Trying to work out what the best VPN for you is can be a real headache. Because there's so much information out there, it can be difficult to know what to trust. I've taken the guesswork out. For the last six years we've been reviewing and re-reviewing the best (and worst) VPNs in order to offer you an unbiased, evidence-based ranking of the top providers.
When reviewing VPNs, the key areas we focus on are speed, privacy, unblocking global streaming sites, and ease of use. Price is a factor – and may well be the reason you pick one VPN over another – but for us, the quality of the product always comes first. My team of experts and I have spent hours getting hands-on with each one of the VPNs featured on this page, and we can confidently say every one will keep you safe online. Which one you pick is up to you.
The three best VPNs are NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. I think one of these will be the best choice for the vast majority of people. They're all fast, great for streaming and – most importantly – they offer excellent privacy features. Take your pick just below, or keep scrolling for my in-depth analysis of every VPN I think is worth considering.
The 3 best VPNs at a glance
Recent updates
My most recent update to this page focused on checking over all the essential facts and figures for each VPN featured here to ensure that all data on this page is accurate and up to date.
The best VPNs in 2025
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NordVPN: the best VPN overall
✅ You want the very best VPN service there is. NordVPN is better than ever and thus still the best VPN overall – it covers all the bases.
✅ Netflix access is a priority. As the best VPN for Netflix, NordVPN unblocks more locations than any other provider.
✅ You want more than just a VPN. NordVPN also offers malware detection and ad-blocking on a standard plan, with even more features available on higher tiers.
❌ You like simpler apps. Compared to the likes of ExpressVPN, Nord's map interface is quite busy.
❌ You torrent often. Only some of Nord's servers are configured for P2P, and due to this I've found it can be somewhat slow to download torrents.
NordVPN offers the best overall VPN package, with great privacy at a reasonable price. It's able to unblock just about every streaming service worldwide, and excellent speeds mean it won't be slowing you down. If you want very simple apps, something like ExpressVPN might be better, but overall, Nord leads the pack.
NordVPN is undoubtedly the biggest name in the VPN industry, and in my full NordVPN review I found that it has absolutely earned that reputation. Compared to its biggest rivals, it has a stronger history of privacy than Surfshark, and it offers more for less when compared to ExpressVPN.
In early 2025, NordVPN increased the number of countries it hosts servers in – topping out at 118. This is more than other top VPNs (Surfshark at 110, ExpressVPN at 105), and combined with a massive 7,100 servers overall, Nord's fleet is arguably the most comprehensive around.
You'll likely be connecting to those servers with Nord's own NordLynx protocol, which is a reworked version of WireGuard. In short, it's modern, stable, and very fast. Once again, in our latest round of testing it maxed out our 1 Gbps connection at 950+ Mbps, which shored up its place as one of the fastest VPNs we've tested. Bearing in mind that you only need about 30 Mbps to stream 4K Netflix, it certainly won't slow you down.
On the other hand, OpenVPN speeds still haven't improved that much, peaking at 170 Mbps. This is serviceable, but slower than Private Internet Access and Proton VPN, not to mention especially Surfshark, which peaked at 950+ Mbps with this protocol too. Realistically though, a huge majority of users will only ever use NordLynx and therefore you likely won't notice the VPN slowing down your connection at all.
All the basics are here – a reliable kill switch, AES-256 encryption, split tunneling – and extras like Double VPN and the Tor-based Onion over VPN. Onion over VPN is especially unique, and it's a feature not offered by any of the other VPNs in this guide – although few people are likely to actually use it.
Something that hasn't changed in a while is NordVPN's map-based interface – and it can split opinion. On larger screens it's attractive and quite useful, but on smartphones it's a little cramped. That's not to say that it's difficult to use, but it's definitely not as beginner-friendly as ExpressVPN.
Despite that, though, the apps are very capable, and you'll be able to install them on a huge range of devices including mobile devices, smart TVs, Fire TV Sticks and lots more.
Meshnet is another feature that's unique to NordVPN. In short, it allows you to create your own network that's shareable with up to 60 other people – think of it like an old-school LAN (local area network). This allows you to share files between devices, use your home PC's IP address when you're on the go, and gamers can even host LAN parties.
