Reddit is an extensive network where users share firsthand VPN reviews and in-depth technical discussions. The platform provides a rich and unfiltered source of information, making it an ideal resource for anyone looking to choose a VPN.
The strength of Reddit lies in its diversity and transparency. By sifting through popular threads in subreddits like r/VPNsAdvice, r/vpnrecommendations, and r/privacy, we've identified VPNs that consistently receive praise for their performance and ease of use.
This article condenses that collective wisdom into a concise guide to help you choose a VPN. Whether you aim to enhance your security or access international content, our recommendations are grounded in real-world testing and user satisfaction, giving you the insights needed to make an informed decision.
6 best VPNs according to Redditors:
- NordVPN - Reddit's top choice shines for its balance of speed, security, and price. It’s ideal if you prioritize a no-logs policy, versatile server options, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ExpressVPN - Lauded for its lightning-fast speeds and robust security features, ExpressVPN is a go-to option if you need safe and reliable connections across multiple devices.
- Surfshark - This budget-friendly option doesn’t skimp on features. With its user-friendly interface and an unlimited simultaneous devices policy, Surfshark is a top choice for network-wide protection.
- Private Internet Access - A solid performer with its expansive server network. It offers plenty of customizable settings and advanced security options, making it ideal for expert users.
- CyberGhost VPN - With servers optimized for different tasks, CyberGhost is praised for great speeds and ease of use, making it a favorite option for lag-free streaming and secure browsing.
- Mullvad - Celebrated for its staunch commitment to privacy, Mullvad VPN uses anonymous account numbers for user identification. It offers a straightforward pricing model, which is perfect if you seek simplicity alongside robust privacy measures.
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Our list of the best VPNs according to Reddit users takes into account a broad spectrum of needs and preferences echoed in community upvotes and discussions. Here’s how we’ve honed in on the VPNs that Redditors recommend, based on criteria that matter most to the community:
- Robust encryption and a proven no-logs policy
- Fast speeds and reliability
- Global server coverage
- Ease of use
- Cost-effectiveness
The VPNs that made it to our list excel in these key areas, garnering Reddit’s approval. If you’re keen on understanding the specifics of how each VPN measures up, take a look at our meticulous VPN testing methodology for a thorough breakdown.
| TEST WINNER NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | CyberGhost VPN | Mullvad | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | CyberGhost VPN | Mullvad |
| Ranking for Reddit | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
| Performance | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| Reliability | 8 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
| Free trial | ||||||
| Total servers | 6200 | 3000 | 3200 | 3386 | 11625 | 230 |
| 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 | 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 | Netflix iPlayer Hulu |
| Supported platforms | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android | Windows macOS iOS Android |
Best VPN according to Reddit users
NordVPN is the #1 choice in Reddit's VPN discussions, and for good reason. It's a powerhouse in the VPN market, known for its vast network of over 6,300 servers in 111+ countries. These include specialized servers like P2P, obfuscated servers, and DoubleVPN options for enhanced privacy. With its automatic kill-switch, NordVPN ensures your data remains secure even if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Coupled with AES 256-bit encryption, NordVPN maintains the integrity of your data as it traverses the Internet. The VPN also offers split tunneling, a feature that allows you to select which apps go through NordVPN’s encrypted tunnel and which can connect to the Internet directly. This feature is ideal if you multitask on your devices and require different levels of security for different applications. Redditors are also impressed with NordVPN’s Double VPN which routes your traffic through two VPN servers for extra security. Threat Protection takes security a step further by blocking ads and malicious websites. The feature safeguards you from online threats that lurk in the digital shadows. Beyond its impressive security features, NordVPN provides several premium add-ons for an enhanced experience. These include dedicated IP addresses, which can be crucial if you need to access IP-restricted networks without the usual hassles of shared IP addresses. NordVPN also maintains a user-friendly interface across all platforms, making it accessible to both beginners and tech enthusiasts. Its global reach provides you with an abundance of connection possibilities and the promise of high-speed streaming and browsing. TOP VPN CHOICE ON REDDIT: NordVPN is Reddit's favorite for its robust security features, wide server network, and user-friendly policies. With features like Double VPN, Threat Protection, and Onion over VPN, it ensures top-tier privacy and security. Ideal for those who value both performance and data protection. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our full NordVPN review. ExpressVPN offers a rich suite of features that make it a formidable choice among Redditors. Starting with the basics, ExpressVPN employs AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard your online activities. It pairs this with an automatic kill-switch, ensuring your data remains protected in case your VPN connection is ever compromised. To enhance your trust and data integrity, ExpressVPN utilizes TrustedServer technology with thousands of RAM-only servers. This technology ensures that all your data is wiped with each reboot. Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN also offers split tunneling, which facilitates flexible app traffic routing. The VPN also excels in speed, with fast connections that are ideal for streaming, gaming, and downloading. You also get an intuitive interface, which makes it a breeze to connect to any of the service's 3,000+ servers across 105+ countries. To match NordVPN’s Threat Protection, ExpressVPN provides Threat Manager that guards you against trackers and malicious sites. Its consistent performance across various platforms has earned ExpressVPN a solid reputation on Reddit. BEST FOR SPEED AND STREAMING: ExpressVPN is favored for its lightning-fast servers and strong encryption. With servers in 105+ countries, it’s ideal for streaming, gaming, and secure browsing in any region. 