A VPN is a great way to protect your online security and privacy. However, all VPN services are not the same. Here are the most reliable and trustworthy VPNs to use in 2022.
When using the internet, entities like governments, corporations, hackers, and ISPs track everything you do online. Some will even collect your data and sell it to third parties like advertisers.
While there is no way to avoid problematic surveillance capitalism, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps restore your privacy. Also, it will enable you to bypass geo-blocks of sites like Netflix and avoid restrictions on schools, workplaces, and authoritarian countries like China.
The vast number of VPN services can make finding a suitable one challenging. We have done the hard work for you. Our team has thoroughly tested various VPNs over the last year, and here is a list of 2022's best VPNs.
The factors we considered when choosing these VPN services are;
A comprehensive review of the best VPNs you can use in 2022.
ExpressVPN is our overall top-notch VPN in 2022. It boasts essential VPN features like robust encryption, kill switch, and leak protection. Also, the VPN supports almost all operating systems and allows five simultaneous connections.
This is one of the safest VPN services available. It uses AES 256-bit encryption and AES 256-bit-bit cipher with SHA-512 authentication and 4096-bit RSA key. It means that your traffic will be almost impossible to intercept.
Moreover, the VPN has multiple protocols that allow you to customize your VPN connections. They include Lightway, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2.
WebRTC, DNS, and IP leaks can reveal your identity and location. However, ExpressVPN has inbuilt leak protection to maintain your privacy.
If a VPN stops working temporarily, third parties can access your data. Fortunately, ExpressVPN has a network lock (kill switch) that will cut your traffic if the VPN connection drops.
ExpressVPN is a privacy-conscious VPN that doesn't collect users' personal information. In fact, the provider abides by a strict no-logs policy that has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
Moreover, it is based in the British Virgin Islands, which has friendlier privacy laws. Also, it doesn't belong to the 5/9/14 Eye Alliance. A group of countries that force companies to collect users’ data.
ExpressVPN has an extensive worldwide network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Thankfully, it has broad coverage within countries and servers in regions that VPNs often neglect, like Turkey and Hong Kong.
The VPN has an impressive unblocking capability. We managed to bypass geo-restriction of popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, etc. Furthermore, it updates its IP addresses regularly, so your connections will unlikely get flagged.
Surfshark is increasingly becoming popular because of its affordable pricing and unlimited simultaneous connections. Additionally, it offers user-friendly apps, thousands of servers worldwide, and solid encryption.
This is a highly secure VPN service. First, it uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption that is almost impenetrable. Second, the VPN has RAM-based servers that automatically delete your data.
It allows you to choose from four protocols to protect your online activity. OpenVPN and IKEv2 are pretty standard, but Surfshark also offers WireGuard protocol. It is the latest VPN protocol known for improving security and speed. Also, the VPN has Shadowsocks, an encrypted proxy that will help people in high-censorship countries bypass internet restrictions.
Our leak tests on several servers didn't detect any WebRTC, IP, or DNS leaks. Also, it has an effective kill switch that cuts your traffic in case the VPN stops working unexpectedly.
Additional security features include GPS spoofing on Android, two-factor authentication, NoBorders Mode, camouflage mode, and multihop servers (double-VPN). Also, it offers a Cleanweb suite that prevents ads and blocks malware.
According to Surfshark’s privacy policy, the provider does not collect identifiable information like browsing history, IP address, or session information.
The company that owns Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, an ideal location for privacy as it has friendly data retention laws. In addition, a warrant canary is available on the website that shows any court orders the VPN has received.
Surfshark has a decent network of more than 3,500 servers in over 65 countries. The US has the majority of the servers spread across 25 cities. This is great to bypass regional blocks to access the US-blocked content. It even operates servers in countries with strict censorship, like Turkey and Russia.
Most servers unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. The VPN offers fast and consistent speeds to stream in high definition.
NordVPN is another trustworthy VPN service. It provides high security and privacy level along with access to geo-restricted content.
The VPN uses industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption to protect your connections. This encryption is uncrackable even with brute force attacks. In addition, it employs perfect forward secrecy that changes the encryption key after every session.
In terms of security protocols, NordVPN offers several options. First, it has NordLynx protocol, a proprietary protocol based on WireGuard. Second, there is the standard OpenVPN with TCP and UDP versions. Third, it has IKEv2/IPSec protocol, is an excellent choice for mobile devices, and is known for boosting security and privacy.
A VPN re-directs your traffic through an encrypted tunnel and removes your identifiers like IP addresses to keep you private. However, sometimes bits of your information can leak and reveal your identity and your online activities. NordVPN didn't leak our DNS, IP addresses, or WebRTC during our tests.
This VPN has two kill switches to protect your data even if the VPN connection is interrupted. First, the internet kill switch will cut off your internet access when the VPN connection drops. Second, it has an app kill switch that allows you to choose the apps to shut off if the VPN connection fails. So, for example, you can close Chrome while other apps remain open.
