Brave in VPN Services

Brave is known for its privacy-focused web browser, which blocks ads and trackers by default and offers faster browsing, built-in crypto features, and optional rewards for viewing privacy-preserving ads.

Brave is best known for its privacy-focused web browser that blocks ads and trackers by default, offers faster browsing, and includes optional built-in features like a crypto wallet and Brave Rewards.

Brave is best known as a privacy-focused web browser. It blocks ads and trackers by default, loads pages faster, and includes built-in features like a private search option and optional crypto-based rewards.

Brave is best known for its privacy-focused web browser, which blocks ads and trackers by default and is built on Chromium. It’s also known for faster browsing, built-in crypto features, and its optional ad-reward system, Brave Rewards.

Brave is best known for its privacy-focused web browser, which blocks ads and trackers by default and is built on Chromium. It also offers features like built-in ad blocking, a private search engine, and rewards via its BAT crypto system.

Brave’s main strengths are: strong privacy by default (blocks ads, trackers, many third-party cookies), fast page loading, Chromium compatibility, built-in features like a password manager and optional VPN/crypto tools, and easy migration for Chrome users.

Main weaknesses: some websites and extensions can behave inconsistently because of its aggressive blocking, the privacy model can be a bit confusing for users who don’t want crypto features, its ecosystem and support are smaller than Chrome/Safari/Firefox, and some sites may break or need manual allow-listing.

Brave’s main strengths are privacy and speed: it blocks many ads and trackers by default, can load pages faster, and gives users a simple, privacy-focused experience. It also has built-in features like a private search option, optional rewards/crypto tools, and strong protection against fingerprinting.

Main weaknesses: some sites may break or behave oddly because of aggressive blocking, its built-in features can feel cluttered to users who just want a simple browser, and it has a smaller ecosystem and brand presence than Chrome or Safari. Its crypto-related features can also be a turnoff for some users.

Brave’s main strengths are privacy and speed: it blocks many ads and trackers by default, reduces page clutter, and can load pages faster than mainstream browsers. It also has built-in anti-fingerprinting features, optional Tor/private windows, and is based on Chromium, so it supports most Chrome extensions and feels familiar.

Its main weaknesses are compatibility and ecosystem tradeoffs. Some websites can behave oddly with aggressive blocking, and certain services may require manual exceptions. The built-in crypto/rewards features are a plus for some users but a negative for others who want a simpler browser. It also has a smaller ecosystem and less brand trust/recognition than Chrome, Safari, or Firefox for some users.

Brave’s main strengths are privacy by default, built-in ad/tracker blocking, fast page loading, strong Chromium compatibility, and optional crypto/rewards features. Its main weaknesses are a smaller extension/ecosystem footprint than Chrome, occasional site compatibility issues from aggressive blocking, some users dislike the crypto emphasis, and it has less market share and enterprise support than bigger browsers.

Brave’s main strengths are strong privacy by default, built-in ad/tracker blocking, fast page loads, and solid Chromium compatibility, which means most Chrome extensions and websites work well. It also offers useful extras like fingerprinting protection, Tor/private windows, and optional crypto/Web3 features.

Its main weaknesses are that some users find the built-in rewards/crypto features unnecessary or distracting, its privacy model is less ‘minimalist’ than some alternatives because it bundles many features, and occasionally websites may break or behave oddly because of aggressive blocking. It also has a smaller ecosystem and brand trust issue for users who prefer fully open, non-adjacent browsers.

Brave is best for people who want stronger privacy by default, less ad/tracker clutter, and a Chromium-based browser that feels familiar. It’s a good fit for users who want built-in ad blocking, occasional crypto/Web3 features, and solid performance.

People who should avoid it: users who strongly dislike crypto-related features or rewards, people who want a very plain browser with minimal extras, and anyone who relies on perfect compatibility with every site or very specific Google-integrated workflows. If you want maximum simplicity and don’t care about privacy tools, another browser may be a better fit.

Brave is a good fit for people who want a privacy-focused browser with built-in ad/tracker blocking, faster page loading, and less reliance on Google. It’s especially useful for casual users, privacy-conscious users, and people who want an easy setup without extra extensions.

People should avoid Brave if they strongly prefer the standard Chrome/Google ecosystem, need maximum compatibility with every website or extension workflow, or don’t want any browser features tied to crypto/ads/rewards. If you want a very plain, mainstream browser experience, Chrome, Edge, or Firefox may suit you better.

Brave is a good fit for people who want faster browsing, stronger default privacy, built-in ad/tracker blocking, and a Chromium-based browser with extension support.

It may be less ideal for people who:

• rely heavily on Google’s full ecosystem and syncing
• need perfect compatibility with sites that don’t like aggressive blocking
• want the simplest, most mainstream browser experience with fewer settings
• prefer not to see any crypto/rewards-related features at all

In short: use Brave if privacy and speed matter to you; avoid it if you want maximum site compatibility and the most conventional browser workflow.

Brave is a good fit for people who want a fast, privacy-focused browser with built-in ad/tracker blocking, especially if they like Chromium compatibility and don’t mind some extra privacy features being enabled by default. It’s also useful for users who want less clutter and are comfortable tweaking settings if needed.

People who may want to avoid Brave include those who prefer a very simple, mainstream browser with minimal differences from Chrome/Safari/Firefox, or who strongly dislike any browser features tied to crypto/rewards or extra built-in services. It may also be less ideal for users who want maximum consistency with Google’s ecosystem or who are very particular about supporting the sites they visit through ads.

Brave is best for people who want a privacy-focused browser with built-in ad/tracker blocking, faster page loads, and less clutter. It can be a good fit for general users, privacy-conscious people, and those who don’t mind some browser features being a little different from Chrome.

People who may want to avoid Brave:

• Users who want maximum compatibility with Google services and web apps with zero friction
• People uncomfortable with its built-in crypto/rewards features (even if they can be disabled)
• Users who prefer a browser that feels as close to stock Chrome/Safari/Firefox as possible
• Anyone who mainly wants simple browsing and doesn’t care about privacy features

In short: use Brave if privacy and built-in blocking matter to you; avoid it if you want the most conventional, minimal browser experience.

Brave is a privacy-first browser that blocks ads, trackers, and many fingerprinting techniques by default. Compared with Chrome, it usually uses less data and can feel faster on ad-heavy sites, but Chrome has better Google ecosystem integration and extension support. Compared with Firefox, Brave is more aggressive about blocking out of the box; Firefox offers strong privacy too, with more customization and Mozilla-backed openness. Compared with Edge, Brave is generally stronger on privacy, while Edge is better tied to Microsoft services and some Windows features. Compared with Safari, Brave works across more platforms and offers more built-in privacy controls, while Safari is often best optimized for Apple devices. Overall, Brave’s biggest advantage is default privacy and speed; its main tradeoff is less tight integration with major ecosystems than Chrome, Edge, or Safari.

Brave is generally positioned as a privacy-first browser with built-in ad/tracker blocking, which makes it stronger than Chrome and often more convenient than Firefox for users who want protection out of the box. Compared with Chrome, Brave usually offers better privacy and less Google ecosystem integration, but Chrome still wins on extension ecosystem, sync, and overall web compatibility. Compared with Firefox, Brave tends to feel faster and more turnkey for privacy, while Firefox is more open and independent but can require more tweaking. Compared with Edge, Brave is usually better for privacy, while Edge is stronger for Windows integration and some Microsoft features. Compared with Safari, Brave is more cross-platform and privacy-focused, while Safari is best for Apple-device efficiency and battery life. Overall: Brave’s main advantage is privacy without much setup; its main tradeoff is that it has less mainstream adoption and fewer built-in ecosystem conveniences than Chrome or Edge.

Brave is a privacy-first Chromium browser. Compared with its main competitors:

• Chrome: Brave is much better for privacy and ad/tracker blocking by default. Chrome has wider Google ecosystem integration and usually the biggest extension/site compatibility advantage.
• Firefox: Firefox is also privacy-friendly and more independent from Chromium. Brave is generally faster out of the box and blocks ads by default, while Firefox offers stronger customization and a different engine.
• Safari: Safari is very efficient on Apple devices and tightly integrated with iOS/macOS. Brave usually offers stronger cross-platform privacy features and more consistent ad blocking.
• Edge: Edge has good performance and Microsoft integration, but Brave is more focused on privacy and reducing tracking.

Overall: Brave stands out for default privacy, built-in ad blocking, and speed, while Chrome leads in ecosystem reach, Firefox in openness/customization, and Safari in Apple optimization.

Brave is a privacy-focused web browser, and compared with its main competitors it stands out most for blocking ads and trackers by default.

• vs Chrome: Brave is much more privacy-protective out of the box, uses less data, and can feel cleaner/faster on many sites. Chrome usually has better Google ecosystem integration and broader enterprise support.
• vs Firefox: Both are privacy-friendly, but Brave is more aggressive by default with blocking. Firefox is often preferred for its openness and customization; Brave is closer to Chromium compatibility.
• vs Edge: Brave is generally stronger on privacy and ad blocking, while Edge tends to be better integrated with Windows and Microsoft services.
• vs Safari: Safari is efficient on Apple devices and well optimized for battery life, but Brave usually offers stronger cross-site tracking protection and works similarly across platforms.

Main tradeoffs: Brave may break some sites or require more adjustment because of its strict blocking, and some users prefer competitors for ecosystem integration, extensions, or compatibility. Overall, Brave is one of the best choices if privacy and built-in ad blocking are your top priorities.

Brave is a privacy-first browser. Compared with main competitors:

• Chrome: Brave blocks ads/trackers by default, so it’s usually better for privacy and can load pages faster. Chrome has the strongest Google ecosystem integration and web compatibility.
• Firefox: Both are privacy-focused, but Brave is more aggressive out of the box with ad/tracker blocking. Firefox is more established, highly customizable, and less tied to crypto/Web3 features.
• Edge: Edge is fast and well-integrated with Windows, but Brave generally offers stronger default privacy protections. Edge may be better for Microsoft services and enterprise use.
• Safari: Safari is efficient and good on Apple devices, but Brave usually offers broader cross-platform support and more built-in blocking. Safari is best within the Apple ecosystem.

Overall: Brave stands out for default privacy, built-in ad blocking, and speed, while its competitors tend to win on ecosystem integration, familiarity, or polish.

People commonly complain that Brave can feel bloated or pushy about its own crypto/rewards features, has occasional compatibility issues with some websites or logins, and can sometimes break ad-supported sites more than expected. Others dislike that it’s built on Chromium, have concerns about privacy marketing versus actual telemetry choices, and note that support/extensions can be a bit less seamless than in Chrome for some users.

People often complain that Brave is too aggressive with ads/crypto prompts, some sites break because of its ad/tracker blocking, sync and extension behavior can be finicky, and the browser can feel heavier or more resource-hungry than expected. Some also dislike its defaults or privacy tradeoffs around affiliate/reward features.

Common complaints about Brave are: intrusive crypto/rewards features, occasional bugs or site compatibility issues, aggressive ad/tracker blocking breaking pages, weaker extension/support polish than Chrome, higher RAM/CPU use than expected for some users, and trust/privacy concerns around its business model and default settings.

People most often complain that Brave can break or behave oddly on some websites, especially with aggressive ad/tracker blocking. Other common complaints are extension compatibility issues, occasional bugs or sync problems, and confusion/frustration around Brave Rewards and the built-in crypto features. Some also feel its default settings are too opinionated or that the browser is heavier than expected.

People often complain that Brave is a bit buggy or inconsistent compared with Chrome, that some websites break because of its aggressive ad/tracker blocking, and that its built-in features can feel bloated. Others dislike the crypto/Brave Rewards angle, and some worry about privacy or trust because of past controversy around default settings and affiliate-link behavior.

A typical VPN service is known for encrypting your internet connection, masking your IP address, and helping protect privacy while browsing.

A typical VPN service is known for encrypting your internet connection, hiding your IP address, and helping protect privacy while browsing or accessing region-restricted content.

A typical VPN service is known for encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address to improve privacy, security, and access to region-restricted content.

A typical VPN service is known for encrypting your internet traffic, hiding your IP address, and helping you browse more privately and securely—often also letting you access region-restricted content.

A typical VPN service is known for encrypting your internet connection, hiding your IP address, and helping protect privacy—often also used to access region-restricted content.

For watching video on public Wi‑Fi, the best VPNs are the ones with fast speeds, reliable apps, and strong security:

1. NordVPN — best all-around
   • Fast, stable for HD/4K streaming
   • Good security features (kill switch, Threat Protection)
   • Easy apps for phones, laptops, tablets
2. ExpressVPN — best for simplicity and reliability
   • Very consistent speeds on hotel/airport Wi‑Fi
   • Excellent apps, very easy to use
   • Strong choice if you just want it to “work”
3. Surfshark — best value
   • Usually cheaper than the others
   • Unlimited devices
   • Good for streaming and public hotspots
4. Proton VPN — best privacy-focused option
   • Strong security and privacy reputation
   • Good speeds on paid plans
   • Clean, trustworthy apps
5. Mullvad — best for privacy, not the easiest for streaming
   • Great anonymity and security
   • Very privacy-first
   • Less focused on unblocking streaming services

My short recommendation:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Easiest: ExpressVPN
• Best budget: Surfshark

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN for your device (iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac) or for a specific streaming app.

For watching video on public Wi‑Fi, my top picks are:

1. NordVPN — best overall for streaming + public Wi‑Fi. TechRadar’s April 2026 review says it’s the best VPN for “streaming your favorite shows, gaming, and keeping safe on public Wi‑Fi,” and NordVPN includes a Kill Switch plus anti-leak protections. (techradar.com)
2. Surfshark — best value. Surfshark says it has high-speed servers, no bandwidth limits, and public Wi‑Fi protection; it also includes Kill Switch and split tunneling (Bypasser). (surfshark.com)
3. ExpressVPN — easiest premium pick. It uses Lightway for fast, stable connections and has a built-in Kill Switch plus automatic obfuscation on supported platforms, which helps on flaky public Wi‑Fi. (expressvpn.com)
4. Proton VPN — best privacy-first option. Proton says it’s built for public Wi‑Fi safety, supports streaming on Plus servers, and offers WireGuard, VPN Accelerator, kill switch, and leak protection. (protonvpn.com)

Quick take:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best cheap choice: Surfshark
• Best premium/easiest: ExpressVPN
• Best privacy-first: Proton VPN (techradar.com)

If you want, I can also give you a best VPN by device list (iPhone, Android, laptop, Fire TV, etc.).

For remote workers, the best VPNs are usually the ones with fast speeds, reliable apps, split tunneling, and strong security.

Top picks

• NordVPN — best overall for most remote workers; fast, easy to use, very solid security.
• ExpressVPN — best for reliability and simplicity; excellent on public Wi‑Fi and travel.
• Surfshark — best value; unlimited devices, good for people using multiple laptops/phones.
• Proton VPN — best privacy-focused option; strong reputation, good security features.
• Mullvad VPN — best for privacy purists; very anonymous, but less beginner-friendly.

If you need work/corporate VPN access

If your employer gives you a VPN for internal systems, common business tools are:

• Cisco AnyConnect
• Palo Alto GlobalProtect
• Zscaler
• Twingate

My quick recommendation

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best for travel/public Wi‑Fi: ExpressVPN
• Best budget pick: Surfshark
• Best privacy: Proton VPN

If you want, I can also narrow it down based on your device setup (Mac/Windows/iPhone/Android) or whether you need it for travel, privacy, or work access.

For remote workers, the best VPNs right now are usually:

• NordVPN — best overall mix of speed, security, and features. Tom’s Guide currently ranks it at/near the top, and it includes kill switch, split tunneling, and lots of server locations. (tomsguide.com)
• Surfshark — best value if you have lots of devices. It supports unlimited devices and includes split tunneling. (support.surfshark.com)
• Proton VPN — best if privacy is your top concern. It offers Secure Core, kill switch/always-on VPN, split tunneling, and up to 10 devices. (protonvpn.com)
• ExpressVPN — best “easy to use” premium option. It has Network Lock (kill switch), split tunneling, and strong cross-platform consistency. (expressvpn.com)

Quick pick:

• Best overall: NordVPN (tomsguide.com)
• Best cheap option: Surfshark (techradar.com)
• Best privacy: Proton VPN (protonvpn.com)
• Best simplicity: ExpressVPN (expressvpn.com)

One important note: for actual company systems, many employers use their own remote-access/VPN or zero-trust setup, and NIST treats remote access as a higher-risk area that needs strong controls. So use your employer’s VPN if they provide one; use a commercial VPN mainly for public Wi‑Fi and personal privacy. (csrc.nist.gov)

If you want, I can also narrow this to best for Windows/macOS, best for travel, or best under $5/month.

For travelers, the best VPNs are usually the ones that are fast, easy to use on public Wi‑Fi, work well on lots of devices, and have lots of server locations.

Best overall

• NordVPN — very fast, strong security, lots of global servers, good for airports/hotels.
• ExpressVPN — super reliable, very easy to use, great for beginners and frequent travelers.
• Surfshark — best value, unlimited devices, good if you travel with multiple phones/laptops/tablets.

Also worth considering

• Proton VPN — strong privacy focus, solid app, good reputation.
• Mullvad — privacy-first and simple, but less beginner-friendly and fewer travel-focused extras.

