The Best VPNs of 2020

We test all of our VPNs on multiple devices to see how they perform in terms of both speed and security. We’re also looking at the company behind the VPN; we want the companies to be based in areas outside of the jurisdiction of Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes, meaning that they can never be legally forced to hand over customer data. We also read each company’s privacy policy to see what customer data they keep and whether or not it’s shared with third parties. Finally, we test out the VPN’s apps on both iOS and Android, as well as review their customer support system. In a nutshell? We do all the hard work so you can just download a VPN and be protected!

Aside from our best VPNs list that you’re currently reading, we’ve also reviewed the best VPNs for gaming, iPhones, and Androids, plus the best free VPNs. Most of the above VPNs are on these lists, along with a few other options that we tested out and liked.

Video Review

We made a video review so you can see the VPNs for yourself! Watch it below or on our Youtube channel1 (and be sure to subscribe once you’re there for more awesome content).

What is a VPN? How VPNs Keep You Safe Online

VPNs, otherwise known as Virtual Private Networks, is a piece of software that allows users a “private” Internet connection, meaning that their web traffic and activity will be hidden in an encrypted tunnel and their IP addresses will be replaced. By connecting to private servers, people can make sure that their web traffic isn’t easily hackable for someone on the same public Wi-Fi network. Since all of their traffic will be encrypted, no one will be able to access the websites they’ve visited or your credentials like their usernames, passwords, financial account information, and other sensitive personally identifiable information (PII).

VPN Consumer Usage, Adoption and Shopping Study

Security.org conducted a study on how adults in the United States use and shop for VPNs, and we found some interesting bits of information:

Nearly half of respondents said that they used VPNs for general security reasons, while 40% said they use VPNs for general privacy.
38% of respondents between the ages of 45 and 60 said that their jobs paid for their VPNs, while only 14% of those aged 18 to 29 had their companies pay.
68% of the survey respondents say that they use a VPN, either free or paid, for personal or work use. Altogether, that’s about 142 million users in the U.S alone.

The survey also touched on VPN’s costs. The plurality of respondents, 28%, said that they paid anywhere from $5 to $10 a month for their VPNs, while 24% said they paid less than $5 a month. But of course, not everyone uses VPNs; 57% of the respondents who didn’t use VPNs said they don’t need one for personal use, and half said they don’t plan to use a VPN in the next six months. However, these respondents may not be familiar with how VPNs can help them protect their privacy in the digital landscape; if they were, perhaps they’d be more open to the idea.

VPN Services: What Can I Use Them For?

There are a number of things you can use a VPN for, including:

• Security on public networks: Being on a public network can make you more susceptible to hacking, with your web traffic and IP address easily accessible. However, joining a VPN will replace your IP address and encrypt your web traffic, upholding your privacy.
• Access private networks: You may need to access a network for your home or office elsewhere; VPNs with split tunneling allow users to access public and private networks simultaneously.
• Increased security for e-commerce: Buying stuff online can feel a bit tricky, especially if it’s a website you aren’t super familiar with. To keep your financial information protected, VPNs hide your web activity.
• Hide data from marketers and Internet Service Providers: It’s no secret that large tech companies like Google and Facebook make billions of dollars on user data, selling it to third party advertisers to create targeted ads. Given that 47 out of the 50 states in the U.S have weak or nonexistent data privacy laws for consumers, connecting to a VPN is one of the only ways to avoid having your data tracked and sold online.
• Access international content: Maybe you want to see what Netflix is like in Canada, or maybe you’re in a country that doesn’t allow Netflix at all. Whatever the reason, using a VPN can give you access to content that’s otherwise inaccessible unless you’re in a certain locality.
• Bypass government/school/office restrictions: Whether you want to browse social media at work or torrent files in a country that doesn’t allow for torrenting, being able to connect to VPNs all over the world means unlimited access to the Internet, free of restrictions.
• Activism/ whistleblowing: Some journalists, activists or whistleblowers may use a VPN to hide their identities while researching or writing.

