2023’s Best VPN Services Ranked and Reviewed

The use of VPN services has continued to grow in popularity in recent years, in large part due to greater awareness of Internet privacy issues. VPNs are generally designed to provide users with increased control over their Internet browsing experiences, but the best VPNs allow them visit their favorite websites without leaving a trail for hackers, law authorities or technology companies trying to gather information about them. With a ‘virtual private network’ you can feel safe using your devices without worrying about prying eyes viewing what you are up to.

Choosing a provider can be daunting, with dozens of services available, it can be difficult to identify the best VPNs for your individual needs. We understand that you don’t necessarily have the time to become an expert on the hundreds of VPN providers on the market, so we’ve broken down a list of the top brands and ranked them based on which ones offered the best overall experience. We had our tech analysts conduct over 100 hours of research to provide our readers VPN reviews they can rely on. Our analysis includes hands-on testing of the best VPN services recommended by all the major tech sites. Here we review these providers and rank them overall while still giving you a breakdown of their most noteworthy features. After all, your internet habits will differ from the next person. And ultimately, the correct choice of VPN depends on what you need and want from a provider.

The following are our picks for 2023’s best VPNs

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN provides a speedy, seamless, and ultra-secure VPN experience. For those wanting a premium service its included features are unmatched.

Overview

ExpressVPN is undoubtedly one of the best VPN providers when it comes to speed, convenience and usability.

Our research found that it provides the fastest browsing and streaming speeds across the various VPN services we tested. During our tests, there was no noticeable drop in ping speed and our testers reported an impressive 70% of normal internet speeds were detected. If you’re wondering about how it will perform on your own hardware, built into the system is a handy speed-test. It can tell you the ping and download speed of the servers. So, you can see for yourself just how fast it is.

It’s compatible across all the main operating systems and provides peace of mind with 24/7 technical support. For those wanting to access international content on platforms such as Netflix, ExpressVPN remains one of the few that remain unblocked. This works whether you are looking to simply use your VPN server within the country that you or located, or if you’re looking to access a different selection of programs available only in other locations. We’ve found that Amazon Prime, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, all work through this service. The service is torrent-friendly. Since this VPN operates out of the British Virgin Islands it is not as closely surveilled as companies operating from other regions of the world.

Another great aspect of the ExpressVPN app is how easy it is to use on both Windows and Mac platforms. Connecting to a server is intuitive- it has you choose your location from a recommended list and from there it connects you within seconds. You can also view all available servers or recent choices so that you can return to the ones that have worked the best for you. The ‘smart location’ feature can simplify the process you but as we found you may discover this isn’t necessarily the fastest server in your area. Nonetheless, ExpressVPN gives you many options. Once you’re done using the VPN, disconnecting is just as easy, a large button on the app allows you to end your session with one click. It’s true that ExpressVPN makes it easy to use, but don’t be fooled into thinking that the features are basic. You can alter the advanced settings and play with protocol or split tunneling. No matter how you decide to use the app, you’ll find that the built-in ‘HTTPS Everywhere’ setting ensures your privacy as you use the internet.

Pricing Options

• $6.67/month for the 12-month plan with 3 bonus months free
• $9.99/month for the 6-month plan
• $12.95/month for the 1-month plan

Visit ExpressVpn.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

2. NordVPN

With robust security features and an easy-to-use app, NordVPN is an excellent choice for users of all experience levels. That combined with their competitive pricing makes it among the best VPN services we reviewed.

Overview

While it is not the fastest VPN on the market, the security features, easy-to-use app, and competitive price landed NordVPN high on our list of best VPNs. It works well on all operating systems including Mac, Windows and Linux. It worked equally well on devices running Android and iOS. Among some of the best aspects of NordVPN are the extensive number of servers available, use of Double VPN and Obfuscated servers, as well as a proven no-logging policy. Those wanting to stream Netflix will be happy to know that within their network there are servers that will allow you to watch- but it may take some trial and error before you find one of the servers that will work for this purpose. NordVPN is P2P-friendly and is good for torrenting. Its base in Panama means it is not a part of the Fourteen eyes jurisdiction.

