5 Best VPNs According to Reddit (and Which to Avoid) 2024
Reddit is a social site where people with similar interests can interact and discuss; it contains various forums called subreddits. With over a hundred thousand subreddits, you can find several discussions on technology, news, science, music, art, politics, etc. As a result, you’ll find out that there are multiple subreddits on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) if you search for them.
In these VPN subreddits, people usually give honest and personal reviews about VPN services they’ve used. Since Reddit has become a dependable source of information for years and is one of the most visited sites in the world, you can trust that some discussions on subreddits hold weight. This article looks at the best VPN services Redditors recommend. Additionally, we discuss a couple of VPNs you should avoid based on discussions on Reddit.
Recommended VPNs According to Reddit
There are many discussions on Reddit about the best VPNs to use. Below, we look at the top five VPNs based on what Redditors say about them.
ExpressVPN
Overall score: 9.8
- Super-fast servers
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Supports private protocol, Lightway
- Money-back guarantee
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN is a popular VPN service with lots of traffic on Reddit. Several Reddit users recommend using this VPN, and we will show you why below. ExpressVPN has an extensive server network that consists of over 3,000 servers in 90+ countries. This means you’ll be able to appear as if you’re in any of those countries and unblock sites or libraries that are country-specific. As a result, Redditors like ExpressVPN because of its unblocking capabilities.
They also like ExpressVPN because it supports torrenting and P2P activities. You will have no issues downloading torrent files or using websites that engage in P2P file-sharing activities. In addition, its Lightway protocol ensures it does not significantly affect your connection speed. As a result, you’ll have no issues watching high-quality videos and playing data-intensive games.
Security is a big aspect of ExpressVPN’s selling point, which is why Redditors rate it highly. ExpressVPN’s end-to-end encryption consists of a 256-bit encryption cipher combined with protocols such as OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2. These protocols offer an excellent blend of performance and security. Additionally, if you scroll through Reddit, you’ll see Redditors praising ExpressVPN for its true no-log policy and placing its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN also employs a kill switch, offers leak protection, and runs all servers without long-term storage discs to solidify its stance on protecting privacy. While Redditors say ExpressVPN is expensive, they can testify to getting value for their money. This is because they enjoy benefits, such as up to five simultaneous connections, a risk-free period, an always-available customer support team, paying in cryptocurrency, and cross-platform compatibility.
NordVPN
Overall score: 9.6
- Incredibly fast servers
- Great security features
- Verified no-logs policy
- Unblocks streaming platforms
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
A glance at NordVPN reviews on Reddit will show you why it’s giving ExpressVPN a run for the apex spot in the VPN industry. NordVPN has a large following on Reddit, and that is primarily because of its feature-rich yet affordable service. With a presence in about 60 countries, NordVPN’s more than 5,400 servers give users a surreal experience. Redditors like that they have a lot of options when it comes to selecting servers.
NordVPN has dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, extra protection (Double VPN), extra privacy (Obfuscated servers), and accessing the Tor network (Onion over VPN). Additionally, you can also get a dedicated IP for an additional price. At the same time, it offers one of the fastest VPN protocols—NordLynx. Redditors cannot stop mentioning NordVPN when it comes to performance.
NordLynx is not the only protocol it offers. OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec are other excellent protocols you can use. NordVPN boosts security with the highly respected AES-256 encryption. Additionally, perfect forward secrecy and CyberSec—a security suite that blocks ads and malware—are part of its security perimeter against bad actors.
Redditors praise NordVPN for its privacy features, such as built-in leak protection, a strict no-log policy, and keeping its headquarters away from the influence of the 14 Eyes Alliance.
NordVPN is cross-platform compatible as you can use it on different operating systems, such as iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, etc. It is affordable, offers discounts to long-term subscribers, and has a 30-day refund policy. Finally, you can connect up to five devices concurrently with a NordVPN account.
