There are hundreds of Virtual Network Providers out there, which is going to have you wondering which VPN should I choose? This is an excellent question and the answer really depends on how you plan to use the VPN primarily.
A Virtual Private Network can be used for many different circumstances.
You might have discovered that you can gain access to geo-restricted content by using a VPN to change your IP address by connecting to a server from anywhere in the world. In this case, speed, unlimited bandwidth and a reliable connection would be essential.
On the other hand, security may be your primary concern when wondering which VPN to choose. Maybe you want to make sure that your private details remain just that. In this case, you need to select a provider who offers the best security and encryption.
Alternatively, you might like to use it for Torrenting. If so, a provider who does not log should be considered along with the fastest.
No one provider is best for everything, although, ExpressVPN does come very close and will be our best pick for many categories.
With this in mind, we have divided the article into sections, revealing the best VPNs for different circumstances. According to what you want, you’ll find the provider that best suits your needs.
Many people who look for a Virtual Network Provider put an emphasis on speed, wanting to choose the fastest servers possible. This makes sense, as low quality providers will often consideralby affect your speed.
Speed may be essential if you plan to use the plan to stream content in HD or to download torrents in P2P. While all providers may claim to offer fast speed, some are faster than others are.
When considering choosing a speedy provider, look for one that offers a huge number of servers worldwide. Along with servers in your region. Generally, the closer the server is to your location the faster your internet experience will be. Also, look for one that offers unlimited bandwidth and speed.
Some providers have much faster servers than others. With this in mind when considering which VPN to choose for speed you might consider one of the following three.
The best all-round provider for speed is ExpressVPN. They offer thousands of servers located worldwide so there is sure to be one close to your region. In addition, all servers are fully optimised.
Discover all ExpressVPN's server locations >
If you want to stream restricted content, you will be able to search for servers in all of the most popular countries, including the USA and the UK. Even if you live halfway around the world, the servers of ExpressVPN are blazing fast so you do not have to worry about slow-downs.
ExpressVPN also offer superb reliability and consistency throughout their entire network. As if it was not enough, you’ll have the option of running a speedtest on the app in order to know which server will be the best to connect to.
When asking the question which VPN should I choose you might want to consider CyberGhost.
With CyberGhost, you have access to over 4500 servers in more than 59 countries worldwide at the time of writing. Not only this, but the servers are fast and reliable.
Get fast servers from CyberGhost>
What is helpful is the fact that the servers are shown with the distance they are away from the user. It also shows you the current load on the server.
This makes choosing a server for the fastest speed easier. Choosing CyberGhost will therefore be a good decision if you want a fast provider.
NordVPN boasts more than 5000 servers located in numerous countries around the world. With this provider, you do not have to comprise security for speed as you get both.
The advantage of having access to thousands of servers is wider coverage and less overcrowding, so faster speed. With servers around the world, it is not hard to find one close to you. This reduces the distance, often meaning a faster speed.
NordVPN also offers a “Quick connect” button to automatically connect you to the best server possible for your location to help with speed.
Go online today and you simply have no idea who is looking over your shoulder and we do not mean standing right behind you. Hackers are prevalent and even your ISP likes to keep a close watch on what you are doing.
So how do you remain safe when browsing or streaming on the internet? With a VPN of course.
Not all providers offer the same quality of security and we have chosen three that stand out. So if you are asking which VPN should I choose for security, check out the choices below.
ExpressVPN stand out thanks to having best in class encryption. The provider not only masks your IP address along with mixing traffic from your computer with other users, they also encrypt it using secure servers.
This means even if someone were to come across your information they would be unable to read it.
The provider makes use of AES-256 bit encryption, which is what the government and security experts from around the world use. Bear in mind they use it for protecting information that is classified. If it is good enough for them, it will work to protect you.
On top of that, they have what they call “TrustedServer” that we presented in our ExpressVPN review that ensures even more security by not using any hard drive, but just the RAM.
If we present it as the best VPN for people looking for perfect security, it is also simply because of its past. It has NEVER had any problem with the press, which does prove how reliable it is. We can’t say the same of all providers.
Finally, the ExpressVPN app can automatically choose the best protocol for your network to ensure there is no compromise between security and speed.
NordVPN is a good choice for which VPN to choose for security as they offer innovative technology allowing you to easily hide your internet activity.
With military grade encryption, you will no longer have to worry about hackers gaining access to your personal data. Your data is sent through an encrypted tunnel before going onto the internet, which makes it look like gibberish to anyone who manages to come across it.
NordVPN also provide a “Cybersec” feature. This automatically blocks any websites that are suspicious so no malware or other threats can get onto your device.
