A VPN (virtual private network) is a useful tool for all types of internet users. Whether you want more privacy and security or a safe and effective way to unblock websites and stream media, a good VPN is the solution. But with so many VPN services on the market, how do you find the best VPN in 2022 that meets your needs?
Sorting through the noise is increasingly difficult with all the new VPNs coming online and dozens of overnight experts making dubious recommendations. There are even VPNs themselves that are buying up “VPN review” sites and recommending their own products. Needless to say, finding the best VPN can be a challenging task.
Many VPN services also do not work well. In testing and researching 100+ VPN services over the past six years, I’ve found that most VPNs fail when put to the test. Here are three common problems:
- VPNs that leak IP addresses and/or DNS requests. IPv6 leaks and DNS leaks affect many popular VPNs and this can expose your identity, location, and/or browsing history to third parties.
- VPNs with broken features. While most VPNs offer a kill switch or some form of leak protection, I’ve found that these features often fail under certain conditions. For example, when switching network interfaces or reconnecting with the VPN server, your IP address may be exposed.
- VPNs that share data with third parties. This is mostly a problem with free VPN services that collect and sell user data. However, even some high-profile paid VPNs have been busted for logging their users, including IPVanish, HideMyAss (HMA VPN), and also PureVPN.
We have even seen a few VPNs that have suffered security incidents recently, including both Windscribe VPN and LimeVPN. While this may sound alarming, there are still some great VPNs that we have identified in our independent tests and research.
Best VPN services for 2022
- NordVPN – Best all-around VPN service
- Surfshark – Affordable and fast VPN service
- ExpressVPN – Secure and reliable VPN service
- PrivadoVPN – The best freemium VPN
- VPN.ac – User-friendly and secure VPN from Romania
- VyprVPN – A secure and private Swiss VPN
- Perfect Privacy – Best VPN for advanced privacy features
- OVPN – Secure, fast, privacy-focused VPN in Sweden
- Trust.Zone – Basic VPN with solid performance
- ProtonVPN – Simple, private VPN in Switzerland
How do you choose the best VPN for your needs?
The easiest way to find the best VPN service is to first consider how you’ll be using the VPN. For some people, streaming Netflix and unblocking websites is the top priority. Others may look for a VPN with advanced privacy and security features. After all, we are all living in a world of eroding digital privacy and also increasing risks from hackers and security vulnerabilities.
Here at RestorePrivacy, we take all these factors into consideration when ranking the best VPN services:
- Passed all tests with no leaks that would expose your data online (no IP address leaks or DNS leaks)
- Good performance throughout the server network (speed and reliability)
- High-quality VPN apps with all features working correctly
- Supports secure VPN protocols with strong encryption standards
- Offers a money-back guarantee
- Trustworthy and well-established VPN provider with a good track record
- Located in a safe privacy jurisdiction (outside of Five Eyes countries, such as the US and UK) to keep your data secure
If a VPN does not fulfill all the criteria listed above, it is not featured in this report. And when you apply this standard to all the VPNs on the market, there are very few that make the cut. So let’s cut to the chase.
Here are the best VPN services for 2022:
NordVPN – Best all-around VPN service in 2022
VPN | NordVPN |
Based in | Panama |
Logs | No logs (audited) |
Price | $3.29/mo. |
Support | 24/7 live chat |
Refund | 30 days |
Website | NordVPN.com |
In the past year, NordVPN has raced ahead of the competition to deliver the latest in VPN technology to their users. They were one of the first VPNs to offer a secure and privacy-focused implementation of the WireGuard VPN protocol via NordLynx. This gives NordVPN a huge performance advantage over other leading services — and it’s also the fastest VPN we have tested to date.
NordVPN continues to beat the competition when it comes to performance, as we noted in the recent ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison. Below you can see a speed test where we hit 445 Mbps with a NordVPN server in Seattle (USA) using the WireGuard protocol.
In addition to the WireGuard VPN protocol, NordVPN has many other privacy and security features to consider:
- CyberSec feature to block ads, trackers, malware, and phishing domains on your entire operating system through the VPN
- Double VPN servers that encrypt traffic over two different locations (while still delivering excellent speeds)
- Tor-over-VPN servers that add an extra layer of encryption via the Tor network
- A large and secure server network with all servers running in RAM-disk mode (incapable of storing any user data)
- Built-in leak protection for VPN apps to ensure all traffic remains encrypted and secure
NordVPN has also passed independent audits for both security and compliance with no-logs policies. It introduced a public bug bounty program and also has an ongoing partnership with Versprite for security audits and penetration testing. NordVPN uses very strong encryption with an AES-256-GCM cipher and DHE-4096 key exchange in implementing Perfect Forward Secrecy. The upgraded WireGuard protocol with NordLynx uses a ChaCha20 cipher and runs on a clean, lean codebase.
With premium speeds and strong security, NordVPN is our top-rated VPN for torrenting. It also works well for all major streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and more. While most VPNs struggle to ensure access to streaming sites, NordVPN continues to deliver. You can also use the NordVPN app if you need a VPN for Firestick, TV boxes, Smart TVs, or even gaming systems.
Large number of servers, including specialty servers
NordVPN currently has 5,500+ servers in 60 countries. It does not use any virtual server locations and all servers run on dedicated hardware in RAM-disk mode without hard drives. This improves security and also makes storing logs on the VPN server impossible. Another huge development is that NordVPN has begun rolling out high-speed colocated servers (self-owned hardware) with 10 Gbps bandwidth channels. These servers will provide NordVPN users with even faster speeds and replace all rented servers from third parties.
In addition to the specialty servers discussed above, NordVPN also offers obfuscated servers that conceal VPN traffic as regular HTTPS encryption. This is a useful feature to get around VPN blocks, such as when using a VPN for China. It is also a great feature to break through work or school networks that block VPNs.
NordVPN continues to evolve and improve while remaining one of the top leaders in the VPN industry. Check out the two-year plan with the coupon below for maximum savings.
Main drawbacks of NordVPN:
- Big discounts are only available with two-year plans.
Refunds and support: All NordVPN subscription plans come with a full 30 day money-back guarantee. They offer 24/7 live chat support through their website along with numerous guides and videos.
NordVPN Coupon
Get 68% Off NordVPN plus FREE anti-malware protection for all your devices:
(Coupon is applied automatically.)
See our NordVPN review for more test results and analysis.