Whether it’s accessing your office’s private network while working from a local coffee shop or watching HBO GO on your trip to China, VPNs can come in handy for more than just general privacy or security online, although they’ll give you that, as well.

Can a VPN Track You Online?

The entire point of downloading a VPN in the first place is to ensure your online anonymity, but some VPNs save more of your data than others. While we haven’t reviewed many VPNs aside from Encrypt.me that save user data, many VPNs will save other information about their users, which can include:

• The time and duration the user connected to the VPN
• The user’s IP address
• The amount of data the user used while connected to the VPN
• The user’s personal information like their name, address, payment information, email, etc.

For the large majority of VPNs, they will not track their users online in terms of the sites they visit, or any of their web traffic or activity. However, we recommend reading the VPN’s privacy policy before you sign up to make sure that they don’t log web activity. Another option? Read our VPN reviews, which go into detail on each of the VPNs’ privacy policies. We’ve read them so you don’t have to!

How Do VPNs Work?

VPNs work by connecting the user to a private server as opposed to a public server. The private server encrypts the user’s web traffic and activity in a tunnel and replaces their IP address, which makes them much less likely to be hacked while on a public Wi-Fi network. Most VPN companies have servers all around the world so users can connect as locally as possible; the closer the server, the faster the speeds while connected. Some VPNs even encrypt users’ traffic multiple times through multiple servers, a process called “multi-hop”.

Web traffic is encrypted using the latest industry standards like AES-256, the SSL, or Secure Socket Layer, as well as SHA 2, the Secure Hash Algorithm. Once the VPN creates the encrypted tunnel, the user’s data is sent to the server using VPN protocols like TCP, Transmission Control Protocol, and L2TP, Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol. Of course, the user doesn’t see any of this happening; they just click “connect” and their web traffic is encrypted and their IP address is hidden.

Why Do I Need a VPN?

There are a number of reasons why anyone who uses the Internet needs a VPN, among them including:

• Avoid hackers: There’s a hacker attack2 every 39 seconds, and when you’re on a public Wi-Fi network like at a cafe or library, it becomes even more likely that you’ll be the next victim (not to scare you, of course!). However, VPNs replace your IP address and hide your web traffic, which makes it harder for hackers to access your personal information and steal your identity.
• View international content: You may be at home wanting to watch Hulu from a neighboring country with different programming, or maybe you’re traveling in a country with web restrictions like China. By connecting to a private VPN server in a location of your choosing, users can access content typically only accessible by being in another country, expanding their streaming possibilities and avoiding government restrictions.
• Torrent files: Torrenting is often in a legal gray area, and while we can’t support illegal torrenting, many people use VPNs to download movies and TV shows that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.
• Access private networks: Whether it’s a private home or work network, VPNs with split tunneling allow users to be on public networks and access private networks at the same time.
• Maintain your anonymity online: From pop-up ads to cookies, the act of being online means that your data is at stake. While we can’t remain completely anonymous online, VPNs can help, hiding the user’s web activity and IP address from view.

Who Needs a VPN?

Anyone who uses the Internet on a public Wi-Fi network needs a VPN. They’re also ideal for anyone traveling internationally who needs to access a private network in another location, or anyone that wants to bypass government, school or work restrictions on Internet usage. VPNs are ideal for journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and anyone else that wants to be as anonymous as possible online.

How Do I Get a VPN?

Getting a VPN is as easy as downloading an app from the Apple Store or the Google Play store; you can also use a browser extension if that’s easier for you. Of course, we recommend researching the VPN thoroughly before you connect, as not all are created equal. A good place to start is our best VPN page; scroll up to see our favorite tried and tested picks.

Can You Trust Your VPN Service?

VPNs are meant to hide users’ web traffic, but what if the VPN itself isn’t trustworthy? Sadly, not all VPN companies are trustworthy. Here’s how we determine if we can trust our VPN service or not:

• Company headquarters: We look for companies based in countries that are non-members to Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes, the international surveillance alliances that legalize the government forcing companies to hand over customer data. In countries like the United States, a Five Eyes member, the government has forced companies to give them information about customers, like with IPVanish. Ideally, we want a company based in a non-member country with no history of handing over customer data to the government. We also would like the VPN to be based in a country with no data retention laws of its own.