What to look for as a traveler

• Auto-connect on public Wi‑Fi
• Servers in the countries you visit
• Fast streaming/support for video calls
• Easy apps for iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac
• Reliable support if a server is blocked

Quick pick

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Easiest to use: ExpressVPN
• Best budget pick: Surfshark

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN for iPhone, best for China/UAE, or best cheapest option.

For travelers, my top picks are:

• Best overall: ExpressVPN — strong public Wi‑Fi protection, automatic obfuscation on supported platforms, and a kill switch that blocks IPv4/IPv6/DNS leaks if the tunnel drops. Good if you want a “just works” app while moving between hotels, airports, and cafés. (expressvpn.com)
• Best for privacy: Proton VPN — no data or bandwidth limits, plus Secure Core and VPN Accelerator for safer long-haul connections. (protonvpn.com)
• Best value for families/groups: Surfshark — unlimited simultaneous connections, plus CleanWeb and split tunneling/Bypasser. (support.surfshark.com)
• Best for power users: NordVPN — Meshnet for secure remote access to your devices, plus kill switch, split tunneling, and Double VPN. (nordvpn.com)
• Best minimalist/privacy-first option: Mullvad — advanced kill switch, multihop, split tunneling, and anti-censorship/obfuscation features. (mullvad.net)

If you want, I can also narrow this to:

1. best for China/restrictive countries,
2. best for streaming abroad, or
3. best cheap VPN for a 2-week trip.

For a laptop at home, the best VPNs are usually the ones with strong privacy, fast speeds, a kill switch, and easy apps.

Best overall

NordVPN

• Very fast, reliable, easy to use
• Strong security features like kill switch and Threat Protection
• Good all-around choice for most home users

Best for privacy

Mullvad VPN

• Excellent privacy reputation
• No email required to sign up
• Simple, secure, and very transparent

Best for speed

ExpressVPN

• Very fast and consistent
• Easy apps for Windows/Mac
• Great if you want “set it and forget it” reliability

Best value

Surfshark

• Usually cheaper than most big-name VPNs
• Unlimited devices
• Good feature set for home use

Best advanced/security-focused option

Proton VPN

• Strong privacy features and a solid free tier
• Good if you also care about transparency and security tools

My quick pick

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best privacy: Mullvad
• Best budget: Surfshark

What to look for

• Kill switch
• No-logs policy
• WireGuard or similar fast protocol
• Automatic connection on startup
• Leak protection (DNS/IP)

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs specifically for Windows laptops or MacBooks.

For a laptop at home, my short list is:

1. NordVPN — best all-around pick if you want strong security extras, fast performance, and solid privacy features like Threat Protection Pro and audited no-logs claims. (techradar.com)
2. Proton VPN — best if privacy is your top priority; it’s open source, independently audited, and has a strict no-logs policy. (protonvpn.com)
3. Surfshark — best budget choice, especially if you want to protect multiple devices with one subscription; it also has no-logs auditing and extra privacy tools like CleanWeb and Alternative ID. (techradar.com)
4. ExpressVPN — best premium/easiest-to-use option; it has audited no-logs claims, TrustedServer tech, and its Lightway protocol is built for speed and reliability on Windows, Mac, Linux, and routers. (expressvpn.com)

My recommendation:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best privacy: Proton VPN
• Best value: Surfshark

One important note: a VPN helps with privacy and encryption, but it doesn’t replace antivirus or good browser/security habits. (techradar.com)

If you want, I can also give you a “best VPN for Windows/Mac laptop” version with prices and a simple pick based on your budget.

For phone privacy, my top picks are:

1. Mullvad VPN — best overall for privacy
   • No email required, anonymous account number
   • Strong no-logs reputation
   • Great simple apps on iPhone/Android
2. IVPN — best for transparency
   • Very privacy-focused, independent audits
   • Easy mobile apps
   • Good choice if you want a “privacy-first” VPN, not marketing fluff
3. Proton VPN — best all-around app for phones
   • Strong privacy features
   • Excellent iPhone/Android apps
   • Good free tier, but paid is much better
4. NordVPN — best mainstream option
   • Fast, polished mobile apps
   • Good privacy features like Threat Protection
   • Less privacy-pure than Mullvad/IVPN, but very solid
5. ExpressVPN — best for simplicity
   • Very easy to use on phones
   • Reliable and fast
   • More expensive, and not my first pick for hardcore privacy

Best choice by use case

• Maximum privacy: Mullvad
• Best privacy + usability: Proton VPN
• Best simple premium app: ExpressVPN
• Best value mainstream: NordVPN

Quick note

A VPN helps hide your traffic from your ISP and public Wi‑Fi snoops, but it doesn’t fully protect you from apps, trackers, or your phone OS. For better phone privacy, also use:

• Private DNS / tracker blocking
• App permission limits
• A privacy browser like Firefox Focus or Brave

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs specifically for iPhone or Android.

For phone privacy, my short list is:

• Mullvad — best for maximum anonymity: no email required to create an account, no activity logging, open-source apps, and a built-in kill switch. (mullvad.net)
• Proton VPN — best all-around privacy pick: strict no-logs policy, open-source apps, independent audits, kill switch, and Secure Core routing. (protonvpn.com)
• IVPN — strong privacy-focused option: no logs, open-source apps, kill switch/firewall options on mobile, and multi-hop routes. (ivpn.net)
• NordVPN — good if you want privacy plus convenience/features: independently verified no-logs claims, DNS protection, kill switch, and mobile-friendly apps. (nordvpn.com)
• ExpressVPN — solid mobile choice with an audited no-logs policy and kill switch; its app is designed to be fast and lightweight on phones. (expressvpn.com)

Best overall for privacy: Proton VPN or Mullvad. Best for true anonymity: Mullvad. Best premium all-rounder: NordVPN. (mullvad.net)

One important note: a VPN hides your IP and encrypts traffic, but it does not make your phone fully private from app tracking, accounts you log into, or permissions you grant. (protonvpn.com)

If you want, I can also give you a best VPN for iPhone or best VPN for Android shortlist.

For families, the best VPNs are the ones that are easy to use, support lots of devices, and work well on routers.

Best picks

1. Surfshark — best overall for families

• Unlimited devices on one account
• Easy apps for iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, TV
• Good value for bigger households

2. NordVPN — best performance + security

• Very fast and reliable
• Strong security features
• Great for streaming and everyday use
• Usually allows 10 devices at once

3. ExpressVPN — easiest premium option

• Very simple to set up
• Excellent router support for whole-home coverage
• Fast and dependable
• Typically more expensive than others

4. Proton VPN — best privacy-focused option

• Strong privacy reputation
• Clear, trustworthy apps
• Good choice if your family cares most about security and transparency

5. CyberGhost — best for beginners on a budget

• Easy to use
• Good for streaming and basic protection
• Large server network
• Often has long-term deals

My quick recommendation

• Best for most families: Surfshark
• Best premium pick: NordVPN
• Best simple setup for the whole house: ExpressVPN

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN for families by budget, streaming, or parental-control use.

Best picks for families:

1. Surfshark — best for large households because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections on one subscription. (support.surfshark.com)
2. ExpressVPN — best premium option; it now supports up to 14 devices simultaneously and has simple apps plus router support. (expressvpn.com)
3. NordVPN — strong all-around choice with 10 simultaneous device connections, which is enough for many families. (support.nordvpn.com)
4. Proton VPN — best if privacy matters most; the paid plan supports up to 10 devices, and Proton also offers a Family plan with up to 6 users across its services. (protonvpn.com)
5. Private Internet Access (PIA) — good value for bigger families because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. (privateinternetaccess.com)

My quick recommendation:

• Best overall for families: Surfshark. (support.surfshark.com)
• Best premium: ExpressVPN. (expressvpn.com)
• Best privacy-focused: Proton VPN. (protonvpn.com)

One note: a VPN helps with privacy and device coverage, but it doesn’t replace parental controls. If you want, I can also rank these for budget, streaming, or kids’ devices.

For small business use, the best VPNs are usually the ones with easy admin controls, team management, and good device support—not just “consumer” VPNs.

Best picks

1. NordLayer

• Best overall for most small businesses
• Easy to deploy, good admin dashboard, team access controls
• Good for remote workers and simple network segmentation

2. Tailscale

• Best for tech-savvy teams and secure device-to-device access
• Very easy setup, built on WireGuard
• Great for private access to office resources without complex networking

3. OpenVPN Access Server

• Best for full control and on-prem/self-hosted setups
• Reliable, widely supported, strong for site-to-site or remote access
• Good if you want to manage it yourself

4. Proton VPN Business

• Best for privacy-focused businesses
• Strong security reputation, simple management, good for remote staff
• Better if you want a trusted brand with clear privacy policies

5. Cisco Secure Client (AnyConnect)

• Best for enterprises that already use Cisco
• Very mature, widely used in business environments
• Good if you need compatibility with existing infrastructure

Quick recommendation

• Most small businesses: NordLayer
• Simple IT-light teams: Tailscale
• Self-managed: OpenVPN Access Server
• Privacy-first: Proton VPN Business

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs for 5–10 employees vs. 50+ employees, or a comparison table with pricing/features.

Here are the best small-business options I’d shortlist:

• NordLayer — best all-around for small teams that want a managed business VPN with remote access, threat blocking, split tunneling, and network segmentation. (nordlayer.com)
• OpenVPN CloudConnexa — best if you want a cloud-managed business VPN / zero-trust setup with content filtering, IPS/IDS, routing controls, and strong SMB support. (openvpn.net)
• Twingate — best VPN replacement for secure app access with easy deployment, least-privilege access, IdP/MDM integrations, and no public subnet/port-forwarding exposure. (twingate.com)
• Cloudflare Access — best if you want to move away from a traditional VPN entirely and use zero-trust access with granular policies and strong small-team scalability. (cloudflare.com)
• Perimeter 81 — solid choice for SMBs that want a cloud-based business VPN with segmented access and private-server style connectivity. (perimeter81.com)

My quick pick:

• Best overall: NordLayer. (nordlayer.com)
• Best VPN replacement: Twingate or Cloudflare Access. (twingate.com)
• Best if you want the most traditional VPN feel: OpenVPN CloudConnexa. (openvpn.net)

If you want, I can turn this into a top 3 ranked list by budget, ease of setup, and security.

For gaming, the best VPNs are usually the ones with low latency, lots of nearby servers, and solid wireguard support.

Top picks

1. NordVPN
   • Fast, very stable, great for low ping
   • Good choice for PC and console setups
   • Strong overall performance
2. ExpressVPN
   • Super easy to use
   • Very consistent speeds
   • Great if you want “set it and forget it” gaming
3. Surfshark
   • Best budget option
   • Good speeds and unlimited devices
   • Nice if you game on multiple devices
4. Proton VPN
   • Excellent privacy + strong speeds on paid plans
   • Good network quality, especially in major regions
   • A solid premium alternative
5. Mullvad
   • Great privacy and very good performance
   • Simple pricing
   • Best if you care more about privacy than streaming extras

Best for gaming by use case

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best ease of use: ExpressVPN
• Best budget: Surfshark
• Best privacy: Mullvad
• Best all-around security + performance: Proton VPN

What to look for

• WireGuard protocol
• Servers close to your game server
• Split tunneling
• Low jitter / stable connection
• DDoS protection if you play competitive games

Quick note

A VPN can increase ping if the route is worse, so for gaming, pick a VPN with servers near your location or the game server region.

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs for PS5, Xbox, or PC specifically.

Top picks for gaming right now:

1. NordVPN — best overall for most gamers; fast NordLynx, split tunneling, and a large server network. (nordvpn.com)
2. ExpressVPN — great if you want very stable connections and simple setup; its Lightway protocol and split tunneling are strong for gaming. (expressvpn.com)
3. Surfshark — best budget/value pick; it supports WireGuard and has Bypasser split tunneling. (surfshark.com)
4. Proton VPN — solid for privacy-conscious gamers and a good pick if you want a straightforward gaming page with broad server reach. (protonvpn.com)
5. Private Internet Access (PIA) — good if you want lots of tweaking; it has split tunneling and gaming-specific pages. (privateinternetaccess.com)
6. Windscribe — worth a look if you care about latency and want configurable split tunneling. (windscribe.com)

Quick rule: for gaming, choose a VPN with WireGuard/Lightway-like fast protocols, split tunneling, and servers close to your game region. (nordvpn.com)

Also, a VPN usually won’t magically lower ping; it mainly helps with privacy, DDoS protection, and sometimes better routing if your ISP path is bad. (techradar.com)

If you want, I can narrow this down to best for PC, PS5/Xbox, or the cheapest option.

For torrenting safely and privately, the best VPNs are the ones with P2P support, a kill switch, strong no-logs policy, fast speeds, and ideally port forwarding.

Best picks

1. Mullvad VPN
   • Best for privacy
   • No email required to sign up
   • Strong anonymity reputation
   • Great for torrenting, though port forwarding was removed (check current support if you need it)
2. Proton VPN Plus
   • Excellent privacy and security
   • Very fast on WireGuard
   • Supports torrenting on all servers in paid plans
   • Strong app kill switch and reliable no-logs policy
3. NordVPN
   • Fast speeds and very easy to use
   • P2P-optimized servers
   • Good kill switch and DNS leak protection
   • Solid all-around choice for torrenting
4. Private Internet Access (PIA)
   • Great for advanced users
   • Port forwarding support
   • Highly configurable
   • Good value for the price
5. AirVPN
   • Very torrent-friendly
   • Strong privacy focus
   • Port forwarding supported
   • Best if you want lots of control and don’t mind a less polished app

What to look for

• Kill switch
• No-logs policy
• P2P/torrent support
• WireGuard/OpenVPN
• DNS/IP leak protection
• Port forwarding if you want better peer connections

Avoid

• Free VPNs
• VPNs with unclear logging policies
• VPNs that don’t allow P2P

If you want, I can also give you a best VPN ranked by speed, privacy, or price.

For torrenting safely, my short list is:

1. Proton VPN — best overall for torrenting. It has dedicated P2P servers, a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, and port forwarding support, which can help with seeding and connectivity. (protonvpn.com)
2. NordVPN — strong all-around pick. Nord says all standard servers now support P2P, and it also advertises an independently verified no-logs policy plus a kill switch. (support.nordvpn.com)
3. Surfshark — best budget-friendly option. Surfshark says its no-logs policy was independently verified in 2025, it uses RAM-only servers, and it includes a kill switch. (surfshark.com)
4. Mullvad — best for privacy purists, but not ideal for torrent seeding because it removed port forwarding. Mullvad still says it doesn’t log activity. (mullvad.net)

If you want one pick: choose Proton VPN. It’s the best balance of privacy, safety features, and torrent-specific tooling. (protonvpn.com)

Torrenting safety checklist: use the VPN kill switch, bind your torrent client to the VPN interface, and only torrent content you’re allowed to download/share. Proton specifically warns about interface binding to prevent IP leaks. (protonvpn.com)

If you want, I can also give you a “best VPN for torrenting by budget” list.

Best overall VPNs for streaming on different devices:

1. NordVPN
   • Best for: Fast streaming, lots of device support
   • Works well on: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Fire TV, Android TV, routers
   • Why: Very fast, reliable for unblocking streaming apps, easy apps
2. ExpressVPN
   • Best for: Simple setup and best all-around TV streaming
   • Works well on: Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku via router, smart TVs, consoles via router
   • Why: Great for beginners, excellent router support, strong speeds
   • Bonus: Its router app is especially useful for devices that don’t support VPN apps directly
3. Surfshark
   • Best for: Many devices on one account
   • Works well on: All major platforms, including Fire TV, Android TV, smart TVs
   • Why: Unlimited devices, solid streaming, usually cheaper than rivals
4. Proton VPN
   • Best for: Privacy + strong speeds
   • Works well on: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Fire TV, Android TV
   • Why: Very trustworthy, good performance, good apps
   • Note: Streaming support is good, but not always as consistent as ExpressVPN/NordVPN
5. CyberGhost
   • Best for: Streaming beginners and easy server choices
   • Works well on: Desktop, mobile, Fire TV
   • Why: Has dedicated streaming-optimized servers and simple apps

Best by device

• Phone/tablet: NordVPN or Surfshark
• Fire TV / Android TV: ExpressVPN or NordVPN
• Apple TV: ExpressVPN is one of the best picks
• Roku: Use ExpressVPN on a router (Roku doesn’t natively support most VPN apps)
• Smart TV / console: ExpressVPN on router, or NordVPN if the device supports the app
• Multiple family devices: Surfshark

Quick pick

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best for TVs/streaming boxes: ExpressVPN
• Best budget + many devices: Surfshark

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video specifically.

Here’s a solid short list for streaming across different devices:

• Best overall: NordVPN — strongest all-around choice for streaming, with apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, tvOS, and Android TV, plus support for 10 devices. (tomsguide.com)
• Best for Apple TV / living-room streaming: ExpressVPN — has apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV, and is built for easy TV setup. (expressvpn.com)
• Best budget option: Surfshark — good for streaming on Android, Fire TV, Apple TV, smart TVs, and routers, and is usually the value pick. (surfshark.com)
• Best for multi-device households: Proton VPN — supports streaming on up to 10 devices, and officially lists major services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime Video. (protonvpn.com)

Quick pick by device

• iPhone/iPad/Mac: NordVPN or ExpressVPN. (tomsguide.com)
• Apple TV: ExpressVPN or NordVPN. (expressvpn.com)
• Fire TV / Fire Stick: ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN. (expressvpn.com)
• Android TV / Google TV: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN. (tomsguide.com)

If you want, I can narrow this to the best VPN for your exact devices and your streaming services.

