Independently compared
Pick the right VPN, minus the hype.
Independent comparisons of the best VPN services. Clear explanations, honest pros and cons, and no inflated scores.
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NordVPN
4.7The complete package: fast, secure, and good at everything.
No sponsored rankings. We may earn a commission via our links, at no extra cost to you.
The best VPN services, ranked
Ranked on quality, ease of use and price.
- 4.5
From $2.99/mo
Free version available
Independently compared
Honest comparisons based on speed, privacy, and price. No sponsored rankings, ever.
Privacy first
We look at logging policies, audits, and jurisdiction, not just at marketing claims.
Clear pricing
You see what you pay per month up front, including what happens when the intro deal ends.
Kept up to date
VPN deals change constantly. We check our prices regularly and date our reviews.
Compare the real price of every VPN service
Our live index ranks all 15 VPN services by what they actually cost.
Compare pricesLowest prices
liveReviews
Our independent verdicts, dated and sourced.
Nord Security
“We ran NordVPN for four weeks and it lived up to its reputation: high speeds, streaming worked everywhere, and the no-logs policy has been independently verified multiple times. On a two-year plan, the best all-round choice right now.”Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Surfshark B.V.
“Unlimited devices for a few dollars a month is a combination nobody else matches. Speeds hold up well and streaming works fine. The best value in this lineup.”Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Mullvad VPN AB
“Mullvad plays no marketing games: flat price, no account, no logs. For pure privacy, this is the most honest service we know. For streaming, look elsewhere.”Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Proton AG
“The only serious free VPN without a data cap, and the paid Plus plan handles streaming just fine. Swiss, open source, and audited: solid on every front.”Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Knowledge base
Practical guides and explainers to help you pick the right VPN service.
The best VPN for streaming
Which VPNs reliably work with streaming services, and which ones to skip.
The best cheap VPN
A top-tier service for a couple of dollars a month: these budget picks deliver.
The best VPN for families
Cover every phone, laptop, and tablet in the house with a single subscription.
The best VPN for travel
Safe on hotel Wi-Fi and banking like you are home: what matters in a travel VPN.
The best free VPN
Honest free plans and generous money-back guarantees: test without risk.
The best all-round VPNs this year
The complete VPN services that do everything well: speed, privacy, and streaming in one place.
How to choose the right VPN
Run through these steps and you will know which VPN fits you within five minutes.
Frequently asked questions
The questions people ask most, answered short and straight.
What is a VPN and why would I use one?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address. That protects your privacy on public Wi-Fi, stops your internet provider from watching what you do, and lets you browse more safely and freely.
Which VPN is the best?
It depends on what you need. For pure privacy, providers with a proven no-logs policy like Mullvad or Proton VPN are strongest. For an all-round choice for streaming and daily use, look at NordVPN or Surfshark.
Is a free VPN safe?
Sometimes, but be picky. Good free options like Proton VPN Free or Windscribe are limited but trustworthy. Many other free services make money from your data, which is exactly what you are trying to avoid.
Is using a VPN legal?
In the United States and most of the world, yes, completely. A VPN is a standard privacy tool used by businesses and individuals alike. What remains illegal is illegal with or without a VPN.
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