Our VPN service reviews are the result of over 40 hours of research on 120+ VPN companies from across the web. These reviews and our VPN guide help small businesses and startups find the best VPN service for their business.
The Best VPN Services of 2021
- CyberGhost
- ExpressVPN
- Hotspot Shield VPN
- IPVanish
- Mullvad
- NordVPN Teams
- Norton Secure
- Private Internet Access VPN
- ProtonVPN
- PureVPN
- Surfshark
- TorGuard
- TunnelBear
- VyprVPN
- Windscribe VPN
How We Chose the Best VPN Services
Given how much sensitive information we share on the Internet every day, it’s not surprising that people are always looking for reliable ways to protect themselves. A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, shields users’ privacy and information by routing all Internet activity through a network of secured, private servers, and encrypting your data.
With so many different VPN services available, choosing one can be a challenge. In creating this list of the best VPN services of 2021, we looked at four key factors that make a VPN service worth your business.
Security
Since one of the main functions of a VPN is to provide security to users, it’s critical that VPN services offer the most up-to-date standard security features. We looked for VPN services that use the highest level of available encryption (256-bit AES with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512); trusted VPN protocols, and some type of two-factor authentication, like biometric logins or multi-factor authentication.
Server Coverage
Your VPN connection’s speed and reliability are largely dependent on how many servers the company has, and where they are located. One of our inclusion criteria is that companies have a sizable server network spread out among several continents.
Logging Policy
Despite the fact that most people use a VPN connection to keep their information private, some VPN services log user activity and data. We focused on companies that promise a no-logging policy, and verified their assurances through a third-party site.
Free Trial
In addition to reading reviews of VPN services, it’s also a good idea to test-drive a few before paying for a subscription. Therefore, we prioritized VPN services that offer a free trial or free account, so users can see firsthand if the service works for them.
The 15 Best VPN Services of 2021
| Company | Price | Free Trial | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| CyberGhost | Monthly: $12.99/month 1 year: $5.99/month 2 years: $3.69/month 3 years: $2.75/month | 1-day | Visit CyberGhost |
| ExpressVPN | 1 month: $12.95/month 6 months: $9.99/month 1 year: $8.32/month | No | Visit ExpressVPN |
| Hotspot Shield VPN | Basic: Free Premium: $7.99/month | No | Visit Hotspot Shield VPN |
| IPVanish | 1 month: $10 3 months: $$8.99/month 1 year: $6.49/month | 30-day | Visit IPVanish |
| Mullvad | €5/month | No | Visit Mullvad |
| NordVPN Teams | Basic: $7/user/month Advanced: $9/user/month Enterprise: Custom quote | No | Visit NordVPN Teams |
| NortonSecure | Standard: $34/month Deluxe: $39.99/month Select: $99.99/month Advantage: $199.99/year Ultimate Plus: $259.99/month (All prices for first year) | 30-day | Visit NortonSecure |
| Private Internet Access VPN | 1 month: $9.95 1 year: $3.33/month 2 years: $2.69/month | No; 30-day money-back guarantee | Visit Private Internet Access VPN |
| ProtonVPN | Free version available Basic: $4/month Plus: $8/month Visionary: $24/month | 7-day | Visit ProtonVPN |
| PureVPN | 1 month: $10.95 6 months: $8.33/month | 7-day | Visit PureVPN |
| Surfshark | 1 month: $11.95 1 year: $5.99/month 2 years: $1.99 | 30-day | Visit Surfshark |
| TorGuard | Monthly: $9.99 Quarterly: $19.99 Semi-Annually: $29.99 Annually: $59.99 | 7-day | Visit TorGuard |
| TunnelBear | Free for 500 MB of secure browsing Unlimited: $3.33/month Teams: $5.75/user/month | No; free limited plan available | Visit TunnelBear |
| VyprVPN | 1 month: $12.95 1 year: $3.75/month 2 years: $2.50/month | 30-day | Visit VyprVPN |
| Windscribe VPN | 1 month: $9 1 year: $4.09/month Build A Plan: $1/location/month | 1-day | Visit Windscribe VPN |
CyberGhost
CyberGhost customers can choose from a monthly, 6-month, or 18-month subscription to the company’s VPN services. For as little as $2.75 per month, CyberGhost gives subscribers access to a network of more than 6300 servers in over 60 countries, including dedicated streaming servers.