Finally, the provider offers a double VPN, allowing you to shield your device twice with encryption by hiding behind two servers. This is something you should use ONLY for real anonymity needs. Indeed, if you use the double encryption, you’ll significantly loose speed.
Surfshark provide AES-256 bit encryption to safeguard your personal data along with a choice of secure protocols. This includes IKEv2/IPsec and OpenVPN.
The provider also offers “Multi-hop” allowing you to connect to two different servers. This boosts the complexity of encryption along with improving online privacy and security. Again, this will affect your speed, so use it ONLY if you really need to.
Surfshark also offer private DNS and leak protection along with a Kill switch in the event the connection should drop. This ensures your data is never exposed.
If you are on a tight budget, you will be pleased to hear that there are affordable VPN plans out there. We have chosen three excellent Virtual Private Network providers who offer good affordable plans, so there should be one to suit all budgets.
Bear in mind, the longer you commit to a plan the cheaper you get it. With this in mind, if you are wondering which VPN to choose, check out the lowest priced providers below.
Here, you won’t have the best solutions, but you’ll get the best quality/price ratio.
When considering the best VPN for pricing Surfshark comes out top. Their pricing structure is as follows:
However, bear in mind that prices can fluctuate over time so just go and check it with the button below.
Surf for the best price with Surfshark >
CyberGhost offers affordable monthly and yearly plans and each of the plans is packed with features.
The pricing structure for CyberGhost is as follows:
NordVPN is another great choice for anyone on a tight budget looking for a plan that does not compromise on features. Their pricing structure is as follows:
When talking about big country coverage we mean, the provider who offers the most servers in the most countries. Having access to a large number of servers is essential for speed and it important when looking to overcome geo-restrictions.
To answer the question of which VPN should I choose we have chosen the following providers as they have the biggest country coverage.
At the top of the list for big country coverage is HideMyAss as they claim to have the biggest VPN network.
At the time of writing HMA offer more than 940 servers based at over 280 locations around the world in more than 190 countries.
Use HideMyAss for big country coverage >
The list is huge and growing, so there is sure to be a server in the country you want to be able to connect to.
PureVPN is also worth considering as they offer access to servers in over 140 different countries at the time of writing, in more than 180 locations worldwide, with a choice of 2,000 plus servers.
Countries include US, Canada, UK, Hong Kong, Italy and many more.
While many VPNs fall under different categories this is the only category we would recommend you use the provider.
ExpressVPN have a huge global network of blazing fast servers. They offer access to servers in more than 94 countries, in over 160 locations worldwide.
Servers are located in countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East & Africa.
In is also one of the best VPN providers when it comes to country coverage. Even though there don’t have so many countries covered in Africa, they have many in the rest of the world.
Some providers are best for when you want to use the service primarily for streaming. There is a huge range of streaming platforms and portals online including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, HBO and more.
The problem with many streaming platforms is they are geo-restricted. For instance, you cannot access BBC iPlayer or ITV Hub outside of the UK. To get access to the full catalogue of content on Netflix you need to be located in the United States.
A VPN offers a way to overcome the restrictions and watch content from any country regardless of your actual location. Yet, not all of them will work to unblock Netflix, Hulu, DAZN or some other streaming platforms. Only the best can.
You no longer have to wonder which VPN to choose for streaming as you can find our top four picks below.
There are numerous reasons why we have chosen ExpressVPN as the number one provider for streaming.
If you want to be able to enjoy content from anywhere in the world, including restricted and blocked content, this provider offers what it takes.
ExpressVPN offer thousands of reliable servers worldwide, with many in the United States and UK. They offer unlimited bandwidth and blazing fast speed thanks to servers being optimised.
Finally, the provider offers apps for a huge range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and smart TVs, so you can stream HD content at home or away.
The above are all excellent reasons to choose ExpressVPN when deciding which VPN to choose for streaming in HD. It is no surprise if it’s the one we recommend for Amazon Prime Video.
NordVPN makes it onto our list of the best Virtual Private Network for streaming as again they also offer a huge number of servers in many different countries and all servers are reliable.
With fast servers in the United States, you can connect to US Netflix and enjoy the extensive catalogue of content or connect to the UK and stream BBC iPlayer. The provider also offers unlimited bandwidth so there is no throttling to ruin your streaming and no slow-downs as they also offer unlimited speed.
Still asking which VPN should I choose for streaming?
What about CyberGhost as the provider is continually expanding their list of servers in countries around the world and they are among the providers that can unblock Netflix to allow you access to the full catalogue of content.
