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Best VPN Services: List of Top15+ VPN Providers

VPN Comparison 2023

Have you ever heard of ghost mode on the internet? This isn’t referring to incognito browsing, but something better; VPNs. VPN is an acronym for virtual private network. It is a connection route that gives you anonymity when surfing the internet. That’s what this VPN comparison article is all about.

There are several criteria to consider when choosing a VPN. However, these have been simplified. In this article, you’ll learn about the best VPNs in different metrics like the fastest VPN, the best security & privacy VPN, etc. stick around.

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Find the hands down best VPN Service on Strafe.com

ExpressVPN
Recommended
Favicon
4.9/5
  • Wide server coverage and continuous expansion
  • Lightning-fast VPN speeds
  • Flexible pricing plans with a money-back guarantee
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Hulu
bbc_iplayer
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Payment Methods
Mastercard
Visa
PayPal
+
Apps
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CyberGhost
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.8/5
  • Robust server network
  • Fast WireGuard connections
  • Wide streaming compatibility
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Hulu
Visit Site
Payment Methods
PayPal
Visa
Mastercard
+
Apps
Show less
NordVPN
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.8/5
  • Lightning-fast server speeds
  • Wide server coverage globally
  • Advanced security features
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Hulu
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Google Pay
Mastercard
Visa
+
Apps
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Atlas VPN
4.
Favicon
4.7/5
  • Impressive free VPN service
  • Solid security features
  • Optimized for streaming
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Hulu
bbc_iplayer
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Mastercard
Visa
JCB
+
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Private Internet Access
5.
Favicon
4.7/5
  • High streaming performance and extensive server network
  • Robust security features and privacy measures
  • Affordable pricing plans and reliable service
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Hulu
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Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
+
Apps
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Surfshark
6.
Favicon
4.6/5
  • Wide server network, extensive coverage
  • Unlimited device connections
  • Excellent streaming capabilities
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Hulu
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
+
Apps
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Hide.me
7.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Top-rated VPN for privacy
  • Lightning-fast connection speeds
  • Innovative features for security
Data Logging
Yes
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Torrents
Netflix
bbc_iplayer
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Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
+
Apps
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PureVPN
8.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Always-on auditing for transparency
  • AES-256 encryption and obfuscation
  • Competitive pricing and streaming
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Hulu
bbc_iplayer
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Mastercard
Visa
American Express
+
Apps
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ivacy VPN
9.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • High-speed streaming and browsing
  • Robust security and privacy
  • Affordable long-term plans
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
+
Apps
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ProtonVPN
10.
Favicon
4.4/5
  • Free version with excellent features
  • Extensive server network
  • Top-tier encryption and security
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
+
Apps
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StrongVPN
11.
Favicon
4.4/5
  • User-friendly VPN for beginners
  • Strong privacy and security features
  • Access to 950 servers
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
+
Apps
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IP Vanish
12.
Favicon
4.4/5
  • Extensive global server network
  • Robust security and privacy
  • Unrivalled streaming and torrenting
Data Logging
No
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Netflix
Torrents
Youtube TV
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Visa
Mastercard
American Express
+
Apps
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Bitdefender
13.
Favicon
4.4/5
  • Affordable pricing plans
  • Robust encryption and security
  • Impressive server network
Data Logging
Yes
P2P/Torrenting
Yes
Works with
Torrents
Visit Site
Payment Methods
PayPal
Bank Transfer
Visa
+
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Best features of a VPN

Before we tell you which VPN is best in several categories, we’ll let you know that there are many advantages to using VPNs for your browsing. These reasons will be highlighted in the following paragraphs.

Security

The apex merit you can get from any of the best VPN providers is the protection of data. VPNs act as a security guard to your private data and information. Internet crime rates have spiked in several countries, and studies show that more people are now vulnerable to crimes like hacking than previously. VPNs help to shield your data and any sensitive information from being accessed by fraudulent attackers. Your best bet for online security is a VPN.

Privacy

The best way to perform an online action anonymously is to use a VPN. This grants you privacy. Meaning, you’ll be able to do what you please without any interference from anyone in the world. VPNs mask your real IP address, and therefore identity. So, anybody who tries to identify you will only succeed in identifying the VPN remote server.

