Best VPNs according to Reddit in 2023 (Free & Paid)

If you want to protect your online privacy, VPNs are the way to go. Using a VPN can help you feel more secure when using public networks as it encrypts your internet traffic and disguises your online identity. You will be able to access content and websites that are usually blocked due to geo-restrictions or censorship, meaning that you can enjoy greater freedom online.

Reddit is a good place to start if you are looking for a reliable VPN service. Various subreddits and discussion threads on Reddit are dedicated to helping users find the best VPN services that offer great performance and value for money. I have made it easier for you by going through all possible threads and subreddits for the best VPN services on the market in 2023. The list given below comes highly recommended by Redditors who have tested and tried various products, so you know you can trust these reviews. Let’s have a look at the best VPNs according to Reddit in 2023.

Best VPNs Reddit Users Recommend in February 2023:

Here’s a summary of the most trusted VPN services that Redditors say are reliable and worth the investment:

1. NordVPN– The Best VPN Overall According To Reddit In 2023
2. Proton VPN- The best VPN for top-notch privacy features and security
3. Surfshark- The best VPN with top speed and unlocking many libraries
4. Mullvad VPN- The best VPN for safety and affordability
5. Private Internet Access- The best VPN for torrenting and value for money

Key factors Reddit users consider when recommending the best VPN

Reddit users seem to keep the below requirements or features in mind when recommending the best VPN:

• Money-back guarantee: A VPN service should ideally offer a money-back guarantee so you can take it for a test drive and see if it meets your requirements. This makes it easy for you to get your money back in case you didn’t like the service, so you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
• Strong encryption of protocols: Choose a VPN that prevents you from leaving traces, for example, in the form of your internet history, search history, and cookies. This prevents third parties from gaining access to confidential information such as personal data, financial information, and other content on websites.
• Speed: To avoid sluggish connections look for a VPN that offers stable and fast access. VPNs with different configurations for different purposes ensure that you always have great speed, whether you are using the VPN for streaming, peer-to-peer activities, or otherwise.
• No-logs: A good VPN stops your web browsing habits from being monitored by your Internet service provider. But a VPN can also track your online activity unless it explicitly states “no logs”. A VPN with a no-logs guarantee won’t follow, collect, or monitor your web browsing history and respects your right to be anonymous.
• Kill switch: A good VPN detects downtime if your VPN connection is suddenly interrupted. This downtime can also interrupt your secure connection. A kill switch terminates preselected programs, reducing the likelihood of your data being compromised. It will automatically turn your Internet off if your VPN is not working.
• Available on multiple devices: Buy a paid service that provides coverage to multiple devices so you can protect your laptop, tablet, and phone. Choose a VPN that protects up-to-five devices at least.
• Customer support: Good customer support goes a long way in ensuring that any issues you face with your VPN are resolved on time and you get an appropriate solution. Knowledgeable and good customer service can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Top VPNs Reddit Users Recommended In 2023

1. NordVPN – The Best VPN Overall According To Reddit In 2023

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Redditors say that Nordvpn is the best VPN service overall. This VPN does not interfere with your internet speed at all and has a strict no-logging policy. These are the two most important features that most users look for in a VPN.

NordVPN is also easy to use, which makes it perfect for new users. Its user interface is straightforward and has helpful tutorials that allow you to set up the service without any hassle. Moreover, Nordvpn has a large number of servers located all over the world. This helps you unblock geo-restricted websites or services quickly and easily.

What Redditors said about it:

u/Skunk_dude “I’ve used NORDVPN for a couple of years and over this period this VPN keeps getting better. Color me crazy but as of late this VPN connection actually “increases” my speed. Don’t know how this could happen but it’s true. I’m a happy nordy vpner.”

u/IAmMohit: “Nord VPN. Been using it for three years. Very satisfied. Has dedicated servers for Netflix.”

u/mdkb: “I am in Aus and went for NordVPN after some research, and though I found it a bit fiddly at first, like I have to keep changing servers almost every day and hunt for something that works, even to get simple traffic or a ping working. It seems pretty good once I find a country that is working. speeds can vary but its working ok.”

u/Naturist02: “I run NordVPN on Windows, MAC, and Linux Mint. I love it. Install NordVPN via the Terrminal on Linux. . It’s easier to use. Also if you run it in Terminal it only works with the TCP connections.”

u/monk12314: “I love Nord but a few notes: amazon, Netflix, and Hulu may not work for you (amazon never works for me no matter server (in us)) and I’d move away from Google as they have those annoying recaptcha every time I use them. Other than that Amazing service! Really don’t let those negatives move you away I’ve loved them for 2 years already.”

NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked. It has 5400+ VPN servers across 60 countries with blazing speeds and unlimited bandwidth. It can unblock streaming sites like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video when connected to NordVPN’s US servers. Moreover, you can connect up to six devices with one account. It is available across multiple gadgets such as phones, tablets, smart TV, laptops, and routers.

It is headquartered in Panama which means the government can never force NordVPN to surrender user data. It uses the AES-256 encryption method and has a very useful kill switch. It establishes secure connections to its servers, by using two internet protocols: IPSec and IKEv2. NordVPN has split tunneling which allows for some traffic to pass through the VPN tunnel and others to pass through normal, unencrypted networks. It employs a double VPN that sends data through multiple servers to gain multiple layers of encryption. NordVPN uses the NordLynx protocol which has greatly improved download speeds. Most Redditors say they had no DNS leaks when they were connected to NordVPN. It offers three plans: NordVPN offers three levels of service. There’s the Standard plan, the Plus plan, and the Complete plan. The Standard plan offers standard VPN features while the Plus plan offers both NordVPN and NordPass features, and the Complete plan offers NordVPN, NordPass, and Nord Locker features. Both these plans (plus and complete) offer access to NordPass’ multi-platform password manager and a data breach scanner.

2. Proton VPN – The best VPN for top-notch privacy features and security

Redditors say that Proton VPN is the best when it comes to security and user privacy. It has an excellent collection of VPN features and its encryption is top-notch. The company has a strict no-logs policy, so you can be sure that your data will remain secure and private.

Overall, Proton VPN offers great value for money. It doesn’t interfere with internet speed like some other services, and its encryption technology ensures that all user data remains secure.

What Redditors had to say about it

u/Sticking_to_Decaf “Proton is an excellent VPN and very user-friendly. Apps for Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android are all solid. Proton is also bundled with end-to-end encrypted calendar, email, and file storage. Proton has also been actively developing its protocols to bypass VPN blocking by oppressive regimes and institutions. Their new stealth protocol has been helpful for some folks in Iran. Bypassing VPN blocking is tough and can be like a game of whack-a-mole, but Proton works hard to keep ahead. Overall, for most users, Proton is the top VPN and the only one I recommend.”

It offers 1700 servers across 60 countries. It has effective kill switches for Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux devices. It uses AES-256 encryption and 4096-bit RSA for key exchange and HMAC with SHA384 for message authentication. All these help transmit your data securely. It uses OpenVPN protocol for Mac and Android and its Windows and iOS VPNs use IKEv2/IPSec.

It offers three plans: Free, Basic, and Plus. If you want to watch Netflix you will have to subscribe to their Plus plan. The other two plans don’t have access to the Plus servers and aren’t that fast compared to Plus. The Basic plan and Plus plan let you download P2P files.

Redditors say that the company’s customer service is also excellent, providing quick help when needed.

3. Surfshark – The best VPN with top speed and unlocking many libraries

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Surfshark is another VPN service that Redditors can’t stop recommending. They love that its performance is solid, delivers high speeds, and has a consistent latency. Surfshark is the perfect solution for protecting your online privacy with its advanced encryption technology. You can be sure that your data remains safe and secure as you browse the web without any worries.

What Redditors had to say about it

u/northernlighthouse “I think that one thing that sets Surfshark apart for me is the wide range of features they offer. In addition to standard VPN capabilities like secure browsing and anonymous browsing, they also have a feature called “CleanWeb” that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. This has been convenient for me because it makes my browsing experience much smoother and safer. Overall, I highly recommend Surfshark. It’s a reliable and feature-packed choice that has exceeded my expectations.”

Surfshark has 3,200+ servers distributed across 100 countries. It has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux and extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and even Edge. It also has a website unblocking Smart DNS system for games consoles, smart TVs, and more.

