Contributions by Rafay Baloch Lead cybersecurity expert
Aiming to find out about the best VPN services in 2024? We’ve looked at every notable service in-depth to determine which providers are ideal for various users.
Virtual private networks (VPNs) help to protect your online identity by masking your IP address, keeping your connection secure, and hiding your personal information away from third-party sites. This is the case for many of the cheapest VPN services – and even some free VPNs.
We’ve tested every major VPN service on the market to bring you this guide to the best VPNs available right now. This includes a long list of data points for each VPN, giving you a better idea about which service best suits your needs.
NordVPN: best overall VPN – NordVPN is our pick for the best overall VPN. It costs just £2.49 per month and comes with an ironclad 30-day money-back guarantee. It scored highest for privacy & security, usability and features and accessed every streaming service during testing with ease. Servers in 111+ countries.
With our exclusive deal, our best VPN for speed, Surfshark, can be used for as little as £1.69 per month. It was the fastest VPN overall during testing across all devices, and it comes with a 30-day refund policy.
ExpressVPN: best VPN for streaming – ExpressVPN accessed every streaming service successfully during testing, scoring high marks across the board. It has lots of extra features, including a password manager, Threat Protection, a custom protocol, and more.
Proton VPN has everything you could want from a premium provider: an audited no-logs policy, advanced security features, exceptional connection speeds, and strong streaming capabilities. Free version with some limitations.
Best VPN for MacOS features – Nippy servers and feature-filled apps ensure that PIA scores well. It has the fastest average VPN connection speeds for Android devices.
IPVanish: best VPN for speedy iOS connections – IPVanish has a reputation as one of the fastest options on the market, and there’s no quicker option for iOS users
CyberGhost: best refund policy – Labelled streaming servers and beginner-friendly apps make CyberGhost a viable option if you’re in need of a dependable VPN. It has almost 12,000 servers in total and an extended 45-day money-back guarantee for longer subscriptions.
Our best VPN list uses objective and data-driven tests for scoring, and it assesses the factors and sub-factors that we believe are most important for anyone considering using a VPN. These tests include 500+ speed tests across MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. In addition, we consider a number of key aspects when comparing VPNs. The breakdown is as follows:
Our VPN tests compare performance across eight critical factors: privacy & security,speed, pricing, content access, usability, features, customer service, and the company. Our overall scores are calculated using mathematical formulas and equations derived from our data-driven testing. Each factor has various subfactors. For instance, when looking at privacy & security (25%), we consider whether the service has a kill switch for all devices, run IP leak tests, test encryption, look for any previous security incidents, consider the company’s jurisdiction, examine the company’s data retention practices, and much more. We similarly thoroughly examine each of the criteria listed above. Wherever possible, our VPN tests and reviews use objective and quantifiable data to inform scoring. We also use expert subjective assessment supported by data to round out our testing process. You can see our testing and scoring process here.
Testing factors and evidence
Rather than taking our word for it, we’ve included information detailing the scoring and evidence we collected for each provider during testing.
For example, you’ll find speed test videos for each VPN in the speed section. Selecting privacy & security will bring up a video of our IP leak tests, alongside an average score for this criteria. For content access, we’ve added a screenshot of the VPN while accessing a popular streaming platform like BBC iPlayer or Netflix. Pricing has screenshots with the latest fees, while customer service contains videos of our interactions with live chat support. Features has a rundown with what to expect from each VPN, while we use the Flesch score of the VPN’s homepage to highlight usability. Finally, we’ve included Companies House information for the company section.
When selecting the best VPNs, we looked at their overall scoring, as well as specific results relating to speed, streaming, security, and more. This data was used, along with our established best VPN framework, to inform the listings.
When selecting the best VPN overall, we looked at a combination of overall scoring in terms of speed, reliability, content access, pricing, privacy & security, usability, features, customer service, and the company itself. The best provider should excel in all areas. Factors like server numbers were considered but didn’t contribute to the overall scoring.
The top VPN (by overall score) was selected for each use case below.
