Best VPN of 2023

NordVPN

⭐ Overall rank:	10.0 out of 10
🏆 Rating:	#1 out of #101
📖 No-log policy:	doesn't log
🏷️ Price:	from $3.49
📺 Streaming:	Yes
🗺️ Locations:	5000+ servers in 60+ countries

NordVPN is a virtual private network service provider. Developed and released by four childhood friends under the company, Tefincom & Co in 2012, it provides its users with virtual IP addresses cross different location all over the world.

NordVPN is based in Panama, a country that has no data retention laws. It is available for use on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Microsoft Windows, and Android TV. The Android and iOS version of the Nord VPN application launched in May and June 2016, respectively followed by its Chrome extension in October 2018. It also has a Firefox extension.

NordVPN promotes advanced security, internet freedom, and complete privacy for its users. It has been reviewed and recommended by top review sites, including CNET and PCMAG. It presently has 5000+ servers in 60 countries across the world, including the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Singapore, United States, South Africa, etc. In the review, we discuss the Nord VPN service. Is Nord VPN fast and secure? How efficient is it? Find out in this review.

NordVPN - User Interface

About Nord VPN

Virtual Network service providers are platforms designed to provide IP mask for internet users. With VPNs, you can be in a country like Ukraine, and your IP would show you’re in the USA if you’re using a virtual server in the country. As recommended by top review sites, Nord VPN is fast and secure. It routes its user’s internet traffic via a remote server thereby hiding his/her original IP address. Nord VPN uses the 256-bit AES encryption to ensure that all incoming and outgoing data on the server is secure. It uses VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec.

As of the time of writing this article, Nord VPN has 5,240 public virtual servers in 60 countries. The USA hosts most of its servers with 1610 servers followed by the UK with 651 servers among others. It has desktop client applications for Linux, macOS and Microsoft Windows and mobile app for Android and iOS devices. It allows its users to connect up to 6 devices on a single subscription. Nord VPN provides an additional feature called “CyberSec” which scans DNS records of websites for malware before accessing them. This feature also provides an ad-blocking functionality.

Nord VPN allows P2P sharing, connection to Tor network, and double encryption. It operates a no-logging policy of user information on its servers. Therefore, it upholds the privacy of user information. This means that the company does not save all personal data, including passwords, usernames, private messages, bank information, etc. With unlimited bandwidth, you can stream to watch your favorite movies and TV shows anywhere. To use Nord VPN, subscribe to any of its premium plans via its website for uninterrupted access. You can also payments using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.

Features

In the evolving cybersecurity market, Nord VPN has improved on its functionalities in delivering excellent service to its users. It has several fantastic features which are:

Military Grade Encryption

Nord VPN offers high-level encryption to secure data. Usually, users are afraid of public access to its information by ISPs, Hackers, and government. However, Nord VPN uses the AES encryption feature to ensure that information sent on the server is inaccessible to anyone. By connecting to one of its servers, an encrypted tunnel is automatically created for all incoming and outgoing data pass through. AES is a top-secret level security model used by top investigative agencies such as the FBI and CIA to secure classified information.

CyberSec

It is a newly added feature on Nord VPN used to block ads and malware from your computer. When enabled, it scans websites for malicious information using malware databases before accessing it. It is essential to switch this feature on to protect personal data from being stolen when browsing. It also helps to prevent DDoS attacks. Lastly, this features helps to hide unwanted pop-ups and any form of ads on accessing a website which helps to improve browsing speed and save data.

Double VPN

Nord VPN offers double encryption for its users. Most VPN service offers single encryption. However, Nord VPN ensures its users are protected by two servers using VPN server chaining. Thus, when data traffic reaches the server and leaves encrypted, it passes through another server before getting to its destination. This feature further enables privacy for the user.

Smart Play

Nord VPN allows you to enjoy your favorite content from the comfort of your room. It provides unlimited bandwidth to stop buffering. Thus, you can load pages or videos faster when streaming or downloading media content.

No Logging Policy

When you browse the internet without a VPN, you expose your browsing activities to be monitored by your internet service provider. So, with Nord VPN, your internet activities are protected from ISPs and governments. Nord VPN’s no logging policy covers the following information, i.e., IP addresses, connection date and duration, the server used, and amount of data transferred. Websites visited, files downloaded and software used are also not logged onto the system.

Kill Switch

It is an advanced security feature which prevents your information from being leaked to the internet. Sometimes, server connection while browsing might pause/stop, thus exposing the computer to internet visibility. The Kill Switch prevents all applications from transmitting information to the internet. It ensures that internet access remains blocked until the VPN connection is reestablished. On Android, Windows and, macOS, you need to manually switch on the feature while it is integrated into the iOS version.

