Best VPN Services in 2021: Top Providers for Multi-Purposes

Short on time? Here’s a list of the best VPN services in 2021! These VPNs have been tested and selected as best for your device, online security and privacy, best for streaming, P2P activities, gaming, and so much more! They are:

Overview

Most VPN providers boast 100% anonymity and security, all while promising access to US Netflix from anywhere in the world, or access to online banking apps from abroad, etc. However, no software is 100% reliable, which is why you need to pay careful attention to the VPN you settle with.

The VPNs that are chosen for the list above, have all been run through multiple tests. We tested the best VPNs on this list for online privacy, access to international and local websites, streaming services, and apps, and made sure that they didn’t leak any data. Their logging policies and other reports were put under the microscope. Our team also went the extra mile and combined evaluation reports from multiple user experiences from platforms like Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and more.

We made sure to check if these VPNs work the best in countries like China, or Russia that are heavy on online censorship and surveillance. You’ll find Google Play and the Apple Store overcrowded with providers that claim to be the “best VPN”, but are scams in actuality. Our team skimmed through the list, knocking out malicious or unreliable VPNs, and listed only the best.

Through our honest VPN reviews, we encourage our viewers to go through each detail that a VPN has to offer and utilize its free trials to run tests of their own. Also understand that the providers listed on our best VPN list, have also been picked according to being user-friendly and affordable. There are some of the best cheap VPN services on this list that outshone bigger names in both performance and affordability.

The Best VPN in 2021 – Complete and updated analysis

Our team runs regular testing to see how the VPN changes with time, and whether or not they offer better results than they did before. These top 10 VPN services have managed to score a place on this list and for many reasons.

Read all about them below, starting with our top recommended provider, Surfshark.

1. Surfshark – The best VPN in 2021

Surfshark is the best VPN overall! It’s affordable and at the same time performs exceptionally well.

Surfshark takes the cake because it offers unlimited device connections along with its affordable packages. This makes it the best VPN for multi-device users. The VPN has a network of 3200+ servers in 65 countries, optimized for streaming and P2P activities.

Surfshark isn’t the fastest, but the speeds are great!

Where features and security matters, Surfshark has a Kill Switch even on the iOS app, and Multi-Hop servers. It further adds obfuscation tools to its app called NoBorders Mode, which worked alright in countries like China. Use its CleanWeb feature to get rid of ads.

It offers a Camouflage Mode and GPS Spoofing feature help spoof your physical IP. Try testing the VPN to see how these features work for you. What’s more, to add to the security and protection of its users, Surfshark now offers the Surfshark One package, which includes the all-new Antivirus! Read all about it here. Need a bigger discount? Use the Surfshark coupon!

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2. NordVPN – Best VPN with robust security and fastest speeds

There are many reasons why NordVPN is a popular choice for users worldwide.

NordVPN is mostly known for its take on online protection. Its apps operate using AES-256 encryption paired with OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. Its Double VPN servers add doble the security. There’s a Kill Switch even on the iOS app.

Its CyberSec feature blocks ads, and there’s also a malware and adblocking tool, triggered when entering malicious websites. All apps are DNS-leak protected.

NordVPN has 5100+ servers in 60 countries. You can even get yourself a dedicated IP with NordVPN if you require personal access. Did you know that NordVPN is one of the few providers that work in China?

You can use its SmartPlay DNS feature for immediate access to geo-blocked streaming services. Yes, it works even in those countries that impose online restrictions or censorship laws. You can enable the feature via a router.

The speeds are some of the fastest recorded. We were able to secure 112.20Mbps with the UK server over 105Mbps without the VPN. That’s how fast and consistent you should expect the NordVPN speeds to be.

Another great perk is that NordVPN offers a business VPN service by the name of NordLayer.

Use the NordVPN risk-free trial or its 30-day money-back guarantee. You can ask for a full refund if you’re not happy with the results. Use the NordVPN coupon for a bugger discount!

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3. ExpressVPN – Fastest speeds for UHD streams

ExpressVPN often gets many great reviews, despite the fact that it is one of the more expensive providers. However, it is also one of the few VPNs that performs the best throughout, regardless of streaming or privacy.

