The Best VPN Services — Octo Browser
Palina Zabela
Content Manager, Octo Browser
The issue of censorship is pressing in many regions of the world. According to available data, 79% of global Internet users live in countries where they can risk imprisonment for posts on political, social, or religious topics. Additionally, 48% of online users reside in countries where governments restrict Internet access. However, even under such conditions, it is possible to access the Internet using top-quality VPNs. We analyzed popular services and selected six outstanding VPN providers. Read on to find out which virtual private network best suits your needs.
Contents
№1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the best virtual private network overall, suitable for most users. The service can be used for maintaining online anonymity, unblocking streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, and gaming.
A network of 7,100 servers covers 118 countries, which is the best coverage among the top 6 VPNs. Most locations are in Europe, North America, and Asia. The connection uses the industry-standard OpenVPN, as well as NordVPN's proprietary NordLynx.
The cost of the VPN service starts at €3.39 per month, considering a 70% discount for a two-year purchase. Payment is made upfront for the entire period. The provider guarantees a refund within the first 30 days of use if you are dissatisfied with the service quality.
A network of 7,100 servers covers 118 countries, which is the best coverage among the top 6 VPNs. Most locations are in Europe, North America, and Asia. The connection uses the industry-standard OpenVPN, as well as NordVPN's proprietary NordLynx.
The cost of the VPN service starts at €3.39 per month, considering a 70% discount for a two-year purchase. Payment is made upfront for the entire period. The provider guarantees a refund within the first 30 days of use if you are dissatisfied with the service quality.
Performance
NordVPN's speed depends on the protocols you use. NordLynx, designed for mobile connections, delivers 950 Mbps, the best result in our ranking. However, when connecting via OpenVPN, the speed drops to 173 Mbps. Additionally, the VPN is not always stable: speeds may fluctuate depending on the country and time of day.
User Experience
NordVPN offers standalone applications for most popular platforms: Windows, macOS, and Android. On Linux, you can use a CLI-only version without a graphical interface. The provider also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
To start using it, install the VPN and enter your name, nickname, and password. You can connect to the best location-based server using the Quick Connect button.
To start using it, install the VPN and enter your name, nickname, and password. You can connect to the best location-based server using the Quick Connect button.
Privacy
NordVPN's reliability is confirmed by independent audits, the most recent of which took place in January 2024. The provider uses two types of encryption:
The service does not record user browsing history, protecting its clients from internal data leaks. NordVPN’s headquarters is based in Panama, a country with no mandatory data retention laws. Even if the government demands VPN data, the service simply won’t have any to give.
The service's history includes only one case of a Finnish server compromise in 2018. The incident was attributed to a data center, not NordVPN itself.
- Nord AES-256 in OpenVPN;
- ChaCha20 in NordLynx.
The service does not record user browsing history, protecting its clients from internal data leaks. NordVPN’s headquarters is based in Panama, a country with no mandatory data retention laws. Even if the government demands VPN data, the service simply won’t have any to give.
The service's history includes only one case of a Finnish server compromise in 2018. The incident was attributed to a data center, not NordVPN itself.
Additional Features
NordVPN users receive not only basic functions but also advanced security features, such as:
- Kill switch that disables the Internet connection if the VPN becomes unstable.
- DNS leak protection that enhances personal data confidentiality.
- Double VPN can route traffic through an additional remote server.
- Threat Protection Pro blocks malicious links, trackers, and ads.
- Meshnet allows users to create their own virtual private networks and exchange files securely.
- Onion over VPN routes traffic through Tor for added anonymity.
Onboarding and Support
As soon as you launch the VPN service, an onboarding process will help you explore all available features. Answers to technical questions are available in a detailed FAQ and tutorials. If problems arise, you can contact 24/7 live chat support. Initially, you will interact with an AI chatbot, which, if unable to help, will transfer the issue to a human support agent.
№2. Surfshark
Surfshark is the best VPN for people who prioritize speed and cost. The service is suitable for privacy, streaming, gaming, and torrent file sharing.
The network includes 3,200 servers in 100 countries. The app allows users to check which servers are physical and which are virtual. Most locations are in the USA, Europe, and Asia. For Internet connections, the provider uses top-tier protocols, OpenVPN and WireGuard.
If you purchase a two-year subscription, Surfshark's price is the second cheapest in our ranking at €2.19 per month. If you’re dissatisfied, you can get a refund within 30 days. Upon subscription renewal, the price of the VPN service increases to €5 per month.
