To fortify your online defenses and protect yourself from hackers, choosing the right VPN is crucial.
Not every VPN can provide the level of security needed to safeguard online activities. You require a VPN that excels in both security and performance, ensuring you’re protected from ever more sophisticated cyber threats.
While many VPNs claim to offer top-notch security, most don’t deliver on their promises. To help you make an informed choice without the need for exhaustive testing, we’ve conducted extensive tests and identified the best VPNs to protect yourself from hackers:
- ExpressVPN - The No. 1 VPN against hackers. With over 3,000 secure servers globally and industry-best privacy features, you’re guaranteed protection from hackers.
- Surfshark - The best budget VPN. Use it on unlimited devices, and enjoy open, secure, private internet.
- NordVPN - Offers airtight security, easy-to-use apps, low-cost plans, enhanced privacy, and fast connections.
- CyberGhost VPN - The most beginner-friendly VPN – but just as fast, secure, and versatile as the rest. Easy-to-use apps and a vast network of global servers.
- IPVanish - Simple apps across unlimited devices, fast speeds, and airtight security combine for a reliable VPN.
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In case you're wondering how we picked these VPNs, here’s a quick breakdown of the criteria we used (more on this further down in the guide):
- Cutting-edge security features
- Strong focus on privacy, including strict "no-logs” policies
- An extensive, worldwide network of servers
- Fast connection speeds no matter where you’re based
- Work on numerous devices (Windows PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, and more)
We’ll delve into more detail on each aspect in this guide, and how each VPN performed. You can also scroll to the bottom to find a summary of our testing methodology for additional insights.
TEST WINNER ExpressVPN Surfshark NordVPN CyberGhost VPN IPVanish Website ExpressVPN Surfshark NordVPN CyberGhost VPN IPVanish Ranking for hacker protection 1 2 3 4 5 Performance 10
9
9
7
7
Reliability 9
8
8
7
7
Free trial Total servers 3000
3200
6200
11625
2000
Payment PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
PayPal
Visa/MasterCard
Amex
Cryptocurrency
Unblocks: Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Netflix
iPlayer
Disney+
Amazon Prime
Hulu
Supported platforms Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Windows
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Best VPNs to protect yourself from hackers
Now that you know how we chose these VPNs, let's take a closer look at each one.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a good idea of which VPN is best to protect yourself from hackers, based on how well they perform, the security they provide, and other important features.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN to protect yourself from hackers, delivering high speeds and incredible security. ExpressVPN Demo We thoroughly tested ExpressVPN security features by bouncing between servers across the globe, streaming content in HD, and downloading large video files onto numerous devices. It not only ensured secure connections but also consistently fast ones, without any detection! ExpressVPN’s security credentials are seriously impressive. The automatic kill-switch immediately disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops, so your data is never exposed. It also uses a variety of encryption protocols, including 4,096-bit RSA keys, SHA256 authentication, and 256-bit AES encryption. These make it very difficult for hackers to decrypt your data. The DNS and IP leak protection also worked flawlessly. ExpressVPN is priced at a premium level, which may not fit everyone's budget. Although it offers great value for money, there are also several other cheaper excellent options on this list. ExpressVPN allows up to 8
simultaneous connections and offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Surfshark is the best budget VPN on this list, with unlimited device connections and easy-to-use apps. Surfshark Demo Surfshark's affordability doesn’t compromise its quality, providing robust and unrestricted online security against hackers. The provider offers more than the basic security tools commonly found in top VPNs. Surfshark includes features like ad blockers, anti-tracking tools, an “IP Address Rotator”, malware protection, a strict “no-logs policy,” and more. These not only allow you to change your online location but also boost your privacy, effectively defending you against a range of internet threats. We tested Surfshark’s global server network (over 3,200
servers in over 100 countries
worldwide), and it consistently delivered fast and secure internet connections, bypassing geo-restricted websites to give us access to premium content and safeguarding our online activities from various locations worldwide. With unlimited device connections and easy-to-use apps, Surfshark is great for securing your household. Plus, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind. NordVPN, an excellent VPN to protect yourself from hackers, consistently excels in key aspects: speed, privacy, security, and unrestricted internet access. Nord Demo NordVPN runs more than 6,200
servers in over 111 countries
around the globe. This extensive network enhances your online security, protecting you from hackers, regardless of your location. The provider offers a range of security features and tools designed with your safety in mind. Its custom VPN protocol, NordLynx, balances ultra-modern security with lightweight code for speed. It also offers a cybersecurity suite (Threat Protection), which blocks ads, malware, and online nuisances, ensuring a secure online experience. NordVPN is user-friendly and compatible with various devices, including iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and select routers. And if you ever encounter any issues, their 24/7 live chat support is available for assistance. New NordVPN users receive a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. CyberGhost is the most user-friendly VPN on this list, offering excellent security features that protect you from hackers. CyberGhost Demo With over 11,625
servers distributed across 100 countries
worldwide, CyberGhost ensures secure access to online content while prioritizing your online security. It supports various operating systems, including Linux, and offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, as well as apps for smart TVs and gaming consoles. CyberGhost places strong emphasis on security and privacy, strictly following a no-logs policy. It offers advanced features like automatic kill-switches and 256-AES encryption for resilient security. However, it lacks obfuscation, which may lead to VPN detection, potentially causing connection issues. CyberGhost excels at remarkable speeds, making it a top choice for safeguarding against potential hackers and enhancing online security. You can test it with a 45-day money-back guarantee. IPVanish stands as a reliable VPN, offering fast speeds, airtight security measures, and user-friendly apps on unlimited devices. IPVanish Demo IPVanish, a veteran VPN since 2012, places a premium on security and privacy, although some of its features may require updates. With a widespread network featuring over 2,000
servers spanning 75
worldwide locations, IPVanish ensures swift and reliable connections while fortifying digital defenses against potential hacker threats. You can install IPVanish on your router, or connect unlimited devices for comprehensive protection against potential hacker threats across all devices in your household. While IPVanish is based in the US, which may raise data privacy concerns due to the US’s membership in the Five Eyes Alliance, its transparent privacy policies guarantee that none of your personal or sensitive data is logged. Additionally, IPVanish’s servers automatically erase all your data once your VPN session ends. Every IPVanish plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. PrivateVPN, boasting roughly 200 worldwide servers, provides great value by offering essential features to protect yourself from hackers. PrivateVPN Demo Although PrivateVPN's server network is smaller compared to other top VPNs, our testing revealed impressive connection speeds. These speeds ensure sturdy online protection from potential hacker threats. PrivateVPN exhibited strong performance in our security evaluations, employing 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and automatic kill-switch features to safeguard our data and identities. Although PrivateVPN is based in Sweden, which may raise privacy concerns, we trust its no-logs policy and data retention regulations, which ensure that your browsing history and data remain beyond the reach of your internet service provider, government authorities, or any other entities. Plus, new users enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee, adding an extra layer of assurance to your online security. 1. ExpressVPN
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How we tested the best VPNs for hacker protection
The right VPN is your all-encompassing solution for a seamless online experience and enhanced online security, protecting you from potential hackers.