Surfshark – Affordable and fast VPN service
VPN | Surfshark |
Based in | The Netherlands |
Logs | No logs |
Price | $2.30/mo. |
Support | 24/7 live chat |
Refund | 30 days |
Website | Surfshark.com |
Officially launching in 2018, Surfshark is taking the VPN world by storm and making a good case to be the best VPN. Despite being a relative newcomer, Surfshark comes loaded with features, great leak protection settings, access to numerous streaming services, and excellent performance. And there’s one big benefit with Surfshark that you don’t find with most other VPNs: Surfshark gives you an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
Surfshark maintains strong privacy protection policies and is a no-logs VPN based in The Netherlands. The Surfshark apps incorporate good leak protection settings (kill switch) to ensure data remains encrypted and secure without any leaks. There is also a CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, and malware domains through the VPN. This is similar to the VPN ad blocker we find with NordVPN and CyberGhost.
Surfshark offers great security features and user-friendly VPN apps
Surfshark utilizes strong encryption with an AES 256 cipher. It supports both the OpenVPN and IKEv2 VPN protocols, as well as WireGuard. Similar to our other top VPN recommendations, Surfshark is now running all servers in RAM-disk mode for added security. It offers 14 double-VPN server configurations, allowing you to encrypt traffic over two servers at the same time.
Similar to NordVPN, Surfshark offers a privacy-focused version of the WireGuard VPN protocol, which you can select right in the app settings. In our tests for the Surfshark review, the WireGuard protocol with Surfshark servers gave us speeds up to 397 Mbps:
If you want to stream media and unblock websites, Surfshark is a great choice with 3,200+ servers in 65 countries. It currently supports 16+ global Netflix regions, as well as most other streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney Plus. It is a great VPN for Android and iOS with dedicated mobile apps.
Below is the Surfshark app we tested on Windows 10. You can see it is clean, simple, and user-friendly, without being overly cluttered.
Surfshark continues to gain traction in the VPN market. It remains a strong contender while also being one of the best cheap VPNs at only $2.30 per month with the coupon below.
Main drawbacks of Surfshark VPN:
- Limited VPN router support
- Average OpenVPN speeds (use the WireGuard protocol instead)
Refunds and support: All Surfshark subscription plans come with a full 30 day money-back guarantee. They have 24/7 live chat support and many user setup guides.
Surfshark VPN Coupon
Get 82% off Surfshark VPN (drops the price down to $2.30 per month) plus two months FREE:
(Coupon is applied automatically.)
See the Surfshark review for more test results and analysis.
ExpressVPN – Secure and reliable VPN service
VPN | ExpressVPN |
Based in | British Virgin Islands |
Logs | No logs (audited) |
Price | $6.67/mo. |
Support | 24/7 live chat |
Refund | 30 days |
Website | ExpressVPN.com |
ExpressVPN has long been one of the top VPN services on the market. It is a premium VPN that simply works without bugs, problems, or interruptions. And it also checks all the important boxes for privacy, security, and performance.
In terms of VPN apps, ExpressVPN offers everything you would expect from a top VPN. They have custom apps for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even routers. All of the VPN apps come with good leak protection settings and also utilize secure VPN protocols. ExpressVPN also has a MediaStreamer app, allowing you to use the service on a wide array of other devices, from Smart TVs to gaming systems.
ExpressVPN has passed numerous audits for security and also privacy (no logs VPN audits). Unlike some of the other top VPNs, ExpressVPN does not support the WireGuard VPN protocol. Instead, they offer the Lightway protocol, which is a self-developed protocol that is very similar to WireGuard, but also better for privacy. Lightway has now been audited and is fully open source.
ExpressVPN is also a powerhouse when it comes to unblocking content and streaming. It works to unblock Netflix regions around the world on all types of devices. ExpressVPN has a dedicated Firestick VPN app and also works with BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, Hulu, and more. Additionally, the MediaStreamer app will allow you to use ExpressVPN on many types of streaming devices, including Smart TVs.
And if you want to use a VPN browser extension, ExpressVPN also has you covered. They offer browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox browsers (see the best VPNs for Firefox). We found the ExpressVPN apps to all be reliable, user-friendly, and secure in our test results. Below is the ExpressVPN Windows app that we tested.
The ExpressVPN server network is also quite extensive. They currently offer 160 VPN server locations spread across 94 different countries. While ExpressVPN does not have any specialty servers, as we see with Surfshark and NordVPN, the network is nonetheless extensive and covers a large variety of countries.
Note: Earlier this year we learned that ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies. While we do not like to see consolidation in the VPN industry, we now know that ExpressVPN will continue to operate independently. Additionally, we also researched the background of Kape Technologies and learned more about the company’s history. Overall, this merger will help to ensure ExpressVPN continues to operate and grow, with a large company standing behind its development.
Main drawbacks of ExpressVPN:
- Above-average prices
- Fewer features than some leading VPNs
Refunds and support: All ExpressVPN subscriptions come with a 30 day money-back guarantee. They offer 24/7 live chat support as well as a large knowledge base with tutorials and videos.
ExpressVPN Coupon Deal
Sign up for the 12-month plan and get 3 months added to your subscription for free.
(Coupon is applied automatically.)
Check out our ExpressVPN review for more info and test results.
PrivadoVPN – The best freemium VPN
VPN | PrivadoVPN |
Based in | Switzerland |
Logs | No logs |
Price | $2.50/mo. |
Support | Live chat; Email |
Refund | 30 days |
Website | PrivadoVPN.com |
Much of the world right now is dealing with rising prices (inflation) and this leaves little money left over for things like a VPN service. PrivadoVPN offers a unique solution to anyone who wants a budget-friendly VPN that still delivers a premium service.
PrivadoVPN stands out from the other best VPNs in that it is a freemium service. It offers two different types of subscriptions that you can choose:
- Free plan – This is limited to 10 GB of data per month and only 12 servers. However, it still gives you the important features and may work for streaming.
- Paid plans – These are still quite affordable when you use this discount link to pay only $2.50 per month for the annual plan.
It’s great to have different affordable VPN subscription options, but let’s talk security. PrivadoVPN utilizes the WireGuard VPN protocol with Windows, Android, and iOS operating systems. Additionally, the PrivadoVPN apps include a kill switch to keep your traffic secure against any VPN leaks. PrivadoVPN put up great speed test results with download speeds over 200 Mbps on all US servers tested.
In terms of privacy, PrivadoVPN also does well. This VPN is based in Switzerland, which is one of the best privacy-friendly jurisdictions in the world. Additionally, PrivadoVPN is a no-logs VPN service, so your data is not being kept by anyone and your activities are not traceable back to your VPN account (based on logs).
The PrivadoVPN apps all performed well in tests for the review. The Windows app is clean and minimal. It did not have any bugs, delays, or problems in our tests. However, it is also clear that PrivadoVPN does not offer quite as many features as we find with NordVPN and Surfshark, for example. The macOS app is also a little behind the others, as it still only supports the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols (but WireGuard will be supported in the coming months). There is also no obfuscation (stealth VPN) feature, so PrivadoVPN probably won’t work in China.