We reviewed NordVPN’s privacy policy and concluded that it doesn’t keep logs. The provider will not record your IP address, browsing history, or other sensitive data. PwC, a reputable auditing firm, has audited these no-logs claims.
NordVPN is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction outside the 5/9/14 Eye Alliance. Also, according to the privacy policy, the company is not obligated to court orders outside Panama.
NordVPN has over 5,507 servers in 60 countries. Most of them are located in the UK and the US, but you can also find reliable options across Europe, South America, Australia, Africa, and Asia.
Some countries ban VPN usage. However, you can bypass the restrictions with obfuscated servers that hide your VPN traffic. It will make you look like you are not using a VPN.
Extra security is needed when accessing the dark web. That is because your ISP can flag your traffic as suspicious or alert the authorities. However, NordVPN offers onion over VPN servers to help use the dark web safely.
CyberGhost is a major player in the VPN industry. It works well with Android, Chrome, Firefox, macOS, iOS, Windows, and Amazon fire tv. In addition, the VPN allows you to connect up to 7 simultaneous connections.
Like most VPNs on this list, CyberGhost uses AES 256-bit encryption and a wealth of other security features. They include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy. Also, it allows you to connect to random ports, which will come in handy with networks that reject VPN traffic.
The VPN has a strict zero-logs policy, meaning it doesn't track your activities or collect your data. Unfortunately, the provider is based in Romania, which falls under the 14 Eyes Alliance.
It has more than 7,000 servers in over 90 countries worldwide. With such an extensive network, getting a speedy and low-latency connection is easy. Thankfully, it has labeled its servers for streaming, torrenting, browsing, etc.
UltraVPN is the best VPN for beginners as it offers user-friendly apps for all major devices. Additionally, it is affordable premium VPNs on the market.
The VPN will keep safe with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Also, the kill switch will ensure your information doesn't leak in case the VPN malfunctions.
UltraVPN claims that it has a strict no-logs policy. However, we discovered that the company collects personal data, including account info, identity verification data, usage information, location information, etc. Also, the company is based in the US, which isn’t privacy-friendly.
This is a small-scale VPN provider with only 100 servers in 55 countries. However, they are well distributed in Europe, South and North America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Most of the servers are virtual and offer stable connections. However, the small server network can get overcrowded easily, causing slow speed.
ProtonVPN belongs to the same company that owns ProtonMail. It is compatible with Windows, Android, Linux, iOS, and macOS devices. In addition, the VPN allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
This VPN is as secure as it gets. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data. Also, an extra security layer known as perfect forward secrecy continuously changes the encryption key.
Our leak test did not reveal any WebRTC, IP, or DNS leaks, which shows ProtonVPN strives to keep you safe.
The secure core servers add an extra security layer by routing traffic through two servers. This feature is what other VPNs call multi-hopping. However, the difference is that the final destination is the secure core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden.
ProtonVPN also offers a kill switch, split tunneling, and multiple security protocols. Moreover, the Netshield feature will block ads and protect you from trackers and malware.
This VPN has a long-standing reputation for keeping users private. Its privacy policy is transparent and straightforward, and the company does not store identifiable information. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which has one of the best data protection laws.
It doesn't have the most extensive network compared to other VPNs. There are over 1,746 servers in 64 countries in regions like North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and Africa. The free plan allows you to use 23 servers in 3 countries, including Japan, the US, and the Netherlands.
Windscribe is another reliable freemium VPN option. Like ProtonVPN above, it offers subscription packages and a free version. Also, it allows you to connect as many devices as you can.
The VPN will keep you safe with military-grade AES 256-bt encryption that makes your data unreadable. This is further fortified with a 4096-bit RSA key and SHA512 algorithm. On top of that, it also uses perfect forward secrecy that creates a new encryption key every time you start a new session.
Windscribe comes with a dedicated kill switch that will disable your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops to prevent data leakage. It has three modes; Manual, Automatic, and Always On.
The split tunneling feature lets you choose the websites or apps whose traffic will route through the VPN. This leaves the other applications on your device outside the encrypted tunnel.
Windscribe follows a strict no-logs policy, which won't store your private information. This includes your IP address, time stamps, or browsing history.
The VPN has a small network with around 170 servers in 69 countries. This is relatively small compared to other premium VPN options.
Navigating the server map is easy as you only need to click on any server you want to connect to in whatever country. Its free version allows you to connect to servers in Hong Kong alongside the US and 8 European countries.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is the best VPN for streaming. It offers unlimited bandwidth, and its servers have fast-speed connections.
The provider is secure with plenty of customizable security options. The default encryption for the OpenVPN protocol is AES 128-bit encryption. However, you can upgrade it to AES 256-bit encryption to improve security.
