The question of “what is the best VPN service?” is one that comes up frequently, and it’s worth addressing thoroughly. A quick google search reveals countless blog posts and articles from popular tech sites like PCMag and CNET, all claiming to have the definitive answer. Interestingly, many of these sites tend to recommend the same handful of VPN providers, such as PureVPN and NordVPN, without much variation.

However, what’s often overlooked is the fact that some of these services have faced significant controversies. For instance, PureVPN made headlines when it was revealed that they assisted the FBI in tracking down a hacker by handing over user connection logs (as documented on page 22 of the case files). This raises important questions about privacy and trust, which are critical factors when evaluating any VPN service.

PureVPN’s response to the logging controversy is almost comical, as they go to great lengths to justify why logging IP addresses is supposedly “normal.” I’ll resist the urge to drop a “you-had-one-job” meme here, but it’s hard not to see the irony.

On a more serious note, my personal go-to VPN service is AirVPN, which I’ve recommended numerous times in my writings and videos. It offers solid bandwidth, reasonable pricing, and, most importantly, a highly secure setup: features like network lockdown, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks make it a standout choice.

That said, everyone will have their own preferences when it comes to VPNs. However, I’d like to emphasize the key criteria you should consider when evaluating a VPN service: 

Operating outside the USA or other Five Eyes countries

When choosing a VPN provider, one of the first things to consider is the location of the company’s headquarters and its affiliated entities. If they are based in countries like the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, or the UK (members of the Five Eyes alliance) they are subject to extensive surveillance programs, both legal and otherwise. For better privacy, it’s wise to opt for VPN providers headquartered in regions like Europe, Singapore, or Hong Kong, where data retention laws may be less intrusive.

Accepts Bitcoin, cash, debit cards or cash cards as a payment method

In 2025, a VPN provider that doesn’t accept Bitcoin is a clear warning sign. While Bitcoin isn’t the pinnacle of anonymity, it still offers significantly more privacy than traditional payment methods like credit cards when used correctly. For those seeking the highest level of anonymity, you can opt for more privacy-focused cryptocurrencies, such as zCash or Monero and convert them to Bitcoin for payment, further enhancing your transaction security.

No personal information is required to create an account

If a VPN service requires more than just an email and password to create an account, it’s a good idea to consider other options. There’s no valid reason why you should need to provide personal details like your address or phone number just to sign up.

So what is the best VPN service?

My go-to list when looking for a VPN service is the one listed on Privacy Tools. You will only find VPN services that respect the above criterias and can safely compare them based on less “sensitive” points: bandwidth, user friendliness, etc.

Many of these services offer trial periods, so I recommend selecting two or three options and testing them out to see which one suits your needs best.

Cheers!