The best no-log VPNs are usually the ones with:

• independent audits
• RAM-only servers
• clear privacy policies
• history of proving they store minimal data

Top picks:

1. Mullvad — best overall for privacy
   • Very strong no-log stance
   • No email required to sign up
   • Excellent reputation for anonymity
2. Proton VPN — best mainstream privacy VPN
   • Based in Switzerland
   • Independently audited
   • Strong free tier, very good paid plan
3. NordVPN — best all-around performance
   • Repeated no-log audits
   • Fast speeds, lots of servers
   • Good for streaming and travel
4. ExpressVPN — easiest premium option
   • Strong privacy record
   • Audited no-log claims
   • Simple apps, very reliable
5. IVPN — best for transparency
   • Very privacy-focused
   • Clear policies, audited
   • Great choice if you want a smaller provider

If you want the most private, pick Mullvad. If you want the best balance of privacy + features, pick Proton VPN or NordVPN.

If you want, I can also give you:

• the best no-log VPN for streaming
• the best no-log VPN for iPhone/Android
• or a side-by-side comparison table.

Top no-log VPNs I’d shortlist:

• Mullvad — best for privacy-first minimalism. It says it does not keep activity logs, uses anonymous numbered accounts, and accepts cash/crypto; its policies are publicly posted. (mullvad.net)
• Proton VPN — best all-around privacy VPN. Proton says it keeps no traffic, IP, session-length, or location logs, and its no-logs claims are backed by independent audits. (protonvpn.com)
• IVPN — best for transparency. IVPN says it logs no VPN activity, requires no email on sign-up, and has independent security audits. (ivpn.net)
• ExpressVPN — best mainstream premium pick. Its privacy policy says it does not log browsing history, DNS queries, IP addresses, or session duration, and it says its no-logs claims have been audited by KPMG/PwC/Cure53. (expressvpn.com)
• NordVPN — best for features + privacy. NordVPN says it has a strict no-logs policy, is based in Panama, and has passed multiple independent no-logs reviews, including a sixth assurance engagement in 2026. (nordvpn.com)

My quick ranking: 1) Mullvad, 2) Proton VPN, 3) IVPN, 4) ExpressVPN, 5) NordVPN. (mullvad.net)

If you want, I can also narrow this down by best for streaming, torrenting, or maximum anonymity.

The fastest VPNs right now are usually:

1. ExpressVPN — very consistent speeds, especially with Lightway
2. NordVPN — often one of the fastest overall, especially with NordLynx
3. Surfshark — strong speeds for the price, good on most routes
4. Proton VPN — excellent speed on WireGuard, especially on premium servers
5. Mullvad — very fast and lightweight, especially for privacy-focused users
6. Hotspot Shield — often fast in raw tests, though privacy/features are less popular than the top picks

Best picks by use

• Fastest overall: NordVPN
• Most consistently fast + easy to use: ExpressVPN
• Best budget speed: Surfshark
• Best privacy + speed: Mullvad or Proton VPN

Quick tip

For best speed, choose a VPN that supports WireGuard or its own fast protocol:

• NordLynx (NordVPN)
• Lightway (ExpressVPN)
• WireGuard (Proton VPN, Surfshark, Mullvad)

If you want, I can also give you the fastest VPNs for streaming, gaming, or torrenting.

Based on recent independent speed tests, the fastest VPNs I’d shortlist are:

1. CyberGhost — Comparitech’s 2025 tests called it the fastest VPN they measured, with an average download speed of 210 Mbps. (comparitech.com)
2. ExpressVPN — vpnMentor’s 2026 testing said it had “the fastest speeds we tested,” and it stayed very fast even on distant servers. (vpnmentor.com)
3. NordVPN — It consistently ranked near the top in recent comparisons, and Comparitech’s 2026 NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN test found NordVPN slightly faster overall. (comparitech.com)
4. Surfshark — Usually a strong speed pick, though generally a bit behind NordVPN in recent head-to-head tests. (vpnmentor.com)

Bottom line: if you want the best shot at top speed, start with CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, or NordVPN. (comparitech.com)

If you want, I can also rank them by speed + streaming + price.

Here are some of the best VPNs with split tunneling:

1. NordVPN
   • Best for: Speed + strong privacy
   • Split tunneling available on Windows, Android, and Android TV
   • Good overall app quality and server network
2. Surfshark
   • Best for: Best value
   • Split tunneling feature is called Bypasser
   • Available on Windows, Android, and macOS (support varies by platform)
   • Unlimited device connections
3. ExpressVPN
   • Best for: Ease of use + reliability
   • Split tunneling available on Windows, Mac, and some routers
   • Very polished apps, usually excellent performance
4. Private Internet Access (PIA)
   • Best for: Advanced control
   • Robust split tunneling on Windows, macOS, and Android
   • Lots of customization options
5. Proton VPN
   • Best for: Privacy-focused users
   • Split tunneling available on Windows and Android
   • Strong reputation and transparent security practices

Quick pick

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best budget: Surfshark
• Best for control: PIA
• Best for privacy: Proton VPN

If you want, I can also rank these by speed, privacy, streaming, or price.

Best picks for VPN split tunneling:

1. ExpressVPN — strongest all-around pick if you want split tunneling on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and routers. It also supports inverse split tunneling on Windows. (expressvpn.com)
2. Proton VPN — best for power users and privacy-minded users. Split tunneling is available on paid plans and supports Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, browser extension, and Android TV (with some features/platforms marked experimental). (protonvpn.com)
3. Surfshark — good if you want a more flexible app experience. Its split-tunneling feature, called Bypasser, supports Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. (surfshark.com)
4. NordVPN — solid choice, but split tunneling is more limited by platform. NordVPN says it’s available on Windows, Android, and Android TV. (nordvpn.com)

Quick recommendation:

• Best overall: ExpressVPN (expressvpn.com)
• Best value/privacy: Proton VPN (protonvpn.com)
• Best if you use iPhone/iPad: Surfshark (surfshark.com)

If you want, I can also narrow this down by Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or streaming/gaming use.

Best VPNs with built-in ad blocking:

1. NordVPN — Threat Protection Pro
   • Strongest all-in-one option for ads, trackers, and malware
   • Works even when the VPN isn’t connected on some platforms
   • Best overall if you want the most aggressive blocking
2. Proton VPN — NetShield
   • Very good ad and malware blocking
   • Privacy-focused, clean apps, excellent reputation
   • Best if you want a more privacy-first VPN
3. Surfshark — CleanWeb
   • Blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites
   • Usually cheaper on longer plans
   • Best budget-friendly choice
4. PrivadoVPN — Ad blocker
   • Decent basic ad blocking
   • Smaller network, but solid value
   • Good if you want something simple and inexpensive
5. CyberGhost — Content Blocker
   • Easy to use, basic ad/tracker blocking
   • Good for beginners, not the strongest blocker

My pick

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best privacy-focused: Proton VPN
• Best budget: Surfshark

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs for iPhone, Android, or streaming with ad blocking.

Here are the best VPNs with built-in ad blocking right now:

• NordVPN — best overall if you want the most complete “security suite.” Its Threat Protection Pro includes an ad blocker plus anti-tracking and malware/phishing protection. (nordvpn.com)
• Surfshark — best budget/value pick. CleanWeb is included in all plans and blocks ads/tracker content; Surfshark also says its upgraded CleanWeb can block more than just basic banners in some setups. (support.surfshark.com)
• Proton VPN — best for privacy-focused users. Its NetShield feature is Proton’s ad-blocker, built into the VPN. (protonvpn.com)
• ExpressVPN — best if you want broad device support and simple setup. Its ad blocker can stop display ads, popups, and tracking scripts on major platforms, though it notes it can’t block some first-party/video ads like YouTube-style ads. (expressvpn.com)

My quick pick:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best value: Surfshark
• Best privacy brand: Proton VPN
• Best cross-device simplicity: ExpressVPN

If you want, I can narrow this to the best one for iPhone, Android, or streaming.

Top VPNs with a reliable kill switch:

1. NordVPN — NordVPN
   • Strong kill switch, fast speeds, very easy to use
   • Good all-around choice for streaming, travel, and privacy
2. ExpressVPN — ExpressVPN
   • “Network Lock” kill switch is solid
   • Excellent app quality and reliability, usually very fast
3. Surfshark — Surfshark
   • Kill switch included on all major apps
   • Best value if you want unlimited devices
4. Proton VPN — Proton VPN
   • Strong privacy focus, secure kill switch
   • Great if privacy matters more than streaming
5. Mullvad — Mullvad VPN
   • Very privacy-first, robust kill switch
   • Great for anonymity, less focused on streaming
6. IVPN — IVPN
   • Excellent transparency and kill switch protection
   • Good for users who want a simple, privacy-focused VPN

Best overall: NordVPN Best for privacy: Mullvad or Proton VPN Best budget option: Surfshark Best premium experience: ExpressVPN

If you want, I can also rank these for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, or streaming.

Here are strong VPNs with reliable kill switches:

• NordVPN — best all-around pick; TechRadar ranks it #1 overall and notes its kill switch plus DNS leak protection. Its Windows app offers app-level or system-level kill switch, and it’s built into iOS/Linux too. (techradar.com)
• ExpressVPN — very polished and the kill switch is called Network Lock; it’s enabled by default on Windows/macOS/Linux/routers, with mobile protection too. (expressvpn.com)
• Proton VPN — great for privacy; it offers Standard and Advanced kill switch modes, with Advanced on Windows/Linux. (protonvpn.com)
• Surfshark — solid budget-friendly option; its kill switch cuts internet access if the VPN disconnects. (support.surfshark.com)
• Mullvad — best if you want the strictest behavior; its kill switch is always on and cannot be disabled. (mullvad.net)

My quick recommendation:

• Best overall: NordVPN. (techradar.com)
• Best strict kill switch: Mullvad. (mullvad.net)
• Best simple premium option: ExpressVPN. (expressvpn.com)

If you want, I can narrow it down by price, streaming, torrenting, or privacy.

For restrictive countries, the best VPNs are the ones with obfuscation/stealth, strong no-logs policies, and proven ability to work in places with aggressive blocking.

Best picks

1. Proton VPN
   • Best overall for censorship resistance
   • Features: Stealth protocol, Secure Core, strong privacy reputation
   • Good choice if you want a more trustworthy, well-audited provider
2. NordVPN
   • Very strong for blocked networks
   • Features: Obfuscated servers, fast speeds, large server network
   • Good balance of speed + reliability
3. Mullvad
   • Best for privacy
   • Features: WireGuard, minimal account info, strong anonymity
   • Great if privacy matters more than streaming or extras
4. Astrill VPN
   • Often the most recommended for China and other very restrictive places
   • Features: StealthVPN, strong anti-censorship tools
   • Expensive, but many travelers use it because it often works when others don’t
5. Surfshark
   • Good budget option
   • Features: Camouflage mode, unlimited devices
   • Solid if you need multiple devices on a lower budget

What to look for

• Obfuscation/stealth mode
• WireGuard/OpenVPN with TCP
• Kill switch
• No-logs policy
• Ability to download the app before entering the country

Quick recommendation

• Best overall: Proton VPN
• Best for China-style restrictions: Astrill VPN
• Best privacy: Mullvad
• Best value: NordVPN or Surfshark

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN by country (China, Iran, UAE, Russia, etc.).

For restrictive countries, I’d start with these:

1. Proton VPN — best all-around for censorship resistance. It has Stealth to make VPN traffic look like regular traffic, alternative routing, and Secure Core for extra protection; Proton also says its apps are open source, independently audited, and under Swiss privacy law. (protonvpn.com)
2. Mullvad VPN — best for privacy-first users who need strong anti-censorship tools. Mullvad now offers LWO, plus QUIC, Shadowsocks, and UDP-over-TCP for restrictive networks. (mullvad.net)
3. NordVPN — a strong fallback because it offers obfuscated servers, and NordVPN support says those servers use OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) and can be selected in the app. (support.nordvpn.com)
4. Surfshark — good value with built-in Camouflage Mode and NoBorders mode for places where VPN traffic is blocked or detected. Surfshark also says OpenVPN connections use obfuscated servers. (surfshark.com)
5. ExpressVPN — worth considering if you want a polished app and 24/7 support; ExpressVPN’s support pages specifically tell users in high-censorship countries to contact support for help. (expressvpn.com)

My short pick:

• Best overall: Proton VPN
• Best privacy/obfuscation mix: Mullvad
• Best budget option: Surfshark
• Best mainstream backup: NordVPN

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN by country (China, Iran, Russia, UAE, Turkey, etc.).

Here are the best VPNs for multiple devices:

1. NordVPN — Best overall
   • Up to 10 devices at once
   • Fast, reliable, strong security
   • Good apps for all major platforms
2. Surfshark — Best for unlimited devices
   • Unlimited simultaneous connections
   • Great if you have lots of phones, tablets, laptops, or a family
   • Usually one of the best values
3. ExpressVPN — Best for ease of use
   • Up to 8 devices
   • Very polished apps and excellent performance
   • Great for people who want simple setup
4. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Best budget option
   • Up to 10 devices
   • Cheap long-term plans
   • Good for power users who want lots of customization
5. Proton VPN — Best privacy-focused option
   • Up to 10 devices on paid plans
   • Strong privacy reputation
   • Solid apps and good speeds

Quick pick:

• Most devices: Surfshark
• Best all-around: NordVPN
• Simplest to use: ExpressVPN

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs for families, best for streaming, or best cheap multi-device VPNs.

For multiple devices, the best picks right now are:

• Surfshark — best for unlimited simultaneous connections. Great if you want one plan for a whole household. (support.surfshark.com)
• NordVPN — best overall for most people, with 10 simultaneous devices and strong speed/security. (support.nordvpn.com)
• Proton VPN — best if you want a privacy-focused option with 10 devices at once. (protonvpn.com)
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — best budget-friendly option for lots of devices, with unlimited device connections. (helpdesk.privateinternetaccess.com)
• ExpressVPN — best premium/simple option, with up to 14 simultaneous connections. (expressvpn.com)

Quick recommendation:

• Big family / many gadgets: Surfshark
• Best all-around: NordVPN
• Privacy-first: Proton VPN
• Cheapest per device: PIA
• Easiest premium pick: ExpressVPN

If you want, I can narrow this down by budget, streaming, or router support.

For streaming sports, the best VPNs are usually the ones with fast speeds, reliable unblocking, and lots of server locations:

1. NordVPN — best overall for streaming sports
   • Very fast, consistent
   • Great at unblocking services like ESPN+, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and others
   • Big server network
2. ExpressVPN — easiest to use, very reliable
   • Excellent for live sports with low buffering
   • Strong app support on TVs, phones, and routers
   • Often the most dependable for region switching
3. Surfshark — best value
   • Good speeds and streaming support
   • Unlimited devices
   • Usually cheaper than NordVPN/ExpressVPN
4. CyberGhost — good for beginners
   • Has streaming-optimized servers
   • Simple interface
   • Solid for occasional sports streaming
5. Proton VPN — strong privacy + good speeds
   • High performance on premium plans
   • Good if you want privacy first, streaming second

My short pick:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best for ease/reliability: ExpressVPN
• Best cheap option: Surfshark

If you want, I can also recommend the best VPN for a specific sport or streaming service (NFL, NBA, Premier League, F1, DAZN, ESPN+, etc.).

Here are the best VPNs for streaming sports right now:

1. NordVPN — best overall. It has NordLynx (WireGuard-based), thousands of servers across 188 locations, and SmartPlay for smoother streaming. (nordvpn.com)
2. ExpressVPN — best for simplicity and reliability. Its sports pages highlight high-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth, and it’s built for quick connect-and-watch use. (expressvpn.com)
3. Surfshark — best value. Surfshark markets itself around fast sports streaming, AES-256, and a strict no-logs policy. (surfshark.com)
4. Proton VPN — best for privacy. Proton emphasizes WireGuard/OpenVPN/IKEv2, up to 10 Gbps streaming servers in 110+ countries, and up to 10 connections on Plus. (protonvpn.com)
5. CyberGhost — good beginner pick. It offers streaming-optimized servers and sports-specific guides for major leagues and events. (cyberghostvpn.com)

My quick recommendation:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best budget/value: Surfshark
• Best privacy: Proton VPN
• Easiest to use: ExpressVPN (nordvpn.com)

If you want, I can also narrow this down for NFL, NBA, F1, Premier League, or UFC specifically.

For Chrome users, the best VPNs are usually the ones with a good Chrome extension plus a solid desktop app.

