2017 RANKING & REVIEWS
TOP RANKING BEST VPN SERVICES
What You Need To Know About VPN Services
A virtual private network or VPN, is a way to make private and public networks private and secure, for example, Wi-Fi hotspots. When you utilize VPN services, you can connect to the Internet through a service that’s operated by the VPN provider. The data that travels between your devices and the VPN server is encrypted.
This allows for privacy that will hide your internet activity from your Internet Service Provider. You can also protect yourself against hackers when you’re on a public hotspot, and you can do P2P downloading.
Award Emblem: Top 6 Best VPN Services
The initial objective of developing VPN services and virtual private networks was to help companies with remote workers who needed their employees to be able to access the corporate network from anywhere securely. This is now referred to specifically as corporate VPN, while there is commercial VPN as well.
The following list of VPN reviews covers the top VPN services and highlights details of each of these best VPN options.
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AdvisoryHQ’s List of the Top 6 Best VPN Services
List is sorted alphabetically (click any of the names below to go directly to the detailed review section for that top VPN):
Top 6 Best VPN Services | Brief Comparison
Top VPN Services | Key Feature | Key Benefit |
| Buffered VPN | Delivers a fast and stable connection and unlimited bandwidth | Enforces a strict no-logging policy of usage logs |
| Express VPN | No logging of network traffic with strong encryption | Simultaneous connections on up to three devices, and 99.9% uptime |
| Hotspot Shield | Available as a free download or an Elite version | Delivers malware protection and mobile security |
| IP Vanish VPN | Three different pricing plans are available | Mobile apps are available to protect users with this best VPN option when they’re on the go |
| NordVPN | Data is protected using 2048-bit SSL encryption | Fast VPN and also features a unique automatic kill switch |
| Pure VPN | Pure VPN features its own proprietary code and software and apps for every major platform | Compatible with more than 20 devices including consoles, SmartTV, Roku and more |
Table: Top 6 VPN Services | Above list is sorted alphabetically
Reasons People Use Virtual Private Networks
There are quite a few advantages to using virtual private networks and choosing the best VPN service.
First and foremost, under new laws, ISPs such as Comcast and Charter, are allowed to use their customers’ online data and sell it to third parties. When you go online, whether it’s for personal or business reasons, your data is scraped and sold to advertisers.
ISPs see all of your information and activity when you’re online, and people are increasingly turning to virtual private networks to help them with this. It creates an encrypted way to go online that can protect your information and keep it away from your ISP.
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Your identity is masked as well when you use a top VPN.
There are many advantages of using a top VPN for businesses as well as individuals. It’s a good way to create secure connections with remote employees as mentioned above, and it can also create a secure network structure for clients of a business.
In general advantages of top VPN services include the fact that they’re inexpensive and they’re highly scalable. They also tend to be easy to use.
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AdvisoryHQ’s Selection Methodology
What methodology does AdvisoryHQ use in selecting and finalizing the credit cards, financial products, firms, services and products that are ranked on its various top rated lists?
Please click here “AdvisoryHQ’s Ranking Methodologies” for a detailed review of AdvisoryHQ’s selection methodologies for ranking top rated credit cards, financial accounts, firms, products, and services.
Detailed Review – Top Ranking Virtual Private Networks
Below, please find the detailed review of each of the top VPN services. We have highlighted some of the factors that allowed these top VPN services to score so well in our selection ranking.
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Buffered VPN Review
Buffered VPN is one of the world’s top-rated VPN services with great features, ease-of-use, and low pricing.
Key Features of This Provider That Led To Its Ranking as One of the Top VPN Services
Among VPN services, the following are specific reasons Buffered VPN is ranked as a best VPN service.
No-Logging Policy
This best VPN company has a no-logging policy for usage logs. They store only connection logs, which aren’t the same as usage records. This includes only general information such as how you connect to the Buffered software, how long you stay connected to this best VPN, and when you connect.
