20 Features That Make the Best VPN Stand Out

In today’s digital age, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an essential tool for ensuring online privacy, security, and unrestricted access to content. But with so many VPNs on the market, how do you choose the best one? Instead of focusing on the less reliable options, we’ve highlighted the top VPNs that offer the best user experience, speed, features, pricing, and performance. You only need one VPN, and we’re here to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice.

5 Key Takeaways

A no-logs policy is crucial for maintaining user privacy.
A kill switch ensures your data is protected even if the VPN connection drops.
Leak protection prevents your IP address from being exposed.
Multi-hop connections provide an extra layer of security by routing your traffic through multiple servers.
Access to Tor over VPN allows for anonymous browsing on the Tor network.

1. No-Logs Policy

A no-logs policy is a written promise from the VPN that it will never log or store your data. This is crucial for maintaining your privacy and ensuring that your online activities remain confidential. However, it can be challenging to verify which providers truly adhere to this promise. Checking a VPN provider’s history for any suspicious news or incidents can provide some insights.

Importance of a No-Logs Policy

The number-one reason for VPN use is privacy, so a best VPN reddit should make no compromises when it comes to keeping your data away from prying eyes. A solid no-logs policy is a must-have here.

Examples of No-Logs Policy Violations

For example, IPVanish claimed to have a no-logs policy, but a 2016 incident brought that into question when the company surrendered the traffic logs of one user to U.S. authorities. This incident tarnished IPVanish’s reputation.

What to Look for in a No-Logs Policy

Ensure the VPN does not log web traffic.
Check if the VPN logs other user information like IP addresses, times and durations of visits, and the amount of data used.
Read the privacy policy to determine exactly how much data they collect.
The best VPNs only log data necessary to maintain user accounts, like email addresses and payment information.

After going through 118 different VPNs, we found that 26 of them will collect three or more important log files that would easily reveal your personal actions. They all say they “don’t log.” But many of them do. The trick is to dig into their privacy policies and terms of service to see what, exactly, they’re logging.

2. Kill Switch

A kill switch ensures your data stays safe at all times. If your VPN connection drops unexpectedly, the kill switch will automatically cut off your internet access, preventing any unencrypted data from being transmitted. This feature is crucial for maintaining your privacy and security online.

How It Works

The kill switch continuously monitors your VPN connection. If it detects a drop, it instantly blocks your device from accessing the internet.

Benefits

Protects your data from accidental exposure
Ensures continuous security
Prevents unencrypted data transmission

Types of Kill Switches

System-Level Kill Switch: Cuts off internet access for the entire device.
Application-Level Kill Switch: Shuts down specific applications that you choose if the VPN connection drops.

For some, it might sound like a hassle, but a Kill Switch is a smart way to make sure your personal information is never in danger on the web because of things that are out of your control.

3. Leak Protection

DNS Leak Protection

DNS leak protection ensures that your DNS requests are routed through the VPN tunnel rather than your ISP’s DNS servers. This prevents your ISP from monitoring your online activities. Always keep this feature enabled to maintain your privacy.

IP Leak Protection

IP leak protection prevents your real IP address from being exposed. This is crucial because an exposed IP address can reveal your location and online activities. Make sure this feature is always turned on.

WebRTC Leak Protection

WebRTC leak protection blocks IP address leaks that can occur through your web browser’s WebRTC feature. This is particularly important for users who frequently use web-based communication tools.

To ensure maximum security, always keep all leak protection features enabled. Disabling them defeats the purpose of using a VPN.

4. Multi-Hop Connections

Multi-hop connections add an extra layer of protection to your browsing by routing your traffic through two or more VPN servers. This means that instead of directly connecting to your destination, your traffic is first redirected through one or more intermediate servers.

Enhanced Security

By using multi-hop connections, your true IP address is concealed more effectively. For instance, if you want to connect to a server in the U.S., a multi-hop server might first route your traffic through Canada before reaching the United States. This additional step makes it significantly harder for anyone to trace your online activities.

Double Hop Capability

Some VPNs offer a feature known as Double Hop, which allows you to connect to any two servers of your choice. This means you can manually select the intermediate and final servers, further enhancing your anonymity. To use this feature, you typically need to install both a desktop program and a browser extension.

Multi-hop connections are particularly useful for users who prioritize privacy and are willing to trade a bit of speed for enhanced security.

Performance Impact

While multi-hop connections offer increased security, they can also impact your internet speed. The additional routing steps can lead to slower connection speeds compared to single-hop connections. However, for many users, the trade-off is worth the added security.

