The following seven VPN services come highly recommended for their exceptional level of security.
- ExpressVPN: Ultra-fast Internet Speeds
>>Sign up through our site get an extra 3 months free! - NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed
- SurfShark
: Impressive Experience with Fast-growing Emerging VPN - CyberGhost: Fast Netflix Streaming, 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
- Private Internet Accesss: A Highly Popular VPN Service at a Low Price
One of the primary considerations when selecting a VPN service is its security. This article delves into the features of a secure VPN and recommends the best services in this category.
Characteristics of Highly Secure VPN Services
A top-tier secure VPN usually exhibits the following five characteristics:
- Security and Privacy
- Robust Encryption Methods
- Open Source VPN Protocols
- Kill Switch
- Global Reputation
Security and Privacy
The cornerstone of a secure VPN is its commitment to user privacy, typically upheld by a no-log policy. This ensures that no records of user activities during VPN sessions are kept. With a no-log policy, the server doesn’t maintain any logs, making it highly resistant to hacking attempts and data breaches. Such VPNs make it challenging for governmental agencies or law enforcement to trace online activities back to an individual user.
Robust Encryption Methods
A secure VPN employs strong encryption to safeguard user data. By encrypting the data exchanged between a user’s device and the VPN server, it ensures that even if someone were to intercept the data, they wouldn’t be able to decipher it. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit encryption is a prevalent choice. Established by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in 2001, AES256 remains a gold standard. With such rigorous encryption in place, the risk of data being intercepted and understood becomes extremely low.
Open Source VPN Protocols
VPN protocols dictate the method of data transmission during a VPN connection. Protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, which are open source, have become increasingly popular. Their open nature invites constant scrutiny and updates from the global tech community. Consequently, any security vulnerabilities can be promptly identified and rectified.
Kill Switch
The kill switch is a failsafe feature that immediately cuts off an internet connection if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that one’s real IP address isn’t accidentally exposed. This is particularly crucial when using insecure public Wi-Fi networks in places like cafes, hotels, or rental apartments. With a kill switch, users can maintain a secure connection at all times.
Global Reputation
A VPN’s global user base and track record are indicative of its reliability and effectiveness. Research suggests that over 40% of VPN usage revolves around safeguarding privacy and enhancing security on open Wi-Fi networks. A VPN with a widespread global presence is likely to be more reliable in terms of safety.
Reference:：The Truth About VPNs: Here’s How They Can Protect Your Data Online in 2020
Top Highly Secure VPN Services
Considering the security features discussed above, here are some of the most secure VPNs available. They are user-friendly, making them suitable even for VPN novices.
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | SurfShark | CyberGhost | Private Internet Accesss | |
| Prices | 1-Month: $12.95 6-Months: $9.99/month 12-Months: $6.67/month | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month | 1-Month: $12.99 6-Months: $6.99/month 24-Months: $2.11/month | 1-Month: $11.95 12-Months: $3.33/month 36-Months: $2.03/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 1-Month: 14 days 6-Month/24-Month: 45 days | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 | 60 | 100 | 91 | 84 |
| Servers | 3,000+ | 5,800+ | 3,200+ | 9,500+ | Undisclosed |
| Maximum devices supported | 8 | 10 | Unlimited | 7 | unlimited |
| Connection Speed | Ultra Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Security | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | - Kill Switch |
| Privacy | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging |
| Support | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 | 24/7 |
ExpressVPN: Ultra-fast Internet Speeds
| Prices | 1-Month: $12.95 6-Months: $9.99/month 12-Months: $6.67/month |
| No-log-policy and kill switch | Yes |
| Countries and servers | 105/3,000+ |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Maximum devices supported | 8 |
| Headquarter | British Virgin Islands |
ExpressVPN has some of the fastest internet speeds of the VPNs we have used. ExpressVPN is consistently found by review sites to be one of the fastest VPNs. Therefore ExpressVPN receives great reviews and popularity. With a network of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, users have a wide range of options for changing their IP address to different locations. ExpressVPN prioritizes user privacy with a secure no-logs policy and offers additional features such as a kill switch and 24/7 customer support.
