VPN Tier List

We've organized and put together a detailed VPN tier list where we rank each VPN based on various criteria. Check out this detailed guide.

Last Update: May 6, 2022
MOST POPULAR

Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
Features:
  • Unlimited P2P and Torrenting
  • High-End Military-Grade Encryption
  • Confirmed Zero Logs Policy
  • Ad-blocker Feature
  • High-Speed Servers
  • Unblock 400 Streaming Services
  • 100% diskless encrypted RAM servers
Available on:
 available_devices

Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
Features:
  • Strict No logs Policy
  • AES-256-GCM Encryption
  • Very Secure Protocol
  • Fast Torrent Speed and Unblocking Netflix
  • Unlimited Devices
Available on:
 available_devices

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Features:
  • Unblock Any Content
  • Internet Kill Switch
  • Split Tunneling
  • Confirmed Zero Logs Policy
  • Unbreakable Encryption
Available on:
 available_devices

VPN Tier List in 2022

The best VPN service is determined by several characteristics. Price, features, security, and speed are all important factors in purchasing decisions. VPNs have grown in popularity as they protect online privacy for many people worldwide.

They protect against hackers and spies by encrypting data packets sent to and from a person's device (usually a laptop or smartphone).

The first VPNs were created to bypass private networks known as firewalls. A VPN also allowed people in countries with strict censorship laws (like China) to bypass government-imposed restrictions on what they could read or see.

Finally, VPNs are used to prevent websites from tracking visitors. In other words, the website will be unable to track your online activity and will stop tracking you. Types of VPNs include PPTP, L2TP/IPSec, OpenVPN, and others. Its speed, security, and functionality all vary.

Why Create Tiers?

It’s impossible to select the "best" VPN. This is due to the fact that everyone's needs and usage situations differ, so what may be the best VPN for one person may not be suitable for another.

That's why we decided to create a tier list where we divide our favorite VPNs by their strengths, giving you an idea of which ones are better suited for specific tasks or profiles.

This will help you make a more informed decision when choosing the best VPN for your needs. The last thing you want is to go with a low-end VPN and get a DNS Leak.

Also, please keep in mind that this is our own tier list, which means it's subjective. You might disagree with our choices, but we recommend you give each of them a try and see for yourself.

If you are short on time, choosing the top VPN in the Platinum tier is the way to go. Here are the rankings:

  1. NordVPN
  2. Surfshark
  3. ExpressVPN

Let's start with what this VPN tier list will cover, then move on to our tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze!

The Platinum VPN Tier

NordVPN screenshot

NordVPN is a top-of-the-line VPN service that offers excellent features and security. It's one of the fastest VPN providers on the market, and its user-friendly interface makes it a perfect choice for both experienced users and beginners.

NordVPN is also one of the most secure VPNs available, thanks to its strong encryption protocols. As a result, NordVPN is an excellent choice for those who want to protect their privacy online.

The company keeps no logs of user activity or traffic, so you can rest assured that your data will remain confidential. NordVPN also offers a variety of security features, including military-grade encryption and protection against DNS and Pv6 leaks.

Additionally, NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices simultaneously, which is an excellent feature if you're traveling or want to share your VPN connection with family members.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: The average download speed is 369 Mbps, depending on load, internet speed, VPN protocol, etc.
  • Price: It costs $11.95 per month or $99 annually. The listed discounted year plan is $59; however, when your subscription is up for renewal, you'll pay $99.
  • Security: NordVPN uses 256-bit AES data encryption. NordVPN's regular servers run on RAM and use military-grade encryption and secure tunneling techniques to keep your data safe.
  • Bandwidth: NordVPN does not apply any speed or bandwidth limits; utilizing a VPN can reduce your internet speed to some extent. It offers subscribers an unlimited monthly data allowance.
  • Reputation: NordVPN has been rated the best VPN provider in the market by PCMag.com and Techradar.com.
  • Customer support: Nord VPN has great customer service. We experienced fast reply times and useful responses.
  • Successful track record: NordVPN keeps no log of your internet activity. It does not track, collect or share what you do online.
  • Connectivity: Connectivity was fantastic in all fashions.
  • Number of supported devices: One NordVPN account simultaneously secures up to 6 devices, giving you six times the protection.
  • Geographic diversity: NordVPN has servers in 59 countries and offers a wide geographic range of servers.
  • Torrent-friendly: NordVPN supports torrenting.