Surfshark
Overall score: 9.5
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- Integrates Stealth mode
- Multihop feature available
- 3,000+ servers
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Surfshark is another VPN service Redditors are raving about. The primary reason why they love it is because of its unlimited simultaneous connections feature. Like NordVPN, Surfshark is affordable and offers discounts. Its server network reaches about 65 countries, and it maintains over 3,000 servers. Some Redditors had doubts because of Surfshark’s lack of experience (only three years in the VPN industry), but the VPN service is winning them over with its features.
Surfshark does not have special P2P servers, but it actively supports torrenting activities. Additionally, Redditors love it for its streaming abilities as it regularly keeps them glued to their screens. This is because its fast servers give little or no buffering issues.
OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard are VPN protocols available to Surfshark users. As a result, Redditors have nothing to worry about when it comes to security and performance. Plus, the almighty AES-256 encrypts every user connection. A security suite (Clean Web), a kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, and Double VPN also prevent unwanted intrusions.
Surfshark recently moved its headquarters to the Netherlands, a move some Redditors don’t like. This is because the Netherlands is under the influence of the 14 Eyes Alliance. Still, they trust Surfshark to stick to its privacy-friendly policies, such as keeping no logs and operating a warrant canary.
Surfshark’s cheapest plan will cost you $2.21 monthly for 24 months. Additionally, you get three months free as a first-time subscriber. Furthermore, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscription plans.
ProtonVPN
Overall score: 9.0
- Free version available
- Strong security features
- Reliable no-logs policy
- Allows Perfect Forward Secrecy
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
ProtonVPN—a privacy-focused service provider—is another popular mention on Reddit forums that discuss VPNs. Its affiliation with ProtonMail and focus on privacy is the primary reason Redditors like it. ProtonVPN has over a thousand servers operating in about 55 countries. You’ll have little or zero problems unblocking content across those countries.
In addition to unblocking streaming platforms like Netflix, ProtonVPN also supports torrenting and P2P activities online. However, some Redditors complain of the VPN service not meeting their speed expectations. While ProtonVPN is not as fast as the VPNs above, it maintains some reliability in the speed that it offers. Moreover, your ISP mainly determines the speed of your connection.
When it comes to security and privacy, Redditors have no option but to love ProtonVPN. It has formidable security features such as in-built leak protection, a kill switch, Onion over VPN, 256-bit encryption, and perfect forward secrecy. Additionally, it uses only secure VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec.
Another reason Redditors rate ProtonVPN is because of its applications. All its native applications are open-source and have been audited by SEC Consult. So, you can trust the ProtonVPN software to keep your connection secure. Finally, ProtonVPN has a 30-day refund policy, is cross-platform compatible, and offers multiple subscription packages, including a free one.
CyberGhost
Overall score: 8.8
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- 7,000+ reliable servers
- Strict no-log policy
- Tough security features
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
CyberGhost’s massive server network is one of the reasons Redditors are in awe of the VPN service provider. Apart from its server network, two things that usually attract Redditors include its free trial and user-friendly applications. Present in 89 countries, CyberGhost’s over 6,800 servers have superb unblocking prowess.
Also, its high-quality servers keep the reduction that comes with using a VPN to the minimum. That way, you don’t have to worry about poor-quality streams and buffering issues when streaming your favorite shows. The VPN protocols it offers, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard, also help maintain the quality of your connection.
CyberGhost uses built-in leak protection to prevent the invasion of your privacy by bad actors and spying governments. In addition, it uses 256-bit encryption to discourage anyone looking to monitor your connection. Furthermore, it offers Wi-Fi protection, Tor over VPN, random port connections, and ad protection.
Redditors also mention it offers privacy features such as abiding by a no-log policy and not sharing data with third parties, including persistent governments. Fortunately, its headquarters is Romania-based, away from the reach of surveillance-sharing alliances. Plus, CyberGhost allows crypto payments for its affordable subscription packages.
You’ll also find out that it offers a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee, the highest among the VPNs in this article. Finally, CyberGhost’s simultaneous connection limit is seven devices, and its support team is available 24/7 to respond to requests and questions.
VPNs to Avoid According to Reddit
According to VPN subreddits on Reddit, these two VPNs are ones you should avoid.
1. AirVPN
AirVPN has 200 servers in about 22 countries. Redditors complain that these servers have poor unblocking abilities. As a result, it does not perform well when it comes to streaming. However, you’ll have no issues torrenting as it’s a good VPN for P2P activities.
Despite its small server network, AirVPN protects your privacy as it doesn’t log data anyone can use to identify you. Additionally, its security features are on par with most top VPN services. Unfortunately, Redditors don’t like its customer service and complex applications.
In summary, AirVPN is a good VPN when it comes to torrenting, privacy, and security. On the other hand, it needs to do better in customer support, delivering user-friendly apps, and unblocking power.
2. AzireVPN
AzireVPN is another VPN service with a small server network. It has about 60 servers in 14 countries. Its unblocking power is not that great, but it can at least unblock Netflix. In addition, you can also use it for torrenting.
It has excellent privacy features despite having its headquarters in Sweden. Additionally, it does not keep logs. AzireVPN does not falter when it comes to security; it uses 256-bit encryption and VPN protocols such as WireGuard, IPSec, and OpenVPN.
Again, the primary complaint on Reddit is the lack of proper customer support and its small server network. A few Redditors also complain about its complicated setup and bad user experience. AzireVPN seems like a decent VPN, but it certainly needs to improve in the areas Redditors complain about.
VPN Criteria to Consider According to Redditors
Below, we dive into some of the things Redditors care about when it comes to deciding a VPN to use.
1. Streaming
Several Redditors just want to be able to bypass geo-restrictions to access platforms blocked in their country. The general agreement between Redditors is that the unblocking capability of a VPN is vital. Popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, DAZN, and HBO, are usually the ones Reddit users are after. As a result, if a VPN service cannot unblock those platforms, Redditors will have something to say about it.
2. Speed
Another crucial criterion related to streaming is speed. You’ll find many posts on Reddit about the speed of internet connections before and after using a VPN. Nobody wants to have slow connections disrupt the flow of a movie, show, or live stream. Therefore, there are many engagements on Reddit where users discuss the positives or negatives of VPNs in relation to speed.
3. Security and Privacy
Many discussions on the VPN section of Reddit are about security and privacy. Redditors want to know that their data is in safe hands. We found out that a significant number of them praise VPNs with a valid no-log policy, a kill switch, and leak protection. Additionally, they leave positive reviews for VPNs that are feature-rich when it comes to security and privacy. Furthermore, jurisdiction is important to Redditors as they usually prefer VPNs in privacy-friendly countries.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best VPNs According to Reddit
Yes, a VPN is likely to affect the quality of your connection due to the processing power needed to encrypt your data. In addition, your data will first go through the VPN server before getting to its final destination. These things affect latency and can reduce your connection speed. However, top-rated VPN services prevent any significant speed reduction and maintain your connection speed. As a result, they maintain the quality of your internet connection.
No, Redditors generally do not recommend using free VPNs. Unblocking capability, speed, and bandwidth are vital to Redditors, and free VPN services typically perform below par in these aspects. Besides that, free VPNs also spread malware and are more likely to store your connection history or give third parties access to it.
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN for Reddit and other social media platforms and forums. The problem is that some people use VPNs to break the law because they believe it’s harder for law enforcement to catch them. A VPN is good for privacy and security, but it does not absolve you of the crimes you commit online.
r/VPN, r/VPNTorrents, r/VPNAdvice, r/VPNReviews are some popular subreddits on Reddit you can follow if you want to engage in discussions about VPNs. You can also follow others like r/Privacy, and r/NetflixByProxy. Furthermore, just searching for VPNs in the search bar will yield some results.
Conclusion
Reddit is a good site for judging a VPN’s capabilities because VPN users are free to talk about their experiences with VPNs unfiltered. All the VPNs above are highly rated, but Redditors seem to like some of them for particular reasons. For example, ProtonVPN is popular in discussions around privacy. Overall, however, Redditors rate ExpressVPN highly for its reliability in all aspects, especially speed, unblocking ability, security, and privacy.