Top 15 Best VPN Services for 2023 Compared

Proton VPN is a feature-filled virtual private network (VPN) provider that offers a great free version that users can try. It boasts a wide range of streaming sites that are unblocked, including Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and BBC iPlayer. While it does not offer 24/7 support, it does have a 30-day refund period and a free version that users can test out. Proton VPN’s network consists of over 1,700 servers in 63 countries across 85+ locations. It allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Chromebook.

Privacy

In terms of security and privacy, Proton VPN offers strong encryption and the best protocols, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. It also has a feature called MultiHop VPN, which passes traffic through multiple VPN servers for added security. Additionally, it has an effective kill switch to protect users’ identities if the VPN connection is lost. In terms of performance, Proton VPN has recently seen improvements in speed and coverage. In testing, it achieved peak speeds of 510Mbps for WireGuard and 440Mbps for OpenVPN, both of which are above average.

Ease of Use

Proton VPN’s apps are user-friendly and feature a map display of server locations, making it easy for users to connect. While it may have a large number of features that may be overwhelming for some users, a few minutes of exploration should be enough for most people to feel comfortable using the service. In terms of streaming capabilities, Proton VPN is able to unblock content from various regions on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. However, these capabilities are only available with the paid Plus plan, not the free tier.

Support

Proton VPN’s customer support may have some overly complicated articles on its support site, but it does offer live chat support and usually responds to email inquiries within a few hours. While its Plus plan is on the pricier side, it does offer a variety of discounts and promotions, as well as a free version for users to test out. Additionally, Proton VPN has a number of other useful features, such as a built-in ad blocker and the ability to use split tunneling to choose which apps use the VPN connection. Overall, Proton VPN is a solid choice for those looking for a feature-filled VPN with a reliable free version.

6.Windscribe

Windscribe is a well-known and respected name in the VPN industry that offers a range of advanced features and unlimited device connections. It has open-source apps available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. The company’s paid subscription plan allows for unlimited device connections, making it a good option for protecting all of the devices in your home.

Ease of Use

In terms of streaming capabilities, Windscribe has consistently performed well in our testing, with the ability to unblock popular streaming sites such as Netflix, Amazon, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. However, we were unable to successfully unblock Netflix Japan in our latest test.

Privacy

One of the standout features of Windscribe is its advanced blocking capabilities, which go beyond just ad blocking to include tracking, malware, fake news, and even porn sites. These features can be highly customized to provide the specific level of protection desired.

Performance

In terms of speed, Windscribe has shown improvement in our testing, with speeds reaching up to 700Mbps in our latest round of testing, up from 490Mbps in previous tests. While this is a significant improvement, it still falls short of some of the top performers in the industry.

Support

Although Windscribe does not offer 24/7 live chat support, customer service is still available through email or the company’s own subreddit. The company has also recently taken a step towards increased transparency by open-sourcing its desktop apps, though it has yet to undergo an independent security audit.

Overall, Windscribe is a solid choice with a range of advanced features and good streaming capabilities, though it may be slightly more expensive than some of its competitors. The company also offers a free plan with 10GB of data per month and access to all main features, allowing users to try out the service risk-free.

7.IPVanish

IPVanish is a reliable and fast virtual private network (VPN) solution that offers a wide range of features and benefits to users. With over 2,000 servers in over 50 countries, IPVanish provides users with a large network of servers to choose from, ensuring that they can connect to a server that is optimized for their location and needs. In addition to its large server network, IPVanish also owns all of its servers, giving it complete control over how they are managed and maintained. This, combined with the fact that the company has recently passed a no-logs audit, demonstrates its commitment to user privacy and security.

Privacy

One of the standout features of IPVanish is its support for the efficient WireGuard protocol, which is available on all platforms and has been shown to deliver fast speeds in tests. In addition to WireGuard, IPVanish also supports the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, giving users a range of options for encrypting their internet connection. The VPN also includes a kill switch to protect users if the VPN connection is lost, as well as a range of advanced features such as ad blocking, tracker blocking, and protection from malware and fake news.

Ease of Use

IPVanish’s user-friendly desktop apps are notable for their intuitive map interface, which makes it easy for users to choose a server and connect to it. However, some users may find the interface to be cluttered and overwhelming, with a large number of features that can be overwhelming for new users. The company’s support site is also not as comprehensive as some of its competitors, although live chat support is available and has been reported to be helpful and responsive.

Performance

In terms of streaming, IPVanish is able to unblock popular platforms such as US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. However, it has struggled with unblocking Netflix in other regions, such as Australia and Canada.

Overall, IPVanish is a solid and reliable VPN that offers a wide range of features and benefits to users. While it may not excel in every area, it is a strong contender in the VPN market and is worth considering for anyone who needs a fast and secure connection. Users can take advantage of the company’s 30-day refund period to try out the service and see if it meets their needs.

