AVPN (short for "Virtual Private Network") is a privacy tool that can help protect your data when browsing, streaming, or playing games online. The best VPN providers encrypt your data securely and route it through their servers, and can also change your location to access websites and content overseas, such as streaming services while you're on vacation or game lobbies in other countries.
VPN services are a booming business, and they are becoming increasingly popular as we recognize the importance of safeguarding our online security. Thankfully, over the years, as our privacy on the internet has become more and more at risk, the top VPN services have begun to combat the intrusiveness of certain algorithms and cookies. Nowadays, if you are searching for a VPN provider, you may be almost overwhelmed by the options, as there are numerous choices, each offering a slightly different package.
If you are struggling with difficulties in selecting the best VPN for yourself, then you have come to the right place. Below, we will present the arguments for why we recommend ExpressVPN, but we have also reviewed ten other top options, including the best budget VPN and the best free VPN. If you require guidance in choosing the best VPN, please refer to the end of this guide.
Here are our top three VPN providers, if you don't have time to read the entire guide.
Best VPN services in 2023:
- ExpressVPN – best VPN overall.
- CyberGhost – best VPN for streaming.
- NordVPN – the fastestVPN.
- PureVPN – most trusted option.
- Private Internet Access – best cheapVPN.
- Surfshark – best for multiple devices.
- PrivadoVPN – best new provider.
- Ivacy VPN – best for privacy
- Atlas VPN – best freeVPN.
- IPVanish – best for encrypted storage space.
1. ExpressVPN
The best VPN overall in terms of service quality and features.
ExpressVPN review:
| Server totals | 3,000+ servers in 94 countries |
| Compatibleservices/games | Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, FIFA, Minecraft, Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more |
| Free trial | No free trial |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Simultaneous connections | 5 |
| Router support | Yes |
Advantages.
- Servers in 94 countries
- TrustedServer system gives extra privacy
- Lightway protocol provides speed
Disadvantages.
- Slightly more expensive than other providers
- Fewer individual servers than other providers
- Fewersimultaneous connections allowed
With servers in 94 countries around the world, compatibility with most major streaming platforms, excellent download speeds, and a multitude of other advantages, ExpressVPN is our choice as the best VPN service overall. As it is a giant in the world of VPNs, there is no doubt that many readers have already heard of it.
This is an excellent choice for gamers who are looking for the best lobbies, for movie fans who want to access libraries of their favorite streaming platforms abroad, and for those who wish to keep their internet activity and personal data confidential. The main disadvantages are that it does not allow simultaneous connections to as many devices as some other providers, and it is one of the most expensive VPNs. However, all things considered, it is an excellent service and you get what you pay for.
If confidentiality is the primary priority, then the TrustedServer system would be quite appealing. It prevents servers from recording any information about your habits when using ExpressVPN. This provides confidence that the service does not consume your data to the same extent as your internet service provider (ISP), which is a good confirmation.
Please familiarize yourself with our review of ExpressVPN.
2. CyberGhost
The best VPN for streaming.
Review of CyberGhost:
| Server totals | 7,400+ in 94+ countries |
| Compatible services/games | FIFA, PUBG, GTA Online, Overwatch, Netflix, Disney Plus, Prime Vide, Hulu, and more |
| Free trial | 24 hours |
| Money-back guarantee | 45 days |
| Simultaneous connections | 7 |
| Router support | Yes |
Advantages:
- Low price
- Broad streaming service compatibility
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Disadvantages:
- No third-party privacy audit
- Slower than some other top providers
Streaming enthusiasts know the pain of limited regional content - fortunately, CyberGhost gives you the ability to bypass this restriction. With over 7,400 servers in more than 91 countries, you potentially have access to many movies and content that would otherwise not be available.
CyberGhost is compatible with major streaming platforms including Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and Netflix, so you should have no trouble accessing these services when your VPN is turned on. Additionally, it has a 45-day money-back guarantee, so if there is one show that you really want to watch, you can watch it within those 45 days and get your money back.
