Finding the best VPN to keep you safe online feels impossible. There are hundreds of VPNs out there, and each one claims it’s the best.
To help you find the right service, we’ve tested over 300 VPNs for speed, security, and features. We’ve run extensive tests and analyzed loads of data to identify the top 10 VPNs.
We even made some calls to Google and PayPal to investigate rumors surrounding some VPNs. We also delisted several shady VPNs: while they hadn’t yet been caught sharing user data, we’re worried that soon, they will.
Our honest, comprehensive reviews will help you choose the right VPN for you, whether you want to stream Netflix, get around government censorship, or stay completely anonymous online.
It’s not all about size – some smaller VPNs outperformed some of the biggest brands, even though they lack the marketing budget. And, when we put them to the test, we found that some of the popular VPNs were basically worthless – some even dangerous!
We can honestly say that after our rigorous testing and reviewing, our top 10 VPNs will keep you safe, protect your data, and give you lightning-fast streaming speeds.
If you want to know how we tested and ranked these VPNs, click here.
Short on time? Here’s a summary of the best VPNs:
- NordVPN – #1 VPN in 2020
- ExpressVPN – #1 for speed
- Surfshark – Best budget-friendly VPN
- CyberGhost – Best VPN for beginners
- Private Internet Access– Solid security features
Plus Five more great VPNs you shouldn’t miss! | VPN Features Comparison Table| How We Ranked & Compared These VPNs
Here Are 2020’s Best VPN Providers – Reviewed & Compared
1. NordVPN – Our #1 VPN in 2020
- Dedicated torrenting profile: Yes, P2P specialty servers available
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Routers, Raspberry Pi, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox
- Data logging: Strict no-logs policy
NordVPN is our #1 VPN recommendation. It provides exceptional all-around value, with great features and performance at a price few can beat.
AES-256 encryption and support for OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols keep your traffic secure and hidden. Since it’s registered in Panama, NordVPN is also far away from Fourteen Eyes surveillanceand troubling data retention laws. This allows it to collect zero sensitive user logs – great news for the privacy-conscious.
The massive NordVPN network has over 5,400 servers in 60+ countries, with regular new additions. It offers specialty servers for P2P, double encryption, dedicated IPs, and Onion over VPN for Tor users.
Secure streaming and torrenting are one-click tasks with NordVPN. Thanks to proprietary SmartPlay DNS settings, the NordVPN client automatically provides reliable access and fast speeds when you open Netflix and other streaming services.
The CyberSec suite is another unique NordVPN feature. It provides adblocking and extra malware protection. Advanced obfuscation settings ensure the VPN works in countries with heavy censorship such as China. Plus, you don’t have to worry about VPN leaks as NordVPN offers two different kill switches and custom DNS settings to prevent them.
If you ever need assistance, you can count on the 24/7 live chat customer support to help you out. What’s more, NordVPN has a huge knowledge base full of useful info on setups and servers.
Don’t Use If:
You want to pay with PayPal.
The bottom line? We thinkNordVPN is the ultimate multi-purpose VPN, but we were disappointed that you can’t pay with PayPal. You can test its intuitive apps and excellent features on six devices with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Heads up – NordVPN is running some great deals! Get up to 70% off on your NordVPN plan with these awesome coupons.
For more information, read our full NordVPN review.
2. ExpressVPN – Rated #1 for Speed
- Dedicated torrenting profile: No (but all servers support P2P activity)
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Routers, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, Chromecast, Nvidia Shield
- Data logging: Strict no-logs policy
We tested dozens of VPNs in multiple locations for speed, and ExpressVPN came out on top.
ExpressVPN has 3,000+ high-speed servers at 160 global locations. It’s also the fastest VPN we tested, making it ideal for streaming and torrenting.
The split tunneling feature allows you to tailor ExpressVPN to your needs by selecting which apps and services are encrypted. This is very useful if you want to have access to both local and foreign contenton the same device.
There’s more: ExpressVPN can help you access your favorite content even on platforms that don’t support VPNs. Thanks to the MediaStreamer feature, you can watch freely on your Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles.
