VPNs (virtual private networks) offer a variety of features and benefits, such as keeping your browsing private, hiding your location, unblocking blocked websites, and accessing online streaming services.
Make sure you have the latest VPN that suits your needs and be prepared for what 2023 has in store.
But what are the most important factors to consider when comparing VPN services?
We’ve researched and compared several VPN providers based on key factors, including privacy and security, speed, number of servers and locations, torrenting and torrent protection, compatible software, and pricing plans.
Breaking Down our Top10 Choices: Which is Best For Your Needs:
- ExpressVPN. Fast and secure browsing
- NordVPN. Best for its good quality
- Perimeter 81. Best for its strong network security
- Surfshark. Safe and affordable browsing
- Private Internet Access. Maximum privacy protection
- Norton Secure VPN: Strict no-logs policy and encryption
- IPVanish: Fast, reliable, and affordable VPN service
- CyberGhost: Easy-to-use VPN
- ProtonVPN: Security and anonymity
- UltraVPN: Unlimited bandwidth and military-grade encryption
Our Top 10 Best VPN Services & Software – Quick Reviews:
ExpressVPN
- Best for its excellent speed
- Number of servers/locations: 3,000+
- Price: Excellent speed
ExpressVPN is a well-known name in the VPN world. With a built-in speed check, you can choose the fastest servers. What’s more, ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, which is a great advantage when your VPN goes down or you need quick help. Additionally, you can choose to route only a portion of your device’s traffic through the VPN, with split tunneling.
Pros
- Trusted brand in the industry
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- More expensive than other services
- Only 3 devices at a time
NordVPN
- The best option for its
- good quality and affordable price.
- Number of servers/locations: Over 5,500
- Price: Good quality at an affordable price.
NordVPN is a secure VPN service based in Panama, a country that respects privacy. This VPN service is known for its excellence in complete privacy, advanced security, and internet freedom. NordVPN keeps no logs, and given its location, Panamanian laws do not require it. It boasts the world’s largest VPN server network, with 5,500 servers in 59 countries.
sPros
- Double-hop VPN servers
- One of the most affordable plans on the market.
- 6 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Some servers aren’t as fast as others.
- No live chat.
Perimeter 81
- . Ideal for business users
- Number of servers/locations: 18 countries
- Price: For business users
Perimeter 81 is an industry-leading VPN and offers some of the best network security features I’ve seen. Built-in antivirus, the ability to connect up to five devices, and servers in 18 different countries.
While it’s a bit pricey, it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. I recommend giving it a try if your company needs an easy-to-use and easy-to-deploy network security solution.
Why we chose Perimeter 81: We chose Perimeter 81 for its powerful network security features, advanced encryption, and business-specific tools.
Our Experience: We found Perimeter 81 to be very easy to install and use. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and both the mobile and desktop apps are user-friendly.
Pros
- Quick setup possible
- Intuitive interface
- Advanced network security
Cons
- Expensive
- No free trial
Surfshark
- Best option for safe browsing at a good price
- Number of servers/locations: 1,700+
- Price: Safe browsing at a good price
Surfshark VPN is relatively new and has earned its place among the elite services. Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark benefits from a no-logs zone and favorable data protection laws that ensure the security of user information. Furthermore, it has a strict no-logging policy and does not collect any personal information from users.
Pros
- Whitelisting, multi-pass, and stealth mode
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
- Extremely strong privacy and security features
Cons
- Email support could be faster
- No free trial
Private Internet Access
- The best way to access every corner of the internet.
- Number of servers/locations: 20,000 servers in over 70 countries
- Price: Access every corner of the internet
Private Internet Access is a VPN service that is known for being the most anonymous on the market. It boasts an extensive server network (20,000 servers in over 70 countries), a strict no-logs policy, and software available for almost all operating systems, including browser extensions.
With PIA, you can not only stream and download content at high speeds, but also browse securely. Private Internet Access warns you when a website may be dangerous to your data, integrates firewalls, IP leak protection, and much more for complete security.