What's more, you don't even have to be a NordVPN subscriber to use Meshnet – it's totally free for anyone to use. I'm secretly very excited to see what NordVPN uses Meshnet for next, so watch this space.
NordVPN is the best streaming VPN we've ever tested, period. It can unblock tons of global Netflix libraries – UK, US, JP, CA, AU and more – as well as sites like BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and more no matter where in the world you are. However, if streaming is your only reason for using a VPN, consider Surfshark. It's a lot cheaper, and performed just as well in our testing.
On the basic plan you'll get unlimited access to the VPN, Threat Protection Lite – which blocks malware and phishing links – as well as Meshnet.
Sign up to higher tiers, though, and you'll get access to a password manager, data breach scanning, the upgraded Threat Protection Pro, encrypted cloud storage and even cyber insurance. One excellent piece of news was that Threat Protection Pro was certified as an anti-phishing tool by AV-Comparitives – very impressive for a cheap add-on.
In our last round of reviews we delved into a number of malware-blocking tools that are offered by VPNs. Nord's Threat Protection Pro performed best out of every one we tested, blocking 87% of phishing sites, and 79% of malware sites. Compared to Proton's NetShield, which blocked 19% and 11% respectively, this is a very good performance.
Of course, it would be nice if this was included in the base plan, but seeing as Nord starts at such a reasonable price, it's nice to be able to configure what you pay for rather than paying over the odds and never using half the features available
NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, and overall its incredibly comprehensive, and offers a lot for a reasonable price.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Desktop apps are excellent but a little busy on mobile. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Easy to get started, although map-based interface splits opinion. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the fastest with an average speed of 950 Mbps. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly unblocks most content streaming platforms. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Strong encryption with additional features like Threat Protection. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Reliable 24/7 customer support. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Provides ample value for the price. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark: the best cheap VPN
✅ You're looking for quality on a budget. Surfshark is an absolute bargain, and you get a huge amount for the price.
✅ You have a need for speed. Surfshark is reliably the quickest VPN we've tested.
✅ You have tons of devices. Surfshark's has an unlimited simultaneous connections policy, meaning you can use one plan on as many devices as you like.
❌ You want reliable malware blocking. Surfshark's CleanWeb performed poorly in our phishing and malware tests – NordVPN's Threat Protection is better.
❌ You're a hardcore torrenter. Surfshark is perfectly capable of torrenting, but if this is your main reason for buying a VPN, consider ExpressVPN or PIA.
Surfshark isn't just a great bargain – although it is very affordable. The privacy features it offers are right up there with the very best, and it's seriously powerful when it comes to streaming. It's not quite the full package that NordVPN is, but for the price, it's unbeatable.
If NordVPN looked appealing but a little too expensive, Surfshark should fit the bill perfectly. It sits at the top of our guide to the best cheap VPNs, and is owned by Nord Security, the developers of NordVPN.
In our latest Surfshark review, we saw the Netherlands-based provider continue to improve. Previously, we detected a problem with Surfshark's kill switch, but we can happily report that this has now been remedied. It was never a huge problem – we wouldn't have recommended the VPN at all if it was – but the team has listened to our feedback, and now the kill switch is as rock-solid as that of NordVPN or ExpressVPN. This, combined with consistent performance elsewhere, has seen it jump ahead of ExpressVPN into second place in our rankings.
Just like NordVPN, Surfshark's connection speeds have remained reliably rapid, maxing our our test connection at 950+ Mbps when using WireGuard. Even more impressive, though, is that it reached the same speeds when using OpenVPN.
While many VPNs can reach around 900 Mbps when using WireGuard, Surfshark is the only provider that can do the same with OpenVPN. This is unheard of, and if you know that you'll be using OpenVPN a lot, it's the one to go for.
Surfshark is also excellent for streaming video, and the service unblocked every service we tried it with on the first time. This is as good a performance as NordVPN – and for the price, it's a real bargain when you think about how much extra content you're unlocking for yourself.
