Reddit is a gigantic community and is the best platform to get authentic information from real-life consumers. You have probably seen tons of VPNs on the internet from people who claim to be experts. However, most of the time, their information is not first-hand experience with VPNs.
We spent days researching Reddit and digging through the subreddits to get users’ experiences with VPNs. In this article, we present our top recommended VPN networks to use with Reddit.
Quick summary of Reddit VPN recommendations
Are you short on time? Here is a preview of the top 3 VPNs Reddit users recommend:
- NordVPN – Affordable, especially if you choose the long-term packages.
- Private Internet Access – A well-known VPN among Reddit users. Boasts a 30-day money-back guarantee and military-grade encryption.
- ExpressVPN – Extremely fast service, robust unblocking capabilities, and stealth protection against online hazards.
- Surfshark – Unlimited simultaneous connections so you can protect your devices simultaneously.
Comprehensive analysis of the best VPNs according to Reddit
1. NordVPN
Our top recommended VPN for every task. And, given its huge server network, tremendous security features, and wide-range device compatibility, no wonder it is among the most famous VPNs for Reddit users too.
Over 5,000 VPN servers spread across 60 countries
Supports P2P torrents on servers
Effective kill switch
Military-grade AES-256-bit encryption
Allows connection for maximum ten devices at once
Strong DNS/IPv6 leak protection
Tor compatible on browsers
Owns double VPN
Promises no-logging policy
Money-return guarantee of 30 days
Pros
- User friendly
- Unblocks big streaming platforms
- Servers are available in and China and UAE
Cons
- The desktop apps are often inactive
NordVPN is a famous VPN service on Reddit. It is powerful enough to handle everything from unblocking geo-restricted sites to torrenting and gaming.
In terms of privacy and security, the VPN observes a completely zero-logs policy and uses AES 256-bit encryption. Furthermore, the automatic kill switch will prevent your traffic and data from leaking if the VPN connection fails.
Positive Reddit reviews
An Australian user says that she uses NordVPN to watch Netflix US effortlessly with stealthy privacy and security. For example, the user particularly specifies that NordVPN unblocks CW streaming effortlessly. She couldn’t achieve this with a free VPN.
Another user was having a problem scraping with NordVPN. One of the replies was that the VPN shut down its HTTP/HTTPS proxy services. However, he indicated that the SOCKS5 protocol still works and is suitable for scalping.
Negative Reddit reviews
Although NordVPN is a reliable VPN service, it has received its share of negative comments on Reddit. For example, user VeryInteractiveCrow says that his internet connection gets cut off for a while when he connects to NordVPN. Nonetheless, it re-establishes again after a short time.
Read on our extensive NordVPN review based on extensive research and testing.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
A well-established VPN with massive server network. It unblocks many geo-restricted sites and works excellently well with Reddit.
Vast server network spread across 84 countries
Solid AES-128/256 data encryption
P2P supportive servers
No compromise on users data
Connects unlimited devices at once on one account
Sharp safety for DNS/IPv6 leaks
Pay-back policy of 30 days
Pros
- Offers access to Netflix
- Super-fast on Windows
- Strong privacy protection and protocols
- Does not log customers’ data
Cons
- Interface is quite complicated
From our extensive Reddit research, it seems Private Internet Access (PIA) is well known among Reddit users. The provider boasts a massive server network, although some are proxies instead of actual VPNs.
The PIA app is highly configurable to suit your needs. For example, you can switch between AES 128-bit encryption and the most common AES-256-bit encryption. Additionally, you can choose between the most popular protocol OpenVPN or the latest one, WireGuard.
Positive Reddit reviews
User InfinityByZero states that it is easy to connect to PIA’s servers manually. Besides, the network works smoothly and will protect you from DNS leakage. Your internet service provider (ISP) will see your activities if your DNS requests leak and pass through its servers.
Private Internet Access (PIA) provides a transparency report on its website, which is rare to find on most VPNs. This is where the company shows whether it has received subpoenas, court orders, and warrant requests. The problem is that the VPN has not updated the report in four months.
Negative Reddit reviews
Reddit user nigeriangod54 claims that Private Internet Access cannot bypass geo-restrictions in Germany.
Another user was found complaining that PIA service breaks all the time and has poor customer support. He is also giving advice that you should turn off the auto-renewal feature.
Read on our in-depth Private Internet Access VPN review based on extensive research an
3. ExpressVPN
The VPN has earned its name by its superior performance and security features. Plus, its massive server network across nearly hundred countries makes this VPN a top service for Reddit.
