The Best VPN Services for 2019 according to BestVPNRating.com

Is VPN legal?

VPN is an absolutely legal technology. Still, Web-censoring countries have expanded banning and blocking of Virtual Private Networks.

1. In the United Arab Emirates VPN services that don’t comply with the local laws are officially banned (see Federal Law No. 12/2016). Nevertheless, lots of citizens and tourists use VPN in the UAE. The services aren’t blocked and work properly.
2. In Oman traffic encrypting can be applied only if it is approved by the authorities. However, VPNs are regularly used there.
3. In Iran one can use only those VPNs that are approved. Nevertheless, with the help of reliable services people overcome both geo- and censorship restrictions.
4. According to The Register, since 2014 Iraq has been blocking VPNs.
5. In Egypt VPNs are not illegal, but the authorities often block the IP addresses belonged to VPN servers. That’s why you’d better use a VPN service with a large number of locations such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or CyberGhost.
6. In Turkey there isn’t any law to punish the use of VPN, but the authorities have already blocked some VPN services as it’s reported in Turkey Purge.
7. In China the government has started issuing fines for VPN use, and among the first was a user of Lantern VPN. However, according to Freedom House, in 2018 about 20-30 million people used VPN in China.
8. In Russia there’s a law banning the use of services to bypass geo-restrictions. But currently, it is actively used in the country.

Besides, we have the information about possible problems with VPN in Uganda, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Belarus.

In the rest of the countries, VPN use is absolutely legal.

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More about VPN

Real IP address masking

A VPN network hides real IP addresses of any device in a reliable way (further reading about IP in Wikipedia), and it’s the VPN server’s IP that will be defined, while yours will stay hidden. It’s a useful function, isn’t it? It’s even more useful if you use torrents or want to bypass geo-restrictions and stream with Netflix, Hulu, or other Streаming Video Services.

Moreover, you may have other reasons to surf the Internet anonymously. Nobody can define your IP, and consequently – your real geo-location, while you are connected to Virtual Private Network.

There are certain vulnerabilities connected with IP leaks that may occur as a result of non-perfect functionality of VPN apps. But more on that later.

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Different VPN servers (locations)

Faking your IP, a VPN network uses its servers located worldwide. There are both popular locations included in the list of almost every provider, and the ones which are difficult to find.

In case the list of countries where servers are located is important for you, have a look at it before purchasing (the example of the location list from www.expressvpn.com).

We recommend you to choose a provider with lots of different locations. As a rule, having tried a VPN service once, people use it for years. That’s why a wide choice of servers will probably come in handy in future.

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Data protection

It’s a very important feature for VPN connections. In 2019 the best VPN services offer the most modern and reliable methods of encrypting that can’t be cracked nowadays. For example, according to the article from Wikipedia, ExpressVPN applies AES-256 encryption that has been recognized as the encryption standard for TOP SECRET information in the US.

Moreover, there’s an opportunity to choose an encryption algorithm.

Traffic encrypting makes internet connections secure. Even if you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, you’ll be able to send any confidential data in a secure way. Your logins and passwords won’t be intercepted.

Besides, online payments are much more secure with VPN.

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VPN speed

Taking into account the nature of VPN connections, internet speed will be lower if you are connected to Virtual Private Network.

Depending on the settings and your ISP’s opportunities, internet speed will be reduced at 30-40%, or even at 50-60%. For example, if your ISP offers internet connections at 30 mbit/s, your VPN speed may be reduced to 20 mbit/s.

Nevertheless, you should ensure that VPN features and tariff plans fit your needs, even if your Internet is very fast. Moreover, think twice if you need a VPN for streaming HD video.

That’s why the best way is choosing a fast VPN from our Top 10 or look through speed test results in our reviews of 180 services.

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Apps for PC, Mac, Android, and iOS

In 2019 there’s no need to know how to set up software and configure it to work with your VPN provider. Currently, a good service offers user-friendly apps, which are easy to set up.

Need apps for PC, Mac, iOS, or Android (read review "Best VPN for Android")? No problem. You just need to subscribe, install and launch the software by one click.

Unfortunately, not all services offer reliable and safe apps. That’s why we recommend you to consider the ratings at Bestvpnrating.com and choose a VPN from the best ones.