Beyond the basics, Surfshark has a bunch of extra features not found in any other VPN – NordVPN included. For example, MultiHop is similar to Nord's Double VPN and Proton VPN's Secure Core, but instead of using two predefined servers, you can pick which two servers to use. Want to go through Albania before heading to Singapore? Go for it.
Nexus is another interesting addition. In short you traffic is routed "through a whole network of servers rather than a single VPN tunnel," which can improve speed and further obscures your identity. It also allows IP rotation, IP randomization, and Dynamic MultiHop.
Alternative ID is another nifty feature built in to Surfshark. With it, you can create spoof email addresses and fake aliases that will forward mail to your real address, and can be deleted at any time. This is great for signing up to newsletters for discounts, or even listing online when selling a product. Something new we noticed in our last review is that Surfshark's Chrome extension can now autofill forms with your Alt ID info – very handy.
A fresh addition to Alternative ID is Alternative Number, which allows you to create a spoof phone number to protect your own from spam. This is perfect for using when advertising online, and while there are still a few limitations with it, it's an excellent addition that's not available from any other VPN.
I can't ignore the value that Surfshark offers, either. Not only does it cost less than $2.50 per month, but you'll also be able to use a single plan on as many devices as you want.
Overall, Surfshark is the best budget VPN pick, and offers a ton more than providers half its price. If you want the very best, go with NordVPN – but if you want to save some cash, Surfshark isn't far behind.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Minimalistic, clean, and intuitive design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly and easy to understand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Seriously quick and almost on par with NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Great at unblocking streaming apps and getting around censorship | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Very reliable, although the malware and phishing add-on could be improved | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Decent 24/7 customer support and tons of help articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Cheap VPN with excellent value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: the best VPN for ease of use
✅ You're looking for a simple, streamlined experience. ExpressVPN is powerful, but has a super simple interface that makes it the best VPN for beginners.
✅ You want to stream global content. From Netflix to Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer, ExpressVPN is super reliable.
✅ You value your privacy. Whether you're in the US, Europe, or even China, ExpressVPN's countless audits and history of protecting its users should inspire confidence.
❌ You're on a strict budget. ExpressVPN certainly isn't the cheapest on the market. Those looking for a better price may want to consider NordVPN or Surfshark.
❌ You need guaranteed streaming unblocking. ExpressVPN is very good at unblocking streaming sites, but in our testing we found we sometimes had to switch server to unblock a particular Netflix library.
ExpressVPN is perfect if you're not hugely tech-savvy, and just want rock-solid privacy and great streaming performance. Since our last round of testing, it has dropped from 2 to 3 in our rankings due to NordVPN and Surfshark offering much more attractive pricing, but that being said, it has a very good history of protecting its users, and is a joy to use.
ExpressVPN has two things at heart: excellent privacy, and super-simple applications. Thanks to that, we rate it as the best VPN for beginners, and in our latest ExpressVPN review, we found that a couple of key areas have improved.
The basics are covered well, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. You'll also get a kill switch, split tunneling, and obfuscated servers to help hide the fact you're using a VPN.
Of course, some providers like Proton VPN and NordVPN have way more servers overall, but the quality of the servers is far more important than the sheer number of them. From conversations I've had with the ExpressVPN dev team, it's clear that they invest in smaller numbers of powerful servers rather than lots of cheap ones, and the slightly smaller number of servers isn't a downside. What's more, it has an impressive range in Asia, which is often neglected by other providers.
The main protocols ExpressVPN uses are OpenVPN and the in-house, open-source Lightway, and IKEv2 is also available if you really need it. All these protocols use AES-256 encryption and deliver good speeds – in our testing Lightway topped out at 900 Mbps, and OpenVPN maxed out at around 170 Mbps. Considering you only need about 25 Mbps to stream 4K Netflix, ExpressVPN won't be slowing you down.
It's worth noting that in our last round of reviews, we discovered that the way we were testing speeds (using a cloud PC) put ExpressVPN at a disadvantage, although it's still hard to pin down exactly why this is. When we adjusted our method, ExpressVPN's speeds shot up, meaning that one of our biggest complaints about the provider has been fixed. However, if you're after maximum speed, go with NordVPN or Surfshark.