After you’ve registered with ExpressVPN, you can use it to easily browse the internet just by downloading their app.
- Place a high importance on internet speed
- Want to use the VPN with the greatest market popularity
\30-day Money-Back Guarantee/
NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month |
| No-log-policy and kill switch | Yes |
| Countries and servers | 60/5,800+ |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Maximum devices supported | 10 |
| Headquarter | Republic of Panama |
NordVPN has established itself as a leading VPN service, offering an excellent balance of price, internet speed, server coverage, and global reach. As a result, NordVPN has gained the largest market share worldwide. It consistently receives positive reviews from top experts in the industry. With a vast network of over 5,800 servers across 60 countries, NordVPN provides a wide range of options for changing your IP address to various locations. NordVPN prioritizes user privacy with a secure no-logs policy, along with additional features such as a kill switch and 24/7 customer support.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using NordVPN just by downloading their app.
- Want to balance price and internet speed
- Want to use the VPN with the highest market popularity
\30-day Money-Back Guarantee/
Surfshark: Impressive Experience with Fast-growing Emerging VPN
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| No-log-policy and kill switch | Yes |
| Countries and servers | 100/3,200+ |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
| Headquarter | Netherlands |
Surfshark, established in 2018, has quickly gained a strong reputation and popularity worldwide despite being a relatively new service. While it may have some occasional delays in connecting and slightly weaker region-blocking capabilities compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN, it offers significant advantages. By opting for the 24-month plan, you can obtain Surfshark at a much lower price than ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Additionally, Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you and your family to connect and use all your devices simultaneously. With over 3,200 servers in 99 countries, Surfshark offers a wide range of options. It also boasts a private and secure no-logs policy, a kill switch, and 24/7 customer support.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using Surfshark by downloading their app.
- Who want to some constant quality and budget
- Who want to connect with lots of devices
\30-day Money-Back Guarantee/
CyberGhost: Fast Netflix Streaming, 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
| Prices | 1-Month: $12.99 6-Months: $6.99/month 24-Months: $2.11/month |
| No-log-policy and kill switch | Yes |
| Countries and servers | 91/9,500+ |
| Money-back Guarantee | 1-Month: 14 days 6-Month/24-Month: 45 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Maximum devices supported | 7 |
| Headquarter | Romania |
CyberGhost is a powerful VPN service that excels at unblocking websites. With streaming-optimized servers dedicated to Netflix, you can enjoy ultra-fast speeds and buffer-free streaming. CyberGhost boasts a vast network of 9,200 servers across 91 countries, making it an excellent choice for unblocking Netflix in various countries. Additionally, you can take advantage of its cost-effectiveness and a 45-day money-back guarantee, surpassing the standard 30-day period, by opting for the 24-month plan.
- Want to expand your Netflix experience across borders
- Seeking an ample trial period
\45-day Money-Back Guarantee /
Private Internet Access: A Highly Popular VPN Service at a Low Price
| Prices | 1-Month: $11.95 12-Months: $3.33/month 36-Months: $2.03/month |
| No-log-policy and kill switch | Yes |
| Countries and servers | 84/Undisclosed |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| 24/7 customer support | Yes |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
| Headquarter | United States |
Private Internet Access, commonly abbreviated as PIA, has secured the third position in market popularity following ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Its established reputation has enabled PIA to capture a significant market share worldwide. Particularly known for its relatively long-standing presence, PIA offers competitive pricing, making it a more affordable choice compared to ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Applying for the 36-month plan, in particular, allows you to obtain PIA at a much cheaper price.
Reference: https://vpnpro.com/blog/vpn-market-share-overview/
- Who prioritize affordability and popularity
\30-day Money-Back Guarantee /
Concusion
- ExpressVPN: Ultra-fast Internet Speeds
>>Sign up through our site get an extra 3 months free! - NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed
- SurfShark: Impressive Experience with Fast-growing Emerging VPN
- CyberGhost: Fast Netflix Streaming, 45-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
- Private Internet Accesss: A Highly Popular VPN Service at a Low Price