ExpressVPN offers 3000+ high-powered servers in 94 countries, all of which are optimized to unblock numerous geo-restricted streaming services from anywhere in the world. It’s one of the best for Netflix, and Hulu. Its MediaStreamer DNS feature let’s you use the VPN on devices that don’t support it.

The speeds are the fastest. We recorded a 94.56Mbps using the Canadian server, over a local internet speed of 106.82Mbps. It could’ve gone even higher without too many people over the same connection.

ExpressVPN operates using military-grade encryption, and offers a Kill Switch feature to make sure your data or IP address isn’t exposed if ever the VPN connection drops.

Other features include Split-Tunneling and its TrustedServer Technology. This is means all its servers are operated using RAM – deleting all user data after every session.

The best part? You’re allowed to test the VPN using the ExpressVPN free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee. You can run tests on up to 5 multi-devices simultaneously. Don’t like the service? You can always cancel your account and ask for a refund at any time during the first 30-days if not satisfied.

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4. IPVanish – Best VPN to unblock US streaming services

IPVanish gets many great reviews for its ability to unblock streaming services in the US, and in fact, works great with Netflix and a couple other libraries. It might be headquartered in the USA, the hub of the 14-eyes alliance, but this provider maintains its user’s anonymity and online privacy. It follows a strict no-logs policy and doesn’t comply with the laws of the alliance.

IPVanish recently upgraded its network coverage to about 1900+ servers in 75+ countries. These servers are optimized for both streaming and P2P activities. Our team tested its Split-Tunneling feature available on the Android app, to check how it works with streaming on two platforms, passing it through the encrypted tunnel.

It worked smoothly! You can test it using its 30-day money-back guarantee to hack a free trial. You’ll also be able to get a bigger discount using the IPVanish coupon. The speeds were above average, which is great for UHD streams.

What’s more, IPVanish allows unlimited device connections that takes its reliability up a notch. Large families and companies will find this most convenient. However, if a high-powered VPN with multi-connection allowance is what you’re mainly looking for, then Surfshark would be a better fit.

IPVanish operates using 256-bit encryption, with protocols (IKEv2, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec), a SOCKS5 web proxy, and a unique OpenVPN Scramble feature. It’s best to bypass the harshest geo-blocks without getting detected.

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5. CyberGhost – User-friendly apps and optimized servers

CyberGhost is another one of the more popular VPN services and for good reason. It offers user-friendly apps, fast speeds, high-end security, plus it’s easy on the wallet. It’s headquartered in Romanian far away from the 14-eyes alliance.

It has a huge list of 7300+ servers in 90 countries, including 12 servers in China, which is so rare! CyberGhost also has dedicated servers for streaming and P2P, individually marked in the app. It means, if you want quick access to Netflix, connect to the server labeled with Netflix.

The CyberGhost security suite is reliable, operating with AES 256-bit encryption standards. It offers a Kill Switch, and other features like (Blocking Ads, Malicious Websites, Online tracking, an Automated HTTPS Redirect, and a Data Compressor). It even offers an in-app feature for split-tunneling called “Exceptions.”

The speeds were good, and in fact, you could test that out too using the CyberGhost free trial or refund period.

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6. FastestVPN – Great security for online privacy

FastestVPN has been around for only a couple of years but has managed to land the list of best VPN services in 2021, mainly because of its affordability and the services it offers in relation. It operates from the Cayman Island, a privacy-focused region, and supports a no-logs policy.

The network coverage isn’t as massive compared to the other providers on this list. However, all of its 550+ servers in 40+ countries offers the ability to bypass some of the most popular yet restricted streaming services in the industry. The speeds aren’t exactly the fastest in the industry but are still great. For instance, during our tests, we managed to get 96.10Mbps on the UK server, over a local connection speed of 129.21Mbps.

The FastestVPN security offers solid encryption and other advanced features that promote online anonymity. Some of the advanced features include a NAT Firewall, Adblocker, and DNS leak protection. All-in-all, FastestVPN makes an affordable VPN with great security.

