A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is indispensable for enhancing your online privacy and security. By encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a secure server, a VPN effectively masks your online activities, shielding them from unwanted surveillance and ensuring anonymity.
When searching for the ideal VPN, several crucial factors come into play. Key considerations include a proven track record of privacy, consistently fast connection speeds, the ability to reliably bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services, and a robust server network that meets your geographical requirements. The VPNs highlighted below not only meet these essential criteria but also offer additional benefits.
Why you should trust our recommendations: At compare.edu.vn, our expertise lies in thorough comparisons across various domains. As a content creator for this platform, I bring years of experience in evaluating digital security tools. My analysis of VPNs is grounded in rigorous testing and a deep understanding of user needs in online privacy and security. I continuously assess leading VPNs and emerging services, focusing on features and performance metrics that are most relevant to users. My methodology prioritizes real-world performance and user-centric evaluation.
ExpressVPN – Top VPN Choice: Balancing Features and Price
Pros:
- Exceptional speeds for seamless browsing and streaming
- User-friendly interface suitable for all levels of users
- Consistently unblocks major streaming platforms
- Robust security and privacy policies
Cons:
- Pricier compared to many competitors, impacting budget-conscious users
- While feature-rich, some top-tier VPNs offer a broader array of advanced options
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $8.32/month
Why We Recommend ExpressVPN
Choosing the best overall VPN involves navigating a landscape of trade-offs. Some VPNs may compromise on privacy for user-friendliness and extensive features, while others need significant interface improvements.
Historically, VPN selection heavily favored privacy. However, contemporary users balance privacy concerns with performance, additional features, server diversity, and ease of use. ExpressVPN excels in these areas, making it our top recommendation. It consistently ranks among the fastest VPNs in our tests and boasts an intuitive Windows application.
ExpressVPN’s server infrastructure is entirely diskless, operating solely on RAM. This enhances security, a practice increasingly common among premium VPN providers. Device compatibility is broad, recently extending to AppleTV and featuring a smart DNS for various set-top boxes and gaming consoles. Beyond core VPN functionality, ExpressVPN is expanding its security ecosystem with integrated ad and tracker blocking, and a new password manager, offering a more comprehensive security solution.
While not the cheapest option, ExpressVPN delivers excellent value, justifying its price with superior performance and features. Regular independent audits reinforce its commitment to privacy and user trust.
Who Should Consider ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of users. Beginners will appreciate its straightforward setup – download, select a server, and connect. Advanced users can leverage features like split-tunneling, protocol customization, and a kill switch for tailored performance.
ExpressVPN’s expansion into a comprehensive security suite, including ad and tracker blocking, parental controls, and a password manager, adds significant value. Its device compatibility is outstanding, supporting up to eight simultaneous connections across virtually any device.
For users prioritizing a blend of performance, ease of use, and robust security without strictly focusing on the lowest price, ExpressVPN is a leading contender. While it’s not the cheapest VPN, the balance of features and performance often justifies the slightly higher VPN price point for many users. When you Compare Vpn Prices, consider the overall value, and ExpressVPN stands out in delivering a premium experience.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
NordVPN – Best VPN for Feature Richness: Price Justifies Advanced Options
Pros:
- Extensive array of VPN configuration options, catering to advanced users
- Consistently outstanding connection speeds
- Multiple independent audits verifying no-logs policy
- Bundled antivirus and password manager, enhancing overall value
Cons:
- Higher price point may deter budget-conscious users
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $3.99/month
Why We Recommend NordVPN
NordVPN, similar to ExpressVPN, stands as a top-tier VPN choice. It arguably surpasses ExpressVPN in feature richness, forming part of Nord Security’s broader privacy and security product suite. The user-friendly desktop app is packed with features, including Tor over VPN, multi-hop connections, Meshnet, and a comprehensive security suite featuring ad and malware blocking, alongside Nord’s password manager and link-checker tool.
NordVPN has significantly enhanced user trust through four independent no-logs policy audits completed recently. The service also conducts rigorous vendor assessments and utilizes RAM-only diskless servers for superior security. Speed performance is remarkable, averaging 72% of base internet speed across servers in our tests – the fastest among VPNs we’ve evaluated.
