How to Choose the Best VPN: 7 Things That Make a VPN Good

With thousands of VPNs on the market, it’s hard to know which one to trust. You need to ensure your VPN is reputable, as you’re trusting them with your data and online security. But for every quality VPN, there are hundreds of shady services that won’t protect your connections — or worse, sell your data for profit or infect your devices with malware.

To help you choose, I’ve created an in-depth guide to show you what makes a good VPN, highlighting key features that make a VPN a reliable choice. This includes security and privacy tools, connection speeds, compatibility and ease of use, pricing, and more.

Of more than 30 VPNs tested, ExpressVPN is the top choice for security, privacy, fast speeds, and reliable global connections. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free to make sure it’s right for you — if you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund within 30 days.

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 What Makes a VPN the Best Choice for You in 2023 — The Ultimate Guide

A VPN is a valuable security and privacy tool that can be used for a variety of online activities. By deciding what you want to use your VPN for, you can figure out the precise features, server locations, and price point you want for your service.

A good place to start is by learning what a VPN is and how it works. Once you know the basics, you can make a list of key features that are important to you and use your list to find a VPN that fits your needs.

Here are a few reasons you may want to consider getting a VPN:

• Maintaining privacy and avoiding being tracked online
• Secure access to business, financial, and personal online accounts
• Streaming on your local accounts when traveling abroad
• Anonymous and private P2P file-sharing
• Secure online communications
• Competitive online gaming with protection against DDoS attacks
• Bypassing censorship on restrictive networks

1. Security and Privacy Features

It’s essential that your VPN provides strong security and privacy features — keeping your data and activity safe and anonymous is the core purpose of a VPN.

Here are some of the features that make a VPN a top-tier choice:

• AES-256-bit encryption as standard — unhackable by brute-force methods, this is the same kind of encryption used by financial institutions and the US military.
• Secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, which are tried-and-tested to ensure a robust and reliable connection.
• Data leak protection to prevent accidental DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks that could compromise your anonymity.
• An automatic kill switch to cut internet access if the VPN connection is interrupted, maintaining your security.
• Company headquarters in a privacy-friendly location with strong data privacy laws, ideally outside of Eyes Alliance countries.
• Strict no-logs policy to ensure your data is never logged or stored when you’re connected to the VPN’s servers. Check to make sure that your VPN provider regularly wipes its servers — or choose a service like ExpressVPN that uses RAM-based servers, which are physically unable to store data.
• Independent audits that confirm your VPN operates properly, with top-tier security and guaranteed privacy.

As well as the necessary features, you’ll find many VPNs offer additional tools to add extra layers of protection, like ad and malware blockers, server obfuscation (masking your VPN traffic to look like regular traffic, avoiding proxy detection), multi-hop connections, and more. These features can slow your speeds a little, but they’re ideal for ensuring you get maximum privacy when you’re connected.

2. Reliable Server Network

A quality VPN will maintain a wide network, with multiple servers in global locations — making it easy to connect securely wherever you are. Ideally, a top-choice VPN will have thousands of servers in a diverse range of countries, and connections available in the locations you’ll want to use.

Here are some items to consider when assessing the server network of your chosen VPN:

• Network size: A bigger server network means faster speeds (less congestion), better access to global content, and easier connections. As long as the network is well maintained, a VPN with thousands of global servers is a top choice.
• Server locations: Having diverse connection locations means you are more likely to find the best server for your needs, whether that’s accessing your local Netflix account when traveling or using a local server for secure browsing. Take a look at the server locations your VPN offers and make sure they’re available in countries that suit your online activities.
• Specialized servers: Some VPNs like CyberGhost have optimized servers for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming. These provide fast, secure, and reliable connections for uninterrupted online activity from anywhere.
• Server maintenance: A VPN that doesn’t actively maintain its network will suffer from slow speeds, user congestion, and other connection issues. Check that your VPN regularly schedules server maintenance to keep the network running smoothly.