VPN
Best for
Overall score
NordVPN
Best overall VPN
8.80
Surfshark
Best VPN for speed
8.49
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for streaming
8.46
Proton VPN
Best VPN customer service
8.44
Private Internet Access
Best VPN for MacOS features
8.15
IPVanish
Best VPN for speedy iOS connections
7.90
CyberGhost
Best refund policy
7.82
Mullvad
Best VPN for anonymity
7.57
Windscribe
Best free VPN
7.43
PrivadoVPN
Best VPN for pricing
7.26
Our testing team
Prices accurate as of 15th July 2024
James
VPN Tech Editor
James Milin-Ashmore
VPN Tech Editor
James Milin-Ashmore has covered cybersecurity and VPNs since the mid-2010s, writing for industry publications and services such as VPN Mentor, Liquid VPN, Comparitech, Bleeping Computer, ProPrivacy, AlwaysVPN, and more.
With a focus on ethics and digital privacy, his work has been featured in a range of publications, including the Activist Handbook and Reader’s Digest. In his spare time, he’s likely to be watching sports, or taking his dog for a walk around Hertfordshire.
Rafay
Cybersecurity expert
Rafay Baloch
Lead cybersecurity expert
Rafay Baloch isa globally renowned cybersecurity expert and white-hat hacker with a proven track record of identifying critical zero-day security vulnerabilities in numerous web applications, products, and browsers. His discoveries have been instrumental in safeguarding the privacy and security of millions of users worldwide. Baloch has received various accolades, including being named one of the “Top 5 Ethical Hackers of 2014” by Checkmarx, one of the “15 Most Successful Ethical Hackers Worldwide”, and one of the “Top 25 Threat Seekers” by SC Magazine. In addition, Reflectiz listed him among the “Top 21 Cybersecurity Experts You Must Follow on Twitter in 2021”.
Rafay has presented his research at various international cybersecurity conferences, including Black Hat, Hack In Paris, HEXCON, the 10th Information Security Conference in Greece, the CSAW Conference, and many others. He is frequently sought after for his insights and analysis on current cybersecurity topics, appearing in national and international mainstream media outlets such as Forbes, WSJ, BBC, Express Tribune, DAWN, and many others.
Luke has been writing about technology and science for almost two decades now. As such he’s been covering VPNs since they first started making a mainstream appearance. He also specialises in cars, TVs, health and fitness tech, sound systems, smart homes, power tools, white goods, toys and more. When he’s not doing all that he likes to surf, cinema and cycle.
Mariana
Writer/VPN tester
Mariana Krasteva
Writer/VPN tester
Recent updates
We’ve recently switched to a quantitative, data-driven approach to our VPN reviews. Over 1,000 data points were identified following hundreds of hours of tests and research. Having started with 30 providers, our testing team has whittled them down to a shortlist of the 10 best VPNs, which underwent stringent testing to discover which is best overall. This includes 34 types of sub-criteria for privacy & security alone.
The listings have also changed to reflect the overall score earned by each provider. For example, ExpressVPN (8.46) climbs to third at the expense of Proton VPN (8.44), although there was only a 0.02 difference in terms of overall scoring. We’ve also updated our tables to include the best VPN deals available right now.
Best results for privacy & security, usability and features
Worked with every streaming service tested
Cons
Not the cheapest option
Slower speeds on iOS during testing
Server countries111
Server locations135
Devices supportedWindows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, routers, game consoles, and more
Customer support24/7 live chat
Simultaneous connections10 devices
Refund policy30-day guarantee
A wide range of features across multiple devices
Secure streaming via lots of popular platforms
Excellent speeds on MacOS, Android, and Windows devices
Our verdict
NordVPN is our top pick as the best VPN for the majority of would-be users because it excels in a wide range of scenarios and earned the highest scores across the board. It might lack a free trial, but it’s a capable streaming solution that offers an independently audited no-logs policy. Various unique features, such as Threat Protection, abound, boosting speeds, anonymity and security.
NordVPN is based in Panama, which is especially privacy-friendly, and you’ll find over 6,400 servers to pick from across 111 countries. It’s an extensive network, with more locations for an IP address than any of the alternatives I’ve listed below.
The provider has long been seen as one of the best VPNs on the market, supplanting a number of competitors over the years due to constant improvements that keep it at the forefront of the industry. For example, it comes with a custom protocol (NordLynx), which was built using WireGuard as a basis. Available for Linux, Windows, iOS, macOS and Android, NordLynx offers the improved speeds seen with WireGuard without compromising on security.
Having conducted over 360 recent speed tests in the latest shake-up of our methodology, NordVPN was the undisputed fastest VPN on Windows and placed in the top three overall in terms of performance.
