Best VPN for Privacy: 5 Best Picks to Unblock Websites
Nowadays, caring about privacy on online platforms has become vital for each of us, as technological threats are increasingly prevalent. When we are thinking about privacy, VPNs always come to mind because they are the best method to protect your internet connection and stay safe while doing online activities.
Finding the best VPN for privacy can be a bit challenging because the market is full of VPNs that offer mixed security features. In this guide, we are going to understand the key criteria of VPNs for privacy protection and also review the 5 best VPN picks to unblock websites and worldwide content.
Let’s get started with the evaluation process and what we looked for in the best VPN for privacy to bypass website blocks, and not only that.
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5 best VPN for privacy picks to unblock websites
As we already know, the key factors for the evaluation of the best VPN to unblock websites privately and securely, it’s time to take a look at our top picks that passed the testing process. Let’s explore the main features and benefits of those VPNs and get a clear picture of how they can serve us.
1) NordVPN
Of course, we chose NordVPN as our first pick because it consistently ranks as one of the best VPNs for privacy. It offers industry-leading encryption, transparent policies, and a robust set of features designed to protect user identity. Let’s get a bit closer to the security features.
Key features include:
- AES-256 encryption with modern protocols like NordLynx (based on WireGuard)
- Strict no-logs policy, independently audited by PwC
- RAM-only servers that automatically erase data on reboot
- Pro threat Protection blocks ads, malware, and trackers: even when the VPN is off
- Meshnet and Double VPN features for enhanced security
- Over 6,300 servers in 126 countries
Besides all great security features, NordVPN is also affordable when it comes to pricing. Basic plan starts from just $3.39 /mo and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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2) Proton VPN
Built by the team behind ProtonMail, Proton VPN is our second choice of the most transparent and privacy-focused VPNs on the market. It has massive servers in over 120 countries and lets you easily unlock streaming services no matter where you are.
Key features include:
- Based in Switzerland, a country with strong privacy protection laws
- Secure Core feature routes traffic through multiple privacy-respecting servers
- Open-source apps with regular independent security audits
- Perfect Forward Secrecy ensures past sessions stay protected
- Zero-logs policy clearly outlined and enforced
- Free version available with limited features and speeds
The best thing about Proton is that it has a forever-free version for basic and casual use that can secure 1 device at a time, has medium speed, and can connect to 5 random servers. Proton is considered the best VPN for Android, and not only because of its flexibility and features.
3) ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a premium service known for its consistent speed, robust privacy features, and strong legal safeguards. The servers are spread across over 105 countries and have best-in-class encryption.
Key features include:
- Operates from the British Virgin Islands, outside major surveillance alliances
- TrustedServer technology (RAM-only infrastructure) ensures no persistent data storage
- No-logs policy validated through multiple third-party audits
- Supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, and its own Lightway protocol
- Strong performance for unblocking global streaming services
- User-friendly apps available across all platforms
Express offers commercial, corporate, and self-setup VPN for any type of user.
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4) Surfshark VPN
Surfshark delivers high-end privacy features at a competitive price and allows unlimited device connections per account. It uses next-gen Nexus technology that connects all VPN servers to the global network, providing enhanced security performance.
Key features include:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections across devices
- CleanWeb feature blocks malware, ads, and phishing attempts
- MultiHop (double VPN) routes traffic through two servers for extra security
- Camouflage Mode helps bypass VPN blocks and DPI systems
- Nexus network architecture improves speed and security through dynamic IP routing
- Independently audited no-logs policy
Read our detailed Surfshark VPN review to explore everything about this VPN.
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5) Betternet
And our last choice is Betternet. Betternet is a free VPN service that provides basic protection for casual browsing. But it has limitations when it comes to strong privacy. Let’s see where it compromises compared to the leaders mentioned above.
Key features include:
- Simple, user-friendly setup with no registration required
- Basic encryption standards with limited protocol options
- Monetized through ads and third-party partnerships, which raises privacy concerns
- Has a no-log policy but with some limitations. With that said, they collect some data but encrypt and delete it at the end of each session.
- No support for torrenting, streaming, or advanced configurations
- Best suited for casual or occasional VPN use, not for privacy-critical tasks
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Virtual Private Networks: How we tested and chose them for privacy
During our testing of the best VPN for privacy, we separated key security features that the best VPNs have and use to provide encrypted connections. Let’s break down those features in more detail and understand how they work, what benefits they bring to keep users safe and secure.