Use Cases

High-Risk Activities: Ideal for journalists, activists, and anyone involved in high-risk activities where privacy is crucial.
Enhanced Anonymity: Useful for users who want to ensure their online activities are as anonymous as possible.
Bypassing Censorship: Effective for bypassing censorship in restrictive regions by adding multiple layers of obfuscation.

5. Access to Tor over VPN

Using Tor over VPN combines the strengths of both technologies to provide an extra layer of privacy and security. Tor bounces your traffic through several volunteer nodes, making it much harder to track, while a VPN tunnels your web traffic to a VPN server. This combination ensures comprehensive anonymization of your online activities.

Benefits of Tor over VPN

Enhanced privacy: Tor hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic multiple times.
Access to hidden websites: Tor allows you to visit .onion sites that are not accessible through regular browsers.
Extra security: Using a VPN with Tor ensures that even the entry node of the Tor network cannot see your real IP address.

How to Use Tor over VPN

Connect to your VPN service.
Open the Tor browser.
Start browsing securely and anonymously.

Note: While Tor over VPN provides excellent privacy, it can significantly slow down your internet connection. This is due to the multiple layers of encryption and the bouncing of traffic through various nodes.

6. Large Server Network

A large server network is a crucial feature for any top-tier VPN. The number of servers and their distribution across various countries can significantly impact your internet speed and access to content. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Number of Servers

Look for a VPN with at least a few thousand servers. For example, Private Internet Access offers over 12,000 servers, while NordVPN has around 6,000 servers.

Server Locations

The location of servers is just as important as the number. A VPN with servers in 60+ countries is generally sufficient for most users, but some top providers offer servers in over 90 countries.

Impact on Speed

The closer you are to a VPN server, the faster your connection will be. A well-distributed server network ensures minimal speed loss. For instance, some VPNs have an average internet speed loss as low as 11%.

A large and well-distributed server network not only enhances your browsing speed but also provides better access to geo-restricted content.

Physical vs. Virtual Servers

Physical servers are generally more reliable and faster than virtual servers. However, a mix of both can offer a good balance between speed and availability.

Simultaneous Connections

Some VPNs offer unlimited simultaneous connections, making them ideal for families or small businesses. Others may limit you to 8-10 connections.

Supported Platforms

Ensure the VPN supports multiple platforms like Windows, MacOS, and Linux to get the most out of your subscription.

7. Specialty Servers

Streaming Servers

Streaming servers are optimized for bandwidth-heavy tasks, like streaming. These servers provide a better connection for heavy-duty tasks and hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, so the streaming site doesn’t block you.

High-Speed Servers

High-speed servers ensure that users can enjoy smooth experiences, especially since VPN encryption can sometimes cause some lag. Some VPN providers offer unlimited bandwidth and make sure their servers double as proxy servers too.

Geographically Diverse Servers

Having geographically diverse servers means you can connect from various locations around the world. This diversity helps in bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing content from different regions.

Virtual Servers

Virtual servers provide VPN support for regions where it might be too risky to house a server physically. Transparency about the location of these servers is crucial for user trust.

Specialty servers enhance the overall VPN experience by catering to specific needs like streaming, speed, and geographic diversity.

8. Fast Download Speed

Importance of Fast Download Speed

A VPN with fast download speeds is essential for a seamless online experience. It effortlessly delivers smooth-streaming media and can dance between server connections without missing a beat, no matter how many interruptions you throw at it. This is crucial for activities like gaming, torrenting, browsing, and streaming, which are highly dependent on speed.

Speed Metrics

“Speed” is such a broad term. Objectively, it’s measured using three metrics:

Download Speed: The rate at which data is transferred from the internet to your device.
Upload Speed: The rate at which data is transferred from your device to the internet.
Ping or Latency: The time it takes for data to travel from your device to the server and back.

Performance Comparison

Here are some performance metrics from recent tests:

VPN Service	Download Speed Loss	Upload Speed Loss	Ping Increase
Surfshark	16.9%	20%	Low
Hotspot Shield	3%	80%	Moderate
ExpressVPN	51.8%	30%	High

Real-World Usage

In real-world usage, speed losses on UK connections were under 8%. When it comes to gaming, torrenting, browsing, and streaming, these speed-dependent services won’t be slowed down for Hotspot Shield users.

A best free VPN should be able to produce good speed readings and load websites, download data, or stream videos at a consistent speed.

9. Torrenting Support

Optimized Servers for P2P

Torrenting is optimized for downloading servers. They operate P2P applications like uTorrent and are situated in nations where torrenting is tolerated without risk of severe penalties. The fastest download speeds are offered by the servers. The estimated distance between your location and the server, as well as the server load, are displayed when you view the server list. Because of their slower speeds, servers with heavier loads are quickly filtered out.

