On 4iMag, we talked about various topics related to VPNs and the importance of the tool for connecting and protecting personal data. A significant advantage for companies and for every person who wants to surf the Net, even more so when travelling. We also provided a series of tips on the virtual private networks preferred in the United States and those most useful for protecting privacy in European countries. We now continue our in-depth analysis by looking at the ten best VPNs and their costs because price is one of the factors most considered when choosing a VPN. 

Remember that free versions are always best left alone, as they are limited in the available features and counterproductive in slowing down connection speed, another fundamental element when working with PCs, tablets and smartphones. To give an accurate overview of the various subscription options offered by all companies, we have chosen the annual subscription, which lowers the monthly cost compared to the single-month subscription.

Surfshark

One of the most suitable for beginners. It has more than 3000 servers spread over 100 countries, a 256-bit AES military encryption system and always maintains a satisfactory connection speed. Among the functions it provides are a kill switch, which prevents data leakage if the web connection is interrupted, and Camouflage mode, which hides internet traffic. The €4.49/month Surfshark One subscription for 12 months includes ad and cookie pop-up blocking, anonymous history, antivirus and malware protection, webcam protection, real-time alerts on credit card, ID and email breaches, personal data security reports, and the ability to create an alias to use online. Those who want the complete package, subscribing to Surfshark One+ (€8.29 per month for one year), add the removal of personal data from company databases to avoid telemarketing and the removal of name, address and contacts from people search sites to avoid pool attacks and identity theft.

IPVanish

It stands out for its ability to protect information security, thanks to an end-to-end encryption system, no-log strategy, no data transfer limits and multiple connection protocols, including WireGuard. It guarantees online anonymity to safeguard privacy and boasts a network with more than 40,000 IP addresses. In case of problems, there is 24/7 customer service with telephone and live chat support. The monthly price with an annual subscription is €3.10, which, added to taxes, results in a charge of €46.35 for 12 months.

Bitdefender Premium VPN

For €29.99 per year (€2.50 per month), this is a very good deal. However, the following year, the cost rises to €49.99. Highlights include unlimited AES-256 encrypted traffic on ten devices, connection speed on more than 4,000 servers, blocking unwanted ads when surfing, and deactivating trackers. The limitation is only one tunnelling protocol, but overall, it is a good solution, especially for those working remotely.

Private Internet Access VPNs

Security and connection speed are two of the main advantages provided by PIA, a provider based in the UK with servers in many countries around the world. It is also a popular solution in the US, considered one of the most reliable VPNs. The VPN allows you to connect with any device because it has apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, Mac, consoles, routers, Smart TVs, Chrome, Firefox and Opera. It has a no-log policy, kill switches, and ad and malware blocking. One of the few open-source VPNs that provide code for experts to detect vulnerabilities, PIA’s subscription costs €3.10 per month for an annual fee of €37.19.

NordVPN

For many, this is the VPN to choose from without much doubt because it offers a complete package and always ensures a very fast connection with all devices used (maximum six at the same time). An advantage that depends on the more than 5000 servers distributed worldwide while on the security side, there is Double VPN, a function that doubles the encryption system to secure the data being transmitted. With the Plus subscription from €5.79 per month for one year, the Data Breach Scanner is included, so you can check whether your password, email address or credit card details have been hacked. The higher step, Complete subscription from €6.99 per month, includes a password manager and 1 TB encryption-protected cloud storage.

VyprVPN

The use of the Chameleon protocol, which complicates the detection of data traffic, is one of the particularities of this provider. Characterised by a strict no-log policy, it therefore avoids storing or tracking user activity and data flows, thus keeping hackers, identity theft and malware at bay. In recent weeks, VyprVPN has released version 5 of its applications, upgrading servers in 70 countries. It costs €5 per month, with the possibility of a refund within 30 days of subscription.

ExpressVPN

It is swift and among the safest on the market. These are the reasons why it is one of the most used by users, who speak highly of it, endorsing a word of mouth that translates into growing subscriptions. You can use it on various devices. Its proprietary TrustedServer technology secures information, and split tunnelling facilitates data transmission.Its servers are located in 94 countries, and traffic is encrypted everywhere, especially when connecting over public Wi-Fi networks. The annual subscription costs €6.41 per month, a little more expensive than other VPNs, but the expense is repaid by functionality and effectiveness.

Proton VPN

Created by scientists and engineers behind Proton Mail, an encrypted e-mail service founded at Cern in 2013, it is one of the most reliable VPNs in terms of security. It uses the proprietary Secure Core network that blocks the spread of IP addresses even in the case of a compromised VPN endpoint server. At the same time, the Perfect Forward Secrecy encryption system makes it almost impossible to decrypt data traffic. Furthermore, NetShield protects against malware, ads and trackers while surfing. Proton is a no-log service that supports all devices (including routers) and can increase VPN speed using the proprietary VPN Accelerator technology. The annual plan costs €5.99 per month and is recommended for those looking for a complete and effective service in every situation. 

TorGuard

It costs more than the other services but has many additional features. It has more than 3,000 servers, an encrypted internal DNS, the WireGuard tunnelling protocol and allows up to eight devices to be connected simultaneously (rising to 12 with the Pro subscription). Ideal for frequent travellers, it does not allow data leaks and costs €9.99 for the standard option, but it is still sufficient for most users’ needs. 

CyberGhost

Connections for seven devices, over 8000 servers in 91 countries, 256-bit AES encryption to protect data, no activity and user metadata stored. These are the main peculiarities of the Romanian-based provider, which is gaining ground among industry services due to its user-friendly interface. Of the ten selected, however, it is the only one that does not allow a one-year subscription: there is the six-month option at €6.99 per month or the two-year option at €2.19 per month, with a further two months free.