The best VPN for gaming and streaming in 2022. What is the best vpn

VPNs work by targeting incorrectly. They create virtual tunnels that route your data to their private network via tunneling or communication protocols. These VPN protocols use hashing algorithms, which allows them to provide encryption by protecting data as it is in transit from your device to their servers.

Best VPN services of 2022

Don’t want to be tracked online? A Virtual Private Network provides security when using the Internet. Our review of the best VPNs covers the best security features, prices, and more.

When you surf, shop, and message online, are you being followed? A Virtual Private Network (VPN) prevents online monitoring by turning your Wi-Fi connection into its own “tunnel” that encrypts your data. It is a handy piece of software that hides your internet traffic from other users on the network. This can be especially important if you work remotely or travel frequently to work.

The best VPNs don’t just protect your personal information. They can keep your family and even your business safe on the Internet. Hackers will find it much more difficult to track and steal your information. Your Wi-Fi provider will also not be able to intercept and sell your data to third parties.

With so many VPN options available, how can you be sure you’re getting the best VPN? This guide is based on extensive testing that the Home Media review team has been running over several months. It can help you decide which provider is right for you.

5 best VPN services of 2022

Perfect for security at the highest level

Tops for consumer reviews

Private internet access

A large network of servers

Favorite for general use

Ideal for top-level security: ExpressVPN (8.6/10)

* On a 12-month subscription

ExpressVPN has it all: privacy, speed, and security. It is a user-friendly VPN with multiple security protocols.

• Maximum number of simultaneous devices: 5
• Total servers: 3000+
• Countries with servers: 94
• Money Back Guarantee: Yes

If you’re looking for the best possible combination of privacy, internet speed, and security, ExpressVPN might be the perfect choice for you. It has 3,000 servers in 160 VPN locations, second only to HMA with over 290 locations. You will rarely have a problem accessing the content you are looking for. You can view a list of ExpressVPN’s VPN locations, which also includes details on the protocols that protect your data. It is ideal for business travelers who need access to data hosted in their home country.

✔ A large number of unique server locations

✘ Doesn’t offer unlimited connections like other VPNs

✔ User-friendly configuration and interface are perfect for beginners

Other ExpressVPN benefits include:

• Expert-Grade Encryption: ExpressVPN uses Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys. This is the same level of encryption that the US government uses to protect its data. ExpressVPN also recently released its proprietary Lightway protocol as open source. This means Lightway is open to public scrutiny as well as input – anyone can suggest a fix through ExpressVPN’s error rewards program. ExpressVPN is audited by cybersecurity company Cure53.
• Split Tunneling: VPN split tunneling lets you choose what online traffic you want to send over the VPN. The rest of the data remains on the local network. Split reverse tunneling allows the reverse – you can select specific applications that you don’t want your VPN to run.

If you have multiple devices, ExpressVPN may not be your best choice. Unlike other VPN providers, including Surfshark, ExpressVPN doesn’t allow unlimited simultaneous connections. The service only supports up to five simultaneous connections on one account. One way to get around this limitation is to connect ExpressVPN to your home router and protect as many devices as you want. Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review to learn more about why the Home Media review team recommends the company as the best VPN despite a few flaws and recent news from its leadership team.

Company controversy

In September 2021, news came out that ExpressVPN’s chief information officer, Daniel Gericke, was working for the United Arab Emirates as a hacker for hire from 2016 to 2019. Gericke reached a settlement with the US Department of Justice, which said the UAE program had illegally hacked US machines. ExpressVPN said in a statement that it does not accept the program, but is behind Gericke.

CyberGhost wins our silver medal. It has all the features you would expect from a VPN, and the price is reasonable. Use it on all your devices: Windows computers, Mac computers, Android phones, iPhones, tablets and game consoles. Regardless of the device, you connect to the VPN server with the push of a button.

NordVPN

There aren’t many VPN providers that can beat NordVPN, from 5,200+ servers in the lane to blazing-fast download and upload speeds. In addition, it uses a customized WireGuard protocol it calls NordLynx which encrypts data faster than other protocols and has a lower performance tax.