Pros
- Free email in case of a breach Email monitoring
- No content restrictions
- Anonymous payments
Cons
- Expensive monthly plan
- No free trials
Norton Secure VPN
- Ideal for Netflix streaming
- Number of servers/locations: Servers in 29 countries
- Price: Netflix streaming
Norton Secure VPN is associated with the Norton name, which means you get the infrastructure and customer support of an experienced industry giant like Norton. Norton Secure VPN works seamlessly on computers and mobile devices. The number of servers is small compared to some of its competitors, but features like unlimited bandwidth, OpenVPN protocols, a no-logging policy, and a 60-day money-back guarantee prove that Norton Secure VPN is much more than just a household name.
Pros
- Known for its success in unblocking Netflix
- Includes unlimited bandwidth
- 60-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Less server options than competitors
- Strict anti-spam policy
IPVanish
- Ideal for users with multiple devices
- Number of servers/locations: 1,600 servers in 75 locations
- Price: For users with multiple devices
IPVanish is a great choice for a fast, affordable, reliable, and secure VPN service anywhere in the world. From its money-back guarantee and competitively priced flights to its unrivaled quality of service, IPVanish offers an impressive package for the industry.
Pros
- Unlimited connection
- Super-fast connections
- Anonymous torrenting
Cons
- Live chat needs improvement and better uptime.
- No free option (but there is a risk-free trial).
CyberGhost
- Best for customers looking for a VPN that is easy to use
- Number of servers/locations 6000+
- PriceClients is looking for a VPN that is easy to use
Ideal for customers looking for an easy-to-use VPN.
Number of servers/locations: Over 6,000. Price: Customers are looking for an easy-to-use VPN. CyberGhost is a fast and secure VPN service owned by a privacy-focused company based in Bucharest, Romania. This VPN service has been around since 2011 and understands the digital world’s needs for freedom and privacy online. CyberGhost VPN is a privacy solution and follows a strict no-logs policy. It offers a lot of features that show its potential.
Pros
- Easy-to-use platform
- Works with US Netflix
- Available plans
Cons
- Bad reputation
- Not all servers support torrenting
ProtonVPN
- Best for security and anonymity
- Number of servers/locations: 347 servers in 31 countries
- Price: Security and anonymity
ProtonVPN is a reliable VPN that prioritizes security and privacy. It includes all the necessary features to protect you no matter what you do online. Privacy-conscious cwill appreciate features like a “kill switch” that cuts your connection if the VPN server goes down, even temporarily, DNS leak protection that prevents your DNS requests from being leaked, and strong encryption, including OpenVPN protocols and AES-256 encryption.
Pros
- Swiss provider, absolutely no downtime.
- Secure core, encrypted VPN tunnel, integrated TOR.
- Unlimited bandwidth.
Cons
- Fewer servers than some competitors.
- Only premium plans have access to all features.
UltraVPN
- Best for Affordable Short-Term Plans
- Number of Servers/Locations: 116. Number of Servers: 61 Locations
- Price: Affordable Short-Term Plans
UltraVPN offers private and secure internet access on over 100 servers in 61 countries. In a competitive market, UltraVPN stands out for its affordable short-term plans. For example, its monthly plan costs just $6.99, which is about half the price of leading VPN providers, while its six-month plan costs $4.99, which is significantly cheaper than its major competitors.
The VPN service has clients for Windows and macOS, as well as apps for iOS and Android. Setup is quick and easy, and it only takes 30 seconds to download and install the app. Once you sign in, you’ll have VPN connections and a one-click kill switch available.
Pros
- Competitive monthly and annual plans
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- User-friendly apps/clients
Cons
- No free trial
- Browser extensions not included
Reviewing the Top VPN Services: Our Methodology
Top10.com VPN reviews are based on objective facts. Our reviews are based on the VPN provider’s website, trusted third-party sites, customer reviews, and product usage through free or, in some cases, paid trials.
It is not always possible to use a product for its full lifetime. However, users will try to complete the registration process, contact customer support to check response times, and take any other actions they can during the review period.