Streaming fans will be glad to hear that it aced our content access tests, and worked well with pretty much any UK platform you can think of. NordVPN also earned the highest scores overall for criteria such as privacy & security (9.00), usability (9.00), and features (9.68), leading to a weighted average of 8.81 out of 10.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of its simple 30-day money-back guarantee, which allows you to test NordVPN for yourself with no risk.
Devices supportedWindows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, routers, game consoles and more
Customer support24/7 live chat
Simultaneous connectionsunlimited
Refund policy30-day guarantee
Impressive connection speeds across all devices
A cheap VPN that ticks all the boxes
A VPN that works with most streaming services
Our verdict
Surfshark can compete with the best providers in the market in most respects, despite being one of the cheapest VPN services for longer subscriptions. Unlike the majority of affordable options, it comes with an audited no-logs policy, and it’s adept at accessing the majority of popular streaming services. During my tests, it worked well with all streaming services, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer, although it did struggle with Now TV.
You can expect AES 256-bit encryption, an audited no-log policy, multihop support, an automatic kill switch, and a large network of more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Additionally, CleanWeb works to block ads, trackers and malware, while Camouflage Mode and NoBorders allow secure access to the internet from anywhere on the planet.
It proved to be the fastest VPN overall during testing, which is especially impressive given that it’s available for a fraction of the cost when compared with the likes of ExpressVPN. Surfshark also scored well in criteria such as pricing (8.40) and features (9.63), with the latter accounting for support across MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices.
You’ll be able to connect with an unlimited number of devices at the same time, allowing you to share an account with friends and family at no extra cost.
While it has a decent selection of features to choose from, it’s worth noting that Surfshark has an additional paywall for some of the more interesting extras on offer, including real-time breach alerts, and a private search engine. The app itself has tabs for some of these add-ons, even if you’d prefer not to opt for Surfshark One. However, Starter plans give access to Surfshark’s VPN with no limitations, as well as an ad and pop-up blocker.
As with any reputable provider, you’ll be able to try Surfshark risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Accessed every streaming service successfully during testing
Had lots of advanced features across every app
Achieved high scores for customer service
Cons
More expensive than average
Slower speeds on Android devices
Server countries105
Server locations145
Devices supportedWindows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Linux, routers, web browsers, Smart TVs, game consoles and more
Customer supportLive chat and knowledge base
Simultaneous connectionseight
Refund policy30 days
Fastest UK server speeds via desktop devices
Expert advice and quick responses via live chat
Our verdict
Once an undisputed industry leader, ExpressVPN still combines fast speeds and strong streaming support to great effect. The provider has been independently audited 12 times between 2018 and 2022, and notable extras include a custom protocol (Lightway), an ad blocker, and more.
As with NordVPN, ExpressVPN has upped its game recently, increasing the maximum number of simultaneous connections from five to eight while significantly expanding its network of servers to include 105 countries. The best VPN providers tend to be in an endless struggle to offer the best service possible.
ExpressVPN stands out as one of the best VPNs for content access (10.0), or for anyone who’d prefer to be covered by some of the best customer service (9.5) in the business. It aced our streaming tests (10.0), and response times via live chat averaged less than a minute (51 seconds): that’s the time it takes to speak to a real human, as opposed to the bot support seen elsewhere.
The provider recorded the fastest overall UK VPN server speeds via MacOS (402.00 Mbps) and Windows devices (269.19 Mbps), and it scores high marks jurisdictionally, as it’s based in the British Virgin Islands.
Even if it’s no longer a clear frontrunner in terms of overall scoring (8.46), ExpressVPN manages to keep pace with the leading pack. Everything from ease of use (8.95) to customer support (9.5) is impressive, and it’s great for tasks like streaming, torrenting, or secure browsing.
For the privacy-conscious, ExpressVPN has a strict no-log policy, which has been tested by multiple independent security audits. The only real downside to ExpressVPN is its pricing (6.90) when compared with other top VPN providers – better value can be found elsewhere, even if it’s a polished service in most respects.
In any case, you won’t be left feeling short-changed if you decide to sign up with ExpressVPN, and it comes with a no-quibble 30-day money-back guarantee just in case.
