Google One subscribers had less than four years of VPN access before the tech giant announced it was pulling the plug – and quite understandably, countless current users are looking for Google One VPN alternatives to fill that gap.
While I've always been skeptical of a VPN made by Google – a company that has made its billions from exploiting our data rather than protecting it – Google One VPN was a passable product. However, the best VPNs I've tested are far superior, and you don't have to break the bank to get one.
Here, I'll quickly run down my top five recommendations. They're all reliable, secure products that aren't owned by Google, and won't compromise your privacy. Any one of them could suit your unique needs best, and what's more, they all offer far more functionality too, so whichever you pick, you'll be better off.
Best Google One VPN alternatives in brief
The best Google One VPN alternative overall
From my hands-on testing, NordVPN is the best service overall right now. It has great privacy features that have been fully audited by third parties, and covers all the other bases at a very reasonable price.
Compared to Google One VPN, NordVPN outdoes it on almost every front. In our testing, it maxed out at 950 Mbps – much faster than Google's 345 Mbps – and NordVPN's ability to choose a server almost anywhere in the world allows it to unblock websites and streaming content.
Its apps are admittedly a little more complex than the Google One suite, but they're polished and fairly easy to use. What's more, if you sign up for higher subscription tiers, you can bundle NordVPN with cloud storage, a password manager, and even cyber insurance. For some, that could replace Google One altogether.
The simplest Google One VPN alternative
If Google One's simplicity appealed to you, ExpressVPN might be the best alternative. Its interface is very intuitive, and many people will only need to tap the big on/off button that dominates the home screen.
ExpressVPN doesn't sacrifice privacy, though, and in my in-depth ExpressVPN review, it excelled in every area. The same goes for unblocking streaming sites, and here ExpressVPN matches NordVPN at every step.
However, if your main priority after leaving Google One VPN is absolute ease of use, ExpressVPN is a great choice. It makes staying safe online easier than any of its rivals, and whether you're not hugely comfortable with tech or just want an easy life, you can set and forget you're even using a VPN.
Best cheap Google One VPN alternative
Surfshark sits at number three in my guide to the best services available right now, and it's there because it offers excellent privacy features for a bargain price. I only found one minor issue in my Surfshark review, which led to the kill switch failing under heavy testing, but this is extremely unlikely to happen in real-world use.
Big streamers will enjoy Surfshark too, and it's level with ExpressVPN and NordVPN when it comes to unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and the like. Another nice feature is Alternative ID, which creates spoof emails and personas you can use to avoid spam in your real mailbox.
Similarly to NordVPN, you can also upgrade your subscription, and this will get you antivirus protection, ID breach alerts, and a plan with personal data removal service Incogni, which is run by Surfshark.
Other Google One VPN alternatives
Most people will find NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark fits the bill as a Google One VPN alternative. However, there are plenty of other worthy products available, so I'll briefly run these down in case any pique your interest.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