Read the detailed NordVPN review.

NordVPN logo in white color
Overall Rating: 5.0 / 5.0
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Surfshark screenshot

Surfshark is a VPN known for its high speeds and its ability to unblock websites. I have been using Surfshark for the past few months, and I have been very impressed with the service.

The speeds are some of the fastest that I have ever experienced, and I have never had any problems with unblocking websites. Overall, I would highly recommend Surfshark to anyone looking for a fast and reliable VPN service.

The best thing about Surfshark is that it has a free trial. This allows you to test out the service before committing to a full subscription. Another great feature of this VPN is that it offers unlimited devices, which means you can use it on any device that you want.

You will also be able to connect up to five devices at once, so if you have multiple computers or mobile phones, this would be perfect for your needs! Surfshark's privacy policy states, "We do not log any traffic or usage from our users."

They claim they don't keep logs because their servers are located in countries where their laws don't require them to. Nonetheless, this is an excellent option for those who want additional security while surfing the web.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: Surf Shark makes use of high-performance servers that are tailored for speed. The average speed is 324 Mbps.
  • Price: There are 3 subscription offers. For 1 month, $12.95 per month. For 6 months, $6.49 per month. For 24 months, $2.49 per month.
  • Security: It has the highest level of encryption, RAM-only servers, a strict no-logs policy, and more advanced security features than the competition. It uses the two safest and most well-known protocols, OpenVPN and IKEv2.
  • Bandwidth: Surf Shark users are not restricted in terms of speed, bandwidth, or data.
  • Reputation: Excellent VPN service, has a generous unlimited devices policy, allowing you to connect as many devices as you like, as well as split tunneling and multi-hop features that are rarely encountered.
  • Customer support: Surf Shark VPN has the best customer service. They offer fast response times and provide useful responses.
  • Successful track record: Surf Shark has a solid track record, although not the best.
  • Connectivity: OpenVPN UDP, OpenVPN TCP, and IKEv2 are among the protocols supported by Surfshark.
  • Number of supported devices: You can connect as many devices as you want with just one membership.
  • Geometric diversity: There are servers in over 65 countries that can provide you with a safe and secure connection.
  • Torrent friendly: Except in regions where torrenting is prohibited, all of its servers enable P2P.

Read the detailed Surfshark review.

Surfshark logo in white color
Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5.0
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Expressvpn-screenshot-new

ExpressVPN is a top-of-the-line VPN service known for its reliability and fast speeds. It is one of the most popular VPNs on the market, and for a good reason. First and foremost, ExpressVPN is incredibly reliable. I have never had an issue connecting to the server or my speed.

The connection is always quick and stable, crucial when streaming or downloading content. Additionally, ExpressVPN has some of the fastest speeds available.

I have never had to wait more than a few seconds for a page to load, which is impressive compared to other VPNs I have used in the past. This makes it an excellent choice for streaming content, gaming, or just browsing the internet.

Finally, ExpressVPN is very easy to use and set up. It only takes a few minutes to set it up on your computer or mobile device.

