Comparison of VPN providers | 20 VPN services tested | April 2020

Surf anonymously with VPN: the best VPN provider in the test

The best VPN service in the test, used for streaming media, anonymous browsing, file sharing and seed sending. The comparison shows which VPN provider is worth it.

table of Contents

1. Test domain overview

2. Which VPN is right for you?
   

3. VPN provider comparison
   

   1. Number one in smartphones and tablets
      

   2. This is the number one in Windows
      

   3. Cost-effective winner
      

   4. Best server choice
      

   5. The most secure VPN service
      

   6. The best streaming VPN
      

4. What you need to pay attention to when subscribing
   

5. The most important terms and questions
   

6. Alternative methods using known VPN services
   

   1. Tor network
      

   2. Proxy or SmartDNS
      

Those who like to browse the Internet anonymously are best to intervene. Virtual private network Go to the Internet. However, you need a VPN client. With this type of "virtual private network", you can switch VPN servers between you and the Internet. This is possible for Windows or macOS and Android and iOS. In addition, you can even use a VPN-enabled router to safely bring the entire home network into the network, or install a VPN client on FireTV, Kodi or SmartTV.

But there are many VPN providers, and you can't try all of them yourself. Therefore, we have the best VPN provider in the test and will answer which VPN service has the advantage in the comparison below. In order to find out, we first need to figure out what you are looking for in VPN. Possible alternatives to VPN and answers to the most frequently asked questions complete this VPN guide.

Which VPN is right for you?

Not every VPN service is suitable for all applications, so it is important to pay attention to your needs when choosing a service. Whether you want to use a VPN service to bypass country restrictions or want to use it for P2P will make a big difference. The desire for anonymity may be common to both, but file sharing, torrent download, or access to sites like KinoX and Movie4K set other standards. Even when streaming, simple protection is usually not enough. But one by one, first, a rough classification should be used as a guide.

Now you know how to do it VPN service Can be estimated. If you are unsure, please read the tips below to determine what you should pay attention to when subscribing to VPN. Of course, you can also rely on our voting. In the next chapter, you will see where we see the advantages of a single service.

VPN comparison: this is how we test VPN providers

Powerful VPN solution providers must build, manage, and finance server infrastructure all over the world. Therefore, it is usually impossible or only limited to use the corresponding service for free. In this regard, subscription models are common, and longer subscription periods are generally cheaper. Some VPN providers under test also offer limited free versions. We always notice this in the test report. However, this comparison mainly involves paid VPN offers.

We tested 20 VPN providers out of 39 possible VPN services and used them for a longer period of time. A separate test for each service can be found in netzwelt's standardized solution. The focus of VPN testing is speed, usability, security and cost performance.

The VPN service is always used in the background and should support the realization of other goals. Therefore, it is important that the VPN service must work effectively and inconspicuously. Therefore, good server speed and smooth usability of related software are very important in the test. Only in this way can the service fulfill its supporting role. In particular, those who rely on VPN services to securely transmit data in public networks appreciate high security standards-therefore, this aspect is critical for all VPN providers under test.

VPN comparison: smartphones and tablets ranked first

Most visitors to the site use mobile devices. The requirements for VPN services on smartphones and tablets are different from those on desktop devices: here are not manual configuration options and the fastest bandwidth, but ease of use. This is where NordVPN can demonstrate its advantages and is completely convincing: the graphical representation and usability of the service's Android and iOS apps are very good.

The alternative to ZenMate is ZenMate, which provides a German language interface for all operating systems and has a large number of servers.

VPN comparison: this is the number one in Windows

The manufacturer of CyberGhost VPN successfully achieved the best combination of scope and functionality. In fact, we discovered the ability to directly view the best server currently used for streaming services. In addition, the service is currently one of the cheapest services. No log file is saved.

VPN comparison: cost-effective winner

In our VPN comparison, ZenMate is the most cost-effective new product (2020). The service costs 2.22 euros per month, which is a good option in itself. However, the continued expansion of the server infrastructure is also decisive for reevaluation.

Does free VPN offer an alternative here? These products can sometimes solve the problems of limited data volume, reduced location selection or slower speed. When so-called secure VPN services record data or pass it to third parties, the problem becomes even more difficult.

If you want to browse anonymously for only a short time, you can find the correct solution in the free VPN products. These also apply to bypassing the national blockade quickly and again. However, if you want to be permanently anonymous and rely on a variety of servers, you should use one of the well-rated paid services.

Bargaining tips: Many VPN services offer different discount promotions and coupons throughout the year. We summarized these for you in the article about VPN credentials. The list is updated regularly and clearly summarizes all current activities of various VPN providers.

