Best VPN Tools (Paid and Free)

VPN services are no longer used only by companies. More and more everyday users rely on them to browse more safely, protect themselves on public Wi-Fi, hide their IP address or access content available in other regions.

In this guide, I have ranked the best VPN tools by use case. You will find premium VPN services, cheaper alternatives and free VPNs that make sense for basic use.

A VPN is not a legal or security guarantee of complete anonymity. A good VPN can, however, encrypt your connection, hide your real IP address from websites you visit and reduce risk when using unsecured networks.

Quick choice: the best VPN by use case

To choose a VPN quickly, first decide whether you need it for privacy, public Wi-Fi, streaming, torrenting, multiple devices, low price or free use. The best option changes significantly depending on that.

VPN tool	Best use	Best for
NordVPN	best overall choice	most users
Surfshark	price-to-performance ratio	families and many devices
ExpressVPN	simplicity and stable performance	demanding users
CyberGhost	streaming and easy use	beginners and households
Private Internet Access	advanced settings	technical users
Proton VPN	privacy and free plan	security-focused users
IPVanish	simple apps	households and beginners
PureVPN	cheap paid VPN	budget-conscious users
Avast SecureLine VPN	VPN in the Avast ecosystem	Avast product users
OysterVPN	cheap newer VPN	light users
ZoogVPN	cheap VPN and free plan	basic use and low budget
iTop VPN	simple VPN with free option	occasional use
PrivadoVPN	free VPN	free users
hide.me	free VPN with more settings	advanced free users

Tip: You can find current discounts and coupons in the deals section. VPN prices often change depending on subscription length and current campaigns.

1. NordVPN

I recommend NordVPN as the first option for most users who want a reliable VPN for everyday browsing, public Wi-Fi, streaming, travel and basic protection against tracking.

• Pros: large server network, good speeds, Threat Protection, Meshnet, audited no-logs policy and 30-day money-back guarantee.
• Cons: it is not the cheapest VPN and renewal pricing can be higher.
• Best for: users who want one reliable VPN for almost everything.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a strong choice for families, households and users with many devices. It includes modern protocols, ad and tracker blocking, MultiHop and easy-to-use apps.

• Pros: unlimited devices, fair pricing, CleanWeb, MultiHop and simple apps.
• Cons: some extra features are in higher plans and streaming results may depend on the server.
• Best for: families and users who want to protect many devices at a reasonable price.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN stands out for polished apps, the Lightway protocol, broad device support and stable performance. It is often a strong choice when convenience matters more than the lowest possible price.

• Pros: excellent apps, strong compatibility, good performance, Lightway and a 30-day guarantee.
• Cons: higher price and fewer deep settings for users who want maximum control.
• Best for: users who want a premium VPN with simple operation.

4. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost offers a large server network and servers labeled by use case. This makes it easier to choose a server for streaming, browsing or downloads without manual testing.

• Pros: simple apps, streaming servers, good long-term pricing and a longer money-back guarantee on selected plans.
• Cons: fewer advanced features than the top competitors and a device limit that may matter in larger households.
• Best for: users who want an easy VPN for streaming, public Wi-Fi and everyday use.

5. Private Internet Access

PIA gives you many options for protocols, ports and encryption settings. It is also interesting because it supports unlimited devices on one account.

• Pros: many settings, unlimited devices, good long-term pricing and a strong fit for advanced users.
• Cons: the interface may feel less friendly for beginners and global coverage may not suit everyone.
• Best for: users who want to customize their VPN more deeply.

6. Proton VPN

I recommend Proton VPN to users who care most about provider trust. Proton is also behind Proton Mail, its apps are open-source and it offers features such as Secure Core and NetShield.

• Pros: strong privacy focus, Swiss jurisdiction, open-source apps and a free plan without a data cap.
• Cons: paid plans are more expensive and the free plan has a limited server selection.
• Best for: users who value privacy and trust more than the lowest price.

7. IPVanish

IPVanish is worth considering if you want one VPN for many devices without complicated setup. It has apps for common platforms and supports WireGuard.

• Pros: unlimited devices, simple controls, WireGuard and good performance on nearby servers.
• Cons: the brand does not have the same reputation as NordVPN or Proton VPN and streaming can be less consistent.
• Best for: households and users who want a simple VPN for many devices.

