[best vpn for torrenting reddit 2019 vpn for laptop], best vpn for torrenting reddit 2019 > Get access now best vpn for torrenting reddit 2019 vpn for firestick kodi, best vpn for torrenting reddit 2019 > Get the deal (TopVPN) how to best vpn for torrenting reddit 2019 for. Kill Switch a Must. But PIA is not the only VPN recommended by the folks over at Reddit as some others are also highlighted. Services such as ExpressVPN, BTGuard, TorGuard and AirVPN also get compliments for their complete services and anonymous torrenting permissions.
What Is BitTorrent, Anyway?
BitTorrent has an unsavory reputation, one that is both unfair and yet also well deserved. At its best, BitTorrent addresses the bottleneck created when too many people try to download the same files from a single source at once—be they bootlegged tv shows, hot music tracks, DRM-free books, or photos of cats. BitTorrent turns a file's popularity into a benefit, instead of a bottleneck, by having each of the downloaders distribute pieces of the file to every other downloader. Furthermore, it's decentralized, with no main server to choke under the burden of traffic. There's no disputing that torrenting is a clever idea. While it can be used for legitimate purposes, its decentralized nature also makes it perfect for illegally sharing copyrighted content online, too.
BitTorrent's dubious distinction as the pirate's tool of choice has led to indiscriminate crackdowns from ISPs on the use of BitTorrent. With a virtual private network, or VPN, your traffic is encrypted and secured to ensure that no one can see what you're up to—even when you're torrenting. The catch is, not every VPN service allows BitTorrent on its servers.
Editors' Note: IPVanish is owned by j2 Global, the parent company of PCMag's publisher, Ziff Davis.
The Best VPN Deals This Week*
- IPVanish — 77 percent off three-year plan ($99; Original Price $431.64)
- NordVPN — 75 percent off three-year plan ($107.55)
- Private Internet Access — 67 percent off one-year plan ($39.95; Original Price $119.40)
- TunnelBear — 58 percent off two-year plan ($99.99; Original Price $239.76)
- TorGuard — 50 percent off one-year plan ($29.99 after coupon PCMAG)
*Deals are selected by our partner, TechBargains
What Is a VPN?
When you surf the web, your internet traffic isn't necessarily secure. Someone could be lurking on the same network as you, monitoring your activities. That's especially true when you're using a public Wi-Fi network. Clever attackers can even create bogus Wi-Fi networks that impersonate legit ones, tricking you into connecting and exposing your personal information.
Your ISP also has remarkable insight into what you do online, and has even been given the green light to sell anonymized user metadata. Thanks, Congress! But with a VPN, they won't be able to see what you're up to. That will come in handy when we get back to talking about torrenting.
VPNs work by routing your web traffic through an encrypted tunnel between your computer and a server operated by the VPN company. Anyone snooping on your activities, even if they are the ones running the network, won't be able to see what you're up to. Even the ISPs will be blind. Advertisers and others on the web will have a harder time tracking your movements because your true IP address is hidden behind that of the VPN server and your traffic is mixed in with everyone else on that server.
Using a VPN goes a long way to improving your personal security, but it's not a bulletproof, magical solution. When it comes to security, we often say that it's better to think of tools like VPNs as raising the effort required to successfully attack you. If someone is willing to invest the time and money in targeting you specifically, they will eventually get what they're after. A VPN needs to be part of a layered approach to security and can't take the place of critical tools, such as good antivirus software.
Everything Is Free Now
We often receive emails asking about the interplay between VPNs and BitTorrent. Some of them have included admissions of piracy, and even justifications for it. One reader bemoaned the difficulty in finding legal avenues for material that is out of print or just hard to obtain or not available for sale in a given locale. We sympathize. The state of the public domain has been woefully neglected, and market forces and regional distribution deals often keep worthy art and materials out of the hands of those who want it, even if they are willing to pay for it. But no matter how just the reasoning, the law (however problematic) is the law. ISPs and, yes, other web companies, are often compelled to answer when rights holders come with a list of offenses carried out on their data infrastructure.
If you are going to use BitTorrent for whatever reason, good luck to you. If you are going to use a VPN, more power to you. But be sure that you take the time to read the VPN's terms of service before you start. And be aware of the local laws and possible penalties before you start, whatever your willingness to obey them. 'I didn't know the law,' or 'I don't agree with the law,' won't hold up as defenses in a court, so make sure you can live with any potential punishments should you choose to do something legally dubious.