The network includes 3,200 servers in 100 countries. The app allows users to check which servers are physical and which are virtual. Most locations are in the USA, Europe, and Asia. For Internet connections, the provider uses top-tier protocols, OpenVPN and WireGuard.
If you purchase a two-year subscription, Surfshark's price is the second cheapest in our ranking at €2.19 per month. If you’re dissatisfied, you can get a refund within 30 days. Upon subscription renewal, the price of the VPN service increases to €5 per month.
Performance
WireGuard is based on more modern technologies, so connection speed is higher than with OpenVPN. With WireGuard, Surfshark delivers the best performance among top VPNs, reaching 950 Mbps. Over OpenVPN, speeds drop to 460 Mbps, but this is still the best result in our VPN ranking.
User Experience
Surfshark can be installed as a Chrome extension or as a standalone app for all major operating systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. However, Linux users do not have access to split tunneling or the kill switch. On mobile, users can manage connections through a widget, without opening the app.
To get started, download and install the app, then log in. You can sign in on another device via a QR code. To connect to the VPN, press the button in the corner of the screen. Detailed settings are available at the bottom.
To get started, download and install the app, then log in. You can sign in on another device via a QR code. To connect to the VPN, press the button in the corner of the screen. Detailed settings are available at the bottom.
Privacy
Surfshark last confirmed its security in 2023 after passing a cybersecurity audit. The provider uses:
The headquarters is located in the Netherlands, which participates in intelligence-sharing agreements, which might potentially worry some users. However, the provider publishes transparent reports on third-party data requests, including those from law enforcement agencies. So far, Surfshark has never disclosed sensitive client information.
- AES-256 encryption, the best international standard;
- OpenVPN protocol;
- WireGuard protocol.
The headquarters is located in the Netherlands, which participates in intelligence-sharing agreements, which might potentially worry some users. However, the provider publishes transparent reports on third-party data requests, including those from law enforcement agencies. So far, Surfshark has never disclosed sensitive client information.
Additional Features
Beyond standard features, Surfshark offers advanced cybersecurity tools:
- Kill switch disconnects the Internet when the VPN connection is lost.
- DNS leak protection prevents ISP tracking.
- CleanWeb blocks ads at the DNS level.
- CleanWeb 2.0 blocks pop-ups that force users to accept cookies.
- Alternative ID generates a new online identity with a temporary email address for safe registrations on unverified webpages.
- Alternative Number creates a new phone number for use on suspicious sites.
- Private Search Engine removes ads from search results and does not store history.
- Multi-hop connection routes traffic through multiple VPN servers for extra anonymity.
- Blocking of malicious sites and phishing links prevents accidental unwanted access to fraudulent resources.
Onboarding and Support
When launching Surfshark for the first time, an onboarding guide explains how to choose a server location. Technical questions are answered in a detailed knowledge base, with separate sections for each OS. Surfshark also maintains an educational repository with cybersecurity tips and real VPN use cases.
Support works via an AI-based chatbot. If the automated responses do not solve the issue, the bot quickly transfers the request to a human support agent who assists in real-time.
Support works via an AI-based chatbot. If the automated responses do not solve the issue, the bot quickly transfers the request to a human support agent who assists in real-time.
№3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best service for users who want maximum protection against cyber threats and are willing to pay more. The VPN is suitable for maintaining anonymity, streaming videos, gaming, and torrents.
The provider's 148 servers are located in 105 countries, mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America. ExpressVPN also offers a significant number of locations in Oceania, making it one of the best VPNs in our top 6 for regional coverage diversity. You can connect to the VPN using the Lightway protocol. However, it operates slower than the protocols used by NordVPN and Surfshark.
ExpressVPN costs $4.99 per month when paid for two years, but the subscription includes many additional features and is comparable in price to the best plans from competitors. If you are not satisfied with the product, ExpressVPN guarantees a refund within the first 30 days.
The provider's 148 servers are located in 105 countries, mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America. ExpressVPN also offers a significant number of locations in Oceania, making it one of the best VPNs in our top 6 for regional coverage diversity. You can connect to the VPN using the Lightway protocol. However, it operates slower than the protocols used by NordVPN and Surfshark.
ExpressVPN costs $4.99 per month when paid for two years, but the subscription includes many additional features and is comparable in price to the best plans from competitors. If you are not satisfied with the product, ExpressVPN guarantees a refund within the first 30 days.
