Looking for a VPN? Top review sites to help you choose
Choosing a reliable VPN service that suits your individual requirements is quite difficult, especially if you have no VPN experience in the first place. The technology may seem complicated, the selection of providers dizzying, and there can be additional features that might be hard to understand.
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Table of Contents
Naturally, to find out which services may offer the best internet protection, users usually turn to various internet sources. There’s a Reddit megathread on VPN recommendations, over 5 thousand VPN-related questions on Quora, and plenty of comparison sites with in-depth reviews. But which of the VPN comparison sites are the most reliable and provide the most objective opinions?
So, for a change, we’ve prepared a review of the sites that normally review us. Nothing personal, guys!
What makes a good VPN comparison site?
If you type “VPN comparison” or “best VPN services” in the Google search field, you will get hundreds of thousands, even millions, of results. You could just click on the few first ones, but can they be trusted? There are a few things you should pay attention to.
Regularly updated information
The VPN market is extremely dynamic – information from 2018 is hopelessly outdated by now. Therefore, the most reputable comparison sites update their reviews at least once a year to reflect the latest features, server locations and general performance. If a site has no dates on its articles, try searching for the relevant article on Google – it sometimes shows the publishing date next to the Link.
Clear reasoning behind the ratings
If someone’s job is reviewing VPN services, they’d better know what makes some providers more secure than others, or why one VPN may work better for a specific purpose than another. They should also be able to explain it in a clear, concise way without relying on the specialist jargon too much. Look for well-written articles with specific points: no rambling, no factual mistakes, no generic reviews that seem to be describing pretty much any service on the market.
Well-defined methodology
Another important factor is how exactly VPN comparison tests are conducted. One thing is to compare different services on paper (that is, check their pricing, ToS, privacy policies, features etc.). It is easy and anyone with a bit of free time can do that. However, running actual tests and checking how a service works in real-life scenarios is another thing entirely.
To get objective results, the tests have to be conducted in exactly the same conditions and environment. That not only includes testing different services by using VPN servers located in the same city, using the same VPN protocol, encryption or device, but also the same time of the day, ISP and so on.
Transparency
Although the vast majority of review sites accept payments from sponsors, the sites that care about their reputation strive to maintain objectivity, sometimes even relying on independent reviewers. Pay attention to the Disclaimer section of the site – if it doesn’t mention compensation from VPN developers, its owners are either really passionate about privacy or simply dishonest. The About section is also telling: major sites are less evasive about their owners and employees, adding to their credibility.
Top VPN comparison sites
PCMag
The behemoth of tech reviews and best picks for anything from antivirus software to drones, visited by roughly 40 million readers a month. Like all other categories, its VPN section is nicely structured and features a convenient comparison table for a quick look at all key parameters.
Vpnetic
Providing a simple and data-driven analysis of the best VPNs on the market, Vpnetic is a great place to get an overview of what’s available. The company offers concise comparisons, with information on speed, costs, and user ratings.
VPN Guide
VPN Guide is a free resource to help you find a suitable VPN for all your privacy needs. They take pride in being a gateway to securing internet users all around the world.
TechAdvisor
Another all-rounder with millions of followers, TechAdvisor is more focused on the UK market but popular in other countries too. The VPN comparison section is well researched, regularly updated and easy to follow.
VPN Special
A relatively new yet quickly growing comparison site with a great layout. While other small sites often get cluttered with banners, badges, pop-up windows and whatnot, VPN Special is easy on the eye and well organized.
Codeless
While Codeless specializes in web hosting platforms, they also provide excellent VPN comparisons. Ranking the top VPN options along a number of useful parameters, the site is accessible, informative, and might prove useful in picking the right VPN service for you.
VPN.nl
An excellent VPN review platform, this Dutch-language site offers a deep-dive breakdown of security features, product comparisons, and pricing plans. You can check out VPN.nl’s NordVPN review here. The site uses eye-catching visuals and screenshots to create engaging, accessible content.
VPNDada.com
This website helps Chinese users find the best VPNs for bypassing internet censorship and filtering. Its team regularly tests and monitors different VPN services to recommend only reliable ones that currently work well in China. Proud to share that NordVPN is among their top picks.
