Best VPNs: Comparison to protect privacy on the Internet (2024)

Comparison of the best VPNs

1. NordVPN

NordVPN, initially launched in 2012, is a leading VPN service provider. As of September 2019, NordVPN was operating on over 5500 servers in over 60 countries, with a notable presence in the United States, United Kingdom, France, France, Netherlands, Netherlands, Netherlands, Netherlands, Australia, and Canada. Based in Panama, NordVPN benefits from an absence of laws in the country, which reinforces its privacy policy.

Features

NordVPN offers a varied and impressive range of services, including:

• Military-grade encryption : For maximum security of your data.
• CyberSec : Automatically block suspicious websites
• Double VPN : Offers an extra level with double encryption.
• Fully hidden IP address : Guarantees your online anonymity.
• Strict no newspapers policy : NordVPN doesn't keep track of your online activities.
• Protects against DNS leaks
• Clear privacy policy
• Onion on VPN : Allows connection to the Tor anonymity network.
• SmartPlay : Access your favorite streaming sites.
• P2P sharing : Perfect for sharing files online.
• Browser proxy extension

Pricing

NordVPN offers four pricing plans:

• Monthly plan : $11.95 per month.
• Yearly plan : $6.99 per month (savings of 41%, for a total of $83.88 billed annually).
• 2 year plan : $4.99 per month (savings of 58%, for a total of $119.76 for two years).
• 3-year plan : $3.49 per month (savings of 70%, for a total of $125.64 for three years).

Each plan is fully refundable for the first 30 days.

If you're looking for the “best VPN that's most excellent for its security, a wide range of servers, and a strong privacy policy, NordVPN is worth your consideration. Its impressive range of features ensures a safe and unhindered online experience.

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2. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has been a major player in the field of VPN services for over 15 years, offering specific connection speeds that are fast and secure for unlimited browsing and streaming. With its robust tools to protect online activity, CyberGhost VPN allows you to unblock streaming services, stream sports events, get better online deals, and access blocked sites.

Features

• One-click connection : CyberGhost VPN makes it easy to set up an anonymous Internet connection.
• Extensive server network : With over 6,200 servers in over 88 countries.
• Smart rules : CyberGhost VPN allows privacy triggers to be set up manually.
• Secure file sharing : No bandwidth limits for sharing files.
• Stop switches : Ensures that your real IP address is never exposed.
• Strict “no logging” policy : Your data is never stored.
• 24/7 customer support : Support available at any time to answer your questions.

Pricing

• CyberGhost VPN offers several pricing plans, which vary depending on the length of your contract.
• The best value for money is offered by the $3.15/month plan, which covers a period of two years and includes two additional months for free.

With a wide range of privacy features, CyberGhost VPN is a solid choice for those looking for the “best VPN.”

Thanks to its strict no-log policy and extensive server network, you can browse with confidence knowing that your online activity is protected.

FIND OUT MORE >> CyberGhost VPN 100% free trial

3. Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN, a new player based in the British Virgin Islands countries, is starting to make waves in the VPN industry. With over 800 servers in over 45 countries, Surfshark is committed to providing quality service, positioning itself as one of the “best VPNs” available.

Features

Surfshark VPN offers a variety of privacy features:

• IP address masking : Strengthens your anonymity.
• Split tunneling : Allows you to choose which applications go through the VPN.
• AES-256-GCM encryption : Ensures the protection of your data
• Camouflage mode : Add an extra layer.
• MultiHop : Allows you to connect via multiple countries at the same time.
• NoBorders mode : Allows the use of the internet in restricted areas.
• Private DNS and leaks : Ensures the security of your connection.
• Stop switch : Protects against data leaks in case of disconnection from the VPN.
• Strict no-logs policy : Ensures that your activities are not recorded.
• Unlimited simultaneous connections from all devices at the same time.
• CleanWeb : Blocks malware, phishing attempts, advertising, and trackers.
• Whitelist function : Allows “split-tunneling”.

