More and more people are choosing VPNs to surf with, and the reasons for doing so can vary. The most common reason is privacy. Perhaps you just don’t want your Internet Service Provider to know how you spend your time online. Or perhaps you want to protect your privacy from the sites that you visit. Along with privacy, another reason is security. Surfing with a VPN makes it less likely that your device can be hacked into. This is especially true if you are using a public wi-fi network. Another reason is to be able to access streaming services in a particular country or region, for example when you are travelling abroad. Whatever your reasons, here are the main criteria to keep in mind when comparing VPN services. They are security and privacy features, speed and performance, server network and locations, ease of use and device compatability, pricing and value, and any additional perks and reliability. Please note that all of the advice given on this site is made in the understanding that you want to use VPNs for legal purposes.
Security and Privacy Features
If your chief goal is to stay anonymous, then this is probably the big one . Look for strong encryption (like AES-256), a kill switch (to cut your internet if the VPN drops, preventing IP leaks), and leak protection (DNS, IP, WebRTC). A strict no-logs policy is crucial—meaning the provider doesn’t track or store your activity—and it should be independently audited. For example, services like NordVPN and Surfshark have multiple audits confirming they don’t log data. Also, check if they’re based in privacy-friendly countries. Proton VPN shines here as it’s from Switzerland and open-source. Tip: Avoid free VPNs without audits, as it has been known for them to sell your data.
Speed and Performance
VPNs can slow your connection due to encryption and routing, so test for minimal speed loss (aim for under 10-20% drop in download/upload). This is vital for streaming geo-blocked content without buffering or for torrenting anonymously. From tests, NordVPN and Hotspot Shield lead with losses as low as 3-6% on downloads, while Surfshark is great but can dip on uploads. Factors like server distance and protocols (e.g., WireGuard for speed vs. OpenVPN for security) play in. This can be a factor if you are looking to stream 4K porn. Real-world tip: Use free trials to speed-test on your setup, and look for unlimited bandwidth to avoid throttling.
Server Network and Locations
For getting around geo-blocks, you want a wide spread of servers in many countries—think 50+ locations with thousands of servers to avoid overcrowding and ensure reliable connections. NordVPN boasts 7,800+ servers in 125 countries, making it perhaps the best for unblocking. Proton VPN isn’t far behind – it covers 122 countries, great for global access. Check for specialty servers too, like ones optimized for P2P/torrenting or obfuscated ones (PureVPN is great for this) to hide VPN use in restrictive spots (e.g., China). If you’re targeting specific regions, verify the provider has servers there.
Ease of Use and Device Compatibility
You don’t want something clunky, especially if you’re new to this. Go for intuitive apps with one-click connects, and support for all your devices (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, routers, even smart TVs). Unlimited simultaneous connections are a plus—Surfshark and Private Internet Access offer this, so you can cover your phone, laptop, and more without limits. Also, consider extras like split-tunneling (route only certain apps through the VPN) for flexibility.
Pricing and Value
VPNs range from free (with limits) to $10-15/month, but long-term plans (1-2 years) drop to $2-5/month with deals. Weigh the cost against features—NordVPN’s at $3.39/month on a 2-year plan but includes antivirus-like tools, PureVPN is only $2.14 and comes with a tracker blocker, while Surfshark’s $1.99/month is cheaper still and with unlimited devices. Look for money-back guarantees (30 days common) and no hidden fees. Free options like Proton VPN’s basic tier are okay for light use but often cap speeds or servers—paid is better for heavy anonymity/geo needs.
Additional Perks
Extras can tip the scales: ad/malware blockers (Surfshark’s CleanWeb), multi-hop routing for extra anonymity, or bundled antivirus (NordVPN’s Threat Protection).
Ultimately, the “best” depends on you—e.g., if privacy is your top concern, choose a service with no logs such as Proton or PureVPN; for speed and value, Nord, Surfshark, or again PureVPN. All four of these have sufficient servers across the globe for you to get past geo-blocking.
