Find and compare the top VPNs
Discover which VPN is best for you based on our hands-on testing and reviews
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See TunnelBear disclaimers | NortonVPN disclaimers | NordVPN disclaimers.
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What is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a service that encrypts your device’s data and masks your IP address by routing your internet connection to a remote server. A VPN hides your actual location and internet protocol address, which is a unique numerical label attached to your device, also known as an IP address. Since your data is encrypted with a VPN, it is unreadable even by those on the same network.
A VPN can also be used to stop your online activity and data from being tracked by your internet provider, hackers, and possibly advertisers—but keep in mind a VPN can’t stop your behavior from being tracked across some services and accounts. Once you login to an account, your activity can be linked. If you’re looking for true anonymity, don’t login to accounts while using a VPN.
When using a VPN, you can choose various server locations that make it appear as if your device is in that location to bypass censorship and geo restrictions. VPNs can connect to physical and virtual servers, but the number of servers and available locations will vary depending on the VPN service you choose.
Top editor’s choice VPNs
| Provider | Starting price* | # of server locations |
|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $3.49/mo. Read disclaimers | 9,400+ |
| Proton VPN | $2.99/mo. Read disclaimers | 20,500+ |
| ExpressVPN | $2.49/mo. Read disclaimers | 3,000+ |
| CyberGhost | $1.59/mo. Read disclaimers | 11,500+ |
| Hotspot Shield | $1.99/mo. Read disclaimers | 1,800+ |
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change.
Why do you need a VPN?
VPNs have many use cases, and the best VPN for you will depend on what you need a VPN for. Here are some factors to consider on why you might need a VPN.
 Mask your identity to maintain online anonymity |
| Avoid personalized and location-based targeted ads |
| Secure your data and devices when using public Wi-Fi |
| Block tracking from your internet service provider |
| Access geo-restricted content and entertainment |
| Encrypt your internet connection and traffic |
| Defend your privacy across apps and websites |
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Top VPNs for unlimited devices
| Provider | Starting price* | # of server locations |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | $2.49/mo. Read disclaimers | 4,500+ |
| Private Internet Access | $1.33/mo. Read disclaimers | 29,000+ |
| TunnelBear | $3.33/mo. Read disclaimers | 8,000+ |
| IPVanish | $2.19/mo. Read disclaimers | 3,400+ |
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change.
Are there free VPN services?
Some VPN services offer free plans—but they typically impose data usage limits. If you don’t want to pay for a VPN and want to stick to a free plan, be sure to get one from a reliable provider—even if it comes with restrictions. Using a free VPN service could put you at more risk compared to not using a VPN at all, since many free VPN providers lack proper security protocols.
Most VPN services offer monthly, yearly, and multi-year payment options. Typically, longer service plans will include discounted prices so you end up paying less per month. First-time customers can usually score special discounts, so be sure to shop around and check out current VPN deals.
Top VPN services
Starting at:
$3.49/mo.
# of servers:
9,400+
# of countries:
111+
Device limit:
10
Pros
Proprietary NordLynx protocol
Call protection
Dark Web Monitor™
Cons
Complicated app interface
No free plan
Limited to 10 devices
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the largest VPN services available that offers plenty of servers and countries to choose from. You can try NordVPN for 30 days and get your money back if you aren’t satisfied with the service.
NordVPN uses its proprietary NordLynx protocol and offers built-in antivirus and extra security protections. NordVPN offers monthly, yearly, and two-year plan options, but you’ll get the biggest discount by opting for a two-year plan.
Starting at:
$2.99/mo.
# of servers:
20,500+
# of countries:
148+
Device limit:
10
Pros
Free plan with unlimited data
Swiss headquarters
Audited + open-source VPN
Cons
No 24/7 live support
Free plan doesn’t support streaming
Renewal price nearly doubles
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About Proton VPN
Proton VPN is one of the few VPN services that offers a free unlimited plan, making it a great option for those looking for a VPN on a budget or who have very basic needs. Proton VPN also has one of the highest number of servers and countries to choose from, so you won’t have to worry about any server limitations.
