We all get stressed the drudgery of daily work, and sometimes, we just want to “Netflix and Chill.” However, what will you do when the streaming site is blocked in your region? At times like this, we can’t help but wonder if we screwed someone over in our past life to deserve this. You may say to yourself:
“I’m already stuck in this dead-end career, and I can’t even access Netflix?”
You don’t have to spend your Friday nights, wallowing in pain and misery. You don’t even have to recite ancient incantations to get rid of your problem. If you want to access sites that are blocked in your country, the solution is to use a virtual private network (VPN). What’s more, a VPN service is among the best ways to secure your data while you’re browsing online.
How VPN Services Work
Once you use a VPN, you will have a secure tunnel between our computer and the places you visit online. Your device will be connected to a server located in a foreign country like France, the United States, the United Kingdom, or Sweden. As such, websites will read that you are browsing from the geographical location of the server—not your PC’s location.
Since VPNs conceal your IP address, it will be virtually impossible for anyone to spy on your browsing activities. This is especially useful when you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Hackers will not be able to redirect you to a phony banking site or steal your log-in credentials. Even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) won’t figure out the websites you visit.
We know you’re itching to get access Netflix and binge-watch until you look like a Panda with the dark circles forming around your eyes. Of course, you might ask, “What is the number 1 VPN?” Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’re going to teach you how to choose a VPN service in 2020. We’ll share the ten best brands to consider this year!
1# NordVPN
PROS +
- High-speed servers
- Military-grade encryption
- Can unblock Netflix
- Over 5,000 servers available
- Secure apps with no leaks
- Excellent customer support
- Zero logs policy
CONS –
- No phone customer support
- Expensive subscription plans
Rating
Security – 9.9
Speed – 9.9
Compatibility – 9.9
Price – 9.8
Support – 9.8
Overall Rating – 9.86
NordVPN’s unique selling point is its robust features for improving security and privacy. You may ask, “What is the strongest VPN?” Well, you should never forget to add NordVPN to your list.
Industry-Leading Encryption
You can ensure that all data running through NordVPN is secure, especially with its AES-256-GCM cipher and HMAC SHA256 hash authentication. It even uses top-of-the-line VPN protocol standards, including IPSec/IKEv2 and OpenVPN. With these features, you can enjoy reliable privacy, security, and faster page load speeds.
Available in Various Platforms
Another great thing about NordVPN is it has dedicated apps for various operating systems and devices. You can ensure that there will be no leaks even when you use the service on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Reliable Kill Switch
There are only a few VPNs that provide two different types of kill switches, and NordVPN is among them. With this VPN, you can have an Internet kill switch and an app kill switch. When your VPN connection drops, the kill switch will block your Internet access. It will also close the applications.
2# Surfshark
PROS +
- Comprehensive features
- Can unblock Netflix
- Affordable two-year subscription plan
- Quick-response chat support
CONS –
- Free trial available for macOS and mobile apps only
- Unreliable kill switch
Rating
Security – 9.8
Speed – 9.2
Compatibility – 9.8
Price – 9.8
Support – 9.5
Overall rating – 9.62
Just because you chose a budget VPN, it doesn’t mean that you have to settle for limited features. Surfshark is the perfect example of an affordable VPN that is packed with advanced functionality.
Impenetrable Encryption
You can trust that all data running through Surfshark’s VPN tunnel is secure, especially since the service using AES-256-bit encryption.
Strict Zero Logs Policy
Surfshark ensures that the servers you use won’t track and store your browsing history, IP address, and other information. Even if you test the service for WebRTC and DNS leaks, the results will come up as negative.
Accessible via Various Platforms
One of the great things about Surfshark is its service is available for various platform. It has dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, FireTV, Apple TV, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Xbox, and Playstation, among others.
Access Geo-Blocked Streaming Sites
Only a handful of VPNs can successfully bring down Netflix’s geo-blocking tech, and Surfshark is one of them. You can watch Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming sites without any issues.
3# Outbyte VPN
PROS +
- Can unblock Netflix
- High-speed servers from over 80 locations
- Military-grade encryption
- Fast and secure torrenting
CONS –
- Unreliable mail customer support system
- Desktop app may have a clumpy interface
Rating
Security – 9.8
Speed – 9.5
Compatibility – 9.8
Price – 9.5
Support – 9.4
Overall Rating: 9.6
Industry experts often get asked this question:
“What are the 10 best VPN services in 2020?”
Without fail, most of them will include Outbyte VPN to their list. Here are some of the highlights of this VPN service:
Strict Zero Log Policy
You can ensure that Outbyte VPN won’t collect or track your private data, including your IP address, session information, and connection timestamp.
Reliable Encryption
While masking your IP address, Outbyte VPN also uses AES-256-CBC military-grade encryption on the traffic between your PC and the servers.
Kill Switch
The security of your computer becomes foolproof with just a single click. If your VPN connection drops, Outbyte will automatically kill the Internet connection.
Multiple Servers in Over 80 Locations
You can enjoy a wider and faster server coverage with Outbyte VPN. With several servers from over 80 locations, this VPN service will spare you from connection speed drops.
Stream Anytime
No matter where you’re watching from, you can access popular streaming sites like Netflix, YouTube, and Kodi round the clock.
Easy to Use
Even VPN beginners won’t have a hard time navigating through the features of Outbyte VPN. It has a user-friendly interface that allows you to set up the service with just a few clicks.
24/7 Support
One of the great things about Outbyte VPN is it employs a team of enthusiastic marketers, support specialists, and developers. So, you can always expect a response whenever you have questions. However, we recommend coursing your concerns through chat. It may take longer for them to respond via email.
4# PrivateVPN
PROS +
- Strict no-logs policy
- Military-grade encryption
- Port forwarding
- SOCKS5 and HTTP Proxy
CONS –
- Unreliable Netflix streaming
- Slow speed on certain servers
Rating
Security – 9.7
Speed – 8.8
Compatibility – 8.7
Price – 9.5
Support – 9.6
Overall Rating – 9.26
An established VPN provider from Sweden, PrivateVPN promises secure connection to over 100 servers in 56 countries around the globe. It boasts of a no-logs policy and advanced security features for its clients.
Connect Multiple Devices Simultaneously
PrivateVPN is among the few VPNs that are truly generous. Once you subscribe to its service, you’ll be able to connect up to six devices simultaneously.
Access Geo-Blocked Apps
This VPN service can also unblock a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, and Hulu. It is worth noting that PrivateVPN will give you access to almost all streaming services without requiring you to pay an extra fee for every dedicated IP address.
Strict Zero Logs Policy
PrivateVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy. You can ensure that it won’t keep records of your IP address, connection timestamp, and session information, among other data.
Military-Grade Security
You can expect that all data going through this VPN tunnel are secure. PrivateVPN uses an AES-256 cipher, an RSA-2048 handshake, and HMAC SHA256 data authorization.
5# IPVanish
PROS +
- Can unblock Netflix
- Military-grade encryption
- Allows 10 devices simultaneously
- Available on multiple platforms
- Excellent customer service
CONS –
- Short money-back guarantee
Rating
Security – 8.7
Speed – 9.3
Compatibility – 9.5
Price – 9.1
Support – 9.2
Overall Rating – 9.16
IPVanish is a Florida-based VPN provider known for owning and controlling most of its ‘Tier 1’ server network. Since no third parties are involved in its infrastructure, it promises unparalleled benefits in terms of privacy and performance.
Fast and Reliable Performance
You can trust that IPVanish is among the fastest VPN services on the market today. It is perfect for data-heavy activities, including gaming, HD streaming, and torrenting.
Compatible on Various Platforms
What’s great about IPVanish is it works on all major operating systems and a wide range of devices. It has dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and even for Amazon Fire TV
24/7 Customer Support
Both subscribers and guests can access IPVanish’s 24/7 live chat support on its website. In most cases, users can find answers to their queries in the FAQs page.
Military-Grade Security
Aside from using multiple VPN protocols—OpenVPN, L2TP, and PPTP—IPVanish also implements an AES cipher with a 256-bit encryption key. Despite being based in the US where privacy is almost non-existent, this VPN service promises a foolproof zero-logs policy. So, even if it were served a warrant, it wouldn’t be able to hand anything to the authorities.
6# VPN.ac
PROS +
- Fast and reliable servers
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Allows up to six devices simultaneously
- Secure proxy add-on for browsers
- WireGuard and Obfuscation support
CONS –
- Available servers from a few countries
- No live chat support
Rating
Security – 9.2
Speed – 8.8
Compatibility – 9.2
Price – 8.9
Support – 9.5
Overall Rating – 9.12
VPN.ac may not be as fast as the other VPN services in our list, but it does promise reliable protection. It may be far from perfect, but it boasts of industry-leading encryption and reliable zero-logs policy.
Military-Grade Protection
Aside from using the industry-leading OpenVPN protocol, VPN.ac also implements 256-bit AES encryption. What’s more, it has a foolproof kill switch that automatically shuts off your Internet if your VPN connection drops.
Strict Zero-Logs Policy
A lot of VPNs lie about keeping logs of their subscriber’s data. However, VPN.ac is quite transparent when it comes to their no-logs policy. They won’t keep any user activity data, but they will track aggregate connection logs to ensure reliable performance and security.
Supports all Devices
You can use VPN.ac across all major operating systems, including macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. It can even extend access to routers like Advanced Tomato, DD-WRT, Tomato, and OpenWRT, among others.
7# CyberGhost
PROS +
- Military-grade encryption
- Offers over 5,000 servers
- No IP and DNS leaks
- Allows 7 devices simultaneously
- Available on various platforms
CONS –
- Unreliable Netflix streaming
- Long connection time for the app
- Unremarkable customer service
Rating
Security – 9.3
Speed – 8.5
Compatibility – 8.8
Price – 9.1
Support – 8.7
Overall Rating – 8.88
CyberGhost is among the big names in the VPN universe, and it is not surprising why. With its excellent security features, compatible apps, and reliable performance, this VPN service offers you great value for your money.