It’s really a VPN that you can leave running in the background on up to six devices at once, forgetting it’s enabled with a ping that rivals and sometimes beats your connection untouched. And with support for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, you can use it to protect against DDoSed attacks in Rainbow Six Siege and move around in Pokémon Go.

Plus, if you’re fast, you can take advantage of NordVPN’s great summer deal: not only do you get their two-year plan with a whopping 69% off the regular price, but you also get an extra three months for free. Click here to find out more.

NordVPN NordVPN NordVPN From $ 3.71 / mo. View Network N Charges Affiliate Commission on qualifying sales.

NordVPN
Locations	5289 servers in 60 countries
Unblocked services	Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, YouTube
Free trial period	No free trial period
Money Back Guarantee	30 days
Simultaneous connections	6
Router support	Yes

Surfshark

Surfshark is a lot of things, but one feature stands out more than any other: unlimited calls from a single account. It is no longer the only VPN service that allows you to use it on any device, but it was the first to remove the restriction, leading the market in a better direction. Most others have yet to consider what makes Surfshark one of the best VPNs for gaming.

Its upload speeds are just shy to NordVPN, and it doesn’t have that many servers to choose from, but it’s amazing value for money and you’ll still keep your ping sparingly. It also unblocks a number of streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney +. Check it out with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Surfshark Surfshark Surfshark From 3,500.49 / month View Network N takes Affiliate Commission on qualifying sales.

Surfshark
Locations	over 3200 servers in 65 countries
Unblocked services	Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, YouTube
Free trial period	7 days
Money Back Guarantee	30 days
Simultaneous connections	Unlimited
Router support	Yes

But the big no-no is in HMA’s terms and privacy policy. Compared to other VPN providers, a lot of personal information is logged and can eventually be passed on to authorities.

ExpressVPN – Secure and reliable VPN service

ExpressVPN has long been one of the best VPN services on the market. It is a premium VPN that just works with no bugs, hassles, or interruptions. It also checks all the important fields for privacy, security, and performance.

When it comes to VPN apps, ExpressVPN offers everything you’d expect from the best VPN. They have custom apps for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even routers. All VPN apps have good leak protection settings and also use secure VPN protocols. ExpressVPN also has a MediaStreamer app, which allows you to use the service on a wide range of other devices, from Smart TVs to gaming systems.

ExpressVPN has undergone numerous security and privacy audits (no-logs, VPN audits). Unlike some of the other top VPNs, ExpressVPN doesn’t support WireGuard VPN. Instead, they offer the Lightway protocol, which is a self-developed protocol that is very similar to WireGuard, but also better for privacy. Lightway has already been audited and is fully open source.

ExpressVPN is also a powerhouse when it comes to unblocking content and streaming. Works to unblock Netflix regions around the world on all types of devices. ExpressVPN has a dedicated Firestick VPN app, and also works with BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, Hulu, and more. Additionally, the MediaStreamer app will let you use ExpressVPN on many types of streaming devices, including Smart TV.

And if you want to use a VPN browser extension, ExpressVPN has you covered. They offer browser extensions for both Chrome and Firefox (see the best VPNs for Firefox). Our testing results found all ExpressVPN apps to be reliable, user-friendly, and secure. Below is the ExpressVPN Windows app we tested.

ExpressVPN’s server network is also quite extensive. They currently offer 160 VPN server locations in 94 different countries. While ExpressVPN doesn’t have any specialized servers, as we see with Surfshark and NordVPN, the network is nevertheless extensive and covers many different countries.

Note: Earlier this year, we learned that ExpressVPN has been acquired by Kape Technologies. While we hate to see consolidation in the VPN industry, we now know ExpressVPN will continue to operate independently. Additionally, we also researched the background of Kape Technologies and learned more about the company’s history. Overall, this merger will help ensure ExpressVPN continues to operate and grow, with a large company behind its development.

The main disadvantages of ExpressVPN:

• Above average prices
• Fewer features than some leading VPNs

Refunds and Support: All ExpressVPN subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. They offer 24/7 live chat support as well as an extensive knowledge base with tutorials and videos.

ExpressVPN Coupon Deal

Sign up for the 12-month plan and get 3 months added to your subscription for free.