The provider offers unlimited bandwidth and high-speed servers, along with dedicated servers aimed at unblocking many of the most popular streaming services, including ESPN and Eurosport.
Finally, but by no means the least, is Surfshark. The provider offers what they call “NoBorders”. This means that you can access the whole internet and web sites from any country, regardless of your location.
With the “NoBorders” mode, there are no restrictions and blocks, so streaming abroad becomes extremely easy. With this mode, there are literally no borders to the world, you can choose what to stream, where to stream it and stream on a multitude of devices thanks to a wide range of apps.
Torrenting requires the use of a Torrent client. Using the client people from around the world can share any files. People generally use it for downloading the latest movies, software, music and more.
However, most of the content shared is copyrighted and this means Torrenting is illegal. If you use a torrent client and download illegally, you will find your ISP gets in touch with you warning you against doing so. Continue downloading this way and you might end up with no internet access and worse still a day in court.
This is where a Virtual Private Network can come in as you can mask your IP address and take on one from anywhere in the world. If asking which VPN should I choose for Torrenting check out our top three choices below.
If you want to use a Torrent client, you have to protect your identity with a Virtual Private Network. Of course, you don’t want the connection to slow your downloads down so you need blazing fast servers that are not restricted by speed or bandwidth and ExpressVPN provides exactly this.
Another priority when Torrenting is remaining anonymous. You do not want your ISP to find out you are using a client and with ExpressVPN, you can hide your IP and take on one from half way around the world from a choice of thousands of servers.
Download safely with ExpressVPN >
ExpressVPN is also among the providers that permit P2P with no limitations and they have a strict no logging policy. So when considering which VPN to choose for Torrenting, this provider might meet your needs.
CyberGhost is also a good choice for Torrenting and they have made it very easy to do so within their interface. Simply click on the “Torrent Anonymously” profile button on the dashboard and the app automatically configures the best settings for Torrenting.
The app will connect to a P2P compatible server offering the fastest speed while also providing the user with the best security protection.
Torrent in safety with CyberGhost >
Additional settings in the profile include extra speed, blocking online tracking and blocking malicious websites.
If you are a beginner to Virtual Private Networks and wondering which VPN to choose for Torrenting, CyberGhost offer an easy solution.
Surfshark offer servers specifically optimized for P2P sharing, which makes them a serious contender when asking the question, which VPN should I choose for Torrenting?
Enjoy safe P2P sharing with Surfshark>
The provider has a strict no logging policy so there is no way anyone can find out what you are doing online. They also offer private DNS on servers along with DNS leak protection if you use the IPv4 stack. All of this ensures that you remain safe and sound.
Of course, Surfshark also offer the usual features such as Kill switch if you lose your connection and AES-256 encryption.
The internet is a great place to spend time, whether browsing, streaming or keeping up with loved ones.
However, at the same time it can also be a scary place, with hackers and even your ISP watching over your shoulder.
With this in mind you have to take steps to browse anonymously and a VPN gives you the tools to remain hidden from view and keep your details private.
We have picked out three of the best providers so check them out below.
NordVPN comes at the top of the list to answer your question of which VPN should I choose?
We chose the provider for many reasons but more so because they offer a double VPN feature. This means that instead of connecting to just one server to hide your IP to remain anonymous, you have twice the encryption and anonymity.
Double VPN is an advanced security feature aimed at hiding activity behind two servers to provide users with complete privacy. This feature is used by journalists along with political activists who need to remain completely anonymous online.
We have chosen Surfshark for remaining anonymous thanks to the Multi-hop feature.
Multi-hop provides an added layer of security by connecting you to two separate servers. This in turn boosts the complexity of encryption, allowing you to remain completely anonymous online. Not only is your IP address masked, but any data is encrypted not just once, but twice.
Along with this, Surfshark also offer plenty of features for security. This includes a Kill switch, no logging, Camouflage mode and private DNS and leak protection.
Therefore, if you are still wondering which VPN to choose for remaining anonymous, this provider is worth considering.
ExpressVPN is another effective option for browsing the internet anonymously and protecting your privacy. The provider has been an advocate for internet privacy since 2009 and supports many non-profit organisations all of whom fight for the right to anonymity and free speech.
The provider does not keep logs of your browsing activity, which means even they have no idea what you are doing online. They have thousands of servers, and shared IP addresses that cannot be traced to you.
You can even remain anonymous when purchasing a plan with ExpressVPN by paying with Bitcoin or PayPal.
While the internet offers a valuable source of information, not everyone in the world can enjoy the entire internet. Censorship is rife in many countries, with China being the most prominent.