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7. Windscribe – Best free VPN app

Windscribe is a Canadian-based VPN, that’s located within the eyes-alliance but observes very strict no-logging and no copyright policies. It might not be the best option for multi-purposes, but made the list for being the best free and user-friendly VPN app. There are many that are malicious or scams, and luckily, Windscribe offers users a reliable option.

There have been many upgrades in the VPN, especially where the network coverage is concerned. Windscribe now has over 400+ servers in 60+ countries. With that, you’ll be able to get access to a number of popular streaming services or websites, but all in moderation.

Where security is concerned, Windscribe operates using 256-bit ciphers with SHA512 authentication and 4096-bit RSA key encryption. The other advanced features include Static IP, malware and leak protection, Firewall, an AdBlocker, and more.

What’s unique about Windscribe is that it offers something called Windflix servers. These are reliable options when trying to access Netflix. Windscribe also makes a great free app for torrenting.

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8. PureVPN – Servers in 140+ countries

Most users have heard of PureVPN, and is usually labeled as the best VPN to bypass geo-restrictions with its large network coverage. When we tested and reviewed the PureVPN app, we were able to access not just the US Netflix library, but many more. This was possible because of its 6500+ servers in 140+ countries, best for those who want to avoid overcrowded servers.

Other than the ability to access streaming services worldwide, the security backing is pretty great too. The PureVPN apps operate using AES 256-bit encryption, and sport a number of advanced features. A few of them include a Kill Switch, Split-Tunneling, and DNS leak protection. There are a couple of other features like DDoS protection available, but you’ll have to pay a price for it.

You can test the VPN using its 31-day money-back guarantee by hacking a free trial. All you need to do is contact their 24/7 customer support and ask for an account cancelation.

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9. Private Internet Access – Best VPN with the largest network coverage!

Private Internet Access, popularly known as PIA, is one of the industry’s finest. You may have at some point come across it on platforms like Reddit or Twitter, where users share positive experiences after having tested it.

PIA is the best VPN with massive network coverage. All of its 35900+ servers in 77 countries are optimized for streaming and P2P activities, given that the speeds were pretty decent too. These are just a couple of reasons why PIA is popular among users worldwide.

With PIA, you won’t experience any security or privacy issues. Its military-grade protection and no-logs policy combined will ensure you the safest experience online. This is perfect for the privacy-conscious. PIA even offers a combination of malware and ad blocker that goes by the name MACE. It works best for users who spend countless hours on torrenting platforms. The feature worked reliably when we tested it.

You’ll be able to run a few tests either using the limited free trial for Android and iOS smartphones or jump into a bigger timeframe using its 30-day money-back guarantee. Either way, you can contact the chat support or team asking for a full refund. They’re pretty reliable and responsive. Just in case you’re experiencing issues with the VPN, you can resolve it with our Private Internet Access not working guide.

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10. VyprVPN – Small server network but powerful performance

Last, but not least, we have VyprVPN. It offers a minimalistic network of 700 servers in 65 countries, but all of them are optimized for fast HD streams. With that said, it scored 38.68Mbps using the UK server, over a local internet connection of 40.25Mbps.

VyprVPN covers sound security features, like military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, a Kill Switch, DNS and IP leak protection, and something for businesses called VyprVPN Cloud. However, what VyprVPN is most famous for, is its Chameleon protocol. With it, you’ll have an extra layer of security in countries like Russia or China and more, bypassing their geo-restrictions.

Compared to the other VPNs on this list, VyprVPN makes a great provider for secure but simple usage. You could run some tests to get a better feel of the app, by using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

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What is a VPN?

A VPN is short for “Virtual Private Network.” For a shorter definition, a VPN is security software that creates a private tunnel over a public network. It passes all data or web-traffic through secure and private tunnels, made anonymous by virtual VPN servers. These servers change your public IP address and replace it with a new one.  A VPN is crucial today for the protection of online privacy and security against threats. To get set up with the best VPN in 2021 or learn about different VPN types, you can check out a more detailed VPN guide on how it works.