Here’s what you should look for when picking one:
- Global server network: The best VPNs have thousands of servers in countries worldwide, including smaller countries like Albania.
- Fast enough for HD streaming: You’ll need a fast enough connection to ensure online security, privacy and protection against hackers.
- Unlimited bandwidth: The best VPNs don’t enforce any usage limits, allowing you to engage in secure online activities while safeguarding your privacy.
- Airtight security: We only recommend VPNs that offer industry-best security, including 256-bit AES encryption, server obfuscation, automatic kill-switches, RAM-only servers, and much more.
- Transparent privacy policies: Our top VPNs are regularly audited by independent firms to confirm they’re maintaining your security and privacy.
- Easy-to-use apps: We only recommend VPNs that even the least tech-savvy people can use.
- Good value: Look for VPNs offering simple subscriptions and at least 30-day money-back guarantees.
These are just a few factors we assess before endorsing a VPN. Explore our comprehensive VPN review process for a full list to guide your choice for enhanced online security and protection from hackers.
How to setup a VPN to enhance online security
Once you've chosen a VPN from our recommended list, securing yourself from potential hackers is straightforward. VPNs might seem complex, but their usage is remarkably user-friendly.
You can bolster your online security against hackers by following these simple steps:
- Pick a VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download the VPN app onto your device(s).
- Open the VPN app and follow the basic setup instructions.
- Open the VPN’s settings and ensure the WireGuard protocol is turned on.
That’s it!
For added security, clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This will help remove your initial IP address from the servers and websites you’ve recently visited, making the VPN more effective in protecting you from hackers.
Can I use a free VPN to protect myself from hackers?
Most free VPNs raise significant security concerns.
Free VPNs have limited server networks that are easily detected by restricted platforms and websites. Even if you find a VPN with a large server network, it might still throttle your connection, leaving you exposed and potentially blocked.
However, there are also serious safety risks when using a free VPN.
Because free VPNs don’t charge a subscription fee, they often resort to less honest methods to generate profit. We’ve witnessed free VPNs:
- Harvest your data and sell it to advertisers, data brokers, and hackers.
- Insert ads into your browser. Sometimes the ads are for the VPN’s paid plans, and other times they’re for completely random products you’ll never buy.
- Host hackers and tracking software on their servers for a fee.
There are plenty of excellent cheap VPNs that don’t compromise your safety or deliver a terrible experience. Use them instead of a free VPN and save yourself a lot of headaches.
Conclusion
VPNs offer the easiest and most secure means to access online content, enhance overall privacy, and bypass restrictions. However, it's important to keep in mind that many online platforms actively attempt to block VPNs, and using one might violate their terms.
You can test the best VPNs without risk thanks to their money-back guarantees. Once you find the right fit, you'll enjoy enhanced security and privacy, ensuring your online activities remain protected, regardless of your location.
From $6.67/month
The No. 1 VPN against hackers. With over 3,000 secure servers globally and industry-best privacy features, you’re guaranteed protection from hackers.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 10 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- 8
- Server locations
- 160
- Free trial
- No
From $1.99/month
The best budget VPN. Use it on unlimited devices, and enjoy open, secure, private internet.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.9 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- Unlimited
- Server locations
- 140
- Free trial
- Yes
From $3.69/month
Offers airtight security, easy-to-use apps, low-cost plans, enhanced privacy, and fast connections.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.8 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- 10
- Free trial
- No
- Server locations
- 135
From $2.11/month
The most beginner-friendly VPN – but just as fast, secure, and versatile as the rest. Easy-to-use apps and a vast network of global servers.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.7 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- 7
- Free trial
- Yes
- Server locations
- 126
From $3.33/month
Simple apps across unlimited devices, fast speeds, and airtight security combine for a reliable VPN.
- ProPrivacy TrustScore:
- 9.6 out of 10
- Simultaneous connections
- Unlimited
- Server locations
- 75
- Free trial
- No
VPNs to protect yourself from hackers FAQs