ExpressVPN supports P2P connections on all servers, so you don’t need a torrenting profile. The app’s Smart Location feature chooses the best server for you.
ExpressVPN offers 256-bit encryption and OpenVPN support across all platforms, providing robust protection. Additionally, you get DNS leak protection and a Network Lock setting – in other words, a kill switch for your connection.
ExpressVPN’s innovative TrustedServer technologyguarantees that every ExpressVPN server always loads the exact same secure, up-to-date software, greatly reducing security risks. TrustedServer also allows ExpressVPN servers to operate using only RAM. Because the servers never write to the hard drive, it is impossible for any data to be stored on the server after a reboot—even accidentally. This offers unprecedented levels of security.
ExpressVPN consistently bypasses the Great Firewall of China, so it’s a top pick for regions with heavy censorship, too.
Customer service is also on point, with helpful 24/7 live chat supportand detailed setup guides for the many supported platforms.
Don’t Use If:
You are looking for a cheap VPN. ExpressVPN can be twice as expensive as some of the other VPNs on this list.
ExpressVPN offers a winning combination of performance and privacy which is certainly worth the money. You can also take it for a risk-free test drive on three devices, courtesy of the 30-day money-back guarantee. In short, this VPN can easily satisfy even the most demanding of users.
Don’t miss out on the best ExpressVPN deals around. Get the fastest VPN at 49% off with our coupons.
Read our full ExpressVPN review to see what real users are saying.
3. Surfshark – Best Budget-Friendly VPN
- Dedicated torrenting profile: No (P2P is allowed on all servers)
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Routers, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV
- Data logging: Strict no-logs policy
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN service, but it’s already making a name for itself.
As a new provider, Surfshark offers a very rare bonus – unlimited simultaneous connections. If you want to protect your whole family (or use lots of devices yourself), you won’t find a better deal.
Of course, this wouldn’t matter if Surfshark didn’t provide a good service – but it does. Its features include split tunneling, double encryption, kill switch protection, and a security suite called CleanWeb that blocks ads and prevents malware. You’ll also find extra obfuscation settings with the NoBorders mode, while Camouflage Mode prevents even your ISP from seeing that you’re connected to a VPN.
Surfshark’s growing network includes over 1041 servers in 61 countries. This means you’ll always have fast and reliable access to your desired content.
Don’t Use If:
You need to install your VPN on a router – Surfshark doesn’t have a dedicated router app.
Overall, Surfshark is an impressive VPN with premium value and simple, stylish apps.They offer great bargains with high discounts on long-term plans and a one-month refund period.
Read our full Surfshark review and see what real users think.
4. CyberGhost – Best VPN for Beginners
- Dedicated torrenting profile: Yes
- Works with: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Go
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Routers, Raspberry Pi, Chrome
- Data logging: Strict no-logs policy
If you appreciate an easy-to-navigate interface with a user-friendly design, CyberGhost might be the perfect VPN for you.
This Romania-based provider comes with all the essentials – solid encryption, zero logging, and an impressive network boasting over 5,900 servers in 90 countries. With leak-proof apps and an extra kill switch for good measure, this VPN is both stable and secure.
CyberGhost boasts one-click setup and use. As well as automatic connection to the fastest server, it has dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting which help you access Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and other popular services.
It’s also easy to navigate the app’s basic and advanced settings. You can set up smart rules and customize your connection features.
While not as fast as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, CyberGhost offers good enough speeds for hassle-free streaming and torrenting. If you do run into issues, you can always get help via live chat.
Don’t Use If:
You need a VPN that works in China. At the moment, CyberGhost is not able to bypass the Great Firewall of China.
We think CyberGhost is a simple VPN that does a great job on all fronts. This makes it another top pick, and earns it a deserved third place in our overall rankings. Try it out yourself on up to 7 devices risk-free, with its 45-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our CyberGhost reviewfor more details.