8.CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a feature-packed virtual private network (VPN) provider with a strong focus on configurability and impressive speed. With a network of over 8,000 servers located in 115 countries, CyberGhost offers a wide range of apps for a variety of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and smart TVs, as well as Smart DNS support for games consoles.

Performance

One of the standout features of CyberGhost is its impressive streaming capabilities, as it was able to effortlessly unblock US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer in our tests. However, it did fail to unblock Disney Plus and UK Netflix. The apps also have specialized locations for streaming Hulu, HBO Max, and more. In terms of speed, CyberGhost performed well in our tests with WireGuard connections reaching around 730Mbps and OpenVPN connections reaching 400Mbps or more.

Ease of Use

While CyberGhost has a lot of positive features, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The support site is not as comprehensive as some other VPN providers, and the device limit scheme may be seen as annoying by some users. Additionally, there has not yet been a security audit of the service. However, CyberGhost does offer a 45-day money-back guarantee and pricing for longer-term plans is reasonable, with prices dropping to under $2.50 per month for a three-year commitment. Overall, CyberGhost is a solid choice for those looking for fast speeds and strong streaming capabilities.

9.Mullvad

Mullvad is a virtual private network (VPN) provider that prioritizes security over streaming capabilities. The company offers 800+ servers in 38 countries across 68 locations, and allows up to five simultaneous connections. One of the unique features of Mullvad is the option to sign up for the service without providing any personal information, and the ability to pay with cryptocurrencies or even cash by mail. This level of anonymity is further supported by the company’s security audits of its infrastructure, including its apps and servers, and its commitment to regularly repeating these audits.

Performance

In terms of performance, Mullvad boasts impressive speeds, with a peak of 770Mbps in our tests. The VPN also offers a variety of features designed to enhance security, such as port forwarding, a reliable kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and stealth options. However, it should be noted that Mullvad is not designed for streaming, and was unable to unblock popular streaming sites like US Netflix in our tests.

Support

Additionally, the company does not offer live chat or 24/7 support, and its monthly billing plan is the only option available, without any discounts for longer term commitments.

Overall, Mullvad is a solid choice for those who prioritize privacy and security, particularly for peer-to-peer (P2P) activities. Its fast speeds and advanced security features make it a suitable option for those looking to maintain maximum anonymity online. However, its lack of streaming capabilities and basic support may not make it the best choice for the average user.

10.Hide.me

Hide.me is a VPN service that offers a range of advanced features and impressive server speeds. With over 2,000 servers in 75+ countries, it offers support for up to 10 simultaneous connections and has apps available for various devices including mobile, desktop, and even an extension for Edge.

Support and Ease of Use

It also has specialized streaming servers that make it easier to unblock popular streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon, Disney, and BBC iPlayer. In terms of advanced features, Hide.me offers split tunneling and MultiHop VPN, as well as its own unique Bolt technology, which is a collection of technical tweaks and customizations designed to improve speeds and optimize connections on Windows devices.

Performance

In terms of performance, Hide.me’s WireGuard connections reached impressive speeds of 880Mbps in our tests, making it one of the top three fastest providers. Even its OpenVPN connections consistently reached speeds of 450-550Mbps. In terms of streaming, it was able to successfully unblock Netflix in various regions, as well as other popular streaming sites like Disney Plus, C4, ITV, 9Now, and BBC iPlayer.

Privacy

However, there are a few drawbacks to Hide.me. One is that it may be overwhelming for those who are inexperienced with networking, as it has a large number of features, options, and settings. Additionally, it does not have an independent security audit, which may be a concern for some users. Finally, while it offers a decent free plan, it is still more expensive than some other VPN options on the market. Overall, Hide.me could be a good pick for experts who will make use of its advanced features and impressive speeds, but those who are looking for a simpler and more reliable VPN service may want to consider other options.

11.TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN service that offers some attractive privacy perks. One of the standout features of TunnelBear is its GhostBear feature, which helps users connect to the VPN in countries where VPN usage is restricted.

Privacy

It also includes a kill switch to protect users if the connection drops. Another notable aspect of TunnelBear is its commitment to security audits – the company undergoes a comprehensive audit of its entire service every year. This level of transparency is rare in the VPN industry.

Ease of Use

In terms of app features, TunnelBear’s apps are known for their simplicity and attractive design, particularly the mobile VPN builds. However, the focus on simplicity does mean that TunnelBear is missing some common features that can be found on other VPNs. These include support for PayPal and WireGuard, as well as a live chat feature on the support site. TunnelBear also does not offer refunds, although users can try out the limited free version before signing up for a paid subscription.