Multiple Device Support

Nord VPN is compatible with most devices, including routers. It is available on iOS, Android, Linus, Microsoft Windows, and macOS Windows Operating systems. It allows users to connect six devices on a single subscription.

Compatibility

Nord VPN is compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Microsoft Windows operating system. It is also available on routers and Smart TV. Nord VPN also has Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox extensions.

Summary

Nord VPN is a virtual private network service. It is regarded as one of the best VPN services by top review sites. It has over 5000 servers across 60 countries around the globe. With Nord VPN, you can access the web from anywhere in the world with using an IP from another country using its servers.

It is available on Android and iOS devices. It is also compatible with Linux, macOS, and Microsoft operating systems. Nord VPN is safe, secure, and recommended for use. To learn more about the app, visit the website.

Surfshark review

Short on time? These are key highlights of Surfshark 

⭐ Overall rank:	9.9 out of 10
🏆 Rating:	#2 out of #101
📖 No-log policy:	doesn't log
🏷️ Price:	from $1.99
📺 Streaming:	Yes
🗺️ Locations:	3200+ servers in 100+ countries

Surfshark is a VPN service based in British Virgin Island which isn't part of 5 9 14 eyes countries and isn't part of enemies of the internet. 

The cheapest plan of Surfshark starts at $1.99 and will get you access to 3200+ servers in 100+ countries and unlimited simultaneous connections. 

The speed of Surfshark in our testing was average. Surfshark ranks on 2. position in our rankings.

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Security & privacy of Surfshark

Surfshark is ranked number 1 in our privacy rankings. It doesn't log IP address, doesn't log DNS, doesn't log traffic, and doesn't log bandwidth. Surfshark uses OpenVPN and IKEv2 tunnelling protocols with 256-bit encryption, which is considered a standard in the security industry.

IP address logs	No
DNS logs	No
Traffic logs	No
Bandwidth logs	No
Timestamps logs	No
Encryption	256-bit
Tunneling protocols	OpenVPN and IKEv2
IP leaks	No
DNS leaks	No

Features of Surfshark

Surfshark supports streaming services such as Netflix and also allows P2P traffic. Surfshark has killswitch which automatically disconnects your device from the internet if your internet connection drops. You can use it on unlimited devices at the same time.

Killswitch	Yes
Streaming	Yes
Torrenting (P2P traffic)	Yes

Surfshark speed & countries                        

During the test, Surfshark had a average speed on my 100mbps connection. This is a very important factor as VPN shouldn't limit you during your time online and anything with below average speed should be a red flag if you plan to use a VPN for streaming or torrenting. 
It offers a variety of countries and based on the information from their website, Surfshark uses 15 in 100+ locations across the world.

Download Surfshark 

I’ve downloaded Surfshark on their official website at www.Surfshark.com. It offers free trial, however you can always try it for free as there is a 30 Days money-back guarantee. 

The subscription plan of Surfshark starts at $1.99 which makes it number 7. in our VPN rankings based on price. 

During my testing I tried Surfshark on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS without any problems. 

Surfshark overall ranking                      

Based on my testing I’ve ranked Surfshark on 2. position. If I consider just price the rank would be 7. If you want to know which VPN is ranked number 1, check out our total rankings here.

Surfshark compared with other VPNs    

• Surfshark vs. PureVPN
• Surfshark vs. CyberGhost
• Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN
• Surfshark vs. PureVPN
• Surfshark vs. NordVPN

PureVPN

⭐ Overall rank:	9.8 out of 10
🏆 Rating:	#3 out of #101
📖 No-log policy:	doesn't log
🏷️ Price:	from $1.99
📺 Streaming:	Yes
🗺️ Locations:	6500+ servers in 78+ countries

PureVPN is a virtual private network service provider operating in the industry for over a decade and amassing over 3 million VPN users from across the globe. PureVPN offers an amazing list of advanced features and functionalities that cover both the security, privacy, and entertainment needs of VPN users. Its privacy-centric list of features includes Internet Kill Switch, Secure Wi-Fi, IPv6 Leak Protection, DNS Leak Protection, WebRTC Leak Protection, and a huge pool of IP addresses.

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PureVPN provides users with a bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption delivered through advanced protocols, such as OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) and IKEv2. PureVPN supports a wide range of devices and operating systems. Apart from native applications, PureVPN also offers manual configuration for devices that don’t support a native application. Users can log in up to 10 devices simultaneously using PureVPN’s subscription. PureVPN also has a great reputation in the industry as the best streaming VPN service because of its ability to access a huge number of popular streaming services as well as online TV channels. PureVPN has one of the most massive VPN network coverage in the entire industry, covering different continents across the globe. Because of its availability in many countries and their respective cities, users can enjoy better anonymity and accessibility. One of the best aspects is that all the premium features are accessible with all plans regardless of the cost. Other than premium default features, PureVPN also offers add-ons that add to the VPN functionality and deliver an amazing VPN experience for users to enjoy.