Overall, PrivadoVPN is a great value. This VPN works well for streaming and torrenting, has user-friendly and secure apps, and deliver fast and consistent speeds. When you consider all this in relation to the low cost, it makes this VPN easy to recommend to our readers. Check out the free plan or use the coupon link below for 50% off paid plans.
Main drawbacks of PrivadoVPN:
- Above-average prices
- Fewer features than some leading VPNs
Refunds and support: All ExpressVPN subscriptions come with a 30 day money-back guarantee. They offer 24/7 live chat support as well as a large knowledge base with tutorials and videos.
Check out our PrivadoVPN review for more details.
VPN.ac – User-friendly and secure VPN from Romania
VPN | VPN.ac |
Based in | Romania |
Logs | No logs |
Price | $3.75/mo. |
Support | |
Refund | 7 days |
Website | VPN.ac |
VPN.ac is a security-focused VPN that offers good performance and features at a competitive price. It is based in Romania and was started by a team of network security professionals. VPN.ac did well in testing for the review with fast speeds, strong encryption, and good privacy features.
VPN.ac currently supports the WireGuard VPN protocol. However, unlike with NordVPN and Surfshark, it takes some work to set up and use correctly because it is not supported directly in the apps. VPN.ac’s apps incorporate built-in leak protection, port selection, and offer a variety of VPN protocols and ciphers to choose from. They also have specialty servers, including double-VPN servers, P2P servers, and Obfuscated servers.
In addition to the desktop VPN app, you can also use VPN.ac’s secure proxy browser extensions, available for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. This makes VPN.ac a good VPN for Chrome and other browsers.
Main drawbacks of VPN.ac:
- Limited support for streaming services
- No live chat support (only email)
- Fewer features than some other leading VPNs
Refunds and support: All plans come with a 7 day refund window. Support is available via email and they also have a knowledge base with many tutorial guides.
Discounted trial: You can get a discounted one-week trial for only $2 (see the FAQ section in the menu).
The VPN.ac review has more test results and analysis.
VyprVPN – A secure and private Swiss VPN
VPN | VyprVPN |
Based in | Switzerland |
Logs | No logs (audited) |
Price | $8.33/mo. |
Support | 24/7 live chat |
Refund | 30 days |
Website | VyprVPN.com |
VyprVPN is another VPN service that has been around a long time and has an excellent reputation and track record. This virtual private network is based in Switzerland and checks all the boxes for privacy and security.
One thing that sets VyprVPN apart from many others is that it owns every server in its network, with no rented servers from third parties. This means that VyprVPN’s entire network consists of self-owned colocated servers that are completely under their control. The current number of servers in VyprVPN’s network is around 700.
Like the other top VPN services above, VyprVPN also fully supports the WireGuard VPN protocol. You can use WireGuard with VyprVPN on all major devices and operating systems simply by selecting the protocol in the user settings area. If you are looking for the best VPN for consistently fast speeds, VyprVPN is a solid choice, as you can see below:
Another thing that sets VyprVPN apart from most other services (except Surfshark) is the number of simultaneous connections. With VyprVPN, you get 30 simultaneous connections, which is far above the industry average.
Secure, reliable, and user-friendly VPN apps
One big thing to consider when evaluating the best VPN apps is whether or not they consistently work across all platforms and devices. VyprVPN meets that requirement with flying colors. VyprVPN offers secure and user-friendly VPN apps that connect fast, do not crash, and offer premium speeds.
In terms of streaming support, VyprVPN also does well. They have a large number of servers that work with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and many other services. Additionally, VyprVPN continues to expand their reach and add to this list with other streaming services around the world.
For security, VyprVPN utilizes the AES 256 protocol with OpenVPN and IKEv2 encryption protocols. All VPN apps include a VPN kill switch, secure DNS servers, and excellent leak protection. We could not find any leaks or problems in the tests we ran.
There is not much to dislike about VyprVPN. This service has been a major player in the industry for many years and continues to perform at a high level. While it may not have all the bells and whistles you get with Surfshark and NordVPN, VyprVPN is consistently reliable and just works well for nearly every type of application.
And with the option to have 30 simultaneous connections, you can give a VPN subscription to every person in your house (and all their devices).
Main drawbacks of VyprVPN:
- Prices have increased significantly in recent months (now $8.33 per month)
- Requires name for registration (but this is not strictly enforced)
- No cryptocurrency payment options
Refunds and support: All VyprVPN subscriptions come with a 30 day money-back guarantee. Live chat support is available through the website.
Check out our VyprVPN review for more details on this industry veteran.
Perfect Privacy – Best VPN with advanced privacy features
VPN | Perfect Privacy |
Based in | Switzerland |
Logs | No logs |
Price | $8.95/mo. |
Support | |
Refund | 7 days |
Website | Perfect-Privacy.com |
If you are looking to attain the highest levels of privacy and security, Perfect Privacy may be a good choice. It is based in Switzerland with a strict no-logs policy and is run by a dedicated team of privacy enthusiasts. Although it might be overkill for some users, Perfect Privacy offers numerous advanced features to choose from:
- Multi-hop VPN servers: With Perfect Privacy, you can route your traffic across multiple VPN server hops (up to four). This offers a higher level of protection for those who want it. Additionally, the NeuroRouting feature (supported on all devices) dynamically routes traffic across multiple hops in the VPN network.
- Ad/tracking blocker: The TrackStop feature blocks thousands of ads and trackers, as well as malware and phishing domains at the VPN server level. You can also activate a filter to block social media trackers, like some of our other recommended VPNs with ad blocking.
- IPv6 support: Perfect Privacy is one of the few VPNs offering full IPv6 support (you get both an IPv4 and IPv6 address).
- Port forwarding: Perfect Privacy allows you to customize your port forwarding settings, which is ideal if you need a good VPN for torrenting.
- Strong encryption: This VPN secures data using an AES-256 cipher with a 4096-bit key exchange. Users can choose between OpenVPN and IPSec/IKEv2 protocols.
Similar to Surfshark, Perfect Privacy gives users an unlimited number of connections, but at a much higher price. The server network is also smaller than other VPNs, with only 25 locations around the world. However, all of these servers are running on dedicated hardware with high-bandwidth channels to still offer good speeds.
You can use Perfect Privacy with custom apps for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Android, along with support for other devices (including iOS). While the apps do not feel quite as polished as some other VPNs, it does offer a lot of features if you need a VPN for Windows or other desktop operating systems.
Main drawbacks of Perfect Privacy:
- Expensive at $8.95 per month with the two-year plan
- Limited support for Netflix and other streaming services
- Small server network
- No live chat support
Refunds and support: 7 day refund window with all subscriptions. Email support is available 24/7 and they also have a user forum.
See the Perfect Privacy review for more test results and analysis.