Standard security features offered by CyberGhost include 256-bit military-grade encryption; multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Wireguard, and a strict no-logs policy. CyberGhost was also the first VPN service to publish a Transparency Report. Since 2011, they have been transparent with consumers about exactly how many Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaints, malware activity flags, and police requests they receive each year.
CyberGhost allows users to connect up to seven devices simultaneously, and supports most popular operating systems and apps. Potential users can try CyberGhost free for 24 hours, and they also provide a 45-day money-back guarantee for 6-month and 18-month plans.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly: $12.99/month 1 year: $5.99/month 2 years: $3.69/month 3 years: $2.75/month | 1-day | >45-day money-back guarantee >Can connect up to 7 devices >Kill switch available >More features at CyberGhost |
Pros & Cons of CyberGhost VPN Service
Regardless of the devices or operating systems you use, CyberGhost is likely compatible with them. This VPN service supports Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Firefox, Chrome, video game consoles, and more. They also have one of the most extensive server networks on our list. However, they only offer individual subscription plans.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Compatible with most major apps and operating systems >Servers in 60+ countries | >Maximum devices per subscription: 7 >No business plans |
What Customers are Saying
Customers feel confident putting their trust in CyberGhost because of how it compares to other VPN services. “I’ve tried many VPNs and CyberGhost has to be the best one in my opinion,” writes one customer. “Not only is it fast and reliable but the ease of use is incredible.”
ExpressVPN
With servers in a whopping 94 countries around the world, ExpressVPN assures customers are never far from a safe, secure VPN connection.
This VPN service provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with strict privacy legislation. Therefore, customers can also feel confident that their activity will never be logged, and their data will never be tracked or shared with third-parties. ExpressVPN also offers a Network Lock kill switch that will instantly block all Internet traffic if your connection is lost. Other advanced security features include split tunneling, zero-knowledge DNS, and 256-bit AES encryption.
ExpressVPN lets users subscribe for one month, six months, or 12 months. Users can connect up to five devices, and Express VPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices, as well as smart home devices, video games systems, and more. Their 6- and 12-month plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month: $12.95/month 6 months: $9.99/month 1 year: $8.32/month | No | >24/7 Live chat customer support >No-log policy >Allows torrenting >More features at ExpressVPN |
Pros & Cons of ExpressVPN VPN Service
ExpressVPN promises customers unlimited bandwidth, and compatibility with just about every Internet-enabled device, including smart home devices. This is good, considering that their discounted 12-month subscription is a higher price point than many other VPN services. Another potential drawback is that customers can only connect up to five devices simultaneously.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Unlimited bandwidth >Compatible with smart home devices | >Maximum connected devices: 5 >No free trial >Higher price point |
What Customers Are Saying
Many ExpressVPN customers tout the VPN service as the best one around, praising its speed and reliability. “It works seamlessly,” writes one long-time user. Says another customer, “It’s really easy to use, and doesn’t slow down or affect my speeds for uploads, downloads, and browsing.”
Hotspot Shield VPN
A fast VPN connection is important to many customers, and speed is one of the areas where Hotspot Shield VPN shines. They were named the World’s Fastest VPN in the 2019 Ookla Speedtest Awards, and many other leading reviewers rank Hotspot Shield VPN among the fastest VPN services around.
Although Hotspot Shield VPN does offer a limited Basic plan for free, customers will have to subscribe to their Premium plan to get access to these lightning-fast speeds, as well as unlimited HD streaming, 24/7 live chat support, and connections to virtual locations in more than 80 countries. The Premium plan also includes perks like free access to 1Password, Robo Shield, and Identity Guard.
