Top 21 VPN Services For 2020

Best VPN 2020 text with scientist cartoon character

Searching for a VPN service can be a time-consuming experience, let alone finding the ‘best'.

With so many providers and so much outdated information, it can be impossible to weed out the excellent recommendations from the poor ones.

Thankfully, after more than six years of testing VPN services, we've learnt a trick or two about how to spot a reliable VPN service, so we've been scouring the web for the very top VPN services for this year.

We discovered there are some good newcomers, a host of reliable old names and some that have dropped in quality since last year.

But which VPN should you choose this year?

While there is a lot of VPN options, one sure thing is you can get more for your money and there are services that are a whole lot better than others.

Without question, our favourite VPN for 2020 is ExpressVPN. If you've got time to make some comparison, there are other exciting options.

Below we've listed the 21 Best VPN services for 2020 giving you plenty of options for securing your online privacy, unblocking TV services, bypassing censorship and more.

The Top VPNs for 2020:

Below are our top 21 choices of VPN services you should be using this year.

1. ExpressVPN

Mock up of ExpressVPN on different devices

ExpressVPN is one of the oldest VPN services in existence and they've cemented their reign at the top of the pack over the years.

The service retains no-logs of what you do while connected, which ensures your privacy and hides your online activities. This has been tested in an extremely high-profile case and verified with an audit.

If you've got plenty of devices, then their unbeaten range of apps will tick that box.

Apps are available for Android, Apple iOS, Windows, Mac OS, Amazon Fire TV / Stick, Linux and some select routers. There are even web-browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Safari.

One of the standout features is how well they work to unblock streaming services. Everything from Netflix to BBC iPlayer and more works perfectly so if you're a cord-cutter or overseas you'll be able to stream all your favourite shows.

If all that VPN-goodness wasn't enough on its own there's a whopping 30-day money back guarantee allowing you to take the service for a spin risk-free. Plus if you sign up now, you can save 49% off exclusively for our readers.

Our #1 Recommended VPN

30-day money back guarantee

2. CyberGhost VPN

Cyberghost Website

CyberGhost VPN is a provider that's been in the game for years and throughout 2019 and into 2020, they've been working hard to offer more than the competition.

Unlike other providers, they update their app in giant version steps. They recently released a significant update which made using their range of apps more uniform across all devices while making them even easier to connect and use.

Apps are available for all devices including Android and iOS, Windows and Mac OS, Linux, Routers and the Amazon Fire TV Stick. We really liked the Amazon app, which makes unblocking services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer and others a breeze.

In fact, for Netflix alone, CyberGhost VPN unblocks more regions than most, including the American, German & French Netflix sites. Plus their apps point you in the correct direction for unblocking other services.

The service allows you to use it on up to 7 devices at the same time, and they have what they call a ‘strict' no-logging policy plus there's an unbeaten 45-day money back guarantee.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN Deal

The NordVPN name is everywhere these days and you'll see their logo sponsoring tons of different services, Youtubers and more. NordVPN has become a behemoth of a VPN service.

Like all good VPN services, it has a no-log policy and in late 2018 they had this audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the largest audited companies in the world. If trust in no-logging is big on your list, then this is about as good as it gets in terms of reassurances.

They did have a security blip in 2019 which you may want to consider but moving into 2020 they've recommitted themselves to improving their security.

NordVPN's service offers an extensive range of apps covering all the most popular devices including Android, iOS, Windows, Mac OS and the Amazon Fire TV Stick. There's also a Debian Linux app and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

The apps are some of the best we've used with a simple interface with advanced features such as leak protection and a kill switch. Their Amazon Fire TV VPN app especially stands out for ease-of-use and quick interaction.

American Netflix is unblocked on all servers so you can connect to your local server and access the US catalogue. Other unblocked services include BBC iPlayer, NBC Sports, ITV Hub and many more.

There's a 30-day money back guarantee too giving you plenty of time to test the service.

4. IPVanish

IPVanish Deal

IPVanish has upped their game through 2019 leading into 2020 locking down what has been a reliable and reputable service for many years.

After some confusion in 2018 over a historical law-enforcement case, they reaffirmed their commitment to their no-logging policy which claims not to store any details of your usage or connection information.