No-Logs policy
No-logs policy is the most important privacy feature that every VPN should have. This policy means that the VPN service provider does not record or track your online activity and does not keep your data. Due to the no-logs policy, they can’t access your browsing history, DNS queries, or your IP addresses.
No-logs policy is a key factor of privacy VPN because without it, providers can access and sell your data to third parties, use sensitive and personal information, and put your data in danger.
Strong encryption
The second essential factor is, of course, strong encryption. Encryption in VPNs refers to the keys and multiple algorithms that are created to protect your data while you are connected to the VPN server. Due to strong encryption, your internet traffic becomes undetectable, and no one can read it without the decryption key.
Popular and strong encryption examples are AES-256, key lengths, and some mathematical algorithm models. Encryption also has the purpose to protect your data and especially your browsing history(what websites you visit, what type of data you send or receive).
Advanced security protocols
Last but not least important criterion for the best VPN for privacy is advanced security protocols. These protocols are the basis for encryption and authentication used to keep a safe connection between the VPN server and the machine that is connected to that server.
Some popular VPN protocols are WireGuard and OpenVPN. All these protocols compete for the best speed, efficiency, and security.
When to use a VPN: More than just privacy
While most people associate VPNs with privacy alone, the real value goes far beyond that. VPNs are essential tools for accessing a free and open internet, especially in countries where websites and services are blocked.
Whether you're trying to access news in a restricted region or streaming your favorite show while traveling, VPNs allow you to unblock geo-restricted content securely.
They’re also essential for remote work, public Wi-Fi security, and bypassing surveillance. Imagine you're working in a coffee shop; a VPN shields your sensitive emails and login credentials from potential attackers on the same network.
Additionally, VPNs help prevent price discrimination, where online platforms show different prices based on your location. With a VPN, you can compare prices for flights, hotels, or digital services from different countries to find the best deal.
Can you trust the top VPN services?
Not all VPNs are created equal: trust depends on transparency, jurisdiction, and technical practices. Here’s what to look for:
Independent audits
- Reputable VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN undergo third-party audits.
- These audits verify their no-logs policies and infrastructure claims.
- Regular audits show a commitment to security and accountability.
H3: Jurisdiction
- VPNs based in privacy-respecting countries (e.g., Switzerland, British Virgin Islands) are not required to store user data.
- Avoid services headquartered in countries that are part of surveillance alliances like the Five Eyes (US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand).
Open-source and transparency reports
- Providers like Proton VPN offer open-source apps that can be publicly reviewed.
- Transparency reports disclose any government data requests, showing how the provider handles privacy challenges.
Business model clarity
- Free VPNs often profit by selling user data or injecting ads.
- A clear, sustainable revenue model: usually, paid plans indicate that the company does not rely on monetizing user data.
Privacy policies and real-world behavior
- The best VPNs have detailed, easy-to-understand privacy policies.
- Past controversies or data leaks (or the lack thereof) are also important indicators of trustworthiness.
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FAQ: Common questions about the best VPN for privacy
How do VPNs preserve confidentiality?
The best VPNs for PC use security features like a no-logs policy, strong encryption, and powerful security protocols to preserve users' confidentiality. These features ensure safe and secure performance while connected to the VPNs and do not impose any data caps.
What is a no-logs policy?
No-logs is a type of privacy policy that ensures that the VPN service provider doesn’t have access to your personal data, like your browsing history or any type of online activity that you do. Trusted VPNs like NordVPN, Proton, and Express have this policy, so you can be sure that your data is safe with them.
What is the best VPN for privacy?
The best VPN for privacy is NordVPN, which was in the first position of our top 5 picks. NordVPN has features like pro threat protection, Meshnet, and dark web monitor that ensure the best security performance, no matter whether you use your laptop, mobile phone, or tablet.
What countries block VPNs?
Countries like the Russian Federation, China, and Turkey block VPNs to control users’ online activity and to limit their freedom. But fortunately, with the best VPNs, it’s possible to bypass even these blocks sometimes. They bypass these blocks by refreshing the IP as fast as possible and also using obfuscation.
Can VPN providers sell you data?
Yes, many unlicensed and free VPNs can sell your data to third parties or use sensitive information against you. So, it’s more than important to choose licensed and trustworthy providers like NordVPN or Proton VPN and use the internet in peace.