Hotspot Shield VPN protects its customers with military-grade encryption, malware blocking, and no browsing activity logs. They also offer a 45-day money back guarantee, one of the best customer satisfaction guarantees in the industry.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic: Free Premium: $7.99/month | No | >45-day money back guarantee >24/7 live chat support >Kill switch available >More features at Hotspot Shield VPN |
Pros & Cons of Hotspot Shield VPN
One of Hotspot Shield VPN’s biggest perks is that they offer a free plan, although there are limitations. This is a way to test drive their services, as the company does not offer a free trial. However, they do give subscribers 45 days to request their money back if they aren’t satisfied.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Fast speeds >Free plan >45-day money-back guarantee | >No free trial >No torrenting available |
What Customers Are Saying
“I use this VPN every day, and it’s good for work, travel, and safe use in many countries,” says one satisfied Hotspot Shield VPN user. Other customers praise Hotspot Shield VPN’s customer service, speeds, and ability to give them access to otherwise restricted streaming services.
IPVanish
Besides providing users with unlimited bandwidth, zero traffic logs, 256-bit AES encryption, and multiple VPN connection protocols (IKEv2, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec), IPVanish also gives its customers the perk of 250GB of encrypted storage and back-up with SugarSync®.
IPVanish also leads its competitors with robust customer service support, available via 24/7 live chat, email, and phone. Users can also access information about updates, server statuses, and incidents via IPVanish’s System Status log.
Subscription plans are available for one month, three months, and one year. IPVanish supports all major operating systems, including WIndows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. IPVanish also offers VPN support for routers, to connect non-native IoT devices to the Internet. They have more than 1500 servers in over 75 countries, so customers can feel confident about having a safe, fast and reliable Internet connection no matter where they are.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month: $10 3 months: $$8.99/month 1 year: $6.49/month | 30-day | >30-day money-back guarantee >24/7 customer support via live chat, phone and email >Kill switch available >More features at IPVanish |
Pros & Cons of IPVanish VPN Service
Whatever your preferred operating system is, it’s likely that IPVanish is compatible with it. However, the only browser it currently supports is Google Chrome, which may be a drawback for some users. IPVanish also lets users connect an unlimited number of devices to its VPN, and offers a 30-day free trial.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Unlimited devices >30-day free trial >SugarSync® storage and backup included | >Only supports Chrome browser |
What Customers Are Saying
IPVanish’s investment in customer service seems to pay off with a high rate of approval from users. “IPVanish was helpful when I contacted them,” writes one customer. “Their customer support was quick and easy to understand, especially for someone as technically simple as me.”
Mullvad
For VPN users seeking complete anonymity, Mullvad is worth a closer look.
This Sweden-based company is set up so that no identifying information is needed at any point in the registration or payment process. When a new user signs up, Mullvad creates a unique 16-digit account number that is then used for all account access. Users can also pay anonymously, via cash or Bitcoin, as well as with traceable payment methods like credit card, wire transfer, or PayPal.
Mullvad is an open-source VPN service, which means the learning curve might be a bit steeper for those who are not especially technically savvy. However, for those that feel comfortable doing a bit more of the technical heavy lifting, Mullvad offers powerful protection for a relatively low cost. It’s price is published at €5 per month, which equals $5.78 at the time of publication.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| €5/month | No | >Connect up to 5 devices >Open-source VPN software >Email support >More features at Mullvad |
Pros & Cons of Mullvad VPN Service
While Mullvad is a powerful VPN service, because it’s an open-source software, it might not be for everyone. One perk is that Mullvad accepts anonymous payment forms like cash and Bitcoin. They are also an inexpensive VPN option, depending on the exchange rate. This may make customers more willing to try them, since there is no free trial available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Anonymous payments >Low monthly cost | >No free trial >Maximum connected devices: 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
Many customers say they found Mullvad after trying several VPN services, and have found it to be the best. “I have tried so many VPNs, and this is by far the best one I have ever used,” writes one customer. “Good price, easy to use, and no logs or privacy concerns.”