The interface is clean and simple, making navigating the app very intuitive. I have never had an issue finding what I need in this VPN because of its straightforward design.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: The download speed of ExpressVPN is an average of 135 Mbps. It's a fast VPN, but not as quick as NordVPN, Surf Shark, or IPVanish.
  • Price: The monthly cost is $12.95, with savings available for those who pay in advance for six months ($9.99 per month) or a year ($8.32 per month).
  • Security: When you use ExpressVPN, your data is encrypted with AES-256, the same encryption standard used by the US government and security experts throughout the world to protect confidential information.
  • Bandwidth: There is no monthly limit. Your ISP will not throttle some types of traffic. Your VPN bandwidth is unlimited with ExpressVPN.
  • Reputation: ExpressVPN is a fantastic VPN service with a large global footprint and great privacy policies to keep your data safe.
  • Customer support: ExpressVPN has top-notch customer service. They always respond quickly and are very helpful.
  • Successful track record: Websites you visit are not seen, recorded, or stored by ExpressVPN. They never keep track of your traffic's destination or content.
  • Connectivity: ExpressVPN connects reliably from anywhere, but it can slow down your internet experience.
  • Number of supported devices: ExpressVPN can be used on up to 5 different devices simultaneously with a single subscription, regardless of the platforms you use.
  • Geographic diversity: With over 3,000 servers, ExpressVPN is one of the market leaders. It has an excellent distribution of servers across 94 countries.
  • Torrent friendly: ExpressVPN offers unlimited P2P traffic, making it excellent for downloading torrents safely.

Read the detailed ExpressVPN review.

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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Golden VPN Tier

TorGuard is a top-of-the-line VPN service that offers users a wide range of features and benefits. So whether you're looking for a VPN for privacy, security, streaming, or torrenting, TorGuard has you covered. With TorGuard, you can enjoy complete anonymity and privacy while online.

The service uses military-grade encryption to keep your data safe and secure, and it also provides a host of additional features that help you stay safe and anonymous online. These include DNS leak protection, an automatic kill switch, and stealth mode.

TorGuard is also one of the best VPNs for streaming content. The service allows you to unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other popular streaming services from anywhere in the world. And, if you're a fan of torrenting, TorGuard is the VPN for you.

The service offers unlimited bandwidth and speeds, and it also provides a host of features that make torrenting safe and anonymous, as well as keeping you safe while on the deep web.

Overall, TorGuard is an excellent VPN service that offers users a wide range of features and benefits. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line VPN for privacy, security, streaming, or torrenting, TorGuard is definitely worth considering.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: The average download speed of TorGuard is 125 to 150 Mbps.
  • Price: It costs $14.99 per month. A full month of free service is given by canceling the old VPN subscription.
  • Security: Its tunneling protocol has been the #1 choice of most VPN services. You can also choose the encryption type (AES-128 or AES-256) through the app.
  • Bandwidth: Because all of the servers have 1Gbps or 10 Gbps ports, DL rates might range from 5MB to 100MB, depending on your connection speed.
  • Reputation: Torguard VPN includes features such as the WireGuard tunneling mechanism, IPv6 leak prevention, and a Stealth proxy, and has no history of leaks.
  • Customer support: The customer service with TorGuard is excellent! They always reply quickly and provide helpful information.
  • Track record: TorGuard does not collect or log any data, but payment information, Apache web server, and contact information is collected.
  • Connectivity: TorGuard usually has good connection, but the speed depends on overall conditions and your internet.
  • Number of supported devices: On the regular plan, you receive x8 connections for free, and on the Pro service, you get x12 connections for free, which means you can use 8 or 12 devices/PCs simultaneously.
  • Geographic diversity: TorGuard has a very large server network of 3,000+ servers in 68 locations across 50 countries
  • Torrent friendly: TorGuard's vast network offers P2P file sharing on all of its servers.

Read the detailed Torguard review.

AirVPN is a fantastic VPN service that I've been utilizing for quite some time. It's fast, dependable, and packed with valuable features. As one of the few VPNs that encrypts your traffic with AES-256-bit ciphers and does not store any logs, AirVPN is worth considering.

It also has a kill switch feature, disconnecting you from the internet if your VPN connection is lost. It is beneficial for preventing your identity from being accidentally revealed online. Another aspect of AirVPN that I appreciate is its commitment to providing excellent customer service.

They have an excellent knowledge base of articles and tutorials, and they are always quick to respond to my questions.

