In a world where thousands of paid and free VPNs are available, subscribing to a reliable one can be a daunting task. Every VPN company slaps you with complicated agreements and confusing plans. While some VPNs are excellent for streaming, they lack robust security.
On the other hand, some VPNs are really safe, but they slow down your connection to the point where even browsing becomes difficult.
Not to mention the number of shady VPNs that track your online activities or fail to encrypt your communications adequately.
So, to prevent you from getting the wrong VPN service and save your money, the team of BestVPNcomparison provides in-depth VPN comparisons to assist you in making informed decisions.
Before you sign up for a VPN, please look at our VPN comparisons because a VPN is more than simply a set of price options. More servers, unblocking capabilities, DNS leak prevention, and tunneling protocols are some of the most fundamental aspects of a good VPN.
Also, before developing a trait-by-trait VPN service comparison, we review all VPNs and examine their every single feature.
Our Comparison Criteria
First off, we jotted down a set of factors for testing and evaluating VPNs. In our VPN reviews and comparisons, we use the following nine factors to check if the VPN is worth subscribing to or not:
- Pricing
- Logging Policy
- Main Features (Torrenting, split tunneling, Kill Switch)
- Server Network
- Customer Support
- Speed
- Compatibility
- Jurisdiction
- Security
VPN Comparison Spreadsheet (Updated 2023)
Since we tested 100 VPNs, it was difficult for us to try them on the factors above and jot all the information down. So instead, the VPN comparison table below will help you determine which VPN is better than the other and which one should you opt for:
VPN Reviews
As soon as you Google the review of any VPN provider, you’ll be bombarded with websites pretending to be the most authentic sources on the internet. But often, they’re not. So naturally, the question arises, how can you be sure that the reviews you read are genuine?
Because let’s be honest, not all VPN service reviews are trustworthy. And this is a potentially significant and costly issue. But, once again, who should you put your faith in?
That’s exactly where we come in. But why are our best VPN reviews so dissimilar?
Unlike other review sites that are paid to produce positive ratings, we do not accept any freebies. Instead, we either purchase memberships or obtain trial accounts in the same way that ordinary customers do to provide you with unbiased reviews.
Best VPN services of 2023
As you can see in the VPN comparison chart above, there are 100 VPNs we compared and reviewed. But, not all of them met our criteria and could be crowned as the best VPN services by us.
So, here are all the best VPN services we came across in 2023 after rigorous testing:
Surfshark: The Editor’s Pick
Number one on our list is Surfshark. The reason why love this VPN so much is because it is super affordable, Despite offering 3200+ servers in 65 countries, it only costs $2.30/month (82% OFF) if you go for its 2 years plan, which by the way, also comes with 2 free months of extra subscription.
If you’re looking for a VPN that can help you stay anonymous and secure online, Surfshark is a great choice. This provider offers fast speeds, military-grade encryption, and a strict no-logs policy. Plus, it’s one of the few VPNs that can bypass the Great Firewall of China.
With Surfshark, you’ll be able to unblock censored websites, protect your privacy, and prevent ISPs from throttling your connection. This provider also offers a kill switch and DNS leak protection to keep your identity hidden at all times. And if you ever have any questions or concerns, Surfshark’s 24/7 live chat support is always on hand to help.
The best thing about Surfshark is that it supports unlimited simultaneous connections per account. This is what makes it super affordable.
In short, Surfshark is the best VPN for anyone who wants to stay anonymous and secure online. If you’re looking for a provider that can help you bypass censorship and protect your privacy, Surfshark is a great choice. Oh and also, it comes with a legit 30 days money-back guarantee.
If you’re eager to know more about this VPN, then simply go through our Surfshark review.
ExpressVPN: Fastest in the industry
If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and secure VPN service, ExpressVPN is a great option. With 3000+ servers in 90+ countries, ExpressVPN offers plenty of locations to choose from. And with their strict no-logs policy, you can be sure that your data will remain private.
ExpressVPN is also one of the few VPN services that offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you’re not satisfied with the service, you can always get your money back.
ExpressVPN is available for all major operating systems including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. You can also use ExpressVPN on routers and other devices. And with their MediaStreamer DNS service, you can even unblock Netflix on devices that don’t normally support VPNs.
If we conduct a VPN price comparison, then let us tell you that ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than some of the other VPN services costing around $8.32/month if you go for its 1-year plan. But in our opinion, it’s worth the cost. Also, it supports 5 simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN is one of the best-performing VPNs we’ve tested. And their customer service is excellent. If you’re looking for a fast, reliable, and secure VPN service, ExpressVPN is a great option.