NordVPN Teams
NordVPN Teams offers VPN solutions for businesses of all sizes and industries. There are three business plan options: Basic, Advanced, and Enterprise. All business plans offer cloud business VPN, license transferability, a kill switch, two-factor authentication, AES 256-bit encryption, and 24/7 customer support. Businesses that need more features and control over their plan can choose the Enterprise option, in which NordVPN Teams will help you create your own cybersecurity platform.
Their scalable platform allows businesses to customize their VPN setup as they grow. Businesses can add user licenses, assign specific company servers, choose virtual locations, and decide which team members can access particular gateways. With a variety of servers in 33 countries, NordVPN Teams helps ensure businesses have a smooth network experience no matter where they are.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic: $7/user/month Advanced: $9/user/month Enterprise: Custom quote | No | >Dedicated account managers >AES 256-bit encryption >Kill switch available >Servers in 33 countries >More features at NordVPN |
Pros & Cons of NordVPN Teams VPN Service
NordVPN Teams specifically offers VPN services for businesses, with features including an optional dedicated server, and customizable Enterprise plan. They do not advertise a free trial, but a free consultation is available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Custom company gateways >Transferable user licenses >User activity monitoring >24/7 customer support | >No free trial |
What Customers Are Saying
Many NordVPN Team users praise the company for their customer support. “The customer service walked me through the steps I needed to solve my original concerns quite effectively,” says one customer.
NortonSecure
NortonLifeLock offers customers more than just a VPN service. NortonLifeLock’s comprehensive cybersecurity packages are ideal for those who are looking for solutions to a variety of Internet safety concerns.
NortonLifeLock plans — Norton 360 Standard, Norton 360 Deluxe, Norton 360 with LifeLock Select, Norton 360 with LifeLock Advantage, and Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus — include secure VPN services, as well as real-time threat protection, password manager software, secure cloud back-up, dark web monitoring, and more. The Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices, which may make it a viable option for businesses, especially those that expect to grow.
Norton Secure VPN is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. With more than 2,000 servers in 31 countries, Norton Secure VPN customers will have peace of mind knowing that a secure VPN connection is always available. Norton Secure VPN also protects its customers with a kill switch, no-logs policy, ad-blocking, and more.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard: $34/month Deluxe: $39.99/month Select: $99.99/month Advantage: $199.99/year Ultimate Plus: $259.99/month (All prices for first year) | 30-day | >24/7 live chat customer support >256-bit AES encryption >Money-back guarantee >More features at NortonSecure |
Pros & Cons of NortonSecure
For customers looking for a low-cost option, Norton Secure may not be the right solution. It is one of the more expensive services on our list, although it gives customers a whole range of security features beyond basic VPN connections. Customers can try Norton Secure free for 30 days to decide if it is ultimately worth the price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Comprehensive security package >30-day free trial | >Higher price point >Maximum connected devices: 5 |
What Customers Are Saying
One Norton Secure customer calls the company “the only one I trust for my business.” Other customers praise their customer service, with one user saying, “I have had to use their chat service several times, and every time they fix the issue. I continue to use Norton due to their great support.”
Private Internet Access VPN
Private Internet Access VPN offers some unique features, including the ability to pay for subscriptions anonymously with Bitcoin and gift cards from major brands including Starbucks, Best Buy, and Wal-mart. They also accept traditional forms of payment, like all major credit cards and PayPal.
Monthly pricing starts at $9.95, but those who sign up for a one- or two-year subscription will get an even lower price. All subscriptions allow users to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, and feature unlimited bandwidth, simple downloads and set-up, zero traffic logs, ad and malware blockers, and more.