The VPN has robust leak protection and doesn’t have DNS, WebRTC, and IP leaks, as we confirmed during our tests. Leakage of this information can reveal your identity and location.
Additional security features include a reliable kill switch, split tunneling, and multiple protocols. Also, it has a MACE feature that will block ads, trackers, and malware.
PIA does not retain any information that can be used to reveal your identity. The only information it collects is your email address, state and zip code, payment details, and anonymized data to improve your experience with the service. However, for maximum privacy, you can use a fake email address and purchase a subscription with cryptocurrency.
In fact, its no-logs claims have been verified in a court of law. This was in 2016 when the FBI requested the company to provide user data but couldn’t because it didn’t have any. Also, the no-logs policy has been audited by Deloitte, one of the big four auditing firms.
This is perhaps the most extensive network in the VPN industry, with over 28,000 servers in 84 countries. Like other premium VPNs such as ExpressVPN and Surfshark, PIA uses RAM-based servers, which is good for privacy.
Europe and North America have the most servers, but PIA has solid worldwide coverage. In addition, having many servers prevents overcrowding, which can cause slow speed.
PIA also offers dedicated IP addresses at an extra fee. This is an IP address that you can only use alone and helps to prevent getting flagged when accessing safe sites.
Atlas VPN is the best VPN for Android devices. It also offers apps for other platforms like iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS.
The VPN will keep you safe with AES 256-bit encryption, preventing unauthorized data access. It also applies multiple protocols, including WireGuard, a new protocol offering superfast connections and high security.
Atlas VPN’s SafeBrowse feature will protect you from malware. Also, it will block your connection if you try to access a website that contains malware. Unfortunately, it is not available on the Windows client.
The VPN does not collect logs, and its privacy policy is very clear. But it stores basic analytics data to improve your experience with the service. However, if you are concerned with data retention, you can request the company to delete any of your data.
Unfortunately, the network is relatively small, with only 750 servers in 44 countries. However, the servers are reliable at bypassing geo-restrictions of popular streaming services like Amazon Prime Video.
StrongVPN is a relatively less popular VPN but is better than most services in the industry. It is compatible with popular operating systems and connects up to 12 devices simultaneously.
The VPN combines AES 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy to secure your online connections and data. Also, it allows you to choose from several security protocols, including OpenVPN, SSTP, IPSec, IKEv2, and WireGuard.
Furthermore, it employs a kill switch that automatically disconnects your traffic if the VPN malfunctions, preventing your information from leaking. Also, there is split tunneling on the Android device, letting you choose the apps to encrypt and the ones not to.
Sadly, Strong VPN is headquartered in the US, which is unsuitable for privacy. In addition, it is the founding member of the 5 Eyes Alliance and has laws that force companies to collect users' data. Thankfully, Strong VPN provider follows a strict no-logs policy. This means it doesn't collect private information, including your IP address, the servers you use, the sites you visit, timestamps, etc.
Strong VPN operates around 950 servers in 30 countries across 59 locations. Also, it has an extensive database of updated IP addresses, so you will unlikely get flagged by streaming services.
IPVanish is an excellent VPN service with an impressive list of security features and budget-friendly subscription packages. We have thoroughly tested its security features, speed, unblocking capability, and more.
This is a secure VPN with world-class security features. They include AES 256-bit encryption, split tunneling, DNS/IP/WebRTC leak protection, kill switch, and advanced protocols.
IPVanish’s privacy policy clearly states that the company does not keep logs. This includes your private data like IP address, the websites you visit, connection timestamps, or DNS queries. The only information it collects is the email you provide while registering and payment details.
A significant concern is that IPVanish is based in the US, part of the 14 Eye Alliance. However, since the provider doesn’t record any logs, there won’t be any data to hand over if compelled by authorities.
IPVanish has a decently-sized network of over 2,000 servers in 75 countries, with the most extensive coverage in the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Australia. It even has servers in regions other VPN providers neglect, like South America and Africa.
The most impressive thing is that IPVanish owns its server fleet and doesn’t rent from third parties. That is good for your security as your data is unlikely to fall into the wrong hands. Also, the VPN has a quick connect feature that makes it easy to connect to the fastest server available.
TunnelBear is one of the best-branded VPNs on the market. It offers affordable subscription packages and also a free version.
The VPN ticks all the boxes in terms of security. It uses AES 256-bit encryption together with SHA -256 authentication and DH key exchange. Also, it supports perfect forward secrecy that changes your encryption key frequently to ensure protection against hackers.
Its kill switch is dubbed VigilantBear and is available on macOS, Android, and Windows but not iOS. This feature will protect your information if the VPN stops working, which is very helpful when using unsecured public Wi-Fi hotspots.
TunnelBear’s zero-logs policy will help to maintain your online anonymity. But unfortunately, it is based in Canada, which has unfriendly privacy laws.