Will a VPN Hide My Torrenting From My ISP or the Police?
The short answer is that, yes, a VPN can shield your online activities from your ISP. And that's a good thing, not only if you have legally iffy torrenting habits, but also because it protects your privacy in general. An online survey of 1,000 conducted by PCMag found that 25 percent of respondents named ISPs as the biggest threat to their online privacy. That's entirely correct.
As we said, however: no security tool is bulletproof. On paper, a VPN should prevent your ISP from seeing your traffic as it flows across the web. It should also make it much, much harder for someone on the outside to identify particular traffic as yours.
That said, there are always exceptions. Time and time again, user error and efforts by law enforcement have undermined the protection offered by services like Tor or VPNs. Timing attacks, for example, can correlate packet traffic at a VPN server with activity on your own network.
In some cases, the problem may be the VPN itself. If the VPN company keeps copious logs about user activity (specifically, the identity of the user, which server they connected to, when) that information could potentially be obtained by law enforcement.
Can I Use BitTorrent on My VPN?
Most VPN services are completely fine with you using BitTorrent or P2P services while using their products. All of our top-rated VPN services do not prohibit file sharing.
Even the services that do allow torrenting often have restrictions. Some, for example, may require that you only use BitTorrent when connected to specific VPN servers. NordVPN labels the servers where torrenting is acceptable. TorGuard VPN, on the other hand, does not make any distinction about user traffic, so you can torrent to your heart's content. Note that pretty much every VPN service that allows torrenting also explicitly forbids breaking copyright law, or otherwise abusing the service.
Some VPNs have tools that are particularly useful for torrenting. NordVPN is one of several companies that offer static IP addresses for purchase, which can desirable in some circumstances. TorGuard VPN has built its entire reputation around protecting torrenters . In addition to the usual VPN protection, TorGuard also offers static IP addresses and access to special high-bandwidth connections, for an additional fee.
See How We Test VPNs
What About Speeds?
When you use a VPN, your web traffic is usually traveling through more fiber and more machines. The practical upshot is that your connection speeds are affected by all that extra distance. For large torrents, this can mean a longer wait before you get the completed file.
A quick note about VPN testing: networks are finnicky things, and we don't claim our work to be the be-all and end-all of VPN speed testing. Instead, this is a snapshot of how a particular service performed on a specific day. We also don't think that speeds should be the only metric used to evaluate a VPN, but it's clearly of concern to BitTorrent users.
In my latest round of testing, I compared speed test results with and without a VPN running. I used the Ookla speed test tool, and present the results below. Note that these are in order of score, with the top score in each category marked with italicized red text.
Right now, we consider HideIPVPN the fastest VPN among those we've tested. That said, speed shouldn't been the primary consideration when purchasing a VPN—even if you're planning on using your VPN exclusively for Torrenting.
VPN Reliability and Accessibility Issues
The extra stops and processes for your data and the distance introduced by VPNs can make a normal browsing experience somewhat hiccup-y . Suddenly losing connectivity while the VPN resets is mildly annoying in day-to-day life, but we could see how such interruptions could really slow down a large BitTorrent download.
![Best Vpn For Torrenting Reddit Best Vpn For Torrenting Reddit](https://gobestvpn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/best-vpns-torrenting-reddit.jpg)
If you plan on using a VPN while torrenting, consider the ramifications of the Kill Switch. This feature, found in most VPN services, prevents apps from sending data via the internet when the VPN is disconnected. The idea is that it prevents any information from being transmitted in the clear. The avid BitTorrent downloader needs to decide if they want total and complete protection, or would rather not have their download interrupted.
Location, Location, Location
While VPN services have servers all over the world, each company's headquarters do have to be based somewhere on the planet. And that somewhere might have data retention laws that require the VPN company to either collect and maintain user data for a set period of time.
Understanding what kind of information a VPN service collects, and how long it is maintained, can be hard to figure out. To get the answer, you may have to wade through unending FAQ pages and opaque terms of service written in arcane legalese. If the VPN company you're considering can't clearly explain what information it gathers and how long it will be kept, it's probably not a great service.
When we review VPNs, we make a point to ask service representatives about what efforts they take to secure customers' privacy. You can read through our full reviews to see their answers. So far, the majority of services have shown that they take protecting user privacy very seriously.
Note that national and international law as it relates to data storage and whether that data can be turned over to law enforcement is complicated and constantly changing. A good service today might choose or be compelled to alter its policies tomorrow, so pay attention to any updates to the terms of service.