Overall, AirVPN is a fantastic VPN service that I would recommend to anyone looking for one.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: The average speed is 44.5 Mbps.
  • Price: There are several options like $2.36 per 3 days; $8.26 per month; $17.70 per 3 months; $34.22 per 6 months; $57.82 per 1 year; $93.23 per 2 years; and $116.83 per 3 years.
  • Security: High-end security features like bank-grade encryption, an advanced kill switch, full leak prevention, secure protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard), and a strict no-logs policy protect your data with AirVPN.
  • Bandwidth: AirVPN offers unlimited bandwidth.
  • Reputation: AirVPN is very secure, has decent speeds, is good for torrenting, and comes with industry-standard security features.
  • Customer support: The customer service for AirVPN is amazing! They always respond quickly to inquiries and find a solution.
  • Track record: AirVPN has a strict logging policy that does not keep track of any personally identifiable information.
  • Connectivity: AirVPN connectivity is a little slower in reaching exceptional peak speeds as compared to other VPN services.
  • Number of supported devices: AirVPN allows for up to 5 simultaneous connections, which is ideal for connecting your PC, phone, tablet, and a few more devices all at once.
  • Geographic diversity: It offers unlimited bandwidth on 240+ servers across 20 countries.
  • Torrent friendly: AirVPN offers excellent P2P speeds and complex features, such as port forwarding and a kill switch. All of this makes it an excellent torrenting option.

Windscribe is a Canadian VPN provider that is known for its high-quality service. In addition, it's one of the few VPN providers that is actually headquartered in Canada, which means that it is subject to Canadian laws and regulations.

This also gives the company a lot of credibility, as it is not some fly-by-night operation. One of the standout features of Windscribe is its generous 10GB monthly data allowance.

This makes it an excellent choice for people who use a lot of data, such as streaming music and videos. The company also has a strong privacy policy, which guarantees that your data will not be shared or sold to third parties.

Another great feature of Windscribe is its free plan. This plan allows you to use the service for free, but you will only be able to access a certain number of servers.

This is a great way to test out the service before deciding if it's right for you. In addition, Windscribe has an excellent customer support team that is available 24/hours a day, seven days a week via email and live chat.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: Offers an average speed is almost 94.72 Mbps.
  • Price: Windscribe is free to use if you are a light user. You get up to 10GB of data per month and have access to all of the tools. You can buy unlimited data for $9 per month if you need more data.
  • Security: Windscribe VPN protects your data with military-grade encryption and various secure tunneling technologies.
  • Bandwidth: You get up to 10GB of data per month and have access to all of the tools. You can buy unlimited data for $9 per month if you need more data.
  • Reputation: With a 3.3 out of 5 ratings, Windscribe is tied for 11th place in our Best VPNs of 2022 ranking.
  • Customer support: Windscribe VPN has fantastic customer service! They always answer quickly and are very informative.
  • Track record: They don't keep connection logs, IP timestamps, session logs, or monitor your activity.
  • Connectivity: Windscrive is said to be reasonably reliable, and this held true in our testing. The connection remained stable and secure.
  • Number of supported devices: Windscribe lets users connect to its many servers on an infinite number of devices.
  • Geographic diversity: The premium app offers 170 servers in 60 countries.
  • Torrent friendly: Windscribe is an excellent all-around VPN that is ideal for torrenting. It scored above average in all locations, making it one of the fastest VPNs we've tested.

Silver VPN Tier

Ivacy VPN is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a dependable, affordable, and feature-rich virtual private network (VPN).

Ivacy VPN provides a wide range of features, including military-grade encryption, an intuitive and user-friendly interface, and support for peer-to-peer file sharing. Ivacy VPN is also one of the few VPN services that provide a dedicated Kodi add-on, which is a rarity these days.

The Kodi add-on enables users to stream content from various sources using the Kodi media player software. As an added convenience, Ivacy VPN provides split tunneling.

This feature allows users to choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which traffic goes through the ISP.