IPVanish increased their concurrently connected device limit to 10 devices making this one of the most generous in the industry. If you've got plenty of family members or a large selection of devices you need securing, then they're pretty much unbeaten on this score.

A broad range of apps is available for Windows and Mac OS, Android and Apple iOS and the Amazon Fire TV Stick.

There's now a 24-hour customer support service, so if you get stuck you can get assistance regardless of the time of day (or night!). Their 7-day money back guarantee is a little short but should give you plenty of time to trial it.

5. VyprVPN


VyprVPN is another big industry name and a service that has been built on reliability.

One area that always let VyprVPN down was their rather lengthy logging policy but in 2019 that all changed. At the end of 2018, it was announced that VyprVPN is now a fully no-log VPN service. They even went one step further and published a full audit of this carried out by a third party.

This is excellent news because it means a service that is not only one of the best is now as secure as the competition in terms of privacy protection.

Apps are available for major devices including Windows, Mac OS, Android and iOS. Sadly there's no Amazon app, so if you're a Fire TV or Fire TV Stick user you'll need to look elsewhere.

The three-day trial was retired last year but for 2020 they have a 30-day money back guarantee matching other providers.

6. Website Jan 17

If you want a craft-VPN made by security professionals without the fancy advertising bells and whistles, then is the service for you.

They don't shout too much about their service so you may not have heard of them but putting their lack of marketing aside, there's an exceptional VPN service underneath.

There's a no-log policy of your activity although they do hold some minor connection logs, these are retained for just 24 hours securely and then deleted.

What sets them aside is their additional features such as high levels of encryption and specific modes and assistance for users in repressive regimes like China.

Apps are available for all major devices allowing you to use this security-professional quality service without needing a degree in computer science.

One area that lets the service down is lack of server locations. Servers are strategically placed across the world so should be suitable for most but you may need to check they've got servers near your location before signing up. The servers they do offer are faster than most.

7. Surfshark

Surfshark Website screengrab

Surfshark VPN made a huge entrance into the VPN market in 2019.

They've become one of the top providers recommended across the industry which is mainly down to the fact they've done almost everything correctly from the get-go.

With robust security and a vast range of apps that work on almost all devices, they will keep you secure regardless of what devices you use.

Not only are the strong on security but they're great for unblocking content from across the world and work with a huge range of different Netflix regions – more than most.

To top it off there's a 30-day money back guarantee and they have ultra-low prices on their extended subscription periods. Definitely one to consider this year.

8. PrivateInternetAccess

PrivateInternetAccess Website Feb 17

Everyone loves PrivateInternetAccess, or so it seems. They're one of the largest VPN services in the industry and most attractive is their low price.

If cost is an issue for you when choosing a VPN then PIA, as they're otherwise known, is where you should look this year. While their monthly package is priced similarly to many other providers, it's their 1 year packages where you can really make a saving.

At just $2.91 per month respectively, which is £2.19 at current rates, it makes them one of the cheapest VPN services available.

User reviews are good from this budget provider and in our tests, we also found them to offer a great service for the price. PIA servers have dropped from 33 countries last year to 29 this year.

They were also bought out by Kape Technologies at the end of 2019, owners of CyberGhost, our #2 choice.

One of their standout features is the ability to pay using gift cards which means you don't need to enter any personal details when signing up. Couple this with their no-log policy and you've got a secure service.

9. StrongVPN

StrongVPN New Design

StrongVPN had a complete overhaul in 2018 which makes them all the more useful moving forward into 2020.

They've got apps for all the most popular devices and their redesigned interface not only makes them easier to use but also better served to get you protected quicker.

Standout features include their 12 concurrent connected device limit and their 30-day money back guarantee. StrongVPN now allows you to connect more devices than any other provider at the same time with just one account.

While you're unlikely to need a 12-device limit any time soon, it does future-proof the service as IoT devices are ever more prevalent.

If you're a Netflix fan, then StrongVPN has you covered. They've been one of the most reliable for unblocking American Netflix over the past few years so if you're planning on cutting the cord in 2019 or you just want extra movies and TV the service has you covered.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac OS, Android, Apple iOS and a neat Amazon Fire TV Stick app.

10. VPNHub

VPNHub Website

VPNHub is a relative newcomer to the VPN industry bursting onto the scene in 2018. They have however got some interesting features that make them stand out from the competition.