VPN comparison: best server choice

If you are looking for a server location that is particularly unfamiliar, you can use Cyberghost, ZenMate, ExpressVPN or NordVPN, which usually perform reliable services. The four services in this list also allow manual connections using routers, etc.

VPN comparison: the most secure VPN service

The two Swiss VPN services in the test domain meet very high security standards. Even if their prices are higher than competitors' quotations, these services are worthwhile in terms of security. These services have the most advanced technologies such as VPN cascading and strictly avoid log files and other aspects of data protection.

VPN comparison: the best VPN for streaming

Some people don't want to have their favorite series when traveling. The other party likes to sniff foreign offers. VPN is the way to choose here, which is why we introduce you the best VPN for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in a separate leaderboard. There, we not only provide you with suitable services, but also clarify the legal situation and other special functions.

Let's take a look at the overall best list: CyberGhost, NordVPN and ProtonVPN have tested VPN providers, and they are able to convince us with excellent performance and particularly practical menu navigation. Although the technical security standards for each service are largely similar, there is a big difference in provider transparency and the location and number of available servers.

VPN: This is usually considered when subscribing

Country selection, speed and price It's just one aspect of choosing the right VPN. Encryption, supported operating systems and protocols, and legal background are another aspect. We will guide you through the jungle of technical terms and briefly explain the meaning behind it. First, consider some general tips when subscribing to a VPN.

Store log files and "14 eyes"

Although there are fewer traces left when using the VPN client on the website, when you dial in to the VPN server or disconnect, you will send a new signal. If the content is saved and visible by the VPN provider, you can see when and how often you dialed in which website through which server-the data you do not want to leave when using the VPN. Therefore, many VPN users only use offshore VPN providers.

However, if you are careful about storing log files when choosing a VPN, you do not always need to do this. Here, you can safely choose our long-term test winner CyberGhost, because this VPN does not save any log files. The headquarters of Cyber ​​Ghost is also located in Romania, which is a country other than the so-called “ 14 eyes & # 39; & # 39; country. Another VPN service based on "14 Eyes" is Nord VPN, which is our test champion for smartphones and tablets. Only Windscribe is the best free VPN from Canada. However, Windscribe also does not save log files.

Overview of various protocols for VPN encryption

VPN providers use various security protocols to protect and encrypt your connection. This VPN encryption determines how the sender and receiver communicate. Below we show you the most commonly used technologies.

We summarized more information about VPN service encryption in the background article "IPsec VPN and SSL VPN".

VPN FAQ: The most important terms and questions

If you are not dealing with VPNs and networks every day, you will encounter some terms that you have never heard of before. We will pick you up here, explain and answer some common questions to you.

How does VPN (Virtual Private Network) work?

In the network, the IP address is used as an identifier to display the identity of the user. VPN server can cover up this situation, the server will anonymize and encrypt your data traffic. To this end, the VPN software (= VPN client) establishes an encrypted Internet connection with the VPN server, and then can safely transmit all data traffic. Whether you check emails, browse websites or use streaming services, you protect your data traffic through an encrypted connection to a VPN server. Only the "external" VPN server is visible, so your identity is protected and you can browse anonymously. In principle, you can think of the whole thing as a tunnel-that's why synonymous VPN tunnels are used more often.

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In this way, you can avoid geographic blockades and block web content in certain areas. For example, on websites provided by YouTube or foreign streaming media, you will no longer be excluded because of annoying blocking signs-you need to use a VPN server in the relevant target country. Of course, vice versa, so you can also use VPN to access streaming media quotes from abroad from Germany.

Is it legal to use a VPN?

Using VPN as a "cover" to download copyrighted material is of course illegal. On the other hand, the opinion of the law firm Wilde Beuger Solmecke shows that you can hide your IP address and bypass the ground lock.

caveat! This may change soon. Because on March 15, 2019, the Bundestag passed a draft law that should make it easier for investigating agencies to institute criminal proceedings against operators of illegal trading platforms on Darknet. The draft is too much for critics, because the draft has criminalized the provision of Internet-based services, and the access and accessibility of the service are restricted by special technical precautions. Promote illegal behavior. Through strict explanation, providing VPN may have been interpreted as a criminal offense. However, the law must still pass the Bundestag. You can use all VPN providers in this test without worrying.

What is KillSwitch?

Whether the VPN service promisesKill switch"This is an emergency switch. This ensures that you will never be protected on the Internet. It is important that you use the VPN client of the service for this purpose, otherwise KillSwitch will work. Please do not implement or support it The service does not have this feature. When the connection to the VPN server fails, the computer can automatically establish a connection through the provider. In this case, you are using a public IP, so you are no longer anonymous.