OVPN – Secure, fast, privacy-focused VPN in Sweden
VPN | OVPN |
Based in | Sweden |
Logs | No logs |
Price | $4.99/mo. |
Support | Email & Chat |
Refund | 10 days |
Website | OVPN.com |
Next up on our list is OVPN, one of the best VPNs from Sweden. It was started in 2014 with a simple goal to be the “most reliable and trustworthy VPN provider.” They go to great lengths to safeguard the data of their users with a multi-layered approach to security. OVPN’s entire network runs on self-owned dedicated bare-metal servers with ample bandwidth and strong security. All servers operate in RAM-disk without hard drives, multi-hop configurations are supported, and no logs are stored.
OVPN did surprisingly well in our tests, competing among the top VPN providers. It offers secure apps that include built-in leak protection settings, and even has a full GUI Linux client with all features available. While OVPN does offer an Android app, the iOS app remains in development. The WireGuard protocol is also supported, but not directly in the apps, like with NordVPN and Surfshark.
From the very beginning, OVPN has offered a transparent and privacy-focused service. Here are some noteworthy details:
- Transparent and public-facing leadership (can be verified on the website).
- Monthly transparency reports are published going all the way back to 2014.
- OVPN even has insurance that will cover any legal fees necessary to fight against demands for user data by third parties.
- A 2020 court case proved OVPN is true to its no logs VPN policy
- Completely anonymous payments and signup methods
Even though OVPN is a privacy and security-focused service, they still offer some support for streaming services. This includes Netflix and Hulu, although they currently do not support as many streaming channels as NordVPN or Surfshark.
While OVPN does have a lot going for it, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
- Multi-hop servers are not included with monthly plans
- Fewer streaming services supported
- Limited features with VPN apps
Refunds and support: 7 day refund window with all subscriptions along with email support (no live chat).
See the OVPN review for more info.
Trust.Zone – Basic VPN with above average performance
VPN | Trust.Zone |
Based in | Seychelles |
Logs | No logs |
Price | $2.33/mo. |
Support | |
Refund | 10 days |
Website | Trust.Zone |
Trust.Zone is a smaller, privacy-focused VPN service based in Seychelles, which is another good offshore privacy jurisdiction. It offers basic, user-friendly VPN apps for Windows, iOS, and Android with built-in leak protection. Additionally, Trust.Zone supports other operating systems through third-party apps, such as Tunnelblick and OpenVPN Connect.
Trust.Zone boasts a good selection of servers around the world, despite being a smaller VPN. Prices are quite reasonable at only $2.88/month with the two-year plan. When you pay with cryptocurrencies, you’ll get an automatic 10% discount. They are also offering a coupon code for RestorePrivacy readers (see below).
10% OFF Coupon Code for RestorePrivacy Readers:
Enter the coupon code RESTOREPRIVACY10 and get 10% off any subscription plan.
See the website for subscription plans.
TrustZone now supports the WireGuard protocol, but it requires custom setup and configuration. You will need to download config files from TrustZone and then import these into the WireGuard client. Therefore you cannot simply choose the WireGuard VPN protocol directly in the VPN client, like we see with NordVPN and Surfshark.
Speed tests for the Trust.Zone review were good, with most servers around my full baseline speed. Trust.Zone supports streaming US Netflix and Hulu, and also does not restrict torrenting on their network. It is one of the best VPNs with a free trial, allowing you to test the service without entering any payment info.
There are main drawbacks I found:
- Limited on features compared to other leading VPNs
- No custom VPN clients for Mac OS (see these other VPNs for Mac)
- Limited support for streaming
- Convoluted WireGuard setup
If you want to give Trust.Zone a test run, you can do so completely free for 3 GB of bandwidth or 3 days, whichever comes first.
Refunds and support: TrustZone has a 10 day refund window as long as you don’t exceed 1 GB of data. Support is available through email (no live chat).
See also the Trust.Zone review for more details.
ProtonVPN – Simple, private VPN in Switzerland
VPN | ProtonVPN |
Based in | Switzerland |
Logs | No logs |
Price | $8.00/mo. |
Support | |
Refund | 30 days |
Website | ProtonVPN.com |
ProtonVPN is a privacy-focused VPN that was created by the team behind ProtonMail in Switzerland. Since its debut in 2017, ProtonVPN has made some good improvements. Similar to a few of our other recommendations, ProtonVPN also offers double-VPN servers through a “Secure Core” configuration.
While ProtonVPN is largely a privacy-focused service, it also supports some streaming services. It currently works with American Netflix, Amazon Prime, and is also a good VPN for Disney Plus. But that’s not all. ProtonVPN works if you need a VPN for Hulu and a few other services. Torrenting is allowed on most servers, although speeds were not as good as our top recommendations.
If you want to combine a VPN service with a secure email, you can pick up the Visionary plan that includes both ProtonVPN and ProtonMail – but it’s not cheap. ProtonVPN also offers cheaper subscriptions, including a “Basic” plan at around $4.00 per month.
Main drawbacks of ProtonVPN:
- Below-average speeds
- Expensive prices for access to all servers and features
- Limited support for streaming
- No live chat support
Refunds and support: ProtonVPN has a 30 day refund policy and provides email support (no live chat).
https://www.ProtonVPN.com
See the ProtonVPN review for more test results and info.
What is the best VPN for privacy?
Any of the recommended VPNs in this guide would be good choices for privacy and data security. They have all been tested and found to be secure (no leaks), reliable, and operate in safe privacy jurisdictions (outside of Five Eyes countries).
With the exception of VPN.ac, all of the recommended VPNs are no-logs services. Additionally, these two have passed third-party audits verifying their no-logs policies:
- NordVPN has passed two separate no-logs audits performed by PWC in Zurich, Switzerland. It also has an ongoing partnership with Versprite to conduct infrastructure audits and carry out penetration testing to identify and fix any vulnerabilities. NordVPN has successfully converted its server network to only run in RAM-disk mode.
- VyprVPN passed a no-logs audit performed by Leviathon Security Group.
- ExpressVPN has also passed two different no-logs audits performed by PWC.
These VPNs offer multi-hop servers (the ability to encrypt your traffic across 2+ VPN servers). This offers a higher level of privacy and security beyond single-hop VPN servers:
- NordVPN: Double-VPN servers and Tor-over-VPN servers
- Surfshark: Double-VPN servers with 13 different configurations around the world.
- VPN.ac: Offers 22 double-VPN servers
- ProtonVPN: The “secure core” feature consists of double-VPN server configurations.
- Perfect Privacy: You can create multi-hop servers with every server in their network, with up to four servers. The NeuroRouting feature also routes traffic across multiple servers in the network.
If you are really concerned about achieving the highest level of online anonymity, you can also chain VPN services (using more than one VPN at the same time). This is discussed further below.
