In our increasingly digital world, online privacy and security are more crucial than ever before. VPN services have emerged as a vital tool for protecting your data and activity by encrypting your connection and hiding your IP address.
Choosing the right VPN in 2023 can be tricky given the multitude of providers out there. That‘s why I‘ve thoroughly evaluated today‘s top services based on factors like speed, security, server network, affordability and more to bring you the 10 best VPNs currently available.
1. ExpressVPN
With its combination of swift speeds, watertight security and ease of use, ExpressVPN leads the way as the top VPN service in 2023.
ExpressVPN utilizes industry-leading AES-256 encryption along with secure protocols like OpenVPN and Lightway for protective measures that leave hackers and snoops out of luck. An automatic kill switch blocks data leaks if connections drop, while Private DNS prevents DNS leaks for a truly airtight privacy barrier.
In our speed tests, ExpressVPN impressively delivered low-latency connections and fast enough download speeds for 4K streaming and gaming – all while strongly encrypting traffic. With 3,000+ global servers spanning 94 countries, ExpressVPN unblocks geo-restricted content anywhere while bypassing censorship and ISP throttling.
The user-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux make it a breeze to connect to a server with one click. Setting up ExpressVPN on routers or consoles like the PS5 is simple too. While pricier than some competitors, ExpressVPN justifies costs through sheer quality. Sign up risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Highlights:
- Max speed: 882Mbps (UDP), 53Mbps (TCP)
- 3,000+ servers in 94 countries
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Apps for all major platforms
🏆 Try ExpressVPN risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee
2. NordVPN
The Panama-based NordVPN has quickly risen to popularity as one of the most advanced and secure VPN solutions today. It delivers excellent speeds thanks to its fleet of 5,500+ servers hosted in 80 countries worldwide.
NordVPN uses next-gen encryption like AES-256-GCM and scrambles traffic using WireGuard and NordLynx protocols. Features like Onion Over VPN, split tunneling and a kill switch further boost security. The strict no-logs policy assures complete privacy.
SmartPlay technology guarantees smooth streaming on sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. P2P support facilitates safe torrenting at fast speeds. Apps are available for all platforms along with handy browser extensions. NordVPN permits connecting 6 devices simultaneously under one plan, officially allowing VPN sharing.
While not the cheapest, NordVPN‘s 2-year plan brings costs down to just $3.29 per month. Their 30-day refund policy allows trying out the service risk-free.
Highlights:
- Max speed: 782Mbps (UDP), 256Mbps (TCP)
- 5,600+ servers in 80 countries
- Next-gen encryption (AES-256-GCM)
- P2P/Torrenting supported
🔓 Unlock the internet with complete privacy using NordVPN
3. Surfshark
Surfshark stands out as a formidable VPN solution combining blistering speeds and ironclad security at an ultra-affordable price point.
This British Virgin Islands-based provider has a global server fleet spanning over 100 countries. Surfshark makes use of military-grade AES-256 encryption coupled with protocols like IKEv2 and WireGuard for a virtual fortress around your data. Impressively, Surfshark allows unlimited device connections on a single plan.
In testing, we recorded blistering download speeds up to 1Gbps with Surfshark, making it a fantastic choice for streaming, gaming and large downloads. The VPN works seamlessly across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Linux devices.
Surfshark‘s low-cost 2-year plan comes out to just $2.49/month. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, it‘s easy and risk-free to try out this speedy service.
Highlights:
- Max speed: 1Gbps (UDP & TCP)
- 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
- Unlimited device connections
- Apps for all major platforms
🔑 Get Surfshark starting at $2.49/month and unlock the internet in full privacy
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a user-friendly, budget-friendly option that still packs impressively robust features. It‘s based in privacy-friendly Romania with servers across 112 countries.
AES-256 encryption, OpenVPN support and an automatic kill switch provide rock-solid security and anonymity when using CyberGhost. Integrated ad and malware blocking enhance the browsing experience, while support for torrenting facilitates safe P2P activities.
In testing, speeds were fast enough for HD streaming with minimal buffering, though they can‘t match top providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Still, it‘s superb value given the low long-term pricing of just $2.25 a month. Apps are available cross-platform.
For an affordable VPN that gets all the privacy essentials right, CyberGhost is a leading choice – plus the 45-day refund policy provides peace of mind.
Highlights:
- 7,400+ servers in 112 countries
- No-logs policy based in Romania
- Integrated ad and malware blocking
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS & Android
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a highly-trusted veteran VPN known for its advanced privacy tools and large server selection.
This US-based provider offers a massive wireguard-enabled server network spanning 78 countries. PIA utilizes 256-bit AES encryption coupled with secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. The strict no-logs policy has been court-tested to protect user privacy.
Performance is excellent with low latency and quick speeds during testing. PIA permits P2P activities across its servers. The easy-to-use desktop and mobile apps make connections seamless. PIA allows 10 simultaneous device connections.
At just $2.19/month for the 2-year plan, PIA offers outstanding affordability. The 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test-drive the service risk-free. For a time-tested VPN with robust features at low costs, PIA is a top choice.
Highlights:
- 35,000+ servers in 78 countries
- Time-tested no-logs policy
- Up to 10 device connections
- Optimized apps for all platforms
🛡 Sign up for Private Internet Access starting at just $2.19/month!
6. IPVanish
IPVanish is a US-based VPN service trusted by experts for delivering consistently fast speeds and advanced privacy tools.
It provides access to a large server park spanning 75+ locations. IPVanish leverages 256-bit AES encryption alongside protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard for keeping data secure. The zero-logs policy means no user activity or connection data gets stored.
