Choosing the right Virtual Private Network (VPN) can feel overwhelming. With numerous providers vying for your attention, understanding the key differences and features is crucial. This guide breaks down the essential factors to consider when you Compare Vpn Providers, ensuring you make an informed decision that aligns with your online needs and budget.
Internet Speed: Balancing Security and Performance
One common concern when using a VPN is the potential impact on internet speed. VPNs inherently introduce a slight speed reduction because your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted server, adding an extra step compared to a direct connection. However, the best VPN providers minimize this loss, with top performers averaging a download speed reduction of 25% or less.
For everyday browsing, email, and general internet use, a speed loss of under 25% is often imperceptible, even for users with slower connections like satellite internet. However, for bandwidth-intensive activities such as online gaming, streaming 4K video, or uploading large files, minimizing speed loss is paramount. In these scenarios, prioritize VPNs known for their speed and efficiency. While casual users with faster internet may tolerate a speed reduction closer to 50%, we recommend focusing on VPNs that keep speed loss below this threshold.
Recent tests in 2024 have highlighted NordVPN as a leader in speed performance, demonstrating an impressively low average internet speed loss of just 11%. Other providers like Mullvad, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and ExpressVPN also performed admirably, all registering an average download speed loss of 25% or less.
The following table illustrates speed test results, offering a comparative look at different VPN providers. Keep in mind that your individual speeds may vary based on your internet service plan and connection type. The “Speed loss” percentage serves as a general benchmark for how much a VPN might slow down your connection – lower percentages indicate faster performance.
| Provider | Speed loss |
|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 25% |
| Surfshark | 17% |
| NordVPN | 11% |
| Proton VPN | 21% |
| IPVanish | 44% |
| PIA | 49% |
| Mullvad | 13% |
Privacy: Protecting Your Digital Footprint
Privacy is a core reason many users choose a VPN. VPNs enhance your online privacy by masking your public IP address. Your IP address, similar to a physical address, reveals information about your geographic location. When you connect to the internet through a VPN, your real IP address is concealed from your Internet Service Provider (ISP), websites you visit, and applications you use. However, the level of privacy protection varies significantly between VPN providers. To effectively compare VPN providers on privacy, consider these essential features:
- Encryption: At a minimum, prioritize VPNs that offer robust encryption standards. Look for 256-bit encryption (for OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols) or ChaCha20 (with WireGuard). These encryption methods are considered industry-leading and provide strong security for your data.
- No-Logging Policy: A strict no-logging policy is crucial. This means the VPN provider commits to not logging your online activity, browsing history, connection timestamps, IP addresses, or data traffic. While “no-logs” claims can be difficult to verify definitively, reputable providers often undergo independent third-party audits to confirm their policies. Be critical and research the audit history of any VPN provider you are considering.
- DNS Leak Protection: DNS leak protection prevents your DNS requests from being exposed to your ISP, ensuring your online activity remains private and routed through the VPN’s secure servers.
- Transparency Reports: Transparency reports, published by some VPN providers, offer valuable insights into government requests for user data. These reports demonstrate a provider’s commitment to transparency and user privacy, even when facing legal pressures.
- Kill Switch: A kill switch is a vital security feature that automatically disconnects your internet connection if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This prevents your data from being exposed if the VPN tunnel fails, ensuring continuous privacy protection.
- Split Tunneling: For users who desire granular control over their VPN usage, split tunneling is a valuable feature. It allows you to selectively route certain applications or website traffic through the VPN while excluding others. For example, you could use split tunneling to access geo-restricted content on a streaming app via the VPN while keeping your browser traffic outside the VPN to avoid CAPTCHAs for local services.
For users with heightened privacy concerns, such as journalists or activists, advanced features offer additional layers of security:
- Obfuscation: Obfuscation technology makes it harder for ISPs or network administrators to detect that you are using a VPN. This is particularly useful in regions with strict internet censorship.
- Tor over VPN: Combining Tor (The Onion Router) with a VPN provides enhanced encryption and anonymity by routing your traffic through the Tor network in addition to the VPN server.
- Double VPN: Double VPN, also known as multi-hop VPN, routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of encryption and making it significantly more difficult to trace your online activity back to you.
- Jurisdiction: Consider the VPN provider’s jurisdiction. Providers based outside of the “Five Eyes,” “Nine Eyes,” or “Fourteen Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliances may offer stronger privacy protections due to differing data retention laws and international agreements.
If you are concerned about whether your VPN is functioning correctly, you can perform a VPN test to verify its effectiveness in masking your IP address and preventing leaks.
Server Network: Global Access and Performance
The size and distribution of a VPN provider’s server network are critical factors when you compare VPN providers. Consider both the total number of servers and the number of different country locations offered. A large number of servers generally translates to better performance and reduced server load, especially during peak usage times. A wide distribution of server locations gives you greater flexibility in bypassing geographical restrictions and accessing content from various regions.
For travelers, the best VPNs offer server locations in 90 or more countries, but for many users, a network spanning over 60 countries provides ample coverage.
Beyond geographical distribution, consider server specialization:
- P2P Servers: If you plan to use a VPN for file sharing or torrenting, check if the provider offers dedicated P2P servers or allows P2P traffic on all servers. Some VPNs restrict file sharing to specific servers.
- Specialty Servers: Some providers offer specialized servers optimized for specific purposes, such as:
- Tor over VPN Servers: For enhanced privacy and access to the Tor network.
- Double VPN Servers: For increased encryption through multiple server hops.
- Obfuscated Servers: To bypass VPN detection and censorship.