Best picks

1. NordVPN
   • Best overall for Chrome users
   • Fast, reliable, strong security
   • Chrome extension is easy to use, but works best with the full app
2. ExpressVPN
   • Best for simplicity and speed
   • Excellent Chrome extension and very polished apps
   • Great if you want “set it and forget it”
3. Surfshark
   • Best value
   • Unlimited devices
   • Good Chrome extension, strong feature set for the price
4. Proton VPN
   • Best privacy-focused option
   • Strong reputation and transparent policies
   • Great if privacy matters most
5. CyberGhost
   • Best for beginners
   • Easy-to-use apps and decent Chrome support
   • Good for streaming and casual browsing

Quick recommendation

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best ease of use: ExpressVPN
• Best budget: Surfshark
• Best privacy: Proton VPN

Important note

Chrome VPN extensions are often proxies, not full device VPNs. If you want all traffic protected, install the desktop app too.

If you want, I can also give you the best free Chrome VPN options or a top 3 ranked by speed/privacy/price.

For Chrome users, I’d shortlist these:

1. ExpressVPN — best overall for Chrome users in TechRadar’s 2026 guide, with a very easy setup and strong unblocking. (techradar.com)
2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — best budget pick; lots of customization and solid Chrome extension value. (techradar.com)
3. Windscribe — best free Chrome VPN extension; lightweight, easy, and includes ad/malware blocking. (techradar.com)
4. NordVPN — excellent security features and speed, with browser-extension perks like ad/tracker blocking and WebRTC protection. (techradar.com)
5. Proton VPN — great if you want privacy-focused Chrome protection; its extension is one-click, open to free or paid users, and works on Chromium browsers. (protonvpn.com)
6. Surfshark — strong Chrome extension with ad blocking, cookie-pop-up blocking, and malware/data-leak alerts. (surfshark.com)

Quick pick:

• Best overall: ExpressVPN (techradar.com)
• Best free: Windscribe (techradar.com)
• Best privacy-first: Proton VPN (protonvpn.com)
• Best security extras: NordVPN (support.nordvpn.com)

One important note: Chrome VPN extensions usually protect browser traffic only, not the rest of your device. (support.nordvpn.com)

If you want, I can narrow this to best free, best cheap, or best for streaming.

Best VPNs for Mac users, in my view:

1. ExpressVPN
   • Best overall for Mac
   • Very polished macOS app, fast, reliable, easy to use
   • Great for streaming and travel
   • Higher price than some competitors
2. NordVPN
   • Best mix of speed, security, and value
   • Solid Mac app with strong privacy features
   • Good for streaming, large server network
3. Surfshark
   • Best budget pick
   • Unlimited devices, good Mac app, strong speed
   • Great if you want to cover multiple Apple devices
4. Proton VPN
   • Best for privacy-focused Mac users
   • Excellent reputation, strong security, good free tier
   • App is clean and well-designed on macOS
5. Mullvad VPN
   • Best for anonymity and simplicity
   • Very privacy-first, no email required to sign up
   • Not the best for streaming, but excellent for privacy

Quick pick:

• Best overall: ExpressVPN
• Best value: NordVPN
• Best budget: Surfshark
• Best privacy: Proton VPN or Mullvad

If you want, I can also narrow it down to the best VPN for streaming, torrenting, or privacy on Mac.

For most Mac users, the best picks are:

• NordVPN — best all-around if you want speed and a polished Mac app; NordVPN’s macOS app supports NordLynx (WireGuard-based) for faster connections. (support.nordvpn.com)
• Proton VPN — best for privacy-focused users; its Mac app includes kill switch, WireGuard, Stealth VPN, DNS leak protection, NetShield ad-blocking, and VPN Accelerator. (protonvpn.com)
• Surfshark — best budget/value choice; it supports macOS and now offers Bypasser/split tunneling on macOS. (support.surfshark.com)
• Mullvad — best for privacy minimalists; its macOS app supports split tunneling, multihop, Shadowsocks, and an advanced kill switch, and works on macOS Sonoma (14) or later. (mullvad.net)
• ExpressVPN — best if you want a very simple Mac experience, but note its split tunneling is not available on macOS 11 and later. (expressvpn.com)

My short recommendation:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best privacy: Proton VPN or Mullvad
• Best value: Surfshark
• Best simple premium app: ExpressVPN (support.nordvpn.com)

If you want, I can narrow this down to best for streaming, best cheap, or best for Apple Silicon MacBooks.

If by “market leader” you mean NordVPN, the best alternatives are:

• ExpressVPN — best overall premium alternative
  • Why it stands out: very easy to use, strong privacy, great streaming reliability, excellent apps
  • Compared to NordVPN: usually simpler and more polished; often a bit more expensive and slower in raw speed tests
• Surfshark — best value
  • Why it stands out: unlimited devices, solid speed, strong feature set for the price
  • Compared to NordVPN: cheaper, better for families/households; not quite as consistently fast or feature-rich
• Proton VPN — best for privacy
  • Why it stands out: strong Swiss privacy, audited, excellent transparency, good free plan
  • Compared to NordVPN: more privacy-focused, less “all-in-one” polished for streaming and casual use
• Mullvad — best anonymity
  • Why it stands out: minimal account info, strong privacy philosophy, flat pricing
  • Compared to NordVPN: better for anonymity; weaker for streaming and beginner-friendly features
• CyberGhost — best for streaming beginners
  • Why it stands out: easy server presets for Netflix/BBC/etc., large server network
  • Compared to NordVPN: easier for streaming newcomers, but not as fast or premium overall

Quick pick

• Best overall: ExpressVPN
• Best value: Surfshark
• Best privacy: Proton VPN
• Best anonymity: Mullvad
• Best for streaming: CyberGhost

If you want, I can also rank them for speed, privacy, streaming, or price in a simple table.

If by market leader you mean NordVPN, the best alternatives right now are:

1. Surfshark — best value/cheap pick; very fast, and TechRadar ranks it #2 overall. (techradar.com)
2. ExpressVPN — best premium all-round alternative; easier to use, very secure, and TechRadar currently puts it ahead of NordVPN for US use cases. (techradar.com)
3. Proton VPN — best if privacy/censorship resistance matters most; strong audits, open-source apps, and excellent global coverage. (techradar.com)
4. Private Internet Access (PIA) — best for power users/Linux/customization. (techradar.com)

Quick take:

• Best overall: NordVPN. (techradar.com)
• Best cheaper alternative: Surfshark. (techradar.com)
• Best premium alternative: ExpressVPN. (techradar.com)
• Best for privacy: Proton VPN. (techradar.com)

If you want, I can turn this into a “best VPN for streaming / torrenting / travel / privacy” shortlist.

If you mean cheaper VPN options, these are the best value picks:

• Mullvad — simple, privacy-first, flat monthly pricing, often the best “no-nonsense” option
• Windscribe — good free tier + affordable paid plans, great for light users
• IVPN — strong privacy, usually priced better than big-name VPNs
• Proton VPN — solid performance, good long-term value, reputable brand
• Surfshark — one of the cheapest for unlimited devices
• PrivadoVPN — budget-friendly, decent basic features

If you mean alternatives to a VPN entirely, consider:

• Tailscale — best for secure access between your own devices
• ZeroTier — similar to Tailscale, good for private networking
• Cloudflare WARP — free/cheap, faster than many VPNs, but not a full VPN replacement

Best overall for price/value:

• Mullvad if you want privacy
• Surfshark if you want the lowest cost for multiple devices
• Windscribe if you want a cheap plan with flexibility

If you want, I can give you a top 5 by lowest price, best for streaming, or best for privacy.

Best budget-friendly VPN alternatives right now:

• Mullvad — flat €5/month with no long-term lock-in. Best if you want simple, predictable pricing. (mullvad.net)
• Windscribe — free plan with up to 10GB/month, or Build-a-Plan from $3/month; full Pro is $9/month monthly or $5.75/month billed yearly. (windscribe.com)
• Proton VPN — Free plan available; paid VPN Plus adds more servers, streaming, P2P, and NetShield, while Unlimited bundles other Proton products too. (protonvpn.com)
• IVPN — pricier than the cheapest options, but still reasonable: Standard $6/month or $60/year, Pro $10/month or $100/year; it’s a good privacy-first pick. (ivpn.net)

Best picks by use case

• Cheapest usable option: Windscribe Build-a-Plan. (windscribe.com)
• Best simple flat price: Mullvad. (mullvad.net)
• Best free option: Proton VPN Free or Windscribe Free. (protonvpn.com)
• Best privacy-focused premium: IVPN or Mullvad. (ivpn.net)

If you want, I can narrow this down to best for streaming, torrenting, or the absolute cheapest.

If privacy is your priority, these are generally better choices than most “big-name” VPNs:

• Mullvad VPN — strongest privacy reputation overall; anonymous account number, minimal data collection, accepts cash/crypto.
• IVPN — excellent privacy-first design, independent audits, transparent policies, strong anti-tracking focus.
• Proton VPN — very good privacy, based in Switzerland, open-source apps, strong no-logs stance.
• OVPN — privacy-focused, Swedish provider with a strong track record and minimal logging.
• AirVPN — privacy-oriented and technical, good for users who want more control.

If you want the best simple pick for privacy, choose Mullvad. If you want privacy plus broader features/streaming, Proton VPN is a strong alternative.

If you tell me what you mean by “leading option” (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, etc.), I can compare directly.

If you mean NordVPN as the “leading option,” the more privacy-first choices are usually:

• Mullvad — no email required, numbered accounts, and a stated “no activity logs of any kind” policy. (mullvad.net)
• IVPN — no email required, no customer data at sign-up, open-source apps/site, self-hosted services, and independent audits. (ivpn.net)
• Proton VPN — strict no-logs policy, open-source apps, and a fourth consecutive annual third-party no-logs audit in 2025. (protonvpn.com)

My short take:

• Best overall privacy posture: Mullvad
• Best balance of privacy + features: Proton VPN
• Best minimalist/privacy purist alternative: IVPN (mullvad.net)

If you want, I can rank them by anonymity, jurisdiction, open-source, payment privacy, or audit strength.

If you want a reliable VPN, the best paid options are usually much better than free VPNs in speed, privacy, and streaming support.

Best VPNs (paid)

1. NordVPN — best overall
   • Fast, strong privacy, great for streaming and travel.
2. ExpressVPN — easiest to use
   • Very reliable, excellent apps, good for beginners.
3. Surfshark — best value
   • Cheap, unlimited devices, solid performance.
4. Proton VPN — best privacy focus
   • Strong reputation, good free tier too, based in Switzerland.
5. Mullvad — best for anonymity
   • Minimal account info, strong privacy-first approach.

Free VPN options

Good free VPNs are limited, but these are the safer names:

• Proton VPN Free — best free option overall
• Windscribe Free — generous data allowance
• PrivadoVPN Free — decent speeds, limited data

Paid VPN vs Free VPN

Paid VPNs

Pros: faster, more servers, better privacy, streaming support, no data caps Cons: cost money

Free VPNs

Pros: no cost Cons: often slow, data-limited, fewer servers, weaker privacy, some log/sell data or show ads

Bottom line

• If you need a VPN for daily use, streaming, or privacy: go paid, especially NordVPN or Surfshark.
• If you just need something occasional and free: use Proton VPN Free.

If you want, I can also give you a best VPN by use case list: streaming, torrenting, gaming, or privacy.

Short answer: if you want the best overall experience, pick a paid VPN. If you just need something occasional and low-cost, a free VPN can work, but most free plans have data caps, fewer server locations, and fewer features. (protonvpn.com)

Best paid VPNs

• Proton VPN Plus — best all-around privacy pick; Proton says it has a strict no-logs policy, open-source apps, and independent audits, and its paid plans add faster speeds and servers in 120+ countries. (protonvpn.com)
• NordVPN — strong mainstream choice with audited no-logs claims and competitive long-term pricing. (nordvpn.com)
• Surfshark — good value if you want lots of devices; Surfshark says it has independent no-logs verification and a 30-day refund policy. (surfshark.com)
• ExpressVPN — premium option with newly tiered plans; current Basic pricing starts at $3.49/month on the long-term plan. (expressvpn.com)

Best free VPN options

• Proton VPN Free — best free option overall; Proton says it has no data or speed limits and no ads. (protonvpn.com)
• Windscribe Free — solid if you can live with limits: 10GB/month with email verification, 11 countries, or 2GB/month without confirmed email. (windscribe.com)
• PrivadoVPN Free — 10GB per 30 days, but only a handful of server locations and 1-device limit on the free plan. (privadovpn.com)
• TunnelBear Free — simplest, but only 2GB/month, so it’s mostly for testing. (tunnelbear.com)

My practical recommendation

• Best free: Proton VPN Free. (protonvpn.com)
• Best paid value: Surfshark or NordVPN. (nordvpn.com)
• Best privacy-first paid choice: Proton VPN Plus. (protonvpn.com)

If you want, I can also give you a best VPN for streaming / torrenting / iPhone / travel shortlist.

They do different jobs:

• VPNs hide your IP address from websites, your ISP, and public Wi‑Fi.
• Browser privacy tools reduce tracking inside the browser (cookies, fingerprinting, ad scripts, third-party trackers).

Best VPNs

1. Mullvad — best for privacy
   • No email required, simple pricing, strong reputation.
2. Proton VPN — best overall balance
   • Great privacy, solid speeds, good apps, strong free tier.
3. IVPN — best minimalist privacy option
   • Very privacy-focused, easy to use.
4. NordVPN — best for speed/features
   • Fast, lots of servers, good if you want streaming and extras.
5. ExpressVPN — best for ease of use
   • Polished apps, strong reliability, usually pricier.

Best browser privacy tools

1. Firefox + uBlock Origin — best practical setup
   • Blocks ads, trackers, and a lot of fingerprinting.
2. Brave Browser — best all-in-one browser
   • Strong defaults, built-in blocker.
3. Tor Browser — best for anonymity
   • Much stronger privacy than a VPN, but slower.
4. DuckDuckGo / Startpage — better private search
   • Reduces search tracking.

Which is better?

• If you want to stop websites and advertisers from tracking you: browser tools matter more.
• If you want to hide your IP address or protect traffic on public Wi‑Fi: use a VPN.
• If you want the strongest privacy: browser privacy tools + a VPN.

Simple recommendation

• Most people: Proton VPN + Firefox + uBlock Origin
• Privacy-first: Mullvad + Tor Browser for sensitive browsing
• Easiest setup: Brave + Proton VPN

If you want, I can give you a best VPN vs browser setup by use case (streaming, privacy, torrenting, public Wi‑Fi, etc.).

Short answer: Use a VPN if you want to hide your IP address from websites and your network, and use browser privacy tools if you mainly want to block ads, trackers, cookies, and fingerprinting inside the browser. They solve different problems. (protonvpn.com)

Best privacy-first VPNs:

• Mullvad — strongest “privacy by design” vibe: no activity logs, no email required to sign up, anonymous numbered accounts. (mullvad.net)
• Proton VPN — strict no-logs policy, independent audits, open-source apps, and features like kill switch and DNS leak prevention. (protonvpn.com)
• IVPN — no logs, no email required, and strong transparency about what it does and doesn’t collect. (ivpn.net)

Best browser privacy tools:

• Brave Shields — strongest out-of-the-box browser blocking for ads, trackers, cookies, phishing, and fingerprinting. (brave.com)
• Firefox Enhanced Tracking Protection — blocks known trackers and tracking cookies, with stricter modes if you want more protection. (blog.mozilla.org)
• Safari privacy features — blocks known trackers, removes some tracking from URLs in Private Browsing, and can hide your IP from known trackers. (support.apple.com)

Where browser tools stop: Browser tools generally don’t hide your IP from websites the way a VPN does. Apple’s iCloud Private Relay is closer to a browser/network privacy feature, but it is designed for Safari web browsing, uses two relays, and is not a full-system VPN. (support.apple.com)

My pick:

• Best overall privacy VPN: Mullvad or Proton VPN. (mullvad.net)
• Best browser privacy tool: Brave Shields. (brave.com)
• Best combo for most people: Brave + a privacy-focused VPN. (brave.com)

If you want, I can also give you a “best VPN for streaming / travel / maximum privacy / best free” breakdown.

If you want better streaming speed than a VPN, the best alternatives are usually:

1) Smart DNS (best for streaming)

Fastest option for unblocking geo-restricted streaming because it doesn’t encrypt all traffic.

Good options:

• ExpressVPN Smart DNS / MediaStreamer
• SmartDNSProxy
• Unlocator
• Control D

Best for: Netflix regions, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc. Downside: No privacy/encryption.

2) Residential proxy (best for niche access, not general use)

Can work for streaming in some cases, but often less reliable and more expensive.

Good options:

• Oxylabs
• Bright Data
• Smartproxy

Best for: Advanced users, automation, web access. Downside: Overkill for normal streaming.

3) Dedicated IP from a VPN (faster/more stable than shared VPN)

Not an alternative to VPN, but often the best “speed upgrade” if you still need VPN features.

Good options:

• NordVPN Dedicated IP
• PureVPN Dedicated IP
• CyberGhost Dedicated IP

4) Better DNS + faster routing

For pure speed, sometimes changing DNS helps a little.

Good DNS services:

• Cloudflare 1.1.1.1
• Google DNS
• Control D

Best picks

• Best overall for streaming: SmartDNSProxy
• Best easy option: ExpressVPN MediaStreamer
• Best advanced control: Control D

If you tell me what you want to stream and your device (Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, PS5, etc.), I can recommend the best specific option.