Surfshark’s affordable pricing, extensive feature list, and reliable connection speeds make it a powerful VPN for gaming. A VPN has consistently low ping and latency values ​​on most of its servers. Having over 3,200 servers also reduces the likelihood that users will experience performance drops due to sudden spikes in traffic.

Who should use a VPN?

It’s not just conspirators and people preparing for an apocalypse that need a VPN. For ordinary people, there are three main reasons:

In recent years, there has been a lot of talk about hackers from around the world getting private information. Cybercrime is generally increasing, so in Europe and the United States there is a tendency to allow law enforcement agencies to access data from and to unsuspected citizens.

A VPN connection encrypts your information, keeping it private from hackers and others who might try to intercept your data.

The third main argument is that a VPN can be used to bypass geo-restrictions by giving your device an IP address that appears to be from a different country. This way you can enjoy content on streaming services not normally available to you such as US Netflix or some of the best UK TVs on the free BBC iPlayer

Is it legal to use a VPN?

Yes, it is 100% legal to use all VPN features. The VPN providers on this list are well-known and respected companies. Is it also allowed to use a VPN to bypass geographic restrictions.

All VPN providers have a trial period, however the length varies by provider. During this period, you may receive a refund of the full subscription price. Use your footprint to rate a VPN for user-friendliness, server speed, and features.

Remember that a VPN will always have an impact on your internet speed, so try connecting to servers in countries close to where you are – except if you need a server in a specific country. With most VPN programs, you can perform a ping test to find the fastest servers.

Norton has been in the market for over 20 years. Many people know it best because of its anti-virus protection. His VPN is less popular, but it shouldn’t be. With over 1,800 employees, Norton excels in providing fast customer support for anyone who needs extra help with a VPN.

ProtonVPN: Free, Protonvpn.com

The best: Free VPN

Rating: 7/10

• Number of servers: Over 800
• Number of server locations: 50+ in 50 countries
• Number of devices supported: up to five

As mentioned above, providers of free VPN services can always get a bit of a hit, especially when it comes to your privacy and security. However, not ProtonVPN, which you can recognize from the Proton Mail secure email client.

ProtonVPN gives you unlimited data usage, which means your VPN won’t stop working when you hit your quota. There are no ads, and you still get the same military-grade AES-256 encryption. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Well, as with most free products, there’s a catch – but the catch isn’t selling data.

With the free version of ProtonVPN, you only have access to three servers, even though Proton has 800. They are in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. This means the speeds are not the fastest. And while you can access servers in the US, you can’t use ProtonVPN for free to access streaming services. This feature is reserved for the paid version, and if that’s your primary focus, we’d choose a different VPN over Proton.

So what is it for? Basically what a VPN was for – Browse the web securely and privately, especially when using public networks. It’s not full of features, but it gets the job done, and the iOS and Android apps work really well.

IPVanish: From £3.69 per month, Ipvanish.com

The best: VPN for large households

Rating: 7/10

• Number of servers: 1600
• Number of server locations: more than 75 in 50 countries
• Number of supported devices: Unlimited

If you have a large family or live in a big house and you all want to hop on one VPN at the same time, IPVanish is a good choice. The US-based service provided a great deal to its users as part of its generous 10-device plan, but a year ago, the company got rid of their cap entirely.

The big advantage of IPVanish’s unlimited device limit is its wide range of applications. You can download it for Kody, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Fire TV Stick and Linux, which means you’ll always be able to enjoy unlimited access.

Moreover, it provides everything you expect from a Virtual Private Network, making it a standalone solid VPN. Your speeds are unlimited, it has AES-256 encryption, you get 24/7 live chat support service, and you don’t keep any traffic logs. It works especially well for US Netflix but worse for further international Netflix and other streaming services.

The name says a lot. Privacy is one of the most important things for PIA (as it calls itself). This is a great starting point for a VPN provider as privacy is the main reason to buy a VPN.

IPVanish

Available Applications:

Money Back Guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish is a lightweight VPN whose servers are optimized for speed, stability, and security. There are over 1,900 of them spread over 75 locations around the world, with over 100 servers in the UK alone.

