alt text: The ExpressVPN app displayed on an Android phone.
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are popular choices for VPN services, frequently appearing in advertisements and topping “best VPN” lists. While they offer excellent features, their high prices and, in NordVPN’s case, a past security breach, might deter some users. This article explores five compelling VPN alternatives that offer robust security, competitive pricing, and unique features.
Surfshark: Unlimited Connections and Budget-Friendly
alt text: The Surfshark VPN app interface on an Android mobile device.
Surfshark is a strong contender in the VPN market, offering comparable features to ExpressVPN and NordVPN at a competitive price point. While the monthly cost is similar, Surfshark’s multi-year plans offer significant savings, making it a budget-friendly option. A standout feature is its unlimited simultaneous connections, surpassing the five and six device limits of ExpressVPN and NordVPN respectively. Surfshark supports a wide array of devices, including smartphones, laptops, and even Apple TV, with dedicated apps for each platform.
Similar to NordVPN, Surfshark offers a double-hop feature for enhanced security, routing your connection through two servers. It prioritizes user convenience with automatic server selection and protocol optimization, utilizing OpenVPN and WireGuard. A kill switch feature provides an extra layer of protection against DNS leaks, and static IP addresses are also available. However, Surfshark’s free trial is limited to Android, iOS, and macOS, excluding Windows users.
Mullvad VPN: Prioritizing Anonymity and Privacy
alt text: The Mullvad VPN application interface displayed on an Android phone.
For users prioritizing privacy, Mullvad VPN offers a unique approach. It eschews traditional marketing tactics and affiliate programs, focusing on a truly anonymous experience. No personal information, not even an email address, is required for account creation. Payment options include cash and cryptocurrency, further enhancing anonymity.
Mullvad operates on a prepaid system, similar to prepaid phones, using a generated account number for access. This number is entered into the app, and users can add time to their account using their preferred payment method, including physical cash. However, Mullvad’s server network is smaller than competitors like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, and it doesn’t offer discounts for multi-year subscriptions.
Proton VPN: Free Option with Enhanced Security
alt text: Screenshot of the Proton VPN application interface on an Android mobile device.
Proton VPN, from the creators of Proton Mail, offers a compelling free version. While limited in server selection, speed, and single device usage, it provides a no-logs policy and an ad-free experience. The paid version unlocks features like 10 simultaneous connections, access to a larger server network, double-hop connections, and split tunneling.
Split tunneling, a key feature also offered by ExpressVPN, allows users to route specific traffic through the VPN while maintaining a regular connection for other activities. This is particularly useful for devices on a local network, like printers. Proton VPN also offers a competitive “Proton Unlimited” plan, bundling encrypted email, calendar, drive, VPN, and password manager services with generous storage limits.
Cyberghost: Extensive Server Network and Generous Trial
alt text: The Cyberghost VPN app running on an Android phone.
Cyberghost, while similarly priced to ExpressVPN and NordVPN monthly, offers substantial multi-year discounts and a 45-day refund period. It also provides free trials across various platforms, allowing users to test its features before committing. Cyberghost boasts a vast server network and supports up to seven simultaneous connections.
It offers essential features like OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols and maintains an independently audited no-logs policy. Cyberghost also provides dedicated peer-to-peer (P2P) servers optimized for torrenting, ensuring faster speeds for file sharing.
Private Internet Access (PIA): Open-Source and Flexible Payment
alt text: The Private Internet Access VPN app displayed on an Android mobile device.
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a large server network with a wide global reach. It supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols across most locations, ensuring strong security regardless of server choice. While priced competitively, PIA offers advantages like 10 simultaneous connections, split tunneling, and anonymous payment options, including gift cards and cryptocurrency.
A unique feature of PIA is its open-source codebase, available on GitHub. This transparency allows users to examine the code for potential security vulnerabilities and fosters community-driven improvement.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right VPN for You
While ExpressVPN and NordVPN are popular choices, these alternatives offer compelling features for various needs. From budget-conscious users to privacy enthusiasts, there’s a VPN option to consider. Factors like server network size, simultaneous connections, unique features like split tunneling, and payment options can influence your decision. Researching and comparing these alternatives will help you find the perfect VPN solution to meet your specific requirements.