Access to forbidden sites

Some sites are kept from our reach simply because you use an IP address that’s non-compatible with a foreign site. Well, VPNs assist their users in bypassing such restrictions by granting you access to foreign addresses through the use of a different IP address. The VPN changes your address to one that the site supports, and voila! Access granted.

Quirks of a VPN

Slower internet connection

Given that the VPN reroutes your connection, internet access could become slower than usual. However, this is not always the case. Many operators that rank high on the VPN comparison list have been able to crack the code and still give you rapid internet use along with the security benefits of a VPN

May be difficult to set up

Some VPNs are less than easy to set up. So one who has no technical background or expertise won’t be able to integrate it into his devices and software. Many VPNs—especially the more popular ones—however, ensure that their products are simple to integrate, configure, and use.

Top VPNs for September 2023

ExpressVPN
1.
Favicon
4.9/5
from 7,52€ / Month
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CyberGhost
2.
Favicon
4.8/5
from 1,99€ / Month
PayPal
Visa
Mastercard
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T&Cs apply, 18+
NordVPN
3.
Favicon
4.8/5
from 2,89€ / Month
Google Pay
Mastercard
Visa
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
Atlas VPN
4.
Favicon
4.7/5
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
Private Internet Access
5.
Favicon
4.7/5
from 1,99€ / Month
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
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T&Cs apply, 18+

The best VPNs category-wise

VPNs offer many selling points, and choosing which one to use should be based on what is most important to you. In this VPN comparison block, we’ll highlight different categories and the VPN that is most outstanding in that realm.

Best for beginners

TunnelBear ranks as our first choice when it comes to VPNs for beginners. TunnelBear has the best VPN software simplicity that just makes it seamless for anybody to use, including newbies. When you launch the VPN, you are welcomed to a minimalistic interface that features map graphics, and a panel by the left side that contains the settings icon and a hamburger menu.

Above the map is the switch button that you can use to toggle the VPN on and off and a drop down menu to select your preferred location from the listed locations. With a user interface like that, even a toddler could use the site’s offerings.

To begin using Tunnelbear’s VPN, you only have to download the app, select your desired country, and toggle the “switch on” button. You’ll be browsing through a VPN in no time. There are other good features that TunnelBear has and this includes:

  • Its services are available in 48 countries
  • It has a server of 3000+ routes
  • It has a decent speed
  • It can host an unlimited amount of devices.

CyberGhost is also ranked high when it comes to utility for newbies. Its UI is easy to use, and its other features may not be the best but are satisfactory for newbies to enjoy good internet sessions.

ExpressVPN
4.9/5
from 7,52€ / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN Highlights
  • Wide server coverage and continuous expansion
  • Lightning-fast VPN speeds
  • Flexible pricing plans with a money-back guarantee

Cheapest VPN

Many paid VPNs are harsh on your pocket. However, CyberGhost is quite popular with VPN users. It is one of the best and cheapest VPNs that has industry-standard features. One of the reasons is due to its slightly less service charge.

While it’s always difficult to come across a cheap VPN monthly subscription plan, the 6-month, yearly, or biennial plans offer insight into the best cheap VPN. CyberGhost’s monthly plan is pegged at $12.99/month and is at par with most top-notch VPN providers.

However, its 6-month and two-year plans are quite affordable. You’ll be required to pay just $6.99 per month should you opt for the 6-month package, while the 2 years + 3 months plan requires you to pay as low as $2.11/month.

Considering the features of CyberGhost in this VPN comparison, we believe that it’s just perfect. You get access to:

  • An AES 256-bit encryption
  • A maximum connection of 7 devices
  • It has 9700 servers
  • Its services are available in 91 countries.

This is as good as one can possibly get with such prices.

CyberGhost
4.8/5
from 1,99€ / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to CyberGhost
CyberGhost Highlights
  • Robust server network
  • Fast WireGuard connections
  • Wide streaming compatibility

Most secure VPN

VPNs shield your devices and activities from snoopers and anybody who could get illegal access to your data. Many VPNs fulfill this purpose, but NordVPN thrives in this aspect.

NordVPN is generally lauded as one of the most effective VPNs on the market. It houses exceptional qualities especially when compared to other VPNs. Features such as speed, pricing, streaming, etc., are some of its strong points. However, what makes NordVPN mostly known is its security and privacy.