NordVPN is positioned second primarily due to ExpressVPN’s slight advantage in privacy and transparency. However, NordVPN remains an exceptional choice, particularly when considering the features offered in relation to its VPN prices. When you compare VPN prices of feature-rich VPNs, NordVPN offers a compelling package.
Who Should Consider NordVPN?
NordVPN, like ExpressVPN, is a robust choice for diverse users. Its extensive feature set appeals to advanced users, while the intuitive, straightforward app ensures ease of use for beginners. NordVPN guarantees seamless access to geo-restricted streaming content.
For users seeking comprehensive security solutions beyond just VPN protection, NordVPN’s bundled security features—malware protection, ad and tracker blocking, and file-download protection—offer significant convenience within a single subscription.
For those who prioritize a wide array of features and are willing to invest slightly more for enhanced functionality, NordVPN is highly recommended. While NordVPN price is not the lowest, the value derived from its extensive features and strong performance makes it a worthwhile investment when you compare VPN prices against feature sets.
Read our full NordVPN review
Surfshark – Best Budget VPN: Affordable VPN Prices without Compromising Quality
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections, ideal for families or multiple devices
- Reliable Netflix unblocking capabilities
- Integrated ad, tracker, and malware blocking for enhanced security
- Exceptionally low prices on long-term plans, maximizing savings
Cons:
- Lacks readily available indicators for server ping or load, affecting advanced user monitoring
- Based in the Netherlands, subject to potential government data sharing requests
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $2.49/month
Why We Recommend Surfshark
Surfshark excels as an all-around VPN, delivering strong performance across key areas. It boasts blazing-fast speeds, a feature set rivaling NordVPN, and robust privacy credentials supported by a no-logs policy and multiple independent audits. However, Surfshark’s standout feature is its affordability. The 2-year plan offers comprehensive protection for just over $2 per month, an exceptional value for a premium VPN service. Subscriptions include standard VPN features, customizable Dynamic MultiHop connections, identity protection alerts, and antivirus/malware protection.
While monthly subscription prices are moderate, Surfshark’s long-term plans offer substantial savings. Although we generally advise caution with long-term VPN commitments due to market volatility, Surfshark is a notable exception. It’s a well-established, reliable provider with a consistent service record. For users seeking top-tier VPN features at the most competitive VPN prices, Surfshark is an excellent choice. When you compare VPN prices for feature-rich services, Surfshark consistently emerges as a leader in affordability.
Who Should Consider Surfshark?
Surfshark is a broadly appealing VPN option, particularly for those prioritizing budget without sacrificing essential features. Users seeking cost-effective VPN prices will find Surfshark meets their needs without compromising on performance or security.
Surfshark is ideal for users needing VPN protection for multiple devices simultaneously due to its unlimited connections. Its strong unblocking capabilities and additional security features further enhance its value proposition for price-conscious users. If finding the best VPN price is a priority, Surfshark delivers exceptional value.
Read our full Surfshark review
Mullvad – Best VPN for Unmatched Privacy: Price Reflects Privacy Focus
Pros:
- Commendable connection speeds
- Inexpensive monthly plan, offering flexibility
- Unrivaled anonymity features, prioritizing user privacy
- Open-source platform, enhancing transparency and security
Cons:
- Less effective at unblocking streaming services compared to competitors
- Smaller server network, potentially limiting server choice
- Lacks some additional features found in more comprehensive VPNs
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $5.50/month
Why We Recommend Mullvad
Mullvad distinguishes itself with an unwavering commitment to privacy and anonymity, unparalleled in the VPN market. Unlike many VPNs, Mullvad actively minimizes user data collection, requiring no email address or personal information. Instead, it assigns a random account number for identification and login.
Mullvad accepts diverse payment methods, including standard options like credit cards and PayPal, but also supports cash payments via mail for maximum privacy. It adheres to a strict no-logging policy, ensuring no identifying metadata is collected.
Despite its privacy focus, Mullvad maintains fast connection speeds, ranking among the top five in our speed tests. Its straightforward pricing model offers a flat monthly fee, simplifying VPN price comparison.
Who Should Consider Mullvad?
Mullvad is primarily tailored for privacy-conscious users. While it functions effectively as a general-purpose VPN, its core appeal lies in its anonymized payment system, commitment to metadata minimization, and robust privacy assurances. Users prioritizing absolute privacy above all else will find Mullvad exceptionally aligned with their needs.
