Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (2024)

By Luke Edwards

published

The best VPN service is an essential part of a strong computer security setup

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (1)

Having the best VPN service is an important safety tool that encrypts your internet traffic and sends it on a trip around the world, making it much harder, some would say impossible, for advertisers, scammers, hackers, and anyone who’s taking a little too much interest in things like your location and passwords to see what you’re doing.

VPN stands for virtual private network, and means you make a private, encrypted, connection across the very public network that is the internet. Among the things a good VPN can obfuscate is your geographical location, so you can access content that’s not usually available to you based on where you live. Foreign versions of Netflix, the BBC iPlayer for non-Brits, and US streaming services while you’re on vacation abroad suddenly come into reach.

Watch out for VPNs that won’t log your activity - known as ‘no-log’ services - as these are inherently more secure. A single button for turning them on and off is useful too, with a simple menu for switching locations and servers, as no one wants to fiddle with complicated interfaces when all they want to do is log into Netflix.

VPNs are a good choice if you’re worried about online security, but are only one part of a meshed approach to security that can also include the best antivirus software and the best internet security software too.

1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN service 2022

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Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (2)

ExpressVPN

Simply the best VPN service for speed, privacy and more

Specifications

Number of servers: 3,000+

Server locations: 160

IP addresses: 30,000

Maximum devices supported: 5

Reasons to buy

+

Huge selection of worldwide servers

+

Super secure

+

Intuitive and clean interface

Reasons to avoid

-

Not the cheapest

The best VPN service out there right now has to be ExpressVPN – and for many reasons. The easiest place to start is with just that, ease: the client (which comes on a host of devices, including iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux and even BlackBerry) is really simple with a click-to-start option, but also offers deeper functionality if you need it. Either way, you'll be assured of excellent speeds across more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, and superb security with enterprise-level encryption.

Other positives include DNS content unblocking and leak protection, P2P support, Bitcoin payment options, Netflix unblocking, a no logging policy, split-tunneling, a kill switch and 24 hours of live chat support every day of the week.

You can even use custom firmware to install this at the router level for some devices, meaning you'll be hidden by a VPN no matter which device connects to the Wi-Fi. You can even try all those features for free using the 30-day money back guarantee.

You can use this VPN service on five devices at any one time – some providers offer more than that. But since you can set ExpressVPN up on the router, to which any number of devices can connect.This is the best VPN out there right now. The price does reflect that level of service.

  • Read our ExpressVPN review

2. IPVanish: Best VPN for P2P

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (3)

IPVanish

The best VPN service for torrenting and P2P traffic

Specifications

Number of servers: 1,300+

Server locations: 75+

IP addresses: 40,000+

Maximum devices supported: 10

Reasons to buy

+

Owned servers

+

Super speeds

+

Configurable client

Reasons to avoid

-

No ‘free trial’

If your mainuse for a VPN is to get torrents and P2P content, then IPVanish is one of the best VPN services for you. It boasts over 1,300 servers across more than 75 countries, which offer more than 40,000 shared IPs, unlimited P2P traffic and superb download speeds. As if all that didn't make you feel secure enough, the company owns and manages all of its own servers for another level of security.

Plus, you get 24/7 support, ten connections at once, and a seven-day money-back guarantee. So even though there isn't a free trial, you could always opt out within that time and spend nothing. Clients work on iOS, Android, Mac, Windows and even Fire TV and offer great features and options, with unblocking for Netflix and more as standard.

  • Read our IPVanish review

3. Malwarebytes Privacy: Best VPN for online security

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (4)

Malwarebytes Privacy

If security is your number one concern, Malwarebytes Privacy is the best VPN for you.

Specifications

Number of servers: 400+

Server locations: 30+

IP addresses: Unknown

Maximum devices supported: 5

Reasons to avoid

-

Doesn't always work with streaming services

One of the biggest names in antivirus software, Malwarebytes is now offering its own VPN service in the form of Malwarebytes Privacy. As you might expect from a cybersecurity company, Malwarebytes Privacy focuses heavily on the security side of VPNs. It uses the WireGuard VPN protocol and 256-bit encryption to offer an exceptionally secure service. It’s also a no-log VPN, so it won’t track your network data either.

