Best VPNs by Reddit User Upvotes in 2023

If you want to hear a genuine and honest opinion on just about anything, then head to Reddit – the self-proclaimed ‘front page of the internet.’

Reddit users are somewhat famed for their brutally honest intake on anything and everything, with the platform full of subreddits on all the niches you can imagine, and VPNs are no exception to this.

Such is the admiration and respect of the community; actual companies are known to dive deep and write their own comments on threads to try and paint a better picture of themselves or add some new customers to the database. But to be honest, it’s kind of obvious.

Instead, we’ve scoured Reddit from top to bottom to find out what the users really think about VPNs. The result – a definitive guide of the best VPNs by Reddit user upvotes in 2023.

The 10 Best Reddit VPN Recommendations for 2023

It’s hard to find a definitive answer to the question, “What is the best VPN according to Reddit users.” But if you spend enough time browsing through the subreddit r/VPN (like we did), then it starts to paint a clearer picture.

Below is a glance at the top 10 VPNs according to Reddit user upvotes and comments:

1. ExpressVPN — A super-fast VPN that runs seamlessly on all major devices. Reddit users love how easily it bypasses geo-locked content.
2. PureVPN — An ultra-reliable VPN that is excellent for streaming. You can watch content from anywhere in the world on 5,700+, according to Redditors.
3. IvacyVPN — A feature-rich VPN that has military-grade encryption. It has some of the best security features of any VPN, claim reddit users.
4. Total AV — This VPN is included in a package that contains brilliant antivirus software. It’s a great choice for total device protection.
5. NordVPN — Many reddit users praise NordVPN for its robust approach to online safety. It is one of the most popular VPN providers on the market.
6. AtlasVPN — If you’re looking for a VPN to cover your own devices that offer excellent security and fast speeds, AtlasVPN has you covered.
7. IPVanish — With a privacy-heavy feature set, this VPN will keep you safe from online hackers and snoopers.
8. Surfshark — This service offers excellent value for money with its wide range of features, combined with affordable plans.
9. PrivadoVPN — A good VPN with one of the most generous ‘free forever’ plans. Great for beginners who want to try a VPN for the first time.
10. CyberGhost VPN — A robust VPN service with a huge range of servers. Ideal for those who like to stream or torrent using a VPN.

The Top VPNs According to Reddit Reviewed

Here are the in-depth reviews on the top Reddit VPNs:

1. ExpressVPN – The Best Overall VPN, According to Reddit Users, due to its Lightning-quick Speeds

ExpressVPN is a market leader in the VPN world, partly thanks to the blisteringly quick speeds provided by the company’s own Lightway protocol. Many Reddit users have praised the performance and reliability of the provider.

With over 3000+ servers spread across 94+ countries, ExpressVPN gives you a wide range of possibilities. Additionally, Redditors appreciated the lightning-quick connectivity provided by the exclusive Lightway tunneling protocol.

ExpressVPN is a great option if you want to engage in some P2P file sharing. With great speeds and top-notch security measures, the service permits torrenting on all servers, ensuring that you receive your files swiftly and securely.

Additionally, you can activate the Threat Manager tool to protect yourself from malware, such as viruses and rootkits.

To stop information about your online activity from leaving the VPN tunnel, the firm offers DNS leak protection, but ExpressVPN also runs its own zero-knowledge, 256-bit encrypted, private DNS on each server.

There are easy-to-use apps for all the major platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Finally, it works wonders for unblocking well-known streaming services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix US. Even though ExpressVPN only supports 5 devices at once, you can add extra connections by configuring the VPN on your router.

Alternatively, you can watch content on devices that don’t naturally support VPNs by using the MediaStreamer feature.

In terms of support, ExpressVPN has a catalog of troubleshooting guides that can often fix any issues without the need to speak to an advisor. Should you need further assistance, the support team can be reached 24/7 via email or the live chat feature.

It is one of the more expensive VPNs on the market, with prices starting from $6.67/month. Still, many Reddit users believe that the overall performance, feature set, and security measures put in place by ExpressVPN make it value for money. For a hassle-free purchase, take advantage of the provider’s 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pricing

ExpressVPN allows you to pay for its plans monthly, every 6 months, or yearly, with the latter offering the best value for money.

There’s no free trial, but you can take advantage of the provider’s 30-day money-back guarantee for a stress-free purchase.

