10 Best VPN Services to Use in September 2023

Samuel Walker  - Technology Policy Researcher
Last updated: September 9, 2023
Read time: 17 minutes Disclosure
Share

We tested every major VPN provider to bring you the list of 10 best VPN services, with speed, apps, security, and more compared.

The digital market is flooded with free and paid VPN service providers. While this abundance seemingly provides more options for the users to find the best pick, it’s also confusing for the more privacy-oriented users. Not every VPN service can deliver that top-notch service that an ideal VPN should do. Nonetheless, the best VPN services listed here respect user privacy and offer reliable service and impressive performance. These providers have resisted all the ups and downs of the cybersecurity world, ensuring to provide the best online experience to the users.

A VPN is a crucial security tool to keep you safe when using the internet. It masks your IP address and encrypts your data to maintain your online privacy and security. The best VPN service will also unblock geo-restricted content.

It is important to note that a VPN typically adds a bit of load to your network and slows your internet speeds. That is because it must encrypt and route your data through secure servers. However, the VPN services on this list offer good speeds with a barely noticeable impact on your connectivity.

Continue reading to find out the best VPN services for 2023, why you need to use a VPN, features to consider when choosing a VPN, and more.

Quick summary of the best VPNs for 2023

VPN NAME WHAT MAKES IT SO AMAZING?
ExpressVPN new table logo 90x90
ExpressVPN

Offers budget-friendly long-term plan, zero logs policy, unlimited bandwidth and data, and SmartPlay feature.

PrivateInternetAccess table
PrivateInternetAccess

Unblocks Netflix, 30-day money-back guarantee, WireGuard protocol, ten simultaneous connections.

Nordvpn table
NordVPN

A top-notch VPN for almost all activities. It offers lightning speeds, watertight security features, and unblocks all major streaming sites.

Proton VPN small logo new
Proton VPN

A Swiss-based secure VPN with full-disk encrypted servers and strict no-logs policy, offers 10 simultaneous connections, NetShield feature, and a free VPN version.

Surfshark table
Surfshark

Unlimited simultaneous connections, SmartDNS feature, CleanWeb ad blocker, camouflage mode; all at an unbelievably affordable subscription cost.

ExtremeVPN table logo
ExtremeVPN

Extreme speeds at affordable cost, unblocks Netflix, ten simultaneous connections at single subscription, and 30-day no-question-asked money-back guarantee

IPVanish table
IPVanish

Multiple encryption protocols, a no-logs policy, apps for all platforms, split tunneling, DNS leak protection.

cyberghost round logo
CyberGhost

Expansive server network, beginner-friendly, 7 simultaneous connections, P2P optimized servers.

VyprVPN table
VyprVPN

Unblocks multiple services, automatic kill switch, NAT Firewall, Chameleon protocol.

Tunnelbear table
TunnelBear

Well-designed apps, unblocks geo-restricted content, 24/7 customer support, allows P2P connections.

Top 10 best VPNs in the market – The detailed list

Here, we discover the top 2023 VPN reviews following our in-depth research and vigorous testing.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN new features block logo 120 by 120 now

Offers budget-friendly long-term plan, zero logs policy, unlimited bandwidth and data, SmartPlay feature.

servers More than 3,000 speedy-VPN servers in 90+ countries
P2P optimized servers Supports P2P connections
Split tunneling feature Has effective split tunneling
encryption AES 256-bit solid encryption
simultaneous connections Allows up to five connections at once
Trusted servers nord TrustedServer technology
protection No leaks
money-back guarantee 30 days refund policy
Pros
  • Fast speeds across all locations
  • Allows P2P traffic
  • Advanced security and privacy features
Cons
  • Slightly costly

ExpressVPN is a well-known provider in the market. It has stood out from the rest by offering user-friendly apps, a vast and secure network, and unique features.

With over 3,000 servers spread across 160 locations in 94 countries, it lets you access content and services anywhere. Its Smart Location feature will connect you to an optimal server in one click.

The VPN has impressive unblocking capabilities and bypasses geo-restrictions of popular streaming services. Since the servers are super-fast, you will stream content in ultra HD on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more. It is also a reliable option to unblock popular sites often blocked in workplaces and schools, such as YouTube, Facebook, and Google.

Likewise, ExpressVPN seamlessly handles resource-heavy games like the League of Legends. So, you can keep up with your teammates because it offers reliable and consistent speeds.

The company uses advanced security and privacy features to keep you safe online. These include AES 256-bit encryption, 4096-bit RSA key, SHA-512 HMAC authentication, and perfect forward secrecy.

In addition, ExpressVPN supports P2P sharing across its entire server network. Because it offers unlimited bandwidth and data, you can torrent as much as you want without restrictions. Fortunately, it works well with uTorrent, BitTorrent, and other P2P clients.

Also, ExpressVPN provides an automatic kill switch (Network Lock) and robust DNS/IPv6 leak protection for complete anonymity.


2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private internet access pros cons block logo

Unblocks Netflix, 30-day money-back guarantee, WireGuard protocol, ten simultaneous connections.

servers More than 23,000 VPN servers present in 84 countries
P2P optimized servers Full P2P support
simultaneous connections Allows up to ten connections simultaneously
money-back guarantee Pay-back policy of 30 days
Zero-logs policy Implements strict zero-logging policy
Kill switch Automatic kill switch
Split tunneling feature Split tunneling feature
Pros
  • Effective malware and ad blocker
  • Good value for money
  • Dedicated apps for all major platforms
Cons
  • Inconsistent speeds

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a well-known brand due to its reliability and dedication to privacy. It has a user-friendly interface and supports up to 10 devices at once.