Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have become an essential tool for protecting your online privacy and security. With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right VPN for your needs. In this buying guide, we will review some of the top VPNs on the market, including NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access VPN, Ivacy VPN, and Atlas VPN.
We will compare these VPNs based on a variety of factors, including their security features, speed, server network, and price. Whether you are looking to protect your personal data, unblock restricted content, or simply want to improve your online anonymity, our guide will help you find the best VPN for your needs.
Comparison Table
| VPN | Security Features | Speed Rating | Server Network | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Military-grade encryption, CyberSec, Double VPN | 9/10 | 5,500+ servers in 60 countries | $3.71/month (2-year plan) |
| ExpressVPN | Military-grade encryption, split tunneling, TrustedServer technology | 10/10 | 3,000+ servers in 94 countries | $8.32/month (1-year plan) |
| Surfshark | Military-grade encryption, CleanWeb, MultiHop | 9/10 | 3,200+ servers in 65 countries | $2.49/month (2-year plan) |
| CyberGhost | Military-grade encryption, ad blocker, kill switch | 9/10 | 6,800+ servers in 90 countries | $2.25/month (3-year plan) |
| Private Internet Access VPN | Military-grade encryption, kill switch, no-log policy | 9/10 | 25,000+ servers in 77 countries | $2.69/month (3-year plan) |
| Ivacy VPN | Military-grade encryption, split tunneling, kill switch | 9/10 | 1,000+ servers in 100+ countries | $2.25/month (5-year plan) |
| Atlas VPN | Military-grade encryption, no-log policy | 8/10 | 1,500+ servers in 50+ countries | Free |
Please note that the speed ratings may vary depending on your location, internet connection, and other factors. These ratings are a rough guide and should not be taken as definitive.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a popular choice among users looking for a secure and reliable VPN. With military-grade encryption and a wide range of security features, NordVPN is well-equipped to protect your online activity from prying eyes.
One of the standout features of NordVPN is its Double VPN feature, which routes your traffic through two servers instead of one for an extra layer of protection. NordVPN also offers CyberSec, a feature that blocks malware and other online threats, as well as a kill switch that shuts down your internet connection in the event of a VPN disconnection to protect your data.
In terms of speed, NordVPN performs well, with fast connection speeds and minimal impact on your internet performance. The VPN has a large server network, with over 5,500 servers in 60 countries to choose from, so you should have no problem finding a server that meets your needs.
One potential downside of NordVPN is its price, which is on the higher end compared to some other VPNs on the market. However, the VPN does offer a variety of pricing plans, including a two-year plan that brings the monthly cost down to $3.71, which may make it more affordable for some users.
Overall, NordVPN is a solid choice for users who are looking for a secure and fast VPN with a wide range of features. While it may not be the cheapest option on the market, its strong security and large server network make it a good value for the price.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a highly reputable and well-regarded VPN provider that is renowned for its fast connection speeds. With a network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, users can access a wide range of content from around the globe.
ExpressVPN offers top-level security, with military-grade encryption and its unique TrustedServer technology, which ensures all data is stored in RAM rather than on hard drives. Additionally, the split tunneling feature allows users to choose which apps and websites go through the VPN connection and which go through their regular internet connection, providing added flexibility.
While ExpressVPN’s monthly price is on the higher end compared to some other VPNs, its one-year plan brings the cost down to $8.32 per month, making it a more budget-friendly option for some users.
Overall, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for users who prioritize fast connection speeds and top-level security. Its large server network and advanced security features make it a solid choice for a wide range of needs.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a fast-growing VPN provider that offers a wide range of features at a competitive price. With military-grade encryption and its CleanWeb feature, which blocks malware and other online threats, Surfshark is a solid choice for users who want to protect their online activity.
One unique feature of Surfshark is its MultiHop feature, which allows you to connect to servers in multiple countries at the same time for an extra layer of protection. Surfshark also offers a kill switch to protect your data in case of a VPN disconnection.
Surfshark has a large server network, with over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, so you should have no problem finding a server that meets your needs. The VPN is known for its fast connection speeds, which make it a good choice for streaming and other high-bandwidth activities.
In terms of price, Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with a two-year plan that brings the monthly cost down to just $2.49. This makes it a good budget-friendly option for users who are looking for a combination of strong security and value.
Overall, Surfshark is a solid choice for users who are looking for a fast and affordable VPN with a wide range of features. Its large server network and advanced security features make it a good value for the price.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a well-known VPN provider that offers a wide range of security features at a competitive price. With military-grade encryption and an ad blocker to protect against online threats, CyberGhost is a solid choice for users who want to protect their online activity.