AlwaysVPN
AlwaysVPN is a US-based VPN comparison site that provides in-depth software reviews. You’ll be able to compare VPNs in multiple categories, including speed, performance, privacy, security, and more. Better yet, readers can find detailed user guides and the latest industry news to help them take control of their online privacy. Check out their NordVPN review.
Cybernews
Cybernews is another website really worth visiting. Here you can find some insightful tech features, news analysis as well as VPN reviews. It’s a very rich source contentwise, which is convenient to navigate and reader-friendly. Check its NordVPN review here.
ProPrivacy
Besides regularly refreshed VPN reviews and a host of top 5 VPN lists for any possible occasion, ProPrivacy posts various articles on cybersecurity and digital rights daily, making it one of the go-to sites for anyone interested in internet privacy.
Best Online Reviews
Yet another relatively new site focused on comparing VPN services – but with video reviews. These are nice if you want a quick digest of all the key features of each service presented visually.
Comparitech
Unlike sites that focus on testing, reviewing and comparing VPN products only, Comparitech has a wider range of security-related topics, including antivirus, backup, password managing, and more.
Vosveteit
For Slovakian readers who want to learn more about tech, cybersecurity, and VPN news, Vosveteit might be the place to go. This website offers in-depth analysis of security products, including a NordVPN review. Vosveteit’s content covers a wide range of topics, so whatever area of tech you want to learn more about, you’ll probably find something interesting on their site.
Top VPN Canada
Rather than looking at the wide range of VPN providers, this site makes your life much easier by offering you unbiased feedback on some of the leading VPN services. Each review provides some background information, cons and pros, and in-depth look at the service, so you can easily compare and decide which one works best for you.
VPNportalen
A VPN comparison site that focuses on the Norwegian market. VPNportalen publishes VPN guides and reviews, provides the latest cybersecurity news, and shares tips and tricks of how to use VPN in Norway. The site has Swedish and Danish equivalents, and together they are the leading VPN review sites in Scandinavia.
vpnGuiden
vpnGuiden is another go-to VPN comparison site in Norwegian. vpnGuiden summarizes the key points of each service, so you wouldn’t need to read through thousands of words to understand if a particular VPN fits your needs. It also has convenient pricing comparison tables and answers all the frequently asked questions about popular VPN services, including NordVPN.
VPNAlist
VPNAlist is a new VPN review site that provides its readers with educational content, VPN reviews and extensive lists of proxy and mirroring sites. It has a sidebar powered by Find-IP, which picks up your location and IP address. It’s a nice touch and a great reminder to use a VPN.
TheBestVPN
TheBestVPN is an in-depth VPN review site maintained by three enthusiasts. Their 13-step review process guarantees a multi-angled approach to VPN services they evaluate. They base their reviews on first-hand experiences by always trying to use the service themselves. TheBestVPN texts are easy-to-digest, so even a non-techie can understand the main points easily. Moreover, readers can also submit their articles for publication. Check out their NordVPN review here.
Top10VPN
Top10VPN is a neatly designed London-based VPN review website offering in-depth reviews in a reader-friendly format. It is one of the first websites to compile the best VPN lists. They also employ a thorough review process, which guarantees an objective approach to the software reviewed as well as super-detailed speed tests. Moreover, the website contains a continuously updated news section, user reviews, and set-up instructions.
Vpndiensten.nl
Vpndiensten.nl is another excellent Dutch VPN site. Their deep and exhaustive reviews catalogue each VPN provider’s features and benefits so readers can compare them based on any aspect that’s important to them. They also have informative articles about how Dutch users might want to use VPNs in their daily lives. Check out their review of NordVPN here.
cooltechzone.com
Cooltechzone.com is an up-and-coming review site that has performed quite thorough evaluations of both leading and smaller VPN providers. They also have reviews for free VPNs – while we don’t recommend them, this lets users make a more informed decision about their security. Check out their NordVPN review.
