Best VPNs in 2023
By Sydney Goodrich · Jun 22, 2022
BEST PICKS
10 Best VPNs in 2023
Best VPN overall

ExpressVPN
Best value VPN

Surfshark
Also great

NordVPN
Biggest choice of servers

CyberGhost
Best security features

Proton VPN
Includes StrongDNS and 20GB cloud storage

StrongVPN
10GB free data allowance per month

Windscribe
Allows unlimited devices

IPVanish
Optimized for streaming services

Hotspot Shield
Great smartphone app

Private Internet Access
We also compared this Software & Services products that could be interesting for you
All the details for our Product picks
10 of the Best VPNs in 2023FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Consistent performance
- Learns from any errors and adjusts to provide best service
- Responsive customer service
- Frequent special offers for free or discounted additional months of service
Disadvantages
- More expensive than other VPNs
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Great speeds for gaming
- Works even in the most restricted countries
- Unlimited device connections
Disadvantages
- Fewer than average server locations
- Some app features are unavailable on iOS
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Data is double encrypted
- Above average speeds
- Easy to use app
- Can use same account for up to 10 devices
Disadvantages
- Does not unblock all streaming sites
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Offers a free trial
- Great for streaming and gaming
- User-friendly app
- Regularly offers discounts and special offers
Disadvantages
- Some users prefer more privacy
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Quickly adding more server locations
- Great download speeds
- Can be used for gaming
- One of the most secure VPNs
Disadvantages
- Not great for streaming
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Great speeds for streaming
- No-logs policy is very strong
Disadvantages
- Speeds not fast enough for gaming
- No free trial or money-back guarantee for short-term plans
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Extremely secure
- Can unblock streaming sites
- Unlimited device connections
- Works in highly restricted areas
Disadvantages
- You can only request a refund within 3 days after purchase
- Will slow down your speeds
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Fast speeds for unblocked streaming services
- Many servers to choose from
- Great customer support
Disadvantages
- Mediocore privacy policy
- Does not unlock all streaming services
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Offers a free trial
- Works in highly restricted areas
Disadvantages
- Weak privacy policy
- Will slow your internet speeds
- Only can have 5 devices connected simultaneously
FAQs
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- Many servers to connect to
- Cannot be used in majorly restricted locations
- Unblocks most streaming sites
- Easy to use app
Disadvantages
- Not as secure as other VPNs
- Customer support takes a long time to respond
List of all Best VPNs in 2023 for your needs
Product | Date | Price | Shop |
---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN | 06/2022 | $ 12.95 | Buy |
Surfshark | 06/2022 | $ 12.95 | Buy |
NordVPN | 06/2022 | $ 11.99 | Buy |
CyberGhost | 06/2022 | $ 12.99 | Buy |
Proton VPN | 06/2022 | $ 9.99 | Buy |
StrongVPN | 04/2022 | $ 10.99 | Buy |
Windscribe | 04/2022 | $ 9.00 | Buy |
IPVanish | 04/2022 | $ 10.99 | Buy |
Hotspot Shield | 04/2022 | $ 7.99 | Buy |
Private Internet Access | 04/2022 | $ 11.95 | Buy |
More Product Category Information
Still not sure about whether you need a VPN? Here’s some more information to consider. Before you commit to any VPN, it’s important that you’ve learned as much as you can about it.
What Is a VPN?
VPN is an acronym that stands for “virtual private network.” Simply put, a VPN is a piece of software that allows your computer, phone, tablet, or other internet-capable device to establish a completely secure connection between your device and the internet. The VPN itself is encrypted, letting you protect your privacy online and helping you circumvent firewalls and other geographically restricted content online.
What Does a VPN Do?
A VPN helps you ensure that all of your internet usage is private, protecting you from the ever-growing world of cyber criminals who look for opportunities to steal your private information. These hackers can gain all types of information, ranging from your ISP to the credit and debit cards that you input for online shopping. Essentially, the VPN changes your device’s IP address to the IP address of the VPN through which you connect to the internet. This means that the website that you’re using will see the VPN’s IP address instead of your own. Not only does this protect you from hackers and other cyber criminals, but it also allows you to view any website regardless of its geolocation. Since the website sees the VPN’s IP address, it doesn’t know your physical location, allowing you to access any website, no matter its nation of origin.
How Much Does a VPN Cost?