Server network of 3,000 nodes available in 94 countries
Standard grade data AES-256 encryption
Any DNS leak is prohibited
Has TrustedServer technology
Servers have P2P sharing
Kill switch feature is really useful
No logs on users
Eight device connections per account
No question ask money-return guarantee of 30 days
Pros
- Customer support is excelllent
- Impressive server coverage
- Has access to lots of services and sites
Cons
- Big-budget VPN
ExpressVPN is one of the most expansive VPN services and the most popular on Reddit. This is because of the massive server network of more than 3,000 servers in over 94 countries and the impressive features it offers. Also, the VPN lets you unblock Netflix and other major streaming services.
Positive Reddit reviews
Most of the comments were praising ExpressVPN for its prowess in bypassing geo-restrictions. For example, user Ichigao44 says that the VPN unblocks Netflix libraries in several countries and works well with a firestick.
Besides circumventing geo-blocks, ExpressVPN is also commended for its fast torrenting speed.
Negative Reddit reviews
User Elan_Ryuzaki was trying to install the latest ExpressVPN app on Windows 7 manually but wasn’t successful. He kept getting the same error over and over again.
The user complains that ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix but stops working after a few minutes. Moreover, it is affecting his internet connectivity.
During my tests, though, I found ExpressVPN to be working all the time without issues. Besides, I, alongside my other colleagues at PrivacySavvy didn’t experience any connectivity issues. Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review based on extensive research and testing if you want to learn about this provider in detail.
4. Surfshark
An affordable VPN service for Reddit. Alongside premium security features and top-notch performance, it supports unlimited simultaneous connections – enough to attract regular internet users.
Offers more than 3,200 VPN servers available in 65 countries
Standard AES-256 data encryption
P2P sharing allowed
MultiHop (doubleVPN) mode
Strong Camouflage mode
Auto-enabled kill switch with effectiveness
Uncompromised no-logging policy
Unlimited number of connections on one account
Pay-back policy of 30 days
Pros
- Unblocks geo-restricted content anywhere
- Unblocks Netflix and other streaming sites
- Easy to use app
Cons
- Connection time is too long on some servers
A few years back, nobody knew about Surfshark. However, the company has improved its services and is one of the recommended VPNs on Reddit today.
It strikes a great balance between price and technical capabilities. You’ll get premium features (some of which are rare to find on other VPNs) at very affordable prices. Surfshark’s most significant selling point is the unlimited simultaneous connections. That means you can connect as many devices as you want with one subscription, and it seems that’s not the only quality Reddit users seem to be praising.
Positive Reddit reviews
Surfshark’s latest version for macOS (3.4.0) supports the Apple M1 chip, which is credited for better efficiency and performance.
A user named Stecnet says that Surfshark provides better speeds than its rivals like NordVPN.
Negative Reddit reviews
One of Surfshark’s major issues is that it does not have an option to turn off the auto-renewal option. Instead, you have to contact the support with a ticket or live chat. That, understandably, is something annoying some Reddit users.
Read our extensive Surfshark review based on extensive research and testing.
5. Norton VPN
Norton is one of the most reputable information security companies in the world. First, I looked at its privacy, and it is good that the provider does not keep sensitive information. On the downside, it is headquartered in the US, part of the 14 Eyes Alliance.
The VPN will maintain your security with AES 256-bit encryption, the strongest out there. This means no one can decrypt your traffic when data is transferring to and from your computer to the internet. There is also OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec, but it doesn’t support WireGuard like other services such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Positive Reddit reviews
I found many users affirming that Norton VPN works well with Netflix, below is one of them.
Negative Reddit reviews
A user wanted to know whether NortonVPN is a viable VPN for torrenting. Apparently, the VPN shuts off (starts throttling your connection) when you start torrenting.
What do Reddit users say about using a free VPN?
When it comes to free VPNs, you can either choose a completely free provider or a free version of paid services. Reddit users highly discourage the use of entirely free VPNs. This is because the majority of them are just avenues for collecting users’ data.
Moreover, a 2018 survey found that 38% of entirely free VPNs contain malware. Judging by Reddit comments, free VPNs also impose data restrictions, have slow speed, and cannot unblock Netflix.
Instead, Reddit users recommend you use the free version of paid services. Although some of the features are limited, the VPN will protect your connections and maintain your privacy. Alternatively, you can try out these cheap VPNs that offer premium services at a low cost.
Below, we analyze some of the most popular free VPNs according to Reddit users.
1. Windscribe
Probably the best free VPN service for Reddit. It comes with generous free data, numerous server locations, and doesn’t compromise on security even for free users.