Ivacy VPN is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a VPN service that is both affordable and packed with features. If you want to learn more about Ivacy VPN, you can check out our Ivacy VPN evaluation below.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: The average speed is 4.5–5 MB/s (36–40 Mbps) with a baseline connection of 300 Mbps.
  • Price: Ivacy VPN either costs $9.95 for a month, $42 for a year, $54 for two years, or $80 for five years.
  • Security: In Windscribe, Your P2P actions cannot be linked to your account because of military-grade encryption and a stringent no-logs policy.
  • Bandwidth: Ivacy VPN has servers with speeds of up to 1 Gbps. However, your speeds may differ depending on your geographic location and ISP.
  • Reputation: Ivacy is a very affordable VPN, but is slower and less trustworthy than the very best VPN services.
  • Customer support: The customer service with Ivacy VPN is outstanding! They always answer quickly and give great information.
  • Track record: A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic, hiding your actions from your ISP and making it more difficult for others to follow you online.
  • Connectivity: Ivacy VPN connects to 3500+ servers.
  • Number of supported devices: One account can be used on up to five devices simultaneously. Ivacy has a multi-login capability that allows you to encrypt many devices simultaneously.
  • Geometric diversity: Ivacy has over 3500+ servers in 100+ locations worldwide.
  • Torrent friendly: P2P traffic is allowed on all servers, but significant download bitrates in tests were seen.

Read the detailed Ivacy review.

Ivacy VPN logo white
Overall Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
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CyberGhost is a fantastic virtual private network (VPN) service that I have been using for quite some time. The service has always provided me with excellent speeds and security, and I have never encountered any issues with it.

I would strongly recommend CyberGhost to anyone who is looking for a reliable virtual private network (VPN). Unfortunately, most people appear to believe that CyberGhost is only useful for unblocking Netflix, but this is not the case.

Furthermore, it can be used for torrenting and other activities as well. Therefore, the CyberGhost VPN service is a fantastic all-around option if you want an excellent all-around VPN service.

The customer service is also excellent, and I always receive a response within a few hours of contacting them.

It is a perfect choice for those who are looking for a VPN service that can be used for torrenting and other purposes. It also happens to be one of the best VPNs for Netflix streaming.

Their security is also top-notch, and they always provide me with lightning-fast download and upload speeds.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: The average speed is 548 Mbps.
  • Price: It offers a free trial period; the subscription starts at $12.99 per month.
  • Security: CyberGhost VPN's servers are encrypted and run in RAM only, meaning no data is saved on a hard drive, regardless of who owns them. There would be no data to review even if an attacker physically removed the server.
  • Bandwidth: The minimum bandwidth for ordinary subscription connections will usually not exceed 6 Mbps, while the maximum could reach at most 1 Gb.
  • Reputation: CyberGhost has a good reputation of not leaking its users' data, with a solid reputation of stable speeds as well.
  • Customer support: CyberGhost VPN has outstanding customer service! They always answer quickly and give valuable advice.
  • Track record: Cyberghost never collects, stores, or shares any of your information because of CyberGhost VPN's stringent No-Logs policy.
  • Connectivity: I experienced great connectivity while using CyberGhost. This includes speeds as well.
  • Number of supported devices: A CyberGhost subscription allows you to utilize seven devices simultaneously, making it an excellent bargain for a family with many gadgets.
  • Geometric diversity: CyberGhost VPN has more than 6,000 servers in 88 countries worldwide.
  • Torrent friendly: With CyberGhost VPN, you can torrent safely and easily scan for viruses using the same application.

Read the detailed CyberGhost review.

CyberGhost logo in white color
Overall Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
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TunnelBear VPN is a Canadian-based VPN provider that has been in operation for years. The service is owned by the company McAfee. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. TunnelBear VPN has a strong focus on privacy and boasts a no-logs policy.

The service is also one of the few providers to offer a free tier plan. The paid plans are affordable and offer good value for money. The service has servers in over 20 countries and is perfect for streaming content like Netflix and Hulu.

The service also unblocks BBC iPlayer and other UK streaming content. Torrenting is allowed on all servers, but P2P file sharing is restricted to a few servers.