ExpressVPN's standout feature is the simplicity of its apps – and I think it's best VPN for beginners. The apps are the same across all devices, and tons of different systems are supported. All you need to do to get going is tap the big on/off button, and a single click takes you to the server menu where you can choose between the locations yourself.
The settings manus are also very intuitive, and if you're looking for a VPN that's quick and easy to set up and use every day, ExpressVPN fits the bill well. I think it's best on mobile, and it tops my guide to the best VPNs for iPhone.
When it comes to unblocking global streaming content, ExpressVPN is excellent. In our testing, it was able to unblock all the Netflix locations we tried, as well as BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more.
It's worth noting that we did have some minor issues with a couple of Netflix locations, although after disconnecting and reconnecting, we were able to watch. This isn't a huge black mark, but it is notable, since NordVPN, Surfshark Proton VPN and Private Internet Access all performed flawlessly in the same test.
I used to complain about ExpressVPN offering little in the way of extra features beyond the core VPN, but in the latter half of 2024 it launched a ton of new tools that puts it on par with NordVPN. For example, included in the base plan, you'll get the password manager Keys, Identity Defender, personal data removal, Credit Scanner, and cyber insurance. Pay a little extra, and you can also get a Dedicated IP.
What's more, combined with the recent price drop, if you'll actually use all of this, ExpressVPN. is arguably better value than NordVPN. However, the issue lies in the fact that NordVPN does offer you the option to pay for what you want, and leave out what you don't. With ExpressVPN, you get it all regardless of if you want it.
Tying in with ExpressVPN's focus on usability is the excellent support system in place. There are tons of setup and troubleshooting guides – all written in clear, plain English – and the email and live chat support are great too. I've always found the agents to be helpful when asking them questions.
In short, if you prioritise ease of use over everything, and you'll use the extras, it's a fair premium to pay.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, navigable design that’s easy on your eyes and straightforward to understand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly, little to no expertise needed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Reliable and very fast, although some others deliver higher peak speeds. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Servers in 160 locations and 90 countries ensure limitless content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Top-notch security with 256-bit AES encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Expert assistance is available 24/7 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Slightly more expensive than other options | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN for privacy
✅ You're looking for a decent free plan. While Proton's free service can't match up to its paid plan, it's still very useful for emergencies.
✅ You want a provider that advocates for internet freedom. Proton as a company has demonstrated its commitment to internet freedom by offering, among other things, free servers dedicated to accessing Deutsche Welle's unbiased reporting.
✅ You need servers in Africa or Asia. Proton has the best spread of locations in these continents.
❌ You're looking for a bargain. Proton is fairly pricey when compared to the likes of PIA and Surfshark – although Tom's Guide readers get an extra discount.
❌ You want comprehensive support. Proton VPN has excellent articles on-site, but finding them can be complex, and live chat isn't 24/7
Proton VPN has been around for a long time, but in the last couple of years it's shown a lot of improvement, and it definitely one to consider alongside the big names. It's fairly easy to use, but also offers a number of extra features – and it's very effective when it comes to streaming. Extra apps including a password manager, secure email, and even cloud storage, so you can protect your whole ecosystem if you fancy. If you want to try it out, it offers one of the best free VPNs, too.
Swiss-based privacy provider Proton is best known for Proton Mail, but in our latest Proton VPN review, we found that it's right up there with the very best. In fact, it has jumped up to position 4 in this guide, overtaking the venerable Private Internet Access.
In my latest round of testing, speeds have stayed very impressive. Again, we saw connections of over 950 Mbps when using WireGuard. This matches the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark, and is a big positive over the likes of PIA and ExpressVPN.
What's more, when using the old faithful OpenVPN (essential for Stealth Mode), we saw speeds of up to 220 Mbps. That's very fast, although not quite up there with Surfshark or PIA.
You'll also get a comprehensive zero-logging policy and strong encryption, and Proton VPN will certainly appeal to those looking to use their VPN for absolute online privacy. In July 2024, it passed a third no-logs audit, and it's great to see this consistent commitment to protecting its users.