3. Good Speeds

Using a VPN inevitably results in some speed reduction, but the best VPNs easily mitigate speed loss for fast, smooth connections. Some of the key features to consider for a fast VPN are:

• Fast connection protocols: OpenVPN and WireGuard are widely regarded as the fastest (and most secure) connection protocols. Some VPNs use their own protocols too — ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol is notably good at minimizing speed loss.
• Speed-boosting features: You’ll find some VPNs have specialized features designed to keep your connection speeds fast. These can include split tunneling (you choose which data passes through the encrypted connection), optimized servers for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming, and even customizable encryption levels.
• Speed test results: The only way to know for sure if a VPN will be fast on your internet connection is by running speed tests. Check the download and upload speeds and ping and compare them to your regular internet speed. You can use an online speed tester, or the in-built speed test feature if your VPN has one (ExpressVPN does).

If you want to run speed tests for yourself, opt for a VPN with a money-back guarantee. A quality VPN won’t want you to commit to a subscription if it isn’t right for you, so you can test the service risk-free.

4. Device Compatibility and Connections

A premium VPN should have native apps for a wide range of platforms, like Windows and Mac, Android and iOS, Linux, routers, Amazon Fire devices, smart TVs, and more. Native app support makes it much simpler to configure secure connections because it can be a hassle to set up a VPN manually. Quality VPNs should be compatible with multiple devices and platforms, so you’ll easily be able to secure your home network.

Also, your VPN should support enough device connections to suit your needs. A VPN like PIA provides unlimited connections at the same time, which should be enough to protect all of your devices at home and on the go.

A service like ExpressVPN only supports 8 connections in comparison, but it’s also router-compatible — when you configure your VPN with your router, you can secure every device that joins your WiFi network (potentially unlimited device connections). This is also a great way to use a VPN with your smart TV or game console, which doesn’t have native VPN app support.

5. Ease of Set Up and Use

Your VPN should be simple and easy to install, set up, and get connected to. After subscribing, it should only take a few clicks to get the app downloaded to your chosen device, and for you to allow the VPN to change some necessary permissions. Some VPNs will then require login information, while others like ExpressVPN give you a unique code to make logging in even easier.

When it comes to navigating your VPN app, make sure your service has an intuitive interface and 1-click connections. I particularly like how CyberGhost has its servers arranged — it’s quick and easy to find the best server for a specific online activity, like streaming or torrenting.

It’s also important that the VPN is ready to use straight away, not requiring manual configuration before you can get connected. The top recommended VPNs are all ready to connect as soon as they’re installed on your device, without the need for you to make any changes, so you can connect securely without delay.

6. Money-Back Guarantee and Payment Options

To ensure your VPN is trustworthy and secure, check for payment options like credit and debit cards and PayPal. If you want to preserve your anonymity, some VPNs also accept payments with cryptocurrency — however, paying with Bitcoin and similar currencies sometimes means you’re no longer eligible for a refund if you change your mind.

Top quality VPNs will offer a money-back guarantee, just in case you change your mind about subscribing to the service. As long as you request a refund within the guarantee period, you’ll get your full subscription cost returned. This is a great, risk-free way to make sure the VPN is right for your needs.

7. Quality Customer Support

The best VPNs have knowledgeable, 24/7 customer support available. Even top VPNs sometimes have issues, so having well-trained support agents is invaluable — especially when you have a pressing security or privacy question.

All of the recommended VPNs offer 24/7 live chat support for immediate answers to urgent questions, email ticketing, and a comprehensive support site for less pressing matters.

