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We've selected four VPNs that represent the best options across different needs and budgets — from the most affordable to the most privacy-focused. All have audited no-logs policies and strong track records.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a VPN server. All your internet traffic passes through this tunnel, which means two things: first, your internet service provider (ISP) can only see that you're connected to a VPN — not which websites you visit. Second, websites you visit see the VPN server's IP address, not your real one.
This is particularly valuable on public Wi-Fi networks (coffee shops, airports, hotels), where your unencrypted traffic could potentially be intercepted by others on the same network. A VPN ensures that even if someone intercepts your traffic, they see only encrypted data.
Important: Even with a VPN active, your browser fingerprint can still uniquely identify you. Use our Browser Fingerprint tool to see what information websites can still collect about you.
Maximum value for money — ideal for users who want solid, reliable protection without breaking the bank.
PureVPN is the standout choice for users who want a reliable, feature-complete VPN without paying premium prices. Based in the British Virgin Islands — a strong privacy jurisdiction with no mandatory data retention laws — PureVPN has been independently audited by KPMG and maintains a verified no-logs policy. With 6,500+ servers across 70+ countries and support for 10 simultaneous devices, it covers everything most users need. Its long-term pricing is among the most competitive of any major VPN, making it the clear recommendation for budget-conscious users who don't want to compromise on core security.
The BVI has no data retention laws and is outside the 5/9/14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances.
Included in Plus and Max plans (PureKeep password manager).
Anyone who wants solid, audited VPN protection at the lowest possible price. Particularly good for families (10 devices) and users who want a password manager bundled in.
31-day money-back guarantee · Affiliate link — see disclosure below
The most feature-complete VPN on the market — ideal for users who want advanced tools alongside strong privacy.
NordVPN is the most recognised name in consumer VPNs for good reason. It combines the fastest speeds available (via its NordLynx/WireGuard protocol), the widest country coverage (111 countries), and a suite of advanced security features that go well beyond basic VPN functionality. Threat Protection blocks malware and trackers at the DNS level without needing to be connected to a VPN server. Multiple independent audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers have verified its no-logs claims. For users who want the most feature-rich VPN experience with a trusted brand, NordVPN is the benchmark.
Panama has no mandatory data retention laws and is outside the 14 Eyes. NordVPN has been independently audited multiple times by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
NordPass password manager included in higher NordVPN tiers, or available separately.
Users who want the best combination of speed, features, and brand trust. Particularly good for power users, streamers, and anyone who wants advanced features like Threat Protection and Double VPN.
30-day money-back guarantee · Affiliate link — see disclosure below
The only major VPN with truly unlimited simultaneous connections — one subscription covers every device you own.
Surfshark's defining feature is its unlimited simultaneous device policy — a single subscription covers every device in your household with no cap whatsoever. This makes it the clear recommendation for families, households with multiple devices, or anyone who wants to protect their phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and router all at once. Its CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers at the VPN level, and its Camouflage Mode disguises VPN traffic to bypass blocks in restrictive networks. Surfshark merged with Nord Security (NordVPN's parent) in 2022 but continues to operate as a fully independent brand with its own infrastructure and independently audited no-logs policy.
Surfshark is registered in the Netherlands and merged with Nord Security in 2022. Both brands operate independently with separate infrastructure. The Netherlands is subject to GDPR.
No built-in password manager. Works well alongside standalone tools such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or NordPass.
Families, households, and anyone who wants to protect unlimited devices on a single affordable subscription. Also excellent for users who want built-in ad and tracker blocking without a separate browser extension.
30-day money-back guarantee · Affiliate link — see disclosure below
Built by the team behind ProtonMail — the strongest privacy credentials of any VPN, with a genuinely usable free tier.
ProtonVPN is the choice for users who place privacy and transparency above all else. Built by the same Geneva-based team behind ProtonMail — the world's most popular encrypted email service — ProtonVPN is fully open-source, independently audited, and operated under Swiss law, which provides some of the strongest privacy protections in the world. Its Proton Unlimited bundle is exceptional value: for one subscription you get a premium VPN, encrypted email (ProtonMail), encrypted cloud storage (Proton Drive), and a password manager (Proton Pass). It also offers the only genuinely usable free VPN tier on this list, with unlimited data and no advertising.
Switzerland is not an EU member and has some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. It is outside the 14 Eyes alliance. ProtonVPN is operated by Proton AG, the same company behind ProtonMail.
Proton Pass (password manager) is included in the Proton Unlimited bundle alongside ProtonVPN, ProtonMail, and Proton Drive.
Privacy-focused users, journalists, activists, and anyone who wants the strongest possible privacy credentials. Also excellent for users who want a complete encrypted ecosystem (email + VPN + storage + passwords) under one subscription.
30-day money-back guarantee · Affiliate link — see disclosure below
All four VPNs at a glance
| Feature | PureVPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | ProtonVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Best Value | Best Features | Best for Families | Best Privacy |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Panama / Netherlands | Netherlands (EU) | Switzerland |
| Best Monthly Price | ~£1.49/mo (5yr) | ~£2.99/mo (2yr) | ~£1.99/mo (2yr) | ~£3.99/mo (2yr) |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | 10 | Unlimited | 10 |
| Server Count | 6,500+ | 6,400+ | 3,200+ | 9,000+ |
| Countries | 70+ | 111 | 100 | 112 |
| Password Manager | Yes (Plus/Max) | Yes (higher tiers) | No | Yes (Unlimited) |
| No-Logs Audit | KPMG | PwC (×3) | Deloitte | SEC Consult |
| Free Tier | No | No | No | Yes (unlimited data) |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 31 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Open Source | No | No | No | Yes (fully) |
On a tight budget? Choose PureVPN. Its long-term plans are among the cheapest of any audited, reputable VPN. You get solid performance, a large server network, and a verified no-logs policy for a fraction of the cost of the alternatives.
Want the most features? Choose NordVPN. Threat Protection, Double VPN, Meshnet, and the fastest speeds available via NordLynx make it the most technically capable VPN on this list. It's the best choice for power users.
Have multiple devices or a family to protect? Choose Surfshark. It's the only major VPN with truly unlimited simultaneous connections — one subscription covers every device in your household at a very competitive price.
Privacy is your top priority? Choose ProtonVPN. Swiss jurisdiction, fully open-source code, and the backing of the ProtonMail team give it the strongest privacy credentials. The Proton Unlimited bundle also gives you encrypted email, storage, and a password manager in one subscription.
Our advice: All four VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try your first choice for a month — if it doesn't meet your needs, get a refund and try another. There's no risk in testing.
Sources & Further Reading
• NCSC: Virtual Private Networks guidance
• PureVPN KPMG audit: purevpn.com/blog/kpmg-audit
• NordVPN PwC audits: nordvpn.com/blog/nordvpn-audit
• Surfshark Deloitte audit: surfshark.com/blog/surfshark-no-logs-audit
• ProtonVPN SEC Consult audit: protonvpn.com/blog/open-source