For more details about this VPN, do check out the ExpressVPN review written by our experts.
NordVPN: Servers to Unblock Anything and Everything
NordVPN is a personal virtual private network service provider. For starters, it offers 5,600+ servers in 59 countries. It also offers NordLynx, a proprietary VPN protocol based on the WireGuard protocol.
But the security features don’t just end there.
NordVPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a remote server to mask your location and IP address. It is based in Panama, which has no data retention laws.
NordVPN has been tested by independent auditors and found to be secure. NordVPN uses the most up-to-date security protocols, including NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec.
It is one of the few VPN providers that encrypts all traffic with AES-256-bit ciphers and stores no logs – making it a great choice for privacy-conscious users.
All of its features and low price make it a good value for money. Speaking of which, its cheapest plan starts from just $3.49/month and comes with a full 30 days money-back guarantee. It even supports 6 simultaneous connections.
What more can you ask for?
Overall, It is an excellent choice for users who want to stream geo-blocked content or use P2P file-sharing applications.
To learn more about this VPN, go through our complete NordVPN review.
CyberGhost: Customizable Modes for Different Purposes
If you’re looking for a VPN service that is both reliable and affordable, Cyberghost is a great option. With over 12 million users, it is one of the most popular VPN providers on the market.
Cyberghost offers a variety of features that make it a great choice for both individuals and businesses. It has 7700+ servers in 90+ countries and strong encryption that will keep your data safe from cybercriminals. It also offers a 45 days money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
Cyberghost is available on all major operating systems, so you can use it no matter what device you’re using. It’s also one of the few VPN providers that offer a free plan, so you can try it out before committing to a paid subscription.
As for pricing, CyberGhost costs just $2.29/month if you go for its 3 years + 3 months free plan. Another cool thing about CyberGhost is that it supports 7 simultaneous connections so you can use a single account on multiple devices at the same time.
Our CyberGhost review would fill you in with more details about this VPN.
IPVanish: Perfect for Beginners
IPVanish is one of the most popular VPN providers on the market. It offers a wide range of features and is very user-friendly. IPVanish is a great choice for beginners and experts alike.
IPVanish has a lot to offer in terms of security and privacy. It uses military-grade encryption and has a no-logs policy. This means that your data is safe with IPVanish.
IPVanish is also one of the fastest VPNs out there. This is great news for gamers and streamers who need a fast connection. IPVanish has 2000+ servers in 75+ locations, so you can always find a fast server to connect to.
Overall, IPVanish is an excellent VPN provider with great features and a solid reputation. If you are looking for a VPN to use, IPVanish should be at the top of your consideration list.
As for its price, it starts from just $3.75/month if you opt for its 1-year plan (12 months). All of its subscription plans come with a 30 days money-back guarantee and support unlimited simultaneous connections.
For more information about this ideal VPN, go through our IPVanish review.
VPN Pricing Comparison
Here’s a list of the best VPN companies, all of which have great features and use industry-standard encryption techniques. We keep our pricing table and VPN comparison chart updated at all times so you can see the most up-to-date pricing plans from the best VPN providers.
Here is a quick VPN cost comparison that we’ve done for you to check out the prices of our most recommended VPNs:
| Best VPN services | Cost per month |
|---|---|
| Surfshark | $2.30/month |
| ExpressVPN | $8.32/month |
| NordVPN | $3.49/month |
| CyberGhost | $2.29/month |
| IPVanish | $3.75/month |
What Does a VPN do?
A VPN can be beneficial to both large corporations and individuals. Traveling and utilizing public wi-fi, communicating sensitive information, and even streaming Netflix can all be done more safely with the help of a VPN.
A VPN creates a private network, offering you privacy and complete anonymity on the internet. When you connect to a VPN server, your IP address gets masked, making whatever you do online virtually untraceable.
A VPN can be used to:
- -Bypass geographic limitations on websites, audio, and video streaming services.
- Stream media such as Netflix and Hulu are available.
- Avoid being spied on by using untrustworthy wi-fi hotspots.
- Hide your genuine location online to gain at least some anonymity.
- Making sure you’re not being logged.
Is Using a VPN Illegal?
In most nations, including the United States, using a VPN is lawful. This is because using a virtual private network to safeguard your Internet activities is totally legal, according to the law.
However, jurisdiction is essential.
If a VPN provider is based in the United States or the United Kingdom, it must adhere to data retention rules and share user information with the government.