Encrypt Your Torrent Traffic
Perhaps you'll decide that all this effort isn't worth it just to secure your BitTorrent downloads. But even so, you should keep in mind that a VPN is still the best way to keep your internet traffic private and secure. Whether you decide to spring for a premium account, you're looking for a cheap VPN, or you want to dip your toe in with a free VPN, it's about time you started living the encrypted lifestyle.
Best VPNs for BitTorrent Featured in This Roundup:
NordVPN Review
MSRP: $11.95
Pros: More than 5,200 servers in diverse locations worldwide. Unique, specialized servers. Six simultaneous connections. P2P allowed. Browser apps. Blocks ads, other web threats. Strong customer privacy stance.Cons: Expensive. Cannot purchase additional simultaneous connections.Bottom Line: NordVPN wraps a slick client around a strong collection of features for securing your online activities and an enormous network of servers. Earning a rare 5-star rating, it's our top pick for VPNs.Read ReviewPrivate Internet Access VPN Review
MSRP: $9.95
Pros: Well designed app. Allows ten simultaneous connections. Above average number of available servers. Advanced security settings. Ad blocking. Supports P2P file sharing and BitTorrent. Multiplatform support. Strong stance on customer privacy.Cons: No free version. No specialized servers.Bottom Line: Private Internet Access offers a robust VPN service with an excellent new app interface and up to 10 simultaneous connections. It's a strong choice for large families or people with many devices in need of VPN protection. Read ReviewTunnelBear VPN Review
MSRP: $9.99
Pros: Affordable. Excellent privacy policies. Annual independent audits. Friendly, approachable design. Browser extensions, including stand-alone ad blocker. Good speed test results. Bears.Cons: Lack of geographic diversity in server locations.Bottom Line: If you're tired of edgy security products, let the strong-but-cute bears of TunnelBear VPN defend your web traffic. Easy to use and easily affordable, it's an Editors' Choice winner.Read ReviewCyberGhost VPN Review
MSRP: $12.99
Pros: Offers seven licenses with a subscription. Good server distribution. Strong privacy policy. Excellent and unique features.Cons: Expensive.Bottom Line: CyberGhost offers an excellent VPN product with strong, unique features not found elsewhere, along with a generous number of simultaneous connections. It's expensive, however.Read ReviewIPVanish VPN Review
MSRP: $11.99
Pros: 10 simultaneous connections. Good geographic diversity of servers. Allows BitTorrenting. Automatic IP address cycling.Cons: Unwelcoming interface. Limited global server presence.Bottom Line: VPN service IPVanish secures your web traffic from prying eyes. It packs powerful features veteran VPN users will appreciate, and presents a good value overall, although its interface may intimidate the less experienced.Read ReviewTorGuard VPN Review
MSRP: $9.99
Pros: Affordable. Numerous servers spread across the globe. Lets you easily add simultaneous connections. Many add-ons. Good speed test scores.Cons: Clunky client. No free subscription.Bottom Line: TorGuard VPN is the best bet for BitTorrent seeders and leechers looking to secure their web traffic. It's packed with features sure to appeal to security wonks, though its client is clunky.Read ReviewExpressVPN Review
MSRP: $12.95
Pros: Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers. Strong privacy policy. Supports OpenVPN protocol across all platforms. Allows P2P and BitTorrent. Simple interface. Greatly improved performance.Cons: Expensive. Few simultaneous connections allowed.Bottom Line: ExpressVPN is a comprehensive VPN service with an impressive server fleet and excellent features. But, compared with the competition, it allows for fewer simultaneous connections, and it's more expensive. Read ReviewHideIPVPN Review
MSRP: $9.99
Pros: Best speed test scores. Simple interface. Allows P2P, BitTorrent activity on specific servers. Supports legacy and niche protocols.Cons: Tiny number of servers in just 11 countries. Offers fewer licenses than the competition. Confusing pricing structure.Bottom Line: HideIPVPN is the fastest VPN yet in our testing, but it has a tiny number of servers and offers fewer licenses than the competition.Read ReviewProtonVPN Review
MSRP: $10.00
Pros: Excellent free version. Flexible, low-cost plans. Focus on physical security. Excellent privacy policies. Slick, accessible client. Multi-hop VPN to secure locations and Tor connections. P2P friendly. ProtonMail bundle available.Cons: Few servers and locations. Difficult to find fastest servers. Full access to servers and features only at highest pay level.Bottom Line: ProtonVPN doesn't have as many servers as much of the competition, but its focus on exacting security at an affordable price tag makes it a compelling choice. Plus, its free version is the best we've tested so far.Read ReviewHide.me VPN Review
MSRP: $9.99
Pros: Simple design. Excellent privacy policy. Good speed test scores. BitTorrent friendly. Supports anonymous payments. Advanced features.Cons: Comparably few servers. No specialized servers. Unintuitive design. Some protocols limited to higher tiers.Bottom Line: VPN service Hide.me is affordable, has an excellent privacy policy, and offers solid technology. Its client app can be a pain to use, however, and some VPN protocols are limited to higher tiers.Read Review