Features

Bank-Grade Encryption

PureVPN’s 256-bit AES encryption delivers optimal level internet security. The encryption triggers as you click Connect. Encryption enables users to protect their internet activities, DNS queries, and browsing history against data snoopers, hackers, and ISPs that monitor and store users’ data on behalf of the government’s request. Moreover, users are able to conduct online transactions or shopping on any network without worrying about any digital threats.

Network Coverage and IP Pool

PureVPN has a good IP pool of 300,000+ IP addresses that are coming from over 140 countries and 180+ locations. A massive coverage translates into better anonymity since the user can spoof their IP with any location they want. Secondly, the user has the ability to use that functionality to access country-restricted applications like WhatsApp or content services like BBC iPlayer. Moreover, a huge number of servers also add to the convenience of savvy online gamers as well. The more servers they get nearest to their regions, the better latency and ping they can expect while playing their favorite games.

Certified No-Log VPN Experience

VPN services are often not be trusted by VPN users because of the logging activity that some low-tier VPN services are involved in. To gain users’ trust and solidify their standing on a strict No-Log VPN service provider, PureVPN has gone through multiple No-Log audits and received validation from leading independent auditors, like Altius IT and KPMG, as a No-Log VPN service. Moreover, PureVPN enjoys the distinction of a No-Log VPN provider because of its “always-on” audit, which allows KPMG to conduct an audit on PureVPN systems and logs unannounced every year. This further reinforces PureVPN’s confidence in its services and commitment to providing improved anonymity to users.

Best Streaming VPN Service

Some users try proxy services to gain accessibility to their favorite streaming services and channels. However, they fail to access the content since proxy services are unreliable and even unsecure. PureVPN has the best infrastructure when it comes to offering the best streaming VPN. PureVPN has dedicated streaming servers as well as an IP pool optimized for fastest streaming, seamless connectivity, and accessibility. With PureVPN, users can access top streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more. Similarly, users can also access online TV channels from abroad like Sky Go Live, ESPN+, HBO Now, SonyLiv, etc.

Privacy Centric Service

PureVPN takes the cake as a secure and privacy-centric VPN provider because of its features. With IKS,users can stay secure even when the VPN abruptly pauses or stops working. Similarly, the IPv6 leak protection and DNS leak protection ensure that users’ privacy and online activities don’t get exposed under any circumstances at all. Secure Wi-Fi is yet another feature that offers anonymity to Android users on public hotspots. The feature alerts users whenever their device tries to connect to any nearest hotspot or when connecting to a familiar hotspot, which the VPN automatically triggers. With a huge pool of anonymous IP addresses, people who are going abroad can ensure that their internet activities aren’t logged or monitored by local surveillance systems or authorities as they can spoof the IP with a click.

Multi-Logins Capability

PureVPN comes with the amazing feature of simultaneous connections. A few years back, PureVPN could connect up to 5 devices with a single subscription. But PureVPN has upgraded its multi-login capability, now allowing users to connect to up to 10 devices at a time which is more than enough for a single household.

Add-Ons

Port Forwarding

There are not many VPN service providers in the industry that offer port forwarding features. The feature brings great convenience to gamers, remote workers, and other users who want to connect remote devices to their systems. Port Forwarding is a complex process that requires users to go through multiple steps. With PureVPN’s Port Forwarding feature, users can block or open network ports with just a click and enjoy seamless connectivity.

Dedicated IP

Dedicated IP addresses do not come with VPN services but not in PureVPN’s case. PureVPN offers affordable dedicated IP addresses. The dedicated IP addresses are available from a wide range of locations, including but not limited to Singapore, Australia, the USA, UK, Canada, and more. Dedicated IP addresses are important when it comes to setting static IP addresses or whitelisting any IP address for secure access.

31-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Money-back guarantee offers users assurance of the safety of their money. If you believe your money isn’t well spent, you can have it back. In PureVPN’s case, the VPN service offers 31-day money-back assurance, and that too with a no-questions-asked policy. It shows how confident PureVPN is in its services and operations.

Comparisons of PureVPN

• PureVPN vs. PIA VPN
• PureVPN vs. ProtonVPN
• PureVPN vs. Surfshark
• PureVPN vs. Avast SecureLine
• PureVPN vs. CyberGhost
• PureVPN vs. HideMyAss

Final Thoughts

PureVPN is very affordable VPN yet with great privacy features. PureVPN tops the chart as the leading VPN provider in our review because of its privacy-centric features and no-log certifications, which makes it more reliable than other providers in the industry.