Proton offers two paid plans and one free plan, so you can pick the plan that fits your needs. You can opt for monthly, yearly, or two-year billing—but you’ll get a few months free if you opt for yearly or two-year plans.
Starting at:
$2.49/mo.*
# of servers:
4,500+
# of countries:
100+
Device limit:
Unlimited
Pros
Identity theft coverage
Low impact on internet speeds
Built-in IP address rotator
Cons
Fewer server locations compared to the competition
No free plan
Higher monthly premiums
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the top VPN services that offers unlimited devices, making it a great choice for those who have more than 10 devices to connect. Surshark won’t slow down your internet speeds, making it a great choice for those who need a VPN for gaming and streaming. Surfshark doesn’t offer a free plan, but you can get a Surfshark Starter plan for under $3 per month if you opt for a two-year plan.
Surfshark offers three plan options with a variety of features included with each plan tier, so you can pick the plan that best fits your needs. You can opt for monthly, yearly, or two-year plans with Surfshark, but you’ll get more bang for your buck with the two-year plans.
Starting at:
$2.49/mo.*
# of servers:
3,000+
# of countries:
113+
Device limit:
14
Pros
Parental controls
Dedicated router firmware available
Easy to use
Cons
No cloud storage
No free plan
Higher premiums
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has a higher device limit than most VPN services and offers unique premium features like parental controls. ExpressVPN has servers in plenty of countries, so you won’t have to worry about a lack of options. You can also install ExpressVPN firmware on your router for additional protection.
ExpressVPN doesn’t offer cloud storage or free plans, but if you opt for a multi-year subscription, you can get prices as low as $2.49 per month. ExpressVPN includes private email relay for all plans and a password manager with the Advanced and Pro plans. You’ll have three plan options to choose from: monthly, yearly, or two-year options.
Starting at:
$1.33/mo.*
# of servers:
29,000+
# of countries:
91+
Device limit:
Unlimited
Pros
Advanced split-tunneling
Customizable encryption settings
Unlimited devices
Cons
Only one plan option
Limited security add-ons
No free plan
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access has an impressive number of servers and plenty of countries to choose from. Plus, you’ll get advanced split tunneling and customizable settings, making it a solid choice for more advanced users looking to personalize their VPN.
Private Internet Access has no device limit, so you can connect and protect all users and devices in your household. Private Internet Access only offers one plan option, but you can get three months of free service and long-term protection if you opt for a three-year subscription.
Starting at:
$3.33/mo.*
# of servers:
2,000+
# of countries:
90+
Device limit:
10
Pros
60-day money-back guarantee
Top-tier built-in antivirus and malware protection
Cheap introductory prices
Cons
Limited server locations
U.S. headquarters
No monthly plan options
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About Norton VPN
Norton VPN has a solid number of servers and countries to choose from, plus one of the longest money-back guarantees on the VPN market. Norton offers premium antivirus and security protections that are built into the VPN service.
Norton doesn’t offer monthly plans, but the one-year pricing comes down to $3.33 per month. Norton VPN’s base plans are limited to five devices, so you’ll need to subscribe to the Ultimate plan if you want to connect more devices.
Starting at:
$2.19/mo.*
# of servers:
3,400+
# of countries:
200+
Device limit:
Unlimited
Pros
Extensive country availability
24/7 customer support via email, chat, and phone
Owns and operates its server network
Cons
Substantial price hike after introductory promo
No port forwarding
Limited add-ons for plan customization
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About IPVanish
IPVanish has plenty of servers and one of the highest number of countries to choose from. IPVanish is one of the few VPN services that offers 24/7 customer support over the phone, so you don’t have to worry about being limited to email or live chat. IPVanish doesn’t impose any device limits, making it a solid choice for larger households or those who have over 10 devices to connect.