What is the best VPN for streaming?
Our top recommendation for streaming right now is NordVPN. Here’s why:
- Full access to all streaming services. NordVPN provides the best access to all major streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, HBO, SkyGo, and many more.
- Fastest VPN speeds to stream media without any pauses, interruptions, or buffering.
- Apps for all streaming devices, including Smart TVs, TV boxes, tablets, computers, phones, gaming systems, and more.
Below I’m using NordVPN to stream American Netflix. NordVPN currently supports the following Netflix regions: US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Australia, Italy, India, and more.
Aside from unblocking content around the world, VPNs are also crucial for protecting yourself against ISP snooping and potential copyright issues when streaming from third party sites or when torrenting. (This is discussed more in our VPN for Kodi guide.)
What is the top VPN for Android and iOS mobile devices?
We recently tested out numerous VPNs for Android and found the best one to be NordVPN.
NordVPN tops the list as the best VPN for Android and iOS mobile devices for these reasons:
- WireGuard VPN protocol – This protocol performs the best on mobile devices that may go in and out of connectivity. Connections are quick to establish, very stable, and fast.
- Fast speeds – With the WireGuard VPN protocol and an upgraded network of dedicated servers, NordVPN is faster than ever before. It outperforms other VPNs and will give mobile users excellent performance.
- Great mobile apps – I really like NordVPN’s mobile apps (both Android and iOS) for two reasons. First, they are very secure with reliable leak protection features and strong encryption. Second, they include all of the main features of the desktop client, including CyberSec, WireGuard support, and all specialty servers.
- Better battery life – With NordVPN’s WireGuard implementation, you will find your mobile battery life is better than with the OpenVPN protocol used by most other VPNs.
We also have a guide on the best VPNs for iPhone and iOS devices.
Surfshark, VyprVPN, and VPN.ac also offer great Android VPN clients.
How to get the best VPN performance and speeds
How can you achieve the best speed and performance with your VPN?
If you are using a top-rated VPN service, you shouldn’t notice a huge reduction in speed. Of course, the extra work that goes into encrypting your traffic across VPN servers will affect speed, but usually it’s not noticeable for regular browsing, especially if you’re using a nearby server.
Here are some tips for getting the best VPN speeds and reliability:
- Use the closest server possible to your physical location. This generally reduces latency and improves performance.
- Choose the least crowded server or “recommended” server. Some VPNs help you select the best VPN server by showing server bandwidth loads or having “recommended” servers based on distance and loading.
- Experiment with different VPN protocols. OpenVPN UDP offers the best mix of security and speed. WireGuard is the fastest VPN protocol we’ve tested. Trying different VPN protocols and encryption options may help to find the best fit for your network.
- Consider antivirus and WiFi interference. Sometimes antivirus software or other WiFi networks may interfere with VPN speeds.
- Use a wired (ethernet) connection rather than WiFi. Wired connections (with high-quality ethernet cables) generally provide faster and more consistent speeds than WiFi, and are also more secure than WiFi.
- Consider processing power. Processing power on your device may also be limiting speeds, especially if you are using a VPN router.
- Consider your operating system. I’ve found VPN speeds on Linux and Mac OS to generally be better than Windows. When using a VPN on Windows, sometimes the TAP adapter will interfere with speeds, as well as background processes/updates that take up bandwidth and processing power.
- Upgrade your internet connection. Your VPN will not be able to exceed the baseline connection speed of your internet provider.
As you can see, there are many different factors affecting speed. Experimenting with these different variables will help you achieve the best VPN speeds possible.
Are VPNs safe?
First we will address the issue of safety.
If you are using a good, reputable VPN service that effectively secures your traffic (no leaks), then yes, a VPN is safe to use. But therein lies the catch because there are many unsafe VPNs on the market, especially when it comes to free VPN services, which we will explain further below.
Are VPNs legal?
In general, the answer is yes, it is perfectly legal (and normal!) to use VPNs, even if you are in places like China where VPNs are restricted. VPNs are used every day by businesses and individuals throughout the world for basic privacy and security purposes. Businesses rely on VPN technology and encryption for security reasons and it would not make sense for this to ever become illegal.
That being said, China currently has a “ban” on non-approved VPN services that do not go along with state censorship requirements. The United Arab Emirates and a few other Gulf State countries have laws against people using VPNs to evade state censorship, which we covered in our guide on the best VPNs for UAE. Fortunately, this is not an issue in Western countries, where VPNs remain a safe, legal, and popular tool. (But of course, none of this is legal advice!)
VPN jurisdiction, privacy, and trust
If you are serious about privacy and data security, you need to consider where the VPN is based (jurisdiction). We have seen many examples of privacy-focused services being compromised by governments in the countries where they operate. This is often the case with the United States and United Kingdom, which are both members of the Five Eyes surveillance alliance.
Let’s examine the United States, for example, and how VPNs based in the US could be affected.
- The United States has extensive (and powerful) surveillance programs allowing authorities to tap internet infrastructure for bulk data collection. These laws give the different agencies tremendous power to snoop on and record your digital activities.
- The US government has a long history of working with (and forcing) private tech companies to facilitate mass surveillance and bulk data collection efforts – see the PRISM program.
- US VPN services could be served National Security Letters or other lawful data collection demands, while also being prohibited from disclosing anything to their customers through gag orders.
These laws and capabilities essentially give some governments the authority to compel a legitimate privacy-focused company to become a data collection tool for state agencies. If a VPN were to be compromised, it would likely happen behind closed doors, without a word (or warning) to the users.
VPNs and private email services in bad jurisdictions have been forced to log users!
Just take a look at the case with Lavabit. Rather than comply with the lawful requests for user data and encryption keys, the founder was basically forced to shut down the business.
The same circumstances unfolded with Riseup, a Seattle-based service that offers a VPN and secure email:
After exhausting our legal options, Riseup recently chose to comply with two sealed warrants from the FBI, rather than facing contempt of court (which would have resulted in jail time for Riseup birds and/or termination of the Riseup organization).
There was a “gag order” that prevented us from disclosing even the existence of these warrants until now. This was also the reason why we could not update our “Canary” [warrant canary that warns users about these events].
Ignoring jurisdiction (where the service is based) when selecting privacy tools could put your privacy and security at risk.
What is the best FREE VPN service?
When searching for a VPN service, many people are looking for the free version — but there’s no good way to cut corners. We generally do not recommend free VPN services because they are not safe.
“When something is free, you are the product.”
This famous quote certainly holds true for “free” VPNs because you are likely paying for the service with your private data, which is sold to third parties. Recent news also confirms free VPN apps are being used to deliver financial malware.
Free VPN services will offer a free product that collects your data for profit. Here a few well-documented reasons showing why free VPN services are risky:
- Malware – Malware is often hidden in free VPN services to collect your data. One study found malware in 38% of free VPN apps for Android devices.