One of the most surprising facts behind the service is adult-industry giants, PornHub owns them. There's no need to panic though because apart from ownership there's little to link the two services together.

What it does mean though is the service is supported by a company with deep pockets which hopefully means they'll be able to expand and offer features with higher speed and resources than other services.

We like their extended 7-day free trial. You're able to test the service without paying. You will need to enter some payment details but then you get a completely free unrestricted 7-day trial.

Apps are available for Android, Apple iOS, Windows and Mac allowing you to get secure on any device.

11. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN Website

ProtonVPN is a name that may sound familiar if you have an interest in online privacy products.

They're a Swiss team behind the famous ProtonMail. Renowned for operating one of the best secure email services, the team behind ProtonMail branched out into VPN services a few years back.

There is a limited free service but it is extremely minimal so you'll probably want to opt for one of their subscription services. These start from €4 but for more features, you'll want to check out their €8 package.

The service claims to be a no log VPN service and being registered in Switzerland means they're under no requirements to retain data on what you do while connected.

Server locations are a little thin on the ground and they do have fewer servers overall in comparison to the competition but they're still one to be on your radar this year.

12. AirVPN

AirVPN Website

AirVPN's website is like a throwback to the late '90s but don't let the weird exterior put you off.

It's a VPN service that favours technical users so if you're new to VPN use, then it's probably not somewhere you want to start.

However, if you like to delve under the hood and extended security measures are on your radar then it's a service you should be checking out to secure you in 2020.

VPN servers are available in just 20 countries. Hence, they're not quite as widespread as some of the other options, however, user reviews are favourable for the servers they do offer and speeds are above average.

There are some requirements for getting a refund such as not using it more than three days or transferring over 5 Gb of data. So test wisely if you're unsure it's the service for you.

13. website is based in the Seychelles which for all intents and purposes makes them an off-shore VPN service. In theory, this means they're not required to follow some of the requirements of services registered in the US or EU, for example.

In terms of no-logs, this is an obvious benefit. Their no-log policy hasn't been put to the test. Still, there are no recorded incidences and they publish a full transparency report about any requests received from law enforcement and other bodies.

Prices aren't the cheapest but they do offer VPN servers in 57 countries and there are a couple of unique features which we really liked about the service.

Apps are available for Windows and Mac OS, Android and Apple iOS and Linux devices.

14. TunnelBear

TunnelBear Website

TunnelBear is the service with the terrible bear puns but behind the cutesy character, there's a worthy VPN service.

You can try the service using their free-trial but it's hugely restricted and with just 500 MB of transfer, unless you're visiting websites designed in 1995 and that alone it won't be enough for most needs.

Their monthly service isn't overly expensive but the best savings can be made when signing up for a year. The service is excellent if you're a beginner who wants to protect your privacy or unblocking a few streaming services without being bogged down by technical terms.

Sadly it doesn't work with Netflix but for all other uses, it's a reliable service. While we won't be writing home to rave about it, there are some neat features that are worth checking out.

15. ibVPN

ibVPN Website

This small Romanian based VPN service has been around for many years but again it's one you may not have heard of.

They claim to store no-logs of your activity but again this hasn't been tested either in a court case, criminal case or via an audit.

However, in the time ibVPN have been running there has been no reports to suggest this claim isn't true, which is often as good as you can get.

The service offers apps for both Android and Apple iOS tablets and phones and Windows and Mac OS systems. There are however no additional apps for other types of devices although there are browser-extensions for the most popular browsers.

If you're not 100% convinced there's a 24-hour trial available. You'll need to give it a thorough test in such a short period but free is free.

16. IVPN

IVPN Website

If you're after trying some experimental modes then IVPN is a good place to get started. They introduced WireGuard last year into some of their apps and become one of the first providers to do so.

Outside of experimental modes, apps are covering the major devices such as Android, Apple iOS, Windows and Mac but that's about the limit to the dedicated apps selection.

While server locations across North America and Europe are widely available, they are more sparse across the rest of the world and apart from one or two locations in Asia and Australia, you may need to pass if you're on that side of the world.

Prices too are a little on the high side so if you're going to sign up, you're going to need to take their annual service because anything else is just too highly priced.

