Best Of

Best VPNs

Best VPN Services

Choosing the right VPN starts with understanding what you need it to do.

VPN Select Guide organizes VPN recommendations by use case rather than assuming that one provider is the best choice for everyone.

Best VPN Overall

A good overall VPN should provide a strong combination of security, privacy, speed, usability, device support, and value.

Best for: Users who want an all-around VPN.

Best VPN for Privacy

Privacy-focused users should pay particular attention to logging policies, independent audits, ownership transparency, jurisdiction, and the amount of personal information required to create an account.

Best for: Users who prioritize privacy and anonymity.

Best VPN for Security

Security-focused VPN shoppers should look for features such as strong encryption, kill switches, leak protection, secure protocols, and additional threat-protection tools.

Best for: Security-conscious users.

Best Budget VPN

A budget VPN should offer useful privacy and security features without requiring a premium subscription price.

Best for: Cost-conscious users.

Best Free VPN

Free VPN services can be useful for basic VPN needs, but users should pay close attention to limitations, privacy policies, data allowances, available locations, and advertising practices.

Best for: Occasional or introductory VPN use.

Best VPN for Streaming

Streaming users typically want reliable speeds, broad server availability, and compatibility with their preferred streaming platforms.

Best for: Entertainment and international travelers.

Best VPN for Gaming

Gamers should pay particular attention to latency, connection stability, routing, and overall performance.

Best for: PC, console, and mobile gamers.

Best VPN for Travel

Travelers may benefit from a VPN when connecting through unfamiliar networks or accessing their normal online services while abroad.

Best for: Frequent travelers.

Best VPN for Multiple Devices

Households with phones, computers, tablets, televisions, and other connected devices should consider how many simultaneous connections a VPN allows.

Best for: Families and multi-device users.

Best VPN for Beginners

Beginners should prioritize an easy-to-use application, straightforward settings, reliable support, and simple connection options.

Best for: First-time VPN users.

How We Evaluate VPNs

When comparing VPN services, important factors include:

  • Privacy
  • Security
  • Speed
  • Reliability
  • Ease of use
  • Server network
  • Device compatibility
  • Simultaneous connections
  • Streaming performance
  • Customer support
  • Price and value
  • Independent audits
  • Transparency

VPN Select Guide updates its recommendations as VPN products, pricing, features, and policies change.

See our Comparisons section for side-by-side provider comparisons.