Beginner-friendly · No jargon

Stay private online. It’s easier than you think.

A VPN encrypts your internet connection and hides your location — so snoops, trackers and public Wi-Fi can’t see what you do. Set one up in about 5 minutes.

Not legal advice · Beginner-friendly · Updated 2026-05-29

MASCOT

Private

Hide your browsing from your internet provider and the networks you use.

Secure

Encrypt your connection so public Wi-Fi snoops can’t read your data.

Unblocked

Reach your usual sites, apps and streaming while travelling.

The 60-second version

What even is a VPN?

VPN stands for “virtual private network”. In plain terms: it builds an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. Your internet provider and anyone on your Wi-Fi just see scrambled traffic, and websites see the VPN’s location instead of yours. That’s the whole idea.

Read the full beginner guide →
Your VPN guide

The honest version: a VPN makes you far more private, not invisible. Pick one with an independently audited no-logs policy and you’re in great shape.

Our top VPN picks

Audited, beginner-friendly, and good value. See the full comparison →

💬 We may earn a commission from the links below, at no extra cost to you. It never changes our picks — they’re based on independent audits, features and value. Full disclosure.

#2

Surfshark

Best value — unlimited devices on a budget

Independently audited no-logs

No-logs re-verified by Deloitte (Jun 2025)

  • Unlimited devices
  • Cheapest long-term
  • Audited no-logs (Deloitte, 2025)
Price
from ~$2–2.50/mo (2-yr plan)
Devices
Unlimited
Money-back
30-day money-back
Streaming
Yes
Jurisdiction
Netherlands (9-Eyes; RAM-only servers)
Ease
★☆☆
#3

ExpressVPN

Premium ease + the best streaming

Independently audited no-logs

No-logs audit by KPMG (2025); 23+ independent audits total

  • Best-in-class streaming
  • Dead-simple apps
  • 23+ independent audits
Price
from ~$4.99/mo (2-yr plan)
Devices
8 (varies by tier — verify)
Money-back
30-day money-back
Streaming
Yes
Jurisdiction
British Virgin Islands (outside 5/9/14-Eyes)
Ease
★☆☆

What people use a VPN for

Safe on public Wi-Fi

Cafés, airports and hotels are easy places for snoops. A VPN encrypts your connection so nobody on the same network can read what you do.

Stop ISP & tracker snooping

Your internet provider can see and log every site you visit. A VPN hides your browsing from your ISP and network owners.

Watch your shows anywhere

Travelling? A VPN lets you connect back home so your usual streaming libraries and live sport work like you never left.

Travel & open internet

On trips where some sites or apps are blocked, a VPN helps you reach the open internet and your normal accounts. (Check local laws first.)

Crypto & online casinos

Add privacy when buying crypto or logging into accounts on shared networks. New to crypto? Our sister guide walks you through it.

How to buy crypto →

Find better prices

Flights, hotels and subscriptions are sometimes priced differently by location. A VPN lets you compare prices from elsewhere.

More reasons to use a VPN →