IPVanish has cheap introductory rates, but prices increase quite a bit once the promotional rate expires. You can opt for monthly, yearly, or two-year subscriptions, and like most VPN services, you’ll get a discount with longer subscriptions.
Starting at:
$3.33/mo.*
# of servers:
8,000+
# of countries:
47+
Device limit:
Unlimited
Pros
Beginner friendly
Free plan
Affordable prices
Cons
Free plan limited to 2GB
Servers in only 47+ countries
Limited add-ons for plan customization
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About TunnelBear
TunnelBear offers a free plan with 2GB of data and an Unlimited plan. TunnelBear has a smaller number of countries to choose from, but has a high number of servers overall. TunnelBear is beginner-friendly, and it won’t complicate your plan or increase your subscription price with add-ons.
You can choose monthly, yearly, or three-year subscription options. Like the majority of VPN services, you’ll get a bigger discount if you choose a longer subscription. TunnelBear doesn’t have a money-back guarantee, but you can try the free plan and upgrade if you need more devices or features.
Starting at:
$1.99/mo.*
# of servers:
1,800+
# of countries:
80+
Device limit:
10
Pros
Affordable introductory prices
Free plan with unlimited data
Extra security with all plans
Cons
Substantial price hike after introductory promo
Only one paid plan option
Fewer servers compared to the competition
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield has some of the lowest introductory prices and is one of the few VPN services that offer a free plan with unlimited data. All plans include phishing, IP, and DNS leak protection—even the free plan.
Since the introductory prices are so low, the post-promo price increase is higher compared to other options. But if you’re looking for a solid free VPN service, Hotspot Shield has you covered with some of the most generous additional features and data included.
Starting at:
$1.59/mo.*
# of servers:
11,500+
# of countries:
100+
Device limit:
7
Pros
Affordable prices
Servers optimized for gaming
Servers optimized for streaming
Cons
No advanced obfuscation
Only one plan option
No split tunneling for macOS & iOS
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers affordable plans with and without introductory promos. You won’t have to worry about your monthly, six-month, or two-year subscription price hiking since the renewal rate will be the same as the introductory price. CyberGhost is a solid choice for gamers and streamers with servers optimized for both activities.
CyberGhost is limited to seven devices and only has one plan option, so you won’t be able to pay more for a more premium plan with more devices. CyberGhost’s server numbers and country options are higher than average, so you won’t run out of server options.
Starting at:
$2.15/mo.*
# of servers:
6,500+
# of countries:
70+
Device limit:
10
Pros
Customizable add-ons
4 mos. free with a yearly plan
5-yr. plan options for long-term savings
Cons
Limited Standard plan features
Pricey monthly rates
Servers in only 65 countries
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About PureVPN
PureVPN offers some of the longest VPN subscriptions, with up to five-year subscriptions. You’ll get a solid discount for opting for the longest plan, plus you won’t have to worry about a renewal fee anytime soon. You can get a 7-day trial for just 99¢, so you can try the service before you commit.
PureVPN offers plenty of add-on features to customize your VPN plan. For just $1.45 more per month, you can boost your device limit up to 50. But keep an eye on your total cost, since some add-ons like getting a residential IP address from an internet provider can cost up to an extra $20 per month. PureVPN is a solid option for those looking to add extra protection and features to their VPN plan.
Starting at:
$3.99/mo.*
# of servers:
700+
# of countries:
36+
Device limit:
10
Pros
Free 60-day trial
Premium security bundles available
Free private browser
Cons
Fewer servers compared to the competition
No monthly payment options
Only one plan option
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About Avast SecureLine VPN
Avast SecureLine VPN offers a generous 60-day free trial so you can test out the service before committing to a subscription. You can also use Avast SecureLine VPN’s private browser for free, even if you don’t sign up for a plan.