Devices supportedWindows, Mac, iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, web browsers and Chromebook
Customer supportKnowledge base, live chat (for customers only) and submit a request form
Simultaneous connections10
Refund policy30 days
Secure content access from anywhere in the world
Knowledgeable support staff and quick responses via live chat
Audited VPN with strong streaming support
Our verdict
There aren’t many providers that focus on security & privacy (8.27) to the extent that Proton VPN does. Given that it also comes up with the goods in terms of speeds (7.62) and content access (10.0), it’s especially useful if you don’t mind paying a slightly higher asking price. A free tier with no bandwidth cap is another feature that isn’t usually found elsewhere, and it goes some way to explaining why Proton VPN is a more expensive solution.
Server numbers are always increasing, from 2,700 to 5,500+ over the past 12 months. Previously offering connections to servers in 67 countries, it was up to 91 at the time of writing.
Proton provides lots of additional features that some users may have no need for, but we like the additional options, such as MultiHop, which allows users to further improve online privacy if the need ever arises.
Scoring well for features (9.47), Proton VPN comes with AES-256 encryption, split tunnelling, a kill switch, and its NetShield ad blocker, which protects users from ads and stops trackers from monitoring their browsing history. Its VPN Accelerator claims it has the ability to boost your connection speed by up to 400 per cent, smoothing out buffering time when streaming and improving connection stability.
It performed reasonably well during my speed tests while connecting to nearby Proton VPN servers found in the UK. However, I did see slowdown while testing the Windows app via London-based servers (126.68 Mbps), especially when compared to MacOS (402.00 Mbps) and iOS (405.00 Mbps) Proton VPN apps. As a result, the VPN Accelerator seems like more of a gimmick than anything else.
If you’re willing to spend a little more on your VPN subscription, Proton VPN is undeniably one of the best providers on the market. It misses out on a top three-spot by the finest of margins (0.02), but it’s still our top pick as the best VPN for customer service.
A free version of the app (with no bandwidth cap) doubles as a trial, and you’ll also be able to take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Devices supportedWindows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, web browsers, Smart TVs, game consoles and more
Customer supportLive chat, knowledge base and submit a request form
Simultaneous connectionsunlimited
Refund policy30 days
Affordable coverage on unlimited devices
Features on par with the best in the business
Fast speeds from a range of locations
Our verdict
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers unlimited device connections and lots of privacy features at a low asking price. It’s a little rough around the edges in some respects, but it has a massive selection of servers to pick from (35,000+), even if that information can’t be found anywhere on its website.
Being based in the US isn’t great for privacy (7.43), but PIA’s no-logs policy has been audited by Deloitte for peace of mind. Customer service took a while to respond (over five minutes) and was somewhat unhelpful, failing to adequately answer two out of three questions adequately.
Features (9.63) include split tunnelling, MultiHop servers, and port forwarding, which can be found across all devices. Performance is one area in which PIA needs to improve if it hopes to match up to the very best in the business (7.34), but I saw no slowdown whilst testing 4K videos, and it recorded the fastest average speeds while connected to servers in Australia on Android devices.
PIA has optimised servers for accessing popular streaming platforms in a long list of countries, including smaller European nations like Finland, the US, the UK, and many more. Unfortunately, PIA didn’t work with Sky Go or Channel 4, but it still achieved solid results for a budget provider.
Its apps look slightly dated by modern standards, but PIA is still a solid option if you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the likes of Surfshark. Promotions often slash prices by more than 80%, which is hard to beat in terms of value. An overall score of 8.15 is impressive, and PIA comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Devices supportedWindows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, routers and most streaming devices
Customer supportBot messenger, knowledge base and submit a request form
Simultaneous connectionsunlimited
Refund policy30 days
Speedy iOS connections
Our verdict
With a reputation as one of the more powerful providers on the market, IPVanish should definitely be in the mix if you’re looking for the best VPN in terms of international connection speeds (7.55) and US coverage.
It can be used with unlimited devices, comes with an audited no-logs policy, and it’s capable of accessing a wide range of streaming services with no hassle. Sky Go proved to be the exception, so anyone hoping to access the platform will need to look elsewhere.
Like the majority of providers I’ve listed above, IPVanish offers helpful VPN security features you’d expect such as a kill switch, malware protection, and split tunnelling. These features (8.21) can be found across apps for operating systems such as iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Fire Stick, and more.
However, you’d be better served looking elsewhere if you’re hoping for anything other than the basics. For instance, there’s no room for MultiHop connections, even with desktop devices.
IPVanish is quick no matter which server you select. This makes it another solid solution for tasks like torrenting, as you’ll never have to worry about significant slowdown while connected to this provider.
