5 Best VPNs According to Reddit Users in Sep 2023

Redditors take cybersecurity very seriously. That’s why we value Subreddits that hold authentic information and honest reviews about certain VPNs.

Studying those Subreddits and testing each VPN ourselves, we have compiled a list of the best VPNs Reddit audience has approved of so that you can take advantage of real people and their real opinions about these prevailing online privacy tools: Virtual Private Networks.

5 Best VPNs Recommended by Reddit Users

If you are short on time, here’s a TL;DR on the top VPN services recommended by Reddit users:

1. Surfshark: Redditors love it for its security and streaming capabilities. It is an affordable VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
2. ExpressVPN: One of the fastest VPNs for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. It is a top-ranked VPN for its impressive speeds, according to Reddit.
3. NordVPN: A secure and fast VPN that unblocks most of the geo-restricted content has also been voted as the top pick by Redditors.
4. IPVanish: Favored by Redditors for its strict no-logs policy and torrenting features.
5. Private Internet Access: Reliable VPN, according to Reddit, with one of the largest server networks.

How Do Redditors Evaluate Best VPNs?

Not all VPNs are created equal. Therefore, there are a couple of key factors that Reddit users are concerned about when looking for the best VPN. This also applies to evaluating a VPN service for personal use.

Here are a few most important factors that VPN users on Reddit have highlighted when it comes to picking a perfect VPN:

• Jurisdiction: The place of origin or the headquarter locations of the VPN matters a lot as it directly impacts logging policies. VPNs operating under the 5/9/14 eyes alliance are a big no, while providers operating in safe jurisdictions like the BVI are preferred.
• Logging: Reddit users care a lot about their privacy, so a no-logging VPN is a must – only then a VPN can offer maximum anonymity.
• Price: Everyone wants the best deal out of a VPN, therefore, Reddit users make sure the price of the product is justified by the quality of services offered – preferably an affordable VPN.
• Unblocking capabilities: The VPN should be able to unblock streaming services and should be able to counter recent VPN-blocking measures by Netflix, and other platforms.
• Connection speed: VPN connection naturally affects your speed. There should be a minimum drop in speed as possible.
• Torrenting and P2P file-sharing: Reddit users also take into notice if the VPN offers dedicated P2P servers. This is important as torrenting is prohibited in many parts of the world
• The number of servers: It is super important that the VPN offers a large number of VPN servers covering a wide range of countries, so you can get the IP address of your choice to bypass restrictions.
• Device compatibility: When choosing a VPN, users also look at device compatibility and the apps offered. It is best if the VPN offers native apps for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and other platforms.
• Customer Support: One of the most overlooked but super important factors when looking for a VPN is 24/7 customer support. VPNs run into technical issues too, which is why it is important that the VPN has live chat support in case you need help.
• Money-back guarantee: A money-back guarantee is a great way to not get stuck with one VPN service as you can try the VPN risk-free and get a refund in case you are not satisfied.
• Advanced security features: Every VPN prioritizes its features like speed, etc., but makes sure it is not compromising on security. If you value your privacy, make sure the VPN offers AES 256-bit encryption, kill switch, and other features.

Not every website posts honest reviews, but with Reddit, you can bet anything that the reviews are genuine since cybersecurity is a popular topic for discourse and concern.

5 Best VPNs According to Reddit

The reviews on Reddit were sifted through, and these VPNs were chosen from the extremely satisfied category. Below you will find why Redditors recommend these VPNs and how you can use them for your own specific requirements:

1. Surfshark – Offers Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark is also one of the best VPNs according to Reddit users, mainly due to its affordability and reliability in the VPN market. Added to that, users say that its user-friendly app and technologically advanced features make it a worthy investment.

Surfshark offers unlimited bandwidth accompanied by fast speeds with over 3200 servers in 65 countries.

It won’t be an overstatement that it is a complete VPN package: has all that a VPN user looks for. Firstly, it can unblock geo-restricted streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Zee5, Disney Plus, SonyLiv, Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+ Hotstar, and more.

