Quick comparison
The products on this list side by side: our score, a highlight and a link to our full review.
| Product | Score | Highlight | Review |
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| 1Private Internet Access | 9.830 Days Risk-Free | 100% Open-Source, No-Logs VPN | Read review |
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| 2Cyberghost VPN | 9.645 Days Risk-Free | Choose from over 100 locations across 91 countries | Read review |
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| 3ProtonVPN | 9.530 Days Risk-Free | Based in Switzerland - Swiss security and privacy | Read review |
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| 4Surfshark | 9.330 Days Risk-Free | Unlimited simultaneous device connection | Read review |
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| 5NordVPN | 9.130 Days Risk-Free | Get 70% off + 3 months extra via our link | Visit |
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| 6TotalVPN | 8.930 Days Risk-Free | Encrypt your traffic, leave no digital footprints | Read review |
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| 7ExpressVPN | 8.530 Days Risk-Free | Exclusive offer: Get 3 months FREE! | Read review |
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Our picks in detail
A closer look at the products on this list, with what we like and what could be better.
1Private Internet Access
9.8/10Private Internet Access (PIA) is a highly versatile VPN that offers a range of advanced features, including WireGuard tunnelling protocol, dedicated IPs, SOCKS5 proxy, port forwarding, and an ad- and tracker-blocking tool. PIA operates a vast network of over 35,000 servers globally, including servers in 84 countries.
What we like
- Strong encryption
- Unique security features
- Strict no-logs policy
What could be better
- Limited customer support
- The design and user interface seem a bit dated
Looking for a single solution to cover both internet security and privacy? Cyberghost now offers a Security Suite that includes antivirus, Privacy Guard tool, Security Updater, and 256-AES military-grade encryption to secure your online traffic. These features, along with a robust network, 24/7 customer support, and a 45-day money-back guarantee, make CyberGhost worth checking out.
What we like
- Easy to use
- Aesthetic and intuitive user interface
- Audited no-log policy
What could be better
- Limited payment options
- Doesn’t work in China
ProtonVPN is fast becoming a household name in the VPN industry — and for a good reason. Their slogan perfectly captures what they're all about, a "high-speed Swiss VPN that safeguards your privacy." ProtonVPN boasts apps that are 100% open-source for transparency, as well as a wealth of privacy tools you'd typically see on more expensive products: secure core servers, adblocker, forward secrecy, kill switch, and more.
What we like
- ProtonMail bundle
- Tons of advanced privacy tools
- No IP/DNS/WebRTC leaks
What could be better
- Doesn’t offer WireGuard
- No live chat support
Surfshark is a relatively new player, but it's already giving the more established VPN providers something to worry about. It's been steadily gnawing into the VPN market share with an irresistible starting price, flawless performance, and blazing fast speeds. What's more, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connection under a single subscription.
What we like
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Privacy-friendly jurisdiction
- Wide range of well-designed apps
What could be better
- Its privacy policy could be more transparent
For the budget-conscious that wants to get the most for the least, you're in luck! NordVPN offers the best bang for your buck with robust security features, blazing-fast speeds, and a nice set of extras. While NordVPN shares the same technologies with other VPNs such as AES-256, IKEv2 / IPsec, and OpenVPN encryption protocols, what perked us up is its comprehensive set of advanced security features.
What we like
- Intuitive and user-friendly
- Tons of security and privacy features
- Strong encryption standards
What could be better
- Servers can get congested every now and then
- Split tunneling is only available on Windows and Android
TotalVPN is a virtual private network service included as part of the TotalAV security package. Integrated seamlessly into the antivirus software, it provides essential features to safeguard your online activities, hide your IP address, and protect your identity. This naturally raises the question: can a bundled VPN service like TotalVPN match the quality of standalone VPN providers? That’s exactly what this TotalVPN review aims to explore.
What we like
- Easy-to-use desktop and mobile apps
- Includes free antivirus protection & free ad blocker
- Excellent app and website
What could be better
- Lacks WireGuard protocol
- No server in China
Despite its higher price point, ExpressVPN has millions of users worldwide. It delivers ultra-fast and secure connections in a user-friendly interface and can be used from just about any platform — computers, mobile phones, tablets, routers, browsers, game consoles, and more. Its loyal customer base includes giants in the media industry, including TechCrunch, BBC, Vox, CNET, Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal. But is it the right one for you?