 Best Overall VPNs in 2023

1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN in 2023 With Top-Tier Security and Privacy, Plus Blazing-Fast Connection Speeds

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN is the top service in 2023, with an impressive range of privacy and security features to keep your data safe and your connections fast. Some of ExpressVPN’s best features include:

• AES-256-bit encryption on every server to ensure all data is secure and hidden
• Server obfuscation on all connections, masking VPN traffic to look like regular traffic and avoid proxy detection
• Secure connection protocols, including ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol, with super-fast speeds
• Split tunneling lets you choose which apps are tunneled through the encrypted connection, reducing unnecessary data and keeping speeds fast
• TrustedServer Technology on RAM-based servers ensures your data physically cannot be stored by ExpressVPN when you’re connected
• Independently-audited zero-log policy confirms your data is safe with ExpressVPN — plus, this was proven when Turkish authorities seized an ExpressVPN server as part of an investigation, but no data was recoverable

I thought such high-level features would impact my connection speeds, but ExpressVPN is easily the fastest service I’ve tested. Using its proprietary Lightway protocol, my speeds with ExpressVPN were excellent across its global server network. I only experienced a small reduction (18% on average), even when connecting to servers more than 15,000km away. This makes ExpressVPN a top choice for smooth streaming, torrenting, online gaming, and more.

With fast, reliable connections, I found it easy to stream on multiple services without any interruptions. Even distant servers have minimal buffering so you can start watching your favorite content right away — ideal if you want to access your local streaming account while on vacation. ExpressVPN can easily connect you to the following services:

To ensure you can get securely connected as quickly as possible, ExpressVPN is easy to download and set up on multiple platforms — including Windows, Mac, smartphones, Linux, smart TVs, routers, and more. ExpressVPN’s native app for compatible routers makes it simple to connect devices that don’t support a VPN. Plus, ExpressVPN also features a MediaStreamer SmartDNS tool so you can stream on your smart TV or game console. It only took a couple of minutes to set up on my PS5, and I could start streaming without issue.

The only downside to ExpressVPN is that it’s a little more expensive than other VPNs. With plans starting at $6.67/month, it’s a premium option — but I’m happy to pay a bit more for guaranteed security and privacy with fast connections worldwide.

If you’d like to try ExpressVPN for yourself, you can do so risk-free. The service is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you don’t feel it’s right for you. I tested the process and found it was easy — I simply contacted the 24/7 live chat and requested a refund, which was arranged without question. I had my money back within 5 days.

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2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Provide Guaranteed Connections for Streaming, Torrenting, and Online Gaming

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	9,600+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost’s optimized servers are a great way to get fast, smooth connections for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming. During my tests, I found CyberGhost’s optimized servers can be more than 30% faster than its standard connections — especially important if your regular internet speeds are slow. I had no problems torrenting large files, playing competitive online games, or streaming in UHD on my local Netflix account.

Alongside Netflix, CyberGhost has a variety of streaming servers for both popular and lesser-known services. This makes it easy to connect to your favorite content on multiple platforms, so you can keep up with shows and movies when traveling. CyberGhost can access the following streaming services:

Alongside fast, optimized servers, CyberGhost is proven to be a secure and private VPN service. Every app has the following features to protect your data and devices when you’re connected to its servers:

• Military-grade encryption secures all data and keeps your online activity private
• Fast and secure protocols, including WireGuard and OpenVPN
• Automatic kill switch cuts access to the internet if the VPN is interrupted
• Malicious ad and malware blocker stop shady ads, websites, and phishing links
• RAM-based servers cannot physically store your data to preserve your privacy
• Audited zero-log policy confirms CyberGhost won’t log your data while connected

During my tests, I found CyberGhost is quick and easy to download and set up, with compatible apps for multiple platforms. You can also configure CyberGhost with a compatible router for devices that don’t support a VPN or use Smart DNS connections for streaming. This way, you can connect devices that don’t support a VPN, like game consoles and smart TVs.

My issue with CyberGhost is that it experiences some slowdown over long-distance connections. While this isn’t unusual (encryption and distance often result in slower speeds), it can cause lag or buffering when connecting to distant servers. For the best speeds, choose nearby servers and use the WireGuard protocol.

You can try CyberGhost for yourself at an affordable price — plans start at $2.11/month for a 2-year + 3 months subscription. Plus, CyberGhost has a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if you change your mind. The process was easy when I tested it, taking less than 5 minutes to arrange a refund using the 24/7 live chat. I had my money back within a week.