Despite being one of the more expensive VPNs on paper, the super-fast speeds provided by the Lightway protocol, combined with military-grade encryption, makes ExpressVPN excellent value for money and of the best Reddit VPNs.

2. PureVPN — Reliable Reddit VPN that’s Great for Streaming

PureVPN is a fast VPN that offers strong encryption protocols and allows for stress-free streaming and uninterrupted Torrenting. Redditors praise its capabilities of unblocking geo-locked content with ease.

PureVPN comes equipped with over 6500+ servers scattered around 78+ countries around the world. This means that wherever you’re trying to connect from, the chances are you’ll have decent speeds.

As this provider runs on the WireGuard protocol, the performance on offers is exceptional. It has also received plaudits from Redditors for its streaming potential, with PureVPN being able to unblock new libraries of content on Netflix, as well as allowing access to previously blocked content.

You can also stream buffer-free and enjoy all the HD content you desire.
Reddit users were quick to hail PureVPN as a top provider, especially since it became the first VPN with an Always-On-Audit so that you can guarantee your online safety is always secure.

There are several vital security features on-hand to keep your personal data safe, including a reliable kill switch, DNS leak protection, Split-tunneling, and Port forwarding, with the latter being a paid extra for just $1/month.

PureVPN also has some unique features up its sleeve, including PureKeep, a password manager that’s included with your subscription. This means can store your bank details, passwords, and any other sensitive documents you want to keep tucked away.

If anything goes wrong, there is a useful support page with tonnes of self-help guides and community answers. For more technical issues, you can contact the support team through the 24/7 live chat feature. We found them to be more than capable of solving problems at speed.

At just $2.08/month, Reddit users believe PureVPN offers exceptional value for money. Furthermore, you can benefit from the provider’s generous 31-day money-back guarantee.

Pricing

PureVPN has 3 main ways of paying. You can either opt for monthly payments, a 12-month annual subscription, or for the best value for money, the 24 months plus 3 additional months at no charge.

Better still, this provider accepts cryptocurrency as a payment method, meaning you can stay totally anonymous throughout the process.

With PureVPN, you can expect robust security measures, coupled with the ability to unblock and stream content from all of your favorite providers.

3. Ivacy VPN — Solid Feature-packed VPN

Ivacy VPN is a relatively new contender in the VPN market. Still, Reddit users have been quick to praise the provider, mainly due to its incredibly affordable prices and unblocking capabilities.

This provider boasts an impressive 5,700+ servers in 100+ countries worldwide, meaning no matter where you’re based on the globe, your connection should be relatively solid.

Redditors note that the performance is good, too, as Ivacy VPN utilizes the WireGuard protocol. Download and upload speeds are strong, and HD content can be streamed with minimal fuss. Should you run into any issues using WireGuard, you can always switch to OpenVPN and see if that helps.

In terms of security and encryption, Ivacy VPN truly excels. This provider uses the AES 256-bit cipher, which is military-grade encryption. Alongside this, you get a kill switch, leak protection, a no-logs policy, a dedicated IP, and a secure download feature to ensure there is no malware or viruses corrupting files.

There are apps available for all major devices like Windows and Mac, as well as Android and iOS. Ivacy VPN also goes one step further with support for Amazon Fire devices and Android TV, plus browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Sometimes things go wrong, and if they do, having a strong customer support network is extremely important. Ivacy VPN ticks this box, too, with a 24/7 live chat feature in addition to a ticket-based email system. You can also self-diagnose issues with helpful guides and FAQs.

All of this comes in a superbly affordable package, with prices starting from just $1/month. Reddit users were quick to praise the budget-friendly pricing, especially when coupled with the feature list. There’s also a useful 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pricing

Ivacy VPN offers some of the best value for money out of any VPN on the market, with prices as low as $1/month.

There are some additional charges for features like Port Forwarding or a Dedicated IP, but these are also affordable at just $1 & $1.99/month, respectively.

4. Total AV — A VPN with Top-notch Security

Total AV is a well-established brand in the online security world, with its suite of tools, including antivirus software, and excellent VPN service. Reddit users note that the privacy-focused company is one of the best for safe browsing.

Throughout the subreddit r/VPN, there are countless mentions of the high-end security provided by Total AV, as well as nods to the provider’s simple-to-use interface. This makes it ideal for those first-time VPN users.