Hands-down, security is the greatest strength of NordVPN. The protocols that Nord uses means there is a 256-bit encryption. Their no-logging policy has been tested by an outside party. The Double VPN they offer means that your connection is encrypted through a first server, then routed again through a second server. For those that don’t want others to know that they are using a VPN in the first place, the Obfuscated servers provided by NordVPN provides privacy. In addition to these features, NordVPN has included a feature called CyberSec in their app that will block ads and prevent phishing and malware attacks.

Another example of how much users can control their internet experience with Nord is the ‘App Killswitch’ they offer. Rather than having to exit the server completely, you have the option of turning off selective apps. This provides peace of mind that the data you most want to protect remains secure while you continue using the internet.

To compliment all of features that you get from this VPN provider, NordVPN also has a live chat 24/7 support feature where you can get all your technical questions answered. We found that the response times were super quick, and the assistance was very thorough.

Pricing

• $2.99/month for the 3-year plan
• $3.99/month for the 2-year plan
• $6.99/month for the 1-year plan
• $11.95/month for the 1-month plan

Visit NordVpn.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

3. Hotspot Shield

There’s a reason that Hotspot Shield boasts over 650 million users for their VPN services. They provide a fast, secure and easy-to-use experience and back it up with excellent customer service and support.

Overview

With Hotspot Shield you’ll enjoy military-grade encryption, a user-friendly interface, and an extensive choice of servers. All this while offering some of the fastest VPN speeds and 24/7 customer support. The one account will allow you to use up to five devices simultaneously. We’ve found that Hotspot Shield performs well across all platforms and devices that we tested, including Windows and Mac systems as well as Android and iOS mobile devices. The mobile and desktop apps are simple to use and allow you to quickly connect to your desired server from around the globe.

Security is incredibly important for Hotspot Shield and they know their users appreciate the same. The desire to increase security without compromising speed led them to create their own proprietary system called Catapult Hydra. Like other highly secure VPNs, Hotspot Shield does not allow logging of customer data and it employs an automatic kill switch to protect you against outside interference. One thing to note is that in their privacy policy they do share that they collect a small amount of select information about your IP addresses and devices for future marketing use. Not ideal if you are seeking total privacy.

If the ability to watch Netflix via your VPN connection is important, the good news is that Hotspot Shield is currently able to stream the service. Regarding P2P file-sharing, torrenting is a strong feature of this VPN provider. The AES 256 bit-key encryption provides a very secure means of sharing data anonymously from one user to another.

Hotspot Shield offers the ability to chat with live agents at any time of day 24/7 if you need help troubleshooting any aspect of their services. There is also an extensive library of resources in the form of tutorials, videos, and how-to guides if you get stuck. This database is a great place to learn how to get the most from your VPN services.

Pricing

• $2.99/month for the 3-year plan
• $7.99/month for the 1-year plan
• $12.99/month for the 1-month plan

Visit HotspotShield.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

4. VyprVPN

Swiss-based VyprVPN has gained popularity recently by implementing a strict no-logging policy and offering a simple customer-centric pricing structure. They boast ownership of all their own servers ensuring your security without compromising speed.

Overview

VyprVPN is based in Switzerland and provides fast speeds and guarantees a no-logging policy that has been audited by an outside party. The pricing structure is unique with two tiers of subscriptions you can buy- a basic package that gets you an excellent range of VPN features and a premium package that includes use of their proprietary Chameleon protocol as well as your own cloud server.

The basic service covers a lot of what people would want from a VPN. With no bandwidth limits, our testers found that speeds were quick across an array of devices. There was no perceived throttling. In terms of being able to view streaming platforms life Netflix, VyprVPN is currently able to access it. Although there is no dedicated P2P support, the privacy measures ensure that your information won’t be shared if you engage in torrenting.

Both the Windows and Mac desktop apps for VyperVPN are a breeze to use. Through it you’ll have access to the over 700 servers located across 70 countries- all owned by VyperVPN which ensures the quality and security of your experience. While using the VPN you have your choice of protocols to use, aside from its own Chameleon protocol the company offers PPTP, OpenVPN, and LT2P/1Psec so you have your pick. The live 24/7 chat support and an extensive library of troubleshooting guides means you’ll always have help configuring the VPN to suit what you need.