Best VPN alternatives for streaming + speed are usually Smart DNS services. They only reroute the streaming check, so they tend to be faster and have less overhead than a full VPN, but they don’t add VPN-style encryption/privacy. (unlocator.com)

My picks:

• Unlocator Smart DNS — great if your main goal is streaming on TVs/consoles; it supports 200+ streaming services and explicitly says Smart DNS is its “low overhead” / “great speed” option. (unlocator.com)
• SmartDNSProxy — strong “set it and forget it” option with 600+ supported services and a focus on speed/device compatibility. (smartdnsproxy.com)
• Control D — best if you want a more customizable DNS service; it can do Smart-DNS-style geo-unblocking, but Control D itself says streaming is a niche use case and recommends other options if streaming is your sole goal. (controld.com)
• NextDNS — best for fast DNS, ad/tracker blocking, and general snappiness, but it’s not mainly a streaming unblocking tool. (nextdns.io)

If you want the shortest answer:

• Best for streaming: Unlocator or SmartDNSProxy. (unlocator.com)
• Best for speed/customization: Control D or NextDNS. (docs.controld.com)

If you want, I can narrow it down to best for Netflix, best for Apple TV/Fire TV, or best budget option.

If you mean better than the big-name subscription VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, the best alternatives are usually the more privacy-focused, less flashy services:

• Mullvad — best for privacy and simplicity; no email required, flat pricing.
• IVPN — excellent privacy, very transparent, strong anti-tracking stance.
• Proton VPN — best all-around “premium” option; strong apps, good speeds, solid reputation.
• Calyx VPN — very privacy-friendly, especially if you want a minimalist, nonprofit-style option.
• AirVPN — best for advanced users who want lots of control and networking features.

Quick picks

• Best overall: Proton VPN
• Best privacy: Mullvad
• Best for power users: AirVPN
• Best simple premium alternative: IVPN

If you want, I can also rank them by speed, privacy, streaming, or price.

If you mean better for privacy and trust, my short list is:

• Mullvad — best for anonymity: no email required, anonymous accounts, flat €5/month, cash/Monero/Bitcoin accepted, and a no-logging stance. (mullvad.net)
• IVPN — best for transparency: no logs, no personal info at signup, open-source apps/site, self-hosted servers, and regular independent audits. (ivpn.net)
• Proton VPN — best “all-around” privacy pick: audited no-logs policy, strong paid features, and a genuinely usable free plan with no data or speed limits. (protonvpn.com)

My quick take:

• Privacy/anonymity first: Mullvad
• Privacy + polish: IVPN
• Privacy + features/free tier: Proton VPN (mullvad.net)

If you want, I can also rank them for streaming, torrenting, travel, or budget.

Short answer: For most people, a VPN is better than a proxy. Use a VPN for privacy, security, and everyday browsing. Use a proxy mainly for app-specific routing, web scraping, or managing many IPs.

Best VPN services

• NordVPN — best all-around speed/features
• ExpressVPN — easiest, very reliable, great for streaming
• Proton VPN — strongest privacy reputation
• Mullvad — best for anonymity and simple pricing
• Surfshark — best value for multiple devices

Best proxy services

• Oxylabs — top-tier, enterprise-grade residential proxies
• Bright Data — biggest network, very powerful, pricey
• Smartproxy — best balance of price and usability
• Webshare — good budget option for static/datacenter proxies
• SOAX — solid residential/mobile proxy options

Which should you choose?

• Choose a VPN if you want:
  • encryption
  • safer public Wi‑Fi use
  • system-wide protection
  • better privacy for normal browsing
• Choose a proxy if you want:
  • one app/browser only routed
  • scraper automation
  • rotating IPs
  • less overhead than a VPN

Key difference

• VPN: encrypts traffic and routes all device traffic
• Proxy: usually only changes IP for one app/request and often does not encrypt

My recommendation

• Personal use: NordVPN or Proton VPN
• Maximum privacy: Mullvad
• Business/scraping: Smartproxy or Oxylabs

If you want, I can also give you a VPN vs proxy comparison table or recommend the best one for streaming, gaming, torrenting, or scraping.

Short version: use a VPN for privacy/security; use a proxy for app-specific routing, automation, or geo-targeted web requests. A VPN encrypts your traffic, while a proxy mainly hides your IP and may not encrypt traffic. Proxies also tend to work at the app/browser level, not system-wide. (microsoft.com)

Best VPNs

• Proton VPN — strong privacy focus, open-source apps, no-logs policy, kill switch, and independent audits. (protonvpn.com)
• Mullvad — privacy-first, anonymous account option, no logging, kill switch, and external audits. (mullvad.net)
• NordVPN — audited no-logs claims, Panama-based, and extra security features like Threat Protection Pro. (nordvpn.com)

Best proxy services

• Bright Data — best for large-scale geo-targeted browsing/data collection; offers residential, ISP, mobile, and datacenter proxy networks. (docs.brightdata.com)
• Oxylabs — strong enterprise proxy tooling, especially for web scraping / proxy management. (oxylabs.io)

My rule of thumb

• Want privacy on Wi‑Fi, streaming, all-device protection → pick a VPN. (microsoft.com)
• Want one app/site to look like it’s coming from another IP/location → pick a proxy. (microsoft.com)

If you want, I can give you a best VPN/proxy pick for your exact use case (streaming, travel, torrenting, scraping, gaming, or business).

If you want the best overall balance, use a VPN. If you only want streaming unblock + faster speeds on devices that don’t support VPN apps, use Smart DNS.

VPN vs Smart DNS

• VPN
  • Encrypts all traffic
  • Hides your IP
  • Better privacy/security
  • Slower than Smart DNS, but usually still fast enough
• Smart DNS
  • Usually only changes DNS/routing for streaming sites
  • No encryption
  • Usually faster for video
  • Best for smart TVs, consoles, Apple TV, and devices without VPN apps

Best VPN services

1) NordVPN — best all-around

• Fast
• Strong security
• Good for streaming
• Easy apps

2) ExpressVPN — best for simplicity and reliability

• Very polished apps
• Excellent streaming support
• Great on routers and Apple TV

3) Surfshark — best value

• Cheap on long plans
• Unlimited devices
• Solid speeds and streaming

4) Proton VPN — best for privacy

• Strong privacy focus
• Good transparency
• Great if security matters more than streaming

Best Smart DNS tools

1) Smart DNS Proxy — best dedicated Smart DNS

• One of the most popular pure Smart DNS services
• Good device support
• Fast for streaming

2) Unlocator — easiest Smart DNS for streaming devices

• Very user-friendly
• Good for TVs and consoles

3) ExpressVPN MediaStreamer

• Smart DNS-style feature included with ExpressVPN
• Good if you already use ExpressVPN

Which should you choose?

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best for streaming on TV/console: Smart DNS Proxy or Unlocator
• Best simple premium option: ExpressVPN
• Best budget pick: Surfshark
• Best privacy pick: Proton VPN

Quick rule

• Want privacy + security → VPN
• Want speed on a TV/console → Smart DNS
• Want both → get a VPN that includes Smart DNS, like ExpressVPN

If you want, I can also give you a best VPN vs Smart DNS comparison table by streaming, speed, privacy, and price.

Short answer: use a VPN if you want privacy, encryption, and broader device support; use Smart DNS if you mainly want fast streaming on TVs/consoles and don’t need privacy protection. Smart DNS does not protect devices the way a VPN does. (support.nordvpn.com)

Best VPNs right now

• Proton VPN — best for privacy-focused users; it offers no-logs, DNS-leak protection, kill switch, router support, and apps for many platforms including smart TVs/Apple TV. (protonvpn.com)
• NordVPN — best all-around for features; it includes strong encryption, strict no-logs, kill switch, DNS-leak protection, streaming support, and SmartPlay/SmartDNS-related options. (support.nordvpn.com)
• Unlocator VPN + Smart DNS — good if you want both in one service; its Hybrid mode combines VPN privacy with Smart DNS streaming behavior. (unlocator.com)

Best Smart DNS tools

• Unlocator Smart DNS — solid streaming-only option, especially for TVs and consoles; it’s built around quick DNS setup and minimal speed impact. (unlocator.com)
• NordVPN SmartDNS/SmartPlay — convenient if you already want NordVPN and need a streaming-oriented DNS option. (support.nordvpn.com)

My pick

• Best overall: Proton VPN
• Best feature-packed: NordVPN
• Best streaming-only: Unlocator Smart DNS
• Best combo: Unlocator Hybrid (protonvpn.com)

If you want, I can make a best VPN vs Smart DNS table by use case (streaming, privacy, gaming, travel, Apple TV, router).

Best VPN alternatives for business travelers are usually Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and SASE tools. They give access to company apps without exposing the whole network like a VPN.

Best options

• Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) — best enterprise-grade VPN replacement
• Cloudflare Zero Trust — great for cloud-heavy teams, strong value
• Twingate — easiest modern alternative for remote access
• Palo Alto Prisma Access — best for large enterprises already on Palo Alto
• Netskope One — strong for secure web/app access and compliance
• Cisco Secure Access — good if your company is already a Cisco shop
• JumpCloud — solid for SMBs needing identity-based access

Good add-ons for travelers

• Remote browser isolation: Cloudflare Browser Isolation or Zscaler Browser Isolation
• Secure web gateway: Netskope, Zscaler, or Cloudflare Gateway
• Device security: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint or CrowdStrike Falcon

If you want the simplest picks

• Small team: Twingate
• Best all-around: Cloudflare Zero Trust
• Best enterprise: Zscaler Private Access

If you want, I can also give you the best personal VPN alternatives for travel Wi‑Fi, which is a slightly different use case.

For business travelers, the best VPN alternatives are usually Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) tools rather than consumer VPNs. They give you access to specific apps/resources instead of putting your whole device “on the company network.” (microsoft.com)

Top picks:

• Cloudflare Zero Trust — strong all-around option for replacing VPN access with ZTNA and routing traffic through Cloudflare’s global network. (cloudflare.com)
• Microsoft Entra Private Access — best if your company already lives in Microsoft 365 / Entra; Microsoft explicitly positions it as a VPN replacement. (microsoft.com)
• Tailscale — great for smaller teams / IT-friendly setups; it uses a modern zero-trust mesh and is positioned as a business VPN replacement. (tailscale.com)
• Twingate — good for simple deployment and app-level access; marketed as a VPN replacement with zero-trust controls. (twingate.com)
• Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) — strong enterprise choice for secure remote access without exposing apps to the public internet. (zscaler.com)
• Google BeyondCorp — more of an enterprise framework/platform than a consumer product, but it’s the classic zero-trust/VPN alternative model. (cloud.google.com)

Quick rule of thumb:

• Need access to internal apps/files from airports/hotels? Use ZTNA. (microsoft.com)
• Need privacy on public Wi‑Fi only? A VPN may still be useful, but that’s a different use case than secure business access. (tailscale.com)

If you want, I can narrow this down to best for small business, enterprise, or solo consultants.

Best way: use a trusted VPN + HTTPS + good device hygiene.

Do this on public Wi‑Fi

• Use a reputable VPN:
  • Mullvad VPN (strong privacy, simple)
  • Proton VPN (good all-around)
  • NordVPN (popular, easy to use)
• Use HTTPS only: look for the padlock, and enable browser settings like HTTPS-Only Mode in Firefox/Chrome.
• Avoid sensitive tasks if you can: banking, password changes, work logins.
• Turn off file sharing/AirDrop/Nearby Share and set network to Public on your device.
• Use 2-factor authentication on important accounts.
• Keep your OS/browser updated before using public Wi‑Fi.
• Prefer your phone’s hotspot for sensitive activity instead of café/airport Wi‑Fi.
• Forget the network when you’re done so it doesn’t auto-reconnect later.

Extra protection

• Use a password manager like 1Password or Bitwarden to avoid typing passwords into risky networks.

Quick rule

If you’re on public Wi‑Fi, VPN + HTTPS + hotspot for sensitive stuff is the safest practical combo.

If you want, I can give you a iPhone, Android, Windows, or Mac checklist.

On public Wi‑Fi, use a mix of encryption, device settings, and cautious behavior:

• Use a reputable VPN to encrypt your traffic.
• Prefer HTTPS sites; avoid entering passwords on plain HTTP.
• Turn off file sharing/AirDrop/Nearby sharing and set your network to Public.
• Enable firewall and keep your OS/browser updated.
• Use cellular hotspot for sensitive tasks like banking if possible.
• Don’t auto-join unknown networks; verify the exact Wi‑Fi name with staff.
• Log out of accounts when done and use 2FA.
• Avoid sensitive logins on sketchy networks, especially if you see certificate warnings.

If you want, I can also give you a “best VPN + settings checklist” for iPhone, Android, Windows, or Mac.

You can’t make your ISP know nothing, but you can greatly reduce what they can see:

1. Use a reputable VPN
   • Best simple option: Mullvad VPN
   • Also good: IVPN, Proton VPN
   • This hides your traffic from your ISP; they’ll mostly see only that you’re connected to a VPN.
2. Use encrypted DNS
   • Turn on DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS
   • Good DNS providers: Cloudflare 1.1.1.1, Quad9
   • This prevents your ISP from seeing which domains you look up via plain DNS.
3. Use a privacy-focused browser
   • Firefox with Enhanced Tracking Protection
   • Or Brave
   • Avoid logging into Google/Facebook everywhere if you want less tracking.
4. Use HTTPS-only
   • Most sites do this already, but make sure your browser is set to prefer HTTPS.
5. Consider Tor for maximum anonymity
   • Tor Browser hides activity very well, but it’s slower and some sites block it.

Important caveat: A VPN stops your ISP from seeing your browsing details, but the VPN provider can see more unless they have a strong no-logs policy. That’s why Mullvad and IVPN are often recommended.

If you want, I can give you a simple setup for Windows/Mac/iPhone/Android.

You can’t make your ISP see nothing, but you can reduce what they can track a lot:

1. Use a reputable VPN
   • This hides your browsing from your ISP.
   • Your ISP will mainly see that you’re connected to a VPN, not the sites you visit.
   • Pick a well-known paid service with a no-logs policy.
2. Turn on encrypted DNS
   • Use DNS over HTTPS (DoH) or DNS over TLS (DoT) in your browser/router.
   • This stops your ISP from easily seeing the domain names you look up via DNS.
3. Use HTTPS everywhere
   • Most sites already do, but it protects page contents from your ISP.
   • Install browser privacy features like HTTPS-Only Mode.
4. Use Tor for stronger anonymity
   • Tor hides your traffic better than a VPN for browsing.
   • It’s slower, but stronger for privacy.
5. Harden your browser
   • Use Firefox or Brave.
   • Block third-party cookies.
   • Use tracker blockers like uBlock Origin.
   • Avoid logging into personal accounts if you want anonymity.
6. Watch your device/app traffic
   • Some apps bypass browser protections.
   • A VPN helps here too, since it covers all device traffic.

Important limitation

Your ISP may still see:

• that you’re using a VPN/Tor,
• how much data you use,
• when you’re online,
• and sometimes the VPN server you connect to.

Best simple setup

• VPN + encrypted DNS + privacy-focused browser

If you want, I can recommend specific VPNs or show you how to set this up on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android.

To watch your streaming services abroad:

1. Check your account access first
   • Some services work internationally, but content libraries change by country.
   • Services like Netflix, Disney+, Max, Hulu, Peacock often restrict some content abroad.
2. Use a reliable VPN if allowed
   • A VPN can make it look like you’re browsing from home.
   • Good options: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark.
   • Not all VPNs work with every streaming service, and some services block them.
3. Download shows before you leave
   • Best for flights and weak hotel Wi‑Fi.
   • Use the app’s offline download feature on Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Max, and YouTube Premium.
4. Bring the right gear
   • Fire TV Stick 4K Max or Roku Streaming Stick 4K for easy hotel TV streaming.
   • If you want to secure the connection, a travel router like GL.iNet Beryl AX can help.
5. Check local restrictions
   • In some countries, VPN use is restricted or against local rules.
   • Always review both the streaming service’s terms and the destination country’s laws.

If you tell me which services you use and where you’re traveling, I can suggest the best setup.

Best way: download shows/movies before you leave, then use the apps’ offline mode while abroad. Netflix and Max both support downloads on phones/tablets, and Max says downloaded titles can be watched in any country or region; Netflix warns that some downloads may not be available in another country. (help.netflix.com)

A few other tips:

• Expect the catalog to change by country. What you can stream depends on where you are physically located. (help.netflix.com)
• Don’t assume a VPN will solve it. Netflix says VPN use can limit what you see, and ad-supported plans can’t use VPNs for Netflix streaming. (help.netflix.com)
• Check the service’s travel help page before you go, since rules differ by platform and plan. (help.netflix.com)

If you want, I can make you a service-by-service checklist for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and Prime Video.

