Ranking of the best VPN services for 2022

On the part of the Russian regulatory authorities in the country, tough measures have long been taken to prevent ordinary users from accessing various information resources, websites, social networks, incl. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter. In order to maintain the ability to freely access your accounts or resources, VPN technology has been developed with advanced encryption and the ability to bypass firewalls. However, in practice, not all of them turn out to be safe due to the lack of guarantees that the authorities will not require access to such servers in the future. In addition, the work has become much more complicated due to the termination of the MasterCard, Visa payment systems, as well as payment methods through payment systems such as WebMoney, etc.

Nowadays, choosing a good VPN service is a very difficult task. Some have good streaming options, but not enough protection. Others are safe, but with such a slow connection that even simple sites cannot be viewed.In addition, you can easily get on a dozen dubious services that are not able to encrypt traffic properly or track the actions of customers on the Internet with the transfer of information to third parties.

This review should help save time and effort when looking for the best VPN services on the domestic market. They are also able to perfectly bypass geo-blocks, protect without slowing down the connection, and also provide private online work. You should pay attention to important criteria in order to avoid mistakes when choosing.

General information

VPN is an abbreviation of the English expression Virtual Private Network (Russian - virtual private network). The VPN service uses secure encrypted network connection technologies to bypass local blocking (restrictions) and maintain confidentiality.

The concept of privacy means the presence of a limited number of users in it, marking clients and the information they transmit. Protection from third parties is performed by encryption.The service is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of data by denying access to outsiders, checking the source of traffic, and preventing leakage of open data.

The concept of virtuality means the absence of influence on its operation of the created communication channels and their number, because the devices or computers connected to each other do not belong to the participants in the virtual network.

What is it needed for

The main reasons for using a VPN are:

1. Protection. Access to transmitted data is possible only in case of possessing encryption keys.
2. Location masking. Geolocation information comes from the server, and not from the client's computer, which may be geographically in another state. Thus, it is impossible to determine the exact location. At the same time, there is no access to its activity history due to the lack of a log, which the service simply does not keep.
3. Access to regional content. Thanks to the substitution of the real location and a secure connection, it becomes possible to view content from abroad that is open only in a specific country.
4. Data transfer protection. The possibility of leakage of confidential data when working with them "remotely" is ensured by the use of an encrypted connection.

Structure and working principle

VPNs are based on:

• internal or host;
• public (Internet) for the transmission of an encrypted connection.

To connect, it is enough to install the appropriate software (mobile application), and then launch this function.

When a device normally accesses the Internet, it receives a unique IP address that can be identified by third parties.This allows you to control the user's actions - to monitor search queries, opened sites, purchases, etc.

When the VPN function is launched, the traffic is encrypted and sent to a server located anywhere in the world. As a result, the location and real IP address are not visible to the ISP, but the virtual network address is shown instead. Then the traffic is directed to the desired application or site, which "see" such a server as a source. This creates the possibility:

• bypass local restrictions or gain access to resources blocked in the territory of a particular state;
• maintain anonymity;
• block malicious sites, tracking programs, ads.

What are

By appointment

1. Internet VPN - providing access when several users are connected via one channel.
2. Intranet VPN is the creation of a single secure network that unites distributed branches that exchange via open channels.
3. Extranet VPN - providing protection when "foreign" participants are connected to the corporate circuit by restricting or preventing their access to confidential information.
4. Client/server VPN - secure data transfer within one internal segment (server - user station).
5. Remote-access VPN is a secure channel between the user and the corporate segment when working remotely and connecting a home (personal) device to organization resources.

By method of implementation

1. Software solution - the use of a personal device with software (SW) to support VPN.
2. Hardware and software solution - using a set of tools to form a high-performance VPN circuit with a reliable degree of security.
3. Integrated option - providing an integrated approach for quality service, firewall formation, traffic filtering.

By the level of security of the environment of use

1. Secure - Create a secure VPN on the regular Internet.
2. Trusted - the use of a secure internal environment when transmitting information on subnets within a large circuit.

By protocol

1. Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) - a secure tunnel connection in which data is transmitted from a remote participant to an institution.

• private IP address;
• support for different protocols;
• authentication and data protection;
• transmission security.

2. Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) is a layer 2 VPN tunnel connection with set access priorities.

• different protocols;
• the ability to create tunnels;
• secure transmission;
• participant authentication.

3. IP Security (IPSec) - comprehensive protection for the transmission of IP packets.

4. Secure Socket Layer (SSL) - a secure channel between the participant and the server.

• remote access;
• without additional software;
• ease of implementation.

By network protocol level

1. Channel - for communication at the channel level (L2) (L2TP, L2VPN).
2. Network - for communication at the network level (L3) (IPSEC, IPIP).
3. Transport - for communication through the transport layer (L4) (SSH tunnel, OPENVPN).