- Tracking – Tracking libraries hidden in free VPNs are also used for data collection. The popular Betternet free VPN app was found to contain 14 different tracking libraries.
- Third party access to your data – Everything you do through a free VPN could be provided to third parties – and many VPNs explicitly state this in their privacy policies. Hotspot Shield was publicly called out for doing this by the Center for Democracy and Technology.
- Browser hijacking – Some free VPNs have been found to hijack and redirect browsers to e-commerce sites, such as Alibaba and eBay, through partner networks.
- Traffic leaks – This is perhaps the greatest risk for people using a free VPN because it exposes your identity. One study found that 84% of free Android VPN apps leaked user data, thereby rendering the VPN useless.
Safer alternatives include free trial VPN services. ProtonVPN also has a plan for one device and unlimited bandwidth.
What devices can you use with a VPN?
A VPN can work with nearly any device that connects to the internet:
- Computers – Whether you’re running Windows, Mac OS, Linux, or even a Chromebook, you will be able to use a VPN on your computer. Installation and setup options will depend on the VPN service you go with.
- Phones and tablets – VPNs are also very popular on phones and tablets. Whether you are running Android or iOS, you will be able to use your VPN on any smart phone or tablet. Ubuntu Touch should also work with a VPN.
- Routers – When you install the VPN on your router, all the devices that connect to your router will be using the encrypted VPN tunnel – without the need to install VPN software on each device. The router will only count as one VPN connection under your subscription, even if there are numerous devices using the router’s encrypted VPN connection. There are some important considerations before you do this – see my VPN router guide for setup tips.
- TV boxes – Most TV boxes are built on the Android operating system. This means that you can install a VPN on your TV box using your VPN service’s Android app. Check with your VPN provider for instructions.
- Smart TVs – Whether or not you can use a VPN on your smart TV will depend on the type of smart TV you have and whether your VPN supports it. Android-based smart TVs can use an Android VPN app.
- Fire Stick and Fire TV – VPNs can also be used on Fire Stick and Fire TV. For more information, see the best VPN for Firestick and Fire TV guide.
Comparison Table of the Best VPNs for 2022
In a world with eroding digital privacy, it’s crucial to use a VPN to not only restore privacy, but also to access the content you want. Many services, including Netflix, are now restricting access using various parameters. A VPN remains the best tool to access the content you want from anywhere in the world.
The table below highlights the top-rated VPNs that met all of our criteria. These services passed all tests with no data leaks, offer good speeds, reliable VPN apps, and strong encryption standards. Additionally, they are located in safe privacy jurisdictions and have an established track record and good reputation.
Stay safe, secure, and private online in 2022 and beyond!
This best VPN guide was last updated on June 20, 2022 with new info and test results.
Has been given an offer he can’t refuse by recommending EXPRESS VPN despite their less than respectable new owner?
We took a close look at Kape Technologies and there’s nothing very alarming. Read that linked article for the full story.
Surfshark has a “Product ideas—> Suggest an idea” section on their website for their customers & claims to have a no-root firewall feature (app-level kill switch) planned for 2022. This would be a game changer for me & negate the need to root my android devices to install AFwall, as this is becoming more & more difficult with newer devices.
Hopefully other VPN providers have similar plans to incorporate a no-root firewall feature in their apps.
Any privacy concerns about the SurfShark NordVPN merger that was just agreed (2 Feb 22)? It appears it will just be an internal merger at Tesonet and the companies say they will stay separate.
Yep, that’s how I’m reading the situation as well. The companies will continue to operate independently as they always have, but with a common parent company. No concerns as of now, but I plan to cover this in an article today to go over the details.
Any comment about Private Internet Access VPN?
Sure, here is the PIA review.
Hi
What about the AdGuard vpn and SWisscows vpn? If I use both the of them
Regards
Arnon
I meant as ADGuard anyway has access to any sensitive data as passwords any webpage I visit, credit cards etc, same Swisscows search engine, why not to use their vpn service too?
Hey Sven,
While VPN Area is a good recommendation, there a few points of concern:
1. Has no Wireguard support still (It’s already 2022 – almost!)
2. It’s Android app hasn’t been updated for more than 2 years now! It’s last update was in Nov 2019!
3. Their support people don’t seem to equipped enough to solve all we throw at them!
4. Even their Windows app is heavily outdated and clunky
5. They don’t seem to be active at all! No active blog or no upcoming plans or something like that. They don’t even seem to be active in their Social handles. Even Trust Zone being a very small player keeps it’s blog super active.
What are your thoughts on this Sven?
Hi Sam,
Excellent points; we have also noticed some of these issues. We’re going to be completely updating this best VPN list with new recommendations for 2022 in the coming days.
I use Private Vpn, mainly because they can unblock bbc iplayer like always. Those bigger names suck at getting access to the BBC.
Hey Sven. It seems that I am the only one in this group that uses the Kaspersky VPN (Kaspersky Internet Security). I have been a user for several years and I trust it, but it seems that I am wrong, since you do not even refer to its existence – even to judge it negatively. I would be grateful if I had your opinion on this VPN, compared to the top ones that you present. Thank you very much.
A company based in Russia
and a government that spies on their citizens
( just like the CIA in the USA ) I would stay away from them.
WHAT PERSONAL DATA DO WE PROCESS AND HOW DO WE USE IT
My Kaspersky, Kaspersky Account, Kaspersky Small Office Security Management
Console, and Anti-Theft Web Management (hereinafter referred to as the “Service”)
The categories of data
In order to use the Service and have access to all of its functions,
you will provide following personal data:
your email address and password when you register on our Service;
mobile phone number;
information about your devices and licenses;
information you provided to Kaspersky Lab’s technical support;
expiration date of your bank card and the last 4 symbols of your bank card number;
statistical information about your browser (domain names, IP addresses, network provider, browser types and other information about client environment, which Kaspersky Lab applications you use and how you use them, the web page you were visiting immediately prior to visiting our website, pages of our website that you visited, the time spent on those pages, information you searched for on our website, access times and dates, and other statistics from people who visit our site);
full list of data collected on managed devices by My Kaspersky, please refer to section “Conditions regarding data processing”;
full list of data collected on managed devices by Kaspersky Small Office Security Management Console, please refer to section “Conditions regarding data processing”.
Thank you very much for your efforts and interest
I hope you review hide.me someday I think it’s worth
Never worry, they’ll probably never do that!
They don’t consider “legit” comments many a times! (If that commenter is trying to pinpoint something @ them, they just remove the comment and pretend nothing like that ever happened!)
WHere is Sunshark based ? The table says The Netherlands and the review says BVI
Sorry that was a typo with old information that I just fixed. Surfshark was previously in the BVI, but then in October 2021, they switched jurisdictions to The Netherlands for business reasons.
