A VPN, or virtual private network, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your online privacy and security. Whether you’re protecting yourself on public Wi-Fi, hiding your IP address from trackers, or accessing region-locked content while traveling, a VPN adds an important layer of protection by encrypting your internet traffic. The problem is that there are hundreds of VPNs competing for your attention, and separating the genuinely good services from the mediocre ones can be overwhelming.
Let us save you the time and effort. We’ve tested and reviewed a wide range of VPNs to narrow down the field to the very best options available today—whether you’re looking for the best overall VPN, the fastest service, the best free option, or the best choice for privacy, streaming, or travel.
When looking for the best VPN, you’ll want to look for a few things: trustworthy privacy practices, strong connection speeds, reliable streaming access, and a large, well-distributed server network. Every VPN featured below delivers on those essentials and adds something extra to help it stand out from the competition.
Why you should trust PCWorld for VPN reviews and buying advice: Here at PCWorld we’ve been testing computer hardware, software, and services since the 1980s. As reviewers and users of PC hardware and software, we put every product through its paces using rigorous benchmarking and hands-on evaluation. We’d never recommend something we wouldn’t want for ourselves.
NordVPN – Best VPN overall
Pros
- Tons of VPN configuration options
- Outstanding speeds
- Included antivirus and password manager
Cons
- Expensive
Who should use NordVPN?
It’s difficult to select the best overall VPN. For many years we chose the best VPN based purely on privacy, but VPNs have evolved to be more than just tools to browse online anonymously. Privacy is still important, to be sure, but so are speeds, extra features, server network size, and ease of use. NordVPN has it all, and that’s why it’s my top choice for VPNs and a truly solid option for everyone.
Nord is the most full-featured service on the market with tools that will appeal to power users as well as an easy-to-use app that is intuitive and straightforward even for beginners. The service also carries out regular independent audits and uses RAM-only diskless servers for increased security, so the privacy-conscious user can rest assured their data will remain anonymous.
For those who deem speed a priority, NordVPN will impress as well. Speeds in my testing averaged 72 percent of the base internet speed across all servers — making it the fastest VPN I’ve ever tested.
NordVPN: Further considerations
NordVPN’s desktop app is very easy to use and offers a ton of different features including access to the TOR network over VPN, multi-hop connections, Meshnet file sharing network, a security suite complete with ad- and malware-blocking, and Nord’s latest password manager and link-checker safety tool. Also, there will be no problems accessing any streaming service while using NordVPN and it has an extensive server network to connect to all over the world.
The only real downside is that NordVPN’s pricing can be more expensive than many other VPN services. Even with the discounts offered by long-term plans, it can still seem pricey. Still, you get what you pay for and in this case, it’s more than worth it.
Read our full NordVPN review
ExpressVPN – Best VPN runner-up
Pros
- Excellent speeds
- Unblocks all streaming services
- Great security and privacy practices
Cons
- More expensive than other VPNs
- Light on extra security features
Who should use ExpressVPN?
Just like my other top pick, I think ExpressVPN is a great option for everyone. VPN novices will find that they can easily download the software, choose their server location, and connect — it’s as simple as that. But more advanced users will be able to choose from features such as split-tunneling, protocol optimization, kill switch, and more.
Plus, ExpressVPN has one of the most expansive device support networks I’ve ever seen. So the VPN can be used across practically any and all platforms no matter what device you’re trying to protect — with up to 14 simultaneous device connections (depending on your subscription tier).
The only reason I placed it second is due to the slight edge NordVPN has in regards to features and average speeds. Still, you can’t go wrong if you decide to go with ExpressVPN as your VPN of choice.
ExpressVPN: Further considerations
ExpressVPN has wide device support, as well as a smart DNS feature for set-top boxes, consoles, and more. It now offers an even more advanced version of it’s Lightway protocol called Lightway Turbo which increases speeds for many of its server connections—although not across the board as I found during my review. It’s even begun branching out to take a more holistic approach to security for users, adding ad- and tracker-blocking and, most recently, a password manager to the service, as well.