Users seeking a VPN primarily for streaming content may find Mullvad less suitable due to occasional difficulties unblocking streaming services. However, for users prioritizing privacy and security at a reasonable VPN price, Mullvad is a top recommendation. When you compare VPN prices for privacy-focused services, Mullvad offers excellent value for its unique privacy features.
Read our full Mullvad review
IVPN – Runner-Up for Best Privacy VPN: Balancing Price and Privacy
Pros:
- Excellent speeds on U.S., UK, and European servers, ensuring reliable performance in key regions
- User-friendly interface, easy to navigate and understand
- Fast connection speeds with default WireGuard protocol
Cons:
- Higher annual price at $100 per year, impacting affordability
- Smaller server network with under 100 servers, limiting server options
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $10/month or $100/year
Why We Recommend IVPN
IVPN follows closely behind Mullvad in privacy focus. This Gibraltar-based VPN has also shifted to randomly assigned account numbers, moving away from email-based identifiers to enhance user anonymity. Similar to Mullvad, IVPN supports various privacy-centric payment options, including cash, alongside standard methods like credit cards, PayPal, Bitcoin, and Monero. While not among the fastest VPNs, IVPN provides adequate speeds for everyday use.
Another privacy-oriented option is OVPN. While not as stringent as Mullvad or IVPN, OVPN requires only a username and password for account creation, with no mandatory email address. OVPN ranks just outside our top 10 for speed, performing well overall.
When considering VPN prices for privacy-focused services, IVPN and OVPN offer robust options, though they may be priced slightly higher than general-purpose VPNs due to their specialized privacy features.
Who Should Consider IVPN?
IVPN primarily appeals to privacy-conscious users. Like Mullvad, it features an anonymized payment system and enhances user ID obfuscation through random account numbers instead of emails. Its strong privacy policy further underscores its commitment to user anonymity.
For users prioritizing privacy and willing to invest in a service that emphasizes anonymity, IVPN is a strong contender. While the VPN price is higher on an annual basis, the focus on privacy and security justifies the cost for users with stringent privacy requirements. When you compare VPN prices for premium privacy VPNs, IVPN is a competitive option.
Read our full IVPN review
Hotspot Shield – Fastest VPN: Speed at a Premium Price
Pros:
- Exceptionally fast connection speeds, leading the market
- Extensive country selection and numerous servers, ensuring broad coverage
Cons:
- Records domain visits, raising privacy concerns for some users, though not linked to personal identity
- Higher price point compared to competitors, reflecting premium speed performance
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $7.99/month
Why We Recommend Hotspot Shield
While ExpressVPN offers commendable speeds, Hotspot Shield operates in a different speed tier altogether. It consistently outperforms competitors in speed tests, maintaining speeds 12-15 percentage points higher than average. In our evaluations, Hotspot Shield sustained around 67% of base internet speed, significantly faster than most VPN services, although individual results may vary.
However, Hotspot Shield lacks anonymous payment options, and its privacy policy may not fully satisfy all users. Despite these considerations, Hotspot Shield delivers exceptional speeds, a user-friendly desktop application, and compatibility with U.S. Netflix.
When you compare VPN prices for speed-optimized services, Hotspot Shield’s price reflects its premium performance in speed.
Who Should Consider Hotspot Shield?
Hotspot Shield is ideal for users prioritizing maximum connection speed with minimal latency. Historically, it has been the fastest VPN we’ve tested, and while other VPNs are closing the gap, it remains a top choice for speed.
Users who primarily use VPNs for streaming content will benefit from Hotspot Shield’s speed and ability to access geo-restricted content on major streaming platforms. If speed is your primary concern and you are less sensitive to VPN price, Hotspot Shield is a leading option. While the VPN price is on the higher end, the speed performance is often considered worth the investment for speed-centric users.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review
Private Internet Access – Best VPN for Split-Tunneling: Price Competitive for Advanced Features
Pros:
- Multiple independent audits verifying no-logs policy, reinforcing privacy commitment
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections, accommodating multiple users and devices
- Extensive server network, ensuring wide coverage and server availability
- Rich set of extra features, including multi-hop and highly customizable split tunneling
Cons:
- App interface can feel somewhat cumbersome for some users
- Speeds are moderate, not leading in speed benchmarks
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $2.03/month
Why We Recommend Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) has consistently evolved, enhancing its service and features annually. PIA reaffirms its commitment to user privacy through ongoing independent audits of its no-logs policy.
