You’ve probably seen a YouTuber or a commercial talking about the benefits of a VPN, or virtual private network, which is designed to protect your online activity from surveillance and tracking. While most people don’t need to use a VPN all the time, there are still solid reasons to have one ready.
If you want to stop your internet service provider from monitoring your browsing habits or you need extra privacy on public Wi-Fi, our top pick is ProtonVPN. It offers strong security, a strict no-logs policy, and gives you access to other products from the Proton suite of tools, all for the price of one subscription.
Proton VPN
Best Overall VPN
ProtonVPN delivers fast, secure, and private internet access with advanced encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and reliable performance.
Buy from Proton VPNProton VPN stands out in a crowded VPN market by offering one of the only truly usable free plans with no data or time limits. While free users are limited to a single device, a handful of servers, and miss out on advanced features, the offering is still unusually generous and secure for a no-cost service. The paid plan, priced around industry average, unlocks the full feature set and provides access to other Proton tools like Proton Mail and Proton Drive, benefits even free-tier users can enjoy.
On the technical front, Proton VPN includes advanced capabilities like multi-hop connections, access to the Tor network, an integrated ad and malware blocker, split tunneling, a kill switch, and port forwarding. The service is open-source, regularly audited, and backed by a bug bounty program. It also uses full disk encryption for all server data, and its Stealth protocol is specifically designed to bypass VPN blocks in restrictive countries. While download speeds landed in the middle of the pack, Proton VPN delivered the best upload speeds in our tests.
The user experience is polished across platforms, particularly on iOS, where the intuitive interface makes navigation seamless. Streaming performance is generally reliable with good access to international Netflix libraries, though results may vary by server. With strong security practices, a transparent company behind it, and unmatched value on the free plan, Proton VPN is a top-tier choice for both casual and privacy-conscious users.
NordVPN
Best for Speed and Streaming
NordVPN delivers fast, secure connections with a large server network, advanced privacy features, and strong streaming performance across platforms.
Buy from NordVPNNordVPN is a widely recognized VPN service that offers a robust set of features and consistently high performance across platforms. While its pricing is higher than average, it backs that up with a large server network, advanced privacy tools, and strong streaming reliability. The service includes support for WireGuard via its proprietary NordLynx protocol and runs on RAM-only servers, ensuring that user data is never stored long term. The design is clean and consistent across mobile and desktop, and the app is easy to use for both beginners and power users.
A NordVPN subscription comes with an impressive toolkit: ad and malware blocking, a kill switch, split tunneling, multi-hop connections, and Tor access via VPN. Threat Protection Pro adds even more security by scanning downloads and blocking malicious URLs in real time. NordVPN claims a strict no-logs policy, and its infrastructure and apps are audited by third-party cybersecurity firms. The Meshnet feature allows encrypted connections between your own devices or with trusted contacts, which is useful for secure file sharing and remote access.
NordVPN also excels in streaming performance, offering access to full Netflix libraries across multiple regions including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia. The service maintains good speeds even during high-bandwidth activities, and its pause and trusted network functions give users better control over when the VPN is active. Combined with extra offerings like a password manager and encrypted cloud storage, NordVPN is a feature-rich option ideal for users who want a premium, all-in-one security suite.
ExpressVPN
Best for Global Access
ExpressVPN offers fast, reliable connections with strong security, easy-to-use apps, and servers in 90+ countries, ideal for streaming and global access.
Buy from ExpressVPNExpressVPN is a premium VPN service known for its global reach, sleek design, and consistently strong performance. With servers in 105 countries, it’s one of the most geographically diverse VPNs available. ExpressVPN developed its own Lightway protocol, which prioritizes speed and reliability while using open-source cryptography. Though it does not offer a free version and its subscription costs more than average, the service includes valuable extras such as a password manager, a dark web monitor, and identity theft insurance for multi-year plans.
On the privacy front, ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy and clearly outlines how it handles data requests in its transparency report. The service undergoes independent security audits and runs a bug bounty program to help identify and fix vulnerabilities. Additional features include a kill switch, split tunneling, a malware blocker, and Threat Manager, which stops tracking scripts in their tracks. The company also offers a data removal request service with eligible plans, helping users clean up their digital footprint across the web.
Performance-wise, ExpressVPN delivers fast, stable connections that hold up well during high-bandwidth activities like streaming and gaming. With apps for all major platforms and even a command line interface for Linux users, it’s accessible and easy to use. The broad server coverage makes it especially effective for accessing region-restricted content on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube, even in countries with strict censorship. For users who want a fast, polished, and globally accessible VPN, ExpressVPN remains one of the strongest options.
Mullvad VPN
Best for Privacy
Mullvad VPN offers top-tier privacy with no email or account required, strong encryption, and a proven no-logs policy, perfect for users who value anonymity.
Buy from MullvadMullvad VPN is built with privacy as its foundation, offering a level of anonymity and transparency that few competitors match. Instead of requiring personal details, Mullvad issues a randomly generated account number for login, no email, username, or password needed. The service costs a flat €5 per month, with no discounts for long-term plans, making it refreshingly simple and affordable. Payments can be made via credit card, PayPal, cryptocurrency, or even by mailing cash directly to Mullvad’s offices, which adds an extra layer of anonymity for those who want it.
The service is known for its rigorous privacy practices, including a strict no-logs policy, frequent third-party audits, and full transparency around ownership and infrastructure. Mullvad’s apps are open-source, support strong protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, and feature a built-in kill switch that cannot be disabled. Advanced features like multi-hop connections, split tunneling, and content blocking are available on select platforms, and obfuscation tools are built into all apps to help bypass censorship. Although Mullvad doesn’t offer access to the Tor network directly through the VPN, it developed the Mullvad Browser in collaboration with the Tor Project to enhance online privacy.
Mullvad also excels in server transparency. Its public server list includes technical details and ownership information, giving users a rare look into the service’s backend. While its interface may feel minimal compared to more commercial VPNs, it’s consistent across platforms and easy to use. Mullvad is ideal for users who prioritize privacy and want a no-nonsense VPN with transparent policies and advanced security features.
No matter which VPN you choose from this list, you’re getting a high-quality service with strong privacy protections and reliable performance. Each option has its own strengths, from Mullvad’s unmatched anonymity to ExpressVPN’s global reach and NordVPN’s top-tier streaming support. Whether your priority is speed, privacy, or usability, these services cover the full spectrum of VPN needs.
At the end of the day, we personally use ProtonVPN because of its solid privacy reputation and the added benefit of integrated access to Proton Mail, Proton Pass, and Proton Drive. It’s a strong all-around choice that fits seamlessly into a privacy-first digital lifestyle. But you really can’t go wrong with any of the providers highlighted above, they’re all trustworthy, capable, and well-suited to keeping your online activity secure.