5. Private Internet Access – Budget-friendly VPN with solid security
Dedicated torrenting profile: No (P2P is allowed on all servers)
Works with: Netflix, YouTube, Sky Go, HBO GO, HBO NOW, Showtime
Available on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, Firefox, Chrome, routers
Data logs: Strick zero-logs policy
Offering exceptional security for a low sticker price has seen Private Internet Access (PIA) increase in popularity in recent years.
With PIA you’re in safe hands thanks to military-grade encryption and support for multiple VPN protocols keeping your data and identity firmly out of reach of hackers, trackers, and any other third parties.
Your devices are also protected against adware and other viruses, with the built-in malware blocker, MACE. Talking of devices, you can connect up to ten at once to Private Internet Access across numerous operating systems.
The impressive network of over 3,200+ servers located in 29 countries provides decent speeds for torrenting, which is supported in all servers. Plus, you’ll be able to unblock the likes of Netflix and HBO NOW and stream with minimal buffering and lag.
Private Internet Access’ apps are user-friendly, with the likes of one-click connection making the VPN simple to use. Extra help is available with a huge knowledge base of FAQs, tutorials, and setup guides.
Don’t use if:
You want to stream with Hulu outside the US. Private Internet Access cannot currently access Hulu.
Overall, Private Internet Access provides excellent value-for-money and is a great choice of VPN for the privacy-conscious. Test out PIA’s advanced security features risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Try Private Internet Access Now!
For a more in-depth analysis of Private Internet Access, take a look at our comprehensive expert review.
6. PrivateVPN – Best Protocol Variety
- Dedicated torrenting profile: No, but P2P traffic is allowed on all servers
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Routers
- Data logging: Strict no-logs policy
PrivateVPN is an affordable service with an excellent reputation. It manages a compact network of 150+ self-owned servers in 59 countries at more than 80 different locations.
This Sweden-based provider is committed to ensuring its users’ privacy and security. Although subject to 14-Eyes jurisdiction, PrivateVPN can’t turn over your data as it doesn’t log any. The simple, easy-to-use appscome with AES-256 encryption and support for OpenVPN, L2TP, IPSec, IKEv2, and PPTP protocols.
As well as a kill switch, PrivateVPN offers IPv6 and DNS leak protection. It also has a Stealth mode designed to bypass VPN blocks and DPI firewalls, giving you unlimited access to global content.
While it doesn’t have thousands of servers and flashy features, PrivateVPN remains an excellent choice for accessing your favorite geoblocked content. It allows P2P connections on all servers and offers specialized servers for Netflix and other favorite streaming channels. PrivateVPN’s impressive speeds mean you won’t have to wait for buffering or lagging: choose your profile and start watching!
Don’t Use If:
You want a VPN with a large number of servers.
If you’re hunting for a provider with great deals on both short- and long-term plans, PrivateVPN could be what you need. The 30-day money-back guarantee gives you enough time to test this VPN yourself.
For more information, read our complete review of PrivateVPN.
7. IPVanish – Great Apps and Stable Speeds
- Dedicated torrenting profile: No
- Works with: Netflix, BBC iPlayer
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Routers, Chromebook, Amazon Fire TV
- Data logging: Strict no-logs policy
The balance between security and performance makes IPVanish another top VPN pick. With 1,200+ servers, decent unblocking powers, and reliable protection,this provider has a lot to offer.
256-bit encryption and a variety of VPN protocols – including OpenVPN – make IPVanish secure. A kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection ensure you’re always protected.
Speeds are fast and reliable, so you don’t have to worry about annoying connection drops or stability issues. What’s more, IPVanish recently improved its Netflix servers, making it reliable for streaming.
IPVanish supports P2P connections and SOCKS5 proxies for fast torrent downloads. Although IPVanish is US-based (which would usually subject it to DMCA requests), it operates a legitimate zero-logging policy – so the US jurisdiction shouldn’t be an issue for torrenting fans.
IPVanish also provides extra obfuscation settings and additional IP configuration like reset intervals. These features, along with the 24/7 customer support and 10 simultaneous connections, make it stand out from many other VPN services. We wish the refund period were a little longer, but a 7-day money-back guarantee is still better than nothing.