The VPN has over 2,600 servers in 48 countries across Western Europe, North America, and Asia countries. Although the server network may seem small compared to other services on this list, it is very secure and completely owned by TunnelBear.
Zenmate is a simple-to-use VPN service that supports various devices like Windows, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, macOS, Linux, etc. Thankfully, it allows you to connect unlimited simultaneous devices.
The mobile and desktop clients use AES 256-bit encryption, while the browser extensions have AES 128-bit encryption. Both encryptions are reliable; AES 128 is lightweight and faster, while AES 256 adds extra security.
Zenmate also has an effective kill switch. However, it lacks essential security features like double VPN, obfuscation tools, and split tunneling.
This VPN's privacy policy is questionable. It is vague and states that the VPN can share users' data with third parties. However, it was recently purchased by Kape Technologies, the same company that owns Private Internet Access and CyberGhost. We hope it will update the privacy policy and make it more transparent.
Surprisingly, the VPN has 4,800 servers in 81 countries. These are more servers than popular VPN services like ExpressVPN and Surfshark. Additionally, the free version allows you to connect to 4 servers in Romania, the US, Singapore, and Germany.
Hide.me is a Malaysian-based with advanced features. Apart from the paid subscriptions, it also offers a free version.
The VPN will protect your connections with AES 256-bit encryption, which is pretty strong. It further strengthens the encryption with 8,192-bit RSA keys. You will also get multiple protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, SSTP, SoftEther, and WireGuard.
Other security features include a kill switch, stealth guard, split tunneling, and multihop servers. The combination of these features will ensure you remain secure.
Hide.me is very serious about user privacy. The provider does not store identifiable information or sell your data to third parties. In addition, it regularly releases independent audits and transparency reports to keep you updated.
According to its website, Hide.me has over 100 servers in 30 countries. This is even smaller than what Surfshark has in the US alone. Nonetheless, the servers perform pretty well.
Unfortunately, the VPN didn't unblock Netflix on the servers we tested. So, if you want a reliable streaming VPN, you should opt for another option, like ExpressVPN.
Mullvad is a relatively minor player in the VPN industry but has earned the reputation of maintaining users’ privacy. When signing up, it doesn't require you to provide an email address or any other personal information.
The VPN will protect your online connections with the AES 256-bit encryption, one of the most robust encryption algorithms available. That is together with perfect forward secrecy, 4096-bit RSA certificates, and 4096-bit Diffie-Hellman parameters. Also, it does re-keying after every 1 hour.
Moreover, offers OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, two of the most advanced options. The default protocol for Android, macOS, Linux, and iOS apps is WireGuard, while for Windows apps, it will depend on your connection.
This VPN provides more security features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, tor compatibility, and double VPN.
The privacy policy on its website states that the VPN does not retain any activity logs. That will keep you as anonymous as possible, which is one reason for using a VPN. But unfortunately, it is based in Sweden, part of the 14 Eyes Alliance.
Mullvad has a small infrastructure of 885 servers in 39 countries. While this is smaller than most top VPNs, the servers are spread worldwide in regions like North America, Asia, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia.
With the world becoming increasingly hyperconnected, people are becoming increasingly concerned about their online security and privacy. These days, we are transmitting more data online than ever before. Some of the data is confidential, and you wouldn't want to expose it to malicious actors like hackers and advertisers. Therefore, you should use a virtual private network to stay safe online.
A VPN can do much more than protect your data. For example, you can use it to access the internet in countries with heavy surveillance and censorship. Also, it can help you to bypass geo-restrictions, use public hotspots securely, and prevent ISP throttling and torrenting anonymously.
No. Although free VPNs don't require you to pay anything, you should avoid them. This is because they have poor security measures and will slow internet connection. Also, most have a reputation for collecting and selling users' data to third parties.
Yes. Paying for a VPN is worth it, as you will get access to advanced features that aren’t available on free VPNs. For example, premium VPNs have more servers, unlimited data, fast speeds, etc.
Yes. A VPN will not prevent anyone from tracking you. However, you can employ some measures to make monitoring your connections more difficult. For instance, you can use a throwaway email address and anonymous payment methods when creating a VPN account. Also, you should choose a VPN that doesn’t keep logs.
Yes, some VPNs are suitable for gaming. Key features you should consider are improved ping, dodging IP bans, and DDoS attack protection. Also, it should have a good balance between security, privacy, and performance.
More than 97% of countries worldwide allow VPN usage. However, some countries either restrict or completely ban VPNs. They include Iran, China, Russia, Turkey, United Arabs Emirates (UAE and Oman.
A VPN will enable you to bypass geographic restrictions to access content on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc. In addition, some VPNs like ExpressVPN have thousands of IP addresses recycled regularly, so you won't get flagged when accessing the content in other countries.