Monthly subscriptions are relatively expensive, although the price drops significantly for longer deals, enough to consider IPVanish as a true budget VPN. A weighted score of 8.40 for pricing puts IPVanish firmly on par with the likes of Surfshark and PIA.
IPVanish may lack some of the bells and whistles seen elsewhere, but it’s still a capable audited service with a lot to offer. Unlimited devices, streaming support, and fast speeds across its network are clear positives, although being based in the US means it loses marks for privacy.
Missing out on a few advanced features seen elsewhere
No 12-month subscriptions
Server countries100
Server locations128
Devices supported Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, web browsers, Fire TV Stick, Smart TVs, games consoles and more
Customer support Live chat, knowledge base and submit a request form
Simultaneous connectionsseven
Refund policy 45 days (annual subscription)
Fastest US server speeds on Android
Simple apps with labelled streaming servers
45-day money-back guarantee
Our verdict
Next on my list of the best VPNs on the market right now, CyberGhost is a suitable solution for anyone aiming to access streaming services securely with the least amount of hassle.
Dedicated streaming servers work with a range of popular platforms worldwide, and you’ll also find options that are optimised for devices like Fire TV Stick and Android TV. However, I couldn’t access Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go, or Channel 4 during my tests, so there are more reliable VPNs for these streaming platforms.
As with ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is especially easy to use, and speeds are impressive from a range of locations worldwide. Its overall speed rating of 7.31 is one of the highest on this list.
If you’re aiming to sign up for a while, its two-year deal works out to only £1.78 per month, so it’s one of the cheapest VPNs overall. In addition, CyberGhost comes with a simple 45-day refund policy if you’re hoping to test whether it works with a specific site or service. The lack of a 12-month deal is disappointing, and it’s one of the only providers listed that doesn’t offer yearly coverage.
CyberGhost is great for accessing geo-restricted content. It has excellent speeds, and works out to be highly affordable. It’s a great combination for many would-be users, while almost 12,000 servers worldwide is an undeniably massive network.
It doesn’t offer as many advanced privacy features as some alternatives, but it’s still an excellent choice for gaming, streaming, and anyone wishing to stay protected at a low price. If you’re in need of an affordable streaming solution, CyberGhost is easily one of the best VPNs available.
Devices supported Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux and web browsers
Customer supportKnowledge base and email
Simultaneous connections five
Refund policy 30 days
Fastest iOS VPN speeds
Anonymity
Our verdict
Mullvad is a specialised service that predominantly aims to improve online privacy and security. For instance, it doesn’t ask for any information that will identify the user, while allowing for anonymous payments via cryptocurrencies or by sending cash directly to its offices.
Speeds (8.00) are particularly impressive via local servers, and it’s packed with advanced privacy & security (7.32) features designed to keep you safe. In fact, it’s second only to Surfshark in terms of performance, and it provided the fastest average iOS connection speeds during my tests (464.47 Mbps).
If you’re interested in anonymity above all else, Mullvad is a clear contender as the best VPN to get the job done for you. However, there are a few negatives. One major downside is a lack of reliable streaming support, so you’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re hoping to use a VPN to access streaming content safely.
For example, I’ve tried it with BBC iPlayer numerous times, but it was impossible to access the service no matter which UK server I selected. Instead, I was met with a blank screen every time. There were similar issues while using Amazon Prime Video, as well as ITV X and Channel 4.
Pricing (6.25) is also worth mentioning, as the fee to use this VPN is the same no matter how long you sign up for, and it hasn’t changed since the service was launched in 2009. That’s a solid commitment, although a flat rate also means that you won’t see the significant savings seen elsewhere if you’re sticking with a VPN long term. On the other hand, it’s a cheaper option if you’re only in need of coverage for a short period.
If you’d like to sign up anonymously and you’re not worried about streaming support, Mullvad is a flexible option.
Devices supportedWindows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV Stick, Linux, Huawei, routers, web browsers and more
Customer supportBot messenger and knowledge base
Simultaneous connectionsunlimited
Refund policyseven days and 10GB limit
Free streaming servers
Our verdict
Windscribe has built up a decent reputation over the past decade, and a large user base swears by its free tier. Speeds (7.01) are decent, depending on the location you’ve selected, and it’s capable of accessing many streaming platforms. It was the only provider on the list that didn’t work with Paramount Plus, but it’s still a great result in terms of content access (9.5).