What is a DNS leak?

One DNS leak Basically not a security hole, but a mistake in the security architecture. Even if all requests are encrypted through the VPN server, DNS requests will be processed through the local provider. This allows third parties to discover that you are using a VPN service. In addition, what you really want to avoid does happen: the pages you visit are recorded in this way. Rather than through the VPN service, but through the provider or DNS itself, you can avoid this by ensuring that the VPN provides its own DNS server and configures the client correctly.

Are there free VPN services, are they legal?

Yes, there is. This list gives you an overview of the best free VPN products. In any case, please stay away from suspicious offers in the app store and inform yourself in advance. If in doubt, please ask us in the comments below this article.

Wie wird ein VPN-Tunnel eingerichtet?

Die einfachste Variante ist die Nutzung der bereitgestellten Software des VPN-Anbieters. Alle im Test aufgeführten Dienste bieten euch solch einen VPN-Client. Wenn ihr die Chance habt, solltet ihr diese nutzen-das erleichtert eib dieenen zung Ihr könnt die im Betriebsystem integrierte Funktion zur VPN-Einrichtung (Netzwerk-Einstellungen) nutzen, oder ihr verwendet etwa den VPN-Client "OpenVPN". In beiden Fällen benötigt ihr die Zugangsdaten beziehungsweise die "Schlüülsselm zumülls in Form von Dateien daher und müssen im entsprechenden Ordner abgelegt werden. Für die Einrichtung über die Betriebssystem-Funktionen benötigt ihr nur die Zugangsdaten. Entsprechende Daten erhaltet ihr vom VPN-Anbieter. e.

Alternativen zum Einsatz bekannter VPN-Dienste

Es muss nicht immer ein vollwertiger VPN-Dienst sein. Hin und wieder reicht auch ein einfacher Proxy oder ein SmartDNS, insbesondere dann, wenn es nur um das Umgehen von Geo-Blocking geht.

VPN Alternative: Tor-Netzwerk

Mit Tor gibt es ein offenes, kostenloses Gegenstück zu den VPN-Anbietern. Das Tor Browser-Bundle startet einen eigenen Browser, eine zusätzlich abgesicherte Firefox-Version, und verbindet euch mit dem Tor-Netzwerk. Den gekommerellen den Ge-genzertzzu dahinter keine von einem Unternehmen betriebene Server-Farm, sondern ein dezentrales Netzwerk, bei dem jeder Tor-Nutzer auch als Tor-Server fungieren kann-genau wie bei den früher populären P2P-Tauschbörsen eMule und Co.

Das Positive: Ihr müsst euch um gar nichts kümmen. Startet einfach Tor und nutzt den Browser-fertig. Zwei Nachteile gibt es aber dennoch: Zum einen könnt ihr nicht nach Belieben Länder und Server wählen, dieumerist hier . Im Test konnten wir durchgehend hervorragende zehn Megabit / Sekunde verzeichnen, frühere Tests brachten aber immer wieder gruselige Bandbreiten unterhalb von ISDN-Geschwindigkeit hervor.

In zwei weiteren Specials beleuchten wir inwieweit der Nutzen von Tor in Kombination mit einem VPN sinnvoll ist und erklären euch, was es mit Onion-over-VPN auf sich hat.

Technische Alternativen: Proxy oder SmartDNS

Neben VPN-Diensten stehen euch mir Proxies und SmartDNS-Diensten weitere technische Alternativen zur Verfügung. Zumindest dann, wenn es euch um das Umgehen von Geo-Blocking geht-eine echte Alternative zu den angesprochenen Sicherheitsfunktionen der VPN-t-t g echte "VPNs verschlüsseln nämlich euren Traffic, Proxies hingegen routen zwar euren Datenverkehr über fremde Server, verschlüsseln diesen aber nicht. Gleiches gilt für SmartDNS-Dienste, diese routen nur einen Bruchteil eures eres eres Datenverkehrsüe

Ein letzter Tipp zur Sicherheit: Trotz VPN, verschlüsselter Verbindungen oder dezentralem Tor-Netzwerk-hundertprozentige Sicherheit werdet ihr nie erreichen, aber so lange auer ge er te er te te s s s s s s s s mee die VPN-Anbieter und ausländische Server an Ihre Daten zu kommen, sind enorm hoch. Mit einem VPN-Dienst erhöht ihr immer die Privatspähre.

Habt ihr euch für einen VPN-Anbieter entschieden, erklären wir euch an gesonderter Stelle die Einrichtung der verschiedenen VPN-Clients.