 Pricing

• 3-Day Free Trial
• Basic Plan: $3.75 monthly  first year, $45.00 first year, $60.00 each year after
• Premium Plan: $5 billed monthly first year, $60.00 first year, $80.00 each year after

Visit VyperVPN.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

5. HideMyAss VPN

With a name like HideMyAss VPN you’d expect they take your privacy seriously- and they do. This reliable VPN is UK-based which has implications for the data they may be required to collect but if you’re willing to put up with this issue you’ll get a speedy VPN with lots of great features, backed up with a 30-day money back guarantee.

Overview

HideMyAss VPN, also referred to as HMA for short, has been one of the most popular choices around the world because of its huge network of servers that make for a quick and secure VPN browsing experience. Although its privacy practices have been under scrutiny (it is located in the UK and subject to a few more surveillance regulations than more out-of-the-way VPN service providers) it still has a stellar reputation as a reliable service. It was recently purchased by Avast which gives even more credibility to the security of the VPN. The reality is, unless you are planning on being in gross violation of laws (hopefully you’re not planning such a thing) you’ll be just fine on this VPN.

The large network of servers across the globe has made HMA extremely attractive to users. The straightforward pricing structure, quality features and simple-to-use apps are also great selling points. HMA remained unblocked from Netflix, and with the massive number of servers it’s safe to say that you’ll be able to use the service for a long time to come. File-sharing on the service is supported with dedicated P2P servers.

Using the VPN couldn’t be any easier with the well-conceived mobile and desktop apps they have available for download. The Mac and Windows we’ve tested work equally well as do the mobile Android and iOS platforms. One nice feature is that on each version of the app it lets you quickly and easily switch servers when you need to which of course improves your ability to ensure your information is safe and secure. HideMyAss VPN offers a range of support to users with their forums, self-help guides, and a 24/7 live chat feature.

Pricing

• $4.99/month for the 36 month plan
• $6.99/month for the 1-year plan
• $11.99/month for the 1-month plan

Visit HideMyAss.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

6. Private Internet Access

This U.S. based VPN consistently makes the lists of top providers because of its premium service offering at low prices. Having one of the largest networks of servers under its belt, Private Internet Access gives its customers the military-grade security they seek without sacrificing high speeds.

Overview

Private Internet Access has all the bells and whistles of a premium VPN service provider at a strikingly low price. It offers quick speeds, military-grade security, and a large network of servers as its most salient selling points. Staying true to its name it is also one of the only VPNs that allows customers to pay for these services using gift cards from leading retailers such as Target or Starbucks which means that your payment information doesn’t need to be disclosed. Our testers noted that the app doesn’t have the greatest design but once you get the hang of using it you can connect quickly and securely.

Performance-wise Private Internet Access is among the fastest VPN connections out there supporting up to 4Gbps. According to our speed tests the connections speeds dropped no more than 10% when using servers domestically. However, when connected to servers overseas the speeds were significantly slower (as expected) and sometimes decreased by as much as 50%. This may not matter to those who want the guaranteed ability to watch their favorite Netflix program while knowing their information is being kept private. Those who do a lot of P2P sharing will like that all of the servers within the network will allow for torrenting. Since you can choose from all of them it is unlikely you’ll get the an overloaded server. Also of note, is that Private Internet Access doesn’t employ virtual servers.

In terms of usability, Private Internet Access is compatible with all major operating systems and mobile devices. As stated before, it’s not as intuitive as some of its premium counterparts but doesn’t take long to figure out. What you get is a secure and private VPN experience from a provider that guarantees no-logging, will not sell your information to third parties, and provides a high level of security for the price. In addition, you’ll have access to a wide-ranging library of help guides or can reach out to a support person via 24/7 live chat support.

Pricing

• $3.49/month for the 2-year plan
• $5.99/month for the 1-year plan
• $9.95/month for the 1-month plan

Visit PrivateInternetAccess.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

7. Private VPN

PrivateVPN has built up a solid reputation amongst VPN service providers. This has been built on the strength of their security, their no-logging pledge, and a commitment to protect user anonymity online.

