Several VPN providers dominate the consumer market; all claim to offer privacy and security, but their track records and policies differ.
NordVPN offers a large server network, double-hop features, and independent audits of its no logs policy. It suffered a server breach in 2018, which the company disclosed after a delay. The incident raises questions about transparency and security practices. Pricing is mid‑range and features like dedicated IP cost extra.
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option with unlimited device connections and features like CleanWeb ad blocking. It recently merged with NordVPN under the Nord Security umbrella, which may reduce competition. The company is registered in the Netherlands, a member of the Nine Eyes intelligence‑sharing alliance, and its no‟logs claims have not been independently audited as often.
ProtonVPN is developed by the makers of ProtonMail and offers a free tier, open‑source clients, and strong transparency reports. It is based in Switzerland, outside EU and US jurisdiction, which offers strong privacy laws. Its server network is smaller than the above providers, and speeds can fluctuate, especially on free servers. Pricing for premium tiers is higher.
Mullvad is a privacy-focused provider that allows anonymous cash payments, does not require an email address, and has undergone independent security audits. It uses WireGuard as default protocol. However, its server network is smaller, lacks some convenience features (streaming support, dedicated apps for all platforms), and pricing is fixed without discounts.
Choosing a VPN should involve reviewing these factors, reading independent audits, considering jurisdiction, and understanding your threat model. No provider is perfect; treat marketing claims skeptically and avoid free VPNs that monetise user data.
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