Proton appears to be constantly upgrading its server network, with the figure standing at a mighty 8,600 servers in 117 countries. This is comparable with the very widest available – think NordVPN – and is a big selling point.
What's more, Proton VPN also offers its Secure Core servers, which are located in physically secure locations in privacy-friendly countries. You can choose to use these, and then route to a destination of your choice for added anonymity. Proton Unlimited also adds the entire privacy suite of Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar for a fairly reasonable price.
However, it's not all work and no play for Proton – in my streaming testing it proved to be a real standout when it comes to unblocking Netflix, reliably accessing a number of useful locations, as well as BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and Amazon Prime.
Proton VPN really stands out thanks to its commitment to helping users around the world access a free and uncensored internet. One such example of this is its partnership with news company Deutsche Welle. Even free users can connect to a dedicated server and access unbiased news anywhere in the world.
For example, this is a godsend for those in countries like China and Russia who prefer not to consume state-controlled news.
If you're a fan of Proton as a whole, it also offers Proton Mail, Proton Drive, Proton Pass, and Proton Calendar. These all offer the same protections that the VPN does, meaning that you can effectively keep everything you do safe within the Proton ecosystem. These are all available under one "Proton Unlimited" subscription – which is actually fairly affordable at $9.99 per month.
It's getting trickier by the day to pick faults with Proton, but there are still a couple of sticking points. Firstly, while some servers do support P2P traffic, there are relatively few compared to the competition – although if Proton detects P2P activity, it'll seamlessly redirect you to a compatible server.
Prices have recently dropped across the board, but it's still not cheap. However, sign up for 2 years and you'll get a decent deal, with a generous 10 simultaneous connections to boot.
Overall, Proton VPN is very much on the up, and it's evident the developers are putting in some hard work rather than resting on their laurels. Thanks to that, Proton VPN is a service we can wholeheartedly recommend.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Intuitive and dynamic design with the dark mode as a standout | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Some desktop features may be too technical for regular users to understand | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Seriously fast and up there with the best | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks most sites on the paid subscription | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | State-of-the-art security with Swiss law protection and an independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Decent response time with countless guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Not the most budget-friendly, but there’s a free plan for new users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other quality VPNs I've tested
I think that one of either NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN will be the best VPN for the vast majority of users. They all deliver excellent speeds, provide class-leading privacy and security features, are effective at unblocking tons of content around the world and are super simple use.
They also cover a range of price points, ranging from the premium-priced ExpressVPN to the absolute bargain that is Surfshark.
However, if you have a very particular feature you're looking for, there are plenty of other trusted providers to choose from. Below I'll run down a number of other VPNs I'm comfortable recommending – and while they're not quite as versatile and well-rounded as my top picks, they could still be worth considering if it provides a niche feature you're looking for.
✅ You're a Linux user. PIA is an excellent VPN for Linux users, and is one of the few providers to offer a native GUI (Surfshark being another).
✅ You want proof of a no-logs policy. PIA has had its claim of no logging proven in court twice. That's just about as reliable proof as you're going to get.
✅ You want a server in every US state. This is perfect for getting around things like sporting blackouts and shopping restrictions, or doing research on medical procedures banned in your state.
❌ You prioritize connection speed. With peak speeds of around 430 Mbps in my testing, PIA certainly isn't slow – but there are much faster out there.
❌ You value simplicity. PIA definitely presents as more of an 'expert' option, meaning that newbies could be intimidated by the additional functionality and settings.
Private Internet Access is the exact opposite of ExpressVPN: it's cheap, has tons of customizable VPN features, and at times, it's a bit complicated to use. The brand often interacts with its userbase and develops the features they want, and it's also excellent for streaming. Be aware that PIA doesn't come with anything outside the VPN like a password manager or a personal data removal service – it's just a VPN.
Private Internet Access has been around for a long, long time, but unlike other dinosaurs of the VPN game, it's stayed on an upward trajectory rather than falling to the new guard. In our Private Internet Access review, it really impressed.
While PIA doesn't disclose its server network size, I believe it to sit at around 20,000 servers, which makes it by far the most server-rich provider on the market. Combine that with over 90 available countries and you've got yourself quite the spread.