PIA offers a comprehensive feature set, with split tunneling being a standout. While split tunneling is common among VPNs, PIA’s implementation is exceptionally versatile. Users can specify apps, IP addresses, and DNS requests to route through the VPN, and it includes an app-based kill switch for granular control. Advanced users will find PIA’s configurability highly advantageous.
While PIA’s interface may have minor usability quirks and its speeds are not top-tier, these factors do not detract significantly from its overall value.
When you compare VPN prices for feature-rich services, PIA offers a highly competitive price point, especially considering its advanced split tunneling and privacy features.
Who Should Consider Private Internet Access?
PIA is a strong contender among top VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, suitable for a broad user base. It particularly excels for users who value extensive customization and control over their VPN connection. Power users and those who prefer tailored app settings will appreciate PIA’s flexibility, especially its advanced split-tunneling capabilities.
For users seeking a balance of advanced features, robust privacy, and competitive VPN prices, PIA is an excellent choice. While not the absolute cheapest VPN, the feature set and performance justify the VPN price for many users.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
AirVPN – Best VPN for Torrenting: Price and Features for P2P Users
Pros:
- Excellent connection speeds, ensuring fast downloads
- Detailed real-time network information, useful for monitoring performance
- Competitive pricing with varied subscription options, offering flexibility
Cons:
- Team anonymity may concern some users seeking transparency
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $7.66/month (annual plan)
Why We Recommend AirVPN
AirVPN is our top recommendation for torrenting, despite torrents sometimes being associated with piracy. Torrenting is a legitimate method for distributing and downloading legal software and content. A VPN enhances torrenting, particularly on networks that may restrict P2P traffic.
While many top VPNs support torrenting, AirVPN is specifically optimized for this purpose. This no-frills VPN offers a good server network, strong speeds, excellent network transparency, and a focus on user protection. Its annual VPN price is also reasonable.
When you compare VPN prices for torrenting-optimized VPNs, AirVPN provides a strong balance of features and affordability.
Who Should Consider AirVPN?
AirVPN is ideal for users who engage in torrenting and require anonymity for P2P activities. It allows P2P connections across all servers and uses diskless RAM servers, ensuring data retention only during active VPN sessions. AirVPN’s commitment to user privacy, driven by a team of privacy advocates, makes it well-suited for privacy-conscious users.
For users seeking a VPN specifically for torrenting with a focus on privacy and reasonable VPN prices, AirVPN is highly recommended. While not the cheapest VPN, the features tailored for torrenting and privacy justify the VPN price for P2P users.
Read our full AirVPN review
CyberGhost – Best VPN for Server Locations: Price Competitive for Extensive Network
Pros:
- Independently verified no-log policy, reinforcing privacy
- Impressively vast server network spanning numerous global locations
- Generous 45-day money-back guarantee, offering risk-free trial
Cons:
- Server speeds can be inconsistent across different locations
- Lacks some advanced security features found in competitor VPNs
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $2.19/month
Why We Recommend CyberGhost
CyberGhost leads in server location diversity, offering over 9,000 servers across 120+ countries, significantly more than competitors like ExpressVPN. Servers are strategically distributed globally, not just concentrated in the US or Europe. CyberGhost recommends optimized servers for specific activities like gaming, streaming, and torrenting.
While server speeds can vary, with European servers generally performing better than Asian servers in our tests, overall speeds are sufficient for most VPN uses. CyberGhost features a well-designed, user-friendly Windows app, easy to navigate even when customizing settings. It lacks some advanced features like multi-hop and IP rotation but offers excellent server location variety.
When you compare VPN prices for VPNs with extensive server networks, CyberGhost is competitively priced, especially given its vast server spread.
Who Should Consider CyberGhost?
