t the fastest, PIA is more than capable of streaming in HD. Additionally, its desktop programs support port forwarding, which is a rare feature, and its kill switch feature is quite stable.
The VPN’s proxy plug-ins are equally excellent, with up-to-date technology that provides faster internet access. Private Internet Access can be the best pick for you if you’re searching for an affordable and powerful VPN.
The only issues with this service are the unavailability of split tunneling on iPhones and the slower speeds experienced on Mac devices, compared to other PCs.
5. Surfshark
Another affordable VPN – Unlimited devices and reliable connections
From £1.75 (UK) / $2.49 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Streaming sites unblocked: Apple, Disney, iPlayer, Netflix, Prime Video and more…
Number of servers: 3,200+
Server locations: 100+ in 65 countries
Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
24/7 support: Yes
Trial: 30 days
Pros
+ Longer-term plans are great value
+ Unlimited devices supported
+ Reliable connections
+ Decent unblocking performance
Cons
– Not as fast as Nord
– The odd kill switch issue
– Some Netflix issues
Overview
Surfshark, established in the British Virgin Islands, should be one of your first options if you’re searching for the best value for your money. It’s a terrific pick for those on a budget because it costs far less than many of its counterparts while giving similar results in many categories.
Surfshark applications are simple and functional, and are available on all the main operating systems and mobile devices. While it may not be as technologically advanced as others, it does provide the industry-standard AES-256 encryption, split tunneling, over 3,200 servers to choose from, and a kill switch.
Surfshark is torrent and download friendly, allowing users to utilise a variety of torrent software. This VPN service also features infinite devices per subscription, and it assigns you a distinct IP address each time you initiate a connection, making tracking considerably more difficult. However, retaining a single IP address is also an option.
Surfshark doesn’t offer many of the advanced features of its competitors, this includes the lack of an automatic kill switch in case of a VPN disconnection.
6. Proton VPN
Best free VPN – With feature rich paid plans
From $0.00 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Streaming sites unblocked: Apple, Disney, iPlayer, Netflix, Prime Video and more…
Number of servers: 1,600+
Server locations: 85+ in 63 countries
Maximum devices supported: 10
24/7 support: No
Trial: 30 days (Plus limited free version)
Pros
+ Strong focus on privacy and security
+ Free plan with unlimited bandwidth
+ Feature rich apps
+ Improving speeds and coverage
+ Very stable connections
Cons
– Paid plans are quite expensive
– Live chat not 24/7 (yet)
Overview
Proton has significantly invested in its VPN services over the last year. Its server network has expanded from only a few hundred to over 2,000, and its software and apps have seen significant enhancements, including additional features and support. The most recent and major of these was WireGuard, which has since been completely integrated, providing more reliable security.
Proton has also upgraded its streaming capabilities, making it a trusted service for circumventing geo-restrictions when travelling. It has been proven to unblock Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and foreign Netflix archives. It should be emphasised, however, that this is only applicable if you have a Plus membership, it does not apply to users on the free or basic subscription tier.
However, Proton VPN comes up short when compared to some of its counterparts, as the subscription costs are relatively high, especially considering the low number of available servers.
7. CyberGhost
Best VPN for torrenting
From £1.75 (UK) / $2.29 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Streaming sites unblocked: Disney, iPlayer, US Netflix, Prime Video
Number of servers: 7,600+
Server locations: 105+ in 91 countries
Maximum devices supported: 7
24/7 support: Yes
Trial: 45 days
Pros
+ Well distributed server network
+ Feature packed
+ Responsive live chat support
+ Incredibly fast
Cons
– No security audit
– Occasional usability issue
Overview
CyberGhost offers over 7,500 servers in 91 different countries, so you should have no difficulty connecting to a suitable server. CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania and isn’t a member of the notorious multinational monitoring networks. Additionally, Romania has absolutely no data retention rules of its own, making it an excellent choice for privacy.
The Windows client application for CyberGhost provides a feature-rich, user-friendly UI with simple controls for streaming video, torrenting files, securing your Wi-Fi broadcasts, and avoiding censorship.
When utilising WireGuard, CyberGhost also provides exceptional speeds, topping up at an astonishing 860Mbps. That’s on par with even the most dominant corporate networks, so almost every user should be able to surf without difficulty.
However, there are some app bugs, the majority of them are related to the kill switch. Despite the fact that it keeps you safe, the app may sometimes show your status as connected even when you’re not actually connected.
8: IPVanish
Solid VPN solution – Fast, but streamers should probably look elsewhere
From $3.75 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Streaming sites unblocked: Disney, iPlayer, US Netflix
Number of servers: 2,000+
Server locations: 75+ in 52 countries
Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
24/7 support: Yes
Trial: 30 days
Pros
+ Owns and manages its own servers
+ Insane WireGuard speeds
+ Reliable security features
+ Unlimited simultaneous devices
Cons
– Patchy streaming unblocking
– On the pricey side
Overview
IPVanish is a long-standing US VPN provider that is largely recognised as a safe, dependable, and trustworthy service. It appears to be built for the more tech-savvy user, with a slew of handy features and sophisticated applications that display all the info you could want.