Device Support: Compatibility Across Your Ecosystem
Ensure the VPN provider you choose offers apps for all the devices you intend to use with the VPN. Most leading VPN services provide applications for major operating systems including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, and web browsers.
Apple TV apps are becoming increasingly common, with providers like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, PIA, NordVPN, PrivadoVPN, and IPVanish offering dedicated tvOS applications.
For Linux users, a graphical user interface (GUI) application can be significantly easier to use than a command-line interface. Surfshark, Proton VPN, and PIA are notable for offering Linux GUI apps, making them strong contenders for Linux VPN users. Windows on ARM support is also available from providers like NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA.
For comprehensive network protection, consider installing a VPN on your router. This secures all devices connected to your home network, including those that don’t natively support VPN apps, such as gaming consoles like Xbox. However, be aware that installing a VPN on a router may void the router’s warranty.
While most VPN providers allow you to install their app on an unlimited number of devices, they often limit the number of simultaneous connections. ExpressVPN allows eight simultaneous connections, while NordVPN and Proton VPN offer 10. Surfshark, PIA, and IPVanish stand out by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. For most individuals and even families, 8-10 simultaneous connections are generally sufficient. However, larger households or users with numerous devices may benefit from providers offering unlimited connections.
To compare VPN providers based on device compatibility, review the following table:
VPN Device Compatibility
Wondering which VPN services work on which devices? We’ve got you covered.
| Provider | IPVanish | Surfshark | PIA | ProtonVPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| MacOS | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Linux | ✔️ | ✔️ (with GUI) | ✔️ (with GUI) | ✔️ (with GUI) | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Android/AndroidTV | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| iOS/iPadOS | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Fire TV | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Smart TV* | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Apple TV | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Router | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Browser plugin** | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 10 | 8 | 10 |
Streaming Capabilities: Unlock Global Entertainment
Beyond privacy and security, VPNs are highly effective for accessing geo-restricted content and unlocking streaming libraries from around the world. A VPN allows you to bypass geographical blocks and stream services like Peacock (for NFL games), Max, or Hulu from your home country while traveling abroad. Conversely, VPNs also grant access to foreign content libraries on popular platforms like Netflix (to watch region-exclusive shows), Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. In some cases, using a VPN for streaming can even lead to cost savings by accessing content libraries in regions with lower subscription prices.
When comparing VPN providers for streaming, prioritize those with:
- Fast Speeds: Essential for buffer-free high-definition streaming.
- Extensive Server Network: To access a wide range of geographical content libraries.
- Reliable Unblocking Capabilities: Proven track record of bypassing VPN blocks implemented by streaming services.
Cost: Balancing Features and Affordability
VPN providers offer various subscription plans, typically ranging from monthly to multi-year options. While multi-year plans often provide the most significant cost savings in the long run, an annual plan generally strikes a good balance between affordability and commitment. The VPN landscape can change, and a provider that is excellent today might experience performance issues or privacy concerns in the future. An annual plan allows for flexibility and reassessment of your VPN needs without a long-term financial commitment.
High-end VPNs like ExpressVPN can cost around $100 per year, while value-focused providers like Surfshark and PIA offer annual plans in the $40 to $60 range. Be aware of introductory pricing and renewal costs. Some providers, such as NordVPN and Surfshark, offer lower prices for the initial subscription period but increase the price upon renewal. Always factor in renewal rates when comparing VPN providers and their pricing. Seasonal discounts, such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, can be excellent opportunities to secure significant savings on VPN subscriptions.
If budget is a primary concern, consider exploring cheap VPN options like Surfshark, PIA, or Mullvad, which offer competitive features at more affordable price points.
Additional Factors to Consider When Comparing VPN Providers
- Avoid Free VPNs (with exceptions): While free VPNs exist, they often come with limitations in speed, bandwidth, server locations, and, most importantly, privacy. Free VPNs may log your data, display intrusive ads, or even contain malware. Proton VPN is a notable exception, offering a reputable free tier with limited features, but generally, paid VPNs provide a superior and more secure experience.
- No-Logs Claims: Be Skeptical but Value Audits: While many VPNs claim to be “no-logs,” it’s crucial to approach these claims with healthy skepticism. Independent third-party audits are essential for verifying no-logs policies. Look for VPN providers that undergo regular audits by reputable security firms.
- Privacy Limitations on iOS: Recent research suggests potential privacy limitations for VPNs on iOS devices (iPhones and iPads running iOS 14 or later). These devices might be susceptible to VPN leaks regardless of the VPN provider. iOS users concerned about privacy can enhance their protection by installing a VPN on their home router or taking additional precautions like enabling the VPN kill switch and using OpenVPN protocols when outside their home network. Apple also recommends enabling the “Always-On VPN” profile for added security.
- Transparency Reports and Warrant Canaries: Transparency reports and warrant canaries offer insights into a VPN provider’s interaction with government requests for data. While warrant canaries can be informative, they are not foolproof. Investigate a provider’s history of cooperation with authorities and how transparent they are about disclosing such instances.
- Jurisdiction of US-Based VPNs: Be mindful of the jurisdiction of VPN providers, particularly US-based VPNs. The Patriot Act in the US grants government agencies broad powers to demand access to data. While a strong no-logs policy mitigates this risk, choosing a VPN provider based outside of US jurisdiction and intelligence-sharing agreements may offer greater peace of mind for privacy-conscious users.
By carefully considering these factors and comparing VPN providers across speed, privacy, server network, device compatibility, streaming capabilities, and cost, you can confidently select the best VPN to protect your online activity and enhance your internet experience.