All stored information is only about the user’s connection because that helps the company identify technical errors or issues while ensuring they provide the utmost in privacy.
Military-Grade Security
In the face of a rise in hacker attacks, Buffered is included on this list of fast VPN and top VPN companies for many reasons including their military-grade security. They take every possible step to protect data and provide safe online connections.
Buffered uses 256-bit Blowfish Encryption which is what’s used by the U.S. military. It provides safe web access at home and when using public hotspots.
This can help prevent the theft of a variety of information when online including financial information and photos and videos.
Performance
Along with security, Buffered is included on this list of VPN reviews because it is a fast VPN and is stable. Buffered provides services that are high-speed with stable connections, and bandwidth is unlimited. This means streaming and gaming without lags.
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ExpressVPN Review
ExpressVPN is one of the top VPN services on this VPN ranking. This good VPN service is high-speed, secure and user-friendly.
Key Features of This Selection for One of the Top VPN Services
Some of the reasons ExpressVPN is a best VPN on this list of VPN reviews are below.
Easy Setup
A big advantage of using this particular best VPN service on this list of VPN reviews is the fact that it’s easy to use and set up. You can setup whether you’re on a computer, tablet, smartphone or setting up with a router. It includes an app that allows you to secure your connection and get private access to any website with one click.
All you do is sign up, install and you’re ready to connect. This best VPN service is available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers and Linux.
Locations
There are more than 145 VPN cities serviced by ExpressVPN, and they’re located in 94 countries. Regions serviced by this best VPN service include the Americas, the Asia-Pacific region, and Europe Africa and the Middle East.
This good VPN offers unlimited speed and server switches for connections from all over the world.
Image Source: ExpressVPN
Other Features
Other features and benefits of this fast VPN service that led to its inclusion on this list of VPN reviews include:
- Unlimited bandwidth and speed
- 99.9% uptime
- Strong encryption
- No logging of network traffic
- Simultaneous connections on up to three devices
- Referral program
- 30-day Money-back Guarantee
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Hotspot Shield Review
Hotspot Shield delivers secure and unrestricted private access to the online world and is available as a free download and an Elite version. This top VPN service provider has been downloaded more than 500 million times.
Key Factors That Led To Our Ranking of This As One of the Top VPN Services
Specific reasons Hotspot is named on this list of VPN reviews as one of the leading virtual private networks are below.
Free Download
The free download version of Hotspot Shield provides unlimited bandwidth to users for worry-free browsing. It also delivers content from all over the world when you select your desired country, and it’s ad-free so users can browse the Internet without worrying about the annoyance of ads.
Elite Version
The Elite version of this best VPN service on this list of VPN reviews includes support for multiple devices along with ad-free browsing.
You also have access to a dedicated customer support team, and there are virtual locations all over the world.
Additionally, the Elite version features comprehensive cloud-based malware protection.
General Benefits of HotSpot VPN
Some of the many benefits of using this fast VPN service on this VPN ranking include:
- You can unblock websites including YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter
- Bypass filters and firewalls from your network administrator
- Wi-Fi hotspot security
- Malware protection
- Mobile security
- Anonymous browsing through an encrypted tunnel
- Hid your IP address from hackers and spammers
- Private, secure browsing to protect personal and financial information
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IP Vanish VPN Review
IP Vanish VPN is a top VPN service that allows users to keep their data protected with encryption, and there are three different monthly plan options available for customization and scalability.
Key Factors That Led To Our Ranking of This As One of the Leading VPN Services
Key reasons IP Vanish is included on this list of good VPN options and VPN reviews are below.
Scalable Plans
As mentioned, IP Vanish VPN offers excellent scalable plan options, which is a big reason this top VPN service provider is on this VPN ranking.
Image Source: IP Vanish
Plan options include one-month service, which is $10 a month. You can also choose the three-month plan at $8.99 a month which is a 25% savings. The one-year plan offers the best value at $6.49 a month and 46% savings.
