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Surfshark is a relative newcomer to the VPN scene, having launched as recently as 2018. Since then, it has grown remarkably well, considering its formidable opponents in this hotly contested market segment.
| Test | Singapore | United States | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download: 343.09 Mbps Upload: 364.70 Mbps | Download: – Upload: – | Download: – Upload: – |
| Test | Singapore | United States | United Kingdom |
Pros
Cons
Most VPN providers allow a single connection at a time, which means you’ll need to kick off one device to make room for another. This is not ideal. To help give you that protection and security, alongside keeping all your online activity private while streaming or browsing – You need to VPN-enable all your devices
As such, you’ll require a VPN that allows multiple simultaneous connections on a single account.
Surfshark (our review here) is not only one of the fastest VPN in market, they are also one of the few top VPNs that allow unlimited simultaneous connections. This means that you can connect as many compatible devices as you want under one subscription.
To learn more, read: VPN for Multiple Devices.
CyberGhost is a old-school VPN. Yet infrastructure has kept up to times resulting in speeds that are very usable.
The VPN company is offering some very competitive discounts and expanding aggressively. Also, with the longest free trial (45 days) period in market – we think CyberGhost is a good fit for those who are hunting for a bargain.
| Test | Singapore | United States | United Kingdom |
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| 1 | Download: 247.66 Mbps Upload: 358.44 Mbps | Download: 98.89 Mbps Upload: 139.03 Mbps | Download: 115.18 Mbps Upload: 76.58 Mbps |
| Test | Singapore | United States | United Kingdom |
We have picked CyberGhost (CyberGhost review here) for the cheapest VPN service but in all honesty, it was a close challenge between them and SurfShark for the best cheap VPN provider.
Both VPN companies offer great features and a competitive pricing to match. CyberGhost is slightly cheaper at $1.99/month while SurfShark offers unlimited connections – which is a big saver if you are sharing the costs with other family members or friends.
While there are free options available – which is much cheaper than $1.99 per month, we really don’t recommend them. Bear in mind that running a VPN service is not cheap. From the cost of development to hardware and infrastructure – This cost has to be recouped somehow and typically, it’s by selling ads. The problem is that ads often contain tracking information – going against the principles of privacy. If you value your online privacy and safety, it’s best that you don’t go with a free VPN.
| Test | Singapore | United States | United Kingdom |
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| 1 | Download: 530.37 Mbps Upload: 313.53 Mbps | Download: 188.46 Mbps Upload: 173.18 Mbps | Download: 577.33 Mbps Upload: 320.82 Mbps |
| Test | Singapore | United States | United Kingdom |
Pros
Cons
ExpressVPN is one of the top brands in the Virtual Private Network (VPN) space. It runs a rock-solid service that’s fast, stable, and secure. More importantly, it boasts an excellent reputation in the very challenging cybersecurity industry.
It’s one of the VPN brands that I have a unique love-hate relationship with. Despite the excellent performance it brings, ExpressVPN prices will raise eyebrows for many. That said, prices vary for all products, and it nonetheless has its share of fans.
Currently, one of its strongest selling points is the Lightway protocol, which offers impressive speeds on ExpressVPN servers. While they haven’t associated it with WireGuard, tests have shown Lightway to offer similar excellent levels of performance.
We run 15 speed tests on ExpressVPN every month – see their latest performance stats here.
NordVPN runs on RAM-based servers and maintain strict no-logs policies. Their service is audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers AG Switzerland and they are the first VPN provider to have a public bug-bounty program to boost security.
For the past two years, NordVPN has also launched a number of addons including a password manager and secure Cloud storage service. These add up and make them a perfect fit for users who want extra privacy on Internet.
| Test | Singapore | United States | United Kingdom |
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| 1 | Download: 1.92 Gbps Upload: 696.65 Mbps | Download: 1003.22 Mbps Upload: 994.94 Mbps | Download: 1.62 Gbps Upload: 1.45 Gbps |
| Test | Singapore | United States | United Kingdom |
Other recommended no-log VPNs include:
How seriously committed a VPN software provider is towards privacy and security is important – and a ‘zero logging’ policy is a big part of that. When you go online with a VPN you are entrusting your information to the provider, with an expectation of privacy.
This is why transparency when it comes to logging is vital. VPN service may or may not key various types of logs. The important part is whether they have your consent or not. If they say zero, it should mean zero.
Known to be among the most progressive and forward-looking in technology of all VPN providers, NordVPN (see NordVPN review here) guarantees a strict no-logging policy.
They do not keep traffic logs, IP address logs and even connection logs. And this has been confirmed by independent audits carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). The inspection is carried out periodically to ensure strict, ongoing standards are kept.
Learn more about zero-log VPN providers.
CyberGhost is another industry veteran and they’ve been expanding by leaps and bounds of late. They have one of the most massive networks of servers in the VPN game, covering more than 90 countries in the world.
| Test | Singapore | United States | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Download: 247.66 Mbps Upload: 358.44 Mbps | Download: 98.89 Mbps Upload: 139.03 Mbps | Download: 115.18 Mbps Upload: 76.58 Mbps |
| Test | Singapore | United States | United Kingdom |
Pros
Cons
Speed capabilities and coverage of major content libraries are two other deciding factors for the best online-streaming VPN. Besides CyberGhost – we think NordVPN, SurfShark, and ExpressVPN are equally great for streaming media from most sources.
NordVPN
NordVPN Teams
Pros
Cons
Other great for-business VPNs include:
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
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 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 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 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
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
HideandSeek.online offers in-depth investigations and tips on Internet safety and censorships.
Read articles in: Internet Safety / Online Privacy / Unblock Censorship / Virtual Private Network