It is also one of the few major VPN providers that allows you to test it out with a free trial version. True, it lasts only one day (while other providers with trial versions give you more time), but it is still an opportunity to try CyberGhost and make sure it does what you need.
3. NordVPN
The fastest VPN service.
Review of NordVPN:
| Server totals | 5,300+ servers in 60+ countries |
| Compatible services/games | Dota 2, World of Warcraft, Call of Duty: Warzone, GTA Online, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Prime Video, and more |
| Free trial | No free trial |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 |
| Router support | Yes |
Advantages:
- Fastest VPN
- Works with most streaming services
Drawbacks:
- Servers in fewer countries than other providers
- On the slightly more expensive end of the price spectrum
Just like with ExpressVPN, you've probably already heard of NordVPN, as it is one of the biggest names in the VPN industry. When testing OpenVPN encryption (using the ProPrivacy VPN speed testing tool), the average download speed on the server was 65.79 Mbps, making it the fastest VPN on this list.
When a certain activity uses a lot of bandwidth, your internet service provider artificially slows down the connection speed. NordVPN not only hides your actions and prevents your internet service provider from slowing down the connection speed, but you may also notice that everything starts working faster when you turn it on.
With over 5000 servers in 60 countries, you have plenty of connection points, and thanks to the WireGuard protocol, NordVPN encrypts data much faster than many of its competitors. Whether you use Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, you'll find that it offers dedicated support for your chosen platform, making NordVPN an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fast VPN.
Please check out our review of NordVPN to learn more.
4. PureVPN
PureVPN - our choice for the most reliable VPN.
Review of PureVPN:
| Server totals | 6,500+ servers in 78+ countries |
| Compatible services/games | New World, Counter Strike: GO, League of Legends,Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus,and more |
| Free trial | $0.99 seven-day free trial |
| Money-back guarantee | 31 days |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 |
| Router support | Yes (PPTP and OpenVPN only) |
Advantages:
- Undergoes third-party privacy audits
- Allows up to ten simultaneous connections
Drawbacks:
- No free trial
- Router supported limited
While every VPN on this list is a reliable and reputable business, we have chosen PureVPN as the most trusted for one key reason: privacy audit. While every provider here has a no-logs policy, PureVPN goes one step further by voluntarily subjecting itself to third-party audits to unequivocally prove that they are not monitoring their customers. For privacy-conscious internet users, this will be particularly appealing.
Furthermore, these audits help ensure that the company stays abreast of privacy threats in the ever-evolving online environment. If auditors identify any areas where the service could be more privacy-focused, they make the necessary changes to address the issues.
Unfortunately, this VPN does not offer a free trial version (only paid), so you will have to rely on the 30-day money-back guarantee if you want to try it out (which, as we understand, may not be suitable for everyone). On the other hand, PureVPN allows up to ten simultaneous device connections (sufficient for most home networks), which, except for having no restrictions at all, is one of the most generous offers you will find.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is the best affordable VPN available.
Review of Private Internet Access (PIA):
| Server totals | 35,000+ servers in 78+ countries |
| Compatible services/games | League of Legends, Halo Infinite, Valorant, PUBG, YouTube, Disney Plus, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| Free trial | None |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 |
| Router support | Yes |
Advantages:
- Low pricesthan most
- Largest selection of servers
- Up to ten simultaneous connections
Disadvantages:
- One of the slower providers on this list
- No third-party privacy audits
If you're on a tight budget but don't want to use a free VPN, then Private Internet Access can be a good choice. We have partnered with them to offer PCGN readers an exclusive deal: for $79, you get VPN coverage for 38 months, which works out to just $2.03 (£1.67 in the UK) per month, and you won't have to worry about online privacy for over three years.
You can also enjoy up to 10 simultaneous connections, security features such as a kill switch and a no-logs policy, as well as a built-in ad blocker. The only real downside is that the download speed is slightly slower than that of faster providers on this list.
The VPN service itself is also quite splendid. Private Internet Access boasts an immense selection of over 35,000 servers across 78 countries and is compatible with major streaming platforms. While the number of countries may be surpassed by other providers, the sheer quantity of servers places it ahead of all others when considering the overall total.
