Whether you're looking to protect yourself online or just unblock your favorite content, a virtual private network (VPN) is an essential tool in the modern world. With cybercrime getting more complex with each passing day, it's an effective and inexpensive way to secure yourself, your home, and your family from digital threats.
Tom's Guide's experts put VPNs through hundreds of tests every year to make sure we're only recommending the best VPN services, so check out our in-depth comparisons, VPN reviews, and guides to find out which VPN provider suits your needs best.
Latest about VPNs
Best VPN deals in July 2026
Don't want to pay full price for a VPN? I've rounded up the best VPN deals from the likes of NordVPN, ExpressVPN, PureVPN, Surfshark, and more.
The best VPN in 2026: our top 5 picks
We've tested and reviewed dozens of VPN. On this page we've ranked the five best VPNs we've used, and delve into the details of why they're so good.
ExpressVPN adds China server location and boosts its network – but the numbers are somewhat inflated
ExpressVPN has expanded its global network to 214 in 113 countries, though our analysis puts the true unique-location count closer to 196. However, the addition of a China location is a big positive.
5 outdated cybersecurity habits that could be putting your data at risk
Sponsor Content Created With Bitdefender
Cybersecurity threats evolve every single day, so it's important that our habits evolve alongside them. Here are 5 habits that could endanger your most important data.
Is your USA vs. Belgium stream buffering? A VPN can stop the lag — here’s how
ISPs often throttle streaming traffic during big live events — a VPN's encryption can keep your stream running smoothly
Why identity theft protection now matters just as much as antivirus
Sponsor Content Created With Bitdefender
Your personal data is one of your most important assets, and antivirus alone won't protect it. Here's why identity theft protection is a critical aspect of staying safe online.
Your VPN won't stop AI companies collecting your data — here's what actually helps
A new survey found that 40% of VPN users are trying to stop AI companies from collecting their data. Here's what a VPN can and can't actually protect.
VPNs in Turkey: why are they so popular and are they legal?
Sponsored by Proton VPN
As online legislation in Turkey becomes more prohibitive, we explain how a VPN ensures ongoing access and anonymity while using the World Wide Web.