One standout feature of CyberGhost is its kill switch, which shuts down your internet connection in the event of a VPN disconnection to protect your data. The VPN also offers a large server network, with over 6,800 servers in 90 countries to choose from.
In terms of speed, CyberGhost performs well, with fast connection speeds and minimal impact on your internet performance. The VPN is a good choice for streaming and other high-bandwidth activities.
In terms of price, CyberGhost is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with a three-year plan that brings the monthly cost down to just $2.25. This makes it a budget-friendly option for users who are looking for strong security at a good value.
Overall, CyberGhost is a solid choice for users who are looking for an affordable VPN with a wide range of security features. Its large server network and fast connection speeds make it a good value for the price.
Private Internet Access VPN
Private Internet Access VPN (PIA) is a well-respected VPN provider that offers a wide range of security features. With military-grade encryption and a no-log policy to protect your online activity, PIA is a solid choice for users who value their privacy.
PIA offers a large server network, with over 25,000 servers in 77 countries to choose from. The VPN also has a kill switch to protect your data in case of a VPN disconnection.
In terms of speed, PIA performs well, with fast connection speeds and minimal impact on your internet performance. The VPN is a good choice for streaming and other high-bandwidth activities.
In terms of pricing, Private Internet Access VPN (PIA) offers a range of subscription plans to suit different needs and budgets. Its three-year plan is particularly budget-friendly, with a monthly cost of just $2.69, making it one of the most affordable options on the market. Overall, PIA is a good value for the price, especially for users who prioritize strong security features and a large server network.
PIA is a solid choice for users who are looking for an affordable VPN with a wide range of security features. Its large server network and fast connection speeds make it a good option for a variety of needs.
Ivacy VPN
Ivacy VPN is a solid choice for users who are looking for a fast and secure VPN at an affordable price. With military-grade encryption and a wide range of security features, Ivacy VPN is well-equipped to protect your online activity from prying eyes.
One of the standout features of Ivacy VPN is its split tunneling feature, which allows you to choose which apps and websites go through the VPN and which go through your regular internet connection. Ivacy VPN also offers a kill switch to protect your data in case of a VPN disconnection.
In terms of speed, Ivacy VPN performs well, with fast connection speeds and minimal impact on your internet performance. The VPN has a large server network, with over 1,000 servers in 100+ countries to choose from, so you should have no problem finding a server that meets your needs.
In terms of price, Ivacy VPN is one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with a five-year plan that brings the monthly cost down to just $2.25. This makes it a budget-friendly option for users who are looking for strong security at a good value.
Overall, Ivacy VPN is a solid choice for users who are looking for a fast and affordable VPN with a wide range of security features. Its large server network and advanced security features make it a good value for the price.
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a free VPN provider that offers military-grade encryption and a no-log policy to protect your online activity. With over 1,500 servers in 50+ countries, Atlas VPN has a large server network to choose from.
In terms of speed, Atlas VPN performs well, with fast connection speeds and minimal impact on your internet performance. The VPN is a good choice for streaming and other high-bandwidth activities.
One of the standout features of Atlas VPN is its price: the VPN is completely free to use, with no subscription fees or hidden costs. This makes it a great budget-friendly option for users who are looking for a basic VPN with strong security features.
Overall, Atlas VPN is a solid choice for users who are looking for a free VPN with strong security features. Its large server network and fast connection speeds make it a good option for a variety of needs. Please note that free VPNs may have limitations in terms of server locations, data usage, and other features, so it is always a good idea to research a VPN before using it.
Verdict
In conclusion, there are many strong VPN options on the market, each with its own unique features and pricing plans. NordVPN is a good choice for users who are looking for a secure and fast VPN with a wide range of features, while ExpressVPN is a top performer that offers excellent security and fast connection speeds. Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that offers a wide range of features, and CyberGhost is a solid choice for users who are looking for an affordable VPN with a wide range of security features. Private Internet Access VPN is a good value for the price, especially for users who prioritize strong security features and a large server network. Ivacy VPN is a fast and affordable VPN with a wide range of security features, and Atlas VPN is a free VPN with strong security features and a large server network.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you are looking for a fast and secure VPN with a wide range of features, NordVPN or ExpressVPN may be the best choice for you. If you are looking for an affordable VPN with strong security features, Surfshark, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access VPN, or Ivacy VPN may be a good option. For users who are looking for a free VPN with strong security features, Atlas VPN is a solid choice.