Overview

The Swedish-based PrivateVPN was founded in 2009 and has touted a commitment to security for users and uninterrupted service that never goes down. It has remained popular due to the privacy laws in Sweden that allow the company to maintain its pledge of no-logging. This means that the company has no requirement to keep any of your information that could later be demanded by governments for future use. In addition to this, users appreciate the unlimited bandwidth, and competitive speeds. The testing performed by our reviewers show that PrivateVPN does have high overall speeds that compare to the fastest VPNs out there. However, these speeds are predictably affected by the location of the servers being used. TV and movie-watching fans will be happy to hear that Netflix and other streaming currently works, although this could change at any time. If your thing is P2P file-sharing the security of this VPN helps keep your identity anonymous when torrenting.

Using the application on your desktop is fairly easy since it is fully compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. Our testers noted that PrivateVPN worked effectively across all mobile devices as well including those running Android and iOS. Users have upwards of 80 servers across 59 countries to choose from. PrivateVPN ensures military-grade protection using an AES 256-bit encryption code with 2048-bit DH key.

The company offers an excellent customer support program. They offer troubleshooting from the point of installation to answering questions about specific configurations you might need. Their FAQ answers nearly all questions that you might have but in case you have an issue that requires additional attention. For this you can reach them on there live chat service or through one of their support request forms. Either way you can ensure you will be thoroughly supported by Private VPN at every stage.

Pricing

• $3.33/month for the  1-year plan
• $5.99/month for the 6-month plan
• $6.95 /month for the 1 month plan

Visit PrivateVPN.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

8. Surfshark

Surfshark’s big selling point is its position as high-speed and high-security VPN at a very low cost. A great option for those who do not want to invest a lot to make use of VPN services.

Overview

Surfshark VPN is a provider based out of the British Virgin Islands and it is one of the most affordable on the market while having all the features you could want. Their platform is compatible with a wide range of devices is downloadable for Mac and Windows. Our testers noted that the mobile versions of Surfshark’s app were not as easy to use. One thing we did appreciate from the service was their CleanWeb software. This added protection from malware, ads, and trackers. Other security features including obfuscated servers.

We are happy to report that server speeds performed well (with the fastest connections coming out of the U.K/U.S.) and the connections were reliable but sometimes spotty. The platform automatically connects you to the nearest server in order to preserve speed but if you want to connect to a more remote server you can do that too- just be prepared for a slight drop in speeds. During your trial period you may want to test out the servers you think you’ll be using most.

Out team reported that Surfshark does not unblock geo-restricted content from outside of the United States. So, for the TV and move fanatics it will be important to note you’ll be limited to content solely streamed on the U.S. version of Netflix. If this was your anticipated use for a VPN then you’ll need to go elsewhere. With that being said, if you are primarily interested in torrenting and P2P sharing, you’re in luck. Support is available for file-sharing across nearly all the servers in the network. This is aided by an excellent security setup. Surfshark uses military-grade AES 256 bit-key encryption, allows you to choose from a variety of protocols (including 1Kev2 and Open VPN), and uses MultiHop to ensure your data moves through more than one server. Customer support rates with the best and includes 24/7 live chat support.

 Pricing

• $1.99/month for the 2-year plan
• $5.99/month for the 1-year plan
• $11.95/month for the 1-month plan

Visit Surfshark.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

9. Tunnelbear

Tunnelbear is a quality VPN provider that has excellent security, a delightful website and theme, and useful features at a very good price. The three pricing tiers they offer allow you to customize your experience.

Overview

Tunnelbear was founded in 2011 with the lofty goal of being among the best VPNs, improving the Internet as a better place for users to be. In March of 2018 they were acquired by McAfee which gives them some impressive backing. The company’s server locations number on the lower end at 22 countries but there are over 1,000 different ones spread out in those locations. The verdict is still out on how they will fare among the biggest players in the game but their privacy policies, security features, and connection speeds allow them to compete with the more well-known names.

The company is very serious about privacy and they have several policies in place that give their customers that peace of mind. Tunnelbear insists they do not log activity of users and their privacy policy clearly states how any data that might need to be collected is used. For the most part, Tunnelbear puts its money where its mouth is. Tunnelbear uses AES 256-bit encryption so there’s no need to worry about prying eyes. They offer ‘vigilant mode’ which automatically blocks all unsecured traffic if your connection is disrupted. ‘Ghostbear’ is the name of another feature that circumvents VPN blocking and makes the service undiscernible from normal traffic.