Performance
ExpressVPN transmits data over two protocols: its proprietary Lightway and the standard OpenVPN. Lightway demonstrates high performance when connecting to relatively nearby servers, up to 898 Mbps. However, if you are connecting from Europe to a U.S. location, the speed drops to 396 Mbps.
The connection via OpenVPN is significantly slower than that of its competitors, with speeds not exceeding 160 Mbps, the lowest result in our ranking of the best VPNs. This performance is sufficient for streaming videos, but there may be delays in gaming and downloading large files.
The connection via OpenVPN is significantly slower than that of its competitors, with speeds not exceeding 160 Mbps, the lowest result in our ranking of the best VPNs. This performance is sufficient for streaming videos, but there may be delays in gaming and downloading large files.
User experience
ExpressVPN offers applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. On Linux, the service is only available through the command line.
To install the VPN, you will need login credentials from the ExpressVPN control panel, which is less common than registering an account with your email. To connect to the nearest VPN server, simply press the corresponding button, and you can select a location from the dropdown menu. The mobile versions include shortcuts for quickly launching specific apps after connecting to the VPN.
To install the VPN, you will need login credentials from the ExpressVPN control panel, which is less common than registering an account with your email. To connect to the nearest VPN server, simply press the corresponding button, and you can select a location from the dropdown menu. The mobile versions include shortcuts for quickly launching specific apps after connecting to the VPN.
Privacy
The provider regularly undergoes audits for overall security and no-log compliance. The most recent audit, conducted in May 2024, confirmed ExpressVPN's reliability. The VPN service uses:
- OpenVPN protocol;
- IKEv2 protocol;
- Proprietary Lightway protocol;
- AES-256 encryption, the best international standard;
- Perfect Forward Secrecy that constantly changes keys to prevent traffic compromise;
- TrustedServer that erases all data upon each server reboot.
Additional Features
Beyond basic IP address masking, ExpressVPN offers numerous advanced features, such as:
- Kill Switch that disconnects the Internet if the device is not connected to the VPN.
- DNS Leak Protection that ensures that DNS requests are safely routed.
- Split Tunneling that allows users to choose which app traffic passes through the VPN.
- Ad Blocker that disables unwanted ads on web pages you visit.
- Parental Controls that restrict access to unsafe online resources on children's devices.
- Malware Blocker that protects the device from viruses at the DNS level.
- Shuffle IP that shows a random IP to each site you visit.
- Express Keys that stores passwords on iOS, Android, and in Chrome.
Onboarding and Support
You can find answers to your ExpressVPN-related questions in the knowledge base. The website provides detailed guides on installing and configuring the VPN on different platforms. The company also maintains a blog covering cybersecurity and industry news.
Support of this VPN service operates 24/7 via chat or email. We recommend using the chat, as responses take only 5 to 10 minutes.
Support of this VPN service operates 24/7 via chat or email. We recommend using the chat, as responses take only 5 to 10 minutes.
Choose reliable proxies to earn more with Octo Browser
Get a checklist to verify your ISP reliability when working with Octo Browser.
By clicking the button you agree to our Privacy Policy.
№4. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is the best service for those who need maximum privacy and a wide range of available locations. It is suitable for maintaining anonymity, streaming, and torrenting.
The provider offers servers in 112 countries, including not only Europe and the U.S., but also Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, the best coverage in our top VPNs. You can switch between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and the proprietary Stealth protocol. The latter operates over TLS, making VPN traffic indistinguishable from regular browsing.
The VPN costs €3.59 per month when purchased for two years. A single account can connect up to 10 devices. The provider also offers a free plan with access to servers in the U.S., the Netherlands, and Japan. However, the free version lacks advanced features and can only be installed on one device.
The provider offers servers in 112 countries, including not only Europe and the U.S., but also Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, the best coverage in our top VPNs. You can switch between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and the proprietary Stealth protocol. The latter operates over TLS, making VPN traffic indistinguishable from regular browsing.
The VPN costs €3.59 per month when purchased for two years. A single account can connect up to 10 devices. The provider also offers a free plan with access to servers in the U.S., the Netherlands, and Japan. However, the free version lacks advanced features and can only be installed on one device.
Performance
When connected to the nearest server via WireGuard, ProtonVPN ranks among the top three in our VPN list, delivering 950 Mbps. However, if connecting from Europe to a U.S. location using the same protocol, performance drops to 630 Mbps.
OpenVPN connections reach 220 Mbps, but if you have a fast Internet connection, you can stream videos through ProtonVPN without issues.