Its proxy browser extensions are also very good, with updated tech that allows for faster browsing. For newbies and those looking for a simpler experience, though, this could very well be a little annoying or intimidating.
It's great for streaming, with access to Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. We've expanded my streaming testing even further this time round, and as an improvement on last time, PIA was able to unblock every single service.
PIA really stands out when you get under the surface a little. It has all the basics like a kill switch and split tunneling, but there's are some genuinely valuable extras that experts will love. For example, for those looking for the best VPN for torrenting, PIA's port forwarding ability gives you a ton of flexibility when it comes to setting up how your device routes your traffic.
Other more expert features include adjusting your MTU size, the MACE ad blocker, a powerful automation system, variable encryption levels and VPN obfuscation. Admittedly, for the vast majority of people much of that will go unused, but if you're a proper techie who likes to get stuck into the settings, PIA is a dream.
Similar to Surfshark, Private Internet Access also offers all subscribers unlimited simultaneous connections. This means that you can keep as many devices as you like protected – and potentially share your details with your family and friends if you're feeling generous. For some, this might not be a huge selling point, but for gadget obsessives, it's a must-have feature.
In April 2024, Private Internet Access passed an independent audit of its server network, and this confirms that it aligns with all the company's claims. Combined with its audited privacy policy and proven no-logs policy, PIA has some clout when it comes to privacy.
PIA certainly isn't perfect, though. If you're a beginner just looking for simple, accessible applications to help protect you online, PIA probably isn't the best choice. The amount of customisation is great for those who'll use it, but quite simply a bit much for those who won't.
Connections speeds are also a little behind the pack. Topping out at around 430 Mbps in my testing, it's certainly not slow, but it's nothing like the 950+ Mbps I've seen from NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and even Mullvad.
Finally, unlike stablemate ExpressVPN and our top pick NordVPN, Private Internet Access doesn't include any extras. For some, that'll be worth the sacrifice considering the attractive base price, but cheap rival Surfshark does offer things like Alternative ID and Alternative Number alongside the vPN for a similar price. However, none of these are as configurable as PIA.
For those looking for a highly featured, reliable service that's keenly priced, I'd recommend giving PIA a go – it has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out risk-free. But, if you're after simplicity, Surfshark or ExpressVPN will likely be better for you.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Loads of customization options, can be a bit overwhelming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great for tech-savvy users, not too beginner-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds but falls behind the industry heavyweights like NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | 20,000+ servers in 91 countries for smooth and fast content unblocking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Best-in-class encryption with a proven no-log policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Adequate resources, plenty of guides, and a contact form to reach the team | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | One of the cheapest VPNs, all the more ideal for the long term. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✅ You're looking for a bargain. Often almost hitting the $2-a-month barrier, CyberGhost is very affordable
✅ You want a long refund period. CyberGhost gives you 45 days to make up your mind, rather than the industry-standard 30.
✅ You like easy-to-use apps. Clean and clear, CyberGhost's apps are super intuitive.
❌ You want to use lots of devices. Instead of allowing you to log in and out to make the most of your simultaneous connections, CyberGhost only allows 7 installations. To use another device, you'll have to remove it completely.
❌ You need top-tier support. CyberGhost's support is decent, but nothing like the quality of ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
CyberGhost is an established provider that's trusted by an incredible 36 million users. It's private and secure, and its apps are great to use. However, it falls a little behind the pack when it comes to streaming, and its device limit is quite restrictive, especially if you're sharing within your household.
CyberGhost is another long-standing name in the world of the best VPNs, and in that time it's developed a reputation for privacy, streaming performance, and torrent-friendly servers.
With over 11,000 servers, CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks in the industry, and with a spread of 100 countries, there's plenty of variety when it comes to picking which to connect to.
In my expert CyberGhost VPN review, the Romanian provider delivered great connection speeds of up to 760 Mbps, and while few users will have base connections capable of such heady heights, it's still quite an accolade.
CyberGhost's apps had an overhaul in 2021, and with the introduction of Version 8, the experience is much more modern and sleek.