The service performed well in our speed tests but was not as reliable as some of the other providers. Overall, TunnelBear is a good VPN service that is perfect for streaming content and unblocking websites. The service is also affordable and has a strong focus on privacy.

However, the service is not as reliable as some of the other providers, and P2P sharing is restricted to just a few servers.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: The average download speed is 50.6 Mbit/s, and the max speed is 385 Mbit/s.
  • Price: It costs $9.99 for Month-to-Month, $4.99 for 12 months, $3.33 for 36 months.
  • Security: TunnelBear encrypts data with AES-256, authenticates it with SHA256, and encrypts handshakes with the Diffie-Hellman exchange, and a no logs policy.
  • Bandwidth: It offers a free plan with 500MB bandwidth and an affordable business team plan.
  • Reputation: TunnelBear is a reliable VPN provider. It has a fun theme and good security features. It also unblocks most streaming services like Netflix, DAZN, and Youtube.
  • Customer support: I'm very satisfied with TunnelBear VPN's customer support! They are always quick to respond and provide helpful suggestions.
  • Track record: TunnelBear doesn't keep track of anything. This means that while connected to their VPN, they do not gather any information about what you browse.
  • Connectivity: TunnelBear encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that your online activities remain private across all networks.
  • Number of supported devices: Each TunnelBear account allows up to five connections to the TunnelBear network at once.
  • Geographic diversity: Tunnelbear has 40+ server locations in 49 countries.
  • Torrent friendly: They use AES-256 encryption, which is unquestionably the finest available for safe torrenting.

Read the detailed TunnelBear review.

Tunnelbear-white
Overall Rating: 4.2 / 5.0
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Bronze VPN Tier

The Avast SecureLine VPN service has been providing me with excellent service for quite some time, and I have to say that I am very satisfied with the service.

Avast SecureLine VPN is a solid and dependable virtual private network, and I strongly recommend it to anyone in the market for one – a VPN, that is.

This service provides excellent security and customer service, and servers in a large number of countries around the world, making it an ideal choice for people who want to access content from all over the world without having to leave their homes.

Furthermore, Avast SecureLine VPN has a no-log policy, which is always a welcome sight to see when using a virtual private network.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: The average speed is 55 Mbps.
  • Price: The subscription costs $59.88 for 1 year, $95.76 for 2 years, $143.64 for 3 years.
  • Security: Testing found no WebRTC or DNS leaks. We consider them a safe VPN option because their policy specifies that they only log partial IP addresses and no websites or other online activity.
  • Bandwidth: Each server has a maximum throughput of 2 Gbps, and the company regularly tests them for heavy loads.
  • Reputation: Avast SecureLine VPN features a user-friendly interface and fast speeds. Although I don't think it's the ideal option for streaming and privacy, it does have a lot to offer in terms of security.
  • Customer support: Excellent customer service! I'm very pleased with Avast SecureLine VPN's customer support! They are always quick to respond and offer useful advice.
  • Track record: Customers' logs are kept by Avast SecureLine. Users will never be entirely anonymous, according to the business.
  • Connectivity: Open Avast SecureLine VPN has great connectivity. We experienced no hiccups throughout our testing.
  • Number of supported devices: You can simultaneously activate your subscription on up to 10 devices.
  • Geographic diversity: It has 700 servers in 30 countries.
  • Torrent friendly: P2P Torrenting connections are permitted with Avast SecureLine VPN. On the other hand, Torrenting is restricted by Avast to specified servers.

Hide.me is a Malaysia-based VPN provider that has been in business since 2011. The company has a strong reputation for providing fast, reliable, and affordable VPN services.

This service is a good value when compared to others in the same price range, and it has a multitude of features that make it an excellent choice for those seeking a comprehensive VPN solution.

Hide.me also offers a free VPN service with limited features, making it an excellent option for those looking for a basic VPN solution.