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our full ExpressVPN review. Surfshark has quickly become a favorite on Reddit for its balanced combination of affordability, speed, and advanced features. With a base of solid security offerings, including AES-256 encryption and an automatic kill-switch, it ensures your online activities remain private. The VPN offers several innovative features, including the NoBorders mode which allows you to navigate through restrictive regions. Additionally, Surfshark also provides obfuscation via its Camouflage mode, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular Internet traffic. This feature ensures that even your ISP won’t know that you’re using a VPN. Furthermore, Surfshark’s MultiHop connections add an extra layer of security by routing your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one. Although the feature doubles your encryption and anonymity, it often leads to slow VPN connections. Surfshark doesn’t just focus on security, though. Its CleanWeb feature enhances your browsing experiences by blocking unwanted ads and potential malware threats. The VPN’s affordability and unlimited device connections also draw many Redditors, as you get a full-featured VPN service without breaking the bank. GREAT VALUE WITH ADVANCED FEATURES: Surfshark is celebrated for its affordability and advanced features like MultiHop and NoBorders mode, which add extra layers of security. With unlimited simultaneous connections, it’s a great choice for families or individuals with multiple devices. 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our full Surfshark review. Private Internet Access (PIA) stands out in Reddit communities as a top VPN with its vast server network and highly customizable nature. It offers more than 35,000 servers in 91+ countries, which is the most for any VPN on this list. PIA also provides a useful kill-switch and adjustable encryption levels that let you find the right balance between security and performance. Although PIA comes from the US, which is one of the founding members of the 5-Eyes alliance, it regularly undergoes independent security audits to verify its no-logs commitments. Reddit users also laud PIA’s extensive level of personalization, which makes it ideal if you want to configure your VPN experience to your exact specifications. PIA maintains user-friendly apps across all major platforms, ensuring that even with its advanced options, the service remains accessible to all users, regardless of their expertise. The interface allows easy switching between servers and settings, making it straightforward to tailor the VPN to your needs. MOST CUSTOMIZABLE VPN: Known for its customizable settings and massive server count, PIA offers a highly flexible and secure VPN solution. Its strong adherence to a no-logs policy and personalization appeals to those who prioritize transparency and adaptability. 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our full Private Internet Access review. CyberGhost VPN garners attention on Reddit for its tailored approach to different online activities. It delivers on the essentials with industry-standard encryption and an automatic kill-switch that keeps your connection secure, even if the VPN falters. Redditors particularly appreciate CyberGhost’s specialized servers that are optimized for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. These servers ensure you can enjoy your preferred online activities without lags, buffering, or distractions. CyberGhost is also praised for its generous 45-day money-back guarantee on long-term plans, offering you ample time to test its capabilities thoroughly. Its user-friendly interface is another plus, allowing for easy navigation and server selection. Despite its many advantages, the VPN may sometimes exhibit slow speeds, particularly on distant servers. This may impact streaming or downloading large files. However, its broad network of 11,700+ servers and dedicated profiles for various uses generally ensure a smooth and optimized experience. OPTIMAL CHOICE FOR STREAMERS AND DOWNLOADERS: CyberGhost is popular among Redditors for its specialized server options, along with its generous 45-day money-back guarantee. Its user-friendly apps are suitable even if you’re new to VPNs. Read our full CyberGhost VPN review. Mullvad VPN is a low-key contender that consistently receives praise on Reddit for its rigorous privacy measures and straightforward pricing model. It assigns you an anonymous account number instead of a traditional username to enhance your anonymity. Redditors also appreciate Mullvad's straightforward pricing structure, which offers a single, fixed monthly rate. This transparency eliminates the confusion often associated with tiered pricing, making Mullvad a favored option if you prioritize budget predictability in your VPN service. Despite being located in Sweden, a member of the 14-Eyes surveillance alliance, Mullvad takes precautions to provide an extra layer of trust for users. It features RAM-only servers that store data only temporarily and clear it every time they are rebooted. It also underwent an independent security audit to verify its no-log claims. However, there are some drawbacks noted by the Reddit community. Mullvad's smaller server network can lead to occasional slow speeds and inconsistent performance, particularly with streaming services. Additionally, the lack of dedicated IP options may frustrate you if you need a stable IP for specific activities. PRIVACY CHAMPION WITH TRANSPARENT PRICING: Mullvad stands out for its commitment to privacy through anonymous accounts and consistent pricing. It’s highly regarded for its security-first approach, despite its smaller server network. 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our full Mullvad VPN review. 1. NordVPN
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Methodology: How Redditors evaluate the best VPNs
Opinions about the best VPN vary on Reddit, reflecting the community's rich tapestry of users with diverse needs and preferences. However, there are some factors that most Redditors agree are critical when evaluating VPN services. These benchmarks guide you to the VPNs that truly stand out among the available options:
- Solid no-logs policy: A strict no-logs policy, ideally verified by independent audits, is essential for Redditors to ensure privacy.