• Privacy policy: Nearly all VPNs claim they have a “zero logs” policy, but that’s not the case for the majority of them. While most VPNs don’t log web traffic, many log other user information like IP addresses, times and durations of visits, the amount of data used, and more. To find out how much data a company collects, we read their privacy policy and see if they keep the minimum amount of data necessary to uphold the user’s account, which is typically just their email address, payment information and not much more.
• Encryption methods: We prefer companies that use the latest encryption methods like AES-256 as opposed to AES-128, which is outdated.

Are VPNs Legal?

VPNs are legal in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries but that may not be the case elsewhere. Here are a few countries with complete or partial VPN bans:

• China
• United Arab Emirates
• Russia
• Oman
• Iran
• Belarus
• Turkey
• Iraq.

The Limitations of VPN Services

While VPNs are certainly useful for millions of people, they also have their disadvantages, such as slower speeds. By having your data go through an additional server, you may experience decreases in download and upload speeds and increases in latency. Plus, VPNs don’t give you the legal right to perform illegal activities online, like torrenting copyrighted material or going to websites that are illegal in your location. Keep in mind that if the VPN’s headquarters is based in a Five Eyes, Nine Eyes or 14 Eyes country, they can hand over customer information to the government, if need be. So while most VPNs hide your web traffic, total invisibility online isn’t possible for most.

VPNs by the Numbers

When we shop for VPNs, we’re looking for a few key numbers, which include:

• Simultaneous connections: How many devices can be connected to a VPN at once? For large families or workplaces, this question is particularly relevant. Although connecting to multiple devices at once can definitely cause slowdowns, it’s an essential feature for many people. We’ve reviewed VPNs that cover anywhere from one to an unlimited number of devices at once, so make sure that the VPN you choose has the coverage you need.
• Available servers: How many servers does the VPN company have? With a large company like NordVPN, you’ll get access to 5,246 servers, while smaller companies like Perfect Privacy only have about 55 servers. If you travel frequently, look for a VPN with a large number of servers so you can always stay connected.
• Server locations: Even more important than the number of servers are the server’s locations around the world. Look for a company with servers nearby; the closer you are to the server, the better speeds you can expect. Companies like ExpressVPN even let you choose servers by city, with options for New York, L.A, Atlanta, and other major cities in the U.S.

VPN Buying Guide

VPNs are a good example of undifferentiated products,3 meaning that they are largely all similar in terms of their functionality, i.e hiding your web traffic and replacing your IP address. So your choice of VPN will really come down to a few specific features, which we’ve outlined below.

• Needs:
  • Streaming: Would you like to stream movies and TV shows from services like Netflix, HBO Go, and Hulu? Not all VPN servers allow for these streaming services, so make sure to check that out beforehand.
  • Simultaneous connections: How many devices will you be connecting to the VPN at once? Make sure your VPN allows for sufficient simultaneous connections.
  • Split tunneling: Will you need to access a private network while using the Wi-Fi from a public network? If so, look for a VPN with split tunneling.
• Privacy:
  • Jurisdiction: Depending on how important privacy is to you, you may want to look for a VPN based in a country that’s a non-member to Five Eyes, Nine Eyes and 14 Eyes, meaning they can’t be legally forced to hand over customer data to the government.
  • Privacy policy: While the majority of VPNs say that they have a “zero-logging” policy, this is rarely the case. Read the VPN’s privacy policy to find out which pieces of data they do save; at the very least, they shouldn’t log your web traffic and IP address.
  • Encryption: Choose VPNs with up-to-date encryption methods like AES-256 bit.
  • Two or multi-factor authentication: It’s easy for hackers to gain access to accounts through phishing emails, but if you add on two or multi-factor authentication to your VPN account, they won’t be able to log in, even with your credentials. Look for VPNs that let you get a passcode sent to your mobile device or use your fingerprint or facial recognition to log in, preventing unauthorized access.
• Location: Make sure that the VPN you choose has servers near the locations you’ll be using it in. This is especially important if you need fast speeds for something like gaming.
• Device Type: Does the VPN work on the device you have? For most users, the answer will be yes, but it’s still something to double-check before putting down your credit card.
• Browser Type: Some VPNs also have browser extensions; if you want to use a browser extension rather than an app, make sure the VPN supports your preferred browser.
• Budget: Finally, it’s always important to keep budget in mind. There’s a pretty big price range when it comes to VPNs, but if you’re on a budget, there are options like NordVPN which can cost as little as a few dollars a month. Also, keep in mind term length; with many VPN companies, the longer you commit for, the lower your monthly rate.