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VPN disconnect protection (Kill switch)

It’s a very important function if you care about your safety and anonymity. For some reason, the encrypted VPN tunnel can break. But a good VPN client will disconnect the Internet to avoid leaking of your intelligible data and personal information. A protected connection will recover automatically when a VPN server is accessible again.

In case a VPN server remains unavailable, you’ll be able to change a VPN location securely.

Kill switch is not offered by all providers. Before any purchase, carefully study our VPN reviews and take use of the top services according to BestVPNRating.com.

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IP/DNS leak protection

Leak makes it possible to define personal information despite using a VPN.

DNS leak occurs when you use domain names, and visiting sites, your computer or gadget first contacts a DNS server to learn the IP of the website. Your ISP’s DNS is usually used, that’s why it’s easy to define your geo-location.

IPv6 leak is connected with two types of IP addresses: ‘’short’’ and ‘’long’’. ‘’Long’’ IPs are used as the number of ‘’short’’ ones is limited which leads to two ‘’parallel’’ networks. It’s impossible to perform a VPN connection for both networks mentioned above. That’s why one can know your real IP address.

WebRTC leak is related to P2P video transmission technology. WebRTC poses risks to anonymity as this connection bypasses Virtual Private Network.

Use only those VPN services that protect you against those leaks.

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Using for streaming video (Netflix, Hulu, etc.)

Our Top 10 VPN list includes the services tested for Netflix. Not all servers offered by these services work with Netflix, but there’s no provider that will guarantee you using Netflix via any server.

Read further to know what VPN works with Netflix.

The other streaming services tested by us are available as well. You can learn more from our VPN reviews.

Besides, secure authorization methods also protect your personal data.

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Customer support

Every service provides with customer support, but still, its level is different enough. There are various ways you can get customer support: by email, messengers, and 24/7 chat. All VPNs from our site have an excellent customer support with a high rating.

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‘’No-logging’’ policy

Most of VPN providers claim that users’ logs aren’t kept. It’s impossible to prove or disprove it by testing.

Our experts found credible confirmation of ‘’No-Logging’’ policy only at ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access and Perfect Privacy. The confirmation facts were taken from different independent mass media sources. You can read about criminal investigations that lead to VPN servers being arrested and inspected. It’s great if ‘’No-logging’’ policy is proved.

We recommend you to choose VPNs based out of “14 eyes”. Among them are ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

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Money-back guarantee

It’s not only money refund when you aren’t pleased with a service but also the total refund in case you are pleased, and what’s more, with no questions asked.

It’s a good way to try subscriptions at different VPN providers without spending money for those who want to test several services.

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Torrenting allowed

Even there are VPNs from our top 10 that don’t support torrenting. In many countries torrents aren’t legal that’s why jurisdiction plays an important part. Carefully consider all cons and pros of the service you will choose. We always specify there whether torrenting is supported.

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Game consoles and other devices compatibility

In 2019 many providers offer services for Xbox, PlayStation, Apple TV, etc. We tried to take into account these services when making the list of 10 best providers.

If you get interested in it, read our reviews and find there the list of devices supported by the service.

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Jurisdiction

The level of privacy depends on the jurisdiction of a VPN. If you want to get maximum privacy and ‘’No Logs’’ policy, choose VPNs located out of ‘’5 eyes’’ alliance (read more in the Wikipedia article), «14 eyes» and countries friendly to them.

You’ll find the information about the jurisdiction in the overview of each service from the top list. Besides, P2P support often depends on the jurisdiction.

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Browser extensions

Lots of users need VPN in browsers. For this, you can set up an extension compatible with your browser and manage a VPN connection from there. Extensions increase security in case your ISP supports IPv6 (most of the largest Internet Service Providers are included).

We didn’t take into account this feature when making our ‘’Top VPN services’’ list, but they do offer such software.

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Manage connection on a per-app basis

What does this feature stand for? It’s an opportunity to configure the connection in a specific way (some programs bypass VPN, and the rest of them work via it).

You may need it if you work in different browsers: using your real IP in one browser and a fake IP – in another one.

This function is offered by ExpressVPN, for example.

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VPN server chaining

The function lets you create a chain of VPN servers. Each element of the chain encrypts traffic and provides the highest level of anonymity even with the service that may keep logs.