The encryption methods used by NordVPN are unbreachable. The AES-256-CBC encryption is one of the most advanced in the VPN space. What’s more, NordVPN uses this along with the SHA-512 hash function. The Chacha20 protocol fortifies your security and privacy even more.

The VPN uses an audited no-logs policy to ensure that records and residues from your internet data are not saved on its network, and are therefore unretrievable. NordVPN also employs the use of a killswitch if any of its servers are compromised. Basically, NordVPN is definitely the apex of security as far as VPNs are concerned.

NordVPN
4.8/5
from 2,89€ / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to NordVPN
NordVPN Highlights
  • Lightning-fast server speeds
  • Wide server coverage globally
  • Advanced security features

Fastest VPN

Using a VPN ebbs your normal internet speed. However, among the top VPNs around, one that stood out for its speed is the IPVanish VPN.

This VPN has over 2000 servers that can be used by its customers. Its services are available in over 50 countries, and it has benefits that make it among the best VPN operators around. Still, its speed is what makes it stand out the most.

Along with other VPNs that were tested in certain locations, we discovered that IPVanish was above even more recognized VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Its download and upload speed are similar, which is something rare for most VPNs, and it's no wonder why. IPVanish makes use of the best tunneling protocols to run its services.

The WireGuard tunneling protocol is one of the most advanced in the industry, and IPVanish utilizes it for its operations. That way, it is able to merge sturdy security and rapidity as its qualities.

IP Vanish
4.4/5
from 6,49€ / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to IP Vanish
IP Vanish Highlights
  • Extensive global server network
  • Robust security and privacy
  • Unrivalled streaming and torrenting

Most connections

What if you need to connect your VPN to many devices at the same time? This is a major factor to consider before buying a plan. The VPN most effective in this category is Surfshark.

If you want to, you can connect all the phones in your neighbourhood to the same VPN. So long as the VPN is Surfshark, you won’t have a problem. Surfshark is truly exceptional with this quality, given that there is no lid on how many devices can connect simultaneously.

Even more impressive is the fact that Surfshark still shines in other categories. For instance:

  • Servers are approximated to be 3200
  • Services are available in 100 countries
  • Surfshark VPN uses a no-logs policy.

Meaning, you can enjoy all these benefits on multiple devices at the same time.

Surfshark
4.6/5
from 2,21€ / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to Surfshark
Surfshark Highlights
  • Wide server network, extensive coverage
  • Unlimited device connections
  • Excellent streaming capabilities

Number of servers

The number of servers a VPN has can determine how good the network is in a certain location. For instance, if a VPN offers just one server in a location, everybody using that VPN will use the same server and therefore choke up the server. This will result in a slower connection. Private Internet Access VPN stands out in this category.

Private Internet Access VPN has an estimated 29,000 servers. These servers are available in 76 countries, and compatible on a host of devices. Simply put, the amount of servers available on this VPN grants you flexibility in choosing networks to use. This increases the chances of enjoying a speedy and decongested VPN experience.

Some other reasons Private Internet Access VPN is regarded among the best VPN services are:

  • It can be used on 10 devices simultaneously
  • It unblocks such streaming services as Youtube, Netflix, etc.
Private Internet Access
4.7/5
from 1,99€ / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access Highlights
  • High streaming performance and extensive server network
  • Robust security features and privacy measures
  • Affordable pricing plans and reliable service

The Best VPN integration

VPNs can be used on numerous services. Some VPNs offer integration into various software. We believe that in the category of integration, ProtonVPN stands out.

ProtonVPN is considered among the best VPN services for many reasons. Among its stellar features are

  • Top-notch security and privacy
  • Good Speed
  • Numerous servers

However, ProtonVPN is also known for its ability to be easily integrated with many devices and software.

ProtonVPN, being first on the best VPN extensions list, means it can connect easily to every major platform, and even act as an add-on to these sites. Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc., are all compatible with this VPN, and you can get access to all these qualities by purchasing any of its plans.