It’s not the cheapest VPN out there, but you do get excellent value for your money. Plus, ExpressVPN recently just revamped its membership model offering multiple subscription tiers so you can pick the plan that works best for your price range. The service also regularly brings in third-party auditors to validate its privacy credentials. And to top it off, ExpressVPN has proven time and time again to have a sterling user privacy record.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
Surfshark – Best cheap VPN
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Tons of extra features
- Low price on long-term plans
Cons
- Expensive month-to-month plans
- Large portion of global servers are virtual
Who should use Surfshark?
Surfshark is one of those VPNs that does everything well. It has blazing-fast speeds, a robust feature set (second only to NordVPN), and excellent privacy credentials thanks to its no-log policy and multiple independent audits. A subscription comes with all of your standard VPN features, plus infinitely customizable dynamic multi-hop connections, identity protection alerts, and antivirus/malware protection.
But the best thing about Surfshark is the price. Taking advantage of its 2-year plan offer will net you comprehensive protection for just over $2 per month. That’s basically unheard of for a premium VPN service—especially with the feature set it offers. Surfshark is a great all-around VPN option for most people. That being said, those who don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for their VPN will find that Surfshark easily meets their needs without breaking the bank. If you want to save some money and get one of the best VPNs on the market, look no further.
Surfshark: Further considerations
While the price for a monthly subscription to Surfshark might seem exorbitant, the long-term plans are much more affordable. Committing to long-term VPN plans should be weighed against each user’s needs, but Surfshark’s very affordable price means you won’t regret it even if you don’t use the full term.
The only other thing that potential users should be aware of is that Surfshark is based out of the Netherlands. The country itself has strong personal privacy laws, but it’s a member nation of the 14 Eyes Data Sharing Alliance, meaning the government could require Surfshark to share user data if asked. It shouldn’t matter due to the company’s independently verified no-logs policy, but it’s still something privacy-conscious users should be aware of before committing.
Read our full Surfshark review
Private Internet Access – Best cheap VPN runner-up
Pros
- Multiple independently verified no-log audits
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Vast server network
Cons
- App is a little clunky
- Speeds are fairly pedestrian
Who should use Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access (PIA) has been around for awhile and has demonstrated that it can continue to innovate and improve with each passing year. The latest version of PIA is no different. By putting itself through yet another independent audit of its no-logs policy it keeps proving that user privacy is its top priority.
I think it can be a great VPN for all users. However, where PIA really shines is in its price and extensive customizable feature set. It has one of the least expensive subscription plans of any top VPN, both monthly and long-term. Plus, power users and those who like their apps to be customized to their individual needs will especially love all of the tweaking that this app allows you to do.
Private Internet Access: Further considerations
PIA also provides generous unlimited device connections and an absolutely insane server network that claims to have over 35,000 available servers, but with fewer country locations than other top competitors on this list.
The service does have a rather outdated interface and I found a few awkward interface issues. It’s also not the fastest service I’ve ever tested, with speeds well below the fastest I’ve seen. But neither of these issues should take away too much from the great value PIA offers.
Read our full Private Internet Access review
Proton VPN – Best free VPN
Pros
- Excellent privacy and transparency
- Strong catalog of security features
- Unrivaled free plan
- Good connection speeds
Cons
- Premium plans aren’t the cheapest
- Not all features available across apps
Who should use Proton VPN?
Whether you opt for the free or paid version, Proton VPN is a good choice for anyone. The free version specifically will appeal to those on a tight budget, or those who just need a VPN to do the occasional online task safely and securely online.
Many free VPNs come with either ridiculous limitations or annoying ads. Mercifully, Proton VPN has no ads and the restrictions are fairly tame compared to other services. For the low, low cost of nothing, you’ll get a one-device connection limit and access to 10 servers located all over the world. In my testing I found that speeds were very good even with the free version, ranking in the top 10 of all VPNs, paid or free. And since there are no monthly data limits on Proton’s free VPN servers, it’s also an excellent option if you want to stream videos while using a VPN — just be aware, the free servers don’t promise to work with Netflix like some of Proton’s paid servers do.
