Whether you’re streaming movies or downloading terabytes of torrent files, these cheap VPNs offer super-fast connections and great privacy. All plans include a password manager and Tom’s Guide readers can claim a free year of Backblaze cloud storage.

These services make the internet a freer place to be. But a VPN is no substitute for strong passwords and other online security tools.

1. Privacy

Every time you connect to the internet, your device shares information with the server it’s connected to. That information can be used to trace you back if it ends up in the wrong hands, especially on public wifi networks where hackers lurk.

A VPN can protect your privacy and anonymity by encrypting the data that travels between your devices and the sites you visit. But not all VPNs offer the same level of protection.

For instance, ProtonVPN based in Switzerland (home to some of the strongest privacy laws) offers the best privacy features of any VPN we tested. It’s also one of the few VPNs that’s transparent about its practices by making its apps open source and promising to commission regular security audits. Other standout features include a kill switch to stop the internet if the VPN connection drops, split tunneling for different apps and 256-bit encryption. PIA and IVPN are other top options for privacy-conscious users.

2. Speed

If you plan to use a VPN for high-speed activities such as 4K video streaming or gaming, look for a service that prioritizes speed and keeps bandwidth-intensive connections at around 20% loss. Casual users with faster internet connections should be able to get away with more loss.

PIA is one of the best choices for those who prioritize speed. Its fast connections and excellent geo-unblocking make it a good choice for streaming TV and movies. It also has a feature called split tunneling, which allows you to route different apps through the VPN at the same time, which improves performance even further.

Another great option is Mullvad, which offers impressive speeds and an easy-to-use interface. Its additional features include an anonymized payment system and further obfuscates user IDs using randomly assigned numbers instead of email addresses, making it a solid choice for those concerned about privacy.

4. Cost

The best virtual private network providers offer flexible pricing plans and a no-questions-asked refund policy. Many also offer a free trial period so you can try out the service before making a commitment. Read up on affordable VPN here at ssr 机场怎么选.

All VPNs slow internet speeds because they route your data through encrypted servers, but the fastest VPNs lose less than 20% of your normal download speed. Casual users with slower connections may not notice a loss, but more bandwidth-intensive applications like gaming or 4K video streaming may suffer. Look for reviews that compare relative Mbps speeds rather than direct Mbps comparisons to get the most accurate picture.

Mullvad is an exceptional choice for privacy-conscious consumers who want to avoid handing over personal details online. The company scores well for transparency, too, putting its apps, servers and websites through thorough security audits and promising to do so regularly. Other providers take a less hands-on approach, but they still do an admirable job of protecting your privacy and offer reasonable rates.