Pricing

Surfshark offers three pricing plans:

• Monthly plan : $12.95/month.
• Yearly plan : $3.99 per month, billed once per year.
• Biennial plan : $2.49 per month, billed once every 24 months.

All plans include a 7-day free trial on Google Play and Apple App Store.

Despite some drawbacks, Surfshark offers a variety of features at a very competitive value for money, making this VPN an option worth considering for all users.

FIND OUT MORE >> 100% free Surfshark VPN trial

3. IPVanish VPN

Launched in 2012, IPVanish is a VPN service based in the United States. Originally designed for the Windows operating system, IPVanish quickly expanded to include iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Fire TV. With over 40,000 shared IPs available on over 1,300 servers in over 75 locations around the world, IPVanish has become a major player in the VPN market.

Features

• Extensive server network : IPVanish has over 1,300 servers in over 75 countries around the world.
• Strong encryption : It uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered to be one of the strongest available.
• Unlimited bandwidth : No restrictions on the amount of data you can use.
• SOCKS5 web proxy : Allows you to hide your online identity.
• No traffic logs : IPVanish doesn't keep track of your online activity.
• Access to censored content : Allows you to bypass access limitations to certain applications and websites.
• Unlimited server change : You can change servers as many times as you want.
• Up to 10 simultaneous connections : Allows you to connect up to 10 devices at the same time.
• Unlimited P2P traffic : Suitable for peer-to-peer file sharing.

Pricing

IPVanish offers two pricing plans:

• Monthly plan : Billed at $10.99 per month.
• Yearly plan : Costs $3.75 per month, or an annual billing of $44.99, saving you up to 65%.
• Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Discover, American Express, Delta, and PayPal.

IPVanish stands out for its vast server coverage, robust encryption, and unlimited bandwidth. While the rates may be slightly higher and the reviews from some third parties may be mixed, it offers a secure and anonymous browsing experience, making it a solid choice for anyone who cares about online safety.

Download of IPVanish for 30 days for free

4. StrongVPN

Since its establishment in 1994, StrongVPN has become one of the top VPN providers in the world. It offers over 950 servers in over 25 cities, with a total of 59,000 IP addresses, making StrongVPN a very good service in terms of infrastructure and coverage.

Features

StrongVPN offers a variety of top-quality features including:

• No login and activity records
• “Best available country” option: To get the fastest connection to the server.
• Up to 12 simultaneous connections: To protect multiple devices at the same time.
• No speed limit: For fast and unimpeded navigation.
• Strong DNS: For secure browsing.
• Strong AES-256 encryption: Protocol for an optimal secure connection of your data and your connection
• L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN, IPsec, and IKEv2 protocols
• Public Wi-Fi networks: For protection even on unsecured networks.
• WireGuard protocol beta: Protocol for improved encryption and speed.

Pricing

StrongVPN offers two pricing plans:

• Monthly plan : $10 per month.
• Yearly plan : $5.83 per month (billed annually at $69.99, saving up to 42%).

Each of these plans comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

StrongVPN, with its robust infrastructure and impressive features, is a solid choice for anyone looking for the “best VPN.” Despite some limitations, its reliability and commitment to confidentiality are undeniable.

Download of StrongVPN.

5. PureVPN

PureVPN, based in Hong Kong and supported by GZ Systems, is a renowned VPN service provider, offering over 2,000 servers across 180 locations (cities and countries). With over 300,000 IPs, it is one of the “best VPNs” currently available on the market. Additionally, PureVPN is the first VPN service provider that is fully GDPR compliant.

Features

Here are some of the features of PureVPN:

• GDPR compliance: Ensures the protection of personal data in accordance with European regulations.
• 256-bit, military-grade AES encryption: Protocol that protects your data with the highest level of security.
• Internet kill switch and split tunneling: Ensures your safety even if the VPN connection is cut.
• 5 multilogins: Allows you to use an account on several devices.
• Fully encrypted, even when using a public Wi-Fi network.
• No data stored: Respect your privacy.
• Port Forwarding Option, Dedicated IP, and P2P Protection (premium): Provides additional flexibility.
• Certified newspaper absence policy: Guarantees the anonymity of your activity.
• Kodi and Chromebook Solutions: Optimize your streaming and browsing experience.

