Best VPN of 2021

Methodology: How We Rate a VPN Provider

There are several common elements that we scrutinize closely for all VPN service providers. Most of these areas will impact your experience with the VPN service and the overall effectiveness of the principle VPN usage.

Remember, regardless of what you do with them, VPNs must always have security and privacy at the forefront of their concerns.

VPN HQ Locations

You might be surprised, but the location of a VPN service potentially affects the concept of privacy. To understand this, consider a VPN service provider based in the United States. It’s a democratic country that advocates freedom; unless the government decides otherwise and intervenes.

Comparatively, locations like Panama and the British Virgin Islands have lax data retention laws and a history of non-government intervention in private businesses. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference.

VPN Server Locations

Many VPN services will boast of a massive number of servers. While that’s important, so too is the strategic spread of those servers. A service that offers a million servers based in South Africa would be impressive but relatively useless.

That’s why we note the balance of servers that VPNs offer. While most will show multiple locations, these must be well-dispersed to support users with global connection needs. At the very least, they should cover primary domains, including America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Logging and Privacy Policies

Connections to a server almost always generate log files. These can serve as tracks for anyone looking at them, allowing identification of devices, activities, and more. This capability goes against the basic tenet of VPN services.

As such, most reputable VPN providers will have a “no logging” clause to assure users of privacy on the VPN servers. However, this clause isn’t always present. In extreme cases, VPN, some providers have kept logs in violation of policy.

Pricing

Although pricing doesn’t affect performance (typically), it is a concern of affordability. VPNs need to balance their price with what they offer. It’s a reason why they often sell hard on certain statistics; to prove they’re worth the price.

Since we assess them in-depth, we can see the real implications of price versus quality of service. That’s what makes our price assessment more vital than simply looking at the dollar and cent value presented to the public.

Protocols and Encryption Technology

The technical portion of VPNs doesn’t change much over extended periods. One of the most common protocols, for example, has been OpenVPN. It’s been a standard for years, but many are now adopting WireGuard, a turning point for the industry.

Our assessment of VPN considers how well the service is adapting to new technologies and the spread of options it offers customers. Meanwhile, a few service providers may try to get away with improving speed by lowering encryption levels; and we do take note of them.

User-friendliness for Various Platforms

Platform support isn’t generally a concern for mainstream devices like PCs and Macs. Yet, not all of us use them, and you can deploy a VPN on almost any platform (in theory). Allowing greater access for a non-tech-savvy user to deploy the VPN on, say Linux, can make a difference.

Meanwhile, as a while, the experience should be streamlined and we try to ensure the VPN doesn’t try to confuse users with lots of technical-sounding jargon.

Streaming Capabilities

We love Netflix and VPNs, which makes us even harder on VPN services that make false claims. Regardless of any claims made, from a personal standpoint, VPNs need to support at least a few mainstream streaming services and allow a seamless viewing experience.

Past that, it’s more of a bonus. While the focus is often on US-region content, some users want access to media libraries for other regions like Japan and Australia, which not all VPN services can access.

Torrenting Support

Traditionally, many VPN service providers frown on torrenting. It occupies a dominant portion of bandwidth and drives up their cost. To mitigate this, some VPN providers have restricted P2P to specific servers only.

While that may be fair, P2P users who sign up for the service will suffer. The question we often ask is how much this impacts the experience for torrent users for the VPN.

VPN Speed and Stability

Lastly, we come to the most critical element; speed and stability. All the frills in the world can’t make up for a VPN that slows your line speed to a crawl.

Hide & Seek runs automated testing for all critical VPN services.

Our VPN Speed Test runs on average ten to 15 times each month per VPN, with three locations sampled for each test tun. It gives us an excellent long-term assessment of speed and quality of service, and all the marketing materials in the world won’t bypass these tests.

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A Beginner’s Guide to VPN

How VPN works?

A VPN connects your device to a secure server at a location of your choice. From there, your connection is routed on to whichever website you are heading for.