It employs strong AES-256-GCM encryption, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 support, and a no-logs policy. Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature is an ad, tracker, and malicious URL blocker. It has P2P support on most servers, VPN chaining using two servers for one hop), and split tunneling. Its kill switch is very effective and automatically disrupts all your internet traffic to prevent it from leaking out in case of dropped VPN connections.

Surfshark lets you torrent and stream on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other services. It also unlocks regional libraries outside your country such as streaming Netflix U.K. shows. Its Camouflage Mode and No-Borders Mode are great if you’re in a more restrictive country. It makes your VPN traffic look like normal VPN traffic to prevent governments from detecting the use of a VPN. No-Borders Mode limits your selection of servers to those designed to bypass censorship in restrictive countries. It has networks in locations such as Brunei, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Laos.

It offers a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and Mac to check the service before you purchase it. You are also protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee after your purchase. Its standard VPN plan comes at a reasonable price when compared to its competitors. Surfshark One is an add-on service that includes access to Surfshark’s antivirus software, identity monitoring service, and secure search engine. You can get it at a lower cost if you bundle it with their VPN subscription.

Plus, it comes with fast download speeds and upload speeds so you can quickly stream movies or other content without long waits. And with its low latency rates, you do not have to worry about losing your connection while you go about your daily activities.

4. Mullvad VPN – The best VPN for safety and affordability

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Redditors believe that if you want more control over what websites can access, Mullvad VPN is the right choice for you. What makes Mullvad the safest VPN is its completely anonymous accounts, WireGuard and OpenVPN tunnel protocols, AES-256 encryption, SOCKS5 proxy, and no third-party trackers on the website. You don’t even have to provide an email address to create an account.

It provides military-grade encryption that helps secure your web traffic from being monitored or tracked by third parties. Plus, with its zero-logs policy, it ensures that all of your activity remains anonymous, even when using public Wi-Fi networks. And because Mullvad requires no email address for a signup, you don’t have to worry about any additional identity information being leaked. With all of these features, it’s easy to see why so many people trust Mullvad as their go-to VPN provider.

What Redditors had to say about it

u/rationales “Mullvad doesn’t have a referral program, which is why they get mentioned less and less positively in reviews. Mullvad is a favorite because of its transparent and clean approach. As I said, they don’t create dishonest reviews because they do not have a referral program. Also, their software is open source so their no-log and security claims are closer to being verifiable. They haven’t had any security slip-ups. Additionally, their pricing is the opposite of misleading. These reasons, among probably some other things I missed, make them a company that’s easy to trust.”

Mullvard has 885 servers across 9 countries and can unblock Netflix and HBO Max from anywhere. It unblocks US Netflix with ease, as well as Netflix libraries in other countries. You can simultaneously connect 5 devices under one Mullvad account. It is compatible with operating systems such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can install Mullvad on a VPN-compatible router to use it on WiFi devices like your smart TV, PlayStation, or Xbox.

Mullvad uses AES-256-bit encryption and OpenVPN and WireGuard protocol. You can choose which you’d like to use or select the default setting. Mullvard doesn’t record any information such as connection times, IP addresses, DNS requests, traffic, or anything that can link an action back to a specific account. It also has its own authoritative DNS servers for extra privacy. Its ad-blocking feature on the desktop and iOS apps allows you to block ads, trackers, or malware and can filter out adult or gambling-related content as well.

It supports split tunneling where you can specify apps that won’t use the VPN. Its multi-hop VPN feature routes your connections to one Mullvad server first, exiting the VPN from another server. Mullvad’s built-in kill switch can never be disabled. Mullvad’s servers are enabled for P2P sharing and you can download torrents quickly and anonymously.

When it comes to pricing, Mullvads pricing is extremely simple. It doesn’t have any doubling of the price at the end of the first term and has cheaper plans compared to other VPN services.

Mullvad’s refund procedure is very efficient and transparent and they also have a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you’re looking for an effective way to stay safe on the Internet, then Mullvad is worth considering.

5. Private Internet Access – The best VPN for torrenting and value for money

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Private Internet Access VPN is an awesome choice for people looking for tons of features at a reasonable price. It’s fast, reliable, and has a variety of features that make it stand out from other services. The fact that it works with almost every device means you can enjoy its benefits regardless of which device you use. Overall, Private Internet Access offers great value for money when compared to other VPNs on the market. It offers great security measures at low prices.