For all other information, we rely on the brand’s own product offerings, customer reviews and complaints, ratings from independent agencies such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and reliable news publications.
Some of the key features we compared when analyzing the VPN services on our list were:
- Price
- Number of servers
- Compatible software
- Netflix access
- Data deletion policy
What You Need to Know Before Choosing a VPN
The best VPN is the one you least notice. Therefore, choosing a VPN is a little different from, say, buying a car. The most important factors (security, anonymity, reliability) are the ones you’ll only notice when they’re not relevant.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
What will you be using the VPN for? Do you plan to stream Netflix? Download torrents? Bypass intrusive government censorship? Make sure the VPN you choose is suitable for your intended use.
What level of privacy do you need? Each provider has different types of data encryption and privacy standards. Some guarantee a no-logs policy, while others may share some of your data with third parties. Decide how important this is to you and find the service that best suits your needs.
How many people will be using it? VPN services are often used by multiple people, although the number varies depending on the provider. Whether you have a family, roommates, or are the only user, this can help narrow down your options.
What Types of VPNs Are There
Not all VPNs excel in the same ways. For example, the best VPN for Netflix is not necessarily the best VPN for downloading BitTorrents. Some VPNs specialize in streaming, while others may be better for general anonymity, geo-spoofing, or Android users.
Are VPNs Safe and Secure?
Yes, although your security depends on the VPN provider you choose. A reliable VPN with good reviews is reliable and will do more than enough to protect you and keep your online activity private. However, there are questionable VPN providers out there, and it’s best to avoid them.
How to know: Pay attention to privacy and encryption standards. A good VPN service will have strong encryption protocols, clearly defined privacy policies (such as a no-logs policy), and strong security features like DNS leak protection.
Tips on VPN Providers
There are many VPN service options. Narrow down your choices by focusing on the features that matter most.
Look for a service that has high speeds to keep your connection smooth, strong security features to keep your connection private, and easy functionality so you can log in and use your VPN without any hassle. Also, look for a service that offers P2P file sharing, and make sure the price is right.
Here are a few more things to keep in mind:
Don’t settle for the cheapest option. We all want to save money. Price is a reasonable criterion.
. Internet security is an important issue today and each of us must be proactive to ensure that our information is safe. A reliable and responsive customer support team is essential when you have concerns about your privacy or need to resolve an issue. And what’s more, strong customer service is often a sign of a trustworthy company. Live chat support, 24/7 availability, and a list of FAQs are all positive signs that the provider has your back.
How Much Does A VPN Cost?
The average price of a legitimate VPN is around $4 per month. Some start at $2.50, while others can go up to $9.99 a month or more.
One thing to note is that the price varies depending on the length of the subscription. The same company might charge $3 a month if you buy a long-term subscription and $12 a month if you opt for a month. For example, purchasing a VPN for 2 years can dramatically reduce the price, while paying monthly can cause your monthly costs to skyrocket.
There are free VPNs available, although it is recommended to avoid them or approach them with caution. While a free VPN may be sufficient for extremely basic web tasks, it is unlikely to have the technological and security measures necessary to protect activities such as online banking, downloading, and streaming.
Other Brands We Reviewed
This list of 10 VPNs is compiled from companies that have chosen to partner with oneTop10.com. In total, we’ve reviewed over 50 brands in our VPN provider research, and we review new brands regularly. Curious about the prices and features of some great VPNs that don’t appear on this list? Check out our detailed reviews of some of these big VPN names:
- Private internet access
- hotspot shield
- ProtonVPN:
- Strong VPN:
- Torguardia:
A VPN for Any Occasion
VPN services provide an invaluable service to anyone who uses the Internet. While people will choose to use a VPN for a variety of reasons, it will benefit the entire range of internet users, from casual users to Netflix fans, hardcore gamers and, of course, those who bank and shop online. Whether you’re looking for more privacy or security, or want to access globally blocked content or download and share files, a VPN gives you the benefits you’re looking for.
