1
Best VPN Service Overall
- Audited no-logs policy
- 10 simultaneous devices
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Best VPN Service Overall
2
Best for privacy enthusiasts
- Premium includes ad-blocker
- Swiss, open-source & audited
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Best for privacy enthusiasts
3
Best Cheap VPN
- Plans from $1.99
- Blazing-fast 10Gbps servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Best Cheap VPN
FAQ
Should I use a VPN?
Absolutely. If you go online using a computer, tablet, or phone, a VPN can help protect your privacy. You don’t need to be a government critic or journalist to justify using one. With today’s data brokers, ad trackers, IP harvesting, and location targeting, everyday browsing can compromise your personal information. Because a VPN encrypts your internet connection, it keeps your online activity private from your internet service provider (and, by extension, any government entities who might request that data), as well as from most network administrators. It also protects sensitive data—like passwords, usernames, and financial details—from prying eyes on public or shared networks.
Is using a VPN legal?
In most parts of the world, there’s nothing illegal about using a VPN. You have the right to safeguard your privacy online. However, certain countries—such as China, Iran, Oman, Russia, Turkmenistan, the UAE, and Belarus—ban or heavily restrict VPN use. Ironically, these same nations tend to have the strictest internet surveillance and censorship. If you’re in one of these regions, it’s essential to choose a VPN with strong obfuscation features. This way, your encrypted traffic appears more like typical HTTPS web traffic, making it harder for government authorities to detect that you’re connected via VPN.
How can I tell if my VPN is working?
One quick way to check is by verifying that your IP address and location change to those of the VPN server you’re connected to. A site like whatismyipaddress.com can confirm this. You’ll also want to ensure that your privacy is intact and that no data is slipping outside the encrypted tunnel. Sites like dnsleaktest.com and ipleak.net help identify any potential leaks. If these tests show only the VPN server’s location and no leaks, you can be confident your VPN is doing its job.
What if I need maximum privacy and security?
If you’re a journalist, lawyer, or anyone handling highly confidential information, security should be your top concern—above speed, cost, or convenience. Free or browser-based VPNs are generally risky, so steer clear of them. If you’re worried about government monitoring where you live, pick a VPN headquartered elsewhere and outside allied intelligence-sharing jurisdictions. For instance, U.S.-based journalists might avoid VPNs headquartered in the U.S. or other Five Eyes countries. Make sure the VPN supports strong encryption protocols, such as OpenVPN (TCP) or IKEv2 for mobile devices. While using a VPN is legal in most countries, keep in mind that doing anything illegal online remains illegal, regardless of your VPN usage.
Which VPN is best for working from home?
When you work remotely, you may have multiple devices—and multiple users—sharing your home internet. That can mean several VPN connections running at once, putting a load on your network. Look for a VPN that offers plenty of simultaneous connections under one subscription and provides fast speeds so your internet doesn’t slow to a crawl. If you handle sensitive data such as financial or medical records, prioritize security. Our top three recommended VPNs each offer top-tier security but vary in how many devices they allow under a basic plan.