Disclosure: some links on best60.com may be affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
There are hundreds of VPN services, and most of them claim to be the fastest and most private. This guide cuts through the marketing and explains what actually matters when you choose one.
First, know what a VPN does (and doesn't do)
A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN provider's server. That means:
- It helps: on public Wi-Fi, where others on the network could see unencrypted traffic; it hides your browsing from your internet provider; and it changes the IP address websites see.
- It doesn't: make you anonymous, stop tracking by sites you log into, protect you from phishing or malware, or replace good passwords.
When you use a VPN, you're moving trust from your internet provider to the VPN company. So the most important question is whether that company deserves your trust.
1. Trust and privacy come first
Look for:
- A clear no-logs policy that says what is and isn't recorded.
- Independent audits of that policy, published by the provider.
- Transparency about who owns the company and where it's based.
- Open-source apps, which let outside experts check the code.
Privacy-focused providers such as Mullvad VPN, Proton VPN and IVPN put these points front and centre. Be cautious with any service that hides its ownership or makes vague promises.
2. Be careful with free VPNs
Running VPN servers costs money. A free VPN has to pay for that somehow, and some have done it by collecting or selling user data. There are trustworthy free tiers, usually from paid providers that offer a limited free plan, such as Proton VPN and Windscribe. Check the privacy policy before installing any free VPN app.
3. Speed and protocols
Speed depends on the protocol, the server's distance from you and how busy it is. Modern protocols matter:
- WireGuard is fast and modern, and many providers now support it.
- OpenVPN is older, widely trusted and very configurable.
- IKEv2 works well on phones that switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data.
Some providers also have their own protocols. Almost any VPN will slow your connection a little, so testing is better than trusting speed claims.
4. Features worth having
- Kill switch: blocks internet traffic if the VPN drops, so your real connection isn't exposed.
- Split tunneling: lets some apps use the VPN and others skip it.
- Device limits: check how many devices one account covers.
- Apps for your devices: Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, Linux, or your router.
5. Price and refunds
Long plans are usually much cheaper per month than monthly billing, but you're paying upfront. Look for a money-back guarantee so you can test the service with your real devices and streaming services. Check the renewal price too, since it's sometimes higher than the first term.
6. Personal VPN or business VPN?
A personal VPN protects your own browsing. A business needs something different: secure access for staff to company apps and files, user management and access rules. Options include:
- Business VPNs such as NordLayer.
- Mesh networks such as Tailscale, which connect devices directly.
- Zero trust access tools such as Twingate, which give access to specific apps instead of the whole network.
7. Or run your own
If you're comfortable with a little setup, you can host your own VPN with tools like WireGuard or Outline, or use a router with VPN support such as GL.iNet. This gives you control, but you're responsible for security and updates.
A quick checklist
- Is the provider transparent about ownership and logging?
- Has its no-logs policy been audited?
- Does it have apps for every device you use?
- Does it offer WireGuard and a kill switch?
- Is there a refund window long enough to test it?
- Do you need a personal VPN, or business access?
Browse all options in our VPN Software category, from consumer apps to business and open-source tools.