- Expansive server network: Reddit users also prefer a broad global server presence for unrestricted access to content worldwide.
- Reliable speeds: A VPN that maintains high-speed connections for streaming, gaming, and browsing is a must-have for the Reddit community.
- Jurisdiction: Users also take into account a VPN’s country of origin. They suggest avoiding VPNs from locations with intrusive surveillance laws.
- Value for money: Beyond just the price, Reddit users assess whether the cost of the service is justified by its features and overall performance.
These are just a few of the factors for choosing the best VPNs on Reddit. The shortlisted VPNs have also passed our extensive VPN testing process, ensuring they meet our high standards for security, performance, and more.
Do Reddit users recommend free VPNs?
No, Redditors generally advise against using free VPNs. The consensus on Reddit is that while free VPNs might seem cost-effective, they compromise on crucial aspects such as security and privacy.
Free VPN services lack the robust security features that premium VPNs offer, leaving you vulnerable to data breaches and cyberattacks. Additionally, these free services might collect and sell user data to third parties to sustain their operations.
Users also highlight the noticeably slower speeds with free VPNs, which can significantly hinder your streaming, gaming, and even general browsing experiences. Furthermore, free VPNs often have fewer server options and bandwidth limitations, further degrading the service quality.
Therefore, it's wise to steer clear of free offers when considering VPN services. There are several low-cost premium options available, like Surfshark, that provide affordable plans aimed at reducing the overall cost significantly. Additionally, many reputable providers frequently offer promotional discounts, money-back guarantees, and free trials, allowing you to evaluate the service without significant financial commitment.
VPNs that Redditors don’t recommend
Redditors are generous in praising their favorite services, but they also don't shy away from criticizing the VPNs that fall short. Here are some VPNs that don't meet the community's high standards for security, speed, or reliability.
Hola VPN
Hola VPN garners significant skepticism on Reddit, and our research confirms the reasons for concern. On the surface, it offers a user-friendly and accessible service, bolstered by a free version. However, its peer-to-peer model blends your resources like the device’s IP and bandwidth into a shared pool, which could expose you to potential security threats.
While Hola VPN’s paid version provides encryption and basic safety features, it still maintains an invasive logging policy. The company admits to logging your personal data and lacks clarity about its security practices.
Hola VPN also lacks efficient communication channels like live chat, which is crucial if you need prompt assistance.
PureVPN
PureVPN offers attractive features, such as a large server network and extensive device compatibility. However, several users have reported issues that make it a riskier proposition compared to other premium options.
The VPN doesn’t have uniform apps across platforms, which might be off-putting if you seek a smooth and reliable experience. Some users have also reported inconsistent speeds, which could affect streaming and gaming.
Additionally, PureVPN’s customer support is noted to be less responsive, which can be frustrating if you need immediate help.
Urban VPN
Urban VPN catches the eye as a free VPN but it’s actually marred by several critical drawbacks. The VPN faces stability issues and slow speeds when compared to even economical premium VPNs. It lacks crucial features like a kill-switch, so it could leak your data and identity if your VPN connection is lost.
Like Hola VPN, it operates on a P2P model, which implies that your device's resources could be used by others, potentially putting you at risk. The VPN’s browser extension is also a mere proxy, which only hides your IP without encrypting your traffic.
Moreover, UrbanVPN logs your data, including IP addresses, browsing history, and geolocation data. Since it’s based in the US (part of the 5-Eyes alliance), it’s obligated to turn over your data upon government request.
Best VPNs according to Reddit users: FAQs