This service is based in the United States and therefore is not subject to UK data retention laws. Moreover, it has a specific policy of not keeping any web traffic logs or metadata. It only stores information when an account is registered for the first time. Then your browsing history is hidden.

IPVanish includes solid encryption standards which means prying eyes like the NSA and hackers are kept away. By default, it uses OpenVPN 256-bit encryption, SHA512 authentication, and DHE-RSA 2048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. There’s also a built-in kill switch, which means traffic will be temporarily put on hold if your connection is dropped out of nowhere.

There are apps for iOS and Android, as well as desktop support for Windows and MacOS.

• It hosts over 100 UK servers, great for the UK’s most popular software
• Preferred by Kodi and Firestick TV for its remote control applications
• No-logs policy and strong security features

• It struggles with some of the bigger streaming platforms
• No real live chat support

CONNECT ALL YOUR DEVICES: IPVanish has a large server network. Favorite among Kodi and Amazon Fire Stick users. Moreover, it achieves great connection speeds and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

VyprVPN

Available Applications:

Money Back Guarantee: 30 DAYS

VyprVPN has over 700 servers, including some in London, although the company doesn’t say how many there are in total. Its speeds are decent and users can safely access a wide variety of platforms, from Netflix to BBC iPlayer.

The company owns and manages entire data centers, which optimizes the speed and stability of connections. Moreover, all traffic is secured with OpenVPN protocol, 256-bit AES encryption, 2048-bit RSA keys without perfect forwarding secrecy and SHA256 authentication. VyprVPN includes an internet kill switch by default, which means internet traffic will be temporarily stopped if your connection drops.

VyprVPN is a popular choice for UK residents visiting China as it is able to bypass the Great Firewall. This means that thousands of government-appointed engineers working around the clock have not been able to block its activities. This is definitely an achievement that should bring it to the gold standard of VPN.

The apps are available for both Android and iOS, as well as desktop for Windows and MacOS.

• Supports UK servers
• great unlocking abilities, works fine even in China
• Stable and fast connections with secure applications

• Speeds could be better
• Power users would prefer more configuration options

ROBUST EFFICIENT: VyprVPN is user-friendly. Works well with BBC iPlayer and some other popular streaming services. Easy to use but a bit expensive. 30 day money back guarantee.

It’s really a VPN that you can leave running in the background on up to six devices at once, forgetting it’s enabled with a ping that rivals and sometimes beats your connection untouched. And with support for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, you can use it to protect against DDoSed attacks in Rainbow Six Siege and move around in Pokémon Go.

Best VPN Guide

VPNs are useful for a variety of purposes, and if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Do I need a VPN?” the answer is that anyone who regularly uses the internet can use it.

However, keep in mind that VPNs are not a magic solution for online security or privacy, and are best used in certain circumstances.

What is a VPN?

A VPN or Virtual Private Network hides your IP address and physical location while you use the internet. VPN hosts redirect your online activity to servers on their network, which may be several miles away or entire countries. By hiding your IP address, no one (anyone else can tell who you are, where you are or what you are doing on the internet – not even your ISP.

Hiding this information has several benefits. For example, if you are concerned that ISPs are selling your data to advertisers, using a VPN will put them off. A VPN can also help bypass website censorship and allow you to access region-specific content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime.

VPNs also encrypt your data to stop malicious third parties from getting your hands on it. This is especially useful in the context of public Wi-Fi networks. When using a public network, such as Wi-Fi at a hotel, coffee shop, airport, or shopping mall, other people on the same network can track your activity to steal your data. Using a VPN keeps your information safe when using these types of networks.

VPNs are often offered as software that consumers can download onto their computer, smartphone, tablet, and even router. After startup, users usually have two options: connect to the server recommended by the VPN service or manually select the server. The user’s internet traffic is then routed through this server once the connection is made.

How does a VPN work?

VPNs work by targeting incorrectly. They create virtual tunnels that route your data to their private network via tunneling or communication protocols. These VPN protocols use hashing algorithms, which allows them to provide encryption by protecting data as it is in transit from your device to their servers.

The VPN host efficiently replaces your ISP with a specially configured remote server as a data source. Before the VPN service dumps your data back to the public internet, your activity will show up at the IP address of the server you are using. If this server is in a different country, your traffic will appear to come from there.