In tests, IPVanish offered low-latency connections and sufficiently quick download speeds for HD streaming. The kill switch blocks data leaks, while port forwarding allows optimizing speeds. IPVanish permits unlimited P2P traffic across servers.
The easy-to-use Windows and Mac apps make connections effortless. IPVanish allows connecting 10 devices simultaneously on one account. At $3.99/month for an annual plan, it hits the sweet spot between price and performance. The 30-day money-back guarantee provides a risk-free trial.
Highlights:
- 1,900+ servers in 75+ locations worldwide
- Zero-logs policy
- Unlimited P2P/torrenting
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS & Android
⚡ Try IPVanish risk-free with their 30-day money-back guarantee
7. Windscribe
Windscribe is best known for its free tier with 10GB monthly data, making it a great starting point for new VPN users. Even the paid offerings are ultra-affordable starting at $2.49/month for the 1-year plan.
This Canada-based provider boasts reliable AES-256 encryption with protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. A strict no-logs policy protects privacy. While the 400+ servers in 60 countries pale in comparison to larger rivals, Windscribe unblocks popular streaming sites.
Performance is best suited for light activities like web browsing and SD video streaming; speeds can fluctuate during peak times. Still, Windscribe delivers surprisingly capable features given its low pricing. Apps are available for all major platforms.
For an extremely budget-friendly introduction to VPNs, Windscribe is a top pick thanks to its free tier and ultra-cheap paid plans. The 30-day refund policy makes it easy to test out.
Highlights:
- Free tier with 10GB monthly data
- 400+ servers in 60 countries worldwide
- Strong AES-256 encryption
- Apps for all major platforms
🍃 Sign up for Windscribe starting at only $2.49/month!
8. TunnelBear
TunnelBear stands out through its charming, bear-themed interface and impressive free offering of 500MB/month. This Canada-based provider is suitable for first-time VPN users thanks to its easy setup and use.
The 1,000+ servers in 40 countries run on AES-256 encryption with support for OpenVPN. While slower than top providers, speeds are sufficient for casual browsing and light streaming. Connecting is made simple through the single-click functionality on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android apps.
For heavy use, TunnelBear‘s 2-year plan is fairly priced at $3.33/month. The free tier makes TunnelBear worthwhile for basic privacy needs or testing usage. The 15-day refund window provides a short risk-free trial period for paid plans. Overall, TunnelBear is ideal for beginners seeking a user-friendly, moderately-priced VPN.
Highlights:
- Generous free tier (500MB/month)
- User-friendly apps with single-click connect
- 1,000+ servers in 40 countries
- AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN
🐻 Try out TunnelBear‘s VPN free tier or signup for full protection starting at $3.33/month
9. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a speedy Swiss-based provider focused on high performance and overcoming geo-restrictions. It owns and manages its entire 700+ global server network to maximize speeds.
VyprVPN utilizes next-gen Chameleon technology to bypass VPN blocking in restrictive regions like China and the Middle East. Competitive speeds enhance streaming, browsing and downloading, while 256-bit AES encryption keeps your data protected.
While pricier than competitors, VyprVPN add-ons like customizable dedicated IPs and cloud storage syncing make it unique. The 30-day money-back guarantee provides ample time to take full advantage of features and speeds risk-free. For unblocking and blazing speeds, VyprVPN is a leading choice.
Highlights:
- Next-gen Chameleon protocol bypasses VPN blocks
- 700+ worldwide servers
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Speeds up to 2Gbps for 4K streaming
⚡ Give VyprVPN a try for fast speeds and unlimited streaming
10. Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is the developer of the world‘s most downloaded free VPN app, which functions as an enticing sneak preview of its robust premium service.
This US-based provider owns and optimizes a network spanning over 3,200 servers in 80 countries to facilitate unblocking of popular streaming sites like US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and Hulu. AES-256 encryption and protocols like IKEv2 and OpenVPN keep everything secure.
For the price, Hotspot Shield offers well-rounded capabilities. Performance is sufficient for HD streaming with low latency during testing, though speeds fall short of the fastest VPNs here. Still, it‘s a balanced choice for bypassing geo-restrictions at an affordable rate. The 45-day money-back window provides ample testing time.
Highlights:
- Free version with 500MB daily data
- 3,200+ VPN servers in 80 countries
- Catapult Hydra protocol for fast speeds
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
🔓 Try Hotspot Shield‘s leading VPN service starting at just $2.99/month
FAQs on Finding the Best VPN in 2023
Are VPNs legal?
In most countries, using VPNs is legal. However, it‘s important to check your local laws, as some restrictive regimes ban or regulate usage. Avoid using VPNs for any illegal activities.
Can VPNs slow my internet speed?
Connecting through a VPN can slightly reduce speeds due to encryption and traffic routing. However, the top services here minimize the impact through optimized networks. For most online activities like streaming and web browsing, speed decreases are negligible.
Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?
Yes, most of the top VPNs here allow installing the service on 5 or more devices concurrently. Some even offer unlimited device connections on a single subscription. However, always verify multi-device support for your chosen VPN provider.
Find the Best VPN for You in 2023
Choosing the right VPN service is essential for protecting your privacy and security in our digital age. I hope this updated 2023 guide to the top 10 providers — with in-depth analysis of their features, performance, pricing and ease of use — assists you in finding your perfect match!
Based on extensive evaluation, ExpressVPN currently stands as the best VPN available thanks to its winning combination of air-tight security, blistering speeds and simplicity of use across devices. However, I encourage you to read the reviews, weigh the pros and cons, and select the ideal service for your specific needs and budget.
Once set up, you can look forward to smooth, uninterrupted browsing, geo-unblocking worldwide, complete anonymity and threat protection as you take control of your online privacy in 2023 with full confidence.