Avast SecureLine VPN offers premium security bundles like the Avast Ultimate package that includes VPN service, premium security, and cleanup premium to maximize your device security and storage. Avast SecureLine VPN only offers one, two, or three-year plans, but you can use the 60-day trial as a test run before signing up.
Starting at:
$3.00/mo.*
# of servers:
700+
# of countries:
60
Device limit:
10
Pros
Affordable monthly plan
Owns and operates server network
Swiss headquarters
Cons
Fewer servers compared to the competition
Only one plan option
Limited add-ons and customization
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About VyprVPN
VyprVPN has one of the most affordable monthly plans at $5 per month. You can opt for a one or two-year plan and get a bigger discount with plans as low as $3, but it won’t cost you four times as much to opt for a monthly plan like it would with other providers. VyprVPN operates and owns its server network and is headquartered in Switzerland, with some of the best data protection laws.
You’ll get an affordable rate no matter which plan length you go with, but there is only one plan option, and add-ons are limited. Although VyperVPN’s server number is lower compared to the competition, it’s a great plan for beginners and those on a budget looking for a great deal on a monthly VPN plan.
Starting at:
$2.99/mo.*
# of servers:
800+
# of countries:
60
Device limit:
10
Pros
Free AdGuard DNS Personal
2 devices with free plan
Parental controls with AdGuard DNS
Cons
Free plan limited to 3GB
Servers in only 60 countries
Limited plan options
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About AdGuard VPN
AdGuard VPN only offers one paid plan, but you’ll get a solid discount on the monthly rate if you opt for a year or two-year subscription. You’ll get additional security perks like AdGuard DNS personal and parental controls, so you can protect the entire family.
AdGuard VPN also offers a free plan that protects up to two devices, but the free plan is limited to 3GB of data per month. AdGuard VPN doesn’t have the biggest number of servers, but it does offer servers in more countries than other VPN services.
Starting at:
$2.99/mo.*
# of servers:
2,600
# of countries:
57
Device limit:
10
Pros
Price guarantee with no price hikes
Free plan with unlimited data
Unlimited server switching
Cons
Only one paid plan option
Free plan limited to 1 device
Pricey plan rates
*Based on two-year pricing. Availability may vary by location, and prices are subject to change. See disclaimers.
About Hide.me VPN
Hide.me VPN guarantees you won’t be hit with a price hike, so you won’t have to worry about post-promo rates. Hide.me VPN is one of the few services that offers a free plan with unlimited data, but it is capped at one device.
You can get unlimited server switching with Hide.me VPN and choose from almost 3,000 servers. Hide.me VPN only offers one paid plan, but if you opt for a two-year plan, you’ll get three months of free service.
FAQs about VPNs
Do VPNs slow down your internet connection?
Are there free VPN services?
How many devices can I connect to a VPN service?
Can TVs connect to VPN services?
Plans disclaimers
NordVPN plans
Basic — Services are subscription based and will automatically renew annually for an additional 1-year term after the first 2 years, unless canceled. You can cancel auto-renewal anytime by following the instructions in your Nord Account. The renewal price is $139.08/year, sales tax may apply. The price is subject to change, but we will notify you of any adjustments before charging. Payments are in USD and may include provider fees. By purchasing, you agree to the terms of service, auto-renewal terms, to receive electronic documents, and acknowledge our privacy policy.
Complete — Services are subscription based and will automatically renew annually for an additional 1-year term after the first 2 years, unless canceled. You can cancel auto-renewal anytime by following the instructions in your Nord Account. The renewal price is $219.48/year, sales tax may apply. The price is subject to change, but we will notify you of any adjustments before charging. Payments are in USD and may include provider fees. By purchasing, you agree to the terms of service, auto-renewal terms, to receive electronic documents, and acknowledge our privacy policy.