So, what does a VPN do?

Protects your privacy

The best VPN is a tool designed to make all your online connections or network connections extremely secure; while protecting your privacy.

For instance, when you are connected to a VPN, it allows the connections to blend in with that of the computer or any device you’re using. Once a secure connection is established, all your traffic will be routed through an encrypted tunnel. No more worrying about privacy, when surfing the internet!

Unblocks international or geo-restrictive services

A VPN allows you to gain access to restricted streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Kodi. Maintaining your privacy and the provision of virtual IP addresses will come in handy if you’re in countries like China that have strict censorship laws.

Secures from external threats

It also works pretty great for anyone who’s on the move and happens to connect to a public Wifi, which is also harmful to your device.

However…

To choose a VPN, you have to be able to do your research on an extensive level. Not all VPNs can provide the best services suitable for you, and in fact, could do more harm than good to your devices or anonymity.

For this very reason, to make your work a little easier, I tried and tested out every VPN mentioned above on the Top VPN Services Page. The outcome will render you the most trustworthy tools for securing your activities and identity; allowing you the liberty to surf right through the 21^st century, securely.

How we chose these best VPN services – Research Analysis

Just like every other testing procedure, we first started off by collecting some of the best VPNs in the industry. Slowly but gradually we shortlisted them, compared and picked them according to certain aspects and functionality. Some of these include:

• Make sure they are reasonably priced VPNs that include refund policies that are reliable.
• Abide by their strict privacy policies and no-data-retention laws.
• Additional advanced features like Kill Switch, multiple protocols, encryption, etc.
• A speed test is conducted, using multiple servers, covering various locations. We check to see any major shifts in upload and download speeds.
• Tests for IP leak, DNS, and WebRTC leaks are conducted, again using various server locations.
• Additionally, we look for in-built features and whether the app is user-friendly. This means that it needs to be easy to navigate, not too complex and whether it’s usable to beginners.

Need more details? You can follow this VPN review guide showing you how we test and choose these top providers.

Why do you need the best VPN?

 

Most users ask whether they really need a VPN or not, and even though you don’t 100% need a VPN, using one does come with importance.  A VPN is more of a bare necessity that could benefit you in the long haul. So, here’s why you need one:

Privacy and security measures

As we’ve discussed towards the beginning, a VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is the ultimate tool for providing every internet user the endless possibilities of staying safe and secure.

This is regardless of the situation you’re in. A VPN gives you the upper hand of keeping all your devices and data safe in one shot while masking your identity and physical location.

Protection from unknown WiFi-sources

There are many situations where the free public WiFi you’re connected to, will steal all sensitive information. That’s why you need a VPN to keep you and your device entirely safe.

Protection from cyberattacks

It protects you from cyber-attacks, hackers, viruses, enhances anonymity, and allows you to break the spell of streaming services or P2P platforms that are restricted or under geo-blocks.

How to choose a VPN

There are a lot of reasons why you’d need a VPN, but not everyone knows how to choose one that is best suited.

Here’s a small chart showing you that:

What you also don’t know is that all VPN services are not safe!

This is why our team tried and tested many VPNs along the way, shortlisting the 10 of the best VPN services (Surfshark, CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, FastestVPN, IPVanish, and Windscribe, PureVPN, Private Internet Access, and VyprVPN).

All the VPNs mentioned in my list have been accumulated together based on the kind of features and security measures it offers and all you will need in a VPN. They were chosen based on:

• Jurisdiction – observing the no-data retention laws.
• Pricing – rendering a price that matches the rich features it provides.
• Servers – provide you with abundant server locations to stream and torrent with great speeds.
• Security – possessing top-notch security encryption and multiple protocols; protecting your devices and data.
• Accountability – making sure your privacy is maintained with leak protection and no-logging policies.
• Bandwidth – capable enough to provide you with unlimited bandwidth
• Compatibility – has to support all the major devices and apps for various platforms.
• Accessibility – providing you front row seats to all restricted streaming services like Netflix.
• Functionality – able to function in many countries that have strong censorship laws like China and South Africa.
• Masking – strong enough to mask your identity, GPS or IP.
• Helpline – it may seem unimportant, but every provider must be responsive enough to assist you with your VPN requirements.

