Finding the right VPN can be overwhelming. We’ve independently tested over 24 VPN services, checking security, privacy, streaming access, and value for money – so you don’t have to take anyone’s word for it.
Still deciding? Our top picks by category
After testing every VPN on this page across security, speed, streaming, and value, these are the ones that stood out in each category.
We've run 3,400+ independent leak tests across 24 VPN services. 69.8% passed all three checks (IP, DNS, and WebRTC).
VPNs we don’t recommend
Transparency matters. Not every VPN on this page earns our recommendation. Here’s why some rank at the bottom:
Hola VPN
- Routes traffic through other users' devices, not VPN servers
- Your bandwidth is sold to third parties
- No encryption on free tier
- Logs all user activity
- Previously linked to a botnet incident
Ivacy VPN
- DNS leaks detected in our testing
- Leaking DNS queries defeats the purpose of a VPN
- Low price does not compensate for failed leak tests
Avast SecureLine VPN
- Parent company fined $16.5M by FTC (2024)
- Sold user browsing data via Jumpshot subsidiary
- Only 55 servers in 34 countries
- VPN passed our leak tests, but trust is compromised
How we test every VPN
Every VPN on this page goes through the same independent testing process. No provider pays for placement or a higher ranking.
Leak tests
IP address, DNS, and WebRTC leak detection using our own testing tool
Speed tests
Download, upload, and latency measurements across multiple server locations
Streaming access
Testing against Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other major services
Privacy policy review
Jurisdiction analysis, logging policy audit, and independent audit verification
App quality
Usability testing on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions
Value assessment
Price per month, money-back guarantee terms, and feature-to-cost ratio
Update history
This page was revised 13 times between November 2021 and March 2026.
Added introductory paragraphs explaining VPN importance and review methodology, then restructured entire page with detailed provider reviews including pricing, pros/cons, and feature descriptions for ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN.
Reorganized entire VPN provider section with expanded formatting and pricing details, updated deal pricing for ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN.
Updated pricing tiers and promotional offers across ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN entries to reflect current rates.
Rewrote introduction for greater clarity and added testing methodology details across all VPN provider sections.
Expanded VPN provider reviews with detailed feature breakdowns, pricing tiers, and security assessments for ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN.
Rewrote opening paragraph for clarity and restructured VPN provider sections with consistent formatting for pricing, pros/cons, and detailed feature descriptions.
Added introduction and structured VPN provider reviews covering ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN with pricing, pros/cons, and detailed feature explanations.
Removed outdated introductory paragraphs and restructured provider reviews with cleaner formatting and pricing updates.
Removed opening paragraphs about censorship and VPN testing methodology, restructured provider reviews with standardized pricing and pros/cons formatting.
Added introduction explaining VPN importance and testing methodology, then structured detailed reviews for ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN with pricing, pros/cons, and feature breakdowns.
Reordered VPN provider list to move ExpressVPN before Surfshark.
Added heading \"Tested 52 Services in Total\" and introductory text above VPN provider list.
Added PrivadoVPN review to the VPN provider list.
Run our independent leak test while connected to your VPN and see the results for yourself. We check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks in under 30 seconds. Every test adds to our public dataset.
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