VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and it's a tool that gives you a unique IP address when turned on, making your connection appear as if it's in a different location. Below, we've highlighted the six best options in different categories on the market.
You might want to consider a VPN if you do a lot of streaming, traveling, downloading or uploading content or if you're generally online frequently. Different VPNs will offer different things, but the benefits can include unlocking geolocked content, which is ideal if you're traveling and want to stream the content you would at home. Online safety features include, but are not limited to: Ad blockers, malware detection, password management and more.
Nord VPN
NordVPN is up there with the best options available and by most metrics, it is the best. Several plans are available with prices starting from just $2.99 a month for their most basic plan. It offers a fast connection, plenty of security features and is often on offer.
The security features that NordVPN offers include filtering malicious sites and blocking ads with their most basic plan. As plans get more expensive, the level of security features increases, too. Ad and tracker blockers feature as well as anti-malware protection. You can also get encrypted cloud storage, scam detection, a data breach scanner, dark web monitoring, insurance and you can secure up to 10 devices simultaneously.
NordVPN claims their connection speeds can reach over 2,000 Mbps, which is super quick, and you only need a fraction of that to stream 4K video. Connection speeds won't always be that quick; the quality of your connection, as well as how far away you set your geolocation, will always have an effect on this.
All of this, with the choice of up to 164 geolocations and prices starting at $2.99 (and Nord is often on offer, so prices are unlikely to change drastically from this), makes Nord one of the best value options as well as one of the best VPNs overall.
Surfshark
If you're looking for quality and reliability on a budget, then Surfshark could be the VPN you're looking for. It has up to 141 geolocations available and you can protect an unlimited number of devices with prices starting from just $1.99, making it a top value option.
Surfshark claims their connection speeds will reach 460Mbps, which is pretty quick and plenty to stream 4K video, more than enough for general online use and is faster than a lot of the competition, which you'll find more information on below.
The safety features Surfshark offers its users are more than sufficient, too. Antivirus software for your device, along with ad and pop-up blockers, data leak monitoring, identity theft coverage, alternative ID and a dedicated IP address. All of this allows for improved safety when online and Surfshark will alert you and cover you, should something go wrong.
Surfshark has three options available: Their Starter, One and One+ plans, each with increasing levels of security available, but also increasing costs. But, starting out at $1.99 a month on the 24-month plans, and regular offers available, so you often won't have to pay full price, Surfshark offers a lot for a lower cost than its direct competitors.
Express VPN
Express VPN isn't necessarily the cheapest option available, nor does it offer the most security features, but it is very straightforward to use, and if you like something that's one-click-and-go, Express VPN is the option for you.
If you're looking for security features, Express VPN does still offer plenty. You can get malicious site, ad and tracker blockers, a dedicated IP address and up to 14 devices covered simultaneously. Express VPN also offers a dedicated Wi-Fi router with a VPN built in.
When it comes to connection speed, Express VPN doesn't overtly advertise speeds and states,"No two VPN servers are alike. Even servers located in the same country can have different speeds." Our sister site, TechRadar, reported speeds of sub-400Mbps when connected to the US from the UK. This is still more than enough to download content, stream and browse effectively, but isn't quite as fast as some of the competition.
It's important to remember that Express VPN offers users a big button that turns the VPN on and off from the selected location, and that's all there is to using it. It's simple to use, and that's its unique selling point and what helps it stand out from the rest of the market.
Proton VPN
When it comes to robustness and the quality of security features on offer, Proton VPN is a standout in the VPN market, offering servers in over 120 countries and even has a free option available.
Proton VPN guarantees that your activity does not get logged, ads don't appear and malware is blocked. You'll also get encrypted cloud storage, dark web monitoring, a password manager with integrated two-factor authentication and even a private email. You can secure up to 10 devices at a time, too, so you can get stringent safety protocols for many devices all at once.
The connection speeds Proton VPN offers are up to 300Mbps. Again, this isn't necessarily the quickest on the market, but it does offer a more than good enough user experience. Bear in mind, you may only need as little as 10Mbps for general online browsing and basic video streaming; anything around the 300 mark will be enough to give you what you want.
With prices starting at $2.99 a month, you get plenty for your money with Proton VPN, and there's even a free option available. Of course, prices do go up as the plans start to offer more, but with it being an affordable option, Proton VPN isn't a bad option at all if you're looking for a fast enough connection and robust safety features.
PrivadoVPN
Last but by no means least, we have the best free option on the market, PrivadoVPN. PrivadoVPN does have paid options, which start from a low price point, but the free option gives you some pretty handy protection and connection speeds for the first 10GB of usage.
Every month, you get 10GB of usage with Privado's free VPN, and that offers you protection in line with Switzerland's privacy laws, some of the strictest in Europe, 13 global server locations, a no-log policy for your activity, the same level of encryption as paid plans, an ad-free user experience, a killswitch and 24/7 support. Remember, this is all for free. So if you're not willing to spend on a VPN, this level of protection is better than no added protection.
If you use up your 10GB allowance before the month is over, you won't get the same speeds, which will lead to a disappointing experience. But, if you're only using your laptop for general online browsing and maybe some basic video streaming, then 10GB should cover you. It's not ideal if you're going to be regularly streaming, downloading and/or browsing, but for occasional use, this will absolutely do the job.
If you're looking to use a VPN to enhance your streaming experience, or help you stream content from back home while traveling, we recommend checking out our guides to the best streaming services, best value streaming services, streaming deals and best laptops.
As for content on those streaming services, you'll be able to watch the Marvel movies in order, Star Wars movies in order, Alien, Predator, Star Trek and so much more.