Pricing

PureVPN offers three pricing plans:

• Monthly plan : $10.95 per month.
• Yearly plan : $5.81 per month (47% savings).
• Biennial plan : $3.33 per month (71% savings).

Each plan comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

Despite a few drawbacks, PureVPN offers a full range of features, making it solid for those looking for the most comprehensive VPN. Its compliance with the GDPR and its no-log policy underline its commitment to protecting the privacy of its users.

Download of PureVPN for only $2.88/month.

6. ExpressVPN

Launched in 2009, ExpressVPN is a service offered by Express VPN International Ltd, based in the British Virgin Islands. This VPN software is primarily designed to ensure the privacy of its users, by encrypting their web traffic and masking their IP addresses. ExpressVPN is considered to be one of the largest VPN services in the world, with over 2500 remote servers in 94 countries and over 150 locations.

Features

• Access to global content : Allows access to blocked sites from anywhere in the world.
• Large server network : 16 server sites in 94 countries.
• Anonymous browsing : Completely mask users' IP addresses.
• Secured data : No data is written to the hard drive.
• Lack of connection and activity logs : No record of your online activities.
• VPN shared tunneling : Allows traffic on your normal network while connected to the VPN.
• Private and encrypted DNS : Protect your DNS requests.
• Wi-Fi : Protects against malicious attacks on public Wi-Fi networks.

Pricing

ExpressVPN offers three pricing plans:

• A one month subscription at 12.95 dollars.
• A 6-month subscription at $9.99 per month.
• An annual subscription at $8.32 per month.

All plans come with a 100% money-back guarantee for the first 30 days of service.

If you're looking for the “best VPN,” ExpressVPN is a solid option, with its extensive server network and strict no-log policy. Its commitment to privacy makes ExpressVPN a reliable choice for protecting your online activities.

Start with ExpressVPN and get 3 more free months

7. Norton Secure VPN

Norton Secure VPN, backed by Symantec, a global leader in antivirus, stands out for its transparency and quality customer service. Much more than a VPN, with 1500 servers across over 200 sites and 30 countries, Norton Secure VPN is a reliable choice for those looking for the “best VPN.”

Features

The software offers a range of features dedicated to privacy:

• Bank-grade encryption : Ensures the maximum security of your data.
• Anonymous browsing : Protect your privacy.
• Access to sites internet, favorite videos and apps while on the go.
• Block unwanted ads : Prevents your activities from being monitored.
• 100% data encryption : Protect your data even on public Wi-Fi networks.
• iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android compatibility : Enables use on a variety of devices.

Pricing

Norton Secure VPN offers monthly and annual plans, for various numbers of devices:

• Monthly packages : $4.99 for one device, $7.99 for 5 devices, and $9.99 for 10 devices.
• Yearly plans (first year): $39.99 for one device or five devices, $59.99 for 10 devices.
• Yearly plans (after the first year): $49.99 for one device, $79.99 for 5 devices, $99.99 for 10 devices.

Despite a few limitations, Norton Secure VPN is a solid option for those looking for a trustworthy, secure, and reliable VPN service backed by a well-known brand in the field.

8. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield, operated by AnchorFree Inc., gained global recognition for its numerous uses during the Arab Spring to circumvent government censorship. Based in California and created in 2005, the company now offers its services in more than 70 countries, positioning itself as one of the “best VPNs” available on the market.

Features

Hotspot Shield offers a variety of features that ensure safe and private browsing:

• Premium VPN servers
• Private browsing and unlimited access to content
• Malware, Phishing, and Spam
• No ads
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Personal data security and Wi-Fi (100% data encryption)
• Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, as well as plugins for Chrome and Firefox
• Full torrenting support
• 256-bit encryption
• Support for routers and media players
• Emergency stop device
• No logs policy

Pricing

Hotspot Shield offers three pricing plans:

• Monthly plan : $12.99/month.
• Yearly plan : $7.99 per month, billed once per year.
• Biennial plan : $6.99 per month, billed once every 24 months.