What we like
- Blazing fast speeds across all locations
- Good server distribution
- Audited servers
What could be better
- Lacks specialized servers
- A bit more pricey than other VPN services
What free VPNs usually limit
Running a VPN network costs money, so free plans are almost always restricted. Typical limits include a monthly data cap, slower speeds at busy times, a small choice of server locations, one device per account, and no access to streaming-optimized servers. Some free VPNs show ads or are funded in other ways, which their privacy policy should explain.
How to check a free VPN
- A clear no-logs policy, ideally confirmed by an independent audit
- Modern protocols such as WireGuard or OpenVPN
- A kill switch that blocks traffic if the VPN connection drops
- The data cap and number of devices allowed on the free plan
- Who owns the service and where it is based
- Whether the app shows ads or collects analytics
Trying a premium VPN without a long-term commitment
Many paid VPNs offer a money-back guarantee, often for around 30 days. That lets you test full speeds and all server locations, then cancel within the window for a refund if the service isn't right for you. Read the refund terms first: some exclude certain payment methods, and purchases made through an app store are refunded under that store's rules.
The bottom line
A reputable free VPN can be fine for occasional, light use, such as on public Wi-Fi. For regular use, streaming, or several devices, a low-cost paid plan usually offers more speed, more locations, and stronger privacy protections.
How we rank these products
Our scores are editorial opinions out of 10 and are reviewed regularly. We look at four things:
- Features what the product does and how well it does it.
- Ease of use setup, everyday use and how it works on a phone.
- Value for money prices, free plans or trials, and what each plan includes.
- Security and support how your data is handled and what help is available.
This site earns a commission from some of the providers listed, which can affect the order in which they appear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a VPN?
A VPN (virtual private network) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a server run by the VPN provider. Websites and apps see the VPN server's IP address instead of yours, and your internet provider or anyone on the same Wi-Fi network can no longer read your traffic. A VPN improves privacy, especially on public Wi-Fi, but it does not make you anonymous: the VPN provider can technically see your traffic, and cookies, logins, and browser fingerprinting can still identify you.
What features should I look for in a VPN service?
It depends on how you plan to use it, but these points matter for most people:
- Modern protocols. WireGuard (or a provider's own version of it), OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec are the current standards.
- Speed. Look for independent speed tests on both nearby and distant servers.
- Server locations. Make sure the provider has servers in the countries you need.
- Device limits and apps. Check how many devices one account covers and that apps exist for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.
- Audited no-logs policy. Prefer providers whose no-logs claims have been checked by an independent auditor.
What are the main benefits of using a VPN?
A VPN is worth it if any of these matter to you:
+ Protecting your traffic on public Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, and hotels.
+ Hiding your browsing activity from your internet provider and the networks you connect to.
+ Masking your IP address from the websites you visit.
+ Reaching your usual content and services while traveling, within each service's terms.
+ Avoiding throttling that targets specific types of traffic, such as video streaming.
A VPN does not replace antivirus software, and it does not protect you from phishing on its own.
Does a VPN slow down my internet connection?
Usually a little. Encryption and the extra trip through the VPN server add some overhead, and the effect grows with the distance to the server you choose. With a well-run service and a modern protocol such as WireGuard, the slowdown on a nearby server is often hard to notice in everyday browsing and streaming. If your internet provider throttles certain traffic, such as video, a VPN can sometimes improve speeds because the provider can no longer see what kind of traffic you send.
Disclaimer
The aim of this website is to help you find the perfect software for your needs in an easy-to-view comparison list. You can read more about how we review and about our background in the About Us section of this website. Software.fish does not feature all of the software available in the market, we cherry-pick what we consider to be the leaders in each vertical. We try to keep this site updated and fresh, but cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information as well as the prices featured at all times. All prices quoted on this site are based on USD so there could be slight discrepancies due to currency fluctuations. Although the site is free to use, we do earn commissions from the software companies that we have partnered with. If you click on one of our links and then make a purchase, we will get paid by that company. This has an impact on the ranking, score, and order in which the software is presented in our list and elsewhere throughout the site. Software listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement.
