Honest and sourced

Reviews

Editorial reviews of VPN services, dated and sourced, based on our own research and trustworthy sources.

15 reviewed VPN services · 15 with a featured verdict

Our picks
NordVPN logoNordVPN
Nord Security
NordVPN

Nord Security

4.7
We ran NordVPN for four weeks and it lived up to its reputation: high speeds, streaming worked everywhere, and the no-logs policy has been independently verified multiple times. On a two-year plan, the best all-round choice right now.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Our picks
Surfshark logoSurfshark
Surfshark B.V.
Surfshark

Surfshark B.V.

4.6
Unlimited devices for a few dollars a month is a combination nobody else matches. Speeds held up well in our tests and streaming worked fine. The best value in this lineup.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Private
Mullvad VPN logoMullvad VPN
Mullvad VPN AB
Mullvad VPN

Mullvad VPN AB

4.6
Mullvad plays no marketing games: flat price, no account, no logs. For pure privacy, this is the most honest service we know. For streaming, look elsewhere.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Private
Proton VPN logoProton VPN
Proton AG
Proton VPN

Proton AG

4.5
The only serious free VPN without a data cap, and the paid Plus plan handled streaming just fine in our tests. Swiss, open source, and audited: solid on every front.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Our picks
ExpressVPN logoExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

4.4
ExpressVPN has the most user-friendly apps we tested and the Lightway protocol is rock solid. You do pay noticeably more than the competition for fewer simultaneous devices.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Budget
CyberGhost logoCyberGhost
CyberGhost S.A.
CyberGhost

CyberGhost S.A.

4.3
A huge server network and a 45-day money-back guarantee on long plans. Speeds are good but not top-tier. For the promo price, you get a lot for your money.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Budget
Private Internet Access logoPrivate Internet Access
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

4.2
Open source apps, unlimited devices, and around two dollars a month on a long plan. The US jurisdiction scares off purists, but the no-logs policy has held up in court.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Free
Windscribe logoWindscribe
Windscribe Limited
Windscribe

Windscribe Limited

4.2
The most generous free VPN we know, ad blocker included. Ten gigabytes a month covers light daily use. The paid version is flexible but not the cheapest.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Private
Mozilla VPN logoMozilla VPN
Mozilla Corporation
Mozilla VPN

Mozilla Corporation

4.2
Mullvad’s network with Mozilla’s name on it: the same WireGuard servers, sold by a company whose whole mission is an open internet. Small feature set, big trust.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Private
hide.me logohide.me
eVenture Ltd.
hide.me

eVenture Ltd.

4.1
Underrated: ten gigabytes free per month with no strings attached, a verifiable no-logs policy, and sharp long-plan pricing. The server network is smaller than the big names have.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Budget
IPVanish logoIPVanish
IPVanish
IPVanish

IPVanish

4.0
A solid budget choice with unlimited connections, great for a whole family. It trails the leaders on streaming and reputation, but the price makes up for a lot.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Budget
PrivateVPN logoPrivateVPN
PrivateVPN Global AB
PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Global AB

4.0
A small Swedish provider that punches above its weight: streaming worked remarkably well in our tests and the long-plan price is among the lowest anywhere. The server network is modest.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Free
TunnelBear logoTunnelBear
TunnelBear LLC
TunnelBear

TunnelBear LLC

3.9
The friendliest introduction to VPNs: install, hit the button, done. The annual public security audit deserves real credit. Two free gigabytes is sadly more of a taster.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Free
PrivadoVPN logoPrivadoVPN
Privado Networks AG
PrivadoVPN

Privado Networks AG

3.9
A young Swiss provider with a generous free plan of ten gigabytes a month. Fine as a starter or second VPN; for heavy use we stick with the established names.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist
Budget
PureVPN logoPureVPN
PureVPN (GZ Systems)
PureVPN

PureVPN (GZ Systems)

3.9
One of the cheapest serious options, with an always-on audit policy that lets KPMG check the no-logs claim unannounced. Speeds are decent rather than fast.Editorial team, via VPNShortlist

Reviews are editorial and meant as guidance. Click through to the provider for all current details.