Our hands-on VPN reviews cut through the marketing hype. We test speeds, privacy features, and real-world performance so you can find the right service without wasting time or money.
ExpressVPN
- Consistently unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer
- Lightway protocol for fast mobile speeds
- TrustedServer RAM-only infrastructure
NordVPN
- Meshnet for remote device access
- Specialty servers for gaming/torrenting
- Independent audits since 2018
Proton VPN
- Swiss-based with strict privacy laws
- Open-source apps with regular audits
- Free tier with no data limits
| Feature | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | Proton VPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why pick it | Reliable streaming | Advanced features | Privacy focus |
| Speed loss | 8-12% (our tests) | 5-9% (our tests) | 15-20% (free servers) |
| Jurisdiction | British Virgin Islands | Panama | Switzerland |
| Try | Get ExpressVPN | Get NordVPN | Get Proton VPN |
How often do you retest VPNs?
We run full tests every 3 months and spot-check streaming performance monthly. See our testing methodology for details.
Do free VPNs work for streaming?
Most free services get blocked quickly. Proton VPN's free tier occasionally works with YouTube but lacks dedicated streaming servers.
Which VPN is fastest for gaming?
In our latency tests, NordVPN's NordLynx protocol performed best. See our gaming VPN guide for setup tips.
For most users, ExpressVPN strikes the best balance of speed, reliability, and ease of use. Their 30-day money-back guarantee makes risk-free testing easy.