17. CactusVPN


Not many providers offer different package choices in 2020 so if you're after some options when you subscribe then CactusVPN's array of different options should be right up your street.

If you're just after a couple of servers in the UK or US you can make some huge savings meaning you don't need to pay for features you're not going to use.

For just a few dollars more you can get access to their entire service which spans 28 countries although if you're a P2P user then it's worth noting that only some of their locations allow P2P usage.

Apps are available for all major devices plus they offer an Amazon app for the Fire TV and Fire TV Stick which is an excellent bonus.

18. SnowHaze

SnowHaze Website

SnowHaze is a newcomer to the VPN industry launching in 2018 which is why we haven't ranked them any higher. However, they're an interesting VPN provider and definitely one to watch to see what they bring this year.

Registered in Switzerland this small privacy offering has entered the market in a big way. We like the fact the team behind the service is public all hailing from technical backgrounds at the Swiss Institute of Technology.

At the time of writing an app for Apple iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad is the only one available which is a big negative but we would expect more apps to become available as they flourish.

We really like the security provisions behind the service which include high levels of encryption and an industry-first offering the same login credentials for every user. In theory, this should make individual usage and sessions indistinguishable.

SnowHaze haven't yet proven themselves so exercise a little caution, however, as we say, one to watch this year.

19. AstrillVPN

Astrill Website

Astrill has made a name for themselves alongside VyprVPN at being the experts for bypassing censorship in China. While they're often attempted to be blocked they're still one of the go-to services if you're living or travelling in China, although not quite as highly recommend as they used to be.

Prices are a little on the high side and we would recommend avoiding their monthly package due to the cost.

Their yearly package is also slightly higher than the competition but more reasonable and if you're trying to bypass restrictive networks then the extra cost is money well spent.

Apps are available for the most popular devices including Windows and Mac OS, Android and Apple iOS and an extensive Linux app client that works with most of the popular distros. Sadly there's no Amazon app so if you're a Fire TV or Fire TV Stick user you'll need to look elsewhere.

Servers are available in 64 countries currently (one less than last year) and there's a 7-day trial period.

20. LiquidVPN

LiquidVPN website Jan 18

LiquidVPN is one of the longest-running VPN services that you've probably never heard of.

A small VPN services operating out of America they've been offering a more personalised service to customers across the globe for many years. If you're tired of the big VPN services with an impersonal outlook then head to LiquidVPN.

Staffed by a few security professionals your tickets and help request queries will be answered by one of them in human form, rather than a simple cut and paste robotic type response.

If you like to unblock streaming services then you may have better luck with LiquidVPN. Their servers have been less hammered by users trying to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer and the likes so it's more likely those services do not block them.

There's no app for Apple iOS devices so look elsewhere if this is a requirement but Android, Windows and Mac OS are covered.

21. IronSocket

IronSocket Website

IronSocket is another VPN provider which has been around a long time and built up a reputation over the years.

While they're not quite as well-known as some of the more prominent names they've continued to offer a respectable VPN service to users across the globe.

One of the standout features of IronSocket is less the VPN service but more the SmartDNS that comes with it.

The SmartDNS service lets you unblock most online streaming services with next to no speed loss. It doesn't offer the security of the VPN but if you're a streaming-fiend then you'll appreciate the speed benefit.

One area which lets down the IronSocket service is a lack of apps. They have some but for many devices, you'll need to set it up manually. If you're uncomfortable doing this then we recommend you stick with the likes of ExpressVPN, our #1 VPN service.

How to choose a VPN?

Before you start looking at individual virtual private network services, it's essential to consider some factors.

If you take these into account when searching for a VPN service, you'll end up getting a much stronger service in the long run.

Remembering to consider these when picking a VPN can save you a lot of wasted time and effort and ensure you're getting the most for your money.

  • No log policy: No matter what your VPN use is you want to make sure that the service isn't recording what you do. Almost all VPN providers claim this but it's worth drilling down into their privacy policy to see exactly how much this rings true. Some providers have also been audited or had their policy put to the test in other ways so it's best to stick with these.
  • Range of apps: The days of needing to set up a VPN manually have long gone. Look for a provider that offers apps for your devices. At the bare minimum this should be Android, iOS, Windows and Mac but more commonly the Amazon Fire TV Stick and Linux devices are being supported.
  • Concurrent connections: VPN services let you use their service on anywhere between 3 and 12 different devices at the same time. We've all got more internet-connected devices than ever so ensuring you can use the VPN service on them all is critical.
  • Money-back guarantee: Without question aim for a service that offers a money back guarantee. Some services only provide 7-day guarantees but opting for one with a 30-day money back guarantee will give you an entire month to see the service working in different situations.