Don’t Use If:
You are looking for a cheap VPN.
IPVanish isn’t the cheapest provider around, but the price is right for the great value this VPN provides.
Check out what real users are saying in our IPVanish review.
8. Hotspot Shield – Reliable Protection and Easy Streaming
- Dedicated torrenting profile: No
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome
- Data logging: Yes (keeps connection logs for the duration of VPN sessions, as well as data for marketing purposes)
Hotspot Shield’s paid VPN – known as Hotspot Shield Premium – includes access to more than 2,500 worldwide servers, as well as elegant apps and fast speeds.Does that make it worth the cost?
We’d say so. This VPN is a solid choice for both casual and power users, providing excellent security on with 128-bit/256-bit encryptionand proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol (based on OpenSSL).
Hotspot Shield compresses data during streaming for optimized Netflix access and buffer-free streaming.
For features, you get the essential kill switch and not much else. You won’t find custom DNS settings or extra help for torrenting. Although P2P traffic is allowed, you’d be better off with another VPN on this list if torrenting is a priority for you.
That’s because, despite its excellent overall performance, Hotspot Shield isn’t a no-logs VPN service.Combined with the U.S. jurisdiction, this could make you an easy target for copyright trolls or DMCA requests – especially if you’re a US resident.
Don’t Use If:
You need a VPN for torrenting.
Even though Hotspot Shield has its drawbacks, it remains a popular, powerful, and affordable VPN service. We recommend taking it for a test drive with the 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our Hotspot Shield review to see what the experts think.
9. UltraVPN – Ranked #1 for Customer Support
- Dedicated torrenting profile: No
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO GO
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Fire TV
- Data logging: Yes (collects IP address, location, and device information, but not activity logs)
UltraVPN is a low-cost service with excellent customer service.You can even contact its support team over the phone!
It operates 100+ servers across 55+ global locations. During our tests, it was able to unblock Netflix, Hulu, and HBO GO. Its servers are fast, and we experienced minimal buffering.
UltraVPN offers strong security with OpenVPN support and 256-bit encryption. Unfortunately, it has the same problem as Hotspot Shield – it keeps some logs. It also operates in the US, so it is subject to 14-Eyes jurisdiction. The result? This VPN shouldn’t be your first pick if you want total anonymity.
On the upside, UltraVPN is easy to install and use with great desktop and mobile apps.
Don’t Use If:
You need a VPN to access BBC iPlayer outside the UK.
The bottom line? If you need a fast VPN for streaming, consider UltraVPN. You can test it risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
For everything users are saying about UltraVPN, check out our review.
10. VyprVPN – An Impressive Desktop VPN
- Dedicated torrenting profile: No
- Works with: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer
- Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Routers, Android TV, QNAP, Blackphone, Anonabox
- Data logging: Strict no-logging policy
VyprVPN offers customers two different versions, but if you’re a Windows or Mac user, you’ll want the Premium plan.
In addition to 700+ servers and a zero-logs policy, VyprVPN Premium gives you the feature it’s famous for: its proprietary Chameleon protocol.
An improved version of OpenVPN, Chameleon provides additional protection and extra muscle for bypassing geoblocks. This makes VyprVPN a reliable choice for accessing Netflix US and other popular streams.
Sadly, Chameleon is currently only available on desktop apps.Still, VyprVPN’s base package offers outstanding privacy and performance on mobile. The software is leak-proof, stylish, and most importantly – easy to use.
VyprVPN is by no means a budget service, but you get great discounts if you opt for a longer plan. VyprVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try the service risk-free.
Don’t Use If:
- You want to pay with Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies
- You want a VPN with responsive 24/7 customer service
VyprVPN has proven itself as a reliable provider that values user privacy.
Read our full VyprVPN review for more information.
