Best VPN Services

It’s important to me that I provide unbiased reviews when it comes to securing the best VPN services.

I will be using them anyway, so this serves as my journal where I decode the best-trusted VPNs and record all the test results.

I test them through a meticulous and fair test program that I designed myself.

Some of the areas that I am concerned about are speed, reliability, privacy, security, etc.

Here’s an overview of my review process:

Analyzing The Best VPNs with Tests

This means that you will receive transparent and detailed reviews on how I judge the VPN services’ quality.

The 28 parameters that I’ve set enable me to score and rank them accurately.

This process is designed to cover all the talking points for all of the selected VPNs here.

Based on these elements’ points, it gives me a better idea of the overall picture of the service.

After all, numbers tell the truth.

I will break down and analyze all the fundamental elements that make or break a VPN service.

I also review its unique features and other aspects that set these VPN services apart from their competitors and assess if they do add genuine value to the entire service.

But before that, do get into the basics of VPNs with the beginners’ guide here.

My Testing is in line with the Top 3 Most Searched Paid VPN Brand, Globally

Coincidence or not, I took it as a recognition for my testing method that my scoring system is matching consumer expectations when it comes to VPN service.

My top 3 ranked best VPNs are aligned with brand searches for paid VPNs according to Google Trends data globally.

Most of the consumers are aware of the brand and my VPN testing report helps to record them down in numbers and put scores on them.

It might not be the best benchmarking but it certainly is a guideline here.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is all about privacy and speed. If you value your online privacy, you won’t think twice before going with ExpressVPN.

They are the fastest VPN that I’ve tested.

And it’s no going back after you have experienced the smooth sailing browsing and streaming capability which we all deserved!

Albeit the premium price, there was no ad-blocker feature which I think is a slight turnoff.

Other than that, everything else was top-notch. A major leap in protecting client privacy by introducing TrustedServer where the VPN server only runs on RAM.

Not to mention that all of the servers are owned by ExpressVPN alone.

Find out more at ExpressVPN.com

… or read my ExpressVPN review here.

2. Surfshark

It’s a no-brainer that Surfshark is offering all the premium features for just under $2/mo.

Surfshark is certainly eating all the competitors alive with their ‘Shark’ surfing around.

It may seem like Surfshark was at the disadvantage of partially renting some of the servers around the globe. But rest assured that they are all physically located in a trusted third-party data center.

All had gone through a strict due-diligence process that meets the highest degree of trust and security requirements.

And let’s not forget that all the traffic is encrypted with AES-256 encryption.

Find out more at Surfshark.com

… or read my Surfshark review here.

3. Nordvpn

NordVPN and Netflix are certainly a killer combo. Constantly having stable and fast speed throughout the VPN connection.

Having close to 6000 servers across 59 countries makes sure that you can connect anywhere with ease.

Most of all, having specialty servers for P2P function, Dedicated IP, and even Onion Over VPN is extraordinary for an affordable price VPN.

All in all, they are decent, trusted, and premium VPN providers despite a lower score compared to ExpressVPN or Surfshark.

Make sure you check out my review and test report to find out where they fall short.

Find out more at NordVPN.com

… or read my NordVPN review here.

4. CyberGhost

They might not be an all-rounded paid VPN service, but you can rest assured that all your media streaming and P2P will perform without a hitch.

CyberGhost provides decent enough speeds when it comes to local destinations, but the farther you move from your home center, the greater the lag you’re going to experience.

A vast selection of over 6400 servers is good, but the jewels are in the NoSpy servers that are wholly owned and maintained by CyberGhost.

NoSpy servers are available to all paying plans except the monthly plan where you paid month-to-month.

You are only granted to NoSpy server access if you opt to pay annually, 2 years, or 3 years in a go.

Find out more at CyberGhostVPN.com

… or read my CyberGhost review here.

5. VyprVPN

What truly shines here would be their Chameleon DNS where obfuscating is at ease.

While most of the Netflix libraries are accessible, there are still some that can’t and speed consistency problems make it a dreadful experience when it comes to streaming.

However, privacy and security are where VyprVPN stands out. A third-party audit on their no-log policy vouch for their determination of being a truly private VPN.

And the latest addition of the WireGuard protocol proves that they are constantly improving on the security front.

Find out more at VyprVPN.com

… or read my VyprVPN review here.

6. TunnelBear

As with the rest of the above premium VPNs, TunnelBear has its own ‘GhostBear’ technology.

Its advanced obfuscation method enables them to do a lot of things such as bypassing China firewalls.

But not able to beat the Netflix VPN ban which is quite a shame. TunnelBear was OK but seriously fell short if we put them in comparison with the above.

Find out more at TunnelBear.com

… or read my TunnelBear review here.

7. IPVanish

First off, it didn’t work with BBC iPlayer and certainly did not work in China.

While it does promise a large network of servers around the world but I am having difficulties in getting past the geo-blocks set by Netflix or BBC for instance.

Well, speed isn’t as impressive. It drops as much as 18% from my testing where I picked the nearest server.

Imagine if it has to go around the other half of the globe. It doesn’t look good.

But it’s very easy to use, the interface is very clean and clear. And you are backed by awesome customer support.

They are quick and eager to solve your concerns.

With a monthly price tag of around $6, I just cannot justify the cost with the usability at the moment.

Find out more at IPVanish.com

… or read my IPVanish review here.

8. Windscribe

Great stuff, it is able to unblock Netflix even with their free version.

Bad stuff, their download speed is terrible with a massive over 60% drop from my testing.

I’ve tried different servers, but the speed just won’t come up.

They do pack Windscribe VPN with a lot of features and advanced security but somehow it just lacks the depth of it if you are really testing them out.

Nonetheless, their free version is the most usable of my find out.

Find out more at windscribe.com

… or read my Windscribe review here.

9. Private Internet Access (PIA)

I would have to rethink again if I am going to use PIA VPN for Netflix or any other media streaming services as it was hit-and-miss for me.

The speed test was not up to par and it would certainly affect the streaming and viewing experience thus I would most likely be skipping it.

However, I think the PIA VPN would be the perfect match for torrenting as they owned all of their servers. And torrenting mostly runs in the background.

You can be sure of total privacy and security protection from them.

Word of advice, there’s no free trial. Though there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, the refund process is slow.

Find out more at PIA.com

… or read my PIA review here.

10. Hotspot Shield

Building their own protocol, Catapult Hydra can be both a good and bad thing at the same time.

With no transparency and third-party auditing on the protocol itself, it’s hard to judge the privacy stance.

Speed was extremely good for all the US side servers but it lacks the depth for the rest of the world.

Overcoming the Netflix VPN ban was at ease and the streaming experience was great.

But the same can be achieved with Surfshark or Cyberghost at the fraction of the cost.

All in all, the score does not look good and there’s a good reason for it.

Find out more at Hotspotshield.com

… or read my Hotspot Shield review here.

I Didn’t Make Up The Best 10 VPNs

I had referred more than 30+ other websites to come out with these 10 best VPNs for review and testing purposes.

Working from the ground up, calculating, and recording each of them in great detail.

To sum up and finally pick the 10 most mentioned Best VPNs around the world.

Here’s the spreadsheet for your further reference.

“I leave no stone unturned, making sure there are no hidden surprises when it comes to Private VPN services”.