Best VPN Service Providers 2023

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN consistently tops lists of the best VPN services, and for good reason. This British Virgin Islands-based provider offers excellent speeds, top-notch security features, and access to Netflix and other streaming services.

Key Features:

• Blazing fast speeds – ExpressVPN has a massive server network optimized for speedy connections. Testing showed fast speeds for HD streaming and torrenting.

• Strong encryption – Uses AES-256 encryption and supports OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec and IKEv2 protocols. Perfect for securing sensitive online activity.

• No activity or connection logs – ExpressVPN has a strict no-logging policy audited for verification. They don't record browsing history, traffic destination, IP addresses, or other metadata.

• Works with Netflix & streaming – Unblocks geo-restricted content on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Ideal for media streaming.

• Allows P2P/torrenting – ExpressVPN permits torrenting and works with all major torrent clients like uTorrent. Great for safe file sharing.

• Apps for all devices – User-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and more. Simple setup across multiple devices.

• 24/7 live chat support – ExpressVPN has knowledgeable and responsive customer support available around the clock. Help is always available if issues arise.

The main downside is the relatively high subscription cost starting at $12.95/month. But with amazing speeds, top-notch privacy protections, and access to streaming, ExpressVPN is worth the premium price for many users.

Related Article: ExpressVPN vs. SurfShark

NordVPN

NordVPN is a Panama-based provider that consistently ranks as one of the fastest and most secure VPN services. It offers robust privacy protections, allows P2P and torrenting, and works well for streaming.

Key Features:

• Excellent speeds – NordVPN has a huge server network that delivers fast connection speeds for HD streaming, browsing, and torrenting.

• Strict no-logs policy – NordVPN does not track or record user activity, IP addresses, connection timestamps, or traffic data. Independently audited for verification.

• Onion over VPN – NordVPN routes traffic through the Onion network for added anonymity. An extra layer of encryption and privacy.

• Works with Netflix & BBC iPlayer – Unblocks geo-restricted content on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

• P2P/torrenting friendly – NordVPN permits torrenting activity across its full server network. Great for safe peer-to-peer file sharing.

• CyberSec ad-blocking – The CyberSec feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites automatically for secure browsing.

• Apps for all major platforms – User-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, and more. Easy to set up and use.

The main drawback is that speeds can be slower from some locations during peak times. But overall, NordVPN is an excellent choice for privacy-focused users who want great speeds and security.

Related Article: NordVPN vs. IPVanish

SurfShark VPN

Surfshark is a fast-rising VPN known for providing unlimited device connections for a very competitive price. Based in the British Virgin Islands, it offers strong privacy protections and good speeds.

Key Features:

• Unlimited devices – A single Surfshark subscription can be used on an unlimited number of devices. Great value for households.

• Strong encryption – Military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption and support for IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols.

• No connection logs – Surfshark has a strict no-logging policy covering browsing data, traffic logs, IP addresses, etc. Independently audited.

• Works with Netflix – Unblocks geo-restricted content on Netflix and other popular streaming services.

• Allows torrenting/P2P – Surfshark permits torrenting and peer-to-peer downloading on all its servers.

• Whitelister feature – The Whitelister lets you specify apps and websites that will bypass the VPN tunnel for better performance.

• Budget-friendly pricing – Surfshark plans start at just $2.49/month for a 2-year plan, making it very affordable.

Speeds are not as fast as top services like ExpressVPN, but Surfshark remains a great choice for bargain hunters who want unlimited connections and strong privacy.

Related Article: SurfShark vs. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a Romania-based VPN known for its user-friendly interface and strong privacy protections. It offers reliable performance for streaming and torrenting.

Key Features:

• Intuitive apps – CyberGhost has easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more. The apps make it simple to connect and switch servers.

• No-logs policy – CyberGhost states it does not log user activity, traffic data, or connection timestamps. Based in Romania which has no data retention laws.

• Works with streaming sites – Unblocks popular geo-restricted platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu. Provides smooth streaming.