Has server network of 170 nodes in more than 60 countries
Solid data AES-256-bit encryption
Double Hop Mode
R.O.B.E.R.T. adblocker
No limit for simultaneous connections
Money-back guarantee of 30 days
Pros
- Data security is good
- Provides excellent privacy
- Decent speeds
Cons
- Performance is not that good
Norton is one of the most reputable information security companies in the world. First, I looked at its privacy, and it is good that the provider does not keep sensitive information. On the downside, it is headquartered in the US, part of the 14 Eyes Alliance.
Positive Reddit reviews
A particular user was looking for a reliable free VPN. Windscribe was one of the most suggested VPN services.
The service was also recommended for Amazon Firestick, as you can see below.
Negative Reddit reviews
Some Reddit users complained about speed, which is one of the biggest issues with free VPNs.
The VPN connection was another major complaint, especially on Android devices.
2. Proton VPN
Another free VPN service you can rely on to go for Reddit. It offers unlimited data, multiple server locations, and assures strict no-logging to free users as well.
Offers over 1,600 VPN servers in 60 countries
Stealth security by standard AES 256 data encryption
P2P sharing allowed
NetShield adblocker
Connects maximum ten devices per account
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Top data offering for a free VPN
- Stealthy privacy
- Widely compatible
Cons
- Limited features in free version
Proton VPN is another common free VPN service on Reddit. It is a dependable service, although the free version is slightly limited.
For instance, you will not be able to avoid Netflix proxy error for unblocking the library of your liking. In addition, you can only use a limited number of servers and devices. Nonetheless, it is enough for light activities such as browsing.
If you upgrade to the paid plans, the VPN will come in handy in many ways. For example, you’ll get enough speed to stream, torrent, and even play games. Unblocking Netflix will also be easy on selected servers.
Positive Reddit reviews
Many users indicated that ProtonVPN services serve well. Below is one of them:
Negative Reddit reviews
User Lexstarkk says that he started having internet issues when he installed ProtonVPN. Most apps on his devices, such as Twitter and Netflix, could not load adequately.
3. TunnelBear
May not be as popular as other free VPN services because its free version limits data usage to 500Mb/month only. Still, this VPN can support quick Reddit sessions.
Multiple servers in 49+ countries
P2P connections
AES-256 data encryption
Up to five simultaneous connections
Money-back guarantee varries case-by-case
Pros
- Stealthy identity protection for free
- Excellent security guarantees
- Easy to use
Cons
- Server coverage is small
However, it has well-designed apps for all platforms and offers a great selection of countries. The VPN is very convenient and easy to use. Furthermore, it has excellent functionality and does not contain ads like other free VPNs.
Apparently, TunnelBear popularity has decreased sharply on Reddit, and nowadays, it is not recommended very often.
Positive Reddit reviews
Most of the positive reviews are only talking about the free 500 MB that TunnelBear offers.
Negative Reddit reviews
There is a whole post on Reddit that specifically highlights the flaws of TunnelBear. The user is talking about their bad experience with the service. Other users are also concerned that McAfee has acquired the company.
Free VPNs that Redditors urge you to avoid
1. OperaVPN
OperaVPN is a completely free service provider, unlike the others above. In fact, it is not really a VPN but a proxy. Technically, a VPN and proxy work differently, the problem is that it won’t protect app traffic. Most Redditors use it to visit web pages through the Opera browser anonymously. A user by the name of GreenSkyBlueGrass9 indicates that OperaVPN is known to be shady. (This wasn’t the only user I found suspecting the provider.)
2. VPN Gate
VPN Gate is a collection of VPN servers operated and run by volunteers around the world. The advantage is that the IP address changes regularly since the volunteers come and go periodically. It is pretty practical compared to OperaVPN as it bypasses firewalls better. However, it still receives negative comments on Reddit.
You can get a lot of helpful information on Reddit. The problem is that some of the comments by users are far from the truth. For example, I saw many posts where users exhibited dissatisfaction with dependable services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
That is why you shouldn’t solely rely on reviews when choosing a VPN. We recommend you consider expert opinions like PrivacySavvy and compare them with Reddit information. This will save you both money and time.
FAQs
When you connect to a VPN server, it’ll encrypt the connection such that no one can see what you are doing. Besides, you’ll get a new IP address associated with the server you have connected to. For example, if you use a US server, you’ll be assigned a US-specific IP address.
It is always a good idea to always use a VPN when accessing anything on the internet. Most VPNs above use military-grade encryption and strict no-logs to protect your data and anonymize your activities.