6. Surfshark
Surfshark stands as the preeminent VPN for multiple devices and families.
A review of Surfshark:
| Server totals | 3,200+ servers in 65+ countries |
| Compatible services/games | Fortnite, League of Legends, Counter Strike: GO, Overwatch, YouTube, Hulu, Prime Video, Netflix, and more |
| Free trial | One week |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited |
| Router support | Yes |
Advantages:
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connection
- Lower price
- Offers a free trial
Disadvantages:
- Smaller server selection
- Fewer server locations
If you live in a household with multiple children and other family members who use the internet from different devices, then Surfshark is an attractive option as it allows for an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
It is compatible with multiple streaming services, including Amazon Prime and Netflix. If you need to keep children entertained, it allows access to region-exclusive content from 65 different countries, providing ample content for seamless viewing. With speeds of up to 2x10Gbps per server, buffering issues are avoided.
If you're interested in trying out Surfshark, you'll be pleased to know that it offers a week-long free trial period, which should provide you with enough time to ensure it performs all necessary functions.
7. PrivadoVPN
PrivadoVPN is the best new virtual private network service on the market.
A review of PrivadoVPN:
| Server totals | Hundreds of servers in 46 countries (paid) |
| Compatible services/games | GTA Online, Minecraft, Call of Duty: Warzone, Overwatch, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more (paid) |
| Free trial | Free plan with limited servers and 10GB monthly allowance available |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 (paid) |
| Router support | No |
Advantages:
- Free plan available indefinitely
- Allows up to ten simultaneous connections
Disadvantages:
- No router support
- Smaller server selection
- Fewer server locations
Although not as well-established as some other companies on this list, we would like to take a moment to highlight PrivadoVPN. With its no-logs policy and protection against IP leakage, it excels at keeping all of your confidential data secure and private.
Meanwhile, its ability to be used with up to ten simultaneous connections means that it should be capable of protecting the privacy of most home users. Even large, well-established providers often only allow up to five or six connections at once.
If you do not frequently utilize the Internet, you may wish to consider trying the free PrivaVPN plan. Its primary limitation is the ability to only use 10 GB of data per month, but this should not pose a problem if you intend to use it solely for specific sensitive searches or if you infrequently access the Internet. While it may be more constrained than its paid counterparts, it is certainly worth considering if you have a limited budget.
8. Ivacy VPN
Ivacy VPN is the most confidential virtual private network service.
Review of Ivacy VPN:
| Server totals | 5,700+ servers in 100+ countries |
| Compatible services/games | Dota 2, Call of Duty: Warzone, Minecraft, Overwatch, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, Hulu, Netflix, and more |
| Free trial | $0.99 week-long paid trial |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Simultaneous connections | 10 |
| Router support | Yes |
Advantages:
- Military-grade 256-bit encryption
- Affordable prices
- Loads of server locations
Disadvantages:
- No Apple kill switch
- Trial is only available at a cost
Ivacy VPN is another lesser-known provider that we wanted to draw attention to. The brand's lower recognition does not necessarily mean lower quality, especially in this case. In addition to the 256-bit military-grade encryption that will keep your internet search activity as confidential as possible, Ivacy VPN can also boast an impressive number of over 5,700 servers in more than 100 countries around the world. This makes it an easy choice for the most confidential virtual private network service.
Ivacy VPN is another lesser-known provider that we wanted to draw attention to. Lower brand recognition does not necessarily equate to lower quality, especially in this case. In addition to the 256-bit military-grade encryption that will keep your internet browsing activity as confidential as possible, Ivacy VPN also boasts an impressive number of over 5,700 servers in more than 100 countries worldwide. This is an easy choice for the most confidential virtual private network service.
However, the Ivacy VPN service has a no-logs policy, as well as optional add-ons in the form of a dedicated IP address and port forwarding for those who require them, providing a high level of confidentiality and discretion. Founded in 2006, Ivacy VPN is built on decades of experience and is a true "hidden gem" in the world of VPNs.
9. Atlas VPN
AtlasVPN is the finest free virtual private network (VPN).