OpenVPN connections reach 220 Mbps, but if you have a fast Internet connection, you can stream videos through ProtonVPN without issues.
User Experience
ProtonVPN has a Chrome extension and standalone apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Most features are consistent across all platforms except for macOS, where OpenVPN and split tunneling are unavailable.
You can connect to the nearest server in one click. If you need a specific city, you can navigate to the map via the main menu, where you can manually set the connection path to your preferred VPN server.
You can connect to the nearest server in one click. If you need a specific city, you can navigate to the map via the main menu, where you can manually set the connection path to your preferred VPN server.
Privacy
ProtonVPN undergoes annual security audits. The latest audit was conducted by Securitum in July 2024. The audit results are available on the website without requiring an account. In addition to a high level of overall data protection, these reviews confirm that the company does not log user activity. To further enhance security, the company implements:
- Data encryption;
- Forward Secrecy that generates a unique key for each session.
- This means that even if a hacker obtains the key for one session, other VPN sessions remain secure.
Additional Features
ProtonVPN specializes in anonymity and offers numerous security-enhancing features, such as:
- Secure Core that routes traffic through a secure VPN server for extra protection in high-censorship countries.
- Alternative Routing that bypasses VPN usage restrictions by redirecting traffic through third-party servers like AWS.
- VPN over Tor that connects users to the Tor network for enhanced anonymity.
- VPN Accelerator that reduces latency when connecting to geographically distant servers.
- NetShield that blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
- Kill Switch that disconnects the Internet if the VPN connection is lost.
- Split Tunneling that allows users to specify which app traffic should go through the VPN.
- DNS Leak Protection that prevents ISPs from tracking users by routing traffic through encrypted DNS.
Onboarding and Support
Upon first launch, ProtonVPN offers an onboarding guide to introduce its advanced features, though this can be skipped if desired. The ProtonVPN knowledge base includes answers to common questions and troubleshooting guides. Free plan users can only contact support via email, while paid subscribers have access to live chat.
№5. Hide.me
Hide.me is the best service for those who need advanced-level settings. The VPN is suitable for streaming videos, gaming, and file sharing via torrents. Its 2,600 servers are located in 78 countries, mainly in Europe and North America. This is not as many as other services in our top offer, and furthermore, Hide.me does not specify which servers are physical and which are virtual. However, the VPN offers the best selection of protocols: from the familiar WireGuard and OpenVPN to IKEv2, SoftEther, and SSTP.
The free plan provides access to VPN in eight regions. However, it does not include features such as streaming, port forwarding, or multi-hop VPN. The price for the full version starts at €2.60 per month if you purchase a subscription for 2 years upfront. You have 30 days for a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the service quality.
The free plan provides access to VPN in eight regions. However, it does not include features such as streaming, port forwarding, or multi-hop VPN. The price for the full version starts at €2.60 per month if you purchase a subscription for 2 years upfront. You have 30 days for a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the service quality.
Performance
The Hide.me data transfer speed is average. When using WireGuard, it reaches 580 Mbps, and via OpenVPN, the speed is up to 260 Mbps. This is the second-best result in our top after Surfshark. On Windows, performance can be increased to a great 950 Mbps by enabling Bolt.
User Experience
The VPN service can be installed as an application on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Up to 10 devices can be connected to one account. Most features are available on all platforms, but macOS lacks detailed settings such as selecting the best location, IPv6 support, and the kill switch. Mobile versions of this VPN surpass competitors in terms of feature variety.
In terms of ease of use, Hide.me is the best VPN in our ranking. The free mobile app does not even require registration. To connect to the nearest server, just press the corresponding button. To select a location, go to the dedicated tab. Locations are displayed as a list, and you can sort them by country name, city, or ping speed. Servers that you frequently use can be added to favorites to save time in the future.
A separate tab in this VPN service is dedicated to streaming videos. In this section, you can connect to servers with the best capacities optimized for high-quality streaming. Detailed settings are located in a separate menu, and to make it easier to find the necessary feature, a search function is available.
In terms of ease of use, Hide.me is the best VPN in our ranking. The free mobile app does not even require registration. To connect to the nearest server, just press the corresponding button. To select a location, go to the dedicated tab. Locations are displayed as a list, and you can sort them by country name, city, or ping speed. Servers that you frequently use can be added to favorites to save time in the future.