Use public Wi‑Fi like it’s hostile. Best protection:

1. Use a VPN
   • Good options: Mullvad VPN, Proton VPN, NordVPN
   • Turn it on before opening email, banking, or work apps.
2. Prefer your phone hotspot
   • If possible, use iPhone Personal Hotspot or Android Hotspot instead of hotel/airport Wi‑Fi.
3. Only visit HTTPS sites
   • Most browsers do this automatically, but avoid logging into anything that doesn’t show the lock icon.
4. Turn off sharing
   • On laptops, disable:
     • File sharing
     • AirDrop / Nearby Share
     • Printer sharing
     • Network discovery
5. Use 2FA
   • Best authenticator apps: Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, 1Password
   • Avoid SMS when possible.
6. Keep device protections on
   • Use a strong passcode/biometric lock
   • Keep automatic updates enabled
   • Use built-in firewall:
     • Windows Defender Firewall
     • macOS Firewall
7. Don’t auto-join networks
   • Forget hotel/airport networks after use.
   • Turn off “auto-connect” for open Wi‑Fi.
8. Use a password manager
   • 1Password or Bitwarden helps you avoid phishing and reusing passwords.

If you want, I can give you a best-practice setup for iPhone, Android, Windows, or Mac.

Use a VPN, turn on HTTPS-only, and avoid sensitive logins on public Wi‑Fi if you can.

Quick checklist:

• Use your phone hotspot instead, if possible.
• If you must use hotel/airport Wi‑Fi, use a reputable VPN.
• Don’t enter banking or highly sensitive info unless necessary.
• Make sure sites use HTTPS.
• Turn off file sharing/AirDrop and set your network to Public.
• Forget the network after use.
• Keep OS, browser, and antivirus updated.
• Use 2FA on important accounts.
• Avoid auto-joining open networks.

If you want, I can give you a best-practice setup for iPhone, Android, Mac, or Windows.

Use a VPN. That’s the easiest way to hide your real IP on a phone.

Good options:

• NordVPN — easy app, fast
• Proton VPN — strong privacy, good free tier
• ExpressVPN — very simple to use
• Mullvad — privacy-focused, no email needed

How to do it:

1. Install a VPN app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Create an account
3. Open the app and tap Connect
4. Your phone’s internet traffic will use the VPN’s IP instead of yours

If you use iPhone:

• You can also enable iCloud Private Relay if you have iCloud+

It hides your IP in Safari and some apps, but not everything.

If you want even more privacy:

• Use Tor Browser on mobile (where available) for browsing only

Important:

• Your cell carrier still knows your real IP
• VPNs hide it from websites and apps, not from your carrier

If you want, I can recommend the best VPN for iPhone or Android based on price or privacy.

Use a VPN. That’s the simplest way to hide your phone’s public IP address from websites and most apps.

Options:

• VPN app: routes your traffic through another server, replacing your IP with theirs.
• Tor Browser: stronger anonymity for web browsing, but slower and not ideal for all apps.
• Proxy: can hide IP for a specific app/browser, but usually weaker than a VPN.
• Apple iCloud Private Relay: helps hide your IP in Safari, but only on supported Apple devices/services.

Notes:

• This hides your public IP, not your phone number or device identity.
• Your carrier, Wi‑Fi network, and some apps may still know you’re connected.
• For best privacy, also turn on:
  • Always-on VPN if available
  • Kill switch
  • Disable location sharing if you want extra privacy

If you want, I can recommend the best option for iPhone or Android.

If a site is blocked on your network, the safest options are:

• Ask the network/admin to whitelist it
• Use a different network you’re allowed to use, like your mobile hotspot
• Use an approved VPN only if your employer/school allows it
• Check for an official mirror or mobile app from the site

Good legitimate VPN brands to consider if permitted: NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Proton VPN.

If you want, tell me whether this is school, work, or home, and I can suggest the best legit option.

I can’t help with bypassing network blocks or access controls.

If you’re trying to reach a legitimate site, safer options are:

• Ask your network/admin to unblock it
• Use the site on another approved connection, like your phone’s mobile data
• Check whether there’s an official app or mirror site
• If it’s for work/school, request access through the proper IT process

If you want, I can help you figure out why a site is blocked and what the legitimate fix is.

A good privacy stack for browsing is:

• Browser: Firefox or Brave
  • Best quick win: Firefox + uBlock Origin
  • Turn on: tracking protection, block third-party cookies, delete cookies on exit
• Ad/tracker blocking: uBlock Origin
  • Install only this if you want one extension
  • Blocks ads, trackers, and many malicious scripts
• Search engine: DuckDuckGo or Startpage
  • Both track you less than Google
• Password manager: Bitwarden
  • Use unique passwords everywhere; privacy improves when accounts don’t get linked
• VPN: Mullvad or Proton VPN
  • Useful on public Wi‑Fi and to hide your IP from sites
  • Not a magic anonymity tool, but still helpful
• DNS privacy: Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 or Quad9
  • Reduces DNS logging by your ISP

Quick browser settings to change:

• Block third-party cookies
• Disable cross-site tracking
• Clear cookies/site data on exit
• Turn off browser sync if you don’t need it
• Keep extensions minimal

Extra habits:

• Use separate browser profiles for work/personal
• Don’t stay logged into everything all the time
• Prefer privacy-friendly services when you can

If you want, I can give you a “best privacy setup” for Windows, Mac, Android, or iPhone.

A few high-impact steps:

• Use a privacy-focused browser: Firefox, Brave, or Safari.
• Turn on tracker blocking: set protection to Strict if available.
• Use a good content blocker: uBlock Origin is the classic choice.
• Limit cookies: block third-party cookies; clear site data regularly.
• Use private search: DuckDuckGo, Startpage, or Brave Search.
• Use a VPN on public Wi‑Fi: it helps hide traffic from the network.
• Prefer HTTPS: install HTTPS-only mode if your browser offers it.
• Check browser permissions: deny unnecessary location, camera, mic, and notification access.
• Keep browser and extensions minimal: fewer add-ons = less tracking surface.
• Separate identities: use different browser profiles for work, shopping, and personal use.

If you want, I can give you a “best privacy settings” checklist for Chrome, Firefox, or iPhone/Android.

Use a VPN + strong account security on every device.

Best setup

1. Install a reputable VPN on each device

Good options:

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• Proton VPN

1. Turn on device encryption
   • iPhone/iPad: on by default
   • Android: usually on by default
   • Windows: use BitLocker
   • Mac: use FileVault
2. Use a password manager
   • 1Password
   • Bitwarden
   • Dashlane
3. Enable 2-factor authentication (2FA)

Use:

• Authy
• Microsoft Authenticator
• Google Authenticator

1. Keep everything updated

Update OS, browser, VPN app, and router firmware.

1. Secure your Wi‑Fi router
   • Change default admin password
   • Use WPA3 or WPA2-AES
   • Use a strong Wi‑Fi password

If you want the easiest “works everywhere” option

• NordVPN + 1Password + Microsoft Authenticator

If you want, I can give you a setup checklist for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and router.

To secure your connection across multiple devices:

• Use a strong Wi‑Fi password and switch to WPA3 (or WPA2 if WPA3 isn’t available).
• Change the router admin password from the default.
• Enable 2-factor authentication on important accounts.
• Keep all devices updated (phone, laptop, tablet, router).
• Use a VPN on untrusted networks, especially public Wi‑Fi.
• Turn on device encryption and screen locks.
• Set up a guest network for visitors and smart devices.
• Use a password manager so each device/account has unique passwords.
• Avoid auto-joining open networks.
• Check connected devices regularly in your router settings.

If you want, I can give you a step-by-step setup for home Wi‑Fi, phone/laptop, or business devices.

Use your phone’s location permissions:

iPhone

• Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services
• Turn off location for specific apps, or set them to Never / Ask Next Time
• Turn off Precise Location for apps that don’t need exact tracking
• In Location Services, disable Share My Location if you want

Android

• Settings → Location → App location permissions
• Set apps to Don’t allow or Allow only while using
• Turn off Use precise location for apps that don’t need it
• Also check Settings → Privacy → Permission manager

Extra

• Turn off Background App Refresh on iPhone / background data on Android for apps you don’t trust
• A VPN like Proton VPN or Mullvad hides your IP, but does not hide GPS location from apps that have location permission

If you want, I can give exact steps for your iPhone model or Android phone brand.

Turn off or limit location permissions:

• iPhone/iPad: Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → choose each app → set to Never or Ask Next Time.
• Android: Settings → Location → App location permissions → set apps to Deny or Allow only while using.
• Also disable Precise Location for apps that don’t need exact location.
• Turn off Location Services/GPS entirely when you want no apps using it.
• Check camera, maps, weather, social, and shopping apps—those often request it.

For extra privacy:

• Use Airplane Mode or turn off Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth scanning.
• Review system services and background location access.
• If you want, I can give exact steps for your phone model.

To reduce throttling while streaming or gaming:

• Use wired Ethernet instead of Wi‑Fi if possible.
• Upgrade your router/modem if yours is old or low-end. Good picks:
  • ASUS RT-AX86U Pro
  • TP-Link Archer AXE75
  • NETGEAR Nighthawk RS700S (higher-end)
• Enable QoS / traffic prioritization on your router so gaming devices get priority.
• Avoid peak-hour congestion by using 5 GHz or 6 GHz Wi‑Fi, and keep the router close.
• Limit background downloads/updates on PCs, consoles, and phones.
• Check your ISP plan for data caps or “fair use” limits; upgrade if needed.
• If it’s ISP throttling specific apps, a reputable VPN can sometimes help:
  • NordVPN
  • ExpressVPN
  • Proton VPN

(May add some latency, so test before relying on it.)

If you want, I can recommend the best setup for your budget and whether you game on PC, PS5, Xbox, or mobile.

To reduce throttling while streaming or gaming online:

• Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi‑Fi.
• Use a VPN if your ISP throttles based on activity type; this can hide traffic patterns.
• Lower peak bandwidth use: pause downloads, cloud backups, updates, and other streams.
• Stream/games at lower quality if needed, especially during busy hours.
• Check your data cap: some ISPs slow you down after a threshold.
• Use a different DNS won’t stop throttling, but can sometimes improve routing.
• Upgrade your plan or switch ISPs if throttling is persistent.
• Test for throttling by comparing speed with and without VPN, and at different times of day.
• Enable QoS on your router to prioritize gaming/streaming traffic.

If you want, I can give you:

1. a gaming-specific setup, or
2. a streaming-specific setup.

Most VPNs cost about $3–$13 per month, depending on the plan.

Typical pricing:

• Monthly plans: $10–$13/month
• Annual plans: $4–$8/month equivalent
• 2-year plans: $2–$4/month equivalent

Examples:

• Mullvad: €5/month flat rate
• Proton VPN Plus: about $10/month monthly, cheaper on yearly plans
• NordVPN: around $12–$13/month monthly, much less on long-term plans
• ExpressVPN: usually about $13/month monthly

If you want, I can suggest the best cheap VPNs or best overall VPNs for your budget.

A VPN service usually costs about $10–$15 per month if you pay month-to-month. Some providers are cheaper on longer plans, but monthly billing is the priciest option. (nordvpn.com)

Examples: NordVPN starts at $3.09/mo on a long-term plan, Proton VPN at €9.99/month for monthly billing, Surfshark at $15.45/month, and ExpressVPN at $12.95/month for a 1-month plan. (nordvpn.com)

If you want, I can also give you the cheapest good VPNs right now.

The cheapest reputable VPN is usually Mullvad at €5/month flat. No long-term gimmicks, no extra cost for extra devices.

If you want the lowest intro price on a long plan, these are often cheapest:

• Surfshark Starter — usually the cheapest if you pay for 2 years
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — often very cheap on 2-year deals
• NordVPN Basic — sometimes discounted heavily, but not always the cheapest

If you want free, the most usable option is Proton VPN Free — but it’s slower and limited.

Best simple answer:

• Cheapest fair-priced VPN: Mullvad
• Cheapest long-term deal: Surfshark or PIA

If you want, I can also rank the cheapest VPNs by monthly price, 1-year, and 2-year plans.

If you mean the cheapest paid VPN deal right now, Private Internet Access (PIA) is among the lowest at $1.98/month on its 3 years + 4 months plan. (privateinternetaccess.com)

If you mean cheapest without a long commitment, Mullvad is €5/month flat (about $5.24 at the time of the source), and Proton VPN also has a free plan. (mullvad.net)

If you want, I can give you the cheapest VPN for monthly billing only or the best cheap VPN overall.

Yes—there are a few decent free VPNs, but they usually have limits like slower speeds, data caps, or fewer server locations.

Best free options:

• Proton VPN Free — best overall; no data cap, strong privacy, but limited servers and one device
• Windscribe Free — good if you need more locations; usually gives a monthly data cap
• PrivadoVPN Free — solid speeds, includes a monthly data cap
• hide.me Free — privacy-focused, but limited data

Avoid most “free VPN” apps from random publishers—many make money by logging/selling data.

If you want, I can recommend the best free VPN for streaming, torrenting, or general privacy.

Yes — Proton VPN Free is the one I’d pick first. It offers a free plan with no data limits, no ads, and one device on the free tier. Windscribe is another solid option: its free plan includes 10 GB/month with email verification, or 2 GB/month without email, plus access to servers in 10 countries. hide.me also has a free tier with 10 GB/month and one device. TunnelBear’s free plan is much smaller at 2 GB/month. (protonvpn.com)

If you want the short version:

• Best overall free: Proton VPN Free (protonvpn.com)
• Best for a larger free data cap: Windscribe (windscribe.com)
• Best “simple free tier” alternative: hide.me (hide.me)
• Okay for light testing only: TunnelBear (help.tunnelbear.com)

One caution: free VPNs often come with limits, and the FBI warns to be careful with free VPN apps and to use official, trusted app stores. (fbi.gov)

If you want, I can narrow it down for streaming, privacy, or mobile use.

A few VPNs that typically offer a free trial (or a very close equivalent) are:

• Proton VPN — free plan (no time limit, but limited servers/speeds)
• TunnelBear — free plan (small monthly data cap)
• Windscribe — free plan (limited data; can expand with email verification)
• PrivadoVPN — free plan (limited monthly data)
• hide.me — free plan (limited data and servers)

If you specifically want a true trial of the paid service, these often use a money-back guarantee instead of a free trial:

• NordVPN — 30-day money-back guarantee
• ExpressVPN — 30-day money-back guarantee
• Surfshark — 30-day money-back guarantee
• CyberGhost — 45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans

If you want, I can also list the best free VPN trials by device (iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac).

Here are VPNs with current free trials I found:

• CyberGhost — 24-hour trial on Windows/macOS, 3-day trial on Android, 7-day trial on iOS. (cyberghostvpn.com)
• Surfshark — 7-day free trial. (surfshark.com)
• ExpressVPN — 3-day free trial on iOS/Android; it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on non-iOS purchases. (expressvpn.com)
• NordVPN — 3-day free trial on Android. (nordvpn.com)
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — 7-day free trial via Apple App Store / Google Play, and a 30-day money-back guarantee for direct purchases. (privateinternetaccess.com)
• Hotspot Shield — 7-day free trial. (hotspotshield.com)

If you want, I can also narrow this down to no-credit-card trials or the cheapest trial that works on iPhone/Android.

Best yearly VPN plans are usually these:

• Surfshark Starter — usually the best value for long-term use; cheap yearly pricing, unlimited devices.
• NordVPN Basic — strong all-around pick; fast, reliable, and often heavily discounted on annual plans.
• Proton VPN Plus — best for privacy and a great yearly option if you want a more security-focused service.
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — good yearly price, lots of settings, and solid for torrenting.
• CyberGhost — often has one of the lowest annual prices, good for beginners.

My quick picks:

• Best overall yearly value: Surfshark
• Best premium yearly plan: NordVPN
• Best privacy-focused yearly plan: Proton VPN Plus
• Cheapest decent yearly plan: CyberGhost or PIA

If you want, I can also rank them by price, speed, or streaming/unblocking.

If you mean 1-year plans, my quick picks are:

• Best budget overall: Private Internet Access (PIA) — $39.95 for the first year, then $49.99/year after that. (privateinternetaccess.com)
• Best balance of price + features: Surfshark — it offers 1-month, 12-month, and 24-month plans, and Surfshark’s own pricing roundup says its one-year plan is $3.19/mo ($47.85 total with extra months included). (support.surfshark.com)
• Best privacy-focused option: Proton VPN Plus — €47.88/year (€3.99/mo), with a 30-day money-back guarantee. (protonvpn.com)
• Best “suite” option: NordVPN Basic — $59.88 for the first 12 months, renewing at $139.08/year; the Plus tier is $65.88 first year. (nordvpn.com)

My take:

• If you want the cheapest solid yearly plan, go PIA. (privateinternetaccess.com)
• If you want the best value bundle, go Surfshark. (support.surfshark.com)
• If you want the strongest privacy reputation, go Proton VPN. (protonvpn.com)

If you want, I can also rank them by streaming, privacy, or lowest renewal price.

Best value overall: Surfshark Starter It’s usually the best mix of low long-term price, strong speeds, solid apps, and unlimited devices.

Quick picks by need:

• Best value overall: Surfshark Starter
• Best for privacy/value: Mullvad VPN
• Best all-around premium: Proton VPN Plus
• Best if you want cheapest long-term multi-device use: NordVPN Standard on a 2-year deal

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN for streaming, privacy, or cheapest price specifically.

