Free public wi-fi might just be one of the best things that come from living in a digital society. We’ve all joined those, be it in a cafe, the library, or even a hotel.
But nothing ever really comes for free. The risk of your personal information getting stolen is always present when you use an open network. This is where VPNs come in.
A good VPN will not only secure an encrypted and private connection but also hide your IP address so you can browse anonymously.
Moreover, it also expertly unblocks restricted websites thus allowing you to access content from all around the world.
5 Best VPNs for 2023
We have prepared a list of the best VPNs in 2023 so be sure to read till the end to find one that suits you best.
1. ExpressVPN
It is number 1 for a reason; it is fast, reliable, secure, and works smoothly on all devices. It constantly unblocks major streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, etc. so you can enjoy a diverse library. You can also torrent safely as P2P traffic is supported.
It offers a wide variety of connection protocols including OpenVPN which is the industry gold standard. It can even beat the severe web censorship in China with its advanced AlES-256 encryption and obfuscation technologies.
A major advantage of ExpressVPN is that it has split tunneling which enables you to use the private and public network simultaneously, making things a lot easier. Furthermore, there’s also a kill switch!
Although you can only use it on 5 devices at a time, it has an amazing customer support team that’s always available, and is easily the most recommended VPN out there.
With a cost of $6.67 per month for a 15-month period, it is a little expensive but it’s absolutely worth it!
2. NordVPN
Although cheaper than ExpressVPN, it offers services almost as good making it one of the most popular VPNs in the world. Want to access Netflix libraries of different countries? You got it! It can even unblock Hulu as long as you use its Smart DNS tool.
It sets in action its AES-256 encryption, the same as ExpressVPN, to ensure your data is as secure as can be. It also comes with a built-in ad blocker called CyberSec.
But what if your OS is Linux? Don’t worry, because it runs just as well as it would on Microsoft or Mac. With hundreds of P2P servers and its no-log policy, it’s also great for torrenting.
But its best feature is that it encrypts your data not once but twice through multiple servers! So if you take your privacy very seriously.
Or need to overcome censorship issues of any kind, this one is perfect for you! With speed losses as low as 1%, RAM-based servers, and 5,453 servers, it is extremely fast, safe and convenient.
As for the price it only charges $6.99 or $3.99 per month on a yearly plan which sounds like a great deal!
3. CyberGhost
If you’re like me who only uses VPNs to stream foreign media, then this is for you. A beginner-friendly VPN that is accessible, affordable and reliable. It is a splendid option for streaming.
If we’re talking tech, it uses AES-256 encryption. Additionally, as it is from a company based in Romania where there are no data retention laws, it ensures all your information isn’t logged and you can browse the web anonymously.
With specifically optimized servers, it smoothly unblocks Netflix, HBO, YouTube and more. With apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
It also works on Fire TV Stick, Smart TV, Linux, and routers. In addition to this, the Smart DNS feature lets you use it on Apple TV, PlayStation, and Xbox too!
With a price of $5.99, $3.69, or $2.75 for two to three years, it is super cheap and worthy as it lets you connect to seven devices with unlimited data.
As for customer support, most VPNs don’t have helpful services but CyberGhost certainly is an exception. With 24/7 live chat, a detailed blog, and FAQs, you are bound to get support quickly.
4. IPVanish
If you’ve got a Firestick or Kodi then this is for you. With secure networking, unbelievably fast speeds, over 40,000 servers in 75 locations, and split tunneling, IPVanish is hard to leave out when it comes to the best of the best.
It encrypts using AES 256 but it also includes OpenVPN and IKEv2. What’s commendable about it is that it’s completely zero-logs even after being from the United States, which is notorious for being privacy-unfriendly.
While its speeds do drop with connections overseas, the downloads and upload speeds are amazing on nearby servers with only a 10% loss in the download speed.
With apps available for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac there’s also an APK file available for Android devices with no access to Google Play Store. It doesn’t have a Smart DNS tool so you can’t use it on your game consoles.
It isn’t recommended for streaming though as it has trouble bypassing aggressive web blocks and doesn’t give access to many international libraries.
5. PrivateVPN
A simple but excellently performing option, PrivateVPN is just as the name suggests. It gives extra importance to your anonymity and privacy.
Apart from having a no logs policy, full torrenting support, tough security, and authentic connections it also offers a Stealth Mode which comes in handy when you want to bypass censorship even as strict as China’s.
Access and stream Netflix, Hulu, ABC, etc. on its designated servers while also being able to customize your settings.
With 150+ servers in 60 different countries, it maintains fast speeds and stable connections. Considering the small server network, it still provides fast speeds most times.
It uses the AES 256-bit encryption but also supports OpenVPN with UDP/TCP, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2 thus ensuring total security.
It works for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS but is also available for Linux, compatible routers, and Kodi.
In addition to reasonable pricing and discounts on long-term plans, you can also opt for a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscriptions if you’re not satisfied.
Conclusion
So now you know what VPNs are, what they are used for, and what constitutes a good VPN. I hope you can find the one that is best for you and enjoy top-notch security and content from all around the world while staying anonymous.