Prime — Services are subscription based and will automatically renew annually for an additional 1-year term after the first 2 years, unless canceled. You can cancel auto-renewal anytime by following the instructions in your Nord Account. The renewal price is $296.28/year, sales tax may apply. The price is subject to change, but we will notify you of any adjustments before charging. Payments are in USD and may include provider fees. By purchasing, you agree to the terms of service, auto-renewal terms, to receive electronic documents, and acknowledge our privacy policy.
ProtonVPN plans
VPN Plus — The specially discounted price of US$71.76 is valid for the first 24 months. Then it will automatically be renewed at US$83.88 for 12 months. You can cancel at any time. Renewal pricing subject to change according to terms and conditions.
Proton Unlimited — Your subscription will automatically renew. You'll then be billed every 12 months at US$119.88. You can cancel at any time. Renewal pricing subject to change according to terms and conditions.
Surfshark plans
Surfshark Starter — You’ll be charged $72.91 today for a 27-month subscription. After this service period ends, your subscription will automatically renew every 12 months at the then-applicable renewal price. You can cancel or manage your subscription anytime through your account. Currency conversion may affect the price you’re charged, depending on your bank location or payment provider. Learn more about our currency and billing practices. By completing the purchase, you agree to our Terms of Service, including auto-renewal terms, to receive electronic documents, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Surfshark One — You’ll be charged $81.70 today for a 27-month subscription. After this service period ends, your subscription will automatically renew every 12 months at the then-applicable renewal price. You can cancel or manage your subscription anytime through your account. Currency conversion may affect the price you’re charged, depending on your bank location or payment provider. Learn more about our currency and billing practices. By completing the purchase, you agree to our Terms of Service, including auto-renewal terms, to receive electronic documents, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Surfshark One+ — You’ll be charged $131.47 today for a 27-month subscription. After this service period ends, your subscription will automatically renew every 12 months at the then-applicable renewal price. You can cancel or manage your subscription anytime through your account. Currency conversion may affect the price you’re charged, depending on your bank location or payment provider. Learn more about our currency and billing practices. By completing the purchase, you agree to our Terms of Service, including auto-renewal terms, to receive electronic documents, and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
ExpressVPN plans
ExpressVPN Basic — By clicking “Subscribe with Card” below, I agree to the Terms of Service — including the dispute resolution clause which requires binding arbitration for U.S. residents; the Privacy Policy; the Cancellation Policy; and the Automatic Renewal Terms set forth below. Automatic Renewal Terms: Your minimum initial purchase is $74.91 for 2 Years of VPN + 4 Months. Your subscription plan will automatically renew on an annual basis starting on 11/15/2028 at the rate of $99.95/year (plus vat/tax where applicable, and price subject to change with advance notice) to your selected payment method until you cancel, which you may do at any time before midnight on the autorenewal date by going to the “Subscription” tab and following the “Cancel” prompts.
ExpressVPN Advanced — By clicking “Subscribe with Card” below, I agree to the Terms of Service — including the dispute resolution clause which requires binding arbitration for U.S. residents; the Privacy Policy; the Cancellation Policy; and the Automatic Renewal Terms set forth below. Automatic Renewal Terms: Your minimum initial purchase is $89.96 for 2 Years of VPN + 4 Months. Your subscription plan will automatically renew on an annual basis starting on 11/15/2028 at the rate of $119.95/year (plus vat/tax where applicable, and price subject to change with advance notice) to your selected payment method until you cancel, which you may do at any time before midnight on the autorenewal date by going to the “Subscription” tab and following the “Cancel” prompts.
ExpressVPN Pro — By clicking “Subscribe with Card” below, I agree to the Terms of Service — including the dispute resolution clause which requires binding arbitration for U.S. residents; the Privacy Policy; the Cancellation Policy; and the Automatic Renewal Terms set forth below. Automatic Renewal Terms: Your minimum initial purchase is $165.18 for 2 Years of VPN + 4 Months. Your subscription plan will automatically renew on an annual basis starting on 11/15/2028 at the rate of $199.95/year (plus vat/tax where applicable, and price subject to change with advance notice) to your selected payment method until you cancel, which you may do at any time before midnight on the autorenewal date by going to the “Subscription” tab and following the “Cancel” prompts.