The app is easy to use and works across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices so you can ensure that all your devices are connected. There are over 400 servers in 30+ countries, and our testing showed great speeds and reliable connections.

The downside of this focus on security is that some of the more fun uses of a VPN have suffered, namely using them with streaming services. Some of Malwarebytes Privacy’s servers work with streaming apps like Netflix, but it's hit and miss. If your main reason for owning a VPN is to watch foreign TV, then maybe look elsewhere. But if you want to stay safe and secure online, Malwarebytes Privacy is a great choice.

  • Read our Malwarebytes Privacy review.

4. Hotspot Shield: Best free VPN

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (5)

Hotspot Shield

Free VPN, with optional extras

Specifications

Number of servers: 2,500+

Server locations: 70+

IP addresses: N/A

Maximum devices supported: 5

Reasons to buy

+

Affordable and easy to use

+

Excellent speeds

Reasons to avoid

-

Official app compatibility only

-

Not so good with Netflix

Hotspot Shield, as the name suggests, is a brilliant VPN for offering you personal protection when online. Specifically, this VPN service is excellent for browsing because it not only offers top security but also the company's own Catapult Hydra protocol. This is a superb system that makes sure you get the fastest download speeds possible and it really works, even when connected to servers that are really far from your real world location. This VPN service works on iOS, Android, Mac and Windows, but won't work on OpenVPN so you can't run it at router level unfortunately.

The service has two options, one is free to use but if you want most of the features you'll need to sign-up for full access and the best possible service.

Hotspot Shield has great features like five device connections at once, 24/7 support, over 2,500 servers in 70 countries and no ads. But you will struggle to unblock US Netflix and BBC iPlayer, which is a downer for some. That said, this VPN service does offer a free seven-day trial, so it may be worth giving it a go.

  • Read our Hotspot Shield review

5. CyberGhost: Good all-rounder VPN

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (6)

CyberGhost

Great for personalization

Specifications

Number of servers: 5,900+

Server locations: 110+

IP addresses: N/A

Maximum devices supported: 7

Reasons to buy

+

Excellent client options

+

Great performance

+

Torrent support

Reasons to avoid

-

Interface can be irksome at times

CyberGhost is a superb VPN service for deep-level personalization, making it an ideal choice for users who know what they're doing, know what they want, and know how to tweak the client to make it right for them. Since 2020 the servers are numbered at over 5,900 spread across over 90 countries offering excellent security and anonymity, and thanks to ad and malicious site blocking, automated HTTPS redirection and optional data compression, you can stay secure and keep your data use to a minimum.

A really nice feature is the ability to select the service you're using the VPN for and it will automatically find the best servers to suit the job. So you could select the likes of Netflix, YouTube, Hulu and more, and it will make sure geo restrictions are removed, so you can enjoy the content wherever you are in the world.The complex interface can be troublesome at times but, for all the aforementioned benefits, this very good VPN service is worth learning your way around. There's a stingy 24 hour free trial but then you get a 45-day money-back guarantee to enjoy.

  • Read our CyberGhost review

6. Surfshark: Best VPN for beginners

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (7)

Surfshark

A very fast VPN service, which is simple enough for beginners

Specifications

Number of servers: 800+

Server locations: 50+

IP addresses: N/A

Maximum devices supported: Unlimited

Reasons to buy

+

Advanced features

+

Netflix unblocking

+

Affordable

Reasons to avoid

-

Basic app

While Surfshark is still a small fish in the VPN pond, it does offer over 800 servers across 69 locations, and supports Windows, Mac, iOS and Android as well as Chrome and Firefox. It offers URL and ad blocking, P2P support, VPN chaining, a kill switch, split tunnelling and zero-knowledge DNS servers for your privacy peace of mind. You also get 24/7 support, so even if you do have issues they can be quickly resolved.

While Surfshark isn't as cheap a VPN service as some, for most plans the two-year option does offer the best saving, and you can even pay using PayPal, cryptocurrency, Amazon Pay, Google Pay and Ali Pay, helping you remain anonymous. There's a seven day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.

A welcome ‘recently used servers’ tab makes regular access to the best servers for your needs nice and easy, a feature we really appreciated while we were testing Surfshark. All in all, if you're looking for speed, and put off by complicated menus and myriad options, Surfshark could be the best VPN service for you.