How We Test VPNs: Methodology

Want to learn more about how Security.org reviews VPNs? Take a look at our methodology, which will truly make you an expert when it comes to Virtual Private Networks.

First, we start with the VPN itself, making sure it has all the features necessary to a VPN and putting it through speed and security tests.

Speed

Like we say in individual reviews, we test all of our VPNs on a private Optimum network in our Brooklyn office. Using only one device at a time, we make sure that our Internet speed without a VPN is an objective control to measure against.

We also test everything on both a Macbook Air and a Windows Vivobook to give useful information to more readers. To test download speed, upload speed, and ping (latency), we use the website SpeedTest.net,4 performing tests with and then without the VPN. While download and upload speed are measured in megabits per second, latency is measured in milliseconds. After we determine these figures, we figure out the difference between the two measurements in terms of a percentage, as the natural speeds of Macs and Windows computers differ wildly.

Ideally, VPNs have no more than a 40% difference in any of the speed categories, but it’s always important to remember how much speed can vary by a number of factors: distance to the server, operating system, device, etc. So while we try to be as objective as possible, we also urge readers to take the speed test results with a grain of salt.

Security

Many people who use VPNs are doing so in order to protect their web traffic, composed of domain name servers (names of websites) and their respective IP addresses. We also want to make sure that users’ private IP addresses are not being leaked due to WebRTC, which allows browsers to communicate directly with each other and is the default on browsers like Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Opera.

We test for DNS leaks using DNSLeakTest.com. By comparing my computer’s IP address with the IP addresses that come up on the website, we can see if there was a DNS leak with the VPN or not. Next, we test for WebRTC leaks using the tool available on ExpressVPN’s website.5 Again, by looking at the local and Public IPv4 IP addresses, we can determine if there were any WebRTC leaks.

Aside from testing for DNS and WebRTC leaks, we also look into a company’s privacy jurisdiction and data-logging policy. Ideally, companies are based in countries that are non-members to Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes, international surveillance alliances that could legally force companies to hand over customer information. As far as data-logging goes, we prefer companies that only keep users’ account information like their name, email, and payment information. We don’t think that it’s necessary for VPNs to keep any information about when customers use their VPNs, for how long, how much data they’ve transferred, etc.

In our longer reviews, we analyze the VPN’s encryption methods and Internet protocols to ensure that they meet industry standards, which typically include AES-256 and OpenVPN, the most secure methods around. We also look for private domain name servers and anonymous and dynamic IP addresses, as they are harder to track. Finally, we make sure that each VPN has a kill switch, which will shut down all Internet browsers in the event that the VPN fails.

Performance

As many people use VPNs for media like movies and television, we look for VPNs with Netflix and torrenting access. Keep in mind that Netflix constantly updates its code to block any VPN connections, so there is no guarantee that it will ever work on a VPN.

Another feature we look for is split tunneling, which allows users to access the VPN and the public network at the same time. This allows for lower bandwidth, which can create faster speeds. We also prefer double or multi-hop VPNs, as they encrypt data multiple times through multiple servers.

Subscriptions

Not only do we give readers the most objective information about a company’s subscription options, but we also tell them whether or not the price is reasonable, based on competitors’ pricing as well as features offered. VPNs can be anywhere from under a dollar to $15 a month in the most expensive case, mostly falling around $4 a month. We prefer plans that offer monthly as well as annual options, to give users flexibility, and we also point out if they have a trial period or money-back guarantee, common for VPNs. Finally, we outline what a subscription actually entails in terms of the numbers of server switches, simultaneous connections, and devices allowed. Typically, VPNs allow for unlimited server switches and devices and anywhere from one to unlimited simultaneous connections.