Tunnel bear is easy to use on most desktops and devices and can be setup in mere minutes. Speed is comparable to the best performing VPNs which is a bonus. The VPN allows you to access Netflix, however it is not the optimal choice if your number one priority for your VPN is torrenting. You can do it through Tunnelbear, but they don’t go out of their way to help you and it’s not explicitly allowed in their stated policies. Customer support includes a troubleshooting and message system but no live chat so if you have an immediate problem, you’ll need to exercise some patience.

Pricing

• $4.17/month for the 2-year plan
• $4.99/month for the 1-year plan
• $9.99/month for the monthly plan

Visit Tunnelbear.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

10. Avast VPN

Avast VPN is known for its reliable service, high performance lightning-fast connections, and unmatched security. Although it isn’t currently able to access Netflix, there are so many other reasons that people are choosing Avast VPN over the competition.

Overview

Avast has built a name for itself as one of the premier VPN services for private use and business. They have a range of pricing options available so users can choose based on their needs. What customers do get are secured connections using AES 256 bit-key security standards, great speeds, and excellent support.

Avast is known for its fast speeds and our testers found that it lived up to its reputation. This might surprise some, especially because they have far fewer servers than other major VPNs but their approach has been to ensure the servers they do have are fully optimized. Of great importance to them as well is providing the highest security. Avast uses OpenSSL and OpenVPN security protocols, has a kill switch feature, guarantees a no-logging policy and utilizes the best encryption services around. So, while you’re streaming at top speeds you can also ensure your information is secure.

Sadly, Netflix is not currently available through Avant but torrenting is allowed on this service and there are dedicated servers for just this purpose. In terms of usability, the desktop program works very well on both Windows and Mac operating systems. The same can be said for mobile devices. In fact, our testers found that the Avant interface performed great and was easy to use across all devices that were tested. Avant customer service is also a stand-out feature. They are one of the few services with a direct support number where you can speak to experts 24/7 in case you can’t find the answer to your issue on their extensive library of answers to frequently asked questions.

Pricing

• $79.99/year for up to 5 devices ($6.67/month)
• $59.99/year for either 1 PC or Mac device ($4.99/month)
• $19.99/year for either 1 Android or iOS device ($1.67/month)

Visit Avast.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

11. IPVanish

Once one of the more popular VPN services, IPVanish has slipped slightly due to a logging controversy in the past couple of years. But with new ownership and quality speed and security it still remains a decent option for customers.

Overview

IPVanish is a good choice for those that are interested in quality speeds. Although not the fastest VPN that we encountered our testers noted that even with servers that were further away we were able to get decent downloading speeds that didn’t experience any lag. One downside of IPVanish is that it hasn’t been able to successfully avoid Netflix blocking. Only specific servers within New York, LA, Atlanta and a few others work with Netflix so you may not be able to reliably get the service. Torrenting, on the other hand, is a service they do support. If you’re interested in P2P sharing, you’ll find that their free SOCKS5 proxy does a very good job with downloading speeds but is slightly less secure. One thing to keep in mind is that IPVanish’s U.S. base means that it is subject to more stringent rules regarding copyright and DMCA notices.

The usability across all the major operating systems we good. We tested with Windows, Mac, and Linux and found the process of connecting to be simple and straightforward. The ‘Quick Connect’ feature allows you to pick the country of your choice or you can simply let IPVanish choose the best one for you. There are over 1,100 servers located in 60 different countries.

We do need to address their security issues. They have long-claimed to be a no-logs provider, but it was revealed last year that they were in fact keeping records and in 2016 were required to turn over data to the United States Department of Homeland Security. This is obviously at odds with the privacy policy they had been marketing. The new ownership of IPVanish which took over in 2017 insist that this has now changed and there is absolutely zero logging, but time will tell. Other than this, their security remains very high. They employ military-grade encryption, have a killswitch feature, and have a nice feature that allows for split tunneling on Android mobile. All this and they have 24/7 live chat customer service and email.