Plus, what makes it ideal for streamers and binge-watchers is its unlimited bandwidth and unlimited simultaneous connections. This also makes Surfshark our recommended VPN for multiple devices. The apps are super compatible with major devices and platforms. It has dedicated applications for computers, mobile devices, smart TVs, and even web proxies for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

The company has deployed 256-bit AES technology. This means that when you activate your VPN and exchange your traffic on the network (whether it’s home or public), no online entity can view your activity.

Furthermore, if a hacker tries to obtain sensitive data packets, he will have to make around 256 attempts to get through your data, which is nearly impossible.

Surfshark is based in a safe jurisdiction. The legislation of the British Virgin Islands does not require the companies to log or submit the users’ activity, so you can rest assured about your online freedom.

Note that Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy. The sign-up forms available on the website do not ask for a lot of personally identifiable information so you can rest assured that your information does not go anywhere.

Other security features include an internet kill switch, a whitelister, and an ad-blocker. All of these features ensure network and device-level security for users and protect against IP leaks and data breaches.

You can easily jump on Surfshark’s free trial for 30 days or read our detailed review to know more about the provider before paying for their yearly plans that start as low as $2.30/mo (Save 82% and get 2 extra months FREE with 24-month plan).

2. ExpressVPN – Trusted by Everyone on the Internet Including Reddit

ExpressVPN is one of the widely discussed VPNs by Redditors. Some feel it is the best while others feel quite the opposite. However, its upsides far outweigh the minor downvotes. Note that most of the downvotes given by Redditors were due to it being overpriced.

Its supporting Redditors suggest that ExpressVPN is quite aptly a versatile VPN with over 3000 servers in 94 countries. Its performance speaks for itself along with other features, especially the P2P optimized servers which make this VPN a trusty choice for torrenting.

It provides unlimited bandwidth and lightning-fast speeds for streamers and online gamers who wish to have a seamless entertainment experience.

ExpressVPN has a Kill Switch feature that terminates the internet connection and protects users against IP leaks in case of accidental VPN disconnection.

It shares features like 256-bit AES encryption and split tunneling with Surfshark. However, it has a built-in speed test which comes in handy if you plan to switch servers or start activities that consume higher bandwidth.

ExpressVPN can unblock major streaming sites like Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix US libraries. Major voters for ExpressVPN love its performance for streaming and unblocking activities. With ExpressVPN you can access Disney Plus in Philippines, Hulu in Australia, Voot in the USA, etc. We have found subreddits where users have switched between Surfshark and ExpressVPN and have found minor differences.

ExpressVPN hails from the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands which has a strict no-log policy. It is compatible with a variety of devices and apps such as Windows, Mac, iOS, Firestick, and Android. You can connect to the VPN simultaneously on up to 5 devices with a single subscription.

ExpressVPN, a bit expensive as compared to NordVPN, and Surfshark comes for a price of $6.67/mo. Note that the price is subject to different pricing plans. Also, you can enjoy ExpressVPN 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee that can be availed if you’re not happy with its performance.

3. NordVPN – Has a Great Reputation Among Reddit Users

Redditors highly recommend NordVPN for an all-around VPN for desktop and mobile. It is listed as a top-notch VPN due to its coverage of 59+ major countries with 5200+ servers, each offering amazing speeds.

Since it is being operated from Panama, the safe jurisdiction offers the utmost anonymity for its users, which makes it a safe VPN, not to mention its strict no-log policy. The jurisdiction part comes into play because then the government agencies do not require tech or other data-driven companies to record or share their users’ information.

So, your data (VPN timestamps, websites you have visited, servers you have used, etc.) are neither logged by the company nor shared with any third parties.

Some of its features that make it worthwhile include P2P compatibility, a Kill switch, Ad-blocker, and Double VPN. For network-level security, Nord has deployed 256-bit AES technology, which is the highest standard currently used in the money market institutions for the protection of data and communication from hackers and other online entities.

NordVPN has a unique feature called Double VPN, which when enabled, routes internet traffic through two servers for double protection. This feature is ideal for business users who log in to their payment portals and company websites or exchange sensitive data files on public Wi-Fi.

NordVPN allows Split Tunneling, which means streamers, researchers, and torrent lovers, especially, can view native as well as international content simultaneously.

NordVPN permits the connection of up to 6 devices simultaneously on a single subscription and has dedicated apps for some major platforms such as iOS, Windows, Mac, FireTV, Play Station, Xbox, and more.

