The 10 Fastest VPNs of 2023 (2023)

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On the NordVPN website

In our search for the fastest VPNs, NordVPN's performance stood out from the crowd. Its consistent high-speed performance was impressive, making it ideal for everything from streaming to downloading large files. It's not just the speed that impressed us, but the multitude of safety features it comes with. The inclusion of a kill switch, which disconnects the internet if the VPN connection drops, is a testament to NordVPN's commitment to user security.

The user-friendly interface was another highlight of our experience with NordVPN. Adding users was a breeze, allowing even those with minimal technical experience to manage VPN connections with ease.

However, even though NordVPN offers excellent speed and a number of impressive features, there are a few points that might give potential users pause. The complexity of the service, while beneficial for those looking for advanced features, can be overwhelming for beginners. While we found the interface to be user-friendly, the plethora of settings and features may require a learning curve for some users. NordVPN, while offering good value for the range of features it provides, may not be the most budget-friendly option on the market.

Learn more:Read our fullNordVPN Review.

Who should use it:

NordVPN is ideal for those looking for a fast and secure VPN service. It is especially suitable for people who prioritize privacy and security, thanks to the kill switch function and non-Five Eyes jurisdiction.

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On the TorGuard VPN website

TorGuard VPN caught our attention with its feature-rich offering and emphasis on customization. The service features unlimited speeds and unlimited bandwidth, a signature feature that ensures a seamless, uninterrupted online experience. Additionally, TorGuard offers a choice between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, allowing users to choose the protocol that best suits their needs.

With more than 3,000 servers, TorGuard ensures a reliable, global connection. This extensive network can help users bypass geographical restrictions and enjoy a smooth connection almost anywhere in the world. However, it's worth noting that streaming is only available with the Pro version, a limitation that may be off-putting for some.

Despite TorGuard's remarkable features, potential users should note a few caveats. For starters, the service is based in the United States, a Five Eyes country, which could potentially affect user privacy. Additionally, while the service is feature-rich, its interface can be overwhelming for VPN newbies. TorGuard is designed with advanced users in mind, and beginners may find its array of options and settings difficult to navigate.

Learn more:Read our fullTorGuard VPN Review.

Who should use it:

TorGuard VPN is a great choice for advanced users looking for a VPN service with lots of options and a high degree of customization. Its unlimited speeds and bandwidth make it suitable for heavy Internet users, while its wide range of protocols covers various security needs.

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On the TunnelBear website

TunnelBear stood out in our review for its simplicity and user-friendly design, making it a great choice for VPN beginners. The service features a fun bear-themed interface that is both intuitive and visually appealing. The easy setup process and simple features make it a great choice for those new to VPNs.

The inclusion of a kill switch and split tunneling features is a testament to TunnelBear's commitment to security. The kill switch ensures that it cuts off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, providing an extra layer of security. Split tunneling, on the other hand, lets you control which apps use the VPN connection and which don't. This provides flexibility and control over your internet usage.

However, despite its ease of use and strong security features, TunnelBear has a few downsides to consider. The most important of these is that TunnelBear is based in Canada, a Five Eyes country. This means that the company may be required to share user data with government agencies. While TunnelBear has a strong privacy policy stating that it does not log user activity, this may still be a concern for users looking for the highest level of privacy.

Learn more:Read our fullTunnelBear review.

Who should use it:

TunnelBear is a great choice for beginners or anyone looking for a user-friendly VPN service. Its simple interface and simple functions make it easy to navigate, even for those with no prior VPN experience.

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On the Proton VPN website

Proton VPN was named our top pick for users who prioritize privacy and security. Its location in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws and outside Five Eyes' jurisdiction, is a major plus. Additionally, Proton VPN's strict no-logging policy reassures users that their online activities are not being tracked or recorded.

With servers in 67 countries, Proton VPN provides wide geographic coverage, offering flexibility and convenience to users who want to bypass geo-restrictions. Notable features such as Tor over VPN, DNS leak protection, and forward privacy further enhance user security, making Proton VPN a strong choice for those looking for comprehensive online protection.

Proton VPN also offers unique features such as NetShield ad blocker and alternate routing. NetShield blocks ads, trackers, and malware across your entire Internet connection, while alternate routing is a method used to bypass network censorship.

However, potential users should note that while Proton VPN's focus on security and privacy is commendable, it could come at the cost of speed if you use a lot of bandwidth. Heavy streaming and gaming may not be as smooth as with some other VPN services. Also, while the service offers a number of advanced features, beginners may find its interface a little complicated to navigate at first.

Learn more:Read our fullProton VPN Review.

Who should use it:

Proton VPN is a great choice for privacy-conscious users and those who require strong security features. Strong privacy protocols and advanced security features make it a strong contender for users looking for secure Internet access.

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On the Surfshark website

One of the standout features of Surfshark is its support for unlimited devices. This makes it a great choice for multi-device users and large households where multiple devices need VPN protection at the same time. With servers in over 100 countries, Surfshark also offers extensive geographic coverage, allowing users to bypass geo-restrictions with ease.

The service's MultiHop feature, which routes traffic through multiple servers for improved privacy, and CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, are notable for improving online experiences. Surfshark's acceptance of encrypted payments and RAM-only servers for faster connections reflect its commitment to privacy and performance.

However, potential users should note that Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances. While Surfshark maintains a strict no-logging policy, its location can be a concern for users looking for the highest level of privacy. Additionally, while Surfshark's interface is generally user-friendly, its multitude of features can seem overwhelming to beginners.

Learn more:Read our fullSurfshark Review.

Who should use it:

Surfshark is a great choice for multi-device users and those who need VPN protection on multiple devices at the same time.