Private Internet Access plans
All plans — All amounts are shown in USD, and any discounts reflect a reduction based on the current monthly service pricing at $11.95 per month. The 30-day money-back guarantee is available to new subscribers only; for subscriptions purchased via third-party app stores (e.g., Apple App Store), refunds are subject to their respective terms and conditions.
Norton VPN plans
All plans — Subscription contracts begin when the transaction is complete and are subject to our Terms of Sale and License & Services Agreement. For trials, a payment method is required at sign-up and will be charged at the end of the trial period, unless cancelled first. Subscriptions automatically renew unless the renewal is canceled before billing. Renewal payments are billed annually (up to 35 days before renewal) or monthly depending on your billing cycle. Annual subscribers will receive an email with the renewal price beforehand. Renewal prices may be higher than the initial price and are subject to change. You can cancel the renewal as described here in your account or by contacting us here or at 844-488-4540.
IPVanish plans
IPVanish Essential – By clicking the subscribe button you agree to be charged $56.48. After your first term, your plan will automatically renew annually at $89.99 until canceled through your IPVanish account. By signing up with IPVanish, you agree to our Terms of Service, including mandatory arbitration, and the Privacy Policy.
IPVanish Advanced — By clicking the subscribe button you agree to be charged $84.84. After your first term, your plan will automatically renew annually at $109.99 until canceled through your IPVanish account. By signing up with IPVanish, you agree to our Terms of Service, including mandatory arbitration, and the Privacy Policy.
TunnelBear plans
All plans — Refunds are available for the first year of an annual TunnelBear subscription. Contact Customer Support within 30 days of the initial purchase. Shipping, handling, and any applicable tax are not refundable. The 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for monthly TunnelBear subscriptions, TunnelBear for Teams, and iOS or Google Play purchases. To ensure uninterrupted access after your subscription ends, you agree that your subscription will renew for another term using the payment method provided. You may turn off auto-renewal at any time by logging into your account. Some products are provided by third parties and your access to them is also subject to their terms.
Hotspot Shield plans
All plans — To ensure uninterrupted access after your subscription ends, you agree that your subscription will renew for another term using the payment method provided. You may turn off auto-renewal at any time by logging into your account. Some products are provided by third parties and your access to them is also subject to their terms.
CyberGhost plans
All plans – All amounts shown are in US Dollars. Taxes may apply based on your jurisdiction. Any discounts reflect a reduction based on the current monthly servicing pricing at $12.99 per month.
PureVPN plans
All plans — By proceeding with this purchase, you agree to our Terms of Service, Renewal Prices, and Privacy Policy. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of your chosen plan term at the current renewal rate (plus VAT/tax where applicable; see Renewal Prices). We’ll notify you before any price changes take effect, and auto-renew can be turned off anytime in your member area.
Avast SecureLine VPN plans
All plans — For 10 Devices. Initial 2-year subscription, then billed yearly.
VyprVPN plans
All plans — Your subscription will continue and automatically renew unless canceled. You consent to our charging your payment method on a recurring basis without requiring your prior approval for each recurring charge, until such time as you cancel the applicable order. The length of your billing cycle will depend on the type of subscription plan you choose when you subscribed to the Services.
AdGuard VPN
All plans — Discounts apply only to the first billing term of a product or subscription. Upon renewal, the subscription will be charged at the full standard price.
Hide.me VPN plans
All plans — This is an automatic subscription product with fee of $69.99 every 27 months. You may cancel your subscription at any time over the link in the confirmation email. By submitting this order, you acknowledge Cleverbridge's Terms and Conditions and confirm that you have read and understood Cleverbridge's Privacy Policy and are aware of your right of withdrawal as a consumer. You also agree to hide.me VPN’s Terms of Service and Data Policy.