Best VPNs for BitTorrent Featured in This Roundup:
NordVPN Review
MSRP: $11.95Pros: More than 5,200 servers in diverse locations worldwide. Unique, specialized servers. Six simultaneous connections. P2P allowed. Browser apps. Blocks ads, other web threats. Strong customer privacy stance.Cons: Expensive. Cannot purchase additional simultaneous connections.Bottom Line: NordVPN wraps a slick client around a strong collection of features for securing your online activities and an enormous network of servers. Earning a rare 5-star rating, it's our top pick for VPNs.Read ReviewPrivate Internet Access VPN Review
MSRP: $9.95Pros: Well designed app. Allows ten simultaneous connections. Above average number of available servers. Advanced security settings. Ad blocking. Supports P2P file sharing and BitTorrent. Multiplatform support. Strong stance on customer privacy.Cons: No free version. No specialized servers.Bottom Line: Private Internet Access offers a robust VPN service with an excellent new app interface and up to 10 simultaneous connections. It's a strong choice for large families or people with many devices in need of VPN protection.Read ReviewTunnelBear VPN Review
MSRP: $9.99Pros: Affordable. Excellent privacy policies. Annual independent audits. Friendly, approachable design. Browser extensions, including stand-alone ad blocker. Good speed test results. Bears.Cons: Lack of geographic diversity in server locations.Bottom Line: If you're tired of edgy security products, let the strong-but-cute bears of TunnelBear VPN defend your web traffic. Easy to use and easily affordable, it's an Editors' Choice winner.Read ReviewCyberGhost VPN Review
MSRP: $12.99Pros: Offers seven licenses with a subscription. Good server distribution. Strong privacy policy. Excellent and unique features.Cons: Expensive.Bottom Line: CyberGhost offers an excellent VPN product with strong, unique features not found elsewhere, along with a generous number of simultaneous connections. It's expensive, however.Read ReviewIPVanish VPN Review
MSRP: $11.99Pros: 10 simultaneous connections. Good geographic diversity of servers. Allows BitTorrenting. Automatic IP address cycling.Cons: Unwelcoming interface. Limited global server presence.Bottom Line: VPN service IPVanish secures your web traffic from prying eyes. It packs powerful features veteran VPN users will appreciate, and presents a good value overall, although its interface may intimidate the less experienced.Read ReviewTorGuard VPN Review
MSRP: $9.99Pros: Affordable. Numerous servers spread across the globe. Lets you easily add simultaneous connections. Many add-ons. Good speed test scores.Cons: Clunky client. No free subscription.Bottom Line: TorGuard VPN is the best bet for BitTorrent seeders and leechers looking to secure their web traffic. It's packed with features sure to appeal to security wonks, though its client is clunky.Read ReviewExpressVPN Review
MSRP: $12.95Pros: Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers. Strong privacy policy. Supports OpenVPN protocol across all platforms. Allows P2P and BitTorrent. Simple interface. Greatly improved performance.Cons: Expensive. Few simultaneous connections allowed.Bottom Line: ExpressVPN is a comprehensive VPN service with an impressive server fleet and excellent features. But, compared with the competition, it allows for fewer simultaneous connections, and it's more expensive.Read ReviewHideIPVPN Review
MSRP: $9.99Pros: Best speed test scores. Simple interface. Allows P2P, BitTorrent activity on specific servers. Supports legacy and niche protocols.Cons: Tiny number of servers in just 11 countries. Offers fewer licenses than the competition. Confusing pricing structure.Bottom Line: HideIPVPN is the fastest VPN yet in our testing, but it has a tiny number of servers and offers fewer licenses than the competition.Read ReviewProtonVPN Review
MSRP: $10.00Pros: Excellent free version. Flexible, low-cost plans. Focus on physical security. Excellent privacy policies. Slick, accessible client. Multi-hop VPN to secure locations and Tor connections. P2P friendly. ProtonMail bundle available.Cons: Few servers and locations. Difficult to find fastest servers. Full access to servers and features only at highest pay level.Bottom Line: ProtonVPN doesn't have as many servers as much of the competition, but its focus on exacting security at an affordable price tag makes it a compelling choice. Plus, its free version is the best we've tested so far.Read ReviewHide.me VPN Review
MSRP: $9.99Pros: Simple design. Excellent privacy policy. Good speed test scores. BitTorrent friendly. Supports anonymous payments. Advanced features.Cons: Comparably few servers. No specialized servers. Unintuitive design. Some protocols limited to higher tiers.Bottom Line: VPN service Hide.me is affordable, has an excellent privacy policy, and offers solid technology. Its client app can be a pain to use, however, and some VPN protocols are limited to higher tiers.Read Review
Would it be okay with you if someone leaked your entire Google history to the government? How about if your internet provider made it so that one episode of Arrested Development took an hour to load?
