Here Are 2020’s Best VPN Providers – Reviewed & Compared

1. NordVPN

Ranked as the #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 surveillance and 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.
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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 think NordVPN 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

Ranked as #2 overall, but #1 for speed
express vendor image
  • 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 content on 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 technology guarantees 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 support and 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. CyberGhost

Best VPN for beginners


  • Dedicated torrenting profile: Yes
  • Works with: Netflix, Hulu, 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, Hulu, 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 review for more details.

4. Surfshark

Best VPN for families or small businesses


  • 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.

5. PrivateVPN

Best budget VPN

  • 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 apps come with AES-256 encryption and support for multiple protocols, including industry standard OpenVPN.
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 budget provider with low prices 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.

6. 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.

7. 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 encryption and 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.

8. UltraVPN

#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.

9. VyprVPN

An impressive desktop VPN – for a price

  • 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.

10. ZenMate

A simple VPN that gets the job done

  • Dedicated torrenting profile: No (allows P2P traffic)
  • Works with: Netflix
  • Available on: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera
  • Data logging: Strict no-logging policy
We finish our comparison with a provider that sticks to the basics. ZenMate doesn’t stand out as much as other services that made our list, but there’s a very good reason it’s here.
For a modest price, ZenMate gives you OpenVPN encryption, a tight zero-logging policy, and over 290 servers in 30 countries. P2P traffic is allowed, even if there isn’t a separate profile for torrenting, and speeds are fast enough for HD streaming without issues.
There’s also a kill switch, so you won’t leak sensitive data if your connection crashes. This used to happen frequently– but after some improvements, ZenMate is more stable than ever.
If live chat support matters to you, ZenMate VPN will probably disappoint as it only offers a ticket system. Still, you can expect timely and detailed responses from the friendly staff.
We like to see VPN providers getting better and better. ZenMate is one of those providers – with massive improvements to the overall service, this VPN has grown enough to deserve a spot among the best of 2020.
Don’t Use If:
You need a VPN for streaming. Zenmate only really gives you access to Netflix.
See what ZenMate is all about with its free 7-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.
See what experts and users think about ZenMate in our review.

Best VPNs: Quick Comparison Table

Free TrialMoney-Back GuaranteeCompatible Streaming Services
NordVPN30 days440+ including Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV
ExpressVPN30 daysNetflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Showtime, Sling TV, DAZN, and BBC iPlayer
CyberGhost24 hours45 daysNetflix, BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Hulu, Comedy Central, Eurosport, ESPN, and more.
Surfshark30 daysNetflix, Hulu, CBS, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
PrivateVPN7 days30 daysNetflix, Hulu, HBO, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.
IPVanish7 daysNetflix, BBC iPlayer
Hotspot Shield7 days45 daysNetflix (although not the US catalog), BBC iPlayer
UltraVPN30 daysNetflix, Hulu, and HBO GO
VyprVPN30 daysNetflix and BBC iPlayer Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, and more.
ZenMate7 days30 daysNetflix

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.
VPN with a verified no-logs policy ensures 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 services have 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 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 NetflixHuluBBC 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 torrentingBy 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 ChinaIran, 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.