• Allows P2P/torrenting – Downloading torrents is permitted on CyberGhost servers marked as “For Torrenting.

• Affordable pricing – Subscription plans start at just $2.25 a month for 3-year plans. Offers good value.

• Automatic server selection – The CyberGhost app can automatically choose the optimal server for your location and task for ease of use.

The main downside is slower speeds compared to top tier VPNs. But CyberGhost remains a reliable, affordable VPN ideal for new users and streaming fans.

Related Article: CyberGhost vs. ExpressVPN

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a security-focused Swiss VPN service best known for its strict no-logs policy and focus on online privacy. It offers reliable speeds and security.

Key Features:

• Swiss base – Headquartered in privacy-friendly Switzerland which has strong data protection laws.

• Strict no-logs policy – ProtonVPN has undergone audits to verify its zero-logging policy. No user activity or traffic data is recorded.

• Built-in Tor access – Some ProtonVPN servers provide direct access to the Tor network for added anonymity.

• P2P/torrenting support – Torrenting and peer-to-peer sharing is allowed on designated P2P servers.

• 10GB free plan – ProtonVPN offers a full-featured free plan with 10GB of data per month. Easy to try out.

• Works with Netflix – Unblocks Netflix and other popular geo-restricted streaming services. Reliable for HD streaming.

• Apps for all platforms – Intuitive native apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and more.

Speeds are not the fastest but ProtonVPN focuses more on top-notch privacy and security rather than raw speed. It remains an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users.

Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is a newer VPN service known for its large and rapidly growing server network, competitive pricing, and unlimited device connections.

Key Features:

• Huge server network – Atlas VPN has over 750 servers in 44 countries and counting. Provides many connection options.

• Unlimited device connections – A single Atlas VPN subscription can be used on an unlimited number of devices. Great value.

• Built-in ad & tracker blocking – The Atlas VPN apps automatically block ads, trackers, and malicious websites for secure browsing.

• Allows P2P and torrenting – Downloading torrents is permitted on all Atlas VPN servers.

• Works with major streaming sites – Unblocks popular streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+ and more.

• Affordable pricing – Subscription plans start at just $1.99/month for 3-year plans. Very budget-friendly.

• Independent audit – Atlas VPN has undergone an independent audit verifying its no-logs policy and security standards.

The main downside is slower speeds compared to top services. But Atlas VPN excels in providing an unlimited connection VPN on a budget.

IPVanish

IPVanish is a US-based VPN focused on delivering fast connection speeds and a large server network. It allows unlimited P2P traffic and torrenting.

Key Features:

• Blazing fast speeds – IPVanish provides low-latency connections ideal for streaming and gaming. Ranks as one of the fastest VPNs.

• 40,000+ shared IPs – IPVanish has a huge pool of 40,000+ shared IP addresses for greater anonymity. Makes it harder to be tracked.

• Unlimited P2P/torrenting – Peer-to-peer and torrenting activity is permitted on all 1,900+ IPVanish servers with no limits.

• Apps for all platforms – Native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV, routers, and more. Easy to set up and use.

• Works with Netflix & BBC iPlayer – Unblocks popular geo-restricted streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Here is more optimized content for IPVanish:

• Strict no-logs policy – IPVanish states it does not log traffic data, IP addresses, browsing history, or connection timestamps. Based in the US.

• 24/7 customer support – Offers round-the-clock live chat and email support in case any issues arise.

The main downsides are its US jurisdiction and lack of advanced security features like a kill switch. But IPVanish remains a top choice for torrenters and anyone prioritizing fast speeds.

Related Article: IPVanish vs. PIA VPN

VyprVPN

VyprVPN is a fast, secure VPN service owned by the privacy-focused company Golden Frog. It offers great speeds and allows P2P file sharing.

Key Features:

• Blazing speeds – VyprVPN owns all its servers, allowing it to offer ultra-fast connection speeds great for streaming and downloading.

• Audited no-logs policy – VyprVPN has undergone independent audits to verify its zero-logging policy. No user data is monitored or stored.

