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:
- 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 checker, you can choose the fastest servers. With ExpressVPN having over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, there’s plenty to choose from. ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support, which is a big plus 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 using the split tunneling feature.
Pros
- Trusted brand in the industry
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Easy-to-use app
Cons
- More expensive than other services.
- Only 3 simultaneous connections
NordVPN
- The best option for its good quality and affordable price.
- Over 5,500 servers/locations
- 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, the country’s laws do not require it. It boasts the largest VPN server network, with 5,500 servers in 59 countries around the world.
Pros
- Double-hop VPN servers
- One of the most affordable plans on the market.
- 6 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Some servers are not as fast as others.
- No Live Chat
Perimeter 81
- Ideal for Business Users
- Number of Servers/Locations: 18 Countries
- Price: 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 business 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 set up and use. The interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, and the mobile and desktop apps are self-explanatory.
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 uses a no-logs zone and favorable data protection laws to ensure the safety of user information. Furthermore, it has a strict no-logs policy and does not collect personal information from users.
Pros
- Whitelisting, multi-pass, and stealth mode
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
- Extremely powerful 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 notification 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-torrent 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 an excellent choice for a fast, affordable, reliable, and secure VPN service anywhere in the world. From a solid money-back guarantee and competitive pricing to an unprecedented level of service quality, IPVanish offers an impressive package for the industry.
Pros
- Unlimited connection
- Super-fast connection
- Anonymous torrenting
Cons
- Live chat needs improvement and better uptime.
- No free version (but there is a free trial)
CyberGhost
- Ideal for customers looking for an easy-to-use VPN
- Number of servers/locations: 6,000+
- Price: For customers 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 needs of the digital world: freedom and privacy online. CyberGhost VPN is more of a privacy solution and follows a strict no-logs policy. It includes a lot of features that show its potential.
Pros
- Easy-to-use platform
- Works with US Netflix
- Affordable plans
Cons
- Poor reputation
- Not all servers support torrenting
ProtonVPN
- Ideal for security and anonymity
- Number of servers/locations: 347 servers in 31 countries
- Price: Security and anonymity
ProtonVPN is a powerful VPN that prioritizes security and privacy. It includes all the necessary features to protect you no matter what you do online. Privacy-conscious customers will appreciate features like a “kill switch” that cuts off the 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
- Doesn’t have as many servers as some competitors.
- Only the top-tier plans allow you to access all the features.
UltraVPN
- Ideal for budget, short-term plans.
- Number of servers/locations: 116. Number of servers in 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 short-term plans. For example, its 1-month plan costs just $6.99, which is about half the price of leading VPN providers, while its 6-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.
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’s not always possible to use a product for its full lifespan. However, users will try to complete the sign-up process, contact customer support to check response times, and perform any other functions they can during the review period.
For all other information, we rely on the brand’s own recommendations, customer reviews and complaints, ratings from independent agencies such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and reliable news publications.
When analyzing the VPN services on our list, we compared the following key features:
- Price
- Number of servers
- Compatible software
- Netflix access
- Cancellation 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 will only notice when they are irrelevant.
Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
What will you use 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 at the same features. 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 ratings is reliable and can do more than protect you and keep your online activities private. However, there are questionable VPN providers out there, and it’s best to avoid them.
How can you tell? Pay attention to privacy and encryption standards. A good VPN service will have strong encryption protocols, a clearly defined privacy policy (such as a no-logs policy), and robust security features like DNS leak protection.
Tips on VPN Providers
There are many options for VPN services. Narrow down your choices by focusing on the features that matter most.
Look for a service that has fast 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 when purchasing any product or service. But you get what you pay for, and especially with VPNs, a cheap service can do more harm than good. A bad VPN can give you a false sense of security, making you feel more free in your online activities, while actually leaving you vulnerable. We’re not saying you should go for the most expensive option. But don’t be swayed by price alone. Privacy is valuable; if it’s the difference between an unknown provider and a trusted one, it’s worth paying a few extra dollars to ensure you’re truly protected.
Customer Service Questions: Internet security is a big concern these days, and we should all be proactive in keeping our information safe. A reliable and responsive customer service team is essential when you’re worried about your privacy or need to resolve an issue. Furthermore, good customer service is often a sign of a trustworthy company. Live chat support, 24/7 availability, and a comprehensive FAQ section are positive signs that the provider has your back.
How Much Does A VPN Cost?
The average price for a legitimate VPN is around $4 per month. Some start at $2.50, while others can cost up to $9.99 or more.
One thing to keep in mind is that the price varies depending on the length of the subscription. The same company may charge $3 per month for a long-term subscription and $12 per month for a monthly subscription. For example, subscribing to a VPN for two years can significantly reduce the price, while paying monthly can significantly increase your monthly costs.
There are free VPNs, but it is recommended to avoid them or use them with caution. While a free VPN may be sufficient for very simple web tasks, it is unlikely to have the necessary technological and security measures to protect online banking, downloads, and streaming.
Other Brands We Reviewed
This list of 10 VPNs was 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’re regularly reviewing new brands. Curious about the pricing and features of some of the best VPNs not listed here? Check out our in-depth reviews of some of these great VPNs.
- Private Internet Access
- Hotspot Shield
- ProtonVPN
- Powerful VPN
- Torguardia
A VPN for Any Occasion
VPN services provide an invaluable service to anyone who uses the internet. While people choose to use a VPN for a variety of reasons, it can be beneficial for all internet users, from casual users to Netflix fans, avid gamers, and of course, those who bank and shop online. Whether you’re looking for greater 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.