Performance

When it comes to unblocking streaming sites, TunnelBear falls short of the mark. In our testing, we were able to access Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, ITV, C4, and 9Now, but we encountered issues with Netflix and BBC iPlayer. As a result, TunnelBear is unlikely to be included on our list of the best streaming VPNs.

Overall, TunnelBear may not be the best choice for users who require a powerful and fast VPN with a wide range of unblocking capabilities. However, for those who want a simple and transparent VPN service, TunnelBear is worth considering.

12.Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a mid-range virtual private network (VPN) provider that offers a solid service for users with average needs. It provides access to streaming sites such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus, although it can sometimes experience issues with unblocking content from certain regions.

Ease of Use

The provider allows for unlimited simultaneous connections and accepts payment in cryptocurrency, making it a good choice for those looking for a secure payment option. It also has a relatively small network of 750+ servers located in 44+ locations across 38 countries.

Support

One of the standout features of Atlas VPN is its updated support site, which includes improved content and UI tweaks. However, the provider’s apps are relatively basic and may not offer the full range of features that some users are looking for.

Performance

In terms of performance, Atlas VPN recorded above-average speeds in our tests, reaching 780Mbps. However, it should be noted that this is still lower than some of the top performers in the industry.

Overall, Atlas VPN is a good choice for users with mid-range needs who are looking for a reliable VPN provider at a reasonable price. While it may not offer the same level of performance or range of features as some of the top providers in the industry, it still provides a solid service that can get the job done. Its support site and payment options make it a particularly appealing choice for those looking for an easy-to-use VPN that prioritises security and privacy.

13.PureVPN

PureVPN is a virtual private network service that has been in the market for a while and offers a wide range of features at some of the lowest prices in the industry. It boasts a network of over 6,500 high-speed servers in 78 countries, making it one of the largest VPN providers in terms of server count. It has dedicated apps for various devices, including desktops, mobiles, and smart TVs, and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it suitable for use by multiple family members or devices.

Privacy

One of the major highlights of PureVPN is its focus on security and privacy. It has had its no-logging claims verified by an independent audit, which is a reassuring sign for users who are concerned about their online activities being tracked or logged. It uses strong encryption and a range of protocols, including WireGuard, to ensure the security of users’ data. Additionally, it has a kill switch feature that is designed to protect users’ identities in case the VPN connection drops.

Performance

In terms of performance, PureVPN has consistently ranked highly in tests, with speeds that are often twice as fast as those of some of its competitors. This makes it a good choice for users who need a VPN that can handle high-bandwidth activities such as streaming or gaming. It also has a feature called Split Tunneling that allows users to choose which apps or websites should go through the VPN connection and which ones should use the regular internet connection.

Ease of Use

One area where PureVPN falls short is its streaming capabilities. While it has improved in this regard in recent years and now unblocks popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus, it still struggles with unblocking some regional content. For example, in our latest tests, we were unable to unblock Netflix Japan. This can be a major drawback for users who rely on VPNs to access a wider range of content.

Support

In terms of customer support, PureVPN offers a range of options, including email support, a support center with articles and guides, and live chat. However, it does not offer 24/7 live chat support, which can be inconvenient for users who need help outside of normal business hours.

One of the major selling points of PureVPN is its pricing. It offers some of the most competitive pricing in the market, with occasional special deals that can offer five years of coverage for less than $100. However, it is worth noting that these prices may not always be available and that the overall quality of the service may not be as high as some of the more expensive options on the market.

In conclusion, PureVPN is a solid choice for users who are looking for a budget-friendly VPN that delivers fast speeds and a range of security and privacy features. While it may not be the best option for users who need a VPN for streaming or who are particularly concerned about privacy, it is a good choice for those who are looking for a reliable and affordable VPN service.

14.Hotspot Shield

 

Hotspot Shield is a well-known name in the VPN industry, but it has been surpassed by many other providers in recent years. With a network of 3,200+ servers located in 80+ countries and 125 cities, Hotspot Shield offers a decent amount of coverage for its users. P2P is supported on all servers, and the service also includes a feature to block malicious and phishing sites. In terms of platform support, Hotspot Shield has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and smart TVs, as well as a Chrome extension and router support.

Ease of Use

While the apps provided by Hotspot Shield may not be as powerful as those offered by its competitors, they are still fairly easy to use. The Smart VPN feature allows users to choose specific websites and apps that will not have their traffic routed through the VPN, which can be useful for optimizing performance and accessing sites that don’t work well with the VPN enabled.

Performance

One of Hotspot Shield’s standout features is its ability to unblock streaming content from overseas. Instead of requiring users to try multiple VPN locations to find one that works for a particular service, Hotspot Shield has designated streaming locations for each country that users can connect to for seamless access to services like US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus.