Categories of Torrenting Support

We’ve compiled the best VPNs for torrenting and found that most fall in one of four categories:

Allow unlimited, unrestricted torrenting
Allow limited torrenting only on specific servers
Allow but don’t encourage and don’t
Don’t allow

Importance of VPN for Torrenting

When you use BitTorrent, you should absolutely consider using a VPN. Many ISPs and network managers block Torrenting altogether, and a VPN can prevent them from seeing that you’re connecting to a peer-to-peer sharing service. Without a VPN, you leave yourself exposed from the other people on that same connection.

Torrenting certain files may get you in trouble, whether they are bootlegged or even banned in your area, and a VPN can protect you here as well.

Top VPNs for Torrenting

We named NordVPN our top VPN for torrenting because of some stellar security features. Among them, a rerouting feature that automatically sends you to servers in either Canada or the Netherlands if you connect to a non-torrenting server with a P2P connection.

Private Internet Access (PIA) is another excellent choice, allowing torrenting with excellent speed and ease of use. Their AES-256 encryption keeps us safe in the VPN, and their kill switch prevents us from torrenting if the VPN goes down.

10. User-Friendly Interface

A user-friendly interface is crucial for any VPN service, especially for first-time users. A sleek and intuitive UI ensures that users can navigate the software effortlessly. Here are some key aspects that make a VPN interface user-friendly:

Sleek Design

A sleek design with a soothing color scheme, such as black, can make the interface easy on the eyes. This is particularly beneficial when working for extended periods.

Easy Navigation

All essential features should be accessible from the main screen. Users shouldn’t have to search through multiple menus or tabs to find what they need.

OS Support

Ensure that the VPN supports multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. This makes it versatile and accessible for a broader audience.

Customization Options

Allow users to tailor the interface to their needs, especially for desktop users. This can include options like theme changes, widget placements, and more.

A user-friendly interface not only enhances the user experience but also encourages regular use, making it a vital feature for any top-tier VPN service.

11. Affordable Pricing

Budget-Friendly Plans

One of the most attractive features of a top-tier VPN is its affordability. Many VPNs offer budget-friendly plans that cater to different financial needs. For instance, some VPNs provide significant savings when you opt for long-term plans, such as a three-year subscription.

Cost Comparison

Here’s a quick comparison of some popular VPNs and their pricing:

VPN Service	Best Monthly Price	Maximum Monthly Cost
PIA	$2.19	$12.99
NordVPN	$3.69	$12.99
Surfshark	$1.99	$12.95
CyberGhost	$2.49	$12.99

Value for Money

When evaluating the cost of a VPN, it’s essential to consider the features included in the package. Some VPNs, despite their low cost, offer a plethora of features such as unlimited simultaneous connections, strong encryption, and access to a large number of server locations.

Opting for a budget-friendly VPN doesn’t mean compromising on quality. Many affordable VPNs provide excellent service and robust security features, making them a great choice for users on a budget.

12. High Performance

Speed and Reliability

A top-tier VPN must offer high-speed connections and reliable performance. This ensures that users can stream, download, and browse without interruptions.

Server Load Management

Efficient server load management is crucial for maintaining performance. VPNs should distribute user traffic evenly across servers to prevent any single server from becoming overloaded.

Consistent Performance Across Devices

High performance should be consistent across all devices, whether you’re using a smartphone, tablet, or desktop. This ensures a seamless experience regardless of the platform.

Performance Testing

Our team conducts extensive performance testing, including:

407 Cloud Software Products and Services Tested
3056 Annual Software Speed Tests
2400 plus Hours Usability Testing

Our team of experts thoroughly test each service, evaluating it for features, usability, security, value for money, and more.

Real-World Usage

Performance should be tested in real-world scenarios to ensure that the VPN can handle various activities, from streaming to gaming, without compromising speed or reliability.

13. Strong Encryption

Importance of Strong Encryption

Powerful encryption is a must-have for any VPN service. Without it, there’s a chance your ISP (or anyone else) could monitor your online activities. Additionally, hackers might be able to steal sensitive data, such as credit card info and login credentials, especially when using public WiFi networks.

Types of Encryption

AES-128 (CBC and GCM): An advanced encryption standard used by the NSA, Microsoft, and Apple. It is highly secure and would take a supercomputer 1 billion billion years to crack.
AES-256 (CBC and GCM): Used by the American government for classified information, making it a trusted and strong cipher.
ChaCha20: Another secure encryption cipher used by the WireGuard protocol.