However, you'll only be able to install CyberGhost on 7 devices – and after that, you'll need to unregister a device to use another, rather than simply logging out on one device like almost all other providers allow.
This can be a real pain if you're right on the edge of how many devices you're active on. We'd implore CyberGhost to change this silly feature – why not go unlimited like fellow Kape Technologies-owned provider PIA?
Back to positives, CyberGhost's apps offer some very useful dedicated streaming features like Netflix and iPlayer-optimized servers. It's fairly capable when it comes to unblocking, and in my last testing I saw it unblock some Netflix libraries, iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
Some smaller streaming sites like the Australian site 10Play were unavailable, however, and the likes of ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark are better providers for streaming.
One of my biggest issues with CyberGhost in my last review was that it hadn't undertaken a security audit of any kind. This time round it's still not perfect, but it has had its no-log policy audited by Deloitte. Let's hope a full server and app audit is in the works.
Overall, CyberGhost is a cheap, effective VPN provider that impresses when it comes to torrenting and general privacy. However, it's honestly quite outclassed by the providers above.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Very nice to use, with good customization. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Simple layout means it's great for beginners and experts alike. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Great performance, and only outsped by the very fastest. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Claims to have dedicated streaming servers, but sometimes failed to access Netflix and Disney+. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Good baseline tech with an audit from Deloitte. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Not bad, but customer support agents could be more helpful. | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent price considering what you're getting. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✅ You're after a quality Chrome extension. Windscribe offers the best standalone proxy Chrome extension available, which is great for quickly accessing blocked sites and changing location.
✅ You want an audited VPN. Windscribe recently underwent an independent audit of a lot of its infrastructure, with good results.
❌ You want a premium plan. While the free plan is excellent, if you're willing to pay, there are much better options.
❌ You want malware and tracker protection. Windscribe's malware blocking tech has failed to keep up with the competition.
Windscribe absolutely shines when it come to the things it gives you for free. You'll get a generous amount of servers, and a great proxy extension that I use day-to-day at Tom's Guide. However, paid plans are expensive and complicated, and the vast majority of users will want to look elsewhere when parting with their cash.
Windscribe is well-known for its powerful free plan, but the premium plan builds on this foundation, and offers a very comprehensive VPN. In our Windscribe review, it impressed in terms of features, unblocking, and speed – but it can be a little tricky to get used to.
There are apps for all sorts of devices, and a single subscription can be installed on eas many as you like. So, if you've not only got a laptop iPhone, but also an Amazon Fire Stick or even a Linux PC for coding, you can get protected with Windscribe on every one.
Windscribe doesn't clearly outline how many individual servers it has, but you can connect to 69 countries and 134 cities. Most reports claim that the server count is in the hundreds, not the thousands, which put it well below big hitters like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. However, in use I've never had any issues with connectivity, so this isn't something to worry about.
In terms of privacy, Windscribe is very good. You'll get all the basics like the WireGuard and OpenVPN encryption protocols, a kill switch – named FireWall – on desktop apps, and DNS leak protection, but there's more. It has recently undergone an independent audit of its no-logging policy and protocols, with good results, and MAC spoofing has been introduced in all apps.
On the app front, Windscribe's mobile VPN apps are among some of the most powerful around. Along with all the basics, you get almost every features included in the desktop versions. For example, Decoy Mode on Android generates fake traffic on your connection to further obscure your real activity. Although this is very niche, it could be invaluable to dissidents in truly extreme situations.
Windscribe is very reliable for streaming global content, unblocking every streaming site we tested it with. It's also great for torrenting, with P2P enabled on all servers, and even in the free version. Speeds dropped to around 780 Mbps in our last round of testing, although this is still more than fast enough for almost every purpose.
The Chrome VPN extension is also a standout, topping my guide and offering a huge amount for free. However, none of the browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox, and Edge) have been updated since 2023, which isn't a great sign.
Windscribe's biggest downfall is its apps. They're small, cramped, very complicated and will be intimidating to beginners. There's a heck of a lot there, but the layout isn't the most intuitive.
In terms of price, Windscribe is more expensive than most, coming in at