Best VPNs: Quick Comparison Table
| Free Trial | Money-Back Guarantee | Compatible Streaming Services | |
| NordVPN | – | 30 days | 440+ including Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV |
| ExpressVPN | – | 30 days | Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV, DAZN, and BBC iPlayer |
| Surfshark | – | 30 days | Netflix, Hulu, CBS, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and more. |
| CyberGhost | 24 hours | 45 days | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, CBS, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and more. |
| PrivateVPN | 7 days | 30 days | Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. |
| Private Internet Access | – | 30 days | Netflix, Sky Go, HBO NOW, Showtime |
| IPVanish | – | 7 days | Netflix, BBC iPlayer |
| Hotspot Shield | 7 days | 45 days | Netflix (although not the US catalog), BBC iPlayer |
| UltraVPN | – | 30 days | Netflix, Hulu, and HBO GO |
| VyprVPN | – | 30 days | Netflix and BBC iPlayer Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, and more. |
Choosing the Best VPN Service: How We Ranked & Compared These VPNs
With hundreds of VPNs all claiming to be the best, how do you choose the right one? Well, we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve tested over 300 of them and compiled the very best VPNs here. Our in-depth reviews give you all the information you need, covering all the important criteria you need to make the right choice.
Security
Two crucial aspects of a top VPN are privacy and security. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a provider that doesn’t offer them on paper – but things can be different in reality.
A VPN with a verified no-logs policyensures that your digital footprint is secure. No-logs policies mean none of your data is collected, stored, or shared while you’re browsing. It protects you from prying eyes and preserves your privacy, making it one of the leading criteria in our VPN rankings.
Speed
Another must-have ingredient in the recipe for the best VPN is speed. Using a VPN means your traffic is sent through additional servers, affecting your speed. Every VPN will slow you down in some way; the real question is by how much. The fastest VPN serviceshave the smallest impact on your connection quality. They’ll let you browse, torrent, and stream without annoying lag or buffering.
A really fast VPN can also help you overcome ISP throttling. You may end up with faster speeds than you started with.
Streaming
Speaking of streaming, VPNs are a popular solution for accessing the full range of content on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN. Such platforms limit their service depending on your region, but connecting to the right VPN server can open the door to your favorite shows.
Torrenting
VPNs are also useful for torrenting fans – especially in countries where torrents are prohibited. Even if you follow the rules (we recommend you do), torrenting without extra protection can expose you to greedy copyright trolls and hackers.
P2P connections aren’t secure, but you can change that with a good VPN for torrenting. By masking your real IP address and hiding your traffic behind a layer of encryption, you’ll avoid all the threats that come with downloading torrents while enjoying the benefits. In our VPN comparison, we checked out torrenting features like P2P profiles, SOCKS5 proxies, and easy setup with torrent clients.
Censorship
Last but not least, let’s talk censorship. You know you’ve landed on a reliable provider when your VPN works in a country that actively tries to block it. During our research, we looked at special features and settings for extra obfuscation. The top VPN services in our overall list have proven themselves in censorship-heavy regions like China, Iran, and the UAE.
Many other factors played a significant part in our final rankings. These include server network size, encryption, security features, ease of use, and of course – price. We spared no expense in exploring every detail for our VPN reviews and tests.
The Best VPN Services: Frequently Asked Questions
💲 Free vs. Paid VPN: Are Free VPNs Safe?
One could argue that you shouldn’t have to buy your right to online privacy. While we agree with this in theory, we also need to face reality.
VPN providers offer a service in exchange for something. And when that something isn’t money, it’s usually much worse. There’s no such thing as truly free: chances are, if you’re not paying for a product, you are the product.
Sadly, most free VPNs have serious limitations and pose serious threats to user privacy and security. From slow speeds and bandwidth restrictions to annoying ads and even selling your data, there are plenty of valid reasons to avoid free VPNs.
Take Hola, for example. This free VPN service is essentially a glorified proxy that uses peer-to-peer file sharing to reroute users’ traffic. Not only is your bandwidth shared, but Hola collects and logs almost all the data from your browsing session. Their “privacy policy” even specifies that it will share your data with third parties, affiliates, and partners.
