With how easy using a VPN has gotten, there’s no need to put your privacy and security at risk. That doesn’t mean that every VPN provider under the sun is the right choice. By this, we mean that it’s worth taking an extra step if it gets you long-term high-quality protection and service. So, while our focus is on VPN services that are user-friendly and intuitive, and thus ideal for beginners and laymen, our list encompasses top choices whose performance dominates others in the niche. With that said, let’s jump straight into the list of easy VPN services to use.
Why Should VPN Services Be Easy to Use?
- Accessibility: Appeals to non-technical users.
- Quick Setup: Saves time and effort.
- Wider Adoption: Increases user base for improved online security.
- Consistency: Uniform experience across devices/platforms.
- Troubleshooting: Minimizes user confusion and support needs.
- Privacy Awareness: Encourages regular VPN usage.
- Security: Reduces configuration-related vulnerabilities.
- Satisfaction: Leads to happier customers.
- Competitive Edge: Attracts convenience-oriented users.
The Easiest VPN Services
While there are hundreds of VPN services out there, it is hard to test each one of them. So, we did the hard work for you. These are the easiest VPN services you can start using today.
1. ExpressVPN
No other VPN provider, except NordVPN, has this ratio of ease-of-use and top VPN speed. ExpressVPN, based in the British Virgin Islands, has a no-log policy, encrypts your Internet traffic with military-grade AES-256-bit encryption, and offers 3000+ servers in 160 locations and 94 countries. It’s not only an ideal choice for travelers new to the concept of VPN, but also to fans of streaming services that struggle with geo-blocking. This VPN service also works to and from China, allows P2P traffic on every server, and permits up to 5 simultaneous connections on one account.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is among the simplest VPN services to use. You only need a username and password to sign in, then tap or click to automatically find the fastest server among 5400+ servers in 59 countries. The provider also provides a host of dedicated servers for torrenting, streaming, TOR (The Onion Router), and bypassing censorship/geo-blocks. Like ExpressVPN, it has a zero-log policy, uses 256-bit AES encryption, and offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS and a 30-day money-back guarantee. But unlike blocking ads with ExpressVPN, you don’t need external tools because NordVPN’s CyberSec stops ads, trackers, and malware by default.
3. CyberGhost VPN
It took us less than 3 minutes to download, install, log in, and connect to the closest and fastest CyberGhost VPN server automatically. The VPN provider has 7200+ VPN servers in 91 countries, most of which support torrenting. The service is also great at bypassing Netflix VPN block, as well as HBO Max, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Crunchyroll, etc. The VPN service encrypts online traffic with AES 256-bit encryption, offers a built-in ad/tracker/malware blocker, kill switch, split tunneling, and Tor over VPN. Finally, CyberGhost VPN is among the cheapest providers and offers the longest money-refund period – 45 days.
4. Surfshark
Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 65+ countries that both support P2P traffic and operate on RAM instead of solid storage. The VPN service also has a strict no-logging policy, uses AES-256-GCM encryption, offers a kill switch, and has a built-in CleanWeb, an ad/malware/tracker blocker. It also offers MultiHop, allowing you to bounce your traffic between 2 or more servers, and Camouflage Mode/NoBorders to bypass censorship in China, Russia, or Iran, for example. Surfshark also stands out for permitting an unlimited number of VPN connections and being one of the most affordable services.
5. PrivateVPN
Did a Google search on VPNs and gave up? You shouldn’t have. Read about what a VPN is before getting a PrivateVPN subscription. Their Customer Service consists of developers that made the app and maintain the service. So, instead of freelancers, they answer your questions 24/7/365 via chat. Additionally, they own (not rent, like others) 150+ servers in 60 countries worldwide. All of them are P2P-friendly, circumvent geo-blocking, and use AES-256 bit encryption for protection. Finally, PrivateVPN has a 30-day money-refund period and supports up to 6 devices concurrently.
6. Windscribe
Windscribe is another beginner-friendly VPN service to utilize if you plan to ditch other tools for privacy and security. We’re referring to R.O.B.E.R.T, their ad, malware, tracker, and crypto-miner blocker. Additionally, the VPN provider employs 256-bit AES encryption, doesn’t keep logs, allows torrenting on most servers, functions in China, and offers extensive app support. It’s also a great way to get a free VPN, albeit limited to between 10 to 15 GB monthly, and unlimited concurrent VPN connections. It’s not ideal for streaming, though, since it only unblocks Netflix US.
7. HideMyAss
If you need to hide your IP with a VPN by simulating presence in another country, get HideMyAss. It has the largest server network of 1050+ servers in 210+ countries and 290+ locations. Nearly 190 of those are streaming-optimized servers with a bandwidth of 20 Gbps, allowing access to up to 5 devices at once. Furthermore, the VPN provider has a 7-day free trial on desktop, offers a 30-day period to get your money back, and comes with a standard set of features such as no-log policy, 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, built-in speed test, and more.
8. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is an ideal VPN service to use on a budget. In fact, it’s a leading free VPN software protected by Swiss privacy laws. Granted, you’ll have to suffer connecting to only one of 3 servers, and on 1 device at a time. But at least they don’t log data, show ads or trackers, nor limit speed and data consumption. Upgrading to the paid version lets you connect to 1250+ servers in 55+ countries and unblock Netflix US, Hulu, or HBO Max or safely download their shows via torrents. As expected, AES-256 encryption and kill switch are present, and you can use leading security protocols, on up to 10 devices simultaneously.
9. TunnelBear
When we reviewed TunnelBear, we concluded it could use a couple of extra features. Well, that’s not a downside in this case – first-time users will enjoy the simplicity. They also get access to 2600+ servers in 25 countries, a strict zero-logging policy, AES 256-bit encryption, and a built-in ad/malware/tracker blocker. Moreover, it’s a great VPN service for going around streaming service blocks. Plus, it works to and from China, offers short-term plans, and you can retain anonymity by paying with cryptocurrency. Finally, you can use their premium VPN service for free, but with a 500 MB monthly data cap.
10. ZenMate VPN
ZenMate VPN is a German-based provider with a 7-day free trial and 30-day money-return guarantee of the premium service. This permits access to servers in 79+ countries and adds support for major operating systems. More importantly, it unlocks geo-blocked catalogs on Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. However, ZenMate VPN is best known for its free VPN browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge whose use requires no technical knowledge. In contrast, it ensures privacy and security through a zero-logging policy, IP/DNS leak protection, and 2000+ server locations.