CyberGhost is ideal for users who require access to a wide range of server locations globally. Frequent travelers or users needing servers in diverse regions will find CyberGhost’s extensive network highly beneficial. For users prioritizing server location choice and competitive VPN prices, CyberGhost is a strong option. While not the absolute cheapest VPN, the vast server network justifies the VPN price for users needing global server access.
Read our full CyberGhost review
AVG Secure VPN – Best VPN for Beginners: Price Reflects Simplicity and Brand Trust
Pros:
- Good connection speeds, ensuring smooth performance
- Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, suitable for families
- User-friendly interface, designed for ease of use
Cons:
- Logs some user data, impacting privacy for some users
- Limited customization options for advanced users
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $4.58/month
Why We Recommend AVG Secure VPN
AVG Secure VPN prioritizes ease of use, making it an excellent choice for VPN novices. Coming from a reputable security company, AVG, it offers a sense of reliability and trust.
The interface is exceptionally straightforward, featuring a prominent “Change location” button for easy server selection. The app displays your current IP address and VPN connection time, providing essential information clearly. AVG Secure VPN supports streaming and P2P, and its simplicity is ideal for users seeking a no-frills VPN experience.
When you compare VPN prices for beginner-friendly VPNs, AVG Secure VPN is priced competitively, particularly considering the brand reputation and ease of use.
Who Should Consider AVG Secure VPN?
AVG Secure VPN is tailored for users new to VPNs. Its simplicity and intuitive interface make it easy for beginners to set up and use. Users seeking a straightforward VPN from a well-known brand and are less concerned with advanced customization will find AVG Secure VPN suitable.
For VPN novices looking for an easy-to-use VPN at a reasonable VPN price, AVG Secure VPN is a good starting point. While not the cheapest VPN, the ease of use and brand trust justify the VPN price for beginners.
Read our full AVG Secure review
Windscribe Pro – Best Budget-Flexible VPN: Price Customization for Value Seekers
Pros:
- Offers a good free plan, allowing users to test the service
- Fast connection speeds, ensuring good performance
- Unlimited device connections, accommodating multiple devices
Cons:
- Inconsistent streaming unblocking, may not reliably access all streaming services
- No independent audit, impacting transparency and trust for some users
Price When Reviewed: Starting from $9.00/month, with “Build a Plan” option
Why We Recommend Windscribe Pro
Windscribe Pro stands out for its flexible pricing, particularly the “Build a Plan” option. While the annual plan is reasonably priced, the customizable plan allows users to select only the servers they need, reducing costs.
Windscribe Pro is user-friendly and offers robust security features, including a Windows client and browser extension that work together for enhanced privacy and ad-blocking. The free version is also highly regarded, providing a risk-free way to evaluate the service before upgrading.
When you compare VPN prices for budget-flexible VPNs, Windscribe Pro’s customizable pricing sets it apart, allowing users to tailor VPN price to their specific needs.
Who Should Consider Windscribe Pro?
Windscribe Pro is excellent for users new to VPNs or those needing VPN access for limited periods. The free version allows newcomers to explore VPN functionality. The “Build a Plan” option is ideal for users needing specific server locations, making it a budget-friendly option.
For budget-conscious users seeking flexible VPN prices and customizable plans, Windscribe Pro is a strong contender. While not the absolute cheapest VPN, the customizable VPN price option makes it highly competitive for value-conscious users.
Read our full Windscribe Pro review
ProtonVPN – Best Free VPN: Price of Free with Premium Privacy
Pros:
- Excellent free plan with generous features
- Strong focus on privacy tools and security
- Reliable and transparent no-logs policy, even for the free version
Cons:
- Paid plans can be expensive compared to some competitors
Price When Reviewed: Free plan available, paid plans starting from $4.99/month
Why We Recommend ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN excels as a free VPN, offering top-tier privacy and speed without typical free VPN limitations like ads or severe restrictions. The free version provides a one-device connection and access to servers in five countries, with surprisingly good speeds, ranking among the top VPNs in our tests, including paid services.
ProtonVPN shares the privacy focus of ProtonMail, ensuring strong privacy values are integrated into the VPN. Independent audits confirm its no-logs policy extends to the free version, enhancing trust and transparency.
When you compare VPN prices for free VPNs that offer premium features, ProtonVPN stands out as the best free option, offering exceptional value at no VPN price.
Who Should Use ProtonVPN?