VPNTESTER
VPNTESTER is more than just an expert VPN reviewer for German-speaking audiences – they offer what is practically a library of insightful tips and explanations about what VPNs are, how they work, and how you can use them in different ways. We definitely recommend that German-speakers check out their extensive in-depth articles on different VPN uses. It’s also worth checking out their exhaustive NordVPN review, which is quite fair – it even highlights some places that could use an improvement!
vpnAlert
This site prides itself on unbiased reviews and honesty. vpnAlert likes their reviews to cover everything that someone looking for a VPN may want to know. Are you looking for a VPN that has the least amount of impact on your streaming apps? Or perhaps you’re just looking for the fastest or most private? vpnAlert will let you know exactly how the reviewed VPN performs in their rigorous testing processes. Have a look at what they think of NordVPN here.
Opportunités Digitales
Opportunités Digitales is a comprehensive French review site that reviews a broad range of online services. Their detailed analyses cover things like hosting providers and blog platforms. Their team of tech experts has performed an exhaustive VPN comparison.
The VPN Shop
TheVPNShop.com lists VPNs for different services and users can filter them depending on price, speed, and popularity. The website works with VPN providers on a non-committal basis, therefore their team only reviews VPNs that they trust and recommend. You can also find a thorough NordVPN review on TheVPNShop.com that covers everything you need to know about the main features and credibility.
VPNGids
VPNGids.nl is the leading VPN review website in The Netherlands and Belgium. People in The Netherlands are generally early adopters and tech-savvy, which also means they have high standards when it comes to choosing a VPN provider. That’s why VPNGids.nl has developed a rigorous testing protocol to determine the quality of each VPN provider on the market. Have a look at the VPNGids team’s thorough review of NordVPN.
VPNOverview
VPNOverview.com is an international multilanguage review site that focuses on cybersecurity software reviews. The team covers VPNs, antivirus, password managers, and secure email providers, among other things. Additionally, the VPNOverview.com team provides general guidance on how people can keep their digital life private and secure. The level of detail in their NordVPN review makes it one of the exhaustive and in-depth analyses of NordVPN that we’ve ever seen.
ITavisen
ITavisen is the second largest tech-related news portal in Norway, which contains a list of the best VPN services for Norwegian users. ITavisen.no has tested a variety of virtual private networks and composed a shortlist of recommended services. Their VPN guides also contain practical information about pricing, server locations, and technical specifications.
MONTBLUES
For Japanese language content, you might find MONTBLUES useful. They offer tech insights, reviews, and comparisons, and have a long-running focus on the VPN space. MONTBLUES has featured and discussed NordVPN before, stacking its features up against other similar products, and helping consumers find the services that work best for their needs.
VPNhint
VPNhint is a site devoted to VPN technology. They do regular reviews of the leading VPNs on the market, comparing their features and helping readers make informed decisions about their online security. Their NordVPN review offers an in-depth look at our services, including NordVPN’s Threat Protection Pro feature.
VPNcheck
VPNcheck is a great resource for anyone who wants to choose the best VPN but is overwhelmed by the choices available. Head to VPNcheck for detailed reviews and comparisons, with a specific focus on the different use cases that each VPN provider excels in. The site lays out information in a clear, accessible format, and is sure to help you pick the right VPN for your specific needs.
VPNblade
Another good source for VPN comparisons and analysis is VPNblade. This site offers in-depth reviews of all the major VPNs on the market, highlighting their features and unique selling points. You can check out their NordVPN review to see what they thought of our service. The site is a simple, accessible portal for newcomers to the VPN space, as well as for enthusiasts and long-time users.
TheBest-VPN
While there are many English-language sites on this list, VPNs can protect users worldwide. For Japanese internet users, TheBest-VPN is a great resource. The website offers in-depth reviews and analyses of many popular VPNs, helping readers find the right security solution for them.
Tjek.bt.dk
If you’re looking for good VPN reviews from Danish-language sources, check out Tjek.bt.dk. Specializing in product reviews and analysis, this website will provide you with useful insights into the merits and features of different VPNs.
VPNHelpers
VPNHelpers is a review site that endeavors to educate and inform its readers about VPNs and their functions. There’s a lot of choice on the VPN market these days, but since 2017 VPNHelpers have been helping people find the right tools and services for their privacy needs, with unbiased reviews and technical analysis.
3c未來室
If you need Chinese language VPN reviews, 3c未來室 is a great option. This site focuses on reviewing different VPN services, as well as exploring and showcasing other online security tools and tech. It’s an informative platform for consumers in search of in-depth reviews and comparisons from a Chinese language source.