In terms of security, Total AV has got you covered. It has useful features, such as an integrated ad-blocker that stops any annoying pop-ups. It also includes the company’s Total Webshield, a filter that ensures you avoid malicious websites and stops your devices from getting infected with malware.

There aren’t as many servers as some of the larger competitors, but the 70+ in 30+ countries does the job perfectly well. You can bypass geo-locks on various streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and enjoy it all with lag-free performance.

Total AV is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Sadly, there isn’t support for Linux or web browsers at this moment in time, but there’s still enough there to like.

If you get stuck, the support options on offer are exceptional. You can choose between phone support, 24/7 live chat support, ticketing via email, or a large selection of guides and articles.

Pricing

The TotalAV VPN can only be purchased within a single pricing plan, but that includes the company’s antivirus software and a bundle of other extras.

For just $39/year, you can keep all your devices protected with the full range of Total AV products. Try it risk-free by taking advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. NordVPN — Popular VPN with a no-nonsense approach to security

NordVPN combines exceptional speeds fulled by the NordLynx protocol with military-grade encryption, plus a ton of useful security features, like Double VPN. Reddit users praise the provider’s security and overall reliability.

Reddit users claim that NordVPN is one of the more popular providers out there, and a lot of this is down to the company’s own NordLynx protocol. This allows you to stream as much HD content as you like without annoying lag interrupting you.

It can also be used to unlock a world of new content due to its uncanny ability to unblock geo-locked content, meaning you can watch the likes of Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

NordVPN is also famed for its no-nonsense approach to security and has a suite of security tools to back its credentials, like NordPass and NordLocker.

There is also a bundle of useful security features to help keep you safe, such as a kill switch, leak protection, threat protection, and a dark web monitor.

Should you encounter any issues, NordVPN has an excellent support team on hand to help you around the clock. You can use useful self-help guides or speak to an advisor on the phone. For 24/7 support, access the live chat via the app.

Pricing

NordVPN has 3 options in terms of pricing, with the lowest cost being the Standard plan, which will set you back just $3.49/month, making it one of the best cheap VPNs.

This is excellent value for money when you consider the range of security features included with the service, as well as the exceptional speeds provided by the NordLynx protocol.

6. AtlasVPN — Ideal VPN for individual users

Atlas VPN is a user-friendly freemium VPN that prioritizes privacy and security. This VPN service also has one of the finest free versions out there, as well as some fantastic extra features, impressive connection speeds, and well-developed apps for all OS.

Redditors are quick to praise AtlasVPN for its incredibly generous ‘freemium’ plan, which blows all other free VPNs out of the water with increased data caps, bundled extra features, and a decent selection of servers.

As good as the free plan is, for the best experience, we recommend signing up for a paid service, as you do get unlimited data, access to 750+ servers in 49+ countries, as well as the ability to unblock certain streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max.

There are also some great features included with the premium plan, like a kill switch, leak protection, and a safe browse feature that guards you against malicious websites.

Apps are available on most major devices like Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as a handful of web browser extensions – Reddit users pointed out the apps are incredibly easy to understand and operate.

The support team is also very useful and managed to solve any issues we could throw at them through the 24/7 live chat service. You can also use the helpful guides to try and fix your own issues, should they arise.

Pricing

AtlasVPN is one of the more affordable providers out there, with premium plans starting from just $1.83/month. This represents great value for money when you consider the premium features you get with this service.

It also has the best ‘freemium’ plan out theorem going above and beyond. You get access to a handful of servers, 10GB of data, and a bundle of security features included.

There is also a useful 30-day money-back guarantee for those who want to try the premium plan without any hassle.

7. IPVanish — Good privacy-centered VPN

IPVanish is a feature-rich and user-friendly VPN loved by Reddit users for its online privacy and security tools. It also unblocks a host of streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, meaning you can watch your favorite shows from anywhere in the world.

Thanks to the provider’s 2000+ servers in 50+ countries, you can unlock streaming services like Netflix and BBC iPlayer with ease – and since IPVanish runs on the WireGuard protocol, there’s no annoying buffering interrupting your entertainment.

Redditors noted that this provider is an excellent choice for privacy-minded individuals, and it has a number of features to support these claims. For example, there is a feature called On Demand, which keeps the VPN turned on when connected to a specific WiFI connection.