ProtonVPN, both free and paid versions, is a strong choice for all users. The free version is particularly appealing to budget-conscious users or those needing occasional VPN use for secure online tasks. With no data limits on free servers, it’s suitable for streaming, though free servers may not unblock Netflix like paid servers.
For users seeking a top-tier free VPN with a strong privacy focus and excellent performance at a VPN price of zero, ProtonVPN is unmatched. While paid plans exist, the free VPN itself offers exceptional value when you compare VPN prices of free services.
Read our full ProtonVPN review
Understanding VPN Pricing: What to Consider When You Compare VPN Prices
When you compare VPN prices, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence these costs and what constitutes good value. VPN pricing varies significantly, and the cheapest option isn’t always the best, just as the most expensive doesn’t guarantee superior service. Here’s a breakdown of key elements to consider when evaluating VPN prices:
1. Subscription Length and VPN Prices:
- Monthly Plans: Generally, monthly VPN prices are the highest per month. These plans offer flexibility, ideal for short-term needs or testing a service. However, they are the least economical long-term.
- Annual Plans: Annual VPN prices are significantly lower than monthly rates. They strike a balance between commitment and savings, suitable for users needing VPN access for a year.
- Multi-Year Plans (2-year, 3-year): These offer the lowest VPN prices per month. Providers often heavily discount these plans to secure long-term subscriptions. While the most affordable in the long run, they require a more extended commitment.
2. Features and VPN Prices:
- Basic Features (Essential VPN Functionality): All VPNs offer core features like encryption, server switching, and basic apps. VPN prices for services with just these features might be lower, but they may lack advanced options.
- Advanced Features (Boosting Price): Features like split tunneling, multi-hop connections, ad/malware blockers, password managers, and larger server networks often justify higher VPN prices. VPNs offering these extras provide more value, but at a premium.
- Simultaneous Connections: The number of devices you can connect simultaneously under one subscription impacts VPN prices. More connections can increase the cost, but are essential for families or users with multiple devices.
3. Server Network Size and VPN Prices:
- Extensive Networks (Higher Price): VPNs with thousands of servers across many countries invest heavily in infrastructure. This extensive network often correlates with higher VPN prices but ensures better speeds, server availability, and geo-unblocking capabilities.
- Smaller Networks (Potentially Lower Price): VPNs with fewer servers might offer lower VPN prices. However, this can lead to server congestion, slower speeds, and limited server choices.
4. Brand Reputation and VPN Prices:
- Established Brands (Premium Price): VPNs from well-known, reputable companies often command higher VPN prices. This premium reflects brand trust, reliability, and often superior customer support and consistent performance.
- Newer or Lesser-Known Brands (Competitive Price): Newer VPNs may offer lower VPN prices to attract customers. While some are excellent, it’s crucial to research their privacy policies, security, and performance thoroughly.
5. Privacy and Security Features Impact VPN Prices:
- No-Logs Policy & Audits (Value Justification): VPNs with strict no-logs policies, independently audited, prioritize user privacy, which can justify slightly higher VPN prices. These features ensure your online activities are not recorded.
- Advanced Security Protocols (Standard): Most reputable VPNs use secure protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. These are generally standard and don’t drastically alter VPN prices but are essential for security.
6. Customer Support and VPN Prices:
- 24/7 Live Support (Premium Feature): VPNs offering 24/7 live chat or phone support often have slightly higher VPN prices. Excellent customer service adds value, especially for less tech-savvy users.
- Basic Support (Standard): Email support or knowledge bases are standard. VPN prices for services with only basic support might be lower, but response times and problem resolution can vary.
7. Special Deals and Discounts Impact VPN Prices:
- Promotional Offers: VPN providers frequently offer discounts, especially for longer subscriptions. Keep an eye out for deals to lower the effective VPN price.
- Bundled Offers: Some VPNs bundle with other security products like antivirus or password managers, potentially increasing the upfront VPN price but offering overall value if you need these services.
How to Effectively Compare VPN Prices:
- Define Your Needs: Determine what you need a VPN for (streaming, privacy, torrenting, general security). This helps prioritize features over just the lowest VPN price.
- Compare Long-Term vs. Short-Term Costs: Calculate the total cost over the period you intend to use the VPN. Multi-year plans often offer the best long-term value but require a larger upfront payment.