There are several variables that you will have to consider when answering this question. First of all, the cost of your VPN will largely depend on how long you are willing to commit to a single VPN provider. It’s not uncommon for VPN providers to offer different subscription plans, ranging from a single-month subscription to some that last for multiple years. In most cases, when you sign up for a VPN and agree to a multi-year subscription, the provider will offer a discount.
Also, it’s important to understand that different VPN providers offer different pricing structures. In many cases, you can get a quality VPN for somewhere between $2 and $10 per month, especially if you opt for a longer subscription. If you choose to pay for your VPN on a monthly basis, you may end up spending somewhere between $10 and $15 each month. Spend some time checking the details of any VPNs you’re considering. Just because a VPN is more expensive doesn’t mean that it’s better. The VPN that you choose is largely contingent on your personal needs, so the price you can expect to pay will vary.
Which VPN Is the Best?
There is no simple way to answer this question, as different VPNs offer services that are tailored for different types of internet users. For instance, if you plan to use your internet connection for gaming, streaming, and other high-bandwidth options, you should choose a VPN that doesn’t have any bandwidth restrictions. Conversely, if you’re just looking for a secure connection that will allow you to use your social media platforms and other websites, you won’t need to be as concerned about those restrictions. Be sure to check out all of the features of any VPNs that you are considering, and choose the one that offers the package that best suits your needs.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN?
In most countries around the world, including the United States, VPNs are completely legal to use. After all, there is nothing wrong with doing everything possible to protect your security while you’re using the internet. Most people are online for hours every day, and a VPN helps to protect you against threats to your cybersecurity. However, VPN use is illegal in countries including China, Russia, Oman, Iran, Turkmenistan, the UAE, and Belarus. There are other nations that ban the use of VPNs, so you should make sure that it’s legal to use one in your home country before you subscribe.
There is one more important note concerning the legality of VPNs. Just because it’s legal to use a VPN in most countries around the world, that doesn’t mean that you can participate in illegal activities online while using one. If you do something illegal online while using a VPN, you still must face the legal consequences of your actions.
Will a VPN Make Me Completely Anonymous While Online?
No, and you shouldn’t believe any VPN company that tries to say otherwise. While you can mask your IP address and put security measures in place by using a VPN, there is no way to guarantee total anonymity while using the internet. The concept of a VPN offering total anonymity is not only incorrect, but it actually breeds a false sense of security. Ultimately, everything that you do online creates something known as a digital footprint. While you can put measures in place that secure your information, there is no way to completely remove this footprint. VPNs are meant to be a means of security, not anonymity.
Will a VPN Make My Internet Faster?
In most cases, a VPN doesn’t make your internet faster unless your ISP is doing something that “throttles” your internet speed. In those rare cases, the use of a VPN can make your internet operate faster. Unfortunately, in most cases, the use of a VPN can actually slow down your internet speed. This is because you are routing your internet traffic through an alternate server, which in some cases is on the other side of the world. Fortunately, in some cases, the VPN you choose may offer high connectivity speeds, allowing you to use your internet without noticing the minimal decrease in your speed.
Does a VPN Protect Me Against Malware?
No. VPNs are not antivirus software, so they do not have the means to protect your computer, tablet, or phone from the risks associated with malware. Some VPN companies offer additional malware and spyware protection, but it is not a standard part of the package you get when you subscribe to a VPN.
Is It Possible to Get Hacked While Using a VPN?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes. Having a reputable VPN allows you to do everything possible to encrypt your internet connection, thus decreasing the likelihood that you will suffer a hack. However, the world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and so are the tricks used by criminals who tirelessly work to circumvent those security measures. When you subscribe to a VPN and download the software on your device, it’s important that you continue to follow security measures that will best protect your information. Even while you’re using a VPN, be sure not to click on suspicious links or visit questionable websites. Your VPN can greatly increase your security, but you will still need to take personal steps to maximize your online security.
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Last updated on Jun 22, 2022