 Pricing

• $6.49/month for the 1-year plan
• $8.99/month for the 3-month plan
• $10/month for the 1-month plan

Visit IPVanish.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

12. Windscribe

One of the newer VPN providers, Windscribe has done a good job of creating a seamless user experience and combining it with the highest grade of security to provide peace of mind that subscribers really are getting the privacy they want. Speed and customer service can be improved upon but Windscribe has many features that may still make it a strong choice for many users.

Overview

Windscribe offers a premium VPN service with pricing plans that can be adjusted to reflect the amount you’ll be using their service. Their impressive features include military-grade security (including OpenVPN, SOCKS5, and 1Kev2 security protocols), no-logging policy, wide range of servers on their network, and proprietary ad blocking program that adds an extra level of protection. Unfortunately, speed is not its strongest suit. Our testers noted download speeds were sometimes reduced by more than 50% and uploading speeds didn’t fare much better.

If you’re wanting to be able to stream content on Netflix, you’ll be happy to know that they have a dedicated streaming server called Windflix that you can connect to in order to gain access. These servers originate from U.S. and U.K. locations and are optimized for streaming these services. In relation to torrenting, it is supported but they don’t have dedicated servers for P2P sharing.

Our testers report that Winscribe’s desktop program for Windows and Mac was easy to use. The same with the mobile versions for Android, iOS and even Linux. The platform makes it easy to connect with a secure VPN in an instant. There is also an extra layer of protection if you want to download the specialized browser extensions available for Firefox and Chrome. Winscribe has nearly 500 servers located across 60 different countries. What was surprising to us is that we couldn’t connect to specific servers on mobile devices. We were only given the choice of region and were at the mercy of whichever server the app selected. Another area Windscribe falls behind its competitors is with customer support. They still use the old ticket system of following up with customer questions. They also have a chat bot that may be helpful if your question is not too specific.

Pricing

• $4.08/month for the 1-year plan
• $9.00/month for the 1-month plan
• Build A Plan – $1 per location per month

Visit Windscribe.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

13. CyberGhost

CyberGhost comes to the table with a great interface, unique features, and excellent customer support. As a VPN service it has some room for improvement in the basic requirements of connection speed and most importantly security and privacy for users.

Overview

In order to give a real assessment of CyberGhost as a VPN, we can talk about the impressive app, their ability to stream the major content services like Netflix, and the stellar customer service they have; but we also must address the glaring concerns regarding speed and security. After all, these two considerations seem to be the leading factors that customers look at when evaluating different VPNs.

Without pulling any punches, our testers found that speeds on CyberGhost servers were not good. Even their best speeds were only just average and sometimes they were just plain terrible. The speediest connection we measured ran at about 50% of bandwidth. On top of that, a lot of servers we tested had problems with latency- even the ones that were closest to us. Although this VPN works with streaming services such as Netflix, you’ll find that there are only a few dedicated servers that accommodate this feature, so you won’t be able to watch some major international versions of the platform. Given that there is only one server per country, you’ll be likely dealing with much traffic which will have an even more adverse effect on already slow speeds. As a Romanian company, CyberGhost is P2P-friendly and doesn’t have as strict copyright laws as other nations. The simple interfaces for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS are a big plus for customers. The only real concern we had about the app was the difficulty in browsing and selecting specific servers.

The ‘elephant in the room’ for CyberGhost relates to its security/privacy for users. It’s important to note that CyberGhost was purchased by Crossrider in 2017 (now known as Kape Technologies.) The problem comes when you look into Crossrider’s past and see that they have a history of distributing software that infects users’ computer with malware and spreads viruses. Although the company has said the past does not reflect the new direction of the company it is difficult to dismiss new reports that claim new adware by the company is ‘infecting Macs in a unique way.” So, this partnership leaves many questions to be answered and only time will tell. With this being said, CyberGhost does accept Bitcoin payments and they have a stellar customer support system that includes a large library of information and a 24/7 live-chat feature.

Pricing

• $2.75/month for the 3-year plan
• $3.69/month for the 2-year plan
• $5.99/month for the 1-year plan
• $12.99/month for the 1-month plan

Visit CyberGhost.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

14. ZenMate

The German-based ZenMate states that it has over 46 million users, which would make it seem like a leading provider. However, our testing revealed that its features do not match those of other top-ranked VPNs out there- from speeds to user interface we felt there was much room for improvement.