8. PureVPN

PureVPN offers apps for major platforms, split tunneling, kill switch, leak protection and add-ons such as dedicated IP or port forwarding. It is mainly suitable for users looking for a cheaper paid VPN with decent features.

• Pros: good long-term pricing, large server network, audited no-logs policy and useful add-ons.
• Cons: speeds may be inconsistent on some distant servers and some add-ons cost extra.
• Best for: users who want a cheap paid VPN and do not need the most premium performance.

9. Avast SecureLine VPN

Avast SecureLine VPN offers basic connection protection, apps for major platforms, simple controls and a trial. Compared with top VPN services, it has fewer advanced features and is not my first choice for maximum privacy.

• Pros: known brand, simple apps, trial and solid basic protection on public Wi-Fi.
• Cons: smaller server network, fewer advanced features and weaker privacy reputation than specialized VPNs.
• Best for: Avast users who want a simple VPN for basic protection.

10. OysterVPN

OysterVPN may make sense if you want a cheap VPN and do not need the largest server network. Still, I would compare it with proven options such as Surfshark, NordVPN or CyberGhost.

• Pros: low price, simple app, basic security features and interesting long-term offers.
• Cons: younger brand, smaller server network and less proven long-term reputation.
• Best for: light users looking for a cheap VPN for basic protection.

11. ZoogVPN

ZoogVPN is interesting if you want a cheap VPN or want to try one for free first. The free plan has a monthly data limit and limited locations, so I see it more as a basic test or emergency option.

• Pros: low price, free plan, simple apps and affordable paid plans.
• Cons: smaller server network, shorter money-back guarantee and limits in the free plan.
• Best for: users who want a cheap VPN or a basic free VPN.

12. iTop VPN

iTop VPN can be useful for occasional connection, basic IP masking and simple protection while browsing. Compared with the best paid VPNs, I would not choose it first for demanding privacy or stable streaming.

• Pros: simple interface, free option, fast start and several extra tools in the iTop ecosystem.
• Cons: weaker reputation than top VPNs and less suitable for demanding use.
• Best for: users who want a simple VPN for occasional use.

Best free VPNs

Free VPNs can be useful for occasional use, testing or emergency connection on public Wi-Fi. With free plans, always expect data limits, fewer server choices, lower speed or streaming restrictions.

13. PrivadoVPN

I would start with PrivadoVPN if you want to try a free VPN without paying immediately. For long-term daily use, streaming and more data, a paid VPN is still a better option.

• Pros: free plan, usable data limit, simple apps and a good way to test a VPN.
• Cons: the free plan has a data limit and fewer servers.
• Best for: users who want a free VPN without immediate payment.

14. hide.me

hide.me is interesting if you want to try a VPN for free and also appreciate features such as kill switch, split tunneling or more settings.

• Pros: free plan, more technical settings, kill switch and a good reputation in privacy.
• Cons: the free version has limits and can be less intuitive for beginners.
• Best for: users who want a free VPN with more control.

15. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield may make sense if you need a VPN only occasionally and want basic connection protection quickly. For regular use, I would compare PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN Free or paid VPN services with more transparent conditions.

• Pros: known brand, simple use and available free version.
• Cons: the free version has limits and is not ideal for streaming or long-term use.
• Best for: users who want an occasional free VPN and accept limitations.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a service that creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. Websites you visit usually see the IP address of the VPN server instead of your real IP address from your internet provider.

VPNs used to be common mainly in companies, where employees connected to company networks from outside the office. Today they are also common at home, especially for privacy, travel and public Wi-Fi protection.

How does a VPN work?

The principle is simple: a VPN encrypts your connection and routes it through a remote VPN server. Websites, apps and online services then communicate with that VPN server instead of directly with your home or mobile IP address.

An IP address identifies a device or network on the internet. It can reveal approximate location, internet provider and other technical information. A VPN reduces that footprint, but it does not mean absolute anonymity in every situation.

What are the benefits of a VPN?

A VPN is useful mainly for privacy and connection security. You will appreciate it most on public Wi-Fi, while travelling, for streaming from abroad or when you do not want every website to see your real IP address.

