Nearly every independent test agrees on the same handful of names, which makes VPN comparisons genuinely more trustworthy than most “best tool” categories. The real decision is not which VPN is best overall, but whether speed, privacy or budget matters most to you.
Best for Streaming and Speed: NordVPN
NordVPN consistently tops independent speed tests, exceeding 900 Mbps in recent benchmarks, and reliably unblocks major streaming platforms including Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Disney Plus. Its large server network across more than 100 countries makes it the safest general pick if streaming performance is your main priority.
Best for Privacy: Proton VPN or Mullvad
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, under strong privacy law, and offers a genuinely useful free tier with no data cap, unlike most competitors that heavily restrict free usage. For those wanting to go further, Mullvad does not require an email address at all, issuing an anonymous account number instead, which represents one of the strongest privacy postures available from any mainstream provider.
Best Budget Option: Surfshark
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single subscription, at a lower price than most competitors, which makes it the strongest choice for a household wanting to cover every phone, laptop and smart TV without buying multiple licences.
Best for Apple Devices and Ease of Use: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN remains widely recommended for its clean, simple apps and consistent performance across Apple’s ecosystem specifically, making it a sensible pick for anyone wanting a VPN that works reliably without much configuration.
What a VPN Actually Protects You From, and What It Does Not
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address from websites and your internet provider, which genuinely matters on public Wi-Fi or when accessing region-locked content. It does not make you anonymous online in every sense, since websites can still identify you through logged-in accounts, cookies or browser fingerprinting regardless of your VPN connection.
What to Check Before Choosing Any VPN
- Independently audited no-logs policy. Look specifically for a provider that has undergone a third-party audit of its logging claims, not just a marketing statement.
- Kill switch feature. This automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from leaking unexpectedly.
- Jurisdiction matters. Providers based outside intelligence-sharing alliances, such as Switzerland for Proton VPN, generally face fewer legal pressures to hand over user data.
- Free VPNs need extra scrutiny. Many free VPN apps have been found to log and sell user data, so stick to a free tier from an established, audited provider rather than an unknown free app.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VPN for streaming Netflix and other platforms?
NordVPN consistently performs best in independent streaming unblocking tests, reliably accessing major platforms including Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Disney Plus alongside strong overall speeds.
What is the most private VPN available?
Mullvad is widely regarded as one of the most privacy-focused options, since it does not require an email address at all, using an anonymous account number instead, alongside Proton VPN’s strong Swiss privacy jurisdiction.
Are free VPNs safe to use?
This varies significantly. Some free VPN apps have been found to log and sell user data, so it is safer to use the free tier of an established, independently audited provider such as Proton VPN rather than an unknown free app.
Does a VPN make me completely anonymous online?
No. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic, but websites can still identify you through logged-in accounts, cookies or browser fingerprinting regardless of your VPN connection.
What is the best cheap VPN with unlimited devices?
Surfshark is widely recommended for this specific need, allowing unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single subscription at a lower price than most competitors offering similar features.
Want more software recommendations? Browse our Software & Apps section for more guides.