In terms of performance, Hotspot Shield used to be a top performer, but with the widespread adoption of the faster WireGuard protocol by many other VPN providers, Hotspot Shield’s custom Catapult Hydra protocol has struggled to keep up. While it is still fast enough for most connections and devices, with an average download speed of around 300Mbps, it falls significantly short of the speeds offered by many other VPNs.

Privacy

One area where Hotspot Shield could improve is in security and transparency. While it does offer a kill switch feature to protect user privacy, it has not yet undergone an independent security audit, which is becoming increasingly common among VPN providers as a way to demonstrate their commitment to security and transparency.

Overall, Hotspot Shield is still a decent choice for users who prioritize ease-of-use, top-notch streaming support, and the security of purchasing from a well-known provider. The service offers a 7-day trial and a 45-day money-back guarantee, as well as a great deal on the three-year plan, giving users plenty of time to try it out and decide if it’s right for them.

15.StrongVPN

StrongVPN is a robust virtual private network (VPN) provider that offers a range of features and capabilities. With 60,000 VPN IP addresses, support for six protocols, including the fast WireGuard protocol, and the ability to connect up to 12 devices simultaneously, StrongVPN has a strong focus on providing a strong and reliable service. In addition, StrongVPN is able to unblock a range of streaming services, including US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer, making it a good choice for those looking to access content from overseas.

Privacy

In terms of security, StrongVPN offers support for a range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec, as well as the aforementioned WireGuard protocol. The provider also has a range of security features, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and IPv6 leak protection, to help keep your online activity private and secure.

Performance

In terms of performance, StrongVPN has a relatively large network of 950+ servers in 60+ locations across 40+ countries. While this is a decent-sized network, the provider’s speeds are somewhat below average, with our tests showing download speeds of around 450Mbps. This may be sufficient for many users, but it is worth noting that other providers offer significantly faster speeds.

Support

One area where StrongVPN excels is in its customer support, with 24/7 live chat and email support available to help users with any issues they may encounter. The provider also offers a 30-day trial period, allowing users to test out the service before committing to a longer-term plan.

In terms of pricing, StrongVPN offers a range of subscription options, including monthly, annual, and biennial plans. All plans come with a free 250GB of cloud storage from SugarSync, which is a valuable bonus. While the provider’s prices are generally competitive, they are somewhat higher than some other providers on the market.

Overall, StrongVPN is a reliable and feature-rich VPN provider that is particularly strong in terms of its streaming capabilities and customer support. While its speeds may not be the fastest, and there are some areas where the provider could improve, such as mobile app updates and security audits, it is still a solid choice for those looking for a strong and reliable VPN service.

16.IVPN

IVPN is a small, but highly respected and transparent virtual private network (VPN) provider. The company’s focus on privacy is evident in its open-source apps and website, as well as its annual security audits. IVPN’s commitment to privacy is further demonstrated by its ability to create an account without requiring personal details like an email address, and the option to pay anonymously with Bitcoin.

Performance

While streaming is not a strong point for IVPN, as it was unable to unblock popular services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in our tests, its performance is impressive. With peak download speeds of 810Mbps, IVPN ranks among the top ten fastest VPNs currently available. The company’s apps may have some small usability issues, but they are reliable and offer a range of useful features for both desktop and mobile devices.

Ease of Use

One potential drawback to consider is the size of IVPN’s network, which consists of only 70+ servers in 45 locations across 32 countries. Additionally, the full-featured Pro plan can be pricier than many other VPN options. However, for those who prioritize privacy and don’t need access to streaming services, IVPN may be a worthwhile choice.

How do VPNs Work?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are a popular tool for protecting internet privacy by routing web traffic through a secure connection to a VPN server. This means that instead of communicating directly with a website, your device first communicates with the VPN server, which then passes the traffic on to the website and back to the VPN server before it reaches your device. This helps to prevent others from snooping on your online activities, as they will only see connections between your device and the VPN server. The VPN server also encrypts your traffic, making it difficult for anyone to see what sites you are visiting or what you are doing on those sites.

There is a trade-off for this added privacy, however. Encrypting and decrypting traffic, as well as routing it through an additional server, requires additional processing power and can potentially slow down internet speeds. However, top VPN providers work to minimize any performance impact by using well-designed apps and the most efficient protocols. In fact, some of the best VPNs can reach speeds of 800Mbps or more, so you may not even notice any difference in speed when using a VPN.

Overall, VPNs offer a useful tool for protecting internet privacy by encrypting and routing web traffic through a secure connection to a VPN server. While there may be some impact on internet speeds, top providers work to minimize this impact and provide fast and efficient service.