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On the Private Internet Access site

Private Internet Access (PIA) impressed us with its extensive customization options and unique features. By adding a dedicated IP and advanced split tunneling, users have a high degree of control over their online experience. PIA's support for the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and security, is another major plus.

Users can review and verify the source code, ensuring that there are no hidden elements that can compromise security. PIA also accepts anonymous payments via cryptocurrency gift cards and third parties, further underscoring its commitment to user privacy.

However, as feature-rich as PIA is, there are a few points of concern. The service is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes alliance, which may worry users looking for the highest level of privacy. Additionally, while the range of features and customization options is a boon for advanced users, beginners may find PIA's interface a little complicated to navigate.

Learn more:Read our fullCriticism of Private Internet Access.

Who should use it:

Private Internet Access is a great option for users looking for a high level of customization in their VPN service.

Editor's note:It's worth mentioning that despite their competitive pricing and powerful features, some in the cybersecurity community have reservations about CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and PIA, all of which are owned by Kape Technologies. Formerly known as "Crossrider", the company gained notoriety for creating and operating a platform used to inject adware. Kape Technologies has repeatedly defended the integrity of its VPNs, but consumers should keep this information in mind if they are particularly privacy-conscious.

hide.me VPN caught our attention with its impressive suite of features aimed at improving online gaming and streaming experiences. With support for WireGuard, a protocol known for its superior speed and security, hide.me ensures a fast and reliable connection essential for these high-bandwidth activities.

The service's MultiHop feature, which routes traffic through multiple servers for improved privacy and security, and its ability to bypass ISP throttling by bypassing UDP for TCP traffic (available for Windows users) contribute to a smooth and seamless online experience . This, combined with features like IP leak protection, IPv6 support, and uncensored DNS, make hide.me a well-rounded choice for privacy and security.

The Stealth Guard feature from hide.me, which allows certain apps to work only when connected to the VPN, further enhances user security. Being based in Malaysia, a country outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes alliance, adds an extra layer of privacy assurance.

Despite its powerful feature set, hide.me may not be for everyone. While it's great for gaming and streaming, users primarily looking for a VPN for other purposes may find other services better suited to their needs. Additionally, while the service is feature-rich, beginners may find its interface a little complicated to navigate.

Who should use it:

For gamers and streamers, hide.me is a great choice. High-speed connections, ISP throttling avoidance, and strong security features ensure a smooth and secure online experience.

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On the VPN Unlimited website

VPN Unlimited stands out with its extensive server coverage around the world. With more than 3,000 high-speed servers in more than 80 locations, the service offers impressive geographic diversity. VPN Unlimited is a great choice for people who need to access content from different parts of the world because it allows them to easily bypass geo-restrictions.

The ability to select a preferred location for optimal performance is another strong selling point. This feature not only improves connection speeds, but also provides a more customized VPN experience. The service's user interface is intuitive, making it easy to switch between servers and settings.

However, despite its impressive server coverage and user-friendly interface, VPN Unlimited is based in the United States, a Five Eyes country. While the service maintains a strict no-logging policy, jurisdiction may be a concern for users seeking the highest level of privacy.

Learn more:Read our fullVPN Unlimited Review.

Who should use it:

VPN Unlimited is a solid choice for users who value geographic diversity and need to bypass geo-restrictions frequently. Its extensive server coverage and the ability to select preferred locations make it particularly suitable for users who require a high degree of flexibility in their VPN use.

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On the CyberGhost website

CyberGhost has a clear and simple interface, allowing even the least tech-savvy to navigate with ease. Being based in Romania, a country outside the Five Eyes alliance, provides an added layer of privacy assurance. CyberGhost doesn't compromise on speed, offering fast connections vital for streaming, gaming or handling large data transfers.

It maintains a high number of servers around the world, improving the probability of achieving high-speed connections close to the user's location. Additionally, CyberGhost maintains a strict no-logging policy, adding another pillar to its privacy-focused framework.

Learn more:Read our fullCyberGhost Review.

Who should use it:

Those looking for a fast and efficient VPN experience that balances ease of use with strong privacy measures.

Editor's note:It's worth mentioning that despite their competitive pricing and powerful features, some in the cybersecurity community have reservations about CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and PIA, all of which are owned by Kape Technologies. Formerly known as "Crossrider", the company gained notoriety for creating and operating a platform used to inject adware. Kape Technologies has repeatedly defended the integrity of its VPNs, but consumers should keep this information in mind if they are particularly privacy-conscious.

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On the ExpressVPN website

ExpressVPN offers extensive global coverage due to its significant server locations in 94 countries. This coverage allows users to access region-specific content with few barriers. Unique among many VPN providers, ExpressVPN's Aircove router is the first Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in VPN protection. It not only protects conventional devices but also smart home devices and game consoles. This router's Wi-Fi range can cover an entire house, hosting multiple devices without compromising on performance.

Aircove is designed for simplified setup, allowing any device to gain VPN protection simply by connecting to Wi-Fi. The router makes it easy to connect to multiple VPN sites at the same time, meeting the different requirements of different devices. Advanced protection features such as threat management, ad blocking and parental controls provide additional layers of security.

Learn more:Read our fullExpressVPN review.

Who should use it:

Tech-savvy people looking for broad global coverage and advanced security features for multiple devices.

Editor's note:It's worth mentioning that despite their competitive pricing and powerful features, some in the cybersecurity community have reservations about CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and PIA, all of which are owned by Kape Technologies. Formerly known as "Crossrider", the company gained notoriety for creating and operating a platform used to inject adware. Kape Technologies has repeatedly defended the integrity of its VPNs, but consumers should keep this information in mind if they are particularly privacy-conscious.