  • Read our Surfshark review

7. NordVPN: A much improving VPN service

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (8)

NordVPN

A previous best that suffered a security leak

Specifications

Number of servers: 5,600+

Server locations: 60+

IP addresses: N/A

Maximum devices supported: 6

Reasons to buy

+

Ultra secure encryption

+

Six connections at once

+

Double kill switches

Reasons to avoid

-

No live chat support

NordVPN is still one of the best VPN services when it comes to security thanks to a mind-boggling 2048-bit encryption, as well as not one but two kill switches, along with strong DNS leak protection. You can even pay with Bitcoin or Paypal to help add further anonymity to your experience. That all works across a whopping 5,600 servers spread over 60 countries, which we found to offer an above average speed performance.

The addition of the company's own SmartPlay service means you have a handy assistant for getting around geo-restricted content, meaning you can enjoy Netflix or Amazon Prime Video in whatever country you happen to find yourself.

A lack of live chat support may irk some, but we had very few problems – other than the odd server connection lag – so support shouldn't be needed anyway. And at the prices Nord offers, you should find this VPN service excellent value for money.

Note: NordVPN announced that it had a security breach at one of its many servers in March 2018. It maintains such as activity logs, usernames and passwords remained secure however some parts of some of its users' search history was potentially exposed. For that reason it has been bumped down from number two to number six in our list.

  • Read our NordVPN review

8. KeepSolid VPN: Best VPN for Netflix

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (9)

KeepSolid VPN Unlimited

Very fast and great for Netflix

Specifications

Number of servers: 400+

Server locations: 80+

IP addresses: N/A

Maximum devices supported: 5

Reasons to buy

+

Great speeds

+

Top Netflix unblocking

+

Decent pricing options

Reasons to avoid

-

Access limited on specific devices

KeepSolid VPN Unlimited is great for unblocking the likes of Netflix or BBC iPlayer despite having just 400 servers. This is because they're well used, spread across over 80 locations worldwide. These are supported by a host of super secure protocols including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2, and PPTP but this also have the latest WireGuard too. There is torrent support but only via five locations, one being California though. Pricing is relatively low at $5 per month on a yearly subscription or $9.99 for a month at a time. Rarely, there is also a lifetime option for $199.99.

  • Read our KeepSolid VPN review

9. TunnelBear: Best budget VPN service

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (10)

TunnelBear

Simple yet secure, and relatively cheap

Specifications

Number of servers: 1,000

Server locations: 20+

IP addresses: N/A

Maximum devices supported: 5

Reasons to buy

+

Easy to use

+

Excellent security

+

Relatively cheap

Reasons to avoid

-

Slower long-distance connections

Canada-based VPN service TunnelBear is a brilliantly easy-to-use VPN that doesn't only makes access simple, but also keeps security tight. It's one of those just-does-what-you-need type services that make life feel easier. As such, you are limited to just 1,000 servers across 20 location, and since long-distance connections did struggle in our tests, this may not be ideal for some (for example, if you’re an Aussie in the US trying to access a server Down Under). That said, connections work well, clients run across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android, plus you can set this VPN service up on a router.

We found that you can unblock the likes of US Netflix abroad, and the privacy policy is excellent, with the company hiring a private company to audit its server security. Speeds can be great and there's even a free VPN service for you to try with up to 500MB of free data per month.

  • Read our TunnelBear review

10. Private Internet Access: Superb security VPN

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (11)

Private Internet Access

Strong security without a steep price

Specifications

Number of servers: 3,300+

Server locations: 49

IP addresses: N/A

Maximum devices supported: 10

Reasons to buy

+

Ten device connections at once

+

Super app personalization

+

Great value

Reasons to avoid

-

Windows client can be fiddly

Private Internet Access is a solid VPN that might not be the fastest - although still above average - but what it lacks in pace it makes up for in price and security. The servers are over 3,300 in number yet P2P is supported across all servers and you even get pro-level features like port forwarding and SOCKS5 support. There are clients for Mac, Windows, Android, iOS and Linux as well as good-looking browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Opera.

