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10 tools scored · 7 dimensions
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location — hiding what you do online from your ISP, and making it appear you are browsing from a different country.
Not all VPNs are the same product. A VPN that is excellent for streaming Netflix from the US may be mediocre for privacy, and the best privacy VPN may slow your connection more than you would like. The scores and dimensions below help you find the right one for what you actually need.
What are you looking for?
I want to stream content from other countries
Streaming score is your priority. Look for NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark — all reliably unblock Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.
See ranked list →
I want genuine privacy and anonymity
Privacy score and No-Logs Audit matter most. Mullvad and ProtonVPN lead here — both are independently audited and based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.
See ranked list →
I want the best value
Price score ranks tools on cost relative to features. Surfshark, CyberGhost, and PIA all offer strong all-round packages at under $3/mo on long-term plans.
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| Weighted average | Overall | Download and upload speed loss vs baseline | Encryption, jurisdiction, and audit history | Number of countries and server locations | Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer unblocking rate | Monthly cost and value for features | Independent audit of no-logs policy | Number of simultaneous connections and apps | Monthly |
| ★Surfshark Unlimited devices and strong privacy a… | 89 | 88 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 92 | 82 | 98 | $2.49 paid |
| NordVPN The most recognisable VPN — fast and f… | 88 | 90 | 88 | 96 | 92 | 80 | 85 | 86 | $3.99 paid |
| PIA Proven no-logs policy with massive ser… | 88 | 82 | 90 | 98 | 80 | 92 | 95 | 84 | $2.03 paid |
| ExpressVPN Premium speed and reliability across 1… | 87 | 96 | 90 | 92 | 96 | 60 | 90 | 88 | $8.32 paid |
| CyberGhost User-friendly with optimised streaming… | 86 | 82 | 80 | 94 | 88 | 94 | 78 | 82 | $2.03 paid |
| ProtonVPN Swiss privacy, open-source, and a soli… | 85 | 84 | 96 | 78 | 80 | 78 | 96 | 80 | $4.99 freemium |
| Mullvad Anonymous, flat-rate pricing, no email… | 83 | 88 | 98 | 72 | 68 | 82 | 98 | 70 | $5.5 paid |
| IPVanish Unlimited connections and US-based inf… | 82 | 84 | 80 | 80 | 82 | 82 | 72 | 98 | $3.33 paid |
| Windscribe Generous free tier and flexible pricing | 81 | 78 | 86 | 74 | 76 | 88 | 80 | 78 | $5.75 freemium |
| TunnelBear Simple, friendly VPN with a 2GB free p… | 76 | 74 | 80 | 68 | 70 | 78 | 86 | 82 | $4.99 freemium |
Click tool names to see the full radar breakdown · Open screener for advanced filtering
Speed
Download and upload speed loss vs baseline
Privacy
Encryption, jurisdiction, and audit history
Server Network
Number of countries and server locations
Streaming
Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer unblocking rate
Price
Monthly cost and value for features
No-Logs Audit
Independent audit of no-logs policy
Device Support
Number of simultaneous connections and apps
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All 10 tools scored across 7 dimensions — one printable page.
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Depends on what you want to do. If you regularly use public Wi-Fi, want to access geo-restricted streaming content, or want your ISP unable to see your browsing history — yes, a VPN is worth the $2–$8/mo. If you only use your home internet and don't mind your ISP seeing your traffic, it's less critical.
All VPNs add some latency because your traffic routes through an extra server. Top-tier VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN typically add 5–20% speed loss, which is barely noticeable on fast connections. Budget or free VPNs can be significantly slower.
Most free VPNs monetise by logging and selling your browsing data — the exact thing a VPN should protect. The only trustworthy free options are ProtonVPN (unlimited data, independently audited) and Windscribe (10GB/month). Every other free VPN we'd approach with caution.
A VPN with a no-logs policy claims it does not record what websites you visit or what data you transmit. The key word is "claims" — the ones we trust most have had this independently verified by third-party auditors like Cure53 or KPMG. Check the No-Logs Audit score for which ones have done this.
Yes — your ISP can see you are connected to a VPN server (the IP address), though not what you are doing through it. Most VPNs offer obfuscation features that hide VPN traffic as normal HTTPS, useful in countries that block VPN use.
How these scores are calculated
VPN scores are aggregated from published independent speed tests (Cloudwards, PCMag, TechRadar), audit reports (Cure53, KPMG), official pricing pages, and simultaneous connection limits. Speed scores reflect average download speed retention vs baseline across multiple server locations. Audit scores reflect whether a formal no-logs audit has been published, who conducted it, and when.
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