When you connect to the internet through a virtual private network, your private data – such as your IP address, torrenting activity logs, and browsing records, is transmitted through a virtual tunnel that’s free of hackers and government surveillance.

More: Virtual private network (VPN) explained

Key VPN Features to Know

Although the core features of VPNs are mainly fixed, many VPNs today come with extras. As add-ons, each of those features has the potential to impact some part of our devices and our safety on the Internet – VPN encryption taking up a high amount of processing power, for example. 

Because of that, learning more about the bits and pieces that make up a VPN service can be extremely beneficial.

Kill Switch

Kill Switch is a special mechanism in VPN application that auto-disconnects your device from the Internet whenever it detects any disruptions in connection.

A Kill Switch is designed to prevent your IP, location and online activities from any accidental exposure at all times. Once the Kill Switch is activated, you won’t be able to browse, stream, or download anything. Since your entire Internet connection is shut down, your real IP remains protected, your privacy stays intact and the security of the connection will not be compromised.

More: Different types of VPN kill switches

Split Tunneling

Split Tunneling is an advanced feature that helps manage the flow of data on your device, allowing you the choice of what exactly gets routed through the VPN service.

The remainder goes through a separate tunnel on the open network. The primary objective of split tunneling is to increase speed of your VPN connection without jeopardizing the security of your sensitive data.

More: The three approaches to Split Tunneling

Double VPN

Double VPN works by having your data travel through one VPN server and then routed through another before heading to its final destination.

When you use a double VPN, your data is encrypted and passed through a VPN server twice to add an extra layer of security to your connection. The core benefits of double VPN are a further boost in security and anonymity. Since all your data is protected with an extra layer of encryption, this makes it twice as hard for hackers to crack.

More: When do you need a Double VPN

How to Choose a VPN

Just because a VPN is labelled the best, doesn’t mean it is the best at what you need it for.

We recognize this need for flexibility and want to help you identify the best solution that fits your unique use for a VPN. This is why our “Best VPN” recommendation is based on different use cases and not a ranking list of providers.

For example if you are new to VPN, choosing a budget-friendly VPN with long trial period is highly recommended. Offering at $1.99/mo and 45-days risk-free trial, this is where CyberGhost comes top.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at specific areas of VPNs you should consider when choosing one.

Security

From Encryption protocols to built in security features of client software, VPNs today offer security on many levels. However, the most critical is the security and integrity of the connection it maintains between you and the Internet though.

For best security, choose a VPN with high grade encryption and offers additional security features such as Double VPN and auto Kill Switch.

Anonymity

The best VPNs typically offer users a “No Logging” service. This means that they will not keep records of any of your activities online. However, some do break their word. If you happen to be relying on your VPN to keep you anonymous, this can be a major issue.

Also keep an eye on the country in which the provider registers its business when choosing a VPN. Many VPN providers state that they do not log user activity, but some countries have mandatory data retention laws and share surveillance data with their allies (i.e.. 5 Eyes, 9 Eyes, 14 Eyes Alliances). We recommend users to go with a VPN provider that is based in a country without mandatory data retention law. Examples of locations such as this are Panama (NordVPN) and the British Virgin Islands (SurfShark / ExpressVPN).

Connection Speed

Three primary factors dictate the speed of your VPN connection: Server capability, server locations, and connection protocols.

As a rule of thumb, pick a VPN with a good spread of server locations and multiple connetion protocols. Take ExpressVPN for example, the provider has over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries. The extensive network offers users from almost any country amazingly fast access points.

Unblocking

Do you wish to watch a news video on BBC iPlayer? Perhaps you’re in Japan and want to catch up on some streamed releases on the US version of Netflix? If you do, you’ll be out of luck since lots of services restrict content by region.

If you want to unleash the full power of streaming subscriptions, choose a VPN provider that explicitly states it works with those services.