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3. Private Internet Access — Find Fast Global Connections Easily With a Huge Server Network

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Private Internet Access (PIA) has an enormous server network of more than 35,000 servers in 84+ countries. This huge network makes PIA a top choice for fast local connections as you’ll always be able to find a nearby server. Plus, a large network ensures you won’t experience problems caused by user congestion.

I had no issues connecting to a local PIA server to get fast speeds. My speeds were reduced by around 20%, so I could stream, torrent, and play fast-paced games like Call of Duty: Warzone with no lag. Long-distance connections cause a bigger slowdown, but my speeds were still fast enough for my usual online activities with minimal buffering.

I was pleased to find PIA can access a range of streaming services, with streaming-optimized servers in multiple locations. PIA can connect to the following:

Alongside solid speeds, PIA has a range of top-tier features that keep your data secure. These include:

• Customizable encryption to help boost speeds on slower networks without compromising your security
• Automatic kill switch to maintain privacy if the VPN connection is unexpectedly interrupted
• MACE ad and malware blocker stops annoying and malicious ads, shady phishing links, and more
• Audited zero-log policy to confirm your data is safe and anonymous while connected to PIA’s servers

You can download PIA on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, smartphones, Linux, and more — plus, you can connect up to unlimited devices at the same time. You can also use PIA’s Smart DNS to set up a connection on platforms like Apple TV, PlayStation, and smart TVs.

My only concern is that PIA is based in the US, which is notoriously unfriendly when it comes to data privacy. While I know PIA won’t log or store data, being headquartered in the US is a big red flag due to its involvement in intelligence-sharing alliances. I’d like to see the company move to a more privacy-friendly location for further reassurance.

You’ll be pleased to find PIA is a low-cost option — one of the top monthly VPNs available. Plans start at $2.11/month, and you’re secured by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I found the process easy and simply contacted the 24/7 live chat to request a refund. I had my money back in 4 days.

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4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	5,700+
📱Devices	6
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly.

I was particularly impressed with the high performance of every server I tested. Just because a VPN has thousands of servers doesn’t mean they all work. Servers can still struggle to work — and some can even fail to connect completely. However, NordVPN’s servers work with Netflix for smooth, buffer-free streaming.

I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it mostly worked with Netflix, it sometimes had issues and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.

NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:

• AES 256-bit encryption
• kill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenly
• built-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blocker
• fully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN

In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server.

With plans that cost as little as $2.99 per month, it’s easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days.

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5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	3,200+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out.

I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality.

When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:

• AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android users
• Wireguard VPN protocol enabled by default
• diskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)
• kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)
• IP and DNS leak protection

Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account.

While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet.

You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $2.21. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!).

Get Surfshark today

 Quick Guide: 4 Easy Steps to Get a VPN

Try the best VPN in 2023

 FAQs on What Makes a Good VPN

I tested the process myself and it was simple. It took a couple of minutes to arrange my refund using the 24/7 live chat, and I had my money back within a week.

Try the top VPN in 2023

 Get a Quality VPN and Protect Your Connection Today

Choosing the right VPN can be tricky, but with the help of the above guide, you can easily pick a service that suits your needs. Importantly, think about your specific VPN requirements, such as ensuring secure browsing, accessing streaming content, engaging in P2P file-sharing, or any other specific needs. This approach allows you to discover a VPN that offers the essential features for an optimal online experience.

After testing more than 30 VPNs, ExpressVPN is the best overall choice for 2023. Its fast global connections are ideal for any activity, and top-tier security and privacy features keep you safe and anonymous online. I recommend you try ExpressVPN for yourself risk-free — if you’re not fully satisfied, you have up to 30 days to claim a refund.

Summary: The Best Overall VPNs in 2023

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Choice

1.

9.8

         

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$6.67 / month Save 49%

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2.

9.6

         

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$2.11 / month Save 84%

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3.

9.4

         

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$2.11 / month Save 82%

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4.

9.4

         

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$2.99 / month Save 77%

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5.

9.4

         

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$2.21 / month Save 45%

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