VPN services can offer drastically different features, pricing, and performance, so how do you find the best VPN for your needs?
Here’s an overview of the top VPN apps, including Surfshark, a solid all-rounder with robust security features, fast connection speeds, and a global server network.
While VPN services share the same basic functionality — hiding your IP (Internet Protocol) address and encrypting your internet traffic — they vary widely when it comes to things like server locations, support for simultaneous connections, and advanced security features.
Let’s take a quick look at what the most popular VPN apps offer.
|
|
Devices
|
Server countries
|
Number of servers
|
Lowest monthly price
|
Ad blocker
|
Cookie pop-up blocker
|
10Gbps servers
|
24/7 support
|
Money-back guarantee
|
|
Surfshark
|
∞
|
100
|
3,200+
|
$1.99
|
|
|
|
|
30 days
|
|
NordVPN
|
10
|
118
|
7,000+
|
$3.39
|
|
|
|
|
30 days
|
|
ExpressVPN
|
8
|
105
|
3,000+
|
$4.99
|
|
|
|
|
30 days
|
|
CyberGhost
|
7
|
100
|
11,690+
|
$2.19
|
|
|
|
|
45 days
|
|
PIA
|
∞
|
91
|
35,000+
|
$2.03
|
|
|
|
|
30 days
|
|
IPVanish
|
∞
|
108
|
2,400+
|
$2.19
|
|
|
|
|
30 days
|
|
ProtonVPN
|
10*
|
110+*
|
2,300+ (free VPN)
10,000+ (paid plan) |
$2.99 (free VPN available)
|
|
|
|
|
30 days
|
|
Mullvad
|
5
|
52
|
690
|
$5.67
|
|
|
**
|
|
14 days
|
|
Windscribe
|
∞*
|
69
|
Undisclosed
|
$5.75 (free VPN available)
|
*
|
*
|
**
|
|
7 days***
|
|
PureVPN
|
10
|
65+
|
6,000+
|
$2.14
|
|
|
**
|
|
31 days
|
VPN companies can offer significantly different service prices depending on security features, server locations, and subscription length. Most VPN apps have lower monthly rates when you commit to a longer plan, often making multi-year subscriptions the best value.
If getting the best VPN means finding one at the right price point, here’s a quick VPN comparison that’s focused on price
|
VPN
|
Monthly Plan
|
1-Year Plan
|
2-Year Plan
|
|
Surfshark
|
$15.45
|
$3.19/mo
|
$1.99/mo
|
|
NordVPN
|
$12.99
|
$4.99/mo
|
$3.39/mo
|
|
ExpressVPN
|
$12.95
|
$6.67/mo
|
$4.99/mo
|
|
CyberGhost
|
$12.99
|
$6.99/mo
|
$2.19/mo
|
|
PIA
|
$11.95
|
$3.33/mo
|
*
|
|
IPVanish
|
$12.99
|
$3.33/mo
|
$2.19/mo
|
|
ProtonVPN
|
$9.99
|
$4.99/mo
|
$2.99/mo
|
|
Mullvad
|
$5.67
|
|
|
|
Windscribe
|
$9.00
|
$5.75/mo
|
|
|
PureVPN
|
$12.95
|
$3.99/mo
|
$14/mo**
|
The table above can help you choose a VPN, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. Some of the more intricate details can’t be put into numbers or checkmarks. To get a better feel of how Surfshark compares with the competition, let’s take a closer look at what each provider has to offer:
Surfshark and NordVPN are arguably two of the best VPN providers in the business today. NordVPN boasts a greater number of servers, but Surfshark’s server locations are more widespread, especially in regions like Asia, Africa, and South America.
Surfshark also offers unlimited simultaneous connections compared to NordVPN’s 10. What’s more, its long-term monthly rates are cheaper than NordVPN’s, starting at $1.99 compared to Nord’s $3.39.
Both VPN companies also offer a wide range of cybersecurity tools. NordVPN comes bundled with a password manager and an anti-malware solution, while Surfshark subscriptions include an alternative email generator, data leak alerts, and antivirus software.
For an in-depth review, take a look at our Surfshark vs. NordVPN comparison.
Surfshark and ExpressVPN have secure encryption, a kill switch, robust VPN protocols, and a similar number of servers and server locations.