In conclusion, it is an excellent choice for a basic VPN solution: a fast, dependable, and affordable VPN provider with no bandwidth or usage limits.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: All servers are capable of handling a 1000 Mbps connection.
  • Price: Subscription costs $9.95 for 1-month plan, $79.95 for 1-year plan, $99.95 for 2-year plan.
  • Security: They use AES-256 to encrypt your internet connection and keep your information private.
  • Bandwidth: The free plan's data transfer limit is from 2 GB to 10 GB.
  • Reputation: Its privacy policy is incredibly thorough and straightforward. It uses the most advanced VPN technology, allows for ten simultaneous connections, and has a solid global server distribution.
  • Customer support: Although the response was semi-rapid, we did not get very helpful support with Hide.me VPN.
  • Track record: Usage data is completely anonymous and is not connected to your real IP address or location.
  • Connectivity: They protect your internet connection by encrypting your data so you can safely surf the web.
  • Number of supported devices: You can install hide.me VPN on any number of devices, but only ten devices can be connected simultaneously.
  • Geographic diversity: Hide.me offers 450+ servers in 27 countries.
  • Torrent friendly: Hide. me is a great choice for torrenting because of its stable speeds, solid security, and secure privacy policy.

ProtonVPN is a Switzerland-based VPN service that has been in operation for some time. It is one of the few VPNs that Edward Snowden endorses. ProtonVPN offers both free and premium subscription plans.

The free plan has some restrictions, such as a data cap and the number of available servers. However, the paid plans offer more features, such as unlimited data and access to all of ProtonVPN's servers.

One of the standout features of ProtonVPN is its strict no-logs policy. This means that your activities are not tracked or monitored by ProtonVPN.

As a result, ProtonVPN is an excellent choice for those looking for a secure and private VPN service. Its combination of security features, no-logs policy, and endorsement by Edward Snowden make it a top contender for the best VPN available.

Quick Facts

  • Speed: The average speed is almost 300 Mbps.
  • Price: Annual plan cost (per month) is $4; two-year plan costs $79.
  • Security: ProtonVPN is entirely safe to use. ProtonVPN has a stringent no-data-logging policy, so even if someone asks for your data, it won't be able to provide it.
  • Bandwidth: All ProtonVPN users have unlimited bandwidth and data, even those on the Free plan.
  • Reputation: ProtonVPN has an excellent 4.2 rating from the Google Play store, and a 3.9 rating from the Apple App Store, relatively high for a VPN
  • Customer support: The customer service with ProtonVPN is superb! They always respond quickly and provide great information.
  • Track record: ProtonVPN has a stringent no-logs policy in place. This means they don't store session usage logs of your online activities, and they don't log metadata that can jeopardize your privacy.
  • Connectivity: We experienced fantastic connection speed and security during testing.
  • Number of supported devices: One device can be connected to ProtonVPN. However, 10 devices can be connected on the Plus plan.
  • Geographic diversity: ProtonVPN has 1500+ servers in 40+ countries.
  • Torrent friendly: For torrenting, ProtonVPN is a safe and dependable option. It's not the fastest VPN we've tried, but it does have a lot of P2P-friendly servers.

Read the detailed ProtonVPN review.

Protonvpn logo white
Overall Rating: 4.3 / 5.0
Visit ProtonVPN

What is a VPN Tier List?

There are now so many options on the market that it's hard to figure out which VPN is best suited for you and your needs.

That's where the tier list comes in handy. Tier lists are popular in gaming, but they can also apply to other categories.

The tier list separates the best VPNs into different tiers depending on their category and performance.

We've decided to rank each VPN according to its rating and put them in individual tiers based on pricing & value, speed & server count, security features like kill-switch support, privacy policy, and more.

You can find the best VPN for you by reading through this list and finding the tier that matches your needs, no matter what they are.

11 Criteria We Used When Creating VPN Tiers

Speed

When looking for a VPN, speed is an important consideration. The greater the speed of the VPN, the better. This is because speed varies depending on server location and where you are in the world, often resulting in inconsistent speeds. Some VPNs, on the other hand, are significantly faster than others.