Overview

ZenMate is a VPN service provider based out of Germany. It has many of the hallmarks of the best VPN services on the market, such as a range of security protocols, a killswitch feature, and sleek interface. However, we found that the actual usability of this VPN left much to be desired. The app on both desktop and mobile versions was unreliable and quite buggy. We weren’t allowed to choose our own servers, and for that matter, ZenMate is not transparent at all about just how many servers exist. Coupled with the fact that there is no Netflix support, torrenting is expressly prohibited in their policies, and their German jurisdiction is one of the strictest in the world for copyright and speech- we felt that this might be a deal breaker for a lot of users.

Even aside from the key issues listed above let’s dive into the actual performance of ZenMate as a VPN. There’s no other way to say it, our tests indicate that ZenMate has very poor speeds. We were hardly registering 25% of normal bandwidth during our tests with ZenMate. Given that ZenMate does not have additional information about the traffic on the servers it’s hard to tell whether this was simply due to heavy usage or if this is the best that it gets.

As we mentioned before, the app is very sleek and appealing, but the usability is not there. For example, when opting to connect to a server the only choice it gives you is country selection. If you are not able to connect to that server it will ask to connect to a different country since you cannot choose a different server in the original country. Being able to choose specific servers in a country is a basic feature in most premium VPNs so in this regard, ZenMate falls short. But again, this comes down to the lack of transparency the company has. They indicate there are servers in 30 different countries but fail to say the total number of servers overall. To top it off, they are still behind in the customer support department and still using the ticket system to answer questions.

Pricing

• $1.99/month for the 2-year plan
• $5.99/month for the 1-year plan
• $11.95/month for the 1-month plan

Visit ZenMate.com to learn more or Read our in-depth review

Why Use a VPN Service?

If you haven’t heard of the term before VPN stands for ‘virtual private network.’ The purpose of a VPN is to securely transmit your data through an ‘encrypted tunnel’ that masks your identity and makes it more difficult for people to steal sensitive information that might be exposed when you are browsing online. For example, using public Wi-Fi can expose you to others who are also using the same network- a VPN will help keep you anonymous to anyone who might be peeking in.

In addition to security, another benefit of using a VPN is that some of them will allow you to get around content blockers so you can view websites and content that are normally restricted to certain locations. In a country like China that is notorious for restricting certain social media websites, people will use a VPN to access this restricted content. It’s also useful for viewing streaming services such as Netflix since their catalog of content can vary from country to country. With a VPN you can potentially view anything available around the world and remove those boundaries.

For those that do their shopping on the web, a VPN can also save you money. Certain websites will charge you more depending on your location. If you’re able to keep your identity hidden, you’ll be able to take advantage of some savings.

What are the Most Important Features to Consider When Purchasing a VPN Plan?

When one set out to buy a VPN service the primary concern is usually privacy, so ensuring that your VPN has quality security features is a must. Military-grade encryption is a must-have, a no-logging policy that ensures your data is not stored by the VPN service provider is also coveted. Among other features you will want to consider are:

VPN speed performance during normal internet use will likely be a major deciding factor in helping you decide which service to buy, so we kept this in mind as well when rating all the providers above. However our list takes all features into consideration in order to help you choose which VPN is best for you to buy based on your individual usage needs.

What Are the Specific Benefits to Using the More Costly, But Reputable VPN Providers?

You’d be surprised to find out how many of the best VPN providers offer free plans, but usually those have download restrictions, so they’d only work for you if you hardly ever need the VPN save for special occasions. The price of the VPN does not necessarily indicate quality as there are some that cost as much as the best on the market but do not provide nearly as good of a service. The key is finding one with features that align with what you want to do with your VPN. If you’re interested in one that can get around geo-blocking so you can watch Netflix, you should look for that specific feature as well as reviews on their streaming speeds.

While compiling our VPN reviews what we’ve found is that while the best VPN services aren’t necessarily the most expensive, you can be certain they are not usually the cheapest. If you are looking to save money in this regard, remember that you can always opt for a longer contract which will push down your monthly rate in most cases by a significant amount.