Private Internet Access VPN has more than 2600 servers located throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. They protect users’ data with multiple VPN protocols, including Wireguard, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec. This VPN service supports a wide variety of operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and more.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month: $9.95 1 year: $3.33/month 2 years: $2.69/month | No; 30-day money-back guarantee | >Unlimited bandwidth >Email customer support >Kill switch available >More features at Private Internet Access VPN |
Pros & Cons of Private Internet Access VPN VPN Service
Although Private Internet Access VPN does not offer specific business plans, they do allow for simultaneous connections for up to 10 devices, which may be sufficient to meet the security needs of some small businesses. Their option to pay with Bitcoin or major brand gift cards may also be useful for small businesses when cash is tight.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Maximum connected devices: 10 >Anonymous payments accepted | >No free trial |
What Customers Are Saying
According to customers, Private Internet Access VPN lives up to its promises of being reliable and easy to use. “Easy to install — got it up and running in minutes,” writes one customer. Another customer says they experienced “no issues whatsoever while using the service several hours each day.”
ProtonVPN
Proton creates online tools and services that empower people to take control of their data privacy. Proton is incorporated and headquartered in Switzerland. This means all user data is protected by Swiss privacy laws and they can enforce a strict no-logs policy.
Founded by scientists from CERN and MIT, ProtonVPN was developed using the same approach they applied to their research: analysis, peer review, and transparency. All ProtonVPN apps are open source and audited so that anyone can use, verify, and trust them.
With more than 1,000 servers in over 50 countries on six continents, ProtonVPN offers a fast, reliable, and secure VPN solution that supports all use cases, including P2P file sharing, media streaming, accessing geo-blocked content, and anonymous browsing. They also offer a completely free version of their VPN service.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free version available 1 month: $10 1 year: $8/month 2 years: $6.63/month | 7-day | >AES-256 encryption >Supports multiple secure VPN protocols (IKEv2 and OpenVPN) >Strict no-logs policy >DNS leak prevention >Kill switch >P2P file sharing >Secure streaming >Tor over VPN >Secure core servers >Max connected devices: 5 |
Pros & Cons of ProtonVPN VPN Service
One major pro is Proton’s free VPN service that has no limits on data or speed, no privacy-invading ads, no malware, and a strict no-logs policy.
Their free VPN service also gives users access to security features, including DNS leak prevention, a Kill Switch, and the option to choose between OpenVPN and IKEv2 VPN protocols.
ProtonVPN’s Free plan may be sufficient for some individual users, but small businesses that need more resources and connections, or people who want to stream and share files via torrenting will likely need to opt for their paid plan. Because ProtonVPN offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, customers can try out their services relatively risk-free.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Open source apps >Free plan available >30-day money-back guarantee | >No live customer support |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers are happy with ProtonVPN’s open source, secure, and reliable VPN service. “The app itself is straightforward and easy-to-use,” writes one customer. “All in all I am very happy with their service, speed, and features. Also, ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, which is a huge plus if you care about your privacy! Five stars,” writes another.
PureVPN
If you are looking for a VPN service for your small business, wouldn’t you want to try the one that is also trusted by companies like SpaceX, Apple, and Samsung?
PureVPN supports these and other companies by letting remote team members connect quickly and safely to networks and files, regardless of location. Security features include an Internet kill switch, split tunneling, and auto VPN connections whenever a device connects to an unknown WiFi network.
This Hong Kong-based company offers three different team plans, two of which support up to 50 team members. For businesses that need more than 50 accounts, there is a “Dedicated VPN Server for Teams” option that will give your business its own VPN server. There are also individual plan options that let subscribers connect up to 10 devices simultaneously to one of PureVPN’s 2000 servers located around the world.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month: $10.95 6 months: $8.33/month | No | >31-day money-back guarantee >24/7 dedicated business customer support >Kill switch available >More features at PureVPN |
Pros & Cons of Pure VPN VPN Service
PureVPN offers a 7-day trial, but it will cost users $0.99. Since that is about as close to free as you can get without actually being free, it seems an odd choice to nickel-and-dime potential customers. However, the company also offers a 31-day, no-questions-asked money-back guarantee for individual and business plans.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Business plans available >31-day money-back guarantee >Maximum connected devices: 10 | >No free trial |
What Customers Are Saying
PureVPN has found a lot of long-term customers thanks to its simplicity, reliability, and friendly customer service. “I have used this for years, and never had any issues or problems,” writes one customer. “It’s easy to use and secure. PureVPN has been excellent in all aspects.”