Now you know a few of the crucial factors to consider when choosing a VPN, check out the options above.

Which VPN is right for you?

There's a lot of options when it comes to choosing a VPN service and it can be overwhelming.

One of the best ways to reduce that is to look at your main types of usage.

VPN Padlock Shield

There is no ‘one-size fits all' approach when it comes to choosing a VPN. With that in mind, we've listed a few of the most common types of VPN use to help you make a decision which VPN service to sign up for.

If you want strong privacy protection, choose ExpressVPN. Being registered off-shore and having a tested no-log policy gives you a higher level of protection than most. Couple that with industry standard encryption and there are not many providers that come close.

If you want a large range of apps, choose NordVPN. With apps for more devices than most, it's easy to get connected quickly. They're also really well designed which makes using them as a beginner a breeze.

If you want to secure a large range of devices, choose IPVanish. With a device limit of ten, they offer more connections than 99% of other VPN services. If you've got an incredibly connected household or small office then these are the go-to guys.

If you want to unblock Netflix and more, choose ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Both these services unblock more TV services than most, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and others all work well plus they can be streamed on most devices.

If you want to test without commitment, choose VPNHub. With a completely free 7 day trial you don't need to part with any cash to test their service.

If you want a beginner-friendly VPN, choose CyberGhost VPN. With helpful apps that show you where to connect for what purpose it's difficult to go wrong with these.

If you're a bit of a pro and want something extra, choose If you know what you're doing and want those extra security features then the additional VPN security features provided here will satisfy your needs.

What's the best free VPN?

After so many scare stories in 2018 and 2019, it's definitely not recommended to use free VPN apps.

Not only are they painfully slow but they also put the safety of your devices at risk.

Many inject adverts into your browsing sessions, have low data transfer limits and some are just downright dangerous either installing viruses and trojans onto your device or passing your data back to questionable locations such as China.

Nefarious VPN user

There aren't many VPN services that offer free trials these days so it's worth taking advantage of the money back guarantees on offer which allows you to test risk-free up to 30-days or sometimes more.

If you're still hunting a genuinely free VPN, then take a look here and here and this Forbes article for reasons you should avoid them.

Is a VPN necessary in 2020?

VPN usage is no longer reserved for the tech geeks and those downloading movies from questionable sources.

2019 become the year where ordinary folk started to take more of an interest in their online security and privacy and 2020 is the year where mass uptake of VPN services has become commonplace.

Not only are they great apps to protect your online life but they're also a sweet way to open up your online entertainment catalogue too.

Unblocking the likes of Netflix and watching BBC iPlayer from any country has become a big part of VPN usage.

Without question this year will see more security breaches and privacy issues and with so much extra content to stream throughout the year, 2020 is the year you need a VPN.

In Summary: Let's wrap this up

Our favourite VPN service for 2020 is definitely ExpressVPN as they've proven themselves consistently over the years.

They've been providing a rock-solid VPN service for the past few years and with the security features they offer and the ability to unblock more content than most there's little reason to look elsewhere.

We understand though that VPN services aren't a one-size fits all service which is why we've rounded up 20 other VPN services you'll want to look at this year.

If you can't make your mind up then take a look at ExpressVPN, if you don't agree with our assessment, then they've got a 30-day money back guarantee.

If you've got a little more time to do research, then take a look at some of the other 20 choices as there's little reason to look elsewhere.


Try our recommended VPN service provider

  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Beginner-friendly
  • High level of security

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Christopher Seward

Author: Christopher Seward



  1. Avatar zaumier

    my question is:owner of cyberghost is kape and kape has record of sold user data.then why cyberghost is in best vpns list?have you been given the money to list it

    • Christopher Seward Christopher Seward

      CyberGhost were acquired by Kape. There are no incidences of CyberGhost selling user data, nor of Kape selling data of CyberGhost users since they acquired the service. You’re free to make your own opinion though.

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