The price for Vypr is no longer valid. In fact they had a great deal they were advertising FOR Black Friday, but in fact it is now Black Friday and there is NO deal. They only have the regular price. What kind of loser company has no Black Friday deal. It’s now about $5/mo. for a yearly sub.
Wow, thanks for pointing that out. Indeed, this is a huge change and we’re just seeing it now. We’ll work on getting price information updated later today on the site.
It’s not even $5 now.
It now costs $100 a year!
And that’s as costly as ExpressVPN!
Good news! As of mid-October, ProtonVPN is now fitted with WireGuard and it is turned on by default for their customers.
https://protonvpn.com/blog/wireguard/
I wrote this at Cloud area, but think it’s relevant here more:
“Private Relay”, an iCloud+ feature currently on beta, allows users to browse Safari privately, similar to a virtual private network. The Private Relay feature is not available in China etc…
“iCloud Private Relay” is a service that lets you connect to virtually any network and browse with Safari in an even more secure and private way. It ensures that the traffic leaving your device is encrypted so no one can intercept and read it. Then all your requests are sent through two separate internet relays, ” It’s designed so that no one — including Apple — can use your IP address, location, and browsing activity to create a detailed profile about you.”
Also “Hide My Email” is available to iCloud+ users and allows users in Mail and Safari to generate temporary Apple email addresses which forward messages to their main email address.
It’s definitely not a VPN; It will do a great job of preventing profiling of your web activity based on your basic connection data but it has a lot of shortcomings compared to a real VPN Some of these include:
1. It only works with Safari, not any of the other apps or web browsers you use. Technically, some other DNS info and a small subset of app-related web traffic will use it, but it’s best to think of it as a Safari-only thing;
2. It’s easily identifiable as a “proxy server,” which many large networks like those at schools or businesses will not work with as Most good VPNs disguise themselves to look like regular non-proxy traffic;
3. it can’t hide the region you’re connecting from, only your specific IP location, so you can’t access content locked out of your region or experience websites as if you’re connecting from another country.
If all you really want to do is stop websites from building a profile of you and selling it around to advertisers and data brokers, then using iCloud Private Relay on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac when it’s available in the fall of 2021 is a great option. It’s fast, easy, and if you already pay for any amount of iCloud storage, you’ll get it for free.
If you want real privacy and security for everything you do on the Internet, or want to access content that’s available in countries other than your own, you’ll still need a VPN.
Hi Sven,
Do you have any recommendations for users in the PRC?
Both Nord and Surfshark have always been hit and miss, with only misses for a while now (I will not be renewing with them).
Vpn.ac and Expressvpn are also hit and miss.
Vypr stopped working years ago (Haven’t tried it recently).
Thanks in advance.
Hi there, it’s tough for me to say because I have not been to China in years and can’t test VPNs there in real time. I’ve seen people talk about Astrill VPN working sometimes in China, but again, haven’t tried it.
My daughter lives outside Beijing. I had sent her an email with the link to the KAPE / ExpressVPN story back in September – her reply:
“I usually use Witopia to access my Disney-Plus and Apple TV as well as all social media and Google products. ExpressVPN had been recommended to me before, but I am mostly doing OK with Witopia.”
in recent years vypr created a new protocol called chameleon explicitly so you can use a vpn in places like china which works by scrambling openvpn meta data so it’s undetectable via DPI; I haven’t tried it just yet but so far they’re checking a lot of boxes off for me (based in Switzerland, no 3rd party server, under $2 a month, a firewall for extra security, not own by Kape/Crossrider, etc.) and they’re relatively inexpensive for what they have now
https://www.vyprvpn.com/features/chameleon
just so many options for VPN’s its kinda overwhelming to pick the “right” one, recently broke off with PIA after like you said, more misses than hits
OVPN have now also apps for iOS (iPhone and iPad)
Not happy with surfshark anymore. They suddenly blocked my account after a year and its totally unclear why. Help desk comes with standard answers which doesn’t make any sense in my situation. Its unblocked for now but a third time will be permanent. As the cause of the bock is unknown and I still have a prepaid year left i cant recommend these guys anymore. There help desk is a shame and surshark is unreliable. I probably go for NordVPN now.
Perhaps Surfshark is cracking down on copyrighted content? They may have received a DMC complaint. The other likely reason is you are using a shared account which is against the ToS for VPN providers. I see many re-sellers online doing the same with Netflix and VPNs.
Lovely article, but a thought from my side as a Surfshark customer who paid for a 5 year plan : I feel cheated and betrayed by their decision to move their company from the BVI to a 9I country like the Netherlands. Of course this is my fault for paying and trusting them, but it still feels like a stab in my stomach. Hindsight is, of course, 2020, and IMHO ProtonVPN or IVPN deserves to replace them as one of the top 5 contenders.
Regards,
Arthur Opth
Arthur, as an existing customer, nothing has changed for you. Your Surfshark contract is still with the BVI entity. If you signed up after October 1st, it is with the entity in The Netherlands. This is explained in their Terms of Service.
Thank you for the insights Sven, and yes, I read their disclaimer. However, once a company moves jurisdictions, everything is up for grabs. The mere fact that they changes countries to one such as Netherlands, which had committed VPN server seizures before, is worrisome at the very least. My only point being, had I known they would do this, I would not have bought Surfshark. May have gone with Proton, IVPN or Nord directly.
“Netherlands, which had committed VPN server seizures before, is worrisome at the very least.”
You shouldn’t be worried. In my no logs VPN guide I discussed the server seizure case in Netherlands, which occurred with Perfect Privacy a few years ago. But exactly like Surfshark, Perfect Privacy runs all servers in RAM disk with no hard drives. This guarantees there is no data available if a VPN server is ever seized. Surfshark has their entire network running on volatile RAM memory, and has done so for a while now. This provides Surfshark users with a higher level of security. I also read somewhere that Surfshark is going through a no-logs audit to further verify their privacy claims, but I have not yet seen anything published on this.
Sven, rarely anyone reads the fine print or ToS. This signed up before a certain date is rubbish. Let’s treat everyone equal.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Surfshark is bought-out by Kape Technologies.
Stop spreading dumb rumors. Surfshark was definitely not bought out by Kape. Both NordVPN and Surfshark have been scrubbed from the top recommendation on all of Kape’s “VPN review” websites, while the top 3 spots are all owned by Kape. That should tell you something.
Hi Sven, a small correction. This article states that Surfshark is based in BVI but their website homepage states they’re based in The Netherlands.
Yep, we’re updating this article in the coming week with that new information.
Hey Sven, Very interesting read, thank you!