We’d like to prevent you from making a crime with VPN. Any technology won’t protect you from a serious investigation conducted by the police from several countries.

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Free Trial VPN

This service is not offered as often as you could wish. Use our review Best VPNs With Free Trial 2019 to find a service with a free trial period.

We recommend CyberGhost from our Top 10.

Besides, you can learn how Virtual Private Network works with a free VPN (read our ‘’Best 10 Free VPN Services 2019’’ review). But be careful! It has been reported that some free services sell users’ personal information to third parties and distribute malicious software (read the article from HashedOut).

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Free VPNs aren’t included in the rating

Our experts strongly recommend you to take seriously what David Balaban’s saying about VPN services:

‘’Have you ever thought of how much it costs to maintain hundreds of servers located in dozens of countries, a website, support specialists, and pay for traffic? You can’t control their ways of monetization and rely on them not selling your personal data to third parties. Though they could be useful to know about the principles of their work. I believe that nowadays even premium services, like ExpressVPN. are affordable for most of the internet users. And NordVPN, which is the best service in a ‘’budget’’ group, is almost free.’’

Taking into account poor security and untransparent enough terms of service, free VPNs won’t be tested for our top list.

Moreover, one can use the services for free during a free trial period or choose a traffic-limited package offered by many premium VPN providers.

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Why VPN?

Security in the field of information technologies is getting higher. Modern computer and gadget systems have been more reliable and stable than they were 5-10 years ago. Still, the modern world is not limited to your hard drive or smartphone.

The Internet is getting faster and more available, which results in increasing of the amount of data transferred. Lots of people prefer convenient cloud storage to keeping documents, photos, and video.

VoIP services open new boundaries for communications with people from almost all over the world. Social networks, forums, online shops, etc, are the websites visited by you with the help of your personal information.

Unfortunately, that growing data transfer is put at risk. For example, numerous Wi-Fi spots are ‘’ideal’’ for hackers to get access to your devices. Intercepting of logins, passwords, payment data may occur in such places.

In most countries ISPs collect and keep information about users’ online activities: connection time, websites visited, and IP addresses.

What’s more, there are sometimes virtual barriers created for the restriction of freedom and control.

What’s the way out of this dilemma?

Without any doubt, it’s a VPN technology, which is the most convenient and secure for people and companies.

It encrypts traffic that goes through your ISP (today it’s impossible to decrypt the intercepted or stolen information which is protected in such a way) and hides the domains you visit on the Internet. The websites you visit can’t define your real geo-location. That sounds incredible, but it really works!

Just have a look at the growing interest in Virtual Private Network over the past 5 years, which is seen from Google Trends:

As you can see from the screenshot above, more and more people and companies care about data protection. Because in the 21st century, which is called ‘’information age’’, it is obvious to do that.

Use WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, Viber, etc. Stream with Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime, etc. Care about your online safety. Do shopping online. Open new opportunities of the Internet.Enjoy doing this in any place with Virtual Private Network!

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Why not proxy/socks?

Have you ever thought of them? Considering our readers’ reviews, many of them have already looked for proxy/socks lists and spent much time on constant connections, checks, and changes. The only reason is that proxy/socks taken from public usually don’t work, and their lists are often reposted from the same sources for the sake of advertising.

What’s more, the sites you visit via incognito mode can easily define that you use a proxy. They often fail to protect against DNS leaks and never protect against IPv6 and WebRTC leaks. Moreover, it is much easier to use VPN!

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What do you need to start using VPN?

Here are 4 easy steps available for all who can pay for the services on the Internet (you won’t have to reveal your personal data):

1. Choose the service that fits your needs or a multifunctional one. The best multifunctional VPNs are in our Top 10.
2. Choose a tariff plan. We always recommend you to take use of one-year subscription deals offered by most VPN providers. If you aren’t pleased, you’ll be able to refund the money if using a reliable VPN.
3. Pay for the service. VPNs’ sites support most of the modern payment methods, including bitcoins.
4. After the payment is confirmed, you’ll receive an email with everything you need to set up VPN software. You’ll easily set up Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS software and start using the service.

We hope that the article was helpful in choosing your VPN. For this, we’ve compiled the most credible data out of hundreds of sources, conducted thousands of tests and personally tried all services.

Leave your comments below. We’ll be glad to reply to all of them!