• Allows P2P and torrenting – Torrenting and peer-to-peer sharing is permitted on all VyprVPN servers.

• Chameleon protocol – VyprVPN's proprietary Chameleon protocol adds an extra layer of encryption to avoid VPN blocking.

• Works with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer – Unblocks popular geo-restricted streaming services for access to more content.

• Apps for all platforms – User-friendly native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, routers, smart TVs and more.

The main disadvantage is high pricing, starting at $12.95/month. But VyprVPN excels in delivering blazing fast speeds while protecting user privacy.

StrongVPN

StrongVPN is a US-based VPN provider known for its large server network, reliable performance, and budget-friendly pricing.

Key Features:

• 650+ servers in over 70 countries – StrongVPN has servers all across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Lots of connection options.

• Allows P2P and torrenting – Downloading torrents and peer-to-peer sharing is permitted on all StrongVPN servers.

• Works with popular streaming sites – Unblocks major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN+ and more.

• Affordable pricing – Subscription plans start at just $2.99/month when signing up for longer terms. Provides good value.

• Apps for all major platforms – User-friendly apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV and routers. Easy to set up and connect.

• Reliable connection speeds – StrongVPN delivers sufficiently fast speeds for HD streaming, browsing, and torrenting for most users.

The main downside is the lack of advanced security features like a kill switch. But StrongVPN excels in providing a solid, affordable VPN good for streaming and torrenting.

Related Article: CyberGhost vs. StrongVPN

PureVPN

Hong Kong-based PureVPN is known for its large server fleet, reliable performance, and budget-friendly subscription plans.

Key Features:

• Huge server network – PureVPN has over 6,500 servers across 78+ countries. Provides many connection options.

• P2P/torrenting allowed – Downloading torrents and peer-to-peer sharing is permitted on dedicated P2P servers.

• Split tunneling – The split tunneling feature lets you route only some apps through the VPN tunnel while others have normal connectivity.

• 31-day money back guarantee – PureVPN offers a generous 31-day money back guarantee allowing you to test it risk-free.

• Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer – Unblocks major streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Provides smooth streaming.

• Affordable pricing – Subscription plans start at just $2.08/month for longer 1-year and 2-year terms.

The main downside is slower speeds compared to top tier VPNs. But PureVPN remains a solid, affordable choice good for streaming and torrenting.

Related Article: PureVPN vs. StrongVPN

HideMyAss (HMA)

HideMyAss (HMA) is a UK-based VPN service known for permitting P2P file sharing and torrenting across its large server network.

Key Features:

• Allows P2P and torrenting – Downloading torrents is permitted on all HMA servers located outside the 14 Eyes surveillance network.

• 800+ servers in 190+ countries – HMA maintains servers across North America, Europe, Asia, South America and more. Lots of connection options.

• Apps for all platforms – Offers native apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, Android TV and more.

• Smart proxy rotation – The HMA apps can automatically rotate your IP address to make tracking more difficult.

• Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer – Unblocks major streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Provides smooth streaming.

• 30-day money back guarantee – HMA offers a 30-day money back guarantee allowing you to test out the service.

The main downsides are average connection speeds and the fact HMA is based in the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliance. But it remains a decent option for P2P file sharing.

PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a privacy-focused Swedish VPN provider known for not logging any user activity or traffic data. It offers reliable performance.

Key Features:

• Swedish jurisdiction – Based in Sweden which has strong privacy laws and is not part of any surveillance alliances.

• Zero-logs policy – PrivateVPN does not log or record any browsing data, traffic logs, IP addresses or other user activity.

• Allows P2P/torrenting – Downloading torrents is permitted on designated servers optimized for file sharing.

• Apps for all platforms – Offers easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers and more.

• Works with Netflix – Unblocks Netflix and other popular geo-restricted streaming services.

• Kill switch – The kill switch will block all internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

The main downside is slower speeds compared to top tier VPNs. But PrivateVPN excels in providing an ultra-private VPN experience with strong no logging assurances.