Customer Support

Although VPN companies are not known for their customer support, ideally they have a live chat feature in addition to their online help center. 24/7 live chat is preferred, and extra points if they also have a phone line.

App

Finally, we review the app for both iPhone and Android, as well as its ratings. If an app has a rating below three stars, we cannot recommend the product to the device-owner which the app goes with.

Will Netflix Block VPNs? How To Stream Privately

When it comes to Netflix, you may or may not be able to access it with a VPN, depending on the company and the particular server you’re connected to. But in our testing, here are some VPNs that we used to Netflix and chill:

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN
• CyberGhost (although there were certain prerequisites depending on the server we connected to)
• Perfect Privacy (but it may not work on all servers)
• Windscribe (but only on the U.S and U.K servers)
• FastestVPN
• Trust.Zone (on some servers in the U.S, U.K, France and Canada)
• StrongVPN
• Ivacy VPN
• Hotspot Shield
• ProtonVPN.

Before you open up Netflix, connect to your VPN so that no one will be able to see your web traffic and voila; you can binge privately. Breaking Bad, anyone?

Using a VPN with Windows 10, Chrome and Linux

You don’t want to spend hours chasing down a VPN that works on your Windows 10, Chrome, or Linux devices, which is why we picked out the best VPNs that work with each for you:

• Windows 10: StrongVPN, Encrypt.me, TunnelBear, Ivacy VPN, Hotspot Shield
• Chrome: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, IPVanish, BlackVPN, ibVPN, TunnelBear, Ivacy VPN, Hotspot Shield, PureVPN, Windscribe
• Linux: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost, IPVanish, Perfect Privacy, Windscribe, BlackVPN, FastestVPN, Trust.Zone, ibVPN, IVPN.

Using a Mobile VPN

Connecting to a VPN on your mobile device is easy. Just go to the Apple or Google Play store, depending on the make of your phone, and download the VPN’s app. From there, you just have to sign in and click connect for private browsing.

Free vs. Paid VPNs

They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch, but for VPNs, that’s not exactly the case. Some VPNs have free options, for either a limited time period like 30 days, or for a limited amount of data. If you’re looking to use a VPN only for a short period of time, check out free options like TunnelBear or Hotspot Shield. However, for long-term VPN use, it’s worth coughing up the money for a monthly or yearly subscription.

The Best Free VPNs

The best free VPNs are Hotspot Shield, Windscribe, TunnelBear and ProtonVPN. However, these VPNs are all limited in some way with a free plan. TunnelBear, for example, only offers 500 MB of data on its free option. Windscribe limits free users to 10 GB of data per month, while Hotspot Shield’s free option doesn’t include unlimited bandwidth, access to all servers, five simultaneous connections and 24/7 tech support. Finally, ProtonVPN’s free option only allows users to connect to three servers, without any limits on data. So while you can get a free VPN, your best bet is to pay for one.

What’s the Fastest VPN?

In our experience performing speed tests on all of our VPNs, the fastest options were:

• IPVanish: We saw super quick download speeds with IPVanish.
• Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access is a great option for Windows-users in terms of speed.
• Hotspot Shield: Whether we were doing speed tests on our Windows or Mac computers, Hotspot Shield performed well.
• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN also had really fast speeds on our Windows computer.

VPN Best of Links

While this is a general “best VPNs” list, we also have lists suited specifically for different groups of people, from iPhone-users to Android-users to gamers. And if money is tight, check out our list of the best free VPNs below!

• The Best VPNs for Android
• The Best VPNs for iPhone
• The Best VPNs for Gaming
• The Best Free VPNs

More Digital Security Guides

That’s about it for our lowdown on 2020’s best VPNs, but if you’re looking to learn more about digital security in general, read the below guides.

• Comprehensive VPN Guide
• Digital Security Guide
• Guide to Protecting Personal Data After Losing Your Mobile Device