Best VPNs We’ve Tested 2026

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is like a secure tunnel for your internet connection. IP2Proxy is a geolocation service to detect anonymous proxies such as VPN, residential proxies, Tor nodes & data centers. Just upload a text file with a list of IP addresses to the batch service via our website and get the IP2Proxy data. AVG Secure VPN keeps your data safe with 256-bit AES encryption — the same encryption that banks and governments use. You need a strong antivirus to protect against malware, spyware, or phishing attacks — in addition to using a VPN service for internet privacy. A VPN service increases your safety and security a great deal, but it is not the same as an antivirus tool.

B. VPN Types Based on Protocols

Mullvad’s apps deliver a consistent experience across devices and are extremely simple to use. And unique to Mullvad is Defense Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis (DAITA), a feature that helps protect users from having their encrypted web traffic identified using artificial intelligence. spars casino Mullvad’s plenty fast enough for data-heavy activities like streaming, torrenting or gaming.
However, PIA’s sluggish server speeds make it unsuitable for users with slower or more unreliable internet connections. By testing across multiple devices and platforms, we’re able to assess which VPNs are best for gaming versus those best for streaming, torrenting or sharing sensitive information. Our rigorous testing process involves running over 250 internet speed tests across multiple worldwide servers to determine accurate internet speed loss averages. If all servers severely hinder your internet speeds, then streaming, browsing the web or hopping on Zoom calls may be be frustrating. When considering VPN server networks, look at the overall number of servers, as well as the individual country locations.

• A VPN is particularly important for staying safe on public Wi-Fi networks.
• Our platforms secure all types of identity from AI agents to your customers, employees, and partners.
• Not only is WireGuard just as secure, but it is faster and manages network changes better.
• Email Relay lets you create secure email addresses that forward to your real inbox.
• However, free VPNs have limitations like reduced speed and bandwidth, limited server locations, and potentially less robust security and privacy features.

You can also install a VPN on your router for whole-network coverage and to bypass simultaneous connection limits. However, the more important consideration is to ensure that the VPN has servers in the specific countries you need. For instance, one company may have twice the total number of servers as a competitor but half the number of country locations, meaning you’ve got fewer international choices. When shopping for a virtual private network, you’ll need to figure out the best VPN for your needs and budget. ExpressVPN has cutting-edge privacy and security features and is a recipient of a CNET Editor’s Choice award. With Mullvad, you’ll get apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS and Android TV, along with browser extensions and router support (which can help you bypass its restrictive limit of five simultaneous devices).

Help you stream content

Only a handful of VPN providers, including ExpressVPN, offer post-quantum encryption. The service continues to improve, with scam call protection on Android rolled out in July. Additionally, Nord packs advanced privacy amenities, including its NordWhisper VPN protocol, which tries to masquerade as standard web traffic in an attempt to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. Although we’d like to see improvements in its privacy policy and more reasonable renewal prices, Nord is great for privacy-critical users like investigative journalists.

• Yes, there are free VPNs, but their services and features are often more limited than premium VPNs.
• Using other browsers and other internet uses outside the browser (e.g., online games) cannot be encrypted by the VPN.
• Download AVG Secure VPN for Mac to access content freely, encrypt your internet connection, and stay private online.
• In conclusion, using a VPN is an essential tool for safeguarding your online privacy and security.
• Using it on my Nvidia Shield Pro android & Samsung S20+ here in Canada 🇨🇦 Both apps for my devices work smoothly!
• Personal VPNs focus more on privacy, encryption, and usability on individual devices.
• You can use a VPN to watch streaming services like Peacock, Max or Hulu from your home country when traveling abroad.

Why do I need an Internet security suite instead of just a VPN?