By payment method

1. Free - there is no charge for use, but user data can be transferred to any third parties, the amount of traffic can be limited, and the download speed is significantly reduced due to constant disconnections.
2. Shareware - with a limited time and traffic access in the free version to get acquainted with the functionality and offer to buy a subscription.
3. Paid - unlimited traffic and channel services are provided; a wide selection of servers in different locations and countries with the possibility of separate systems for games, video, P2P; guaranteed protection of connections, traffic encryption, privacy, round-the-clock technical support.

How to choose

Experts advise to pay attention to the following criteria in order not to make mistakes when choosing:

1. Determine the purpose of the installation, as well as make a list of important functionality that is better not to refuse:

• to connect any home gadgets - VPN for a router;
• to watch movies online - VPN with high-speed connection and unlimited bandwidth;
• for use on public WiFi - A highly secure VPN that works with any server.

2. Study in detail the parameters of each provider: reliability and quality of encryption, speed, anonymity.

3. Check the compatibility of applications with the main platforms - Android, Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, as well as see the number of simultaneously connected devices.

4. Find a friendly interface with clear, convenient and as simple as possible actions.

5. Make sure that you can work with the servers of the required regions.

6. Determine a suitable tariff plan, because depending on the subscription period and functionality, prices may vary.The method of payment, the availability of coupons for discounts and other preferences is important.

7. Choose a service with reliable technical support, which can always be easily and quickly contacted at any time for any problem.

8. Don't forget about money-back guarantees for services to ensure that you don't need to use an inappropriate application.

You can select and order online suitable services on the pages of developers, where descriptions, functionality, benefits, and tariff plans are presented.

Best VPN Services

The rating of quality services is based on the reviews of computer specialists, user reviews, as well as customer ratings on the pages of the developers of such resources. The popularity of services was determined by functionality, security, reliability, encryption security, anonymity and speed.

The review presents ratings among free and paid providers offering secure Internet services.

TOP 5 Best Free VPN Services

Tunnel Bear

Developer - TunnelBear (Canada).

A popular simple service for private browsing and unlimited access to content. The free version with unlimited speed and access to a wide database of more than 2.6 thousand servers located in more than 40 countries includes 500 Mb of traffic per month for watching streaming broadcasts. For security, 256-bit encryption is used, as well as a strict no-logs policy.

• good speed;
• simple installation;
• clear interface;
• strong encryption and WiFi protection;
• leakage protection;
• round the clock support service.

• the protocol cannot be changed;
• insufficient traffic 500 Mb;
• constantly under pressure to terminate the operation on the territory of Russia.

CyberGhost

Developer - CyberGhost (Romania).

A simple application with over 15 years of history and high speed to watch high-quality videos without restrictions and lags. More than ten million people are customers of the service. The platform reliably provides security by hiding the IP address, protecting banking transactions and service accounts. For connection anonymity, the connection is made in one click. More than 7.8 thousand servers are located around the world to bypass blocking in any country.

• high speed;
• providing a dedicated IP address;
• a large database of own servers;
• strong 256-bit encryption;
• simultaneous connection of up to seven devices;
• compatible with Android, Windows, iOS, Linux, Firefox, Chrome;
• Russified interface.

• limited torrent download options.

Windscribe

Developer - Windscribe Limited (Canada).

A multifunctional service with a monthly free traffic of 10 GB and using dozens of servers around the world to access the Internet. Such opportunities are provided by e-mail confirmation. In the case of publishing an advertising post on Twitter, the traffic limit is increased by 5 GB. Personal information is not required during the registration process, it is enough to specify a password and login. In case of password recovery, you can send the service administrator an email address, where notifications about the provision of traffic limits will also be received.

• monthly use up to 10 GB with the possibility of increasing by another 5 GB;
• strong 256-bit encryption;
• leak prevention (WebRTC Slayer);
• secure hotspot;
• blocking malware and ads;
• the ability to change time zones;
• separate tunneling;
• location distortion.

• support only through a ticket, there is no phone and chat support;
• average speed.

Windscribe Video Review:

Hotspot Shield

Developer - AnchorFree Inc (USA).

High-speed VPN with P2P support for secure and fast torrenting. The free version has only one server in the USA, 500 Mb of traffic is offered per day. Standard quality streaming is available daily for 40 minutes. A fail-safe switch and 256-bit encryption are used to protect data. User actions are not recorded in any way, but some information is saved, incl. IP addresses that are erased after each session.

• 256 bit encryption;
• compatibility with any devices and browsers;
• support for Android, Mac, Windows, iOS, plugins for Firefox and Chrome browsers, media players and routers;
• quality streaming;
• P2P support;
• assistance via the Internet and by phone;
• there is no activity log;
• can unblock Spotify, Instagram, Youtube, Facebook.