If you've had a mental breakdown about anything related to the above, you've probably given some thought to getting a VPN.
We know you've seen a ton of VPN reviews from experts across the board, including from our tech team at Mashable. But if you wanted a more raw opinion — or thousands of them — from people with absolutely no filter, there's only one place to go: Reddit.
SEE ALSO: Best headphones under $100, according to online reviews
Because who better to ask about the best private networks than tons of people who experiment with them all day, every day?
Since December 2017, when the FCC decided to burn Net Neutrality to the ground, more and more people have become obsessed with online privacy (or lack thereof). Your internet provider can choose to slow down your internet if they want, and they could also go after sites like Netflix and demand money for offering high viewing speeds. And keeping your illegal stream or questionable search history private? Forget about it.
The best VPN deals this week*
- NordVPN — 75% off three-year plan ($107.55)
- IPVanish — Get three years for only $99 (a savings of 77%)
- Private Internet Access — 67% off a 1-year plan ($39.95; Original Price $119.40)
- TunnelBear — 58% off two-year plan ($99.99; Original Price $239.76)
- TorGuard — 50% off one-year plan ($29.99 after coupon MASH50)
*Deals are selected by our partner,TechBargains
The easy solution is to get a VPN (virtual private network), an internet security subscription that can change your geolocation, take you off the company-owned server, and basically allow you to make up your own internet rules.
VPNs provide a way for people to get around internet roadblocks and censors, stream or download without worry, protect themselves from hackers, and keep their internet usage mostly private from third parties. They'll especially come in handy if providers like Comcast do decide to stop playing nice with Netflix, or if you're in a country where American Netflix is blocked.
VPNranks.com has a ranking of the VPN services that Reddit users have voted to be the best — or so it says. Here's what we found when we actually dug through Reddit threads of users discussing their experiences with five of the top VPNs out there right now:
Great for Netflix • Easy interface • Mega security
Security features can lower speed
If you're all about security, NordVPN is probably the pick for you.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN gets high ratings for security features, its easy interface, and ease of Netflix streaming.- Monthly : $11.95/month
- One Year: $6.99/month
- Two Years: $3.99/month
Chosen as one of Mashable's top three for staying anonymous online, is a choice backed by much of Reddit. It's made for fast streaming and torrenting, P2P and non P2P options, and is one VPN that can actually bypass the American Netflix block anywhere in the world. Plus, a single NordVPN login can be used on up to six devices simultaneously, so sharing the perks and splitting the price is a major bonus for savvier internet users. Reddit user writes:
I haven't had any issues with nordvpn (windows 10), mostly use it for netflix and torrenting, like how easy the UI is. I did not try PIA but I can say for sure that at least nord works with netflix and has a live chat.Another appealing factor is its smooth, well-designed user interface and easy AF setup across all devices: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. Reddit users put emphasis on how strong the Windows application is compared to competitors like PrivateInternetAccess. writes:
Connecting to Nord's various servers is easy — just click on the country you want to connect with on the map. We also like that NordVPN comes with a built-in ad blocker called 'CyberSec.' In addition to blocking ads, the company says CyberSec will shield your device from malware and phishing.Reddit users give Nord praise because it actually seems trustworthy, especially compared to other VPNs that may hand over information to the wrong people. Nord is also equipped with the ability to connect to a , which encrypts your traffic twice for double the protection. One NordVPN fan on Reddit, , even mentioned that NordVPN solved the problems that PureVPN and PIA gave them. Plus if you have any issues, Nord offers a 24/7 live chat. If you want a no frills, no worries situation, NordVPN is the simple, smooth operator that has your back. Get one month for $11.95, one year for $6.99/month, or two years for $3.99 per month.