Benefits of Strong Encryption

Data Security: Ensures that your data remains confidential and protected from unauthorized access.
Privacy: Prevents ISPs and other entities from monitoring your online activities.
Trust: Builds user trust by safeguarding sensitive information.

Strong encryption is the backbone of any reliable VPN service, ensuring both security and privacy for its users.

14. Split Tunneling

Split tunneling allows you to direct your VPN traffic with a great deal more accuracy. This makes it possible to route some traffic through the VPN while leaving other traffic untouched. This is a great way to ensure that you get the benefits of a VPN without compromising your online security or experience.

Benefits of Split Tunneling

Improved performance for certain activities like streaming or gaming.
Ability to access region-blocked content.
Enhanced control over which apps use the VPN.

How to Use Split Tunneling

Open your VPN application.
Navigate to the settings or options menu.
Find the split tunneling feature and enable it.
Choose which apps or URLs you want to route through the VPN.
Save your settings.

Split tunneling is particularly useful for activities that require high bandwidth, such as video calls or online gaming, as it allows you to exclude these from the VPN to improve performance.

Types of Split Tunneling

Regular Split Tunneling: Exclude specific apps or URLs from the VPN connection.
Inverse Split Tunneling: Only specific apps or URLs are routed through the VPN, while all other traffic is excluded.

15. Unlimited Bandwidth

Unlimited bandwidth is a crucial feature for any top-tier VPN service. It ensures that you can stream, download, and browse without any restrictions on the amount of data you use. This is particularly important for activities that require high data usage, such as streaming high-quality videos or downloading large files.

Benefits of Unlimited Bandwidth

Consistent Speed: With unlimited bandwidth, your connection speed remains consistent, even during peak usage times.
No Data Caps: You won’t have to worry about hitting a data limit and experiencing throttled speeds.
Better Streaming Quality: Higher bandwidth allows for streaming in higher resolutions without buffering.
Multiple Connections: Unlimited bandwidth ensures that multiple devices can connect to the VPN without impacting performance.

Why It Matters

Unlimited bandwidth is essential for maintaining a seamless online experience. Whether you’re working from home, streaming your favorite shows, or gaming, having no bandwidth restrictions means you can do more without interruptions.

Unlimited bandwidth also means that others connecting to the VPN won’t impact your speed, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted online experience for everyone.

Comparison Table

Feature	Limited Bandwidth VPN	Unlimited Bandwidth VPN
Data Caps	Yes	No
Speed Throttling	Yes	No
Streaming Quality	Variable	High
Multiple Device Support	Limited	Unlimited

Choosing a VPN with unlimited bandwidth is a smart decision for anyone looking to maximize their internet usage without facing any limitations.

16. Cross-Platform Compatibility

Seamless Experience Across Devices

A top-tier VPN should offer seamless compatibility across various devices and operating systems. This ensures that users can maintain their privacy and security whether they are on a desktop, laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

Supported Platforms

Windows
macOS
Linux
iOS
Android
Routers

Ease of Use

The VPN should provide user-friendly applications for all supported platforms. This includes intuitive interfaces and easy-to-navigate settings, making it simple for users to connect and configure their VPN on any device.

Consistent Performance

Regardless of the platform, the VPN should deliver consistent performance. This means maintaining high speeds, robust security features, and reliable connections across all devices.

Cross-platform compatibility is essential for users who switch between multiple devices throughout the day. A VPN that supports a wide range of platforms ensures that your data remains protected no matter where you are or what device you’re using.

17. 24/7 Customer Support

Importance of 24/7 Support

When it comes to customer support, speed is the name of the game. VPNs are simple to use but they’re a complex technology, so it’s vital to know you have access to technical support when you need it. Choose a VPN that offers 24/7 customer support through various channels, such as live chat and email. This ensures you can get quick assistance whenever you need it.

Types of Support Channels

Live Chat: Available instantly and is the preferred method for quick resolutions.
Email Support: Usually takes longer but is useful for detailed queries.
Phone Support: Some VPNs offer this, but it’s less common.
Ticket-Based System: Submit a ticket and wait for a response via email.

Evaluating Customer Support

Our team of experts thoroughly test each service, evaluating it for features, usability, security, value for money, and more. We check which customer support channels are available and prefer those that offer instant support like live chat.

Opt for a VPN that offers fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. This enables smooth viewing and browsing while ensuring you have access to immediate support.

18. Ad and Malware Blocking

What is Ad and Malware Blocking?