Best value overall: Surfshark. It’s the cheapest of the top-tier VPNs in recent tests, has unlimited device coverage, and is repeatedly called “excellent value” / “best cheap VPN” by major reviewers. (techradar.com)

If you want the best all-around VPN and don’t mind paying more, NordVPN is the stronger premium pick; Tom’s Guide says it offers the best balance of privacy, usability, features, and value for money. (tomsguide.com)

If you want the absolute lowest price, Private Internet Access (PIA) is a strong budget option, especially for more technical users. (tomsguide.com)

My quick pick:

• Best value: Surfshark
• Best premium value: NordVPN
• Cheapest good option: PIA (tomsguide.com)

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN by use case (streaming, privacy, travel, torrenting, or family sharing).

Many popular VPNs offer monthly billing (usually more expensive than annual plans). Good options include:

• Proton VPN — monthly plan available
• NordVPN — monthly plan available
• ExpressVPN — monthly plan available
• Surfshark — monthly plan available
• Mullvad VPN — simple flat monthly billing
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — monthly plan available
• IVPN — monthly plan available
• CyberGhost — monthly plan available

If you want the most straightforward monthly service, I’d suggest:

• Mullvad for simplicity/privacy
• Proton VPN for strong features
• NordVPN for speed and server selection

If you want, I can also give you a best monthly VPN by price, privacy, or streaming.

Yes—many major VPNs offer month-to-month billing. Examples include:

• ExpressVPN — 1-month plans available. (expressvpn.com)
• NordVPN — monthly subscriptions available. (nordvpn.com)
• Proton VPN — 1-month plans available for VPN Plus, Unlimited, Duo, and Family. (protonvpn.com)
• Surfshark — offers 1-month subscriptions. (support.surfshark.com)
• CyberGhost — has a 1-month plan billed every month. (cyberghostvpn.com)
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — monthly pricing is available. (privateinternetaccess.com)
• PrivadoVPN — offers a 1-month plan. (privadovpn.com)

If you want, I can also give you a cheap monthly-VPN shortlist or a monthly-plan comparison table.

A few VPNs commonly offer student discounts, usually through UNiDAYS or Student Beans:

• NordVPN — student deals often available
• Surfshark — frequent student discounts, usually the most aggressive pricing
• ExpressVPN — sometimes offers student promos
• CyberGhost — occasional student discounts
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — sometimes has student offers

If you want the cheapest route, Surfshark and NordVPN are usually the best value even before student pricing.

If you want, I can also give you a current shortlist of the cheapest student VPN deals right now.

As of now, these VPNs appear to offer student discounts:

• Surfshark — student discount via Student Beans. (surfshark.com)
• Proton VPN — student pricing through Proton’s student page; the page shows a discounted first-year Proton VPN Plus offer. (proton.me)
• CyberGhost — 79% student discount. (cyberghostvpn.com)
• NordVPN — student discount via Student Beans. (studentbeans.com)
• ExpressVPN — student offer through UNiDAYS. (myunidays.com)

If you want, I can also rank these by best value, fastest speeds, or cheapest student price.

If you want good value for the money, these are usually the best picks:

Best overall value

• Mullvad — $5/month flat
  • Great privacy, simple pricing, no upsells.
  • Best if you want one of the cheapest solid VPNs without “intro deal” gimmicks.

Best for most people

• Proton VPN Plus
  • Strong privacy reputation, good apps, fast enough, and better for streaming than many privacy-first VPNs.
  • Worth it if you want a polished all-around service.

Best budget VPN

• Surfshark
  • Usually one of the cheapest long-term plans.
  • Good if you want lots of devices on one account.
  • Value is strong if you catch a discount.

Best premium performance

• NordVPN
  • Often fastest in real-world use, good streaming, lots of servers/features.
  • Worth it if speed and convenience matter more than having the absolute cheapest option.

Best for a simple trusted brand

• ExpressVPN
  • Very easy to use, reliable, but usually pricier than competitors.
  • Worth it if you want “it just works” and don’t mind paying more.

Quick take

• Best cheap + private: Mullvad
• Best overall balance: Proton VPN Plus
• Best cheap multi-device: Surfshark
• Best speed/features: NordVPN

What’s usually not worth it

• Any VPN at full price with a huge annual “discount” marketing trick.
• Free VPNs, unless you’re fine with limits, ads, or weaker privacy.

If you tell me your main use case—streaming, torrenting, public Wi‑Fi, travel, or privacy—I can narrow it to 1–2 best choices.

Yes—these are the VPNs I’d actually consider worth the price right now:

• Surfshark — best budget/value pick. Surfshark’s 2-year Starter plan is its cheapest, it allows unlimited devices, and TechRadar currently calls it the best cheap VPN. (surfshark.com)
• NordVPN — best all-around if you want a premium feel. Its current intro price is $3.09/month for 27 months, and it includes 10 devices plus extras like threat protection on higher tiers. (nordvpn.com)
• Proton VPN — best for privacy-conscious users who still want a strong paid service. Proton VPN Plus is €2.99/month on a 2-year plan, offers a free tier, and includes features like Secure Core and NetShield. (protonvpn.com)
• Mullvad — best if you want simple, privacy-first pricing. It’s a flat €5/month with no long-term discount games, and Mullvad says it accepts cash and crypto, with no free plan. (mullvad.net)

My quick pick:

• Best value: Surfshark
• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best privacy: Proton VPN or Mullvad

If you want, I can narrow it to best for streaming, best for travel, or best cheapest option.

A lot of VPNs are cheaper if you pay yearly. Common ones with good annual deals:

• NordVPN — often one of the biggest annual discounts
• Surfshark — usually very cheap on 1–2 year plans
• Proton VPN — annual plan available, solid privacy-focused option
• ExpressVPN — annual billing available, but usually pricier than rivals
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — long-term plans are often a strong value
• CyberGhost — frequent deep discounts on annual/multi-year plans
• Mullvad — does not give annual discounts; flat monthly pricing
• IVPN — limited discounts; more straightforward pricing

If you want the cheapest annual value, usually Surfshark, PIA, and CyberGhost are the first places to look.

If you want, I can also rank these by price, privacy, or streaming.

Yes—most major VPNs get much cheaper on annual plans than on month-to-month billing. Examples from official pricing pages:

• Surfshark — 1-year plans, with the longer subscription costing less per month than monthly billing. (surfshark.com)
• NordVPN — 1-year plans start at $4.99/month for the first 12 months, billed upfront; monthly billing is higher. (nordvpn.com)
• Proton VPN — offers 1-year and 2-year billing, with the yearly option priced lower than the monthly plan. (protonvpn.com)
• ExpressVPN — offers 12-month and 24-month terms, with the longer term discounted versus monthly pricing. (expressvpn.com)
• CyberGhost — offers a longer-term plan billed far below the $12.99/month monthly rate. (cyberghostvpn.com)

If you want, I can narrow this to the cheapest annual VPNs, the best overall value, or the best for streaming/privacy.

Here are the top VPNs I’d recommend right now:

1. NordVPN — best overall

Fast, reliable, strong security, great for streaming, and lots of servers.

1. ExpressVPN — best for ease of use

Very polished apps, excellent speeds, and works well on most devices.

1. Proton VPN — best for privacy

Strong no-logs reputation, great security features, and a solid free tier.

1. Surfshark — best value

Affordable, unlimited device connections, and good all-around performance.

1. Mullvad — best for anonymity

Very privacy-focused, simple pricing, and no email required to sign up.

1. Windscribe — best free/cheap option

Good free plan and flexible paid plans, though not as polished as the top picks.

If you want the shortest answer:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best privacy: Proton VPN or Mullvad
• Best value: Surfshark
• Easiest to use: ExpressVPN

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN for streaming, torrenting, travel, or iPhone/Android.

Best all-around VPNs right now:

1. NordVPN — best overall

Fast, reliable, strong privacy features, great streaming support, lots of servers.

1. ExpressVPN — easiest premium choice

Very polished apps, excellent speeds, strong for travel/streaming, usually pricier.

1. Surfshark — best value

Unlimited devices, solid speeds, good features for the money.

1. Proton VPN — best for privacy

Strong security reputation, great transparency, very good free tier.

1. Mullvad VPN — best for anonymity

Simple pricing, minimal account data, very privacy-focused.

1. CyberGhost — good for streaming and beginners

Easy to use, large server network, often discounted heavily.

Quick picks:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best premium: ExpressVPN
• Best cheap: Surfshark
• Best privacy: Proton VPN or Mullvad

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN for streaming, torrenting, iPhone, Android, or travel.

Here are the best VPN services overall right now:

1. NordVPN — best all-around

Fast, reliable, strong privacy features, lots of servers, good streaming support.

1. ExpressVPN — best for ease of use

Very polished apps, excellent performance, strong reputation, great for beginners.

1. Surfshark — best value

Usually cheaper than the top two, allows unlimited devices, solid speed and features.

1. Proton VPN — best for privacy

Excellent security focus, strong transparency, and a very good reputation in privacy circles.

1. Mullvad — best for anonymity

Simple pricing, minimal account info required, highly privacy-focused.

Quick picks by use

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best premium/simple choice: ExpressVPN
• Best cheap option: Surfshark
• Best privacy-first: Proton VPN
• Best for maximum anonymity: Mullvad

My short recommendation

If you want one VPN without overthinking it: NordVPN. If you want the best balance of price and features: Surfshark. If privacy is your top priority: Proton VPN or Mullvad.

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs for streaming, torrenting, or iPhone/Android.

Here are the best VPNs right now, by category:

• Best overall: NordVPN

Fast, reliable, strong security features, great app, excellent for streaming.

• Best for privacy: Proton VPN

Very strong privacy reputation, solid no-logs stance, open-source apps, and a good free tier.

• Best speed: ExpressVPN

Still one of the easiest and most consistent VPNs, especially if you want simple setup and strong performance.

• Best budget pick: Surfshark

Usually the best value, supports unlimited devices, and has a good feature set for the price.

• Best for advanced users: Mullvad

Very privacy-focused, minimal account info required, and a strong reputation for transparency.

• Best free VPN: Proton VPN Free

Probably the safest free option, though it has limits compared with paid plans.

If you want one simple recommendation: NordVPN is the safest all-around pick for most people.

If you tell me your main use case—streaming, torrenting, privacy, travel, or cheapest option—I can narrow it to the best 2–3 choices.

Here are the best VPNs for most people right now:

1. NordVPN — best overall
   • Fast, reliable, strong privacy features, great apps.
   • Good for streaming, travel, and everyday use.
2. ExpressVPN — best for ease of use
   • Very polished apps, excellent device support, consistent speeds.
   • Usually a bit pricier.
3. Proton VPN — best for privacy
   • Strong transparency, secure Swiss-based company, excellent reputation.
   • Great if privacy matters most.
4. Surfshark — best value
   • Cheap on longer plans, unlimited devices, solid performance.
   • Good for families or lots of devices.
5. Mullvad — best for anonymity
   • Minimal account info, privacy-first design, very trusted by power users.
   • Less beginner-friendly than NordVPN/ExpressVPN.
6. Private Internet Access (PIA) — best for customization
   • Lots of settings and advanced options.
   • Good if you like control and flexibility.

My quick picks:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best budget: Surfshark
• Best privacy: Proton VPN
• Best anonymous sign-up: Mullvad

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs for streaming, torrenting, iPhone, Android, or China.

For most people, the top VPNs are:

1. NordVPN — best overall balance of speed, privacy, and features
2. ExpressVPN — easiest to use, very reliable, great for beginners
3. Surfshark — best value, unlimited devices, strong all-around
4. Proton VPN — best privacy-focused option, excellent reputation
5. Mullvad — best for anonymity and simple pricing

Quick picks:

• Best overall: NordVPN
• Best for beginners: ExpressVPN
• Best budget/value: Surfshark
• Best privacy: Proton VPN
• Best anonymous use: Mullvad

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs for streaming, torrenting, or cheap yearly plans.

For most people, the best VPNs are:

1. NordVPN — best all-around

Fast, reliable, easy to use, strong security, great for streaming and travel.

1. ExpressVPN — easiest premium choice

Very polished apps, excellent speed, strong privacy, works well on almost everything.

1. Surfshark — best value

Cheaper than most, unlimited devices, solid performance, good feature set.

1. Proton VPN — best for privacy

Strong privacy focus, good free tier, trustworthy reputation, solid apps.

1. Mullvad — best for anonymity

Very privacy-oriented, simple pricing, less focused on streaming, but excellent if privacy is your priority.

If you want just one pick: NordVPN. If you want the cheapest good option: Surfshark. If privacy matters most: Proton VPN or Mullvad.

For most people, the best VPNs are:

1. NordVPN — best overall

Fast, easy to use, strong privacy features, great for streaming and everyday use.

1. ExpressVPN — best for simplicity

Very polished apps, reliable, excellent for travel and unblocking content, but usually pricier.

1. Surfshark — best value

Cheaper than most, unlimited devices, good speeds, solid all-around choice.

1. Proton VPN — best for privacy

Strong security reputation, good free tier, excellent if privacy matters most.

1. Mullvad — best for anonymity

Minimal account info required, very privacy-focused, less beginner-friendly but excellent.

Quick pick:

• Want the easiest “just works” option: NordVPN
• Want the best bargain: Surfshark
• Want privacy-first: Proton VPN or Mullvad

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs for streaming, iPhone, or cheap yearly plans.

For most people, the best VPNs are:

1. NordVPN — best overall

Fast, reliable, strong privacy features, great apps. Good all-around pick.

1. Proton VPN — best for privacy

Excellent reputation, strong security, and a solid free plan.

1. ExpressVPN — easiest to use

Very polished apps, dependable speeds, and good for beginners.

1. Surfshark — best value

Affordable, unlimited devices, and a strong feature set.

1. Mullvad — best for anonymity

Very privacy-focused and simple, but less beginner-friendly.

If you just want one: get NordVPN. If privacy matters most: get Proton VPN or Mullvad. If you want the cheapest good option: get Surfshark.

For most people, the best VPNs are:

1. NordVPN — best overall

Fast, reliable, easy to use, and great for streaming and everyday privacy.

1. Proton VPN — best for privacy

Strong security, a solid free plan, and excellent transparency.

1. ExpressVPN — best for simplicity

Very easy to set up, very polished apps, and consistently good performance.

1. Surfshark — best value

Cheap on long plans, unlimited devices, and good all-around features.

1. Mullvad — best for maximum privacy

No email required, strong anonymity focus, but less beginner-friendly.

My quick pick:

• Most people: NordVPN
• Privacy-focused: Proton VPN
• Budget: Surfshark
• Simplest: ExpressVPN

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN for streaming, travel, iPhone, Android, or a budget under $5/month.

Most commonly recommended VPNs:

• Mullvad — best for privacy/anonymity; simple pricing, strong no-logs focus.
• Proton VPN — best all-around; excellent security, good speeds, strong reputation.
• NordVPN — best for speed/features; very popular, lots of servers, strong apps.
• ExpressVPN — best for ease of use; very polished apps and reliable performance.
• Surfshark — best value; low cost, unlimited devices.
• IVPN — best privacy-focused alternative; transparent and well-regarded.

Quick picks:

• Privacy: Mullvad or IVPN
• Overall: Proton VPN
• Speed/features: NordVPN
• Simple/easy: ExpressVPN
• Budget: Surfshark

If you want, I can also recommend the best VPN for streaming, torrenting, travel, or iPhone/Android.

The most commonly recommended VPN services are:

1. Mullvad VPN — best for privacy
   • Strong no-logs reputation, anonymous signup, simple pricing.
2. Proton VPN — best all-around
   • Excellent privacy, good speeds, solid apps, and a strong free tier.
3. NordVPN — best for speed/features
   • Very fast, lots of servers, good streaming support, many extras.
4. ExpressVPN — best for ease of use
   • Very polished apps, reliable, great for beginners, but pricier.
5. Surfshark — best budget option
   • Cheap long-term plans, unlimited devices, decent performance.
6. IVPN — strong privacy choice
   • Transparent, privacy-focused, fewer bells and whistles.

Quick picks:

• Privacy: Mullvad or IVPN
• Best overall: Proton VPN
• Streaming: NordVPN or ExpressVPN
• Budget: Surfshark

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs by use case (streaming, torrenting, travel, iPhone, Android, etc.).

The most commonly recommended VPNs are:

• Mullvad — best for privacy; simple, no-nonsense, anonymous account setup.
• Proton VPN — great all-around; strong privacy, good app quality, solid free tier.
• NordVPN — fast, feature-rich, good for streaming and general use.
• ExpressVPN — very easy to use; reliable speeds and strong device support.
• Surfshark — best budget pick; unlimited devices, good feature set.
• IVPN — privacy-focused, transparent, and well-regarded.

If you want a quick pick:

• Best privacy: Mullvad
• Best overall: Proton VPN
• Best speed/features: NordVPN
• Best easy-to-use option: ExpressVPN
• Best cheap option: Surfshark

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs for streaming, torrenting, or travel.

The most commonly recommended VPNs are:

1. Mullvad VPN — best for privacy and simplicity
   • Strong no-logs focus, anonymous account creation, flat pricing.
2. Proton VPN — best overall for most people
   • Great privacy, strong apps, good free tier, solid speeds.
3. NordVPN — best for speed and features
   • Very fast, lots of servers, good for streaming and travel.
4. Surfshark — best budget choice
   • Cheap, unlimited devices, easy to use, good all-around.
5. ExpressVPN — best for ease of use
   • Very polished apps, strong reliability, often recommended for beginners.
6. IVPN — strong privacy-first alternative
   • Transparent, secure, less mainstream but highly respected.