Payments can be made by debit card, credit card, or PayPal.

Despite some drawbacks, Hotspot Shield offers a wide variety of features at competitive rates, making it worth considering for all VPN users.

9. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Launched in 2010, Private Internet Access (PIA) has become one of the “best VPNs” for those looking to browse the web securely and anonymously.

Based in Colorado in the United States, this company has more than 3200 servers in 37 countries around the world.

Features

PIA offers a complete range of features to secure your internet experience:

• Secure applications: No leaks identified during testing
• Great privacy features
• Blocking ads, malware, and phishing attempts
• Logless, tested and proven virtual private network provider
• User friendly and constantly updated applications
• Support for P2P sharing
• Unlimited bandwidth
• Great for torrenting
• Possibility to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
• Port forwarding and DNS leak protection

Pricing

PIA offers three pricing plans to adapt to your needs:

• Monthly plan : $9.95 per month.
• Yearly plan : $3.33 per month, billed annually.
• 3-year plan : $2.03 per month, billed every three years.
• Satisfied or refunded

These plans offer great value for money service and allow for great payment flexibility, including PayPal, Bitcoin, Visa, Zcash, and Litecoin.

Private Internet Access offers a quality VPN solution with a wide range of features. It is an option worth considering for those who take their business seriously.

10. TunnelBear VPN

TunnelBear VPN, founded in 2011 and acquired by McAfee in 2018, is a renowned player in the VPN market. Based in Toronto, Canada, it stands out as one of the “best VPNs”, especially for its business-oriented offer. It also offers a free option for individuals, allowing you to test its services with a limit of 500 MB per month.

Features

TunnelBear VPN offers a range of features for a secure browsing experience:

• Offers one of the best quality-price ratios on the market
• Conducting annual and independent audits
• Possibility to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously
• Strong 256-bit AES-encryption
• Available for all operating systems
• Ability to bypass local censorship
• Access to global content
• Prevention of IP-based tracking
• Multi-device and browser compatibility
• No user logs (Canada has no data retention laws)
• Vigilant mode and GhostBear function for added security
• Trusted networks whitelist option

Pricing

TunnelBear VPN offers a free initial experience of 500MB per month, which can be boosted up to 1GB by tweeting about the service.

For paid plans, two options are available:

• Unlimited plan : $3.33 per month.
• Team plan : $5.75 per month.
• Satisfied or refunded

With its competitive pricing and range of features, TunnelBear VPN is a solid choice for anyone looking to use a simple, reliable, and affordable VPN.

11. VyprVPN

VyprVPN, created in 2009-2010 by Golden Frog, is a VPN service provider based in Switzerland. It is recognized as one of the “best VPNs” on the market, especially thanks to its excellent customer support, numerous servers, and proprietary software.

One of the benefits of VyprVPN is that it manages its software, hardware, and networks by itself.

Features

VyprVPN offers a series of features dedicated to a secure connection and browsing experience:

• Integrated proprietary DNS servers
• Blocking malware, phishing attempts, and ads
• Strong 256-bit AES-encryption
• Cyphr personal email service without registering user data
• Possibility of 5 simultaneous connections
• Public WiFi
• High-performance servers
• Chaméléon tool to overcome local censorship and access banned sites
• VPN kill switch and audited VPN service without registration
• High-End Encryption and NAT Firewall

Pricing

VyprVPN offers four pricing plans, two monthly and two annual:

• Normal monthly plan : $9.95 per month, with up to 3 simultaneous connections.
• Premium monthly plan : $12.95 per month, with added features like the cloud and Chameleon.
• Yearly plan : $8.33 per month.
• Premium monthly plan : $15 per month.
• Satisfied or refunded

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee when required. Payments can be made by PayPal or credit card.

VyprVPN is a solid choice for self-managed and comprehensive. Its wide range of features and competitive prices make it a reliable choice for safe browsing.