All 10 VPN providers mentioned are capable enough to provide you with all-round accessibility and a plethora of rich features, enough to let you safely surf through multiple internet dimensions.

The best VPN overall

If we had to choose one, Surfshark made it to the top of the VPN list for a number of reasons.

• It’s known as one of the top dogs in the VPN industry and not because it has a catchy name to it, but rather, because of the quality features this VPN possesses.
• The app has a friendly interface, best for beginners and professionals alike.
• It’s an all-rounder VPN with the best security measures, keeps your privacy/anonymity as its main priority.
• Possesses fast speeds, unblocks restricted streaming services, and websites.
• Compatible with unlimited devices for example: (Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, routers, and Fire TV).
• It allows unlimited device connections simultaneously with just one subscription.

So it’s pretty much like paying a small price of $2.21/mo., unlocking the best of the best.

What can you do with a VPN?

The question should really be, what all can’t you do with a VPN. The possibilities of using a VPN are endless.

Keeps your life private

Firstly, it is the main factor behind providing you with the online privacy you deserve. You’ll never have to worry about websites or your ISP tracking your every move or browsing through your history.

Access to geo-restricted streaming services

It allows you to access content from all over the world. In most circumstances, you probably would have a tough time watching all your favorite shows from wherever you are located. This happens especially if the content you want is available only to the locals of another country.

For example, Netflix is available full-fledged to the people of the US.

With a VPN, you’d just have to connect to one of the server locations of the content that’s broadcasted in that country. With the best VPN, you could access platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Kodi, Amazon Prime, and many other local or international services.

Bypass censorship blocks

Speaking of accessing restricted content, there are countries like China, Russia, or Iran that have censorship laws heavily enforced by the government. There are even bans put on VPNs and access to many websites.

Using a VPN in these countries could put a damp to the law. However, the VPNs I mentioned are among government-approved providers, as well as able to break through censored platforms.

Protection from third-party hotspots

Have you heard of stranger danger? The same applies to public internet hotspots. When in a public place, never try to gain access to any unknown WiFi source without a VPN. This can cause valuable data on your phone to be hacked or wiped out.

Intranet connected

VPNs today are developed also for the use of high-end businesses or corporations. It allows you to connect to the company’s Intranet when traveling to another country, eliminating the requirement to connect with an unknown internet source.

Unlimited bandwidth and speed

If you’re a streaming or torrenting fanatic, you probably understand how devastating it can be to have your content stop midway or even buffer for the longest time.

This usually happens with the limited data caps provided either by your ISP or the streaming service. It could be completely avoided by using a reliable VPN that allows you unlimited bandwidth and great speeds, bumping up your streaming possibilities.

Apart from this, torrenting can be quite a risk. Most of its usage involves breaking through copyright laws to download content. That pretty much makes it illegal. However, if you happen to pick one of these 10 VPNs, you’d be far from worrying about the inevitable.

Malware protected

Using your device for extreme surfing could sometimes leave you accessing the wrong website at the wrong time. A VPN helps secure your device from viruses or malware, keeps your data leak-free, and punches away unwanted ads/pop-ups that could be clickbait.

Anonymity

This is different from wanting your privacy. Sometimes you’re entitled to surf the net without third parties or your ISP finding out who you are or where you’re located. A VPN masks your actual IP, providing you with another IP address from a different location according to your preference.

Of course, not all VPNs can allow you the unlimited requirements that you deserve, for this reason, I have shortlisted the best VPNs that can deliver great performance.

Safeguards multiple devices at a time

Internet users of this age are usually hooked on to not one, but many devices at a time. There are VPNs in the industry that have vast usages but not all provide the ability to safeguard multiple devices at a go. So, to avoid making many subscriptions, the VPNs listed, allow you to connect up to multiple devices simultaneously per subscription.