Best VPN for online streaming

P2P & Torrenting Support

Torrenting is always risky since it essentially occupies a grey area of online activities. While it is not generally illegal in most places, copyright infringement is. You will never be sure if your downloaded files are something that might get you into trouble with the authorities.

Using a VPN will help make torrenting a lot safer. It hides your real IP making you anonymous and encrypts all your data. Because all your traffic heads to the VPN server first, ISPs cannot track and will not know what you have been doing.

Because file sharing is often bandwidth intensive, some VPN service providers totally forbid P2P usage or limit P2P to certain servers. In case you plan to do torrenting frequently with your VPN,  make sure you check before buying in to one.

Compatibility

Typically a good VPN supports mainstream operating systems, mobile devices, and other “smart” devices. This usually include different versions of MacOS, Windows, Android devices, as well as popular smart TVs and routers.

However if you’re using a less popular platform, you may find yourself in a situation where your VPN simply doesn’t support it. For example not all VPNs – even the very popular ones like IP Vanish, does not offer an usable Linux app.

Always be aware of limitations a VPN service provider has before you sign up for an extended contract. At the very least, ensure the devices you currently use are supported.

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Common Questions with VPN Usage

How many VPNs should you have?

Just as there is no single best VPN for everyone, there is no perfect number of VPN to have. It depends on your needs and how critical it is to have a secured Internet connection. Some people carry just one VPN and use it for everything. Others might have two to three VPN accounts suit different use cases.

For example – It is normal for a businessman who travels to China* frequently to own more than two VPNs so he/she can remain connected with their business associates and family members.

* FYI – Facebook, WhatsApps, Instagram, Twitter, and a whole lot of other mainstream social networks are blocked in China.

When deciding how many is right for you, keep in mind:

• Some VPNs are designed for special needs (i.e. WannaFlix is mainly for Netflix streaming in China) – make sure you are aware of their specialty before signup.
•  You don’t need multiple VPN accounts to connect to more devices. Some VPNs (i.e. SurfShark) support unlimited simultaneous connections, you can secure all your devices with just one VPN with them.

Are VPNs Necessary?

Do you need a VPN? Our quick answer: Yes.

The fact that a VPN ranks the same with an Antivirus Client in terms of being protected online from data breach or unethical hacking speaks much for itself. VPNs are popular today as they have uses that go past merely privacy and security. Overcoming geo blockings, getting  around authority’s censorship, and prevent bandwidth throttling are some other key reasons why people signup to VPNs.

As a product, it offers more benefits than can be imagined for what can essentially amount to the price of a cup of coffee each month.

That said however, let’s play devil’s advocate and talk about the issues that may arise from VPN usage.

Disadvantages of using a VPN

1. Possible Slower Internet Connection – Your data needs to be encrypted and routed through a VPN server. This could extend the distance it normally would have travelled. Longer distances normally result in slower speeds and increased latency.
2. Potential Abuse of Data – The best VPNs typically offer users a “No Logging” service. This means that they will not keep records of any of your activities online. However, some do break their word. If you happen to be relying on your VPN to keep you anonymous, this can be a major issue.
3. Unwarranted Sense of Online Impunity – There is a tendency for people to believe that having a VPN connection makes them completely anonymous and therefore immune to all ill-effects of the Internet. This is entirely a fallacy and there are many ways VPN users can still encounter problems.

So when should you NOT use a VPN?

• Law Violation – If it is illegal to use a VPN service in the country  you are at, you may end up paying a huge fine or even going to jail if caught. The world is large and each country has very specific regulations about personal privacy, various technologies and other factors. Be aware of where you are when you’re using a VPN service.
• Slow Internet – In some cases, using a VPN may actually result in slower Internet connections. For high speed lines, this may not be much of an issue. For those with slower connections, you may find yourself having to disconnect your VPN to get usable speeds sometimes. Of course, much of this also depends on other factors such as the server you’re connecting to, but it’s another issue to be wary of.