IPVanish just recently adopted WireGuard, but it’s currently one of the fastest providers in the industry owing to it. Although its OpenVPN speeds aren’t quite as fast, most users will still choose the new protocol. While it isn’t as comprehensive as other specialist VPN services, ‘Scramble’ is an intriguing feature that enables VPN use in places with strict regulations such as China.
IPVanish’s applications may appear daunting to first-time VPN users. There are graphs, drop-down menus for selecting locations and severs, and a map interface. This is wonderful for VPN veteran uses, but it may be a bit much for the typical first-time user.
Ultimately, IPVanish is still worth exploring, even though it has lost some ground to the top providers. This VPN is perfect for you if you enjoy a more comprehensive and in-depth solution.
9. Ivacy
Cheapest VPN – Huge number of servers and locations for an ultra low price
From £0.80 (UK) / $1.00 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Streaming sites unblocked: Apple, Disney, iPlayer, Netflix, Prime Video and more…
Number of servers: 5,700+
Server locations: 100+ in 66 countries
Maximum devices supported: 10
24/7 support: Yes
Trial: 7 days
Pros
+ Huge number of servers and locations to choose from
+ Bargain price
Cons
– Mixed results in Streaming Mode
– Somewhat slower connection speeds
Overview
Ivacy is the probably the cheapest VPN you can get. The 5-year subscription is an amazing deal at just £0.80 (UK) / $1.00 (US) per month. Despite the bargain price, Ivacy remains a solid all-round VPN that’s jam-packed with useful features. For example, you can search for the best servers to use with any streaming service, store your favourites, and select from a variety of protocols. Split tunneling and a kill switch are also included and the program even purports to analyse downloaded files for malware.
On the app side, there are a few interface bugs that still need fixing. Automatic server selection doesn’t always give the preferred servers, and Streaming Mode introduces a slew of issues, including concealed IP addresses and unchangeable servers. Overall though, that pricing is hard to beat, and if that’s your biggest consideration, Ivacy may be the right VPN for you.
10. Hotspot Shield
Another good free option
From $0.00 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Streaming sites unblocked: Apple, Disney, iPlayer, Netflix, Prime Video and more…
Number of servers: 3,200+
Server locations: 130+ in 80+ countries
Maximum devices supported: 7
24/7 support: Yes
Trial: 45 days (Plus limited free version)
Pros
+ Decent free version
+ Quick connection speeds
+ P2P support
Cons
– Speeds no longer market leading
– Would welcome more privacy enhancing features
Overview
Hotspot Shield’s premium VPN is proof that spending a few bucks a month for a VPN service provides you a considerably better VPN experience. This VPN provides you complete access to 1,800+ servers in over 80 countries, as well as access for up to five devices, 24/7 customer service, and zero ads.
Hotspot Shield’s patented Catapult Hydra protocol helps offer some of the most consistent and speediest download rates available, which has made it a big selling feature. Hotspot has also expanded features to facilitate usage on Linux, routers, and TV streamers, in addition to being able to operate on devices where you can use its own Mac, Windows, iOS, or Android apps.
A SmartVPN function is also included in the subscription. The feature allows users to choose which websites are skipped by the VPN. This feature alone can save time and headaches as it automatically turns the VPN on and off depending on your settings.
Hotspot Shield bypasses most of the biggest streaming platforms if you simply need a VPN to enable you to view more diverse entertainment. Sadly, Netflix’s latest policy of blocking IP proxies is succeeding rather well, and Hotspot Shield is having a difficult time circumventing it.
Other VPN services worth considering in 2023
Windscribe
Best VPN browser extension
From $0.00 (US) per month
Specs
Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Streaming sites unblocked: iPlayer, YouTube, Prime Video, Hulu
Number of servers: 400
Server locations: 110 in 63 countries
Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
24/7 support: No
Trial: N/A (Limited free version available)
Pros
+ Unlimited device connections
+ Crammed with features and functionality
+ Speedy WireGuard protocol supported
+ Excellent browser extensions
+ Usable free option
Cons
– Fewer servers than competition
– No live chat support?
Overview
Windscribe is another popular VPN service provider that gives users the best quality of service and a lot of impressive features. Clients for Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, for example, as well as stylish plug-ins for Firefox, Chrome, and Opera, are available for newcomers. A single subscription also covers an infinite number of devices, so you can use Windscribe to protect them all.
Experienced VPN users will appreciate some of Winscribe’s more complex capabilities that aren’t available anyplace else. For example, the option to connect to other providers’ servers using OpenVPN configuration files from Windscribe’s software.
Windscribe’s network performance, on the other hand, was less spectacular, as it offered slower connection speeds than its counterpart even when utilising the recently integrated WireGuard. It’s still decent enough for streaming, but it’s no match for the world’s fastest providers.
Windscribe subscriptions can be purchased using Bitcoin, and you don’t even need to supply an email address. The service is also situated in Canada, which could draw customers who are suspicious of US authorities.
Which VPN best suits you?
Virtual private networks come with a lot of different features and functionality. Finding the right one that suits you will really come down to what you’re looking to do with it. Each brand has designed itself with a specific use in mind, so whether you’re trying to simply add another layer of security, or circumvent certain restrictions, there’s a VPN for you.
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