Regardless of the plan you choose you get benefits of IP Vanish including 256-bit AES encryption.
Stop Geo-Targeting
With IP Vanish, this fast VPN provider delivers the ability to replace your IP address and location, and it’s replaced with an IP Vanish IP address. This prevents online marketers, websites and search engines from locating or analyzing your IP address.
With IP Vanish it’s also possible to get past censorship and regional restrictions so you can access any site from anywhere.
Mobile Apps
With IP Vanish you can also secure your mobile devices. IP Vanish mobile apps provide a safe, effective way to secure your mobile connections when you’re using any device. An iOS and Android app are available, and after downloading within a matter of seconds, you’re connected to a secure server.
The mobile apps create safe Wi-Fi hotspots along with being easy to use.
NordVPN Review
NordVPN is a good VPN on this list of good VPN service providers, and it’s billed as one of the most advanced options of its kind in the world.
Key Factors That Led To Our Ranking of This As One of the Top VPN Services
Among virtual private networks and VPN services, this good VPN is included on this list of VPN reviews for reasons listed below.
Fast VPN
Speed is one key benefit of NordVPN leading to its inclusion on this VPN ranking. As one of the top virtual private networks, NordVPN offers super fast servers around the world. They have a network of 982 server locations in 58 countries, and they make sure their fast VPN affords users the opportunity to do video streaming and browsing uninterrupted.
The only continent in the world where the NordVPN servers aren’t located in Antarctica.
Automatic Kill Switch
One of the more unique features of NordVPN that makes it a good VPN service is a feature called the automatic kill switch. What this means is that if your VPN network connection drops out, the kill switch technology offered by this best VPN company will automatically shut down any specified site or software in advance.
This protects users from accidental exposure of their private or sensitive data or information.
Other Benefits
Other benefits of NordVPN that led to its inclusion on this list of VPN reviews of top virtual private networks include the fact that there is a no-log policy that’s strictly adhered to. Also, it’s incredibly easy to use. All you do to use this best VPN is click, and you’re ready to get started.
NordVPN features double-data encryption that’s the tightest in the VPN industry, and this good VPN service also uses 2048-bit SSL encryption.
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Pure VPN Review
Pure VPN is a best VPN service that’s been featured in media outlets like The New York Times and PC Magazine. This top VPN services provider also has a long history in the industry of 10 years.
Key Factors That Led To Our Ranking of This As One of the Top VPN Services
Reasons Pure VPN is on this VPN ranking of good VPN service providers are below.
Security
Pure VPN is a good VPN provider because of their high security standards. Since 2007, Pure VPN has been providing the highest level of security to users. They employ AES-256-bit ultra secure VPN connections.
With someone connects to Pure VPN their connection and devices are protected against a wide variety of privacy and security threats.
Business-Friendly
Pure VPN is on this list of top VPN services because it’s an ideal solution for individuals but also businesses. They feature tools and options that allow businesses to grow while securely encrypting employee communication.
They also deliver secured digital access through the provision of dedicated IPs, and businesses can take advantage of dedicated account managers to help them deal with any issues that might arise.
Features
Pure VPN is feature-rich.
One of the newest features of this good VPN service on this VPN ranking is the Virtual Router. This is usable in the Windows application, and it allows users to convert their Windows desktop or laptop into a virtual router. They can then connect up to 10 devices.
Pure VPN also includes proprietary software and apps for all major platforms, it’s compatible with more than 20 devices including Roku and Amazon Fire, and there are more than 750 servers in 141 countries.
Conclusion—Top 6 Best VPN Services
Data and privacy threats continue to be an increasing concern. What used to be an issue primarily for businesses is now something individuals also frequently worry about, which is one of the many reasons virtual private networks are becoming more popular.
The virtual private networks provided on this list of VPN reviews offer some of the highest levels of privacy and protection available.
These top VPN services are virtual private networks that can be used by individuals, to avoid censorship and blocked sites, and also by businesses, along with being packed with unique features.
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