Encrypt your connection and browse through servers in other countries to see local versions of sites and search results.
A VPN service creates an encrypted connection between a device and a VPN server, but the services differ in routing options, device policies, privacy features, protocols, and surrounding security tools. Some focus on broad device coverage, while others emphasize open-source apps, multi-hop routing, or proprietary protocols. The five services below are compared on practical differences, with no single speed or popularity ranking.
By SEM Solutions Editorial Team. Researched from vendor documentation, not hands-on testing. Ordered by Overall Score. Checked October 6, 2026. How we research
Transparent privacy tools
#1 of 9 in VPN Services
Proton VPN provides open-source applications alongside Secure Core, NetShield, split tunneling, and Tor over VPN. Its design appeals to users seeking inspectable apps and privacy-oriented routing choices, beyond a simple connect button; routing options are a notable part of its privacy model.
For broad feature coverage
#2 of 9 in VPN Services
NordVPN offers apps across major platforms and adds features such as Scam and phishing protection, Meshnet, split tunneling, dedicated IP options, and a Dark Web Monitor. That gives it a broad consumer-VPN feature set beyond basic location switching and encrypted browsing; its feature set stays centered on everyday VPN use.
Unlimited devices
#4 of 9 in VPN Services
Surfshark allows unlimited device connections and includes MultiHop, Bypasser split tunneling, CleanWeb, static IP options, and browser extensions. The unlimited-device policy is the clearest differentiator for households or people who want protection across many devices under one account. That device policy is useful for larger households.
For straightforward cross-platform use
#5 of 9 in VPN Services
ExpressVPN provides applications for common desktop, mobile, browser, router, and streaming-device environments, with its own Lightway protocol and a broad server network. Its product emphasizes a consistent, simplified VPN experience across devices, with limited need for extensive manual network configuration.
For configurable connections
#9 of 9 in VPN Services
Private Internet Access exposes more connection settings than many consumer VPNs, including protocol and encryption choices, split tunneling, port forwarding on supported locations, and multi-hop options.
Ranked by Overall Score: our Editor Rating and Market Signal, 50/50. Market Signal uses Ahrefs and Semrush data through September 2026, pulled October 6 to 12, 2026. How we score
Swiss-based VPN with open-source apps, Secure Core multi-hop routing and Stealth obfuscation.
Best for: Privacy-minded individuals and small teams that want an audited, open-source VPN with protocols built for censored networks.
Consumer VPN with scam and malware blocking, a dedicated IP add-on and dark web alerts.
Best for: Freelancers and small remote teams who want a privacy VPN with built-in scam blocking and the option of a static IP that isn't shared with other users.
VPN and privacy service pairing desktop apps, browser extensions, firewall controls, and configurable blocking.
Best for: Users who want a VPN with configurable content blocking and complementary desktop and browser privacy tools.
Consumer VPN allowing unlimited simultaneous devices, with Bypasser split tunneling and MultiHop routes.
Best for: Households and individuals who want to cover many phones, laptops and tablets under one VPN account.
Consumer VPN built on its own open-source Lightway protocol and RAM-only TrustedServer infrastructure.
Best for: Individuals and households who want an audited VPN protocol, router-level coverage and split tunneling on most of their devices.
Consumer VPN with WireGuard, kill switch and split tunneling.
Best for: Individuals who want a multi-device VPN with configurable connection and privacy controls.
Consumer VPN with specialty servers for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and broad device coverage.
Best for: Individuals who want an easy consumer VPN with dedicated server categories for streaming, downloads, and everyday browsing.
Privacy-focused VPN with WireGuard, multihop and DAITA.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want transparent VPN apps and advanced anti-tracking controls.
Configurable VPN with open-source apps, WireGuard support, split tunneling, and a large server network.
Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want configurable VPN settings, open-source apps, and broad operating-system support.
A VPN can hide your public IP address from destination sites and encrypt traffic between your device and the VPN server, but websites can still identify users through logins, cookies, browser characteristics, and other data.
Split tunneling lets selected applications or destinations bypass the VPN while other traffic continues through it. This can be useful when a local service needs the ordinary connection or when only certain applications require VPN routing.
Yes, Proton VPN and Windscribe both offer a free plan. Free tiers usually come with usage limits, so check whether they cover your volume before relying on them long-term.
Among the tools listed here whose main product is in this category and whose pricing we've verified, IPVanish has the lowest listed starting price: $3.89/mo (annual billing, first-year price). Starting price isn't the whole picture, so check what's included at that tier before deciding.