GO VPN
Another great site for Chinese language VPN reviews is GO VPN. China is infamous for its Great Firewall — an extremely robust system of internet restrictions that prevent users from reaching certain news outlets and other sources of free information. GO VPN helps Chinese speakers find a good VPN, which could be essential if they’re going to circumvent the country’s many online blocks to access the free, unrestricted internet.
Tekpon
Tekpon is a software review and comparison site that helps people find the best software and apps for their needs. Among many other topics, they cover VPNs and have even reviewed NordVPN in the past. The site acts as a great hub for insight and analysis and is sure to help you make an informed decision when sizing up different VPNs.
TjekBredbånd
Danish-language users who want to learn more about security and online safety tools should find TjekBredbånd to be a great source of information. The website provides comparisons and analysis for a variety of digital products and services, from broadband and internet provision to VPNs like NordVPN.
VPNGuiden
Focusing on detailed VPN comparisons, VPNGuiden is a Danish website where readers can learn more about virtual private networks. The VPN market has never been busier, but VPNGuiden cuts through the noise and helps internet users find the best VPN products for their needs. The site compares speed, stability, and pricing, to make picking the right VPN easier than ever.
CyberWaters
Focusing on VPN reviews and price comparisons, CyberWaters offers useful insight into the cybersecurity market. The website often highlights specific deals and bargains that different VPN providers are offering, helping their readers save money and get the most value possible from their purchases. To make things easier, CyberWaters also allows you to filter for the best VPN for your specific region and the operating system you’re running.
VPNGrades
VPNGrades focuses on reviewing and ranking VPNs. They carefully examine and trial different VPN products to find the best options for their readers, and state on their website that expert reviewers and rigorous testing are at the core of their work. VPNGrades also oversees a busy Reddit forum where VPN enthusiasts and cybersecurity experts can meet and discuss the latest news in tech.
Guillermo Baches
If you’re looking for Spanish-language tech news and reviews, you’ll find that Guillermo Baches offers a useful blog covering a wide range of related topics. They have reviewed NordVPN, among other cybersecurity-related products and services, and can provide insight into a diverse array of topics, from cryptocurrency to online marketing, and everything in between.
Her VPN
Her VPN is a source of online news and VPN reviews specifically geared towards a female audience. On Her VPN, you’ll find information about different VPNs and internet security services, online entertainment platforms, and other digital materials. The site has reviewed NordVPN, among many other tools.
Net x Hack
Net x Hack is a Korean-language platform that offers insight into the rapidly growing VPN market. According to their website, Net x Hack is dedicated to principles of security and online freedom, and helps readers find the best affordable VPN services.
Webfactory
Are you looking for Japanese-language VPN reviews? If so, check out Webfactory for comprehensive VPN reviews and comparisons, as well as wider coverage of technology and other digital products. The site has previously reviewed NordVPN, discussing its strengths and security benefits.
WebsiteRadar.net
WebsiteRadar.net tests online tools and provides detailed reviews to help readers find the right services for their needs. The site has covered NordVPN, among many other cybersecurity tools, and their content is accessible and easy to follow even without a deep technical understanding.
黒猫ブログ
黒猫ブログ focuses on lifestyle content, including fashion and beauty. Their useful tips come from the point of view of a Japanese expat living abroad in Canada. Every Japanese expat will find great content there, including the benefits of using VPN services to access content from back home in Japan. Check out their in-depth review on NordVPN to see how they evaluate our service.
VPNマニア
VPNマニア hosts VPN reviews and compares the benefits of different VPN providers in Japanese. You’ll find guides on various VPN uses, including cybersecurity, privacy protection, and accessing content from home while traveling overseas. You can check their content on NordVPN and see for yourself.
マクリンネット
Makuring provides insights, tips, and resources related to internet use and technology, including VPN. It offers a variety of articles and guides on topics such as internet trends, online tools, digital security, and tech reviews, catering to casual users and tech enthusiasts. The site aims to help visitors navigate the digital world with ease and stay informed about the latest developments in internet technology.
Conclusion
We hope this article was useful! Remember that one way to make comparison sites more helpful is to submit your own honest reviews wherever possible. The internet is great at bringing opinions together, and the more users share their authentic experiences, the more relevant information reaches those still looking for the most suitable VPN service.