I'll search for current information about reliable VPN providers, including their pricing and features.Based on current expert reviews and testing, here's a comprehensive comparison of reliable VPN providers:
| Provider | Pros | Cons | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Over 8,200 servers in 126+ countries; five-times-verified no-logs policy; includes Threat Protection (ad/malware blocking); speeds decreased by only 6% in testing; post-quantum encryption | Prices quoted pre-tax and increase significantly on auto-renewal | $2.99/month for Basic plan (27 months, $80.73 upfront) |
| Surfshark | Unlimited device connections; fastest speeds in testing; excellent streaming reliability (unblocked all sites tested); audited no-logs policy; includes ad/cookie blocking | Slower on long-distance connections; occasional IPv6 leaks; kill switch not enabled by default | $1.99/month (27 months, $53.73 upfront) |
| Proton VPN | Fully open-source apps; NetShield ad/tracker blocking; Secure Core (double VPN) servers; full-disk encryption on servers; recently audited (Sept 2025); upload speeds decreased only 4% in testing | Slower download speeds compared to top competitors; higher subscription price | $3/month (promotional pricing, 70% off) |
| ExpressVPN | Simple, beginner-friendly; TrustedServer technology (RAM-only); rotating Shuffle IP system; passed 23rd security audit (July 2025); post-quantum encryption | More expensive; limited customization options; had some streaming gaps in recent testing; workforce reduction in March 2025 | $4.99/month |
| CyberGhost | 9,000+ servers in 124 locations; optimized servers for gaming/streaming/torrenting; speeds over 950 Mbps with WireGuard; 45-day money-back guarantee | Less feature-rich than NordVPN or Surfshark | $2.19/month (2-year plan) |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | Over 35,000 servers; unlimited device connections; extensive customization options; port forwarding available; very affordable | Outdated interface; not the fastest service tested; more complicated to use than competitors | $2.19/month |
| PrivadoVPN | Extremely affordable; unlimited simultaneous connections | Very basic features (only ad blocking as extra); less comprehensive than competitors | $1.11/month (2-year plan) |
- Best Overall Value: Surfshark at $1.99/month offers premium performance with unlimited device connections
- Best for Privacy: Proton VPN with open-source apps and independent audits
- Best for Beginners: ExpressVPN offers the simplest interface despite higher cost
- Best Server Network: NordVPN with 8,200+ servers across 165+ countries
All providers listed offer 30-day money-back guarantees (CyberGhost offers 45 days), allowing you to test before committing.