The company allows users to buy a dedicated IP for an annual bill of $70. However, there are no refunds available for this dedicated IP in case the user is not satisfied.

NordVPN subscription is $5.29/mo currently subject to different pricing plans. If you wish to test NordVPN, you can access its premium services with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all of its subscriptions. It also presents a 7-day free trial for Android and iOS mobile users.

These desirable features are what make NordVPN one of the best VPNs Redditors have suggested so far.

4. IPVanish – Recommended for Its Security Features

Servers - 2000+ servers in 75 countries

Unblocks - Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO, and more

Torrenting SOCKS5, and Port Forwarding for P2P traffic

Simultaneous connections Offers unlimited simultaneous connections

Logs Strict no-logs policy (but based in the US)

Money-back guarantee 30-day refund policy

Visit IPVanish

IPVanish is another top VPN on Reddit with great reviews for its security features. It boasts a network of 2000+ servers in 75 countries.

The company provides various online security features such as kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and advanced protocols. There are various tunneling options to choose from too including OpenVPN.

It is known to own 90% of its data centers, unlike other VPNs that lease its servers from third parties. Therefore, it means there is more data security and privacy.

IPVanish is not the fastest VPN out there, but it does well with streaming as I have not experienced any buffering or lag while testing.

Reddit users love everything about IPVanish, except the fact that it does not have a port forwarding feature. IPVanish servers use a NAT firewall, which is why you cannot port forward using the VPN.

5. Private Internet Access – Popular Among Reddit Users for Its Large Server Network

Servers - 35,500+ servers in 78 countries

Unblocks - Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO, Hulu, and more.

Torrenting Supports P2P on all servers with SOCKS5

Simultaneous connections Offers 10 simultaneous connections

Logs Strict no-logs policy (but based in the US).

Money-back guarantee 30-day refund policy

Visit PIA

Private Internet Access is a popular VPN among Reddit users because it offers one of the largest server networks of more than 35,500 servers in 78 countries.

Moreover, some of its features that are loved by users are ad-blocking, SOCKS5 proxy, port forwarding, and several VPN gateways. The VPN is highly customizable as it allows you to choose from either 128-bit or 256-bit encryption, according to your needs.

PIA works great with streaming services that are geo-blocked such as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. However, Reddit users have complained about its performance with Netflix, and while testing, I had to reconnect to the VPN to access US Netflix on my second try.

Another thing, Reddit users are not pleased with is PIA VPN’s connection speed. Despite offering a large server network, Private Internet Access servers are not very fast and I have experienced around a 35-40% drop in speed during testing.

Despite that slight inconvenience, Reddit users recommend PIA because of its true no-logs policy that has stood the test of time. Its “no-logs” claims have been proved in court twice as the provider was asked to bring data on one of its users, but had none to share.

Other than that, the VPN supports 10 simultaneous connections on a single account, with easy-to-use simple apps for various operating systems.

It is also a favorite among Reddit users when it comes to torrenting, because of its SOCKS5 proxy, split tunneling, and port forwarding.

Overall, Reddit users recommend PIA for its affordability and impressive features as it starts as low as $2.19/mo with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

VPNs That Redditors Do Not Recommend

Not all VPNs offer the features that are promised as some services are not even safe to use. Therefore, I have searched through Reddit to find out VPNs that are not recommended by users and are controversial.

1. AzireVPN

Reddit users don’t recommend AzireVPN. Even though the service is known for its WireGuard protocol and fast-speed connections, there are only 60+ servers in 17 countries. It is also a poor choice for torrenting as there is no kill switch.

Also, on Apple devices, their apps are still in the Beta phase, and very glitchy.

2. AirVPN

AirVPN is mostly praised for its fast-speed connections, but Reddit users have complained about its inefficient customer support that does not respond on time.

Therefore, when it comes to choosing the best VPN, make sure to check the customer support offered because it is very critical. A few Reddit users have also complained about the VPN on mobile phones, as it gets glitchy.

3. EasyVPN

Another VPN that Reddit users don’t recommend is EasyVPN. It does not offer any extensions or apps beyond the .exe file, and you are not allowed more than one simultaneous device connection. Given the price, it does not seem justified.