Question: I use Dashlane Password Management software (which I’m happy with for the most part) and they have now teamed up with Hotspot Shield VPN at no cost to me to use. My concern is after researching is that they are 5 eyes so I’m guessing you wouldn’t recommend that would you? Any knowledge about Hotspot?
Thx!
Hotspot Shield is not recommended for various reasons. See the Hotspot Shield review here.
More bad news. Just got an email from Surfshark that Surfshark VPN is now a part of Surfshark BV whose jurisdiction is now the Netherlands.
That’s a ridiculous betrayal of trust for customers like me with long term plans. I don’t want to pay for a VPN hq’d in the Netherlands. They have a history of server seizures as well.
What a bloody shame.
Hi Adolphin. I am researching this situation now and have reached out to Surfshark staff for an official comment and explanation. I will post everything I learn and my opinion on the situation.
Thank you Sven.
Don’t worry. Surfshark states that they will still comply with BVI laws and not Dutch laws after October 1, 2021. They are just shifting their contracts to Surfshark BV.
Also, Surfshark says that even though the contracts would conclude to a Dutch company from October 2021, the VPN will stay in the jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands no matter what, meaning it would not abide to any Dutch laws So that means there are no concerns as of now.
Here’s an excerpt from Surfshark’s updated ToU, proving the evidence:
“No matter which Surfshark company you have contracted, these Terms of Service shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the British Virgin Islands, without reference to their rules regarding conflicts of law. You hereby irrevocably consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands in all disputes arising out of or related to the use of the Website or our Services.”
OVPN device limits are not anymore just 4, get increased with purchase:
https://www.ovpn.com/en/blog/increasing-device-counter-limits
Great work Sven. Viva la RP!
Love the RP website but surprised to see ExpressVPN being recommended! Nord and Surfshark are solid though.
Calm down Brody, we will have this list updated as soon as we can (sometime in the next few days) – and the rankings and recommendations will be changing.
Okay!
Just to add to the news about ExpressVPN being bought by KAPE, here’s some more juicy news to think about:
https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/expressvpn-cio-among-three-facing-1-6-million-doj-fine-over-project-raven/
ExpressVPN CIO Daniel Gericke, as first reported Tuesday by Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/world/us/american-hacker-mercenaries-face-us-charges-work-uae-2021-09-14/), is a former US intelligence operative and one of the three members of Project Raven who worked as mercenary hackers for the United Arab Emirates, helping it spy on its enemies (https://www.vice.com/en/article/3aq9a5/us-company-sold-zero-click-exploit-project-raven-uae). ExpressVPN said its trust in Gericke “remains strong.” what do you think about this?
Yes, we are researching the situation for our own report, due to be released soon. We will update ALL recommendations on the site accordingly in the coming days. Stay tuned!
Kape Technologies buys ExpressVPN for $936 mln:
https://www.reuters.com/technology/kape-technologies-buys-expressvpn-936-mln-2021-09-13/
Time to update ExpressVPN review xD
Wow, this is big news.
1. Mozilla has started offering VPN service, third party service, Mullvad (from Sweden), now only for limited countries.
2. Swisscows, the Swiss search engine, offering vpn, but only only as extension to Firefox+Google chrome browsers, 7 CHF/MONTH, if subscribe annually.
3. AdGuard now offering VPN services too.
All the 3 that mentioned above are recommended by you, but as reliable browser, search engine and adblocker.
Email service provider ProtonMail, who is offering VPN services through ProtonVPN, based in Switzerland, offers assistance for real-time surveillance to local authorities, voluntarily!
https://archive.is/VwyL5#selection-132.0-132.3
Yes, I followed this when it came out, and the author ended up retracting the statement and deleting the blog post.
With all due respect to this site’s VPN choices and reviews, I’d like to weigh in with my top 3 choices for the best VPN’s:
1) ProtonVPN – [https://protonvpn.com] – use this VPN as part of a bundle deal I got and, so far, I really like Proton’s VPN. The only drawback is that Proton hasn’t implemented the Wireguard protocol for it yet.
2) Mullvad – [https://mullvad.net/en/] – This is located in Sweden, the first country in Europe to enact a privacy law that is still enforced today. Mullvad is inexpensive, uses Wireguard and, best of all, does not require you to give personal information to sign up. It also comes with a variety of ways to pay, including by crypto-currency.
3) IVPN – [https://www.ivpn.net] – Based out of Gibraltar, this VPN has based some of their recent customer protocols on Mullvad’s and it also has Wireguard too. IVPN is a tad expensive but you can pay month-to-month like Mullvad and its overall a very good product.
All of the above VPN’s are open source, have no log policies, strong encrytion, very good leak protections, nd are reasonably priced for what you get. I hope Sven will review Mullvad and IVPN if he or the others on this site haven’t already done so.
So you are here promoting Proton right after they were busted for giving up logs on their own users to government agents? And then like a kid who got caught in the cookie jar, Proton changes their website to remove their lies about no logs. Stay far away.
https://www.theregister.com/2021/09/07/protonmail_hands_user_ip_address_police/
And with Mulvad, Sweden is 14 Eyes, not good.
Yes I am and ProtonMail did not lie. What you describe is really one more example of declarations running up against reality. Even Rise Up! was subpoenaed and had to assist law enforcement by giving metadata to the police for someone who was the subject of the criminal investigation and used Rise Up’s email service.
It should be noted that ProtonMail’s guarantee of user content privacy were not violated.. It is also fundamentally naive for people like yourself to think that privacy is really license for people to do whatever they want without any consequences, including people who may be involved in criminal activities. I have no sympathy for people who use services, like ProtonMail or its VPN, to engage in potential criminal behavior and it resulting in a police investigation. Do you agree?
Hello friends, would you like to make a tutorial on how to make torrents safely using VPN. Settings and difference between VPN x Proxy.
Sorry I missed this comment earlier.
You can use any of the VPNs on this list for torrenting. Here is a To Do list for torrenting:
1) Purchase a VPN subscription from one of our recommended VPNs.
2) Install the VPN on your computer.
3) Go to the settings/preferences area and enable the VPN kill switch. This ensures there are no leaks if your internet drops, thereby protecting your IP address while torrenting.
4) Connect to a nearby VPN server that gives you good speeds.
5) Enjoy torrenting.
@Bra71L Your idea sounds good but the people behind this website may not have the time due to upgrades and changes they’re making to it. In the meantime, if you or someone reading this, is in need of information along the lines of your suggestion, it looks like this privacy website has it.
[https://proprivacy.com/vpn/guides/use-vpn-torrenting]
Hey Sven, I read that Yahoo is spamming user’s inbox with a 30-day trial for NordVPN. I just got my first spam mail. Do you want me to send you the enrolment page link or pic? I have included my private email address if you want to reach out to me personally.
Interesting. I did not know about that. Sure, you can send us info here.