- Feature Checklist vs. Price: List essential features. Compare VPN prices for services that meet these criteria. Don’t overpay for features you won’t use.
- Read Reviews and Comparisons: Utilize reviews (like this one!) to assess performance, features, and real user experiences, not just advertised VPN prices.
- Test with Free Trials or Money-Back Guarantees: Many VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees. Use these to test performance and compatibility before committing to a long-term plan based solely on VPN price.
- Consider Renewal Prices: Be aware that introductory VPN prices are often lower than renewal rates. Check renewal costs to understand long-term affordability.
- Payment Methods: Check accepted payment methods and if they align with your preferences (e.g., anonymous payment options for privacy-focused VPNs).
By considering these factors when you compare VPN prices, you can make an informed decision, balancing cost with the features, performance, and security that best meet your online needs. Remember, the “best” VPN isn’t always the cheapest, but the one that offers the best value for your specific requirements.
What to Look for in a VPN
When selecting a VPN, consider these key factors beyond just VPN price:
- Server Network: A broad server network with numerous servers and country locations is crucial. Aim for VPNs with 1,000+ servers and 30+ countries for optimal performance and location flexibility.
- Speed: Connection speed is vital. Look for reviews providing average speed comparisons to baseline internet speed. Faster VPNs minimize speed reduction.
- Privacy Protections: Prioritize VPNs with a no-logs policy and independent audits. Check the VPN company’s location as it affects data jurisdiction.
- Ease of Use: A user-friendly interface is important, especially for beginners. Apps should be intuitive and easy to navigate across devices.
- Features: Consider essential features like split tunneling, kill switches, and additional security tools (ad blockers, malware protection).
- Price: Evaluate VPN prices in relation to features and subscription length. Balance cost with value.
How We Tested
Our VPN evaluations are comprehensive, covering:
- Server Network: We assess the size and distribution of the server network.
- Connection Speeds: We conduct speed tests across various global locations, comparing VPN speeds to baseline internet speed.
- Privacy Protections: We thoroughly review privacy policies, no-logs claims, and audit history.
- Ease of Use: We evaluate the user experience across different platforms and apps.
- Features: We test and assess the functionality of all advertised features.
- Price: We compare VPN prices and evaluate value for money.
For detailed methodology, see PCWorld’s guide on how we test VPN services.
Other Notable VPNs and Security Suites
Beyond our top recommendations, many other VPNs are worth considering: AVG Internet Security, ESET Security Premium, FastestVPN, Hide.me, HMA Pro 4, OVPN, Perfect Privacy, PrivateVPN by TrunkSpace Hosting, PureVPN, Speedify 10, VPNCity, ClearVPN, Malwarebytes Privacy, TorGuard, VeePN, AceVPN.com, and SurfEasy. We continuously evaluate and update our reviews to reflect service changes and new entrants.
FAQ
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What is a VPN?
VPNs create a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, routing your traffic through a VPN server in a location of your choice. This masks your IP address and encrypts your data, enhancing privacy and security, especially on public Wi-Fi. -
Is it legal to use a VPN?
Yes, VPN usage is legal in most countries, including the United States. While legal, some websites may block VPN connections based on their policies. Illegal activities remain illegal whether using a VPN or not. -
Do VPNs protect against malware and computer viruses?
No, VPNs primarily encrypt traffic and enhance privacy, not directly protect against malware. Some VPNs offer additional features like ad and malware blockers, but comprehensive antivirus software is still recommended for full protection. -
Will a VPN affect my internet speeds?
Yes, expect some speed reduction due to traffic routing and encryption. Speed impact depends on server location and VPN efficiency. Reputable VPNs minimize speed loss, allowing for smooth browsing and streaming. -
Will a VPN make me anonymous online?
VPNs improve privacy but don’t guarantee complete anonymity. Websites can still track you via logins and cookies. VPNs are one tool in a broader privacy strategy. -
How many servers should my VPN have?
Server count is less critical than server distribution and quality. Aim for VPNs with 1,000+ servers and diverse locations. Server count is often a marketing metric; focus on overall VPN quality.
Editor’s note: Online services evolve continuously. Our reviews are updated regularly to reflect current service features and performance.