Price

Although the price was considered when developing our tiers, it did not serve as the deciding factor. As a result, the virtual private networks (VPNs) in our top three tiers provide excellent value for money. Of course, you should expect to pay more for the best VPNs, but it's worth it.

Security

This is yet another essential consideration when selecting a VPN. You'll want to make sure the VPN you choose offers the highest level of security possible. This includes features such as encryption, protocols, kill-switch protection, IP leak protection, and more.

Bandwidth

When selecting a VPN, bandwidth is an important consideration. The higher the bandwidth, the more quickly your data will travel across the network. Most VPNs have different bandwidth tiers, so knowing how much bandwidth you will require is critical to choosing the right VPN.

Reputation

The reputations of VPNs vary, with some being well-known for their high quality and others are known for being less than stellar. Tier One providers are generally considered the best, while Tier Three providers are often seen as lower-tier but still good.

Customer Support

The customer support of a VPN is essential. If you have any questions or problems, you'll want to be able to get help quickly and easily. The best VPN providers have excellent customer service, with 24/hour support available via chat, email, or phone.

Successful Track Record

The track record of a VPN provider is essential when determining which tier to put them in. A Tier-I provider has a successful track record and has been operating for many years. In addition, they have a proven history of protecting their users' privacy.

Connectivity

The connectivity of a VPN service is pretty self-explanatory in terms of its functionality. However, in terms of servers and their locations and the ability to switch between IP addresses, it is an essential thing to think about with any VPN.

Number of Supported Devices

The number of supported devices is an important tier to consider, especially if you want the freedom to use your VPN on all of your gadgets. Some VPNs only support a handful, while others will cover many.

Geographic Diversity

Geographic diversity is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN. This ranking considers the number and distribution of servers across all continents, but with a special emphasis on North America.

Torrent Friendly

Torrenting is possible on almost every VPN. The only exceptions are those that block PTP/PEX network traffic and those based in countries with strict anti-torrent laws like China. So, if you need a VPN for torrenting, don't make the mistake of getting one that doesn't have this feature.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

The benefits of using a VPN depend on the reason for which you use it. For some, access to restricted content and geo-restricted services is enough; for others, safety and anonymity matter. If you want to use a VPN at home, you can avail of all the benefits mentioned above, but there are additional perks if you're using it for business reasons.

For example, connecting securely from untrusted networks or accessing content that's been blocked outside your company premises.

Do VPNs protect against viruses?

The majority of free VPNs don't protect against malware or viruses because they tend to be low-cost services often used by cybercriminals. Even paid VPN services are unreliable in this regard, so you're probably better off using an anti-virus app on your device rather than a virtual private network.

If you want protection from viruses, then it's best to invest in security software for your computer and mobile devices, including anti-malware for your router.

How does a VPN affect my download speeds?

While VPNs can't speed up your internet connections, they usually don't slow them down either. However, the amount of data that's transferred over the network will depend on how fast your original connection is and what kind of encryption has been used by your VPN provider.

If you're using an older standard like Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP), expect speed reductions of around 20 to 30 percent. However, with newer security protocols like OpenVPN, you shouldn't see any significant change at all.

Wrapping Up - How To Pick The Best VPN

Now that you know the different types of VPNs and have a general understanding of how they work, it's time to find the best one for your needs.

Of course, your needs will depend on the type of data you transfer and your budget. For instance, if you have a small business that handles sensitive customer data every day, you need to make sure that it's protected at all times.

If this is the case for you, we recommend getting a VPN with high-end features and advanced security protocols, such as OpenVPN or SSTP (Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol).

This way, your connection remains private even when traveling abroad, where there may be more cyber threats lurking around every corner waiting to steal information from unsuspecting victims like yourself!

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By: Brian Rucker
Brian is a cybersecurity expert and an editor at VPNOnline.com. He has written many articles around the web on topics of technology, cybersecurity, and privacy. He is an avid day-to-day VPN user.
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