Best VPN software
Encrypt your connection and browse privately.
11 apps
Top VPN apps ranked by the community
NordVPN is a paid VPN service from Nord Security with servers in many countries, apps for all major platforms and an audited no-logs policy. Its NordLynx protocol is built on WireGuard, and extras include Threat Protection against ads, trackers and malware, Meshnet for linking your own devices, dark web monitoring, split tunneling and a kill switch.
10 NordVPN alternativesPros
- NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard keeps connections fast
- Large server network that works well with streaming services
- Meshnet and Threat Protection go beyond a basic VPN
Cons
- Renewal prices are much higher than introductory deals
- Apps and checkout push bundled add-ons and upgrades
- Closed source apps, unlike some privacy-focused rivals
Cost / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesExpressVPN is a subscription VPN with servers in many countries and apps for desktop, mobile, routers and browsers. It uses its own open source Lightway protocol, runs its servers from RAM only (TrustedServer) and has had its no-logs policy audited. Features include the Network Lock kill switch, split tunneling, ad and tracker blocking, and servers that work with popular streaming services.
10 ExpressVPN alternativesPros
- Open source Lightway protocol designed for speed and reliability
- RAM-only servers and an audited no-logs policy
- Works with popular streaming services across many countries
Cons
- Priced higher than most rival VPN services
- Simplicity means fewer advanced settings than some rivals
Cost / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesProton VPN is the VPN service of Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Its apps are open source, its no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the free plan has no data limit and no ads. Paid plans unlock servers in many more countries, streaming support, NetShield ad and malware blocking, Secure Core multi-hop routing and more devices.
11 Proton VPN alternativesPros
- Free plan with no data cap and no ads
- Open source apps and an audited no-logs policy from a Swiss company
- Secure Core multi-hop routing on paid plans
Cons
- Free plan offers few locations and no streaming support
- Paid plans cost more than many mainstream VPNs
- Free servers can slow down at peak times
Cost / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesSurfshark is a paid VPN service that allows an unlimited number of devices on a single subscription, which suits households with many devices. Apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and browsers, with WireGuard, a kill switch, split tunneling (Bypasser) and CleanWeb ad and tracker blocking. Higher tiers bundle data breach alerts, antivirus and a private search engine.
10 Surfshark alternativesPros
- Unlimited devices on a single subscription
- CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers across devices
- Apps for every major platform, including Linux and browsers
Cons
- Renewal prices are higher than the first-term deals
- Antivirus and breach alerts require pricier tiers
- Closed source apps, unlike some privacy-first VPNs
Cost / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesMullvad VPN is a Swedish VPN service that asks for no email or personal details: you get a random account number and can even pay in cash or cryptocurrency. Its open source apps use WireGuard and include a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS-based ad and tracker blocking and multihop, all for a single flat monthly price with no tiers or long-term plans.
9 Mullvad VPN alternativesPros
- Anonymous account numbers with no email or personal details required
- One flat monthly price with no tiers or long-term commitments
- Open source WireGuard apps with multihop and DNS-based blocking
Cons
- No free plan and no discounts for longer subscriptions
- Not designed for unblocking streaming catalogs
- Port forwarding is not supported, a drawback for torrenting
Cost / LicensePaidOpen sourceCategoriesPrivate Internet Access (PIA) is a US-based paid VPN with open source apps, unlimited simultaneous connections and a no-logs policy that has held up in court cases and an independent audit. It supports WireGuard and OpenVPN with configurable encryption, port forwarding, split tunneling, a kill switch and MACE, which blocks ads, trackers and malicious domains.
8 Private Internet Access alternativesPros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections on one subscription
- Port forwarding and configurable encryption for advanced users
- Open source apps and a no-logs policy tested in court
Cons
- US jurisdiction is less appealing for privacy than some alternatives
- The many settings can overwhelm beginners
- Renewal prices are higher than introductory offers
Cost / LicensePaidOpen sourceCategoriesCyberGhost is a paid VPN service based in Romania, with simple apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android and a command-line client for Linux. Servers are labeled by use, such as streaming, torrenting or gaming, and the apps include WireGuard, a kill switch, split tunneling and a content blocker for ads and trackers. Subscriptions come with a long money-back period.
7 CyberGhost VPN alternativesPros
- Servers labeled for streaming, torrenting and gaming
- Simple apps that suit VPN beginners
- Long money-back period on subscriptions
Cons
- Linux client is command-line only
- Lowest prices require committing to multi-year plans
Cost / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesWindscribe is a Canadian VPN service with a free plan that includes a monthly data allowance and a choice of locations, along with paid plans and a build-your-own option billed per location. Its apps include a firewall that acts as a kill switch, split tunneling, WireGuard and R.O.B.E.R.T., a customizable DNS blocker for ads, trackers and malware.
10 Windscribe alternativesPros
- Free plan with a monthly data allowance and several locations
- R.O.B.E.R.T. offers customizable DNS blocking of ads and malware
- Build-your-own plan lets you pay only for the locations you need
Cons
- Free data allowance is too small for heavy use
- Many options and some jargon can confuse newcomers
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesTunnelBear is a consumer VPN owned by McAfee, known for its playful bear-themed design and straightforward apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and browsers. It has published independent security audits and offers a free plan with a limited monthly data allowance, plus paid plans with unlimited data. Apps include a kill switch (VigilantBear) and, on some platforms, split tunneling (SplitBear).
7 TunnelBear alternativesPros
- Friendly, playful design that suits VPN beginners
- Independent security audits have been published
- Free plan to try the service without paying
Cons
- Free plan's monthly data allowance runs out quickly
- Smaller server network and fewer advanced settings than rivals
- No Linux app, and split tunneling only on some platforms
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesIVPN is a Gibraltar-based VPN service focused on privacy and transparency: accounts need no email, you can pay in cash or Monero, the apps are open source and the no-logs policy has been audited. It offers WireGuard, multi-hop connections, a firewall-based kill switch, split tunneling on some platforms and AntiTracker for blocking ads and trackers, and runs no affiliate program.
8 IVPN alternativesPros
- Signup needs no email and accepts cash or Monero payments
- Open source apps and an independently audited no-logs policy
- Multi-hop routing and AntiTracker blocking are built in
Cons
- Smaller server network than the big commercial VPNs
- No free plan is available
- Not designed for unblocking streaming catalogs
Cost / LicensePaidOpen sourceCategoriesCloudflare WARP, delivered through the 1.1.1.1 app, encrypts traffic between your device and Cloudflare's network and uses its 1.1.1.1 DNS resolver. Unlike a classic VPN, it does not let you pick a server country or hide your general location, so it is meant for securing connections on public networks rather than unblocking content. The base service is free, and WARP+ is a paid upgrade.
7 Cloudflare WARP alternativesPros
- Free base service with no data cap
- Encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi with minimal setup
- Built on WireGuard and Cloudflare's network for low overhead
Cons
- Cannot pick a server country or unblock streaming content
- Does not hide your general location like a classic VPN
- All traffic goes through Cloudflare, so you must trust one company
Cost / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategories
