The problem
NordVPN and Surfshark appear on every “best VPN services” list, but those lists never tell you this: both belong to the same parent company, Nord Security. ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access all belong to Kape Technologies, a company that changed its name from Crossrider after being linked to malware. Five of the most recommended providers on the internet belong to just two companies.
Review sites recommend whichever provider pays the highest commission. NordVPN pays $40-100 per sale. Mullvad pays nothing. You can guess which one appears on more lists.
Providers hide jurisdiction risks in the fine print, use phrases like “military-grade encryption” without explaining what it means, and present basic features like multi-hop as if they invented them. Meanwhile, providers with real, verifiable privacy practices stay invisible because they do not spend $50 million on marketing.
The worst part? Most people buy a subscription thinking it makes them anonymous online. It does not. It hides your traffic from your ISP and changes your IP address. Nothing more. If you log into Google while connected, Google still knows who you are.
The Answer
This spreadsheet compares 14 providers across encryption, privacy policies, server networks, speed, streaming, jurisdiction, and pricing. Every claim comes from independent audits, speed tests, court records, and thousands of user reviews from TrustPilot, Reddit, and privacy forums.
VPN Providers I Recommend
- Mullvad is the provider I trust most for privacy. No email needed to sign up. You get a random account number and can pay with cash or Monero. They cannot identify you because they never collected your details. When Swedish police raided their office in 2023, they left with nothing because there was nothing stored. Flat €5/month, no contracts, no price increases ever. The tradeoff: only ~700 servers in 49 countries, no Netflix unblocking, and no live chat. But if you want a service that genuinely cannot hand over your data, even under legal pressure, Mullvad is the gold standard. All apps are open source, independently audited, and it was among the first to support quantum-resistant tunneling.
- Proton VPN is the best balance between privacy and daily use. Based in Switzerland with some of the strongest privacy laws in the world. All apps are open source and audited by Securitum every year since 2022. Secure Core sends your traffic through Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before the exit server, so even if the endpoint is compromised, your real IP stays hidden. Free plan has no data limit, no ads, and no speed reduction (but server choice is limited). The paid Plus plan at $4.99/mo (2-year) gives you 9,000+ servers in 112+ countries, P2P support, NetShield ad/malware blocking, and the Stealth protocol for bypassing censorship. Streaming works well with Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer in testing. The apps feel busy compared to NordVPN, and speeds on nearby servers are not the fastest in this list. But Proton has never been caught in a privacy scandal, never sold data, and never been bought by a company with a questionable history.
- NordVPN is the best option for strong privacy combined with fast speeds and streaming. It holds the most independent audits of any provider (5+ by PwC, Deloitte, Cure53, West Coast Labs). The NordLynx protocol delivers the fastest speeds in independent testing: 85-96% speed retention on local servers and 1200+ Mbps peak downloads. It unblocks every major streaming platform reliably. Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malware at DNS level. Meshnet lets you create private encrypted networks between devices. 8,900+ servers across 129 countries, all running on RAM-only infrastructure that physically cannot store data. The 2018 server breach is worth mentioning where one rented server in Finland was compromised, no user data was exposed, and the company responded by moving to self-owned hardware. Pricing starts at $41/yr (2-year) but goes up at renewal (~$55/yr), so turn off auto-renewal on day one. Owned by Nord Security (Lithuania/Panama), which also owns Surfshark. Two of the best VPN services on the internet share the same parent company. Not automatically a problem, but worth knowing. TrustPilot: 4.1/5 from 46,000+ reviews.
- IVPN is a premium privacy-focused provider that deserves more attention. Based in Gibraltar, open-source apps, independently audited, and you can sign up without an email address. Accepts cash and Monero, publishes transparency reports, and auditors have verified the logging policy. Multi-hop is built in, WireGuard is the default, and V2Ray obfuscation helps bypass censorship. The server network is small (41 countries) and it is not built for streaming. The main downside is price: Standard plan at $6/mo (WireGuard only), Pro plan at $10/mo (adds multi-hop and port forwarding). That is expensive next to Mullvad’s flat €5/mo with everything included. But if you want a smaller, independently run service that is not trying to become a tech company, IVPN is solid.
- Surfshark is the best budget option for families and households with many devices. At $24/yr (2-year) with unlimited connections, nothing else comes close on value. A family of six can protect every phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV on one subscription. CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers, NoBorders mode works in restricted countries, and streaming is reliable with Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and most platforms. Owned by Nord Security (same parent as NordVPN) and based in the Netherlands (14 Eyes). Independent audits by Deloitte and Cure53 confirmed the no-logs policy, with RAM-only servers across the network. Speed is good on nearby servers (75-90% retention) but drops more than NordVPN on long-distance connections. Bypasser (split tunneling) is now available on all major platforms since 2025. Renewal goes up to ~$54/yr, still reasonable compared to most. For pure privacy, Mullvad or Proton are better choices. For everyday use across many devices at a low price, Surfshark delivers. TrustPilot: 4.3/5 from 29,000+ reviews.
VPN Providers I Do Not Recommend
- ExpressVPN would rank higher based purely on its polished apps and Lightway protocol performance. However, it was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2021, and that is a dealbreaker for anyone who takes privacy seriously. Kape previously operated as Crossrider, a company associated with adware and malware injection. They rebranded, then acquired CyberGhost, PIA, ZenMate, ExpressVPN, and several VPN review websites. The company that owns your VPN also owns websites that review VPNs. ExpressVPN itself has passed 23+ independent audits (more than any other provider), uses RAM-only TrustedServer infrastructure, and Lightway is genuinely fast. But at $2.44/mo (28-month) with Kape behind the scenes, you are trusting your privacy to a company whose previous business model was the exact opposite of privacy. Reddit sentiment on this is consistent: once Kape acquired ExpressVPN, trust declined sharply in privacy communities. ExpressVPN is good software owned by a company you probably should not trust.
- CyberGhost has 11,500+ servers across 100 countries and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. Streaming-optimized servers work well, and at $2.03/mo (2-year), the price is competitive. The problems: also owned by Kape Technologies. Their privacy policy reveals they log anonymized connection data including the country you connected from, connection timestamps, and the devices you use. That is more logging than NordVPN, Surfshark, Mullvad, or Proton VPN do. Does not work in China or other heavily censored countries. No multi-hop feature. Split tunneling only works on Android. The apps sometimes feel inconsistent, with features named differently across platforms. CyberGhost is fine for casual streaming if you are not concerned about privacy beyond hiding traffic from your ISP. But for a security-focused audience, there are better options at the same price. Owned by Kape and headquartered in Romania (before acquisition). TrustPilot: 4.0/5 from 23,500+ reviews.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) has genuine strengths: open-source apps, a no-logs policy proven twice in US court, the MACE ad blocker, and an enormous 35,000+ server network with port forwarding (popular with torrenters). Here is the problem: PIA is headquartered in the United States (Five Eyes) where the government can legally compel logging and issue gag orders. Also acquired by Kape Technologies. The court-tested no-logs claims happened before the Kape acquisition. WireGuard speeds in recent tests have been disappointing compared to NordVPN and Surfshark, and the apps are overly complex for average users. If you specifically need port forwarding for torrenting and want open-source everything, PIA still has merit. But the jurisdiction and ownership combination is hard to overlook.
- IPVanish made headlines in 2018 when it provided user logs to the FBI despite advertising a zero-logs policy. The company was under different ownership (StackPath) at the time, and the current owner (Ziff Davis/J2 Global) claims to have overhauled practices. But once a VPN is caught logging when they promised they would not, that trust is extremely difficult to rebuild. Current IPVanish offers unlimited connections, decent speeds, and phone support (rare among VPNs). But limited features, no multi-hop, no port forwarding, and the historical logging violation make it hard to recommend over Surfshark which costs about the same and has never broken a promise to its users.