If you want a quick pick:

• Best privacy: Mullvad
• Best overall: Proton VPN
• Best speed/features: NordVPN
• Best cheap option: Surfshark
• Best beginner-friendly: ExpressVPN

If you want, I can also rank them for streaming, torrenting, privacy, or cheapest plans.

Most commonly recommended VPNs:

1. ExpressVPN — best all-around, very easy to use, strong privacy record
2. NordVPN — fastest picks for most people, lots of features, good value on longer plans
3. Surfshark — best budget option, unlimited devices
4. Proton VPN — best privacy-focused choice, solid free plan too
5. Mullvad — best for anonymity and simplicity, very privacy-first

If you want a quick pick:

• Best overall: ExpressVPN
• Best value: NordVPN
• Best cheap family/share option: Surfshark
• Best privacy: Proton VPN or Mullvad

If you want, I can also recommend the best VPN for streaming, torrenting, travel, or iPhone/Android.

Best overall: Proton VPN

Why it stands out:

• Strong privacy focus
• Excellent speeds
• Good apps on all major platforms
• Independent audits and solid reputation
• Good for both everyday use and streaming

Close runners-up:

• Mullvad — best for privacy and anonymity
• NordVPN — best for speed/features
• ExpressVPN — easiest to use, very polished

If you want one pick for most people: Proton VPN.

Best overall for most people: NordVPN

Why it wins:

• Very fast
• Easy apps on all major platforms
• Reliable for streaming and travel
• Strong security features
• Big server network

Best alternatives:

• Mullvad VPN — best for privacy
• Proton VPN Plus — best all-around if you want privacy + usability
• Surfshark One — best budget pick for multiple devices

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN for streaming, privacy, or cheapest price.

Best overall: NordVPN

It’s the strongest all-around pick for most people: fast speeds, solid security, easy apps, lots of servers, and good streaming support.

Why NordVPN

• Very fast
• Strong privacy/security features
• Works well for streaming and travel
• Good app experience on all major platforms

Best alternatives

• ExpressVPN — easiest to use, very reliable, usually the premium “it just works” choice
• Surfshark — best budget option, great if you want unlimited devices

If you want one answer: NordVPN.

Best overall: NordVPN

Why it’s the best all-around pick:

• Fast and reliable
• Strong security/privacy
• Easy to use on most devices
• Good streaming and torrenting support
• Wide server network

Close runners-up:

• ExpressVPN — best for simplicity and consistent performance
• Proton VPN — best if privacy is your top priority

If you want one recommendation for most people: NordVPN.

Best overall: NordVPN

Why it stands out:

• Fast speeds and strong reliability
• Large server network
• Strong security features (kill switch, threat protection, audited no-logs policy)
• Good apps for Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, router

Runner-up picks

• ExpressVPN — best for ease of use and consistent performance
• Surfshark — best budget option, with unlimited devices

If you want one default pick for most people, I’d choose NordVPN.

For privacy, the best VPNs are usually the ones with:

• No-logs policy (preferably audited)
• Strong jurisdiction (privacy-friendly country)
• Modern protocols like WireGuard/OpenVPN
• RAM-only servers and diskless infrastructure
• Independent audits / warrant canaries
• Good leak protection (DNS, IPv6, kill switch)

Best privacy-focused VPNs

1. Mullvad
   • Best overall for privacy
   • No email required; you can pay cash/crypto
   • Strong no-logs reputation, audited
   • Very private account model
2. IVPN
   • Excellent privacy + transparency
   • Independent audits, open-source apps
   • Good choice if you want something polished and privacy-first
3. Proton VPN
   • Great balance of privacy, speed, and usability
   • Based in Switzerland
   • Strong security features, audited, open-source apps
   • Good if you also want streaming and everyday use
4. NordVPN
   • Good security and performance
   • Audited no-logs policy, RAM-only servers
   • Not as privacy-pure as Mullvad/IVPN, but solid mainstream option
5. Surfshark
   • Budget-friendly, lots of features
   • Audited no-logs policy
   • Good for general privacy, but less ideal than Mullvad/IVPN for maximum anonymity

My quick pick

• Best privacy: Mullvad
• Best privacy + usability: Proton VPN
• Best premium alternative: IVPN

Avoid if privacy is your top priority

• Free VPNs with vague logging policies
• VPNs owned by ad-tech or data-heavy parent companies
• Services that don’t publish audits or clear ownership details

If you want, I can also give you:

• the best VPN for iPhone/Android/Mac/Windows
• the best VPN for anonymity
• or a privacy-only ranking by country/jurisdiction.

For privacy, the strongest VPN options are usually:

1. Mullvad
   • Best overall for privacy
   • No email required, account number only
   • Strong no-logs posture, accepts cash and crypto
   • Open-source apps, well-regarded audits
2. IVPN
   • Also excellent for privacy
   • Very transparent, no-logs, audited
   • Good anti-tracking features, open-source apps
   • Slightly pricier than many competitors
3. Proton VPN
   • Best “big-name” privacy option
   • Based in Switzerland, audited, solid reputation
   • Strong apps and security features
   • Good if you want privacy plus more mainstream usability
4. NordVPN
   • Good privacy/security, lots of features
   • Independently audited, RAM-only servers
   • Better for general use than maximum anonymity
5. ExpressVPN
   • Strong reputation and easy to use
   • Audited, privacy-friendly infrastructure
   • Good, but usually not the first pick for strict privacy

Best pick by use case

• Maximum privacy/anonymity: Mullvad
• Best privacy-focused all-rounder: IVPN
• Best mainstream choice: Proton VPN

What to look for

• Independent audits
• No-logs policy
• Open-source apps
• Anonymous payment options
• Privacy-friendly jurisdiction
• DNS leak protection / kill switch

Avoid

• Free VPNs, especially unknown brands
• VPNs that make vague “military-grade privacy” claims
• Services that log browsing or require too much personal info

If you want, I can also give you a top 3 based on your country, budget, or streaming/torrenting needs.

For privacy, the best VPNs are usually the ones with:

• Audited no-logs policy
• RAM-only servers
• Strong modern protocols (WireGuard / OpenVPN)
• Independent ownership or strong privacy track record
• Good leak protection + kill switch

Top privacy VPN picks

1. Mullvad

• Best overall for privacy
• No email required; uses an account number
• Accepts cash and crypto
• Very strong reputation for minimal data collection

2. Proton VPN

• Best for privacy + usability
• Based in Switzerland
• Strong audits, transparent policies, solid apps
• Good if you want a polished product with serious privacy

3. IVPN

• Excellent privacy-focused choice
• Clear no-logs stance, audited
• Simple, trustworthy, less bloated than many competitors

4. OVPN

• Strong privacy reputation
• Independent audits and privacy-first design
• Smaller network, but very security-oriented

Good but less “privacy-pure”

5. NordVPN

• Strong security features and good audits
• Good option if you want speed + privacy
• Not as privacy-minimalist as Mullvad/IVPN

6. Surfshark

• Feature-rich and affordable
• Good security, but not my first pick for privacy-first use

If privacy is your #1 goal

My short list would be:

• Best overall: Mullvad
• Best balance: Proton VPN
• Best simple trustworthy option: IVPN

Quick note

A VPN does not make you anonymous by itself. For stronger privacy, combine it with:

• Firefox + uBlock Origin
• Privacy-respecting DNS
• Tor for higher anonymity needs

If you want, I can also give you the best VPN for Windows/Mac/iPhone/Android or a budget ranking.

For privacy, the best VPNs are usually:

1. Mullvad VPN
   • Best overall for privacy
   • No email required to sign up
   • Accepts cash and crypto
   • Strong no-logs stance, very minimal account data
2. IVPN
   • Excellent privacy-first choice
   • Very transparent policies and audits
   • No unnecessary account details
   • Good for people who want a simple, trustworthy service
3. Proton VPN
   • Best privacy VPN with more features
   • Strong reputation from the Proton team
   • Based in Switzerland
   • Good for secure streaming + general privacy
4. AirVPN
   • Best for advanced users
   • Strong focus on anonymity and open-source tooling
   • More technical, less polished

My short recommendation

• Best pure privacy: Mullvad
• Best balanced privacy + features: Proton VPN
• Best simple alternative: IVPN

What to look for

• No-logs policy
• Independent audits
• Anonymous signup/payment
• Kill switch
• WireGuard support
• DNS leak protection

If you want, I can also give you a “best VPN by use case” list for privacy, streaming, torrenting, or travel.

Top privacy-focused VPNs:

1. Mullvad
   • Best overall for privacy
   • No email required; account number only
   • Strong no-logs stance, audited
   • Accepts cash and crypto
   • Great for anonymity
2. IVPN
   • Excellent privacy and transparency
   • Independently audited
   • Very clear no-logs policy
   • Strong app security features
   • Good choice if you want a polished, trustworthy option
3. Proton VPN
   • Best privacy VPN with broad features
   • Swiss jurisdiction
   • Audited, strong reputation
   • Good for streaming and general use too
   • Nice if you already use Proton Mail
4. NordVPN
   • Very good privacy/security, more mainstream
   • Audited no-logs policy
   • Strong protection features
   • Less anonymous than Mullvad/IVPN, but still solid
5. Surfshark
   • Good value
   • Audited, decent privacy tools
   • Unlimited devices
   • Better for budget-conscious users than pure anonymity

If privacy is your top priority:

• #1 Mullvad
• #2 IVPN
• #3 Proton VPN

What matters most for privacy:

• Independent audits
• No-logs policy
• Privacy-friendly jurisdiction
• Anonymous payment options
• Open-source apps / transparent policies

If you want, I can also rank them for best anonymity, best for journalists, or best budget privacy VPN.

Yes—if you want a paid VPN, these are usually the ones worth it:

• Mullvad VPN — best for privacy and simplicity

Very strong no-nonsense choice, flat pricing, excellent reputation.

• Proton VPN Plus — best all-around

Good speeds, strong security, great apps, and a solid free tier if you want to test first.

• IVPN — best privacy-focused alternative

Smaller company, very transparent, strong trust factor.

• NordVPN — best for speed/features

Usually fast, lots of servers, good streaming support, but more marketing-heavy.

• ExpressVPN — best for ease of use

Polished apps and reliable, but often pricier than the competition.

• Surfshark — best value

Cheap on long plans, supports many devices, good if you want budget-friendly coverage.

If I had to pick just one for most people: Proton VPN Plus or Mullvad.

Avoid random bargain VPNs with vague ownership or “free unlimited” claims—they’re often the ones least worth paying for.

If you want, I can also give you:

1. best VPN for streaming,
2. best VPN for privacy, or
3. best cheap VPN.

Worth paying for: Mullvad, Proton VPN Plus, IVPN, and NordVPN.

Quick picks:

• Best overall privacy: Mullvad

Simple pricing, strong privacy stance, no email required.

• Best all-rounder: Proton VPN Plus

Great apps, strong security, good speeds, solid reputation.

• Best for privacy-focused power users: IVPN

Very transparent, clean app, excellent trust profile.

• Best for streaming + speed: NordVPN

Fast, polished, usually the easiest for media access.

If you want the short version:

• Privacy first: Mullvad
• Best balance: Proton VPN Plus
• Streaming/speed: NordVPN

I’d avoid paying for most “free with premium upsell” VPNs unless you specifically need one feature they offer.

If you tell me your main use—privacy, streaming, torrenting, travel, or work—I can narrow it to the best 1–2 options.

A few VPNs are generally worth paying for:

• Mullvad — best for privacy, simple pricing, strong reputation.
• IVPN — also excellent for privacy, very transparent.
• Proton VPN Plus — best all-around for most people; good apps, strong speeds, lots of features.
• NordVPN — good for speed, streaming, and broad device support.
• Surfshark — best budget pick if you need lots of devices.
• ExpressVPN — easy to use, reliable, but usually pricier.

My short recommendation:

• Privacy first: Mullvad or IVPN
• Best overall: Proton VPN Plus
• Best budget: Surfshark
• Best for streaming/ease: NordVPN or ExpressVPN

If you want, I can also narrow it down by price, privacy, streaming, or torrenting.

Worth paying for, I’d shortlist these:

• Mullvad — best for privacy-first use, simple pricing, no email needed.
• Proton VPN Plus — best all-around for security + speed, strong reputation, good app support.
• IVPN — excellent privacy and transparency, a bit pricier but very solid.
• NordVPN — best for most people who want fast speeds, streaming, and lots of servers.
• Surfshark — best budget pick, especially if you want unlimited devices.
• ExpressVPN — still a strong premium choice, easy to use, good router support.

If I had to pick just 3:

1. Mullvad for privacy
2. Proton VPN Plus for balanced value
3. NordVPN for speed/features

Avoid paying extra for “VPNs” bundled with lots of junk features unless you actually need them.

If you want, I can narrow this down based on what you need it for: privacy, streaming, travel, torrents, or budget.

A few paid VPNs are generally worth it:

• Mullvad VPN — best for privacy and simplicity; flat pricing, very strong no-logs reputation.
• Proton VPN Plus — best all-around; great apps, solid speeds, good privacy features.
• IVPN — excellent privacy-focused choice; transparent and reliable.
• NordVPN — best if you want lots of features and fast speeds; big server network.
• ExpressVPN — easy to use and dependable; usually pricier, but polished.
• Surfshark — best budget pick; good value and unlimited devices.

If you want the shortest recommendation:

• Privacy-first: Mullvad
• Best overall: Proton VPN
• Best budget: Surfshark
• Best feature-heavy: NordVPN

Avoid “free” VPNs unless you’re sure how they make money. If you want, I can rank these for streaming, torrenting, privacy, or travel.

Some of the most popular VPN services are:

• NordVPN — very popular overall; strong speeds and privacy features
• ExpressVPN — easy to use, premium reputation, great for streaming/travel
• Surfshark — budget-friendly and allows unlimited devices
• CyberGhost — beginner-friendly with lots of server options
• Proton VPN — strong privacy focus, good free tier
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — long-running, customizable, affordable
• Mullvad — privacy-first and highly respected by power users

If you want the best all-around picks, I’d shortlist NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark.

If you want, I can also rank them by speed, privacy, streaming, or price.

Some of the most popular VPN services are:

• NordVPN — very popular overall; fast, lots of servers, strong security features
• ExpressVPN — known for ease of use, speed, and reliability
• Surfshark — popular budget option; unlimited devices
• CyberGhost — beginner-friendly with easy streaming/torrenting profiles
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — popular with advanced users and privacy-focused users
• Proton VPN — strong privacy reputation; solid free tier
• Mullvad — highly privacy-focused and well-regarded by tech users
• IPVanish — common choice for multiple-device households
• TunnelBear — simple and user-friendly, though less feature-heavy

If you want, I can also rank them by best overall, best for streaming, best for privacy, or best cheap VPN.

Some of the most popular VPN services are:

• NordVPN
• ExpressVPN
• Surfshark
• CyberGhost
• Private Internet Access (PIA)
• Proton VPN
• Mullvad VPN
• Windscribe

If you want, I can also rank them by speed, privacy, streaming, or best value.

Some of the most popular VPN services are:

• NordVPN — very popular overall; fast and feature-rich
• ExpressVPN — known for speed, ease of use, and strong reputation
• Surfshark — popular budget option with unlimited devices
• Proton VPN — well-regarded for privacy and a solid free tier
• CyberGhost — easy to use, large server network
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — popular with advanced users
• Mullvad — privacy-focused and highly respected
• IPVanish — common choice for streaming and multi-device use

If you want, I can also rank them by best for privacy, streaming, speed, or price.

Some of the most popular VPN services are:

• NordVPN — very popular overall, fast, lots of features
• ExpressVPN — known for ease of use and strong performance
• Surfshark — popular budget option with unlimited devices
• Proton VPN — strong privacy focus, good free tier
• CyberGhost — beginner-friendly, large server network
• Private Internet Access (PIA) — customizable and affordable
• Mullvad — privacy-first, simple pricing, highly trusted

If you want, I can also rank them by speed, privacy, streaming, or price.

For everyday use, people most often recommend:

• Mullvad VPN — best for privacy, simple pricing, no-email signup.
• Proton VPN — strong all-around choice, good apps, solid privacy reputation.
• NordVPN — fast, easy to use, lots of servers, good for streaming.
• ExpressVPN — very polished and reliable, usually pricier.
• Surfshark — good value, unlimited devices, decent speeds.

Quick picks:

• Best privacy: Mullvad
• Best overall: Proton VPN
• Best speed/ease: NordVPN
• Best premium: ExpressVPN
• Best budget: Surfshark

If you want, I can also give you the best VPNs for streaming, privacy, or cheap monthly plans.

For everyday use, people commonly recommend:

• Mullvad — very privacy-focused, simple pricing, strong reputation.
• Proton VPN — good all-around choice, strong privacy features, solid apps.
• IVPN — privacy-first, transparent, easy to trust.
• NordVPN — popular, fast, lots of servers, good if you want mainstream convenience.
• ExpressVPN — easy to use, polished apps, usually fast and reliable.
• Surfshark — budget-friendly, unlimited devices, good feature set.