Find the VPN that fits what you do online.
Choose what you need a VPN for. The list below reorders to match, and every pick comes with its honest downsides.
Side by side
The basics for every VPN on this page. Always confirm current pricing on the provider's own site.
| VPN | Based in | Free plan | Strongest at |
|---|
How we rank
A VPN moves your trust from your internet provider to the VPN company, so trust comes first.
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Proof, not promises
Independent audits, open-source code, and clear ownership count for more than a "no logs" line on a homepage.
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How little we must hand over
Providers that let you sign up without an email address, or pay in ways that don't tie back to you, score higher.
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Speed and reliability
A VPN you switch off because it's slow protects nothing. We favor stable connections and modern protocols like WireGuard.
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Value
We look at the price after the intro deal ends, how many devices you can connect, and whether a free plan exists.
Questions people ask first
Short answers, no scare tactics.
What does a VPN actually do?
It encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN's server, and it hides your real IP address from the sites you visit. Your internet provider sees that you're connected to a VPN, but not which sites you open.
What can't a VPN do?
It doesn't make you anonymous. Logging in to an account, cookies, and browser fingerprinting can still identify you. It also doesn't protect you from malware or phishing, and the VPN company itself can see where your traffic goes, which is why the provider you pick matters.
Are free VPNs safe?
Many free VPN apps pay their bills by showing ads or selling data. The free plans we list come from providers that also sell paid plans, which is a healthier business model, but they're limited on purpose: fewer locations, lower speeds, or a monthly data cap.
Will a VPN unblock my streaming service?
Sometimes. Streaming services block VPN servers all the time, and providers respond by switching servers. Results change week to week, so use a provider with a money-back window and test it before you commit.