- Hotspot Shield uses the proprietary Hydra protocol that delivers the fastest raw speeds of any VPN tested, with barely any measurable slowdown. The free tier is popular. The catch: owned by Aura (formerly Pango), based in the US. The free version collects user data and serves ads. Their privacy policy lists multiple ad partners including Meta. If you are using a VPN for privacy and your VPN shares data with Meta, that defeats the entire purpose. The 2017 FTC complaint about undisclosed data practices has not been forgotten by the privacy community. If all you need is raw speed and you do not care about privacy, Hotspot Shield works. But then why are you using a VPN
- Windscribe offers one of the better free tiers (10GB/mo, 10 server locations, no ads, solid privacy). The R.O.B.E.R.T. feature provides DNS-level blocking of ads, trackers, and malware. The paid Pro plan covers 69 countries with unlimited connections and decent features. But the server network is small (~480 servers), speeds are variable and have declined in recent tests, the money-back guarantee is only 3 days (vs. 30 for most competitors), and the company is based in Canada (Five Eyes).Windscribe is a solid free option if you just need occasional VPN access and trust their no-logs policy, but for a paid subscription, NordVPN, Surfshark, or Proton VPN give you more for a similar or lower price.
- Norton VPN is not a standalone VPN product. It is a basic feature bundled with Norton’s antivirus suite. No multi-hop, no obfuscation, limited protocols (no OpenVPN support), no browser extensions, and it does not work with most streaming platforms. It exists to check a box in Norton’s feature list. If you already pay for Norton 360 and want to encrypt public Wi-Fi connections, it does that. For anything beyond basic encryption, use a dedicated VPN. Norton VPN is to VPNs what Internet Explorer was to browsers: technically functional, practically inadequate.
Measuring VPN Speed and Performance
Speed Retention Comparison (Local Servers, EU)
Speed tests were conducted from a 1 Gbps fiber connection in the EU using WireGuard (or the provider’s equivalent protocol) to servers in Europe and the US. Each provider was tested across multiple sessions over two weeks.
| Provider | Avg Download Retention | Peak Speed | Latency Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 85–96% | 1200+ Mbps | Low |
| Hotspot Shield | 95–98% | 900+ Mbps | Very Low |
| Surfshark | 75–90% | 1000+ Mbps | Low-Moderate |
| Proton VPN | 75–85% | 1200+ Mbps | Low-Moderate |
| ExpressVPN | 80–90% | 800+ Mbps | Low |
| CyberGhost | 85–94% | 500+ Mbps | Moderate |
| Mullvad | 75–85% | 600+ Mbps | Low |
| PIA | 60–75% | 300+ Mbps | Moderate |
| IPVanish | 70–80% | 400+ Mbps | Moderate |
International Speed Retention (EU to US)
Long-distance performance matters if you connect to servers outside your region for streaming or work. NordVPN retained 70-80% of base speed on transatlantic connections. Surfshark and Proton VPN dropped to 60-75%. CyberGhost showed the most inconsistency, with speeds varying significantly depending on which server you pick.
Real-World Performance Observations
During two weeks of daily use (browsing, video calls, streaming, file downloads), NordVPN and ExpressVPN were completely transparent. You could not tell the VPN was running. Surfshark and Proton VPN were nearly as smooth, with occasional buffering on 4K streams from distant servers.
CyberGhost worked well with its streaming-optimized servers but was hit-or-miss on general servers. PIA’s WireGuard performance was surprisingly sluggish, well below NordVPN despite using the same protocol base.
Mullvad’s speed was consistent and predictable. Not the fastest, but no random slowdowns or server congestion issues.
For users on connections below 100 Mbps (common across much of Europe), every VPN on this list will feel fast enough for daily use. Speed differences become noticeable mainly on 300+ Mbps connections or when connecting to another continent.