Not all free VPNs are bad. We rigorously tested dozens of free services, and found some free VPNs which are safe to use. But is that enough?
When you look at the extra value paid VPNs offer, you probably won’t want a free service. It’s simple – if you want a provider that will guarantee your privacy and give you the servers and features you need, it’s better to pay a few bucks than end up disappointed with a free VPN.
Keep in mind that you can bring down the overall cost of a paid VPN considerably by taking advantage of discount deals and coupon codes. That way, you can get a premium service for pocket change – a win-win situation!
Many top VPN services also offer free trials so you can test out their service for free. Most offer money-back guarantees as well, so you can have a risk-free test period to make sure you’re happy with the service.
⚠️ Is a VPN Legal to Use?
Because VPNs can be used to facilitate illegal activities, many believe the software itself is against the law. This isn’t true.
It’s legal to use a VPN in 95.9% of countries. Using a VPN is illegal (or falls in a gray area) in:
- China
- Iraq
- Iran
- Russia
- Belarus
- Turkey
- Oman
- UAE
Using a VPN is a common practice. Many companies use them to protect sensitive data, decrease the risk of hacking, and to perform market research in different countries.
Hiding behind a VPN while engaging in criminal acts is illegal. But this isn’t a problem with the VPN itself – especially when millions are using these services for security and privacy.
✔️ Is it Safe to Use a VPN?
VPNs are safe to use in most countries. However, it’s your responsibility to make sure you follow the rules and stay out of trouble.
However, you may be taking a risk if:
- You use a non-government-permitted VPN in a country where the government mandates which VPNs are allowed
- You torrent copyrighted material with a VPN that keeps logs or doesn’t have a kill switch.
💡 How Do I Use a VPN?
Using a VPN is easy. Just download the software to your computer or mobile device and follow the setup guide. It’ll only take a couple of minutes.
Most VPN services are user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces and straightforward instructions. All you need to do is select a secure server from the list – or let the VPN app choose an optimal location if it has a quick-connect feature.
If you don’t have any experience with VPNs, don’t worry! It’s much easier than it sounds – especially if you catch up with our detailed beginner’s guide.
💳 How Much Does a VPN Cost? Can I Get a Good Cheap VPN?
Thankfully, premium VPNs don’t come at premium prices. While monthly subscriptions are expensive, investing in a long-term plan means you’ll probably pay the equivalent of $3 – $7 per month.
In fact, you can actually get a top-quality VPN service for less than $3/month!
It’s also worth noting that many VPNs offer free trials, so you can test if their service meets your safety and streaming needs.
Most also have money-back guarantee refund policies. Depending on which service you choose, you’ll have between 7 – 45 days to cancel your service risk-free if you’re not happy.
You can also save on your subscription by using our deals and coupon codes.
💻 Can I Use Tor or a Proxy Instead of a VPN?
Tor, proxies, and VPNs are three completely different types of software that sometimes serve the same use. Let’s take a closer look.
Tor (short for The Onion Router) utilizes an anonymizing network that bounces your connection through several volunteer servers. While this process makes you (and your data) much harder to track, it will slow you down. Tor is a very complex topic, so check out our ultimate guide to Tor if you’re curious for more info and tips.
Compared to VPNs, Tor has its drawbacks. While it’s free to use, it provides weaker encryption and slower connections. The best move is to use both Tor and a VPN together and reap all the benefits. A stable VPN removes Tor’s weaknesses, while Tor improves your privacy even further.
That said, not all VPNs are compatible with Tor. To make it work, you need a VPN like NordVPNwhich offers specialized Tor over VPN servers.
Proxy services have one advantage over VPNs: they offer fast speeds (and hide your IP address). However, they have no other security features, don’t encrypt your data, and don’t even offer an interface.
These features mean proxies are not secure or easy to use.However, they can improve your connection speeds if privacy isn’t a concern for you.
There are hundreds of proxies out there, so it’s important to choose the right one. Better yet, invest in a fast, cheap VPN and benefit from extra protection and privacy on top of great speeds.