• IP masking: websites see the VPN server IP instead of your home address.
• Encrypted connection: data is better protected, especially on public Wi-Fi networks.
• Access to regional content: some services show different content depending on country.
• Safer work while travelling: VPN reduces risks on hotel, airport or café networks.

Note: A VPN does not guarantee complete anonymity. It still depends on which accounts you are logged into, what cookies you use, what data you enter and how trustworthy the VPN provider is.

How to choose a VPN

The best VPN is not the same for everyone. When choosing, focus on provider trust, no-logs policy, speed, device limits, server locations, app simplicity, price and whether you need the VPN for streaming, work or basic protection.

• Privacy: look for a no-logs policy, ideally independently audited.
• Speed: a quality VPN should not significantly slow down everyday use.
• Devices: check Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, TVs and routers.
• Streaming: not every VPN works reliably with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer or other platforms.
• Price: the best deals are often on longer subscriptions, but always check renewal pricing.

Paid vs free VPN: which is better?

A free VPN is useful for occasional use, testing or simple protection on public Wi-Fi. A paid VPN is better if you want stable speeds, more servers, streaming, torrenting, unlimited data and more reliable security.

With free VPNs, pay attention to data limits, available countries, data processing rules and ads. I would avoid unknown free VPNs that do not clearly explain how they finance their service.

Is using a VPN legal?

In most countries, using a VPN is legal. You can use a VPN for privacy, safer connection, remote work or public Wi-Fi protection. However, a VPN does not make illegal activity legal.

When travelling, always check the rules of the country you are in. Some countries restrict VPN use or allow only approved services. Also respect the terms of streaming and online services you use.

VPN and streaming: what to know

A VPN can help access content available only in certain regions. Results are not guaranteed. Streaming platforms often detect and block VPN connections, so you may need to change the server or country.

If streaming is your priority, choose a VPN with a good reputation in this area. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost are often the first options I would compare. Free VPNs are usually not ideal for streaming.

Summary: which VPN do I recommend?

For most users, I would first compare NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN. NordVPN is the most universal option, Surfshark has excellent value and ExpressVPN stands out for simplicity and stability.

If privacy is your main priority, look at Proton VPN. If you want a cheaper paid option, PureVPN, ZoogVPN or OysterVPN may make sense. If you want a free VPN, I would start with PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN Free or ZoogVPN Free.

Frequently asked questions

Here are short answers to the most common questions when choosing a VPN. I focus on security, anonymity, free VPNs, streaming, mobile use and practical selection by need.

What is a VPN?

A VPN is a service that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a remote server. Websites usually see the VPN server IP address instead of your real IP address.

Is using a VPN legal?

In most countries, VPN use is legal. You can use it for privacy, public Wi-Fi protection or remote work. Illegal activities remain illegal even if a VPN is used.

Does a VPN hide my IP address?

Yes, a quality VPN hides your IP address from websites you visit and replaces it with the VPN server IP. It does not mean complete anonymity, especially if you are logged into accounts such as Google, Facebook or Netflix.

Is a free VPN safe?

Not every free VPN is safe. I recommend using free plans from trustworthy paid VPN providers, such as Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN or ZoogVPN. Always check how an unknown free VPN handles user data.

Which VPN is best for free?

Good free VPN options include PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN Free, hide.me and ZoogVPN Free. Each has different limits, so choose based on whether you need unlimited data, more locations or simple use.

Does a VPN slow down the internet?

Yes, a VPN can slightly slow down the internet because data passes through an encrypted tunnel and a remote server. With quality paid VPNs, the difference is often small in everyday use. With free VPNs, slowdown can be more noticeable.

Which VPN is best for Netflix and streaming?

For streaming, I would first compare NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark and CyberGhost. These services have a good reputation for accessing regional content, but results may change by platform, country and server.

Do I need a VPN on my phone?

A mobile VPN makes sense mainly on public Wi-Fi, while travelling and when using sensitive accounts. Most quality VPNs have apps for Android and iOS.

What is the difference between VPN and proxy?

A proxy usually redirects only a specific app or browser, while a VPN encrypts the whole device connection. A VPN is therefore a safer and more complete solution for privacy and internet use.