What Redditors had to say about it

u/sophia99-nsfw “Private Internet Access (PIA) is my go-to VPN. Regardless of the country chosen, the connection speeds are lightning fast and extremely reliable. PIA VPN has a 100% uptime guarantee, and you can set it and forget it. There is no need to switch between servers, and it works on everything.”

PIA has over 29650+ servers across 89 countries. It has servers even in countries that are usually forgotten by other providers: Bahamas, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Qatar, Sri Lanka, UAE, and more. It can unblock streaming platforms such as Netflix libraries (including the US), Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more. It can unblock regional Netflix libraries like the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, and more. It is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. PIAs pricing is cheaper than most VPN services. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PIA uses the most secure protocols such as WireGuard and OpenVPN. It has DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a MACE feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware. The Chrome extension adds bonus privacy features for blocking location access, third-party cookies, website referrers, and more. It uses AES-128 encryption as its default, but you can manually change it to AES-256. It has its own DNS servers to reduce the chance of DNS data leaks. It is an excellent torrenting VPN as you can use any location for your torrenting activities, without any limits or restrictions.

Why Reddit users’ opinions are important

If you’re asking yourself “Why do Reddit recommendations matter so much and are they trustworthy?” then here are a few reasons why you can depend on Reddit to provide you with honest recommendations:

• The content on Reddit is socially curated by regular users like you and me and promoted by site members through voting.
• The content submitted by Redditors is voted upon by other members which send well-regarded content to the top of the site’s front page.
• Subreddits on Reddit discuss specific topics in detail and are composed of the most popular posts with the most votes.
• Redditors give a knowledgeable justification of why they recommend a certain product and what issues they faced with it. This shows that the comment is from a genuine user.
• You can easily spot sponsored content just by looking at how other members have reacted to it.

How to not get confused by Reddit comments

Redditors and Subreddits are diligent in their efforts to identify, downvote, and remove fake reviews. However, there are a few methods you too can use to accomplish this.

• Look at patterns in reviews. For example, if a reviewer only leaves positive reviews for products from a certain brand, or if all of their reviews have the same wording, that can be a red flag that the reviews are fake.
• Another method you can use is to look at the username of the reviewer. If multiple reviews are coming from the same user name, that can also be an indication that the reviews are fake.
• You can also look at reviews that are submitted shortly after a product is released. If there are a large number of positive reviews for a new product, that can be another sign that the reviews are not real.
• Any comments or reviews that include discount codes may be fake reviews or sponsored content. For example, the comment below is a marketing tactic.

What’s the best VPN for Netflix according to Reddit?

Netflix offers different content to people in different countries. With the help of a VPN, you can make yourself appear to be in different locations to access different regional libraries wherever you are.

According to Redditors, NordVPN works best with Netflix. Here’s what a Redditor had to say about it

u/warnullD “At this moment you will not find a cheaper and faster Netflix VPN as NordVPN. It works very stably, has good tutorials and support, a user-friendly interface, and many applications for different devices.”

Nord VPN has 5000+ servers across 60 countries so you can pick a server in whatever country you want to explore and open up Netflix. Not only does it unblock US Netflix but also unblocks libraries from 10 other regions such as Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, South Korea, and the United Kingdom (UK). It also unblocks other streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, NBC’s Peacock, and the UK-only BBC iPlayer. This means you are not just restricted to content on Netflix.

VPNs that Reddit users don’t recommend

1. Hola VPN

Hola VPN is the worst VPN that you can download as it logs all your online activity, shares your information, and doesn’t encrypt your connection. It is very unsafe and a risk to your privacy, personal identity, and online security.

u/ChaserNeverRests “Might want to add Hola to the Not Recommended list. Known malware sells your bandwidth to botnets.”

2. HotSpot Shield VPN

HotSpot Shield has been accused of intercepting and redirecting traffic to partner websites, including advertising companies. It also logs connection details, which directly goes against its privacy policy. It was also found that it was injecting JavaScript codes and redirecting e-commerce traffic to partnering domains.

u/barrydotgeek “Fully disappointed with this service, I agree that it’s not reliable. Can’t say about other issues but I would like to add to your list of hotspot shield cons my experience with bad windows apps. I have two laptops with WIN 10 Pro and Win 10 Home, both 64-bit versions and I’ve tried to install hotspot shield to both of them, but failed. Sure, I tried to get help, and I think I am stuck with this issue forever.”