This helps obscure your location and makes online activity more difficult to trace. They adjust to changing traffic loads without manual intervention. This level of flexibility can help balance security and performance in more complex environments.
Finding or showing your IP address is a simple process that can be done in a few steps, depending on the device you are using. It’s important to note that while your public IP address is essential for Internet connectivity, it can also pose privacy and security risks. Your public IP address plays a crucial role in your online experience. Think of it as your digital home address that enables you to send and receive data over the Internet. Check out our blog to learn more about how IP addresses work, their importance, and how to manage your online presence effectively. It’s assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), allowing you to connect to the Internet through a network, whether at home, work, or on the go.
Each VPN protocol is a combination of encryption methods and transmission protocols. While many encryption methods, or algorithms, exist, most VPNs use the 256-bit AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) algorithm. As well as allowing you to shop online more safely, a VPN can also help you avoid location-based price variations. Journalists, activists, and others living or working in places where information is restricted can use VPNs to access the information they need and communicate more freely.

Support

If, for some reason, your VPN provider doesn’t offer software for the devices your business uses, check the provider’s website for guides on manual setup. If you’re using a VPN client that provides free VPN service, your connection speed may be slow, as these providers do not usually offer high-speed connections. Since VPN connections run off the Internet, you need to choose an Internet service provider (ISP) that consistently delivers excellent service with minimal to no downtime. If you’re not sure how to keep it up and running safely, consider bringing in an experienced network security professional to make sure VPN security hasn’t been compromised.
From a business perspective, you need a VPN to provide secure remote access to company systems and data. So for stronger protection, users should pair a virtual private network with antivirus software. Personal VPNs do help protect internet traffic by encrypting data and masking the user’s IP address. This makes it way easier to protect remote users and devices—especially when they operate beyond the traditional perimeter. More specifically, virtual private networks don’t provide complete protection on their own. VPNs are generally safe for transmitting data over the internet but aren’t 100% secure.

Your IP address is a unique number linked to your online activity, somewhat like a return address on a letter. Check if your email address, password, and other personal information has been exposed in a data breach. That goes for your Internet connection, too. Is your Internet connection up to speed? Compare top rated VPN service providers that meet your needs and budget.
Many VPN router devices can support dozens of tunnels at the same time, using easy configuration tools—ensuring all workers have access to company data, no matter where they are. With a VPN, workers can access, send, and receive data within a private network that uses the infrastructure of a public network like the Internet. A virtual private network (VPN) helps keep your business more secure and protects critical data from prying eyes. A router VPN is especially useful if you want to protect devices with an internet connection that are not easy to configure, such as smart TVs. It prevents third parties from accessing and compromising the network connection and encrypts data all the way to the provider.
Organizations are now looking to simpler, more integrated solutions that combine access and security in a single product. These improvements addressed growing concerns around online threats, data interception, and privacy. The connection acted as an extension of the corporate network, making it easier to share resources across locations.
During the coronavirus crisis in Spring 2020, many companies faced the problem of not having enough equipment for their employees. Often, not all employees of a company have access to a company laptop they can use to work from home. However, after a flood of security breaches, especially in the early 2010s, the consumer market for VPNs started to pick up. For example, you might be prompted to enter a password, after which a code is sent to your mobile device. A good VPN can detect this sudden downtime and terminate preselected programs, reducing the likelihood that data is compromised.
After you install the VPN client apps, it’s time to enter login information. Even if they don’t, it’s better to install what they offer first and then confirm that your VPN account is operating correctly. In theory, the VPN clients should be able to work well together, but competing clients can also be a source of problems, so it’s best to remove them. It’s a good idea to prepare your network system before you set up a VPN so that you can avoid problems down the road.

How to choose a good VPN service

To benefit from VPN protection on your MacBook or iPhone, check out our guide to setting up a VPN on Mac devices or mobile phones. Other problems with free VPNs include bandwidth limits, slow connection speeds, and fewer server locations. Free VPNs typically replace subscription fees by displaying ads or even by collecting personal data. It’s the simplest way you can set up a VPN connection — simply download a VPN app to your device and turn it on when you want to use it, or leave it on all the time.