The best VPNs (including free VPN services), tested for privacy on iPhone, Android and PC

Score: 9/10

We like: Simple to use and easy for beginners to get to grips with

We don’t like: Lacks extras

If you want a straightforward VPN, ExpressVPN is hard to beat. It lacks a few extras offered by rivals, but those are mainly for advanced privacy needs and are unnecessary for most users.

What ExpressVPN does offer is a far-reaching server network, extending to servers in 105 countries. In our tests, it performed quickly whether accessing sites or streaming videos.

It’s also beginner-friendly. Some VPNs overwhelm with menus and technical jargon, but ExpressVPN keeps things simple, with a large on/off button front and centre.

The service supports a wide range of devices, including computers, phones, Apple TV and even Wi-Fi routers, though you’re limited to five devices per account.

Like most VPNs, it keeps no logs of user activity. The company highlights a case in Turkey where authorities seized servers as part of an investigation, but found no data, since nothing is stored on disk.

There are no advanced features such as the ability to choose a dedicated IP address. There is, however, a useful kill switch which stops all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects unexpectedly.

Key specifications

• Free tier: No
• Devices: Five
• Features: No logs, kill switch, threat protection