12. HideMyAss (HMA VPN)

HideMyAss (HMA VPN), established in 2005 in the United Kingdom, has established itself as one of the “best VPNs” available today. Becoming a subsidiary of the Czech cybersecurity giant Avast in 2016, HMA VPN has a large network of servers and multiple IPs to ensure the confidentiality of your connections.

Features

HMA VPN offers a range of features focused on security and accessibility:

• Servers running at 20Gbps
• 100% hidden IP address
• Possibility to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously
• Smart switch and split tunneling
• P2P optimized servers
• Available for all operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android TV, Linux)
• Military-grade encryption
• Automatic login rules
• Unblocking geo-restricted content
• DDoS attacks
• AES-256 bit encryption

Pricing

HMA VPN offers three pricing plans adapted to different requirements:

• Monthly plan : $11.99 per month.
• Yearly plan : $6.99 per month, billed in a single payment of $83.88 per year, saving up to 42%.
• 36-month plan : $4.29 per month, billed in a single payment of $154.44 for 36 months, saving up to 64%.
• Satisfied or refunded

Payment options include Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal.

HideMyAss (HMA VPN) is a complete and global VPN service, offering a wide range of functionalities and possible uses to navigate the web in complete peace of mind.

13. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service renowned for its commitment to security and compliance with the privacy policy and retention of its users' data. Based in Switzerland, a country known for its robust privacy laws, Proton VPN offers an advanced level of security that makes it one of the “best VPNs” available.

Features

Proton VPN is equipped with unique features to ensure secure browsing and to protect your privacy:

• Secure Core Servers: These route your traffic through multiple servers before leaving it to your final destination. This makes it much more difficult to keep track of your activity.
• Excellent value for money
• Solid Encryption: Using the AES-256 encryption protocol, the preferred security level for armed forces.
• No-logs policy: Proton VPN does not store details of your internet activities.
• Kill switch: If your VPN connection falls, Proton VPN blocks all traffic to prevent data leaks.
• P2P support: Torrenting is allowed on some Proton VPN servers.
• Ad blocking: Proton VPN includes an ad blocker for uninterrupted browsing.
• Available for all operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android TV, Linux, etc.)

Pricing

Proton VPN offers several pricing plans to meet various needs:

• Free plan: Access to 3 servers, one connection, average speed.
• Basic plan: 4€/month, access to all servers, two connections, high speed, P2P supported.
• Plus plan: €8/month, all basic features plus Secure Core servers, TOR over VPN, access to servers in more than 50 countries, up to 10 simultaneous connections.
• Visionary Plan: 24€/month, all the features of the Plus Plan plus a ProtonMail Visionary account.
• Satisfied or refunded

With a particular focus on keeping users' data private, using a VPN like Proton VPN is an excellent and reliable choice for those who want to protect their internet activities.

14. Windscribe VPN

Launched in 2016, Windscribe is a VPN service provider based in Toronto, Canada. Despite its relative novelty on the market, it quickly established itself as one of the “best VPNs” thanks to its focus on innovation and data and user privacy policies.

Features

The software offers a host of innovative features:

• A vast network covering 60 countries and 110 cities
• R.O.B.E.R.T. function that allows you to block ads according to your preferences
• Strict newspaper no-keep policy
• AES-256 encryption with SHA512 authority and a 4096-bit RSA key
• Available for all operating systems (Windows, Mac, Android tv, etc.)
• Timewarp to change your time zones
• Cookie Monster to monitor and delete cookies
• Port forwarding, split tunneling, and firewall
• Secure hotspot and proxy gateway
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Autopilot to choose the best location for you
• Double Hop for a proxy connection through two servers of your choice

Pricing

Windscribe VPN offers three pricing plans:

• Monthly plan : $9 per month
• Yearly plan : $4.08 per month, with $49 to be paid every 12 months (savings up to 55%)
• Customizable plan : you can build it according to your needs, at the rate of $1 per location per month

Payment options include PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, and Bitcoin.

Windscribe VPN stands out for its commitment to innovation and the privacy of Internet users, offering a first-class VPN experience.

Which VPN should I choose?

Choosing a VPN depends mainly on your personal cybersecurity needs (privacy and security).

