Introduction
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) enhances your online privacy by encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address. This cheatsheet provides a quick overview of some of the top VPN providers, their key features, pricing, and platforms they support.
1. ExpressVPN
- Key Features:
- Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries.
- AES-256 encryption.
- No-log policy.
- Split tunneling.
- Supports streaming (Netflix, Hulu, etc.).
- 24/7 customer support.
- Pricing:
- $12.95/month (monthly plan).
- $9.99/month (6-month plan).
- $6.67/month (12-month plan, plus 3 months free).
- Supported Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Smart TVs, gaming consoles.
2. NordVPN
- Key Features:
- Over 5,500 servers in 60 countries.
- Double VPN for extra security.
- CyberSec ad-blocker.
- No-log policy.
- Dedicated IP options.
- Works with streaming services.
- Pricing:
- $12.99/month (monthly plan).
- $4.99/month (1-year plan).
- $3.99/month (2-year plan).
- Supported Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, Smart TVs, routers.
3. Surfshark
- Key Features:
- Unlimited devices per subscription.
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.
- CleanWeb ad-blocker.
- MultiHop for double encryption.
- No-log policy.
- Bypasser (split tunneling).
- Pricing:
- $12.95/month (monthly plan).
- $3.99/month (1-year plan).
- $2.49/month (2-year plan).
- Supported Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, routers, Smart TVs.
4. CyberGhost
- Key Features:
- 9,000+ servers in 91 countries.
- Dedicated streaming and torrenting servers.
- Automatic kill switch.
- No-log policy.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Pricing:
- $12.99/month (monthly plan).
- $6.99/month (6-month plan).
- $2.11/month (2-year plan).
- Supported Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, routers, gaming consoles.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Key Features:
- 35,000+ servers in 78 countries.
- MACE ad-blocking feature.
- No-log policy.
- Supports torrenting.
- Split tunneling.
- Open-source apps.
- Pricing:
- $11.99/month (monthly plan).
- $3.33/month (1-year plan).
- $2.03/month (3-year plan).
- Supported Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, routers.
6. ProtonVPN
- Key Features:
- No-log policy.
- Secure Core servers (extra security).
- P2P support.
- Integrated with ProtonMail.
- Free tier available.
- Works with streaming services.
- Pricing:
- Free plan available.
- $9.99/month (monthly plan).
- $5.99/month (1-year plan).
- $4.99/month (2-year plan).
- Supported Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers.
7. Hotspot Shield
- Key Features:
- 3,200+ servers in 80+ countries.
- Patented Catapult Hydra protocol for speed.
- 1Password integration.
- Malware and phishing protection.
- No-log policy.
- Pricing:
- Free plan (limited).
- $12.99/month (monthly plan).
- $7.99/month (1-year plan).
- Supported Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Smart TVs.
8. VyprVPN
- Key Features:
- 700+ servers in 70+ countries.
- Chameleon protocol to bypass censorship.
- Public Wi-Fi protection.
- No-log policy.
- NAT Firewall.
- Pricing:
- $15.00/month (monthly plan).
- $8.33/month (1-year plan).
- $5.00/month (2-year plan).
- Supported Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Smart TVs.
9. IPVanish
- Key Features:
- 2,000+ servers in 75+ countries.
- Unlimited device connections.
- No-log policy.
- 24/7 customer support.
- SugarSync encrypted storage.
- Pricing:
- $11.99/month (monthly plan).
- $3.99/month (1-year plan).
- Supported Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Smart TVs.
10. Windscribe
- Key Features:
- Free plan with 10GB/month.
- 110+ server locations in 60+ countries.
- Built-in ad and tracker blocker.
- Config generator for custom VPN setups.
- No-log policy.
- Pricing:
- Free plan available.
- $9.00/month (monthly plan).
- $5.75/month (1-year plan).
- Supported Platforms:
- Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, browsers, routers.
Conclusion
Choosing the right VPN depends on your specific needs, whether it’s for streaming, privacy, torrenting, or general online security. This cheatsheet provides a snapshot of the top VPN services, their key features, pricing, and supported platforms, helping you make an informed decision.