  • Read our Private Internet Access review

11. StrongVPN: Good for multiple devices

Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (12)

StrongVPN

Netflix unblocking is made simple by this VPN service

Specifications

Number of servers: 950+

Server locations: 46

Maximum devices supported: 12

Reasons to buy

+

Access Netflix anywhere

+

Simple to use, and secure

+

Plenty of devices

Reasons to avoid

-

No trial

-

May be a bit basic for some

StrongVPN rounds off our list of the best VPN services. It's not quite at the level of some in our guide – but it's better than most, thanks to its simplicity to use, support for a whopping 12 devices at once, and above-average performance speeds. Those speeds are helpful for streaming fans, as they works with the VPN's ability to unblock geo-restricted Netflix and BBC iPlayer content really easily. Clients are available for iOS, Android, Mac and Windows with router support and even Fire TV and Kodi compatibility.

The 950 servers might be minimal, compared to some, but they span 46 cities in 26 countries, and are backed by security in the form of L2TP, SSTP, OpenVPN, IPSec, and IKEv2 protocols. You can also rest easy knowing you get 24/7 customer support too. Pricing could be lower, but you do get a lot for your money with this VPN service.

  • Read our StrongVPN review

How we test VPN services

We start by taking all the providers' plans and working our way into the depths of each individual VPN service from there. That means looking at value, features and pricing plans, as well as also privacy. This includes digging down into the terms and conditions to see how logging works to make sure security is as good as promised.

Performance is also another area we carefully look at in terms of download speeds, reliability, stability and variation across distances of servers. We also use IPLeak.net to check there are no privacy problems with the DNS. Of course, another factor is the client interface. This is tested in depth to make sure there are no annoying idiosyncrasies after you've committed to paying for the VPN service.

We then weigh up all these factors, assigning points to form an overall score, which helps us order each VPN service from best to least capable. Our final top ten list of the best VPN services right now are all excellent options, as any bad services have been assigned a lower score.

Best VPN services: how to choose the right one

There are a number of important factors to consider when you're choosing a VPN service to buy. Here are five pro tips for picking the right one.

1. Does the VPN service have servers in the countries and region you need? Consider which areas a VPN works in. While having more than one server in a country can help improve reliability, it doesn't guarantee improved performance. Don't assume that a plan with 500 servers will automatically beat another with 100.

2. How many simultaneous connections are supported? Normally this will be around three-five, so you can connect a desktop, mobile and tablet at the same time. Watch out though: a lot of VPN service providers specify that this is for a single user only, and have a fair usage policy to stop people using all the resources. .

3. VPN services do collect some data, despite not logging your online activities. Some record the day you logged on and the amount of data you used, and delete all other data at the end of the session. Other VPN services add items like your incoming IP address and server, and store that information for months. If that sounds alarming, you can find out more by checking the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

4. Do you need more features? Some clients display server load and ping time in the interface, helping you choose the right server. If you'll be using your VPN service a lot, you might want a "Favourites" system to save and recall specific servers. For experienced users, low-level network settings will help you customise the whole system.

5. Beware cheap deals. VPN deals can have all kinds of strings attached: restricted features; taxes excluded; the discount may only be valid for the first billing period only, automatically renewing to turn that $4.99/month into $10/month, so that apparent one-off $3.99 might become almost $10 next month. Read the small print, and ideally sign up with a service like PayPal where it's easy to cancel a subscription yourself if you need to.

6. Trial it. Found the best VPN service on paper? Give it a try before parting with a lot of cash. A short trial can only tell you a limited amount, so after that pay for a month, test the VPN as much as you can, and then upgrade to a better-value plan (a long plan, maybe yearly) if it still feels like the best VPN service for you.

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Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (13)

Luke Edwards

Luke is a veteran tech journalist with decades of experience covering everything from TVs, power tools, science and health tech to VPNs, space, gaming and cars. You may recognize him from appearances on plenty of news channels or have read his words which have been published in most tech titles over the years. In his spare time (of which he has little as a father of two) Luke likes yoga, surfing, meditation, DIY and consuming all the books, comics and movies he can find.

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Best VPN service 2022: keep your data secure (2024)

FAQs

What is the most secure VPN service? ›

The Best VPN Services of 2024
  • NordVPN - Best VPN for Privacy.
  • Surfshark - Best VPN for Security.
  • Private Internet Access VPN - Best VPN for Windows.
  • Hotspot Shield - Best VPN for Netflix.
  • Norton Secure VPN - Best VPN With Dynamic IP Addresses.
  • IPVanish - Best Customer Support.
  • ExpressVPN - Best Encryption.