Here are some key things to consider when selecting the “best VPN” that meets your expectations.

1. Privacy and no-logs policy

A trustworthy VPN should have a strict no-log policy. This means that it does not track or store any information about your internet activity.

2. Security and encryption

Check the security protocol offered by the VPN provider.

The software should ideally offer 256-bit AES encryption, which is currently the gold standard for security. Common VPN protocols include OpenVPN and IKEv2, both of which are considered safe and reliable.

3. Number of servers and locations

A higher number of servers can guarantee a faster and more stable one in France or other countries.

Plus, a VPN with servers in multiple countries can help you get around geographic limitations.

4. Device compatibility

Make sure the VPN provider is compatible with all of your devices. Many of the best VPNs offer apps for Windows, Mac, Mac, iOS, Android, and some even offer browser extensions.

5. Price and money back guarantee

Compare the prices of different VPNs. Some offer a free version, but with limitations. Paid plans generally offer more features and better connection speeds. Also, look for a money-back guarantee to try the service risk-free.

6. Customer support

Reliable customer support can be crucial if you encounter problems or have questions. Choose VPNs that offer 24/7 customer support, ideally with a live chat option.

In conclusion, choosing a VPN is an important decision to protect your privacy on your internet connection. Make sure you do a thorough research and choose a VPN that fits your specific needs and data.

FAQs

Does using a VPN guarantee anonymity?

When you use a service to direct all of your internet traffic through its servers, trust in that service is fundamental.

However, figuring out who to trust in such a young and competitive industry can be tricky.

• Trust in VPN businesses is crucial, and that trust is easier to give to older, reputable businesses.
• It's important to learn about the privacy practices of VPN companies, including how they protect user information and the minimum amount of information they gather.
• It is also necessary to find out where the company is established and the legal framework under which it operates.

While this can help protect your anonymity, it's crucial to understand business practices to ensure that your data retention is well protected.

How do I get the best VPN (virtual private networks)?

Once you've selected the best VPN for you from the list above, the next step is easy. Click on the link to the one you like and follow the easy steps on the site to sign up, using whichever payment method you're most comfortable with—some even allow you to pay in cryptocurrency nowadays.

By opting for a longer term subscription, you will save money on a VPN in the longer term, but you should know that even if the prices are listed in monthly terms, you will always have to pay the full amount in advance.

Once registered, you can download and download the apps on any device you want to download and use your new VPN on. For mobiles, go to the App Store or Play Store, download and you'll be connected in seconds.

Are VPNs (virtual private networks) legal?

VPNs are legal in North and South America, Western Europe, Western Europe, Oceania, and most other countries in the world, but in some countries the story is much more complicated.

China and Russia don't completely ban VPNs, for example, but they only allow you to use providers designated by the government. To encourage you, they've also banned just about everyone else: Russia's latest list of bans includes ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Proton VPN, IPVanish, and more.

Turkey hasn't tried to ban all VPNs either, but it can block access to sites or servers from providers that don't follow its rules. The United Arab Emirates and Oman have laws that can cause you problems in some situations related to VPNs. Iraq, North Korea, and Turkmenistan are more extreme and completely ban VPNs.

This is a complex area where the situation can change at any time as countries introduce new laws. It is unlikely that you will have big problems accessing Twitter from a hotel room abroad - repressive governments are already sufficiently criticized on freedom of expression issues, with no need to add more - but it cannot be ruled out entirely. “If you're traveling to a place where you're likely to run into problems, be sure to do some research before you go, to find out what you can do and what you can't do.

Summary.

Cybersecurity is becoming more and more critical as the days go by, and the effects of breaches are palpable across all sectors. It has therefore become essential to ensure the greatest possible security for activities on the Internet. After all, you can never be too sure.

The best VPN (Virtual Private Network) can help secure your connection and your web hosting against hackers, unwanted listeners, and, of course, the government in France and elsewhere.

A VPN service provider (virtual private networks) can provide you with a safe haven from unwarranted espionage and attention. It can also be a great way to protect your internet activity, stream more content, and not worry while browsing the web.