Overall, you get a lot for paying nothing and this easily makes it our favorite free VPN.
Proton VPN: Further considerations
The VPN is from the same company behind Proton Mail, a privacy-focused email service, so it’s very easy to integrate the VPN into the whole Proton ecosystem if you so wish.
The company has undergone multiple independent audits confirming its no-logs policy — including the free VPN, as well. The monthly price for the premium version does come in at the expensive side though, so I would recommend trying out the free version first before you upgrade.
Read our full ProtonVPN review
Mullvad – Best VPN for privacy
Pros
- Exceptional privacy protections
- Strong security features
- Fast connection speeds
- Transparent and trustworthy company practices
Cons
- Weak streaming support
- Relatively small server network
- Lacks extra features
Who should use Mullvad?
Mullvad is the undisputed king of privacy and anonymity. I’ve never seen another VPN that actively resists knowing who you are the way Mullvad does. Mullvad doesn’t ask for your email address, name, or anything else. Instead it assigns a random account number that acts as your identifier and login. The service accepts payments using standard methods such as credit cards and PayPal, but you can also mail your payment in cash to remain as private as possible. Mullvad also comes with a strict no-logs policy and doesn’t collect any identifying metadata from your usage, all of which has been backed up by multiple independent security audits.
Mullvad is built with one goal in mind: protecting your privacy, even if it means leaving out a few extra features. It’s still an excellent VPN for everyday use, but privacy-focused users will get the most out of its anonymous payment options, strict no-metadata policy, and unwavering commitment to keeping your data private.
Mullvad: Further considerations
Mullvad does come with a few more perks than just privacy. It’s also fast, ranking among our top five for speeds. Additionally, it offers a standardized fee across all plan lengths. While this makes it very affordable month-to-month, it does lose value compared to other top VPNs in the long-term.
I also found some hiccups when trying to access streaming services, so users who want their VPN to bypass location-restricted content may want to take that into consideration before subscribing.
Read our full Mullvad review
CyberGhost – Best VPN for travelers
Pros
- Enormous global server network
- Independently verified no-log policy
- Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Server speeds can be hit-or-miss
- Lacks extra security features offered by competitors
Who should use CyberGhost?
If you travel frequently then you want variety and wide coverage in the server locations from your VPN. CyberGhost provides both by offering a staggering 11,500+ servers for users to connect to, which is more than twice as many as most other VPNs on this list. Unlike some competitors, these servers aren’t all concentrated in the U.S. or Europe, either. The server network totals 100+ countries all across the world. The service even recommends optimized servers to users for various needs such as gaming, streaming, and torrenting and has special secure physical “NoSpy” servers that you can connect to housed in its home offices in Romania.
Due to its plethora of servers and locations, CyberGhost is one of the best options for finding a server no matter where you are in the world. For those who travel a lot or just need access to a diverse and vast server spread, CyberGhost is definitely worth consideration.
CyberGhost: Further considerations
CyberGhost also has a well-designed Windows app that is intuitive and easy to use. It lacks some of the power-user features that other VPNs on this list provide such as multi-hop and IP rotation, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker for the average user.
In my testing I found that some of the servers were faster than others, with servers located in Europe having excellent speeds and servers in Asia not fairing as well. But overall, the speeds are good enough to do most of what you want to do with a VPN — web browsing, streaming, etc. Thankfully, the service is in the process of upgrading its network to 10Gbps so speeds should get a bump in the near future.
Read our full CyberGhost review
Other VPNs we liked
With the large number of VPNs out there, it’s good to know that there are several that rise above the fray. Not all of them can make our list of the best VPNs, but the following are strong options in their own right.
- PrivadoVPN: A strong overall service, but the free version of the VPN really stands out and is second only to Proton VPN. The server network is smaller and it doesn’t come with quite as many extra features though.
- Windscribe Pro: Great security, with both a Windows client and browser extension that work in tandem to block ads while keeping your browsing private. It also has a decent free version, but a wonky interface and small server network hold it back.