Some countries block access to numerous websites, severely limiting what residents can see and do online. Sites such as Facebook, Google, YouTube, Twitter and more are censored in some countries. However, you can bypass the censorship with a Virtual Private Network and we have chosen three of the best.
We have put ExpressVPN in first place for overcoming censorship as the provider is one of few that still work in many countries to beat firewalls, including the Great Firewall of China.
ExpressVPN offers thousands of servers in numerous countries worldwide so there is sure to be one suitable to beat censorship in the country you are visiting.
Whether you want to access Twitter while in China to speak with loved ones, stream from US Netflix or catch up on the latest news, ExpressVPN has the tools needed.
NordVPN are another top provider to consider when looking for the answer to the question of which VPN should I choose.
The provider offers helpful tools and technology to overcome internet censorship. NordVPN makes use of “SmartPlay” technology to allow users to gain access to content that is restricted.
The “SmartPlay” feature allows users to access censored and restricted content and it is implemented into apps so there is nothing to configure or activate. The feature combines Smart DNS technology and VPN technology, simply by connecting to the server.
This feature alone makes NordVPN a fantastic choice when considering which VPN to choose for accessing censored content.
You might want to consider Surfshark for avoiding government censorship. The provider’s “No Borders” technology allows you to gain access to all content on the internet, even in countries where censorship is high.
With Surfshark, you can travel to countries with high censorship and still gain access to apps and websites that are blocked. This includes sites and apps such as Facebook, Google and Twitter, along with using VoIP apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp.
We don’t usually advocate the use of free VPNs as many of the free ones track your online activities. Some even collecting your data and selling it on.
There are many paid VPN providers out there offering affordable packages. However, if you want an answer to the question of which VPN should I choose out of the free ones, we do have some suggestions.
Windscribe offer a free plan and paid ones. Of course, free plans come with limits as you might expect. For instance, you are asked to sign up and confirm your email address to download.
There are also limits, with access to servers only from certain countries. There is also a 10GB per month data limit with unlimited connections. However, if you are going to stream content this is going to run out quickly.
ProtonVPN provides a VPN service free; however, it is a very limited plan with access to servers from only three countries and can only be used with one device.
The provider has a no logging policy and the software can integrate with the Tor network from a single click.
As with all of the free to use VPNs, there are strict limits on the free plan. TunnelBear offers a plan allowing you to access all the features but, it is limited to just 500mb of data per month and this is not going to get you very far.
On saying this, it is a good way to test out the provider without commitment and you can upgrade easily at any time to gain full advantage of unlimited data and all the other benefits.
Free encryption with TunnelBear>
Newcomers to Virtual Private Networks have one thought in mind when considering taking out a plan and this is which VPN to choose for being the easiest to use.
We have done the homework for you and picked out three providers who offer easy to use apps along with plenty of guides and tutorials on how to get the most from the software and plan.
ExpressVPN comes in top of the list for ease of use. Their website is clearly laid out so you can choose a plan most suited for your needs. Downloading is easy and fast, while the apps are also easy to install.
The ExpressVPN dashboard is easy to use, simply choose a server and click on the large button to connect to that server.
ExpressVPN = best easy to use VPN>
The provider offers plenty of guides for installing and using the apps on various devices. They also offer clear information about what the software does and what benefits are gained by using it.
Surfshark is another excellent choice for ease of use. The main dashboard allows you to search for a server if you wish to connect to a particular one or you can choose the optimal location and the software gives you the best server.
Surfshark makes VPNs easy to use>
The dashboard also tells you which servers you used in the past for easy access and to the right of the dashboard you know which server you are currently connected.
They offer a learning centre for newbies, providing answers to the most commonly asked questions.
If you are still wondering which VPN should I choose for ease of use, you might want to check out CyberGhost. The provider has an easy to use dashboard that makes it easier to find the perfect server for you and connect.
They list servers based on such as Torrenting, streaming, favourites and all servers. They also tell you how far the server is from you and allows you to connect at the click of one button.
We hope this article will have given you clarification when asking which VPN to choose and you have found a provider suitable for what you want to do online.
Which VPN should I choose is one of the most frequently asked questions first time users want the answer to and it is not simple to answer. Different VPNs are better for different things, based on what it is you want to do online.
All you now need to do is look under the sections above and choose one of the providers we recommend for your particular need.
Here’s a recap of the top 3 VPNs for each category :
A professional writer with a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering. Since his youngest age, he loves everything related to internet, technology, fitness, games, and dogs! He joined our team in order to bring his deep knowledge in security services, among which VPN is of course a key component.