Speedy • Compatible with tons of devices
Some Reddit users find it shady • No Netflix
If you're looking for speed and use on multiple devices, it might be worth it to try PureVPN for a month to see if the Reddit haters are wrong.
2. PureVPN
PureVPN gets high marks for speed and versatility, but some Reddit users think something shady is going on.- One Month: $10.95/month
- One Year: $4.08/month
- Two Years: $2.88/month
If you download and upload content, movies, and games on a daily basis, is a choice with notably fast downloading and uploading speeds. (), it's considerably more affordable. has more than 500 servers spanning across 140 countries and impeccable access in China — and may be the only option available in some places. Pure VPN is also extremely accessible when it comes to devices: It's compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, and Firefox, as well as apps for media streaming devices like Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Kodi. So, if nothing else, it's one of the most versatile of the bunch. Though due to its speed and how many things it can do, Reddit users insist that it is not a trustworthy choice. Multiple Redditors claim that PureVPN lies to users about not logging their information or search history when they really do. Some also believe that PureVPN uses spammers and claim that a lot of positive feedback about PureVPN on Reddit are from fake accounts. Reddit user writes:
'Yeah, I have lifetime subscription to PureVPN and it sucks. Does not hide my DNS despite me checking the box that says DNS leak. They spoof their servers as well. I connected to China servers (don't ask me why) and my IP was in Brazil. Used for like 4 months and now I am using another VPN.'Or, stated bluntly by Reddit user :
'Don't fucking use Purevpn! I'm getting fucking targeted adds based on what I'm searching fuck pure vpn private my ass.'As for the price, you can one month for $10.95, one year for $4.08/month, or two years for $2.88/month — so if you want to try it for a month to see if they've been trolling Reddit or not, it won't cost a ton.
Unlimited bandwidth • Can unblock geo-locked channels • Speedy • Works with Netflix
Pricier than other options
If you're a regular torrenter who loves entertainment and needs great security, unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds, this could be your pick.
3. ExpressVPN
Offers fast download speeds, great security, has great global reach, and is easy to use for beginners.- Monthly : $12.95/month
- Six Months: $9.99/month
- One Year: $8.32/month
We're slightly surprised that wasn't #1 in the rankings, as Reddit users really seem to love it (or as close to love as you can get with the ultra picky Reddit community). If you do a Reddit search on any other VPN, someone in the comments will say Express is better. At first glance, it already looks a lot more user friendly and a lot more trustworthy than PureVPN. In his , Redditor writes:
The client is uniform across every device I have used (Windows, Android, and Amazon FireOS). I would like to say I was quite happy that ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs (that seem trustworthy) that actually had a client in the Amazon App Store for the Fire tablets. No more need for sideloading, manual updates, or sketchy OpenVPN clone clients. At first the speeds weren't the greatest on the 'Smart Location' server (New York). These speeds capped at about 12Mbps down and 10Mbps up. I have 150Mbps/15Mbps service. After hunting for other servers I found a few that provide roughly 60Mbps/15Mbps service throughout the US and Canada. DNS Leak tests were successful in that I am not leaking.
As of now, I am very happy with the service. I would still love to see them up the speed of their connections.Another user, , joins the thread:
I am about to renew after my first year with them and have had zero issues. Speed is consistent and when I switch to a different continent there is minimal lag. I do leak tests sporadically and have not found one. They aren't the cheapest, but in my book they are among the best.It's also notable that ExpressVPN is able to , which some (like PureVPN) are not able to do. Like PureVPN, is one of the best for getting around roadblocks in China (though there are only servers in 94 countries), and has up to 256 bit encryption. Get one month for $12.95, six months for $9.99/month, or a one-year subscription for $8.32/month. You would be paying around $10 more per month compared to any other VPN, but the quality is definitely there — and if you're really not happy, you can get your money back within the first 30 days. Another cool thing: You can pay with Bitcoin.
