Top VPN Services You Can Trust

Simultaneous connections: 10 | Number of devices: 10 | Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Browser extensions: Chrome, Firefox | Dedicated IP addresses: Yes, for business users only | Trial/Money-back guarantee: None/30-day money-back guarantee

Discover our detailed ProtonVPN review

Our tests yielded consistent rankings across various VPN services, but ProtonVPN emerged as a standout for its impressive security features, user-friendly interface, and robust privacy policies. Proton Technologies offers a suite of services, including email and cloud storage, alongside its VPN known for top-notch end-to-end encryption. This positions ProtonVPN as a strong candidate for users who prioritize comprehensive security.

ProtonVPN’s commitment to a no-logs policy has successfully passed independent audits, and the company has demonstrated an unwillingness to comply with law enforcement requests. Based in Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from favorable data privacy laws, ensuring user data remains confidential. Additionally, its open-source framework, coupled with a dedicated vulnerability disclosure program, enhances trust in how the service manages personal information.

Although ProtonVPN does offer a free version, users should note that it is limited, providing access to servers in only three countries. The paid subscription begins at approximately $5.39 per month and grants users access to over 65 server locations across 10 devices simultaneously. While not the cheapest option, it presents a reasonable price for essential security. For dedicated Proton Technologies users, a comprehensive plan is available for around $8.63 per month.

ProtonVPN successfully navigated our geoblocking, streaming, and gaming tests, experiencing only minimal impact on connection speeds. It also offers additional features such as malware, ad, and tracker blocking, along with a kill switch that operates on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and the latest Android versions. This service is compatible with major operating systems, routers, and smart TVs, including dedicated apps for Linux that were launched recently.

Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Number of devices: Unlimited | Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Browser extensions: Chrome, Firefox | Dedicated IP addresses: No | Trial/Money-back guarantee: None/None

Windscribe offers a compelling free plan that provides users with 10GB of data each month and unlimited connections across more than 10 countries. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a free VPN option without compromising on security. It boasts over 500 servers spread across more than 60 countries, making it versatile and adaptable for a range of users, from casual browsers to serious streamers.

While Windscribe hasn’t undergone a recent independent security audit, it issues a transparency report that indicates zero data requests received, along with a commitment to a vulnerability disclosure program that invites researchers to identify and report flaws. This proactive approach enhances user trust and demonstrates the service’s commitment to security.

In terms of usability, Windscribe shines with its intuitive setup process and has successfully passed our geoblocking, streaming, and gaming tests. The paid version, ranging from $5.75 to $9 per month, offers unlimited data, access to all server locations, and additional features like ad, tracker, and malware blocking. Users can also customize their plans for $1 per location per month, making it a flexible option for those who want tailored VPN access. Windscribe continues to expand its network, recently adding Japan to its list of available locations.

Simultaneous connections: 8 | Number of devices: 8 | Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux | Browser extensions: Chrome, Firefox | Dedicated IP addresses: No | Trial/Money-back guarantee: 3 free months/30-day money-back guarantee

Discover our detailed Express VPN review

We selected ExpressVPN as our top choice for travel, gaming, and streaming due to its extensive network and high-speed connections. This premium VPN service excels in delivering fast and reliable performance, making it one of the fastest options in our testing. Additionally, it now offers an integrated password manager called ExpressVPN Keys, simplifying the process of managing and autofilling passwords across various sites.

An internet speed test revealed that ExpressVPN achieved faster upload and download speeds compared to using a regular connection, which is relatively rare among VPNs. This exceptional speed might be attributed to the VPN’s ability to bypass throttling from ISPs or other factors, but even top-tier VPNs typically experience some degree of speed reduction. With a vast network of 2,000 servers located in 160 cities worldwide, it boasts one of the most extensive global presences.

ExpressVPN successfully passed our geoblocking, streaming, and gaming tests, and it routinely conducts independent security audits. The service includes a unique kill switch feature known as Network Lock, ensuring your data remains protected even if the VPN connection drops. Subscription plans range from $8.32 to $12.95 per month, depending on the length of the commitment, and include access to the password manager.

While ExpressVPN allows connections on up to five devices simultaneously, this is less than what some competitors offer. However, it stands out by providing compatibility with a wide array of devices, including smart TVs and game consoles, unlike many other VPNs that only support standard devices like smartphones and laptops.