Apps are also available on most platforms, but the performance is a little iffy at times.

The knowledge center is a great way to self-diagnose any issues you might run into, if not, you can access the 24/7 live chat through the provider’s app.

Pricing

Although IPVanish costs just $3.33/month, there are other providers that offer more affordable pricing with a better range of features.

There is a 30-day money-back guarantee for those who want to try this service out before committing long-term, but other options like ExpressVPN or PureVPN offer better value for money.

8. Surfshark – One of the best price and quality ratio VPNs

Surfshark is one of the best and most economical VPNs. It offers affordable prices, unlimited simultaneous connections, and excellent server speeds. Reddit users claim that it offers some of the best prices when considering the number of features you get with a plan.

This provider is incredibly popular within the subreddit r/VPN, with many users praising Surfshark for its feature-rich service alongside budget-friendly pricing.

You can have unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning all of your devices are protected, and advanced AES-256 encryption keeps your online traffic even safer.

The large server count means you can easily unblock your favorite streaming sites with ease, and thanks to WireGuard support, you can enjoy your content without fear of lag.

There are excellent apps for all major devices and browser extensions, and overall they are simple to use and navigate.

Surfshark has a strong support network, with the 24/7 live chat providing useful guidance on several common issues. There is also a large community help section for other common problems.

9. PrivadoVPN – Good ‘free forever’ VPN

PrivadoVPN is a relative newcomer in the VPN market, with a privacy-focused service that includes a useful ‘free forever’ plan. Many Redditors were keen to point out that the free forever plan is one of the best on the market.

Privado is a VPN service based in Switzerland. It seems to place a lot of emphasis on security and privacy, and as a result, it has a great privacy policy.

It supports the highly secure VPN protocols OpenVPN and IKEv2, respectively. But PrivadoVPN’s support for WireGuard would have been welcome as well. The service offers you decent speeds, and its client apps are functional and simple to use.

Reddit users suggest that it can be used to unblock websites such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, but the provider struggles with consistency in this area.

Apps are available on all major platforms, but the overall performance is pretty disappointing, and the interface isn’t as user-friendly as a lot of the other VPNs on this list.

There is a pretty basic support team that operates purely via a ticketing and email-based system. Response times can range between 2 hours and 2 days, which isn’t viable for many.

10. CyberGhost — Robust VPN with specialized servers

CyberGhost is a decent VPN service that’s been around for a while. Reddit users love it for its huge range of servers, generous 45-day money-back guarantee, and decent overall performance.

Watching content is easy with CyberGhost, largely thanks to the provider’s huge range of servers, with many of them being specialized streaming servers. There are also dedicated servers for torrenting, something that went down well with Reddit users.

This provider runs on the WireGuard protocol, so the overall speed is pretty good for watching HD content and unblocking multiple streaming services.

The apps are okay and can be found on all platforms, but performance can be slow at times. They are relatively user-friendly, and beginners should get on fine.

CyberGhost has a good support team that can be reached via a 24/7 live chat, email through a ticketing system, and other useful guides on their website.

Comparing Reddit Users’ Favorite VPNs

Where to Find Reddit VPN Recommendations

Reddit is made up of a huge amount of subreddits, which are basically threads on topics of discussion. For VPNs, this is no different, but knowing where to look is important when looking to make an informed decision.

Whether you’re looking for the best free VPNs or the provider that offers the fastest server speeds – there really is something for everyone to dig into.

To stay informed on all things VPN, try browsing some of the following subreddits:

r/VPN

Perhaps the most important place to start is the subreddit r/VPN. Here, you can find just about everything when it comes to VPNs. From user reviews, feedback, bugs, and performance issues – you name it, r/VPN will have it.

All aspects of VPNs are covered here, whether device-specific, like the best VPNs for Android, or a breakdown of the best VPNs for streaming – whatever it is, this is the place to start your journey.

Whether you’re looking for some hands-on experience with a specific VPN or you have concerns about the privacy or security features of a particular provider, this thread will be able to answer any doubts or queries you may have.

r/vpnreviews

Another popular place to learn about VPNs is in the subreddit r/vpnreviews. Here you can find hands-on reviews of all the major VPN providers, as well as some more niche examples.

