Is it illegal to use a VPN?

Using a VPN is entirely legal in most countries. The only countries that prohibit VPN usage include China, Russia, Turkey, the UAE, Iraq, and Iran. So, getting past geo-blocks, encrypting data, and seeking anonymity with a VPN are not illegal. However, you should avoid using it for unlawful activities because you can quickly get into trouble.

Should I always use a VPN?

Always connecting to a VPN is not a must, but you inevitably need it in some situations. For instance, you should always connect to a VPN when using a public WiFi network. That is because it will prevent anyone from snooping on what you are doing or potentially stealing your data. Likewise, if you live in a country with heavy internet restrictions, you can use a VPN to bypass those restrictions.

How to choose the best VPN service?

To choose the right VPN service, make sure that it does not make you vulnerable online, respects your privacy, and serves the purpose you want to use it. So, precisely, you must check the VPN for robust encryption, secure connection protocols, and a strict (preferably audited) no-logs policy. Besides, you must review the service's customer reviews to know how it serves its users. Some VPN providers, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, have consistently demonstrated top-notch performance with privacy. So, you can trust such credible providers to serve your purpose.

How do I test if the VPN service is working?

Connect to a server away from your location and check your public IP address. You will know your VPN is working if the result doesn't show your IP address and location but the one you chose via the VPN.

Can I use a free VPN?

We don't discourage you from using a free VPN. However, operating a VPN service is costly as it has to cover the required server maintenance, staff salary, and other overheads. Thus, many free VPN services employ nasty practices such as gathering users' data and selling it to third parties to make money. So, instead of using free VPN services, you should subscribe to affordable premium services like NordVPN and Surfshark.

Is a VPN easy to use?

A good VPN should be effortless to use. Usually, you will have to download and install the app on your device. Thankfully, the services recommended in this list have a user-friendly interface and are simple to use. In most cases, you will only need to click a button to connect to your desired server. Some providers offer a quick connect feature to connect you to the fastest server available.

Can I use a VPN on my mobile device?

Of course, yes. Consider using a VPN on every internet-enabled device you own. Every internet connection you make is susceptible to surveillance and hacking. The VPN services reviewed above offer compatibility across all devices, including smartphones. So, you can choose any of them to install on your mobile device.

What makes a VPN stand out from the rest?

When choosing a VPN, some basic features you should look for are security, privacy, speed, and ease of use. Of course, having robust security is a significant consideration, but many providers don't get it right. At the very least, it should have reliable encryption, a kill switch feature, and a zero logs policy. Similarly, a reliable VPN should offer unlimited bandwidth to support streaming, torrenting, and gaming activities.

What is a kill switch?

A kill switch is a security feature that cuts your traffic if the VPN connection drops. It prevents your information and activities from leaking online.

10 Best VPN Services to Use in September 2023

Sneak peek at the best VPN services

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 Offers budget-friendly long-term plan, zero logs policy, unlimited bandwidth and data, and SmartPlay feature. Try it
	PrivateInternetAccess Unblocks Netflix, 30-day money-back guarantee, WireGuard protocol, ten simultaneous connections. Try it
	NordVPN A top-notch VPN for almost all activities. It offers lightning speeds, watertight security features, and unblocks all major streaming sites. Try it
	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. Try it
	Surfshark Unlimited simultaneous connections, SmartDNS feature, CleanWeb ad blocker, camouflage mode; all at an unbelievably affordable subscription cost. Try it
	ExtremeVPN Extreme speeds at affordable cost, unblocks Netflix, ten simultaneous connections at single subscription, and 30-day no-question-asked money-back guarantee Try it
	IPVanish Multiple encryption protocols, a no-logs policy, apps for all platforms, split tunneling, DNS leak protection. Try it
	CyberGhost Expansive server network, beginner-friendly, 7 simultaneous connections, P2P optimized servers. Try it
	VyprVPN Unblocks multiple services, automatic kill switch, NAT Firewall, Chameleon protocol. Try it
	TunnelBear Well-designed apps, unblocks geo-restricted content, 24/7 customer support, allows P2P connections. Try it

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

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

Visit ExpressVPN

More than 3,000 speedy-VPN servers in 90+ countries

Supports P2P connections

Has effective split tunneling

AES 256-bit solid encryption

Allows up to five connections at once

TrustedServer technology

No leaks

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)

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

Visit PIA

More than 23,000 VPN servers present in 84 countries

Full P2P support

Allows up to ten connections simultaneously

Pay-back policy of 30 days

Implements strict zero-logging policy

Automatic kill switch

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.

10 Best VPN Services to Use in September 2023

Quick summary of the best VPNs for 2023

ExpressVPN

PrivateInternetAccess

NordVPN

Proton VPN

Surfshark

ExtremeVPN

IPVanish

CyberGhost

VyprVPN

TunnelBear

Top 10 best VPNs in the market – The detailed list

1. ExpressVPN

Pros

Cons

2. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Pros

Cons