• without Linux support;
• incompatible with TOR.

Free Hotspot Shield:

Proton VPN

Developer - Proton (Switzerland).

High-speed service with advanced security and available for all major platforms. The free single device version offers a choice of bandwidth with servers in the Netherlands, USA and Japan with unlimited bandwidth and no logging whatsoever. The work uses the KEv2 / IPSec and OpenVPN protocols with 256-bit encryption.The use of Secure Core technology guarantees protection against network attacks and an additional level of data security.

• work online without interference;
• complete confidentiality;
• connection at a stable speed;
• unlimited traffic;
• access to three free server locations;
• the ability to unblock Instagram, Facebook, Youtube;
• compatible with Android, Windows, iOS, Linux, Mac and routers;
• torrenting support;
• the presence of the Russian version.

• there is no 24/7 online technical support chat;
• support for only one device.

Best Private Proton:

TOP 4 best paid VPN services

Nord VPN

The brand is NordVPN.
Developer - Tefincom & Co (Panama).

Universal service for secure access to the Internet. It has more than 5.4 thousand servers in 60 countries that provide high speed with unlimited bandwidth. Online traffic is protected using advanced technologies of the latest encryption of the maximum level. Files are encrypted and stored securely in your personal cloud (up to 10 GB) or on your computer. Backups are created automatically. You can connect six any devices or gadgets to one account. The Automatic Blocking of Suspicious Web Resources (CyberSec) feature enhances protection. During operation, no activity logs are kept.

There are three tariff plans: for one month, one and two years.

• high speed;
• unlimited bandwidth;
• easy installation, configuration and registration;
• convenient Russified interface;
• compatibility with all gadgets, devices, operating systems and browsers;
• simultaneous connection of up to six devices;
• 24/7 expert support;
• money back guarantee within 30 days.

• dependence of productivity on operating time;
• the territorial location of most servers in Europe.

Surfshark VPN

Developer - Surfshark (British Virgin Islands).

A popular inexpensive service for providing secure Internet access. Provides security by protecting personal data and masking actions. For the low cost of a long-term subscription, there are no restrictions on the number of connected devices. The Russified interface of the application does not have complicated settings and menus, it is very simple and intuitive. Through MultiHop it is possible to connect simultaneously through several countries. In NoBorders mode, you can use the Internet in closed regions.

Three tariff plans are offered: for one month, one year and two years.

• high access speed;
• effective hiding of the IP address;
• strong 256-bit encryption;
• the presence of a camouflage mode for additional security;
• leak protection and private DNS;
• unlimited number of connected devices;
• user-friendly interface;
• one month money back guarantee;
• round the clock technical support.

• uneven distribution of servers across the territory.

Private VPN

Developer - PrivateVPN (Sweden).

Popular European premium service with servers in over 60 countries. The functionality provides a secure connection to the Internet, fast viewing of content, reliable data encryption, as well as work with torrents. Zero data logging policy implemented based on Swedish privacy law. During use, the IP address is securely hidden.Three tariff plans are offered: for one month, for three months and three years.

• high speed;
• strong AES-256 encryption;
• no activity logs;
• simultaneous connection of up to six devices;
• 24/7 expert support;
• intuitive user-friendly interface;
• money back guarantee within a month of the trial period.

• there is no split tunneling.

ExpressVPN

The brand is ExpressVPN.
Developer - Kape Technologies (British Virgin Islands).

Reliable service with top-notch security features to protect user data online. It uses strong 356-bit encryption and an emergency shutdown in case access to the VPN server is interrupted. A strict no-logs policy ensures that your browsing history is automatically erased upon disconnection. Unlimited bandwidth is supported for high speed operation. The network includes more than three thousand servers in 90 states for guaranteed operation in regions with strict censorship, incl. Iran, Egypt, Russia, Turkey. Without problems, you can connect up to five devices to work on your computer and watch streams at the same time. Split traffic tunneling is supported to choose the direction through VPN servers.

• high speed;
• unlimited bandwidth;
• strong encryption;
• emergency switch;
• separate tunneling;
• no entries in the activity log;
• blocking fraudulent attacks on open WiFi;
• money back guarantee within 30 days;
• compatibility with any OS, devices and browsers;
• 24/7 chat support.

• overpriced.

comparison table

	NordVPN	Surfshark	Private VPN	ExpressVPN
Cost, USD/month	from 3.29	from 2.49	from 2.5	from 8.32
Servers	5300+	3200+	200+	3000+
Countries	59	65	63	94
Recording	zero log	zero log	no magazine	zero log
Money back guarantee, days	30	30	30	30

Happy secure access. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!