- Hide.me: A well-rounded service that ticks almost every box and the fantastic array of configurable settings make it a power-user’s dream. My latest tests showed inconsistent speed results and the Windows app is a bit tricky to use if you’re not used to VPN settings.
- IPVanish: This U.S.-based VPN nails all of the basics: decent speeds, a large global server network, and privacy promises backed up with independent audits. However, it stumbles a bit with unblocking streaming services and the monthly price is steep.
- Norton VPN: This simple and effective VPN from trusted security giant Norton is quickly becoming hard to ignore. It has a dead-simple-to-use interface and it’s recently seen big upgrades to its feature set and privacy commitments, but it only offers yearly pricing and the server network is still on the smaller side.
Can I get a better VPN deal?
The VPN prices on this page are the latest daily tracked baselines, but they do not always account for the lowest promo price. In shopping, it pays to compare long-term discounts against renewal pricing.
See PCWorld’s compilation of the best VPN deals for the best pricing on our favorite VPN services. Special deals are offered frequently throughout the year, so you should have a few chances to snag your favorite VPN at a steep discount if you can time it right.
Additionally, sales events such as Amazon Prime Day in mid-July and Black Friday at the end of November provide excellent opportunities to find even cheaper VPN deals.
How we test VPNs
We judge VPNs on a variety of criteria including server network, connection speeds, privacy protections, ease-of-use, additional features, and cost. For a more detailed guide on our evaluation process, check out PCWorld’s comprehensive guide on how we test VPN services.
Speed tests are kept as simple as possible. We average the connections between different global locations for any given VPN and then compare them to our baseline internet speed to get a good picture of the overall connection speeds.
We thoroughly research and analyze the privacy policies and histories of each VPN and note any outstanding discrepancies or data collection issues. Experience and ease-of-use are subjective, but we try our best to give an accurate representation of how it feels to work with the VPN. And finally, we compare the value of the service based upon its price and additional features to the industry average to help you gain an accurate picture of what you’ll get for your money.
Who curated this article?
Sam Singleton is PCWorld’s VPN beat reporter and jack of all trades. When he’s not on the hunt for the best computer deals he’s covering VPNs, productivity software, laptops, and a wide gamut of consumer-grade hardware and software.
How to choose the best VPN
One of the first things you should look for when shopping around for a VPN is the number of servers and locations. It’s difficult to judge any VPN by just one feature, but a semi-reliable way to tell if a VPN is even worth your time is to look at the server network. Anything with 1,000 or more servers and 30 or more country locations will do.
Speed
The next thing to consider is a VPN’s speed. This may be tricky to do since you aren’t likely to be able to test connection speeds without paying to use the service. Reading reviews online will give you a general estimate. Look for reviews, like ours, that give you a relative average of connection speeds rather than direct Mbps speed comparisons, for a more accurate picture. Consistency across time and servers provides you with a better idea of how the VPN connections will be during real-world use.
Privacy
You’ll also want to read up on a VPN’s privacy protections. Does it have a no-logs policy? Has it undergone any independent audits of its servers? Where is the VPN company located? Look for a clear no-logs policy, strong encryption, and trusted protocols like WireGuard or OpenVPN. Independent audits can help verify that a VPN actually follows through on its privacy claims. Useful extras like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and RAM-only servers can provide additional protection. Knowing where the VPN is based, who owns it, and how open the company is about its data practices can give you good insight as well.
Price
When choosing a VPN based on price, don’t automatically go for the cheapest option. Look at the long-term subscription cost, renewal price, money-back guarantee, and what you actually get for your money. Many VPNs advertise tempting discounts on one- or two-year plans, but the price can jump sharply when it’s time to renew. In most cases, the best value comes from a VPN that combines a reasonable long-term price with the speeds, features, and privacy protections you need—even if that means paying a bit more to ensure you’re getting the best of these features.
The VPN features you should care about
Don’t let a large number of extra features that a VPN offers seduce you. Chances are, you’ll only find real value from a handful of VPN extras. Among those, be on the lookout for the following:
Kill switch
Say your VPN disconnects for some unexpected reason, the kill switch will automatically activate and block access to the internet, thereby keeping your online activities from accidentally being revealed.