There is no customer support, as the email provided on its website has never responded to any of my concerns, and there are no guides or tutorials in case you are facing issues.

Do Redditors Recommend Free VPNs?

Most Redditors do not feel that it is logical to use a free VPN since not paying for a product makes you the product. Running a VPN service comes with a hefty cost which makes free VPNs a risky choice since their source of revenue is not transparent.

Their finances undeniably come by selling their users’ personal information to third parties, by displaying ads, or by using your data for advertising and marketing. Redditors may have a difference of opinion between different popular premium VPN services, but when it comes to free VPNs, there seems to be a unanimous vote against it.

For reference, a free VPN is an epic failure of the privacy philosophy, and an antithesis to the overall network security concept. When a tool that’s exclusively designed to provide privacy starts transporting the data to third parties for revenue generation, should it still be called a privacy tool, let alone a VPN? Absolutely, no.

Most Popular Subreddits to Know About the Best VPNs

Reddit is hard to navigate to find reviews, as there are so many subreddits and threads that it is easy to get lost in a plethora of comments.

To make things easier for you, I have created a list of VPN subreddits that will help you find authentic VPN reviews.

• r/VPN – A great place to find general information about VPNs, as experts offer basic support and answer all user queries.
• r/VPNReviews – If you are looking for authentic user reviews regarding VPNs, this is the place to be as there is talk about almost every VPN out there.
• r/NetflixViaVPN – For users who use a VPN for streaming Netflix, this subreddit is a great place to see which VPNs work with Netflix, and all Netflix-related questions.
• r/Privacy – These subreddits keep up to date with all the latest security threats, privacy issues, and others related to VPNs and the online landscape in general.
• r/VPNTorrents – If you are constantly torrenting, this is the place to be in order to see the ins and outs of torrenting using a VPN.
• r/VPNAdvice – This subreddit is a place if you are facing any issues using a VPN, or want some assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Reddit a reliable platform for VPN recommendations?

Yes, over the years, Reddit has established itself as one of the best online platforms for reviews and VPN recommendations. On Reddit, you will find that users openly share their personal experiences regarding VPNs, and no one holds them back. So, you can browse through Reddit when choosing the best VPN.

What is the best VPN Reddit suggests in 2023?

Redditors have voted for the best VPN in 2023 based on the speed, servers, performance, and more and there seem to be equal votes for ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN.

What is the best free VPN Reddit users recommend?

While most Reddit users don’t recommend using a free VPN as it’s dangerous, however, for those who want a free option, users suggest going for Hotspot Shield as it’s a good free option with ads.

Which VPN is the cheapest in the light of Reddit users?

Surfshark is considered to be the cheapest VPN according to Reddit users. The VPN is not only about low prices but its winning point is its support for an unlimited number of simultaneous device connections on a single account.

What is the best VPN for Netflix according to Reddit?

NordVPN is the best VPN for Netflix according to Reddit users. This VPN is very effective when it comes to unblocking Netflix, and it works with multiple regional libraries such as the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, and more.

What is the best VPN for torrenting according to Reddit?

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the best VPN for torrenting according to Reddit users. Both VPNs are located in the safe jurisdictions of the British Virgin Islands and Panama respectively. Furthermore, they offer great speeds to help you download large torrent files easily.

Which VPN can be used to access Reddit?

In addition to the five VPNs mentioned above, CyberGhost can be used to unblock Reddit at school or work. This VPN has been chosen on the same standards, such as reliable speeds and encryption standards, an extensive server list with access to geo-restricted content, and compatibility with Android, Windows, Mac, and iOS.

Bottomline

Though most users cast their votes in favor of Surfshark and it is the best VPN according to Reddit users, every VPN works differently for everyone depending upon the internet activity of the user.

Reddit is one of the rare online communities where reviews are honest and raw. You can trust them but also give it a go on your own and decide which one is best suited to your needs.

While we do firmly suggest ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN know that all three of them have been tested and offer absolute speeds.

They have the same security protocols in place, slightly different server coverage, and affordable prices. The alluring icing on the cake is that all of them come with free trials or a dependable refund policy so that you’re never at risk of losing your investment.