Surfshark
Surfshark offers an affordable VPN solution for individuals and small businesses alike. Their two-year subscription plan starts at just $1.99 per month, and gives users VPN connections for an unlimited number of devices. Surfshark also lets customers sign up on a monthly or yearly basis.
Regardless of the plan they choose, Surfshark customers get access to some unique VPN features, such as Whitelister — a split-tunneling technology that allows you to exclude certain apps and websites from connecting to VPN — and CleanWeb — a built-in blocker for ads, trackers, and malware. Another interesting feature is Double VPN with Multihop, which lets you connect to two separate VPN servers located in different countries. This feature is a plus for security-conscious individuals like journalists and activists who may need to hide their actual location.
Surfshark’s network stretches across 63 countries, and boasts more than 1700 servers, all of which are P2P-friendly.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month: $11.95 1 year: $5.99/month 2 years: $1.99 | 30-day | >No-log policy >Unlimited devices >Kill switch >More features at Surfshark |
Pros & Cons of Surfshark VPN Service
Surfshark customers benefit from 24/7 customer service via email and live chat, as well as a library of tutorials and guides to help them find the answers they need.
With a 30-day money back guarantee, trying Surfshark VPN is virtually risk-free. Although they don’t offer any plans specifically for teams, with unlimited devices covered on all available plans, it could still be a viable small business solution. Another perk is Surfshark’s coverage for a wide variety of devices including smart TVs and video game consoles.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Unlimited devices >30-day money-back guarantee >SmartTV and video game console support | >No business plan |
What Customers Are Saying
Among customers, Surfshark stands out for their high-quality customer service. “These guys just don’t give up on customer support,” writes one user. “Every time I hit the live chat, someone answers me in 10 seconds.” They go on to praise Surfshark’s applications, server location, and affordability.
TorGuard
TorGuard gives business users a variety of options, with four different packages for business teams. This includes an Enterprise plan for customized security. Whether you need a VPN solution for 10 users or 100, TorGuard has you covered with unlimited speed and bandwidth, encrypted email accounts, a 24/7 dedicated account manager, and compatibility with all major operating systems and devices.
Security features include a zero-logs policy, the ability to bypass VPN blockades, and multiple VPN protocols, such as OpenVPN, Stunnel, PPTP, LT2P, IPsec, SSTP, and iKEV2. TorGuard gives users access to an extensive network of more than 3000 servers in over 50 countries.
For individual users, TorGuard offers four different subscription options: Monthly, Quarterly, Semi-Annually, and Annually. These individual subscription plans let users connect up to eight devices simultaneously, and users can try out the service free for seven days to determine if it meets their needs.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly: $9.99 Quarterly: $19.99 Semi-Annually: $29.99 Annually: $59.99 | 7-day | >4 Business Plan options >Encrypted email accounts >24/7 live chat customer support >More features at TorGuard |
Pros & Cons of TorGuard VPN Service
TorGuard offers customers flexibility in several ways. There are four different business plan options, based on the size of the team. Customized packages include a dedicated server. TorGuard also accepts cryptocurrency as payment, in addition to more traditional payment methods. One potential drawback is that it is only available for Safari and Firefox, not Google Chrome.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Business plans available >7-day free trial >Cryptocurrency accepted for payment | >Chrome not supported |
What Customers Are Saying
TorGuard has built a reputation among its customers for being fast, reliable, and affordable. Writes one customer, “I’ve been using TorGuard for some months now, and I would say my experience is very good. The program and the servers are reliable, and the value for the price is really good!”
TunnelBear
TunnelBear gives customers three options — Free, Unlimited, and Teams.
Their Teams plan aims to be an affordable, easy-to-use VPN solution for small businesses that need secure connections for two or more users. Each user on TunnelBear’s Team plan can connect up to five devices for unlimited secured browsing. Team plans also give subscribers a dedicated account manager, and centralized team billing and management.
