Top VPNs for Online Privacy and Security in 2023

Understanding VPNs: Your Key to Online Privacy

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool for enhancing your online privacy and security. With numerous VPN services available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This guide simplifies your decision-making process by reviewing the top VPNs in terms of privacy records, connection speeds, streaming capabilities, and server availability.

NordVPN: Our Top Choice

NordVPN stands out as the most comprehensive VPN service currently available. It offers a user-friendly interface that caters to both beginners and advanced users. Regular independent audits and the use of RAM-only servers enhance its security measures, ensuring your data remains private.

In terms of speed, NordVPN impresses with an average connection speed of 72% of the base internet speed during testing, making it one of the fastest VPNs available. The desktop application is packed with features, including:

• Access to the TOR network over VPN
• Multi-hop connections
• Meshnet file sharing
• Advanced ad and malware blocking
• Password manager and link-checker tools

While NordVPN may be pricier than some alternatives, its extensive features justify the cost.

ExpressVPN: Simplicity and Speed

ExpressVPN is another excellent option, particularly for those new to VPNs. Its straightforward setup allows users to select a server location and connect with ease. Advanced users can take advantage of features like split-tunneling and protocol optimization. With support for various devices and up to eight simultaneous connections, ExpressVPN is versatile.

This service runs entirely on diskless servers, ensuring no data is stored long-term. Additionally, ExpressVPN has enhanced its security offerings with ad-blocking and a password manager. Although it ranks slightly lower than NordVPN in terms of features, it remains a solid choice for anyone seeking reliable VPN service.

Surfshark: Affordable and Feature-Rich

Surfshark provides an impressive balance of features and affordability. This VPN service boasts fast connection speeds, a robust set of features, and a strict no-logs policy. Unique offerings include dynamic multi-hop connections and identity protection alerts.

Surfshark’s pricing is particularly appealing, with long-term plans offering comprehensive protection for just over $2 per month. This makes it one of the best budget options available, catering to users who want quality without a hefty price tag. However, potential subscribers should note its base in the Netherlands, a member of the 14 Eyes alliance, which may raise privacy concerns for some.

Private Internet Access (PIA): Value and Customization

Private Internet Access (PIA) has built a solid reputation over the years. Its latest iteration showcases innovative features and a commitment to user privacy, backed by independent audits. PIA excels in providing affordable subscription plans and extensive customization options, making it ideal for power users.

With a staggering network of over 35,000 servers, PIA offers generous device connections. However, its interface may feel outdated, and its connection speeds are not the fastest in the market. Despite these drawbacks, the value offered by PIA is commendable.

Proton VPN: The Best Free Option

Proton VPN offers a commendable free version, making it a great choice for users on a budget. Unlike many free VPNs, Proton does not bombard users with ads or impose harsh restrictions. The free version allows one device connection and access to five servers, all while maintaining impressive speeds.

The company’s commitment to privacy is reinforced by multiple independent audits, ensuring users can trust its no-logs policy. While the premium version is on the pricier side, trying the free service is a great way to assess its capabilities before committing.

Mullvad: The Privacy Champion

Mullvad takes privacy to an extraordinary level by not requiring any personal information during account creation. Instead, users are assigned a random account number, and payments can be made anonymously. This approach, combined with a strong no-logs policy and no metadata collection, makes Mullvad a top choice for privacy-conscious users.

Although it may not offer the same range of features as other VPNs, its commitment to user anonymity and solid performance in speed tests make it a worthy contender.

Hotspot Shield: Speed Meets Accessibility

For users prioritizing speed, Hotspot Shield is an unbeatable option. It consistently achieves connection speeds that surpass many competitors, maintaining around 66% of the base speed. Ideal for streaming and accessing location-restricted content, it remains a top choice for those who value performance.

While Hotspot Shield has seen competition emerge, its reliability in speed makes it worth considering, especially for users who frequently consume streaming content.

CyberGhost: A Traveler’s VPN

CyberGhost impresses with an extensive server network, offering over 9,000 servers across more than 120 countries. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers or users needing diverse server options. Its user-friendly interface is perfect for those who appreciate simplicity in their VPN experience.

However, users may notice variations in speed across different servers. Overall, CyberGhost provides solid performance for general web browsing and streaming needs.

Exploring Other Notable VPNs

While the aforementioned VPNs are among the best, other services like PrivadoVPN and Windscribe Pro also deserve recognition. PrivadoVPN stands out for its free version, while Windscribe Pro is both affordable and user-friendly. Hide.me offers a range of configurable settings ideal for advanced users, and IPVanish is notable for its strong performance and independent audits.

Lastly, TunnelBear is excellent for novices seeking a straightforward experience without overwhelming complexity.

Finding the Best Deals on VPNs

At PCWorld, we continuously search for the best VPN deals to ensure you get the most value for your money. VPN services often run promotions, particularly around events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. Regularly checking our deals article will help you catch limited-time discounts and offers.

When evaluating VPNs, we consider various criteria, including server networks, connection speeds, privacy protections, ease of use, additional features, and pricing. For more information on our evaluation process, refer to our comprehensive guide on how we assess VPN services.

Considerations When Choosing a VPN

When selecting a VPN, consider the number of servers and locations available. A reliable VPN should have at least 1,000 servers and 30 countries. Additionally, analyze the speed and privacy protections, such as no-logs policies and independent audits. Pricing is also crucial, especially if you prefer long-term subscriptions, which often come at a better rate.

Finally, examine the user experience and any additional features that may enhance your VPN experience.

With our top picks, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your online activities are secure and private. Each VPN service reviewed here has its unique strengths, catering to various user needs.