There are also some useful comparison tables that compare all the data you might want to know about VPNs and places them into a simple-to-understand format.

You can also find separate categories within the r/vpnreviews subreddit on specialized VPNs. For example, if you want to use a VPN for gaming, you can explore reviews for those specifically.

This is the thread to use if you’re on the fence about a certain provider and want further insight into how they work the speeds, security, encryption, and much more.

r/VPNTorrents

Another well-populated subreddit on all things VPN is r/VPNTorrents. As torrenting is such a popular way to gather free stuff on the internet, it’s no surprise that Redditors are clamoring into this thread.

Here you can find slightly more specific content on VPNs that are best supported for torrenting, as well as some in-depth reviews on certain features you’d want with a VPN for torrenting.

Why Trust Redditors’ Opinions on VPNs?

Many of you may be wondering, “Why should we trust Redditors.” Well, the short answer is – they’re everyday people like you. Sure, it’s obvious that some companies are lurking in subreddits pretending to be loyal fans, but these are quite simple to spot.

Here’s a definitive list of why you should trust Reddit user’s opinions on the best VPNs:

They’re regular people

These reviews are from people who use the VPNs, not marketers looking to upsell a product as best as they can. Therefore, there is no fear of bias. Instead, Redditors give you their actual opinions based on their knowledge and experience of using a VPN.
They also know what they’re looking for. Many VPN users will have the same questions or opinions on a specific matter, something that marketers may well try and brush over. For example, if there is a specific weakness or fault, a marketer will simply gloss over this and bury it in other hype. Redditors will speak openly and truthfully about the problem and offer a solution.

Brutal honesty

Being popular isn’t enough when it comes to Reddit users’ thoughts. Just because a VPN is top of all the reviews or it’s the most used provider out there, it doesn’t mean it is the best, it’s just been marketed well.

Instead, Redditors will be brutally honest with their feedback as they aren’t being paid to say something. They are just people who happen to have experience with a certain product, whether that be for good or bad.]

Fake accounts

It’s true; there are employees of popular companies lurking in the subreddits and casting opinions that they claim are ‘totally unbias.’ Luckily, it’s pretty easy to spot a fake account on Reddit, and the users are very quick to point this out.

Just check out the engagement history on a user’s profile, and you can often spot patterns. They might be leaping to the defense of a certain aspect of a VPN or downplaying some negative news story that appeared recently. Whatever it is, you can easily spot a fake trying to upsell.

Slip-ups won’t go unnoticed

If there is a consistent issue, whether it be performance, data breaches, or something else, Reddit users will highlight this rather than cover it up. Companies usually try and mask this or use marketing tactics to bury the information – but not Redditors.

Compliments are hard to come by

Reddit users aren’t necessarily known for heaping praise on a product, and VPNs are no different. If someone praises a service provider, it is either a sponsored comment (which is simple to identify by looking at the user’s profile) or a rare but genuine favorable review.

What VPNs Do Reddit Users Say You Should Avoid?

Now that you’ve seen the VPNs that Reddit users recommend let’s take a little look into the providers that aren’t so popular within the community.

AirVPN

Despite some praise for being relatively fast and providing decent security measures, AirVPN has come under fire for its poor customer service. Not looking after your customer base is clearly something that many Redditors were quick to point out.

Betternet

This provider really gets dragged through the mud by Reddit users. They pointed at the overall flaws in the security offered by this VPN service and also claimed it actually puts you at risk. Others referenced its poor torrenting performance or its inability to unblock streaming services.

HolaVPN

The reviews for HolaVPN are pretty brutal, in true Reddit style. The main focus is on the provider’s constant IP and DNS leaks, making its security features somewhat futile.

Conclusion

Reddit is a fantastic resource for finding frank reviews of many products, including VPNs. You can choose the best provider by consulting the countless subreddits devoted to discussing VPNs for certain uses, problem-solving, and more.

Regular users on Reddit consider things like cost, logging policies, speeds, and unblocking capabilities. They rarely put unworthy providers on a pedestal and don’t ignore wrongdoing.

In summary, it’s a really wise decision to rely on Reddit users’ opinions when picking a VPN service for yourself.

Reddit users suggest that ExpressVPN is the current number one provider, partly thanks to its exceptional speeds, military-grade encryption, and generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

FAQs