Yearly subscriptions are relatively affordable, and you’ll be able to connect with unlimited devices. Windscribe comes with a kill switch and split tunnelling, while the provider’s Remote Omnidirectional Badware Eliminating Robotic Tool (R.O.B.E.R.T.) feature, available for Pro plan users, blocks ads, stops tracking, has a customisable block list and supposedly improves browsing speeds. It’s customisable, and users can choose which block lists they would like to include, from malware and ad trackers to gambling and social networks.
Aiming to port users from the free tier, overall scores across all criteria are decent (7.57), if not particularly impressive compared to the best in the business. Privacy & security is on the lower end (6.68) of the scale, mostly due to the lack of an audit, as well as being based in Canada. Jurisdictionally, it’s best to avoid all Five Eyes countries.
With no live chat available, it’s worth mentioning that it took Windscribe roughly two minutes to get back to me via email when I asked about a specific feature. That’s quicker than I expected, although a seven-day refund policy is far shorter than the 30-day industry standard.
Unlimited devices and streaming access are always helpful, but the lack of an audited logging policy leaves a lot to be desired. As such, Windscribe places low on our list of the best VPNs available right now.
Some of the cheapest VPN subscriptions on the market
One of the few VPNs to offer a free trial and a free version
Cons
No-log policy yet to be audited
Lowest overall score for privacy & security (5.32), usability (7.78) and features (7.26)
Server countries49
Server locations66
Devices supportedWindows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV Stick and Android TV
Customer supportKnowledge base and submit a request form
Simultaneous connections10
Refund policy30 days
Pricing
Our verdict
PrivadoVPN is ideal if you’re in need of a low-cost VPN that offers a decent selection of servers along with impressive speeds (7.46). A free tier with a 10GB data cap can be used to test it out with a range of geo-restricted services, and it worked with everything aside from Sky Go, Now TV, and ITV X (8.5).
Along with streaming access, Privado offers an ad blocker, kill switch, split tunnelling, and a Socks5 proxy. However, when compared with some of the alternatives listed above, it falls short in terms of advanced features (7.26), as well as its smaller server count.
Privado earns the best VPN pricing (8.66) score on our list, not just because it has some of the cheapest subscriptions available but also because it’s one of the few VPNs to offer both a free trial and a free version. It also offers regular promotions and comes with an ironclad 30-day money back guarantee.
It advertises a no-logs policy, but, unfortunately, this is yet to be independently audited – this is particularly disappointing considering the provider does collect some logging information, including device identifiers and email addresses. As such, a low privacy & security score (5.32) is something to be aware of.
Speeds were impressive, although the results didn’t match up to the very best in the business. This was especially apparent while testing the Android app, with UK speeds averaging just 58.57 Mbps. Comparatively, Surfshark offers 162.00 Mbps via the same setup.
PrivadoVPN is ideal for beginners, thanks to its easy-to-use apps. A decent free VPN tier has helped the service to garner a substantial user base, and it continues to improve over time.
However, for any users looking for the best VPN service, this provider might not be a good fit despite the cheap deals on offer. It lacks an audited no-logging policy, and server locations are few and far between.
Access to streaming services: Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Now TV, Channel 4, ITV X, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
Amazon Prime, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, Apple TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus
Pricing overall score
8.66
Free trial? Y/N
Y
12-month price
44.85
Privacy & security score
5.32
Audited no-log policy? Y/N
Y
Last logging policy audit date
None publicly disclosed
Usability score
7.78
Features score
7.26
Ad blocker? Y/N
N
Company score
10.0
Customer service score
3.75
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network, or VPN, allows you to create a secure connection between your device and a server in a location you’ve selected. Predominantly used for privacy and security, a VPN masks your IP address, making it tough for anyone to track your online activities. You’ll be assigned a new IP address that matches the server location you’ve selected. This can be used to access geo-blocked websites and services. VPNs generally use a paid subscription model and expect the entire sum upfront when you sign up.
How does a VPN work?
A VPN creates a secure tunnel between your device and the internet by encrypting your data and routing it through a remote server. This means your online activities are kept private, as your data is not visible to anyone monitoring your connection. When you connect to a website, your data is sent through the VPN’s server, hiding your real IP address and location while protecting your data from being intercepted. This will help to keep any interested parties such as your internet service provider (ISP), at bay, as they will only be able to see that you’ve connected to a VPN server, rather than all of the traffic sent to and from your device.