Understanding VPN Jurisdiction and Five Eyes
Where a VPN company is legally headquartered determines what laws apply to your data. This matters more than most review sites admit.
| Alliance | Countries | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Five Eyes | US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand | Highest. Governments share intelligence and can compel companies to log without disclosure. |
| Nine Eyes | Five Eyes + Denmark, France, Netherlands, Norway | High. Extended intelligence sharing. |
| Fourteen Eyes | Nine Eyes + Germany, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Spain | Moderate. Broader data sharing agreements. |
| Outside All Alliances | Panama, Switzerland, Romania, BVI, Malaysia | Lower. No obligation to share data with alliance members. |
NordVPN (Panama), Proton VPN (Switzerland), ExpressVPN (BVI), and CyberGhost (Romania) sit outside surveillance alliances. Mullvad (Sweden) and Surfshark (Netherlands) are in the Fourteen Eyes but have strong domestic privacy laws. PIA, IPVanish, Hotspot Shield, and Norton VPN are all US-based (Five Eyes).
Jurisdiction alone does not determine trustworthiness. PIA proved its no-logs policy in US court twice. Mullvad proved it during a police raid in Sweden. But jurisdiction determines what legal tools a government can use against a VPN company. A no-logs policy is only as strong as the legal environment it operates in.
10 Tips for Choosing a VPN
- Verify the parent company before anything else. Kape Technologies owns ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, PIA, and ZenMate. Nord Security owns NordVPN and Surfshark. These are fine products, but you should know who controls your VPN. A quick search for “[VPN name] parent company” takes 10 seconds and reveals ownership structures the marketing pages never mention.
- Check jurisdiction and surveillance alliance membership. A VPN based in Switzerland or Panama faces different legal pressures than one based in the US or UK. Five Eyes countries can compel logging and prohibit disclosure. This does not mean US-based VPNs are automatically bad, but it is a risk factor you should weigh.
- Demand independently audited no-logs claims. Every VPN claims “no logs.” Only a handful have had those claims verified. NordVPN (5+ audits), ExpressVPN (23+ audits), Surfshark (2 audits), and Proton VPN (annual since 2022) lead here. If a VPN has never been audited, their no-logs claim is just marketing.
- Calculate the real cost over two years. That $1.99/mo price requires a 2-year upfront payment and jumps at renewal. Mullvad’s flat €5/mo with no contract might cost more per month initially but saves money over three years because the price never changes. Do the math.
- Test during the money-back guarantee period. Connect to servers near and far. Run a speed test at speedtest.net. Check streaming. Try it on your phone during a video call. Most providers give you 30 days (CyberGhost gives 45). Use them.
- Check if the VPN works where you actually need it. Traveling to China, UAE, or Turkey? Most VPNs do not work there. NordVPN (obfuscated servers), Proton VPN (Stealth protocol), and Windscribe are among the few with consistent results. Ask support directly before purchasing.
- Read the privacy policy, not the marketing page. The marketing says “no logs.” The privacy policy might say “we collect anonymized connection data, device identifiers, and connection timestamps.” CyberGhost is a clear example. Spend 10 minutes reading the actual policy.
- Disable auto-renewal immediately after purchase. VPN providers are among the worst offenders for silent auto-renewal at inflated prices. Some bill 15 days before expiration. Set a calendar reminder and turn off auto-renewal on day one.
- Do not use a free VPN unless it is Proton, Windscribe, or Mullvad. Free VPNs make money by selling your data, injecting ads, or limiting bandwidth. Proton VPN’s free tier is the only one with no data cap, no ads, and a verified no-logs policy. Windscribe gives 10GB/mo. Hotspot Shield’s free tier sends your data to eight ad networks including Meta.
- A VPN does not make you anonymous. It hides traffic from your ISP and changes your IP. If you log into personal accounts or use fingerprinting-vulnerable browsers, a VPN cannot protect you. For actual anonymity, use Tor Browser. For everyday privacy from ISPs and public Wi-Fi, a VPN is the right tool.
Still Need Help Choosing?
Leave me a comment with what you need (privacy vs. streaming, number of devices, country you’re in, whether you need it for censorship bypass, and your budget). I’ll point you to the right one.
Thanks,
Mefat