Overall, TunnelBear’s model is built on being a VPN solution for even the most technophobic customers. Their interface is simple and clean, and they offer customer support through live chat and a variety of help articles. Users can test-drive TunnelBear through their Free plan, which offers up to 500MB of secure browsing. TunnelBear is available for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS devices.
TunnelBear regularly publishes independent security audits of their apps, so users can see for themselves how well their data is being protected.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free for 500 MB of secure browsing Unlimited: $3.33/month Teams: $5.75/user/month | No; limited free plan available | >No-logs policy >Kill switch >Email customer support >More features at TunnelBear |
Pros & Cons of TunnelBear VPN Service
TunnelBear is unique in that it offers both a Free plan and a Teams plan for businesses that need multiple users. At just $5.75 per user per month, it is among the more affordable small business VPN solutions available. However, TunnelBear does not offer a money-back guarantee, nor does it offer 24/7 customer support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Teams plan >Free plan >Affordable price point | >No 24/7 support >No money-back guarantee |
What Customers Are Saying
TunnelBear users like this VPN service for its efficiency and ease-of-use. “I have tried two other VPNs, but I find that the TunnelBear Pro version is easier and faster,” writes one customer. “It’s efficient, easy to use, and also reasonably priced.”
VyprVPN
VyperVPN touts their VPN for business services as a VPN solution for traveling employees, distributed workforces, journalists, and entrepreneurs.
They offer two business plans, VyprVPN for Business and VyprVPN for Business Cloud. Both come with unlimited usage, an easy-to-use admin interface, and their proprietary Chameleon™ technology, which scrambles OpenVPN packet metadata so it’s not recognizable via deep packet inspection. In layman’s terms, this means that VyperVPN users can bypass any restrictions established by governments, ISPs, or corporations without sacrificing security or speed.
Additional security features that come with VyprVPN services include VyperDNS™, VyprCloud, a kill switch, automatic public WiFi protection, high-end encryption, and a NAT firewall.
VyprVPN has more than 700 servers in 64 countries, and utilizes dynamic server switching to ensure that connections are always fast and reliable. This VPN service supports Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, as well as routers and smart TVs.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month: $12.95 1 year: $3.75/month 2 years: $2.50/month | 30-day | >24/7 live chat customer support >Kill switch >Unlimited bandwidth >More features at VyprVPN |
Pros & Cons of VyprVPN VPN Service
For small businesses looking for a VPN solution, VyprVPN is worth considering, as it offers two business-specific plans, in addition to its individual subscriptions. However, small business owners should be prepared to pay a higher price than some other VPN services. Another benefit is VyprVPN’s money-back guarantee, which offers a refund within 30 days if you’re not completely satisfied.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Business plans available >30-day money-back guarantee | >Higher price point |
What Customers Are Saying
Users around the world are fans of VyprVPN for its high speeds and clean, user-friendly interface. “I love that their application looks the same across all devices,” writes one customer who uses VyprVPN for macOS, iOS, and Android TV. “Overall experience is great.”
Windscribe VPN
Customers who are seeking a VPN service with more flexibility than a monthly or yearly subscription may want to take a closer look at Windscribe VPN. In addition to these standard plans, this VPN service offers a Build-A-Plan option that lets customers access the company’s features for $1 per location, per month.
All Windscribe VPN plans include such essential features as unlimited data and devices, access to 610 servers in more than 60 countries, and split tunneling. Windscribe also protects customers with 256-bit AES encryption, zero logs, port forwarding, and multiple VPN protocols.