However, third-party internet speed tests show that Surfshark offers a faster VPN connection than ExpressVPN and other VPNs. Surfshark also isn’t just a VPN and comes bundled with tools that provide antivirus protection and data leak alerts.
On top of that, Surfshark is a better deal, with monthly rates starting at $1.99 as opposed to $4.99 for ExpressVPN.
Check out our VPN comparison of Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN for more detailed information.
CyberGhost and Surfshark both have servers in 100 countries, but that’s basically where the similarities between the two stop.
While CyberGhost’s 45-day money-back guarantee is slightly longer than Surfshark’s 30-day guarantee, CyberGhost is missing some key privacy and security features. This includes things like a rotating IP address or a double VPN that are available with Surfshark.
What’s more, CyberGhost users can only enjoy a VPN connection on seven devices at a time. With Surfshark, it’s as many devices as you’d like.
Read the full Surfshark vs. CyberGhost review for more details on these two VPN companies.
A Surfshark vs. PIA (Private Internet Access) VPN comparison shows that Surfshark is slightly more affordable and has more server locations.
Both offer one of the cheapest monthly VPNs, with rates dropping to $1.99 for Surfshark and $2.03 for PIA. However, PIA requires you to commit to a three-year subscription to unlock this rate. In Surfshark’s case, it’s a two-year plan.
Check out our in-depth Surfshark vs. PIA comparison to learn more about these VPN services.
Surfshark and IPVanish offer unlimited simultaneous connections, letting you keep your IP address private on as many stationary and mobile devices as needed.
Of the two, Surfshark is the more feature-rich VPN. While both can boost your online security with features like a kill switch, double VPN, and DNS (Domain Name System) leak protection, only Surfshark includes tools like a cookie pop-up blocker and the option to use a static IP address.
Read our Surfshark vs. IPVanish comparison to get a better idea of how the two VPN companies match up.
Surfshark and ProtonVPN offer reliable IP address masking and a solid range of additional features, including a double VPN, kill switch, and browser extension.
ProtonVPN’s cheapest paid plan costs $2.99/mo compared to $1.99/mo for Surfshark, and ProtonVPN limits VPN use to 10 devices. Surfshark lets users use their VPN app on unlimited connections.
ProtonVPN is one of a few providers that offers a free VPN plan, but free users get access to fewer server locations and can only use the VPN on
one device.Dive deeper by reading our Surfshark vs. ProtonVPN comparison.
When compared to other VPN providers like Surfshark, Mullvad doesn’t have an impressive fleet of servers to consistently maintain your internet speed.
While the overall VPN experience with Mullvad can’t match the best VPN services, Mullvad stands out in its focus on anonymity and privacy. It allows you to create an account without any personal details, not even an email address. You can even pay for their services by mailing cash to their headquarters if you don’t want to make digital payments. This makes Mullvad a popular choice among anonymity enthusiasts worldwide.
You can find a much more detailed VPN comparison in our Surfshark vs. Mullvad review.
Windscribe and Surfshark offer similar features, such as a kill switch, double VPN, and DNS leak protection. Both VPN services also don’t restrict the number of simultaneous connections users can have.
Windscribe, however, has fewer server locations and an undisclosed number of servers. It is also generally more expensive and lacks a two-year plan and 24/7 customer support.
While a free VPN is available, users face data limits that will likely impact connection speeds. Many security features are also unavailable for free users.
Head to our Surfshark vs. Windscribe comparison if you want the nitty-gritty.
Surfshark and PureVPN provide key features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and support against DNS leaks. Both services also use reliable VPN protocols and are backed by an audited no-logs policy.
While PureVPN has more VPN servers, Surfshark has servers in more locations globally. PureVPN also boasts add-ons like a password manager, but Surfshark comes bundled with antivirus software, a private search engine, an alternative email generator, and more. Surfshark offers unlimited connections, but PureVPN caps VPN use at 10 devices.
Check out how the two stack up against each other by reading our in-depth Surfshark vs. PureVPN comparison.
Every VPN provider offers a unique package. If you want to find one that suits your needs the best, you need to see how they compare against each other. Things like secure encryption, modern VPN protocols, and server infrastructure are a must for any good VPN provider, but that’s just part of what the best VPNs offer.
Let’s have a closer look at what you need to know about providers when trying to find the best VPN for your needs.