What is the best VPN that doesn't steal data? ›

CNET VPN Coverage
  • ExpressVPN.
  • Surfshark VPN.
  • NordVPN.
  • Proton VPN.
  • IPVanish.
5 days ago

Which VPN is 100% safe? ›

1. NordVPN – the safest VPN in 2024 overall
Jurisdiction:Panama
Logging:No-logs policy (independently audited 4 times by PwC and Deloitte)
Kill switch:Yes
Current deal:Get NordVPN, now up to 69% OFF + 3 months FREE!
Mar 15, 2024

What is the most secure VPN for traveling? ›

  • ExpressVPN is the best VPN for travel overall, with more than 3,000 servers in over 105 countries. ...
  • NordVPN is the fastest VPN we tested and sports a slew of 6,200-plus servers peppering 111 different countries -- the most individual countries of any VPN we tested.
Mar 31, 2024

Is there anything more secure than a VPN? ›

Is Tor safer than a VPN? In some ways, Tor is considered safer than a VPN. Tor is great for anonymity and has a reputation for protecting people's identity online, and much of that stems from its use to access the dark web, which a VPN cannot provide. However, Tor is more difficult to use than a VPN.

What is the number 1 VPN service? ›

ExpressVPN – Best VPN overall

Privacy is important, to be sure, but so are performance, extra features, a wide country selection, and ease of use. ExpressVPN has it all, making it our top choice for VPN.

Can someone steal my data through VPN? ›

A VPN is designed to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your online privacy, not to steal your passwords or sensitive information. However, it's important to note that not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPNs may have security vulnerabilities that could potentially be exploited by hackers to steal your data.

Can hackers track VPN? ›

Man-in-the-middle attacks involve hackers intercepting, viewing, or even tampering with your data while it's in transit. However, with a good VPN on your device, your internet activity will be encrypted, meaning hackers won't be able to view it — even if they intercept it.

Which VPN saves data? ›

Pick VPN Protocols That Use The Least Data: Desktop

PPTP: Like IPSec, PPTP isn't the most secure protocol, but it uses the least amount of data possible. LT2P: For better security and average data usage, opt for L2TP over PPTP. IPSec: IPSec also works well on mobile, ideally at 128 versus 256 bits.

Is there a bad VPN? ›

However, a VPN can sometimes include flaws that result in the user's IP location being leaked. It is therefore important to look for a provider that actively prevents IP address leaks. Check reviews online to see if they have a history of IP address leakage.

How do I know if a VPN is safe? ›

Here are a few steps you can take to ensure your VPN program doesn't contain any malware: Choose a secure VPN. Check your VPN provider's reputation before purchasing a service. Read some reviews and comments, and check its privacy policy, no-logs policy, and encryption methods to ensure the VPN is trustworthy.

Which VPN is the safest and free? ›

8 Best Free VPNs of 2024
  • Proton VPN: Best Free VPN for Enhanced Anonymity.
  • hide.me: Best Free VPN for Leak Protection.
  • FlyVPN: Best Free VPN for Gaming.
  • AtlasVPN: Best Free VPN for Security and Speed.
  • Windscribe: Best for Unlimited Device Connection.
  • VPN Unlimited: Best for Lifetime Protection.

What VPN does not protect? ›

While VPNs provide a layer of privacy by encrypting your data and masking your IP address, they do not inherently protect against cookies. Cookies are small files stored on your computer by websites you visit.

Which is better NordVPN or ExpressVPN? ›

Speed winner: NordVPN is the fastest VPN we tested

In our 2024 tests, NordVPN resulted in an 11.1% average speed loss. While ExpressVPN was slower, with an average 24.8% dip in speeds, it was still plenty fast for bandwidth-heavy tasks like 4K video streaming, gaming and working from home.

Should I use a VPN while traveling? ›

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a powerful encryption tool that can function through an app on your device. A VPN service will help protect your browsing traffic from potential hackers, intrusive advertisers, and third parties while traveling abroad.

Can the police track a VPN? ›

Whether police can track VPN traffic is a common concern among users seeking online privacy. The truth is: the police can't monitor encrypted VPN traffic. However, they can ask your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to provide connection or usage logs through a court order, which can lead them to your VPN provider.

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