A separate tab in this VPN service is dedicated to streaming videos. In this section, you can connect to servers with the best capacities optimized for high-quality streaming. Detailed settings are located in a separate menu, and to make it easier to find the necessary feature, a search function is available.
Privacy
The VPN claims that it does not store activity logs. The most recent independent audit in 2024 confirmed that the company adheres to its promises.
To protect data, the VPN service uses:
The legal entity of Hide.me is registered in Malaysia, where the government cannot force the provider to keep records of clients' personal information. If law enforcement authorities make a request to the VPN, it must respond. However, the risk that your personal data will fall into government hands is minimal, as Hide.me only records a randomly generated username and the assigned non-public IP address, which are deleted every few hours.
To protect data, the VPN service uses:
- OpenVPN protocol;
- IKEv2 protocol;
- encryption according to the highest international standard AES-256;
- SHA256 authentication.
The legal entity of Hide.me is registered in Malaysia, where the government cannot force the provider to keep records of clients' personal information. If law enforcement authorities make a request to the VPN, it must respond. However, the risk that your personal data will fall into government hands is minimal, as Hide.me only records a randomly generated username and the assigned non-public IP address, which are deleted every few hours.
Additional Features
Advanced VPN functions are designed for technically savvy users and include:
- MultiHop VPN that makes tracking difficult by routing traffic through separate entry and exit nodes.
- Tunneling via IPv4 or IPv6 that allows choosing the necessary protocol to speed up VPN connection and minimize data leakage risks.
- Split tunneling that enables specifying which applications’ traffic should go through the VPN.
- Kill switch that disables automatic Internet disconnection when the VPN is unstable.
- Script execution that automates routine tasks by integrating program code into the VPN.
- Bolt that increases OpenVPN connection speed.
- SmartGuard that blocks ads and phishing threats to protect against tracking and data leaks.
- Port forwarding that automatically opens necessary VPN ports for seamless gaming experience and large file downloads.
Onboarding and Support
The provider offers three platforms for finding answers to technical questions. The knowledge base contains detailed instructions on installing the VPN on all available platforms, as well as cybersecurity guides and analyses of popular myths. In the online community, you can communicate with peers and top industry experts. If previous methods do not help resolve your issue, customer support is available 24/7 directly from the application.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is the best option for customers who need only basic VPN features at a low price. The service can be used for enhancing online privacy, file sharing, and streaming.
The network covers 91 countries and 152 locations. PIA ranks first in our VPN top list for the number of servers in the U.S., with servers in every state. However, there are fewer servers in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Middle East compared to its competitors. For Internet connection, Private Internet Access offers a choice between two popular protocols, OpenVPN and WireGuard.
The subscription price starts at €1.99 per month when purchasing a two-year plan, making it the most cost-effective option in our top VPN list. If you are not satisfied with the service quality, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The network covers 91 countries and 152 locations. PIA ranks first in our VPN top list for the number of servers in the U.S., with servers in every state. However, there are fewer servers in Asia, Africa, Oceania, and the Middle East compared to its competitors. For Internet connection, Private Internet Access offers a choice between two popular protocols, OpenVPN and WireGuard.
The subscription price starts at €1.99 per month when purchasing a two-year plan, making it the most cost-effective option in our top VPN list. If you are not satisfied with the service quality, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Performance
Private Internet Access speed depends on the protocol you use. If you choose WireGuard, the performance reaches 436 Mbps, which is significantly lower than that of its competitors. With OpenVPN, PIA delivers a download speed of 257 Mbps, ranking third among the six best VPNs. This makes Private Internet Access suitable for gaming, streaming videos, and file sharing.
User Experience
Private Internet Access can be installed on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. All versions provide nearly identical features. In terms of operating system coverage, PIA is the best among the six VPN services in our ranking.
The main screen of the VPN application includes only essential features: a connection button, location selection, and real IP address ID. Detailed settings are available in a dropdown menu, which includes information on download speed, protocol, and session stats.
The main screen of the VPN application includes only essential features: a connection button, location selection, and real IP address ID. Detailed settings are available in a dropdown menu, which includes information on download speed, protocol, and session stats.
Privacy
The VPN's reliability has been confirmed through multiple independent audits. In April 2024, Deloitte verified that Private Internet Access does not keep logs and does not monitor individual user activities. VPN traffic is protected by:
- AES-256 encryption;
- OpenVPN protocol;
- WireGuard protocol.
Additional Features
Private Internet Access offers more than just VPN connectivity. In addition to basic functionality, PIA provides advanced features, including:
- Split tunneling that allows users to specify which applications' requests and responses will pass through the secure connection.