On the other hand, European countries are more worried about user privacy. This is why VPN services with European jurisdiction are a preferable option.
However, just because you have a VPN activated doesn’t imply you can engage in unlawful activity. A VPN protects your privacy, but it does not exempt you from prosecution for theft, illegal purchasing, or any other crime as defined by the laws of the country you are visiting.
Belarus, China, Russia, Iraq, North Korea, and the United Arab Emirates are just a handful of the countries that have made VPNs illegal and enacted severe internet censorship legislation.
However, a few VPN providers can circumvent these strong VPN limitations by improving their features and security methods. As a result, you should exercise caution while selecting a VPN service.
Does a VPN Slow Down Internet Speed?
Yes, it does. Your internet speed may suffer if your device is linked to a VPN for various reasons. Encryption techniques, server load, geographical distance, and bandwidth are some of the most typical causes. This implies that while internet speed is dependent on these primary factors, your device data is protected.
However, your internet speed does not diminish all of the time. So you won’t have any connectivity troubles if you’re connected to the appropriate server and utilizing a good VPN.
We will have a quick VPN speed comparison in all of our comparisons, so you know at all times which VPN is offering better speeds.
How to Test a VPN?
Checking a VPN’s server speed, bandwidth, or unblocking ability are just a few ways to assess it. However, a VPN is more than just these slight advantages. You might not know the most crucial security features and tunneling protocols if you’re new to VPNs.
However, you no longer need to be concerned about testing a VPN yourself. Because we’ve already reviewed every VPN service and published our honest findings on BestVPNComparison.com.
With the aid of our VPN provider comparisons, you’ll be able to figure out which VPN is best for streaming, which VPN is best for torrent downloads, and which VPN is best for being safe online.
Why does Jurisdiction matter?
In the case of VPNs, jurisdiction is crucial in determining what a VPN can and cannot accomplish. The Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes Alliances are secret intelligence-sharing arrangements that include the world’s most powerful nations.
The countries that have signed these agreements collaborate to collect and share mass surveillance data.
They track your browsing history, phone conversations, text messages, electronic documents, and location history, among other things.
These countries are the worst places for a VPN provider to be based on privacy.
If you run a VPN service in China, for example, their government might easily demand access to your servers, and if you refuse, you will almost certainly face retaliation. The same may be said about the United States and other countries that keep a careful eye on their citizens’ movements.
Because every VPN service is required to follow government laws and security rules, it is preferable to use a VPN that is based in a country that is not a member of the 5-9-14 Eyes Alliance.
The countries that make up this intelligence-sharing Alliance are listed below:
Five Eyes
UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand
Nine Eyes
Norway, Holland, Denmark, France, and Five Eyes countries
Fourteen Eyes
Belgium, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Spain, and Nine Eyes countries
Which Countries Are Enemies of the Internet?
Reporters Without Borders listed 13 countries as enemies of the internet. These countries include North Korea, Iran, Bahrain, China, Burma, Turkmenistan, Cuba, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Belarus, and Vietnam.
The governments of these countries have utilized rock-solid firewalls to block social media platforms, messaging applications, and VPNs to keep prying eyes from snooping on citizens.
As a result, the countries listed above are regarded as internet foes. However, a few VPN providers can help you get around these restrictions on a national level. You can learn more about them through our VPN comparisons and reviews.
FAQs
Why is a VPN so important?
A VPN’s principal aim is to conceal your online activity. VPNs are frequently used to protect against hackers and snoopers on public networks, but they may also be used to hide your IP address, browsing actions, and personal data on any wi-fi network, even your own.
What happens if you purchase a bad VPN?
Well, subscribing to the wrong VPN does more damage than good. A VPN with shady policies and members of the 5, 9, or 14 eyes Alliance can leak all your data to third-party websites and the government.
This way, you can be in trouble downloading torrents or accessing blocked sites. Your data can also get into the hands of malicious actors, who can swoop in and steal all your personal information.
Final Remarks
So far, we hope our in-depth VPN evaluation procedure has impressed you. We spent a significant amount of time working on it.
BestVPNComparison.com was designed with two goals in mind: to educate first-time VPN users about the benefits and drawbacks of using a VPN, and to determine the best VPN by comparing the prominent options in the industry.
VPNs are a versatile tool that may be used for good or harmful purposes. While we strongly oppose utilizing a VPN for unlawful purposes, we recommend that you go with the most dependable option and choose the best after reading our VPN comparisons and evaluations.
Purchase a VPN that performs consistently over time. We’ll continuously update our pricing comparisons so you can get the best VPN at the best possible price.