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Our extensive tests of each VPN, and how it compares with other VPNs in
different countries and/or for specific purposes, are also factored in.
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VPN Service
Features
Score
1 / Best VPN Free Trial
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Review Rating
The best all-round VPN. Extremely fast & secure. Perfect for all purposes. 24/7 live chat support. Outstanding!
We are independently-owned and entirely separate from any VPN service. With a combined 50 years of experience, our VPN experts have tested 62 VPNs since 2016 to choose the best ones.
We purchase our own subscriptions to every VPN and conduct all our tests in a consistent environment, focusing on:
Privacy & Logging Policy
Security & Encryption
Connection Speed
Server Locations
Access
Device Compatibility
User Experience
Customer Support
What Is a VPN & How Does It Work?
A VPN is a clever piece of software that creates a secure (encrypted) internet connection – also known as a “VPN tunnel” – between your device and the website or app you are trying to access.
When you use a VPN, your standard internet connection is redirected via a secure VPN server before connecting to the wider Internet.
When you connect to a VPN server, your IP address changes and your connection is encrypted, typically using the AES-256 cipher and secure protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard. As a result, your internet privacy and security is considerably stronger.
There are many benefits to using a VPN service. The two main benefits are:
1. Increased Privacy
A VPN is a great tool for your online privacy. When you connect to a VPN server, your web traffic firstly travels through it, and then onto a website or web application.
2. Enhanced Security
A VPN adds a layer of strong encryption to your Internet connection, making it safer and more secure.
If you need to send or receive sensitive information over the Internet, particularly if you’re using public WiFi, a VPN is essential.
Can I Use a VPN on Any Device?
The top-tier VPNs we recommend on this page are available on all popular devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
The very best providers, like ExpressVPN, also offer native apps for Firestick and Apple TV, as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. A few others also include a Smart DNS service to use on devices, like gaming systems, that don’t support native VPN apps.
You can also use a top-rated VPN with your home router to protect all your home’s devices. However, not all VPNs are optimized for this. The best to use is ExpressVPN, which has developed a dedicated app for routers with a user-friendly UI.
Paid vs Free VPNs
There are hundreds of VPNs available on the market, of which many are free.
The problem is that most free VPNs come with severe limitations such as tiny data allowances, small server networks, and slow connection speeds.
There are also serious risks in using a free VPN. We’ve carried out several investigations of very popular free VPN apps and found that over 85% have privacy and security flaws.
We always recommend using high-quality (paid) VPNs, which offer the below advantages:
Much faster and stable speeds around the world
Larger and more secure server infrastructures
Stronger encryption, with better choice of VPN protocols