- Enforced DNS encryption that routes traffic through internal DNS servers to protect users from surveillance.
- Automation that enables or disables VPN when connecting to specific networks.
- Mace that blocks ads, trackers, malware, and suspicious links.
- Obfuscation that hides VPN usage from websites, making it appear as standard browser encryption.
- Timer that disconnects the VPN on a scheduled basis.
- Kill switch that disconnects the Internet if the VPN connection is lost.
Onboarding and Support
The VPN interface includes tooltips explaining how various features work, and the knowledge base provides detailed instructions for each one. Private Internet Access also maintains a blog covering its own releases and cybersecurity news.
Technical questions about this VPN service can be asked on the dedicated forum, where other PIA users and top experts participate. Additionally, support is available through a ticket system on the website, though responses in this case may not be very fast.
Technical questions about this VPN service can be asked on the dedicated forum, where other PIA users and top experts participate. Additionally, support is available through a ticket system on the website, though responses in this case may not be very fast.
Overview and Comparison
We have put together key VPN characteristics in one place to help you choose the best option:
What is a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) acts as an intermediary between the user and the website they visit. The service creates an encrypted connection channel, transmitting requests and responses securely. This ensures user anonymity: neither Internet providers nor hackers can track what information a person sends to or receives from a site. Even if cybercriminals intercept the data, they won't have the key to decrypt it.
Beyond increasing online privacy, a VPN can help circumvent government censorship, prevent price discrimination from services like Netflix, and bypass IP-based blocks. Traffic is routed through a remote server, so websites see a different IP address and do not restrict user access.
How to choose the best VPN
Before purchasing, make sure you understand why exactly you need a VPN. This will help you focus on the relevant parameters: for example, if you want protection against cyber threats, look for a service with a strong reputation, encryption using top international standards, and features such as ad and tracker blocking, antivirus, and phishing link detection. If you plan to stream Netflix, top speed should be your priority.
Here are the main factors that may influence your choice:
- Price. Review the subscription terms before purchasing and pay attention to details. Most providers offer discounts for two-year plans, but later on prices may increase.
- Compatibility and device limit. Your choice depends on the devices you plan to use the VPN with. Some services may not have a version for Linux or iOS. Additionally, check for device limits per subscription.
- Server network. Ensure the provider has physical servers in the region you need. Also, consider their distance from your location, as the farther the server, the higher the latency.
- Speed. Any VPN slows down your connection, but some reduce performance by 20%, while others by 50%. This delay can affect video streaming, online gaming, and large file downloads.
- Reliability. The security of your personal data depends on what information the VPN logs, whether it encrypts data using top global standards, and whether it is required to comply with law enforcement requests. Check if the provider undergoes no-log and cybersecurity audits.
- Additional features. Besides IP address spoofing, some top VPN services offer ad and tracker blockers, password managers, and antivirus tools.
- Support. Response times, availability, and communication channels can influence your VPN choice.
FAQ
Are VPNs legal?
In most countries, using a VPN is legal. However, if you live in a country with strict censorship, check if VPN usage is restricted. Additionally, illegal activities conducted through a VPN remain subject to applicable law. For example, some countries impose fines for copyright infringement if users download movies via torrents, and services like Netflix may cancel a subscription if they suspect that a customer is using a virtual private network to pay less.
Which free VPNs are best?
Free VPNs often make money by selling personal data or spreading viruses. Therefore, we recommend using them with great caution, checking reviews, and researching the provider's history. We suggest two of the best VPNs with free plans and strong reputations: ProtonVPN and Hide.me. These top VPNs are fast and reliable services that allow you to maintain anonymity, bypass restrictions, stream videos, or download files via torrents.
How do I choose the best VPN service?
When selecting a VPN, consider how you plan to use the service. If your priority is anonymity, pay attention to the provider's reputation, data retention and activity logging policies, and additional features like ad and tracker blockers, password managers, and antivirus protection.
If you plan to stream videos or play games using a VPN, choose a service with the best speed. Any VPN slows down the connection, but the degree of latency depends on the distance to the physical server and the protocol in use.
If you plan to stream videos or play games using a VPN, choose a service with the best speed. Any VPN slows down the connection, but the degree of latency depends on the distance to the physical server and the protocol in use.
Stay up to date with the latest Octo Browser news
By clicking the button you agree to our Privacy Policy.
Related articles