3. Betternet

Betternet is one of the most malware-infected VPNs according to some researchers as it tested positive for malware by 13 different antivirus programs. It’s proven to have many leaks, including IP address leaks and also DNS leaks.

u/MedukaKeyname “If you use Betternet and most free VPN services, l strongly suggest getting rid of it. I suggest not using it for anything. It’s a huge security risk to get your account stolen.”

Does Reddit recommend free VPNs?

Redditors say that it all depends on which free VPN you plan to use. Some free VPNs are more trustworthy than others but since they are free they may collect some amount of data as an incentive to continue their free service. It is always better to choose paid services that have a strong privacy policy in place. Nord VPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use instead of a free VPN service.

Here’s what Redditors have to say about Free VPNs:

u/DrownedWalk1622 “Both yes and no. Tor is free. And it is the best as a VPN. Even better than paid ones.”

u/Dictatone “You do not want to use a free VPN 99% of the time. Do yourself a favor and check out something like Nord or surfshark they are recommended on Reddit. I have said this a few times on Reddit about VPNs but with VPNs good AND free tend to be mutually exclusive, unfortunately.”

Cheapest VPNs by Reddit

Surfshark is agreed to be the cheapest VPN on the market by Redditors. Though it is affordable it is packed with features and is good value for money.

Best iOS VPNs by Reddit

NordVPN is the top choice for iOS users. The NordVPN iOS app is compatible with Apple’s Voice Control and is very easy to set up using Siri shortcuts and enjoy hands-free VPN protection.

u/EquatorialReins “NordVPN is a solid option for iOS https://nordvpn.com/ios. The app is great and the VPN works well on all fronts.”

NordVPN iOS app can secure your internet connection in a few taps and swipes, even on public Wi-Fi.

Gaming VPNs by Reddit

Some games don’t encrypt their sensitive content. But you can protect your data on your own with NordVPN. It uses encryption algorithms to protect you from snoopers even when you are connected to public Wi-Fi. Here’s what Redditors said about it:

u/babichamezquitaqy “Yes. VPN may be helpful for you to reduce the ping on gaming. You can use NordVPN for a better gaming experience. This good VPN will help to reduce ping during gaming.”

NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market which means no additional lagging and pinging.

Best VPNs for Canada by Reddit

Redditors recommend using NordVPN if you’re in Canada or want to access any region-blocked content in Canada. It has the fastest servers in three major cities: Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Here’s what Redditors said about it:

u/jonwickreturns “I live in Toronto, here’s the one I’ve tried so far. NordVPN was the best one for streaming Netflix in Canada (fastest) Surfshark was the cheapest one that worked well. While Nord is very good for streaming and torrenting, not all of its servers work with American Netflix so you’ll have to do some testing before you get it right. Once you land on the right server Netflix might tell you you’re using a proxy blocker. All you need to do is try a new server or reconnect to the one you’re currently using. But it’s cool though, it’s pretty fast and isn’t too pricey. And if you don’t like it, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. So by then, you might have finished off your favorite shows anyway ;)”

VPNs Comparison Table

Best VPN subreddits to subscribe to

If you have any issues with your VPN service or want honest opinions regarding VPNs or anything related to it, here is a list of Subreddits you can refer to, to get additional information.

VPN Related Subreddits:

1. r/VPN- They describe themselves as “A community for VPN users and those who want to know more about them.”
2. r/privacy- This subreddit compiles the most commonly asked questions and serves as an overall guide to becoming more secure online.
3. r/vpncoupons- This subreddit contains VPN coupons and promos.
4. r/VPNTorrents (for torrenting)- This is a discussion forum for torrenting (and similar P2P protocols) using VPN-type technology.
5. r/vpnreviews- This subreddit discusses user-submitted VPN reviews.

Final thoughts

These were some of the most popular recommendations by Redditors. You can always discontinue the VPN service after the trial period if you don’t like it. However, no matter who you are or where you live, having a VPN is essential for protecting your privacy. With the right VPN service provider, you can rest assured that all of your digital activity will remain encrypted and anonymous – no one will be able to track or monitor what you do online. In short, getting a VPN is an essential tool for protecting your privacy and staying safe.

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