Choosing the right server locations for the job

Most VPN providers may be cheaper in comparison, but that would be no good if the security and server list they provide is stale in comparison.

The list of VPNs I have provided on this page is more than meets the eye. Being rich in both features and functionality, they have a server list that’s abundant in locations, suitable for carrying out certain tasks.

For example, if you wish to Netflix, it is best you connect to a US server for the optimum results. Other country locations that hold strict data privacy laws and super speeds, which you can connect to, on one of these VPNs, are:

• Romania
• Switzerland
• Malaysia
• Iceland
• Spain

Can I use a free VPN?

Yes, you can, but is that really what you want?

There are very few free VPN services in the market that actually offer good services and if you land up with the wrong one, there’s a lot that can go wrong.

For a clearer picture, a free VPN can be described as a can of peas that may have expired three months ago. You go for it without thinking twice or if they’d be okay to eat because the price tag on it is practically close to free. You eat it and find yourself sick to your stomach.

If you’re wondering why I compared a free VPN to an expired can of peas, well then you need to understand that as tempting as the offer of a free VPN sounds, doesn’t mean it could be the safest option. It could be a danger in ways like:

• Not encrypting your data
• Won’t be virus or malware protected
• Won’t take care of the privacy/anonymity you need.
• Be a risky option and an open invitation for hackers to break-in
• Lacks masking abilities that could reveal your identity in one wrong shot

On the other hand, as I mentioned, there are only a couple of free VPNs that are reliable. But it’s best if you go for Windscribe, which has both free and pro versions; offers rich features and even better security in its premium version. It’s one of the few VPNs that offer plentiful features even for its free app.

Are VPNs legal?

Yes, VPNs are legal, in 196 countries roughly put together. The laws on VPNs are a little different all over the world. In short, they’re not illegal to use, but you still need to make sure what the laws in your country are like.

However, the legality of VPNs is a very delicate topic and needs to be taken seriously. Just because you have access or the power to work a VPN from where you are, doesn’t mean it’s wise to abuse its usage. Rules always apply.

On the other hand, there are a couple of countries that do have a VPN block put up. They include:

• China
• UAE
• Russia
• Oman
• Iran
• Turkey

These countries have policies against VPNs and if caught, you could be charged with severe consequences. However, these countries do allow certain VPNs that are approved by the government.

This is why we tested and chose the top 10 VPN services, based on their profound functionality and precautionary measures.

How much does a VPN normally cost?

Before investing, always make sure to find out how much a VPN costs, and whether or not you can get a cheaper alternative but with similar performance levels.

Here’s the thing, the best VPN doesn’t need to be expensive. There are top-grade providers like Surfshark that are affordable, costing as little as $2.21/mo. There are also providers like ExpressVPN that cost $6.67/mo. but offer the fastest speeds and greater streaming allowance. You need to always see what a VPN offers before settling, and make sure they offer a free trial to get a feel of the app.

You could always go through our VPN deals page for a wider idea of affordable options. The best VPNs are always offering regular deals and discounts. The most current VPN sales are happening during Black Friday! Be sure to give that a check!

To Conclude

Choosing the best VPN services for every single activity you partake in, is your given right. But it all depends on how you choose to take advantage of these perks.

These 10 VPNs have done justice in my books, providing not only the best security and speeds in the VPN realm but also sticking to their policies, which you’ll be able to see in extent in all my reviews per VPN.

They work particularly great for almost everyone around the world, in countries like the UK, US, China, Iran, etc. It gives you the chance to exercise your rights in the online world. You’ll also be able to stream endlessly on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO, Amazon Prime, and more.

All 10 providers are capable of protecting all your devices. They incorporate the best server locations, are compatible with a rich platform of devices/apps. Some of these platforms include (Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Chrome extensions, smart TVs, gaming consoles, etc.); all while preserving your online privacy.

They’re the best choices for small businesses, and large corporations. They’re even great for home, school, or colleges. Their features are capable enough to suit any setting or platform. Lastly, another great thing is, that they have free trials and refund policies for testing purposes.