Split tunneling
This feature allows you to designate certain types of traffic to be encrypted and sent through the VPN, while other content, such as games, remains unhindered by the extra security. In other words, it’s a way to avoid any potential bottlenecks that could affect performance.
Multi-hop
When you want to be extra private, or a situation seems to warrant added measures — such as public Wi-Fi at a coffee shop — multi-hop lets you send your traffic through two or more VPN servers, as opposed to just one, where it is re-encrypted at each pass.
Protocols
A VPN’s protocol is the set of rules that governs how online traffic moves from a device, through a VPN server, and to the web. There are several popular options, such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, PPTP, and others, and each has its own advantages. Our preference is WireGuard. It’s the best choice for most people, and is open source, so it’s continually being refined and checked for security weaknesses.
To learn more, see PCWorld’s “5 VPN features you need to start using today.”
Best VPN FAQ
What is the best VPN?
NordVPN is our pick for the best VPN. Not only does it have the fastest speeds and a large server network, but it’s also the most full-featured VPN on the market. There is currently no other VPN on the market that provides as much value or as extensive a feature-set as NordVPN and that’s why it’s our top pick.
What is the best cheap VPN?
Surfshark is our pick for the best cheap VPN. Not only does it provide great speeds, but it also comes with a robust feature and excellent privacy credentials. If you opt for a long-term plan, Surfshark offers all of this for pennies on the dollar compared to many other VPNs. In terms of budget-friendly services, Surfshark simply can’t be beat.
What is a VPN?
VPNs create a secure tunnel between your PC and the internet. When you connect to a VPN your web traffic is routed through a selected VPN server to make it appear as though you’re browsing from that server’s location, and not from your actual location. The VPN app will also encrypt your data so that any third parties such as your ISP are prevented from seeing your specific online activities.
An obvious application for a VPN is when using public Wi-Fi. A public network is open and undefended. Anything you do on it can be monitored by motivated parties. A VPN obfuscates your activities by funneling your internet traffic through at least one server that’s not associated with you and adding encryption to the data. Another use is to spoof your location.
That being said, while a VPN certainly strengthens your privacy and security online, it does not make you totally anonymous, as there are myriad site-level ways that your are tracked.
Can I be tracked with a VPN?
While VPNs certainly offer you better privacy and security, they don’t make you completely anonymous nor keep you from being tracked entirely. A VPN reduces exposure, it will keep your ISP from seeing your traffic, but it does not stop site-level tracking or logged-in identity. For example, when you sign into a website, your identity is still revealed to that website, VPN or not. Or when you log into your Gmail account while using a VPN, Google can now collect personalized cookies based on your browsing.
Will a VPN protect me on public Wi-Fi?
Yes, a VPN can help protect you when using public Wi-Fi by encrypting your data and masking your IP address. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to hijack your online traffic and steal sensitive information like passwords or credit card details. Public Wi-Fi is often vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks, where hackers intercept your data en route to the server. A VPN can protect against this by encrypting the connection, thereby making your data unreadable and all but useless to any potential snooping third parties.
It’s worth noting however that VPNs can only protect you from certain threats and it won’t make your device or traffic completely secure. It’s always good practice to use strong passwords, enable extra layers of security such as two-factor authentication, and regularly update your apps and devices to patch any vulnerabilities.
Will a VPN slow down my internet?
Most likely you will see a moderate speed decrease to your internet while using a VPN. This is mainly due to the process of your internet traffic being rerouted and encrypted through a VPN server before heading on to its destination. The amount of latency you will experience through this process is down to what country’s server you choose to route your traffic through. If you choose a server located on the other side of the world, then you will generally notice a much greater hit than if you were to connect to a server nearby in your same country.
Thankfully, most modern VPNs should have the infrastructure to maintain high-speed, secure data transfer rates. So it’s likely you can still browse and stream without much of a noticeable impact while using a reliable VPN like those on this list.