VPN encryption is especially important to ensure there are no data leaks to worry about. The same is true for no-logs policies, as the VPN itself could still have access to your data, and needs to get rid of it accordingly. Rather than taking logging claims at face value, look for a provider with an audited no-logs policy to remove the need for any guesswork.
Best VPN FAQs
Yes, VPNs are legal in the UK. It’s also legal to use a VPN to access geo-restricted streaming services, such as Netflix and Disney Plus, but we advise only accessing content from the country in which your subscription is based. However, it’s important to note that downloading, accessing or sharing copyrighted material or conducting any other criminal activity, even while using a VPN, is illegal.
The majority of VPN apps will notify you every time you connect to or disconnect from a server. A simple method to test whether your VPN is working is checking your IP address to see if it matches the VPN server location you’ve selected.
You can find your IP address in a browser like Google by entering “what is my ip” in the search bar. Alternatively, an online speed test tool can be used to verify a VPN connection. For instance, when I’m connected to a US VPN server, the speed test tool should select a server in the same country (or nearby) for the fastest results.
The very best VPNs can help to improve online privacy, masking your real IP address while decreasing your digital footprint. However, this will count for little if you’re signed in to your social media accounts at the same time. For example, if you’re logged in to services like Google or Facebook, these companies will be able to follow you more easily across multiple websites and services via cookies, app tracking, and other methods of data collection. In terms of your personal data and your online traffic, an audited no-logs policy will ensure that there is no information to hand over to any interested parties.
Connection speeds can be a limitation with some VPNs, while some regions are neglected in favour of servers in more popular locations. Some sites and services have taken to banning VPN connections, typically by blocking the temporary IP address that’s assigned to the user. This can often be solved by switching to a different VPN server, as you’ll be assigned a new IP address in the process.
We strongly recommend that everyone uses a VPN, even if it’s just to stop companies like Google and your ISP from tracking your online movements. Everyone has a right to privacy, and a VPN helps to protect your personal information. VPNs are easy to use, and you’ll find associated apps for every device you can think of.
Disclaimer
The data in this review is reported from a neutral stance and should be used for informational purposes only. We review VPN services from the perspective of:
The quality of the product based on the security and privacy it affords the user
User experience of the application(s)
Connection speeds, and overall performance in terms of reliability
Level and quality of customer service
Independent Advisor strongly recommends that you follow the local laws in your region whilst using a VPN. We do not condone the use of a VPN to bypass copyright restrictions, or to stream content without a valid subscription in your current region. Make sure to comply with any and all applicable laws and regulations whilst using a VPN with streaming services, and any other relevant platforms.
James Milin-Ashmore has covered cybersecurity and VPNs since the mid-2010s, writing for industry publications and services such as VPN Mentor, Liquid VPN, Comparitech, Bleeping Computer, ProPrivacy, AlwaysVPN, and more.
With a focus on ethics and digital privacy, his work has been featured in a range of publications, including the Activist Handbook and Reader’s Digest. In his spare time, he’s likely to be watching sports, or taking his dog for a walk around Hertfordshire.
Rafay Baloch isa globally renowned cybersecurity expert and white-hat hacker with a proven track record of identifying critical zero-day security vulnerabilities in numerous web applications, products, and browsers. His discoveries have been instrumental in safeguarding the privacy and security of millions of users worldwide. Baloch has received various accolades, including being named one of the “Top 5 Ethical Hackers of 2014” by Checkmarx, one of the “15 Most Successful Ethical Hackers Worldwide”, and one of the “Top 25 Threat Seekers” by SC Magazine. In addition, Reflectiz listed him among the “Top 21 Cybersecurity Experts You Must Follow on Twitter in 2021”.
Rafay has presented his research at various international cybersecurity conferences, including Black Hat, Hack In Paris, HEXCON, the 10th Information Security Conference in Greece, the CSAW Conference, and many others. He is frequently sought after for his insights and analysis on current cybersecurity topics, appearing in national and international mainstream media outlets such as Forbes, WSJ, BBC, Express Tribune, DAWN, and many others.
Rafay authored the “Ethical Hacking and Penetration Testing Guide” in 2014. ‘Web Hacking Arsenal: A Practical Guide To Modern Web Pentesting‘ is set to be released in August 2024.