Ad and malware blocking are features offered by some VPN providers to enhance your online security and browsing experience. An ad blocker stops ads from appearing on your screen when you’re browsing the web, while a malware blocker will block content coming from known malicious websites. These two features usually work in tandem, as they rely on a similar blocking process.

Benefits of Ad and Malware Blocking

Enhanced Security: Blocks malicious websites that could harm your device.
Improved Browsing Experience: Eliminates annoying ads, making web pages load faster.
Data Savings: Reduces data usage by preventing ads from loading.

How It Works

Ad and malware blockers typically use a database of known malicious and advertising domains. When you try to access a website, the blocker checks the domain against this database. If it finds a match, it prevents the content from loading.

Why It Matters

Using a VPN with ad and malware blocking can significantly improve your online safety and browsing experience. It not only protects you from potential threats but also makes your internet usage more efficient.

VPNs with Ad and Malware Blocking

Here are some VPNs known for their effective ad and malware blocking features:

VPN Provider	Ad Blocking	Malware Blocking
Private Internet Access	Yes	Yes
NordVPN	Yes	Yes
CyberGhost	Yes	Yes
Surfshark	Yes	Yes

Conclusion

Ad and malware blocking are essential features that can make a significant difference in your online security and browsing experience. When choosing a VPN, consider one that offers these features to ensure a safer and more enjoyable internet experience.

19. DNS Leak Protection

What is DNS Leak Protection?

DNS Leak Protection ensures that your DNS requests are routed through the VPN tunnel rather than being exposed to your ISP. This prevents your ISP and other eavesdroppers from seeing which websites you are accessing.

Why is it Important?

A DNS leak can compromise your privacy by revealing your browsing activity to your ISP. This is particularly common with split-tunnel VPNs. To be safe, always choose a VPN provider that offers DNS leak protection.

How to Enable DNS Leak Protection

Open your VPN application.
Navigate to the settings or preferences menu.
Look for an option labeled ‘DNS Leak Protection’ and enable it.
Optionally, enable the kill switch feature to further enhance security.

Enabling DNS Leak Protection is a simple yet crucial step to ensure your online activities remain private.

Testing for DNS Leaks

You can check if your VPN has a private DNS server using a DNS leak test tool. These tools will try to retrieve your IP address from your DNS queries. If the detected IP address matches your real IP address, your VPN doesn’t have a private DNS, meaning your connection is not secure.

20. Obfuscated Servers

What Are Obfuscated Servers?

Obfuscated servers are specialized VPN servers designed to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. They disguise your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it difficult for apps, websites, or internet service providers to detect and block your VPN connection.

Why Use Obfuscated Servers?

Obfuscated servers are particularly useful in restrictive regions where VPN usage is monitored or blocked. They ensure that your online activities remain private and unrestricted, even in countries with strict internet censorship.

How Do Obfuscated Servers Work?

Obfuscated servers work by altering your data packets so that they appear as regular internet traffic. This process involves:

Changing the packet headers to remove any signs of VPN usage.
Using advanced encryption techniques to further disguise the traffic.
Routing the traffic through multiple servers to enhance anonymity.

Benefits of Obfuscated Servers

Enhanced Privacy: Keeps your online activities hidden from prying eyes.
Bypass Censorship: Allows access to restricted content in countries with strict internet regulations.
Improved Security: Adds an extra layer of protection against VPN detection tools.

If you live in or plan to travel to a more restrictive region, obfuscated servers are an essential feature to look for in a VPN service.

Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right VPN is crucial for ensuring your online security, privacy, and overall internet experience. The best VPNs stand out by offering a combination of top-notch security features, user-friendly interfaces, extensive server networks, and reliable performance. While each VPN may excel in different areas, the key is to find one that aligns with your specific needs and preferences. We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary insights to make an informed decision. Remember, a good VPN is an investment in your digital safety and freedom.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that encrypts your internet connection and hides your IP address, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.

Why is a no-logs policy important in a VPN?

A no-logs policy ensures that the VPN provider does not store any information about your online activities, providing you with maximum privacy and security.

What is a kill switch in a VPN?

A kill switch is a safety feature that automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP address from being exposed.

How does multi-hop connection enhance security?

Multi-hop connections route your internet traffic through multiple servers, adding an extra layer of encryption and making it more difficult for anyone to trace your online activities.

Can I use a VPN for torrenting?

Yes, many VPNs support torrenting and offer features like fast download speeds and P2P-optimized servers to enhance your torrenting experience.

What is split tunneling in a VPN?

Split tunneling allows you to choose which apps or websites use the VPN connection while others access the internet directly, giving you more control over your online activities.