Ranks in the top 3 on Reddit • 30-day money back guarantee • Works with Netflix
Some users say it's slow
Because of its high ranking but reported issues, this might be a good one to try with that 30-day money back guarantee.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost ranks in the top 3 on Reddit, but some users report issues. We recommend trying it out with its 30-day guarantee.- Monthly: $12.99/month
- One Year: $5.25/month
- Two Years: $3.69/month
- Three Years: $2.50/month
Another VPN with a money-back guarantee is . The theme we were seeing here was that when servers are good, they're really good, but when they're bad, they're really bad. However, after looking through Reddit threads, we're not really sure . The biggest thing: This is not the VPN to get if you're looking to torrent or stream, as it's known to be pretty slow. Reddit user writes:
I was trying to torrent a UFC event that I happened to miss recently, 500+ seeders and 200+ leechers for a 720p recording. Not the best ratio, but certainly doable considering. The download wouldn't even start. CyberGhost does have an option for torrenting servers specifically, but they're always 'busy' and they use the term 'too popular' as if that's some sort of excuse. I've used the program for a few days and I'm going to get a refund as soon as humanly possible.
Complete joke and a complete waste if you were looking to torrent using this specific VPN.
However, if you want to just surf the good ole' web, it works well enough. But if you need something to torrent with, this program is not for you.Another user, , had a similar experience:
I supported them on their starts but it was a mistake, they are running vpn traffic through your computer, even if you have premium this is what they does. I always got slow speed, they always had [REDACTED] support making excuses worst service ever, not speaking of leaking your dns, crashdowns without any warnings so your entire traffic is unprotected. complete bs serviceDang, 'complete BS service' is pretty harsh. We did see some from users mentioning that they didn't have these problems. Others also mentioned that it's a good idea to test out every VPN service with a money-back guarantee just to see how they work, because why not? Unless you're in China — CyberGhost servers are apparently not the greatest there. Get one month for $12.99, one year for $5.25/month, two years for $3.69/month, or three years for $2.50/month. (There is a free version, but Reddit users warn to not even think about it.)
Ranked high for features, reliability, and speed • Very affordable
The user interface is not great
If you're looking for speed and reliability and don't mind a crappy user interface, this could be your pick.
5. PIA (Private Internet Access) VPN
If a good-looking user interface means nothing to you, but you want speed and reliability, PIA is a great choice.- Monthly: $6.95/month
- One Year: $3.33/month
- Two Years: $2.91/month
This was technically #8 in the ranking, but after we saw it mentioned positively so many times in Reddit discussions, we decided to bump it up. , otherwise known as PIA, attempts to give off reliability vibes with its home page (children on bikes was an interesting choice), which some might feel conned by. However, we've gathered that Redditors believe that this wasn't a farce, and that it's actually a super trustworthy option. It was too, due to the fact that it comes with a ton of user-friendly features and doesn't kill your device to install. However, it's not the most aesthetically pleasing interface of the bunch, and some users mention that they had to switch VPNs simply because of that. But if you don't care about the looks so much as server reliability, variety of features, and speed, it's a good choice. Reddit user writes:
I've had PIA for over 2 years now. Speeds have been amazing, only 2 or 3 times have I had to drop and switch to a different server when speeds were acting up on one of them. I've been able to access pretty much every site I need, only one I found to be wonky while on VPN is the bank of america site. Other than that it really is worth the money.Reddit user writes:
I have been using PIA for two years now. Actually, I was really skeptic when I first went to the website. It had a stock photo of a family, shady 'we are the best' text all around. But hey, I subscribed to give it a try. And it worked wonderful. PIA has been an incredibly solid, fast and reliable VPN provider for me through 2 years. Never had an issue with them whatsoever.(who chose PIA as number one for staying anonymous online) writes:
You get your standard secure VPN account, encrypted Wi-Fi, P2P, IPv6 leak protection, a VPN kill switch, and a whole lot more. Private Internet Access VPN sure as hell isn't a sexy app you want to open all the time (so just set it to automatically open when you log in), but what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for with a long list of features. It also has a solid backbone, claiming over 3,100 servers in 28 countries worldwide.For all of the good reviews it gets, it's surprising that subscriptions are so affordable (but we're not complaining). Get it monthly for $6.95/month, yearly for $3.33/month, and two years for $2.91/month. It also takes Bitcoin as a form of payment.
Editor’s Note: IPVanish is owned by J2 Global, the parent company of Ziff Davis, Mashable’s publisher. Any J2 products featured on Mashable are covered independently by our content team.