Several High-Speed Servers
When you get a CyberGhost subscription, you’ll have the freedom to choose from over 5,000 high-speed servers in over 90 countries.
Access Geo-Blocked Streaming Apps
CyberGhost can unblock over 35 streaming services, including Disney+, Netflix, YouTube, Comedy Central, and Fox Sports. However, the streaming connection is not flawless, especially when you’re trying to access Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
Available in a Range of Platforms
CyberGhost has dedicated apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. It also provides free browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome.
Strict No-Logs Policy
CyberGhost does not monitor, record, log, or store a user’s traffic data, including their traffic destination, browsing history, data content, and search preferences. However, it does send some aggregate metadata anonymously to third-parties for trend analysis.
8# Fastest VPN
PROS
- High-speed servers
- Allows 10 devices simultaneously
- Blocks ads
- Strong security and privacy credentials
- Lower prices on longer plans
CONS
- Does not unblock Netflix and BBC iPlayer effectively
- Limited flexibility in the settings
Rating
Security – 9.3
Speed – 8.0
Compatibility – 7.6
Price – 9.8
Support – 9.1
Overall Rating – 8.76
FastestVPN is one of the few VPN services that can truly block IP and DNS leaks. What’s more, it understands people’s need for privacy. As such, the company takes measures in protecting it, including the implementation of strict no-logs policy and the industry-leading OpenVPN protocol.
Strict Zero-Logs Policy
FastestVPN never logs its user’s Internet activities. You can trust that it will not monitor or store your browsing history, traffic destinations, and other connection details.
Reliable Protection
What’s great about FastestVPN is it allows users to choose from various protocols—OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP. Moreover, it has a kill switch that automatically blocks Internet access if your VPN connection drops.
Excellent Performance
Even when subjected through various leak tests, FastestVPN will not disappoint. What’s more, it can block ads effectively. Aside from that, it allows users to connect to high-speed servers within a matter of seconds.
9# Ivacy
PROS
- Can unblock Netflix effectively
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Dedicated downloading and streaming modes
- Several servers and locations to choose from
- Compatible with various platforms
CONS
- Some servers can be slow
- Certain features—like DNS and IP leak protection—have to be activated manually
Ivacy may be a new player in the VPN world, but it has become increasingly popular these past years. It has a professional-looking yet user-friendly interface that allows people to set up the service within a few clicks.
Available on Multiple Platforms
Ivacy has dedicated apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Aside from providing apps for the major operating systems, Ivacy also offers browser add-ons for Chrome and Firefox.
Access to Geo-Blocked Streaming Sites
If you want to keep up with your favorite TV series, then you can rely on Ivacy to unblock your favorite streaming apps. With this VPN service, you can access BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime without encountering errors.
Military-Grade Protection
Aside from implementing the industry-leading OpenVPN protocol, Ivacy also uses an AES-256-GCM cipher with DH-4096 handshake encryption and HMAC SHA256 hash authentication. So, you can trust that all data going through this VPN tunnel is secure.
10# Private Internet Access (PIA)
PROS
- Military-grade encryption
- Strict zero-logs policy
- Several servers in prime country locations
- Allows up to 10 devices simultaneously
CONS
- Clumpy desktop app interface
- Unreliable Netflix streaming
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a US-based VPN service that offers excellent levels of reliability and privacy. Its no-logs policy has been proven in court, which can be beneficial for users who value their privacy.
Tested Zero-Logs Policy
PIA is indeed based in the US, which can be problematic for those who dislike the government spying on them. However, this VPN service has a strict no-logs policy, which means it will not be able to provide any records to the authorities even if they are served a warrant. It is worth noting that PIA is among the few VPNs that have proven their zero-logs claim in court.
Comprehensive Encryption Settings
When you get a PIA subscription, you can enjoy various encryption settings. It implements the OpenVPN protocol and uses an AES-256 cipher, with strong SHA256 for authorization and a handshake of RSA 4096. It even has a kill switch that ensures you are still secure even when your VPN connection drops.
Pro Tip:
A VPN service is a perfect solution for unblocking streaming. However, you can also use it to access geo-blocked sites. Now, if you are managing a remote team, you might find that some of your staff members are unable to get into websites that are not allowed in their region. In this case, you will find a VPN service quite beneficial for your team. However, VPNs are not the only tools that can contribute to your efficiency. You can also use productivity apps that can help you identify your team’s weaknesses and strengths.
There are many task tracking apps out there, but Traqq is among the few that promises ethical monitoring along with a results-driven design. This tool allows you to measure and analyze everyone’s activity levels. You will be able to identify the least and best performing members. There is a good reason why this product is called ‘Traqq’. All it does is track your remote team’s performance—not spy on them. All the screenshots it collects can be blurred and compressed to the extent that would prevent sensitive and personal information from being visible. What’s more, it allows your team members to manually edit recorded time.
So, while you’re using one of the top VPN services we listed in this article, don’t forget to get Traqq for your remote team as well! With a VPN service and a reliable task monitoring app, you can maximize the productivity of your employees.