Secure encryption is a must for any VPN service. AES-256 is the industry standard that leading providers like Surfshark use. Modern VPN protocols are also important in keeping your internet traffic secure. A VPN with WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN protocols is a great place to start.
On top of that, a no-logs policy, kill switch, and effective IP address masking are basic features you’d expect from a solid VPN. Other nice-to-haves include things like an ad blocker, cookie pop-up blocker, and the option to choose a static IP address.
Any VPN provider can promise you anything under the moon, but these words don’t mean much until they’re proven. The best VPN services undergo regular audits from reputable firms and distribute the findings publicly in a transparency report.
Surfshark, for instance, underwent security infrastructure audits from Cure53 in 2018 and 2021. A separate audit by Deloitte in 2022 verified Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy.
When comparing VPN providers, it’s vital to check out what else they offer. A VPN is great, but you won’t get complete online protection from a single tool.
Some VPNs bundle extra products like an antivirus, data leak alerts, and an ad blocker to go beyond basic privacy. If you find a VPN that doesn’t come with anything else, you might be limiting your overall privacy.
Your VPN protocol, server load, and physical distance between you and your server can impact your VPN connection speed, so it’s important to choose a provider that offers high-speed protocols and an extensive server network. It’s worth noting that independent VPN reviews found Surfshark to be the fastest VPN around.
Since you never really know what kind of internet speed you’ll get until your VPN connection is active, top providers offer a money-back guarantee, letting you try out their apps risk-free. You can even compare VPNs simultaneously to find the one that’s best for you quickly.
High-speed VPN servers, like 10Gbps servers, are important because they deliver significantly faster and more reliable connections. They can handle large volumes of data, so they’re excellent for activities like downloading large files or accessing streaming services.
High-speed servers also reduce the risk of latency, congestion, and performance drops, ensuring a more consistent experience, even during peak usage times.
A VPN with a large number of servers can help deliver consistently fast speeds. More servers typically bring less crowding and better performance.
What’s equally important is how many locations those servers cover. Having more options makes it easier to change your IP address with a server close to you, which can be another important factor in getting a fast connection speed.
Not all VPNs cost the same, and more expensive VPNs don’t always give you better quality. If you want the best VPN deal, look for long-term plans that include all the essential features. Surfshark’s two-year subscription starts at $1.99/mo with no corners cut, while most other VPNs will charge higher prices for a similar plan.
As a rule of thumb, avoiding free VPNs is also a good idea. Even the best free VPNs won’t give you unlimited access to their full server pool, and your internet speed may suffer as a result. Even worse, free VPNs might also track your activity or sell your data to advertisers, violating your privacy instead of protecting it.
You likely access the internet on your computer, mobile device, smart TV, and more, so getting a VPN that only encrypts traffic and masks your IP address on a single device doesn’t make sense.
Multi-device protection among reputable VPN providers starts at about five devices, while leaders like Surfshark offer unlimited connections.
Using a virtual private network may sound overwhelming at first, but the best VPN providers equip you with a wealth of customer support resources if you ever need help.
For instant assistance, find a service that offers 24/7 live support via chat. Email ticketing is helpful for issues that aren’t time-sensitive, and a vast knowledge base is great whenever users want to find answers independently.
Once you know your priorities, scroll back to the VPN comparison chart above to see which providers match your needs. If you’re looking for a well-rounded option that balances price and performance with extra privacy and security features, take a closer look at Surfshark.
Reddit has a dedicated VPN comparison thread where users can rate VPNs they’ve tried. It comes complete with a VPN comparison table, which often gets updated and cross-posted to other subreddits.
The thread is community-driven, so all users are encouraged to share their experiences and report any errors or outdated information.
There are all kinds of subreddits where users can add their thoughts and compare VPNs, so don’t hesitate to explore Reddit if you’re looking for the best VPN for you.
Note: According to the table, Reddit users rank Surfshark among the top two VPN providers.
Looking for a more detailed VPN comparison? Whether you’re looking for the best VPN for home use or the top choice to access streaming services safely, you can find VPN recommendations tailored to your device, privacy needs, or lifestyle below.
| Device-specific guides | Lifestyle guides | Privacy guides |
| Best VPN for Android | Best personal VPN | Best VPN for privacy |
| Best VPN routers | Best VPN for streaming | Most secure VPN |
| Best home VPN | Best anonymous VPN |
