Finding the Best VPN: A PCWorld Guide

In today’s digital landscape, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is no longer a luxury but a vital tool for enhancing your online privacy and security. With countless VPN services vying for your attention, selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. At PCWorld, our team of VPN experts is dedicated to simplifying this process and guiding you toward the ideal VPN for your specific needs.

Key Considerations When Choosing a VPN

Before diving into our top recommendations, it’s crucial to understand the key factors that distinguish a great VPN from a mediocre one:

• Privacy Record: A VPN’s primary purpose is to protect your privacy. Look for services with a strict no-logs policy, meaning they don’t track or store your browsing activity, IP address, or connection timestamps. Independent audits of the VPN’s privacy practices are a strong indicator of trustworthiness.
• Connection Speeds: No one wants a VPN that slows down their internet connection to a crawl. Opt for a VPN with consistently fast speeds across its server network. Look for reviews that provide average speed reductions compared to baseline internet speed for a more accurate assessment.
• Streaming Unblocking: Many users rely on VPNs to access geo-restricted streaming content. Ensure that your chosen VPN can reliably unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
• Server Network Size: A larger server network offers greater flexibility and performance. Look for a VPN with a wide range of server locations, especially in regions that are important to you.

Our Top VPN Recommendations

After extensive testing and evaluation, we’ve curated a list of the best VPNs available, each with its unique strengths:

1. NordVPN: The All-Around Champion

NordVPN consistently ranks as our top choice due to its exceptional combination of privacy, speed, features, and ease of use. It’s a solid option for both beginners and experienced users.

• Pros: Full-featured service with tools for power users and an intuitive app for beginners; regular independent audits; RAM-only diskless servers for enhanced security; consistently fast speeds; access to TOR network over VPN, multi-hop connections, Meshnet file sharing network; a security suite complete with ad- and malware-blocking, and Nord’s password manager and link-checker safety tool; extensive server network; excellent for streaming.
• Cons: Pricing can be more expensive than many other VPN services.

2. ExpressVPN: Simplicity and Reliability

ExpressVPN is another excellent choice for users seeking a user-friendly and reliable VPN experience.

• Pros: Easy to download, install, and use; expansive device support; split-tunneling; protocol optimization; kill switch; diskless servers; smart DNS feature for set-top boxes, consoles, and more; ad- and tracker-blocking and a password manager
• Cons: Slightly slower and fewer features than NordVPN; pricier than some alternatives.

3. Surfshark: The Budget-Friendly Powerhouse

Surfshark stands out for its impressive feature set, fast speeds, and strong privacy credentials, all at a remarkably affordable price.

• Pros: Blazing-fast speeds; robust feature set; no-logs policy; multiple independent audits; dynamic multi-hop connections; identity protection alerts; antivirus/malware protection; unlimited device connections; low price with a 2-year plan.
• Cons: The Netherlands is part of the 14 Eyes Data Sharing Alliance.

4. Private Internet Access (PIA): Customization and Value

PIA is a long-standing VPN provider that continues to impress with its commitment to privacy, extensive customization options, and competitive pricing.

• Pros: Independent audit of no-logs policy; inexpensive subscription plans; extensive customizable feature set; unlimited device connections; vast server network.
• Cons: Outdated interface; speeds not as fast as some competitors; fewer country locations than some competitors.

5. Proton VPN: The Best Free VPN

Proton VPN offers a generous free plan that doesn’t compromise on privacy or performance.

• Pros: No ads; relatively tame restrictions; good speeds; no monthly data limits; from the company behind Proton Mail; undergone multiple independent audits confirming its no-logs policy, including the free VPN.
• Cons: One-device connection limit; access to limited servers; monthly price for the premium version is on the expensive side.

6. Mullvad: The Privacy Purist

Mullvad is the ultimate choice for users who prioritize privacy above all else.

• Pros: Anonymous account creation and payment options; strict no-logging policy; fast speeds; standardized fee across all plan lengths.
• Cons: Some hiccups when trying to access streaming services; loses value in long-term compared to other top VPNs that significantly reduce their prices in the long-term.

7. Hotspot Shield: The Speed Demon

Hotspot Shield excels in delivering the fastest connection speeds, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed above all else.

• Pros: Fastest connection speeds; can access location-restricted content on most major streaming services.
• Cons: Smaller feature set than some competitors; never undergone an independent audit; its privacy policy may not sit well with some.

8. CyberGhost: The Global Traveler’s Choice

CyberGhost offers a staggering number of servers and locations, making it an excellent choice for frequent travelers or users who need access to a diverse server spread.

• Pros: Over 9,000 servers in 120+ countries; well-designed Windows app that is intuitive and easy to use; optimized servers for gaming, streaming, and torrenting.
• Cons: Lacks some of the power-user features; some servers were faster than others.

Other Noteworthy VPN Services

• PrivadoVPN: A strong overall service, the free version stands out.
• Windscribe Pro: Great security, with a Windows client and browser extension.
• Hide.me: A well-rounded service with a fantastic array of configurable settings.
• IPVanish: Nails all of the basics: good speeds, a large server network, and privacy promises backed up with independent audits.
• TunnelBear: An undeniably charming VPN that is extremely easy to use.

Finding the Best VPN Deals

VPN services frequently offer discounts throughout the year. Check for limited-time discounts, especially during sales events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.

How We Test VPN Services

Our VPN evaluations are based on a comprehensive set of criteria:

• Server Network: Number of servers and locations.
• Connection Speeds: Average speed reductions compared to baseline internet speed.
• Privacy Protections: No-logs policy, independent audits, and company location.
• Ease-of-Use: User interface and overall experience.
• Additional Features: Split-tunneling, kill switches, and other extras.
• Cost: Value based on price and features compared to the industry average.

Understanding VPN Basics

• What is a VPN? A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet, encrypting your data and masking your IP address.
• What are the benefits of using a VPN? Enhanced online privacy, anonymity, greater security on public Wi-Fi, and the ability to spoof locations.
• Can a VPN make you completely anonymous? No, a VPN provides better privacy and security, but it doesn’t make you completely anonymous.
• Can a VPN protect you on public Wi-Fi? Yes, a VPN encrypts your data, making it much more difficult for hackers to intercept your traffic.

Will a VPN slow down your internet speed? Most likely you will see a moderate speed decrease to your internet while using a VPN.