A review of AtlasVPN:
| Server totals | 750 servers in 37 countries (paid) |
| Compatible services/games | FIFA, Overwatch, Dota 2, Halo Infinite, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, Hulu, and more |
| Free trial | Free plan with limited servers and 5GB monthly allowance available |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited (paid) |
| Router support | No |
Advantages:
- Free to use indefinitely
- Allows simultaneous connections on free plan
Disadvantages:
- Small server selection even on paid plan
- No router support available
Although it is not the only VPN service on the list that offers a free package, it has something that most other free VPN providers cannot offer: the ability for simultaneous connections. Although it has a small limitation (you can only use two connections), it still puts it far ahead compared to other free plans, which only allow the use of VPN on one device at a time.
The main limitation of the free version is the ability to use only 5GB of data per month and having only three servers to choose from. However, if you don't frequently use the internet or only want to maintain privacy during specific searches, then it is a good choice.
The most important aspect is the adherence to a no-logs policy, which AtlasVPN definitely does. While you may have a limitation on data usage, you can still browse the internet with complete privacy for free, which is a refreshing departure from free VPN services that harvest your data like the first crop after a long winter.
10.IPVanish
IPVanish is the best VPN service for encrypted data storage.
A review of IPVanish:
| Server totals | 2,000+ servers in 52+ countries |
| Compatible services/games | Minecraft, Call of Duty: Warzone, Fortnite, Roblox, Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, and more |
| Free trial | None |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited |
| Router support | Yes |
Advantages:
- Options for up to 250GB SugarSync encrypted storage space
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
Disadvantages:
- Small server selection
- Limited server locations when compared to others
Do you have a lot of media files that you want to keep safe on your computer? If so, you might be interested in checking out IPVanish, as it can provide you with up to 250GB of encrypted storage and SugarSync backup - allowing you to protect large volumes of content.
Although IPVanish may not have as many servers as some of its competitors (1600+ in 52 countries), it allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and is compatible with many streaming services. If you are experiencing issues with streaming through your own connection, this VPN may be the solution.
IPVanish is also a rare example of a VPN provider that allows its users to have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. This will certainly be attractive to those who have a large household full of devices that need to be protected for privacy.
Howto choose the best VPN
Our list of the best VPN services was compiled by testing each service, comparing their features, and even studying thousands of user reviews. Here's what we took into account (and what you should consider) when choosing the best VPN services:
- Price:We know everyone is working with a different budget. While some people will want the VPN with the fastest speed, others will want a cheap VPN option. We wanted to ensure that we included affordable VPN affordable options in this mix
- Platformcompatibility:It’s important to decide what you want aVPN for, and to find a provider that’s compatible. For example, the best VPNs use DNS access on multiple devices like your phone, laptop, gaming PC, console, andeven browser with browser extensions
- Ease of use:Most of us aren’t VPN experts, and even if we are we want a provider that’s quick to use. We considered how easy it was to use each VPN provider and to connect to the service
- Privacy audits:Some VPNs undergo regular third-party audits in order to confirm that they aren’t tracking their customers’ data and are acting in a responsible way. An audit will help you to make an informed decision and it’s worth looking at when a VPN provider last had a security audit and how comprehensive that audit was. Did it cover the provider’s mobile apps, extensions, and infrastructure?
- Server quality:VPN providers often quote a huge number of servers in their specs, but it’s about the quality of those servers as well as quantity. You’ll get agood VPN experience through thecombination of software, hardware, and other factors.Generally speaking, though, the more countries a VPN has servers in, the better, especially if you’re someone whoneeds to connect throughspecific regions
- Server speeds:If the average download speed through a VPN’s servers is low enough, your experience on the internet experience may be significantly hindered
Learn more about how we test VPN services and equipment at PCGamesN.
We are confident that at least one of these options will meet the needs of any of our readers. While we recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN provider, we understand that not everyone has the same circumstances, which is why we created this list. By carefully weighing the pros and cons of each service, we were able to identify what we perceive as the unique advantages of each service and then compile this list.