How to choose the best VPN

To choose the best VPN, it’s important to understand the features you should be looking for. Some will appreciate the greater variety of server locations while others will focus on price.

• Set your budget. Most VPNs cost anywhere from $ 9 to $ 13 a month. It’s relatively inexpensive, but you might be better off getting a cheaper product if you don’t plan on using a VPN regularly.
• Identify your use case. Do you need a VPN because you use public Wi-Fi a lot, want to access Netflix content from other regions, or work in an area that may be unsafe in certain regions or contexts, such as journalism or advocacy? Different VPN solutions are best for different tasks. We recommend getting a VPN for all the devices you use regularly, including your laptop, phone, smart TV, and even your Xbox console.
• Check the server locations. Having a large number of servers is a good selling point for a VPN, but their location is arguably even more important. This is especially important if you want to access servers in specific countries. Make sure these locations are covered by the VPN service.
• Evaluate the features you need. Many VPNs offer additional products beyond standard services, such as ad blocking, antivirus software, and password managers. They may even offer identity theft protection (we recommend checking our list of the best identity theft protection services to see which ones are worth your time). If you need a more comprehensive internet security and privacy suite, consider VPN plans that include these products.
• Check the money back guarantees. Even if the VPN you’re considering seems perfect, there’s nothing better than getting your hands on it and trying it out. Make sure any VPN you’re considering has at least a 30-day money-back guarantee, or better yet, a free version to test its features.
• Make sure your devices are compatible. While most VPNs are available on many different platforms, you should always check that they are compatible with the devices you intend to use. Also, make sure all the features you want, such as split tunneling and dual VPN, are available on the platform or device you choose.

VPN Glossary

• DNS: A domain name system is a system for naming computers, services, and other resources connected to the Internet or a private network. It allows you to connect to websites by matching human-readable domain names (such as Money.com) with machine-readable IP addresses.
• DNS Leakage: A DNS leak is a security vulnerability that can occur when using anonymity or a privacy service such as a VPN. They happen when traffic leaks outside of a secure VPN connection established by the service.
• Encryption: Encryption is the process of taking information or data and encoding it into an unreadable format to prevent unauthorized access. This is done using hashing algorithms. A password or “key” is used to decrypt the information.
• Geo-blocking: Also known as geofiltration, geo-blocking is a process that restricts access to web content based on a user’s geographic location. People and organizations can determine your location based on your IP address. Geo-blocking is implemented by various actors for a number of reasons, but is most often associated with multimedia content with blocked regions, such as movies and TV shows.
• IP Address: An Internet Protocol address is a unique numeric label attached to a computer network. It is similar to a postal address but for the internet. Your IP address is associated with your online activity and is used to communicate with other computers and websites.
• Logs: Logs are records of inbound and outbound connections to the VPN server. VPN hosts can store this data to monitor their service usage, for example to troubleshoot problems or to see how many devices are connected at the same time. Keeping logs of any kind is generally unwelcome by the VPN community as this information may be leaked or shared with third parties.
• Network: A network consists of two or more computers, servers, mainframes, or other devices connected to share resources. These electronic devices use protocols to communicate with each other. When using a VPN, the local network sends data to the VPN host network and designated servers.
• Protocols: Like a language, a protocol is a set of rules, syntax, semantics, and other elements that allow two devices to interact. If two devices speak the same language, they can communicate. VPNs currently use a variety of tunneling protocols including PPTP, SSTP, L2TP, IKEv2 / IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard.
• Server: Servers are computer programs or devices that make resources, data, services, or programs available to another computer and its user – called a client – over a network. VPN servers are located all over the world and VPN hosts allow clients to access them.

VPNs are legal in many parts of the world. Some countries ban VPNs by law, while others only prohibit the use of certain VPNs. While there are no legal consequences to purchasing or using a VPN in the United States, it does not absolve users from infringing copyright laws or from engaging in other illegal activities.

Once you’ve downloaded and installed your VPN software, it usually gives you the ability to connect to the best server available immediately. VPNs will also show a list of all available servers – and status – on their network, so users can manually select the server they want to connect to by clicking on it.