ProtonVPN
4.4/5
from 4,00€ / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN Highlights
  • Free version with excellent features
  • Extensive server network
  • Top-tier encryption and security

Best VPN for Wi-Fi security

Using public Wi-Fi is quite threatening to your privacy and security. Using a public network exposes you to the risk of hacking, data breach, and compromise of your personal information like credit cards, bank details, etc. The best VPN to use for Wi-Fi security is Norton VPN.

Norton VPN ensures that you can connect to public wifi or the internet without having to forfeit sensitive data. Through the use of its split tunneling feature, you can anonymize your crucial information without forfeiting access to local services.

Other features also ensure that Norton VPN stands out, like;

  • The VPN has a Killswitch in case of bad connection
  • Poor and unsafe network detection
  • No logs policy
  • Uses Ad tracker blocking
  • Up to ten devices can be connected

Norton VPN also measures well when compared to other VPN pricing, with its monthly plan starting at $4.99.

Best free VPN

The best free VPNs don’t offer the same value that paid ones do. Most of the features are limited and they just don’t have the same effectiveness as premium-plan VPNs. Thus, they make a poor VPN comparison with paid offers. However, some people don’t want to pay for VPNs, and will still like to access some of its features.

ProtonVPN, Windscribe, Tunnelbear, AtlasVPN, etc., are some of the VPNs that offer free packages to their customers. You could get decent enough benefits from these free plans. For instance, Windscribe’s free plan grants strong internet speed, while ProtonVPN free still gives you unlimited data to surf the internet. On Tunnelbear’s free package, you can access many servers.

While the quality of the best premium VPNs is significantly better, free VPNs like the ones mentioned above give you some decent quality for free.

Best Overall VPN

While choosing the overall best VPN, we inspected the top VPNs in each of the categories mentioned in this article. Overall, the list was narrowed to only a few VPNs. However, NordVPN stood out as the overall best. Meaning it is exceptional in each of the above respects.

NordVPN boasts of many exceptional features like;

  • Strong security and privacy,
  • Excellent speed
  • It is compatible with most major devices and software like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.
  • It can be used to access streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Youtube, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
  • Its pricing starts from $3.49/month
  • It is available in over 60 countries.
  • It has 5700 servers for its customers to use.

Some other VPNs that measured up well were SurfsharkVPN and ProtonVPN. These two have exceptional all-around qualities. They are both comparable in price, speed, and security. However, NordVPN did just enough to earn its spot as the first position on our overall best VPN list.

NordVPN
4.8/5
from 2,89€ / Month
T&Cs apply, 18+
Go to NordVPN
NordVPN Highlights
  • Lightning-fast server speeds
  • Wide server coverage globally
  • Advanced security features

Conclusion

VPN use has become more commonplace in recent years because of the benefits gotten from it. There are many VPNs now available on the market that offer similar features. Thus, determining which VPN to use can be confusing if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Using the VPN comparison criteria mentioned above could guide you in choosing which VPN is best for you. After this article, you should be able to make your choice based on which criteria are most important to you, and the best VPN to use.

Our favorite VPN deals

ExpressVPN
1.
Favicon
4.9/5
from 7,52€ / Month
Mastercard
Visa
PayPal
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
CyberGhost
2.
Favicon
4.8/5
from 1,99€ / Month
PayPal
Visa
Mastercard
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
NordVPN
3.
Favicon
4.8/5
from 2,89€ / Month
Google Pay
Mastercard
Visa
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
Atlas VPN
4.
Favicon
4.7/5
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+
Private Internet Access
5.
Favicon
4.7/5
from 1,99€ / Month
Visa
Mastercard
PayPal
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 18+

FAQs

😀 How does a VPN work?

Having a VPN ensures that you are able to access different websites and channels in a secure and private way. By using a VPN, you’ll be able to go on sites without leaving a trace. But, knowing what to look out for in a VPN is just as important as knowing how it works and we’ve got you covered for that in this article.

🧐 What is the best VPN to use for streaming?

The best personal VPNs have many functions like protecting your data, giving you a private network, and even letting you access sites you normally can’t like some streaming sites. We've covered the basics in this article that will help you choose the best VPN for streaming.

🤔 Does VPN give free data?

VPNs allow you to access the internet through a secure server that reroutes your connection privately. It affords you the opportunity to surf the internet safely and rapidly if you use a good VPN. You can find out what to expect from reading this article.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.

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