Desktop users can create a proxy gateway, and turn their computers into secure WiFi hotspots. Customers using their browser extension apps can take advantage of unique features like TimeWarp, which changes their timestamp so they appear to be in the country through which they are connected, and Cookie Monster, which automatically deletes cookies after closing a tab. Windscribe VPN also offers R.O.B.E.R.T. a proprietary tool that blocks malware and pop-up ads on mobile devices.
| Price | Free trial | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month: $9 1 year: $4.09/month Build A Plan: $1/location/month | 1-day | >Unlimited devices >No-logs policy >Kill switch available >More features at Windscribe VPN |
Pros & Cons of Windscribe VPN VPN Service
Windscribe VPN offers customers a lot of options, including Team accounts for businesses. These accounts include all the features available on Windscribe VPN’s Pro plans, as well as centralized billing and an admin management panel.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Team accounts available >Free plans available | >3-day money-back guarantee |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers are sold on Windscribe VPN for being a fast, reliable VPN service. “Windscribe is the only VPN you will ever need,” writes one user. “I started with the free plan, and it was so exceptional that I made the switch to the paid service. Worth every penny.”
What is a VPN service?
A VPN service is a company that offers customers access to a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. They own and operate servers around the world, and are often headquartered in countries with strict laws against online surveillance and international intelligence sharing.
When an individual uses a VPN service, it masks their Internet Protocol (IP) address, and routes their Internet activity through secure, private servers, instead of more vulnerable public networks.
Besides establishing a secure Internet connection, most VPN services offer additional protection in the form of data encryption, ad and malware blocking, and no-log policies. People can also use VPNs to access content that might be restricted because of geographic location or government regulations.
Most VPN services offer subscriptions on an individual basis, although some offer VPN solutions tailored specifically to businesses. These services typically include all the basic functionality of a VPN, as well as additional business-oriented benefits like account managers, dedicated servers, additional customer support, and more. Whether you need a business VPN plan, or just an individual plan will depend on the size of your organization, how many devices you need to connect to the VPN, and the amount of support you will need.
Benefits of VPN services
Regardless of the type of small business you manage, it’s likely that at least some of your operations require online activity, making VPN services valuable.
- Better security: Using a VPN service is one of the best ways to ensure that any sensitive data you or your employees send or access is protected from hackers and data breaches. Adding extra layers of security before there is a problem can save you a lot of time, money, and stress later.
- Easier remote access: While all the devices located in your company’s on-site work locations might be securely connected to your data centers, what about when you or an employee need to log in from a remote location? A VPN service ensures that whenever you have to use a public WiFi connection, any data that is accessed remains private and secured. This also provides a more nimble solution to remote access than having IT install special VPN software on all of an employee’s devices.
- Geographic independence: If international travel is a key part of your business, a VPN service will ensure that you or your employees are not hindered by any local Internet access restrictions and regulations.
What to look for in a VPN service
Every small business has its own unique needs that will guide which VPN service is ideal, but there are a few key features that you should examine before subscribing to a VPN service.
- Server coverage: You want your VPN connection to be fast and reliable, and that has a lot to do with where your service providers servers are located. Most VPN service providers will list the countries and often cities where they have servers. Review this information to ensure that there are servers in optimal locations for your business.
- Logging policy: Many VPN services have strict no-logging policies, meaning they do not track any of their users’ data or keep any records of users’ activity. However, some businesses do require VPN logs for auditing or other purposes. If this is the case, you may want to look for a VPN service that gives you the option to log activity on the VPN.
- Activity management: These tools act much like parental controls. Do you want to monitor and control where your employees can go using their VPN connection? If so, look for VPN services that offer more robust activity management features.
The Cost of VPN services
VPN service subscriptions are usually managed by length of time, with lower per-month prices for longer subscriptions, like one or two years, than for short-term, monthly subscriptions. The cost of a monthly subscription usually ranges from $9-$13 per month, while annual or biannual subscriptions can start as low as $1.99 per month. These different prices usually don’t reflect different levels of services or features offered by the plan. Rather, they reward customers who sign on for longer terms with discounted prices.
Some companies also offer free plans, but these are usually limited to a single device, or a certain amount of bandwidth per day, and are likely not a feasible solution for a small business.
When considering pricing for VPN services, be sure to look at how many devices you can connect with a single account, to confirm that the plan you choose will support all of the devices you need to connect to run your business. If a single-subscriber plan is insufficient for your needs, look for companies that offer enterprise plans. Often these are customized based on your needs, so pricing may be done on a per-quote basis.
