PureVPN gets high marks for speed and versatility, but some Reddit users think something shady is going on.

We did a deep dive into Reddit and found these services to be the best.

Would you be chill if someone leaked your entire search history to the government? How about if your internet provider made it so that one episode of The Office took an hour to load?

If you've had a crisis about anything related to the above, you've probably given some thought to getting a VPN.

Best VPN deals this week ExpressVPN (Partner Exclusive) — 49% off a one-year plan with an extra three months for free

NordVPN — 70% off a two-year plan with bonus gift

CyberGhost — 82% off a three-year plan with an extra two months for free

ZenMate — 79% off an 18-month plan

We know you've seen absolutely loads of VPN reviews from experts across the board, including from our tech team at Mashable. But if you wanted a raw opinion — or thousands of them — from people with absolutely no filter, there's only one place to go: Reddit.

Who better to ask about the best private networks than the people who experiment with them all day, every day?

Slowly but surely, people are becoming more obsessed with online privacy (or lack thereof). Your internet provider can choose to slow down your internet if they want to, and they could also go after sites like Netflix and demand money for offering high viewing speeds. And keeping your illegal stream or questionable search history private? Forget about it.

The easy solution is to get a VPN (virtual private network), an internet security subscription that can change your geolocation, take you off the company-owned server, and basically allow you to make up your own internet rules.

VPNs provide a way for people to get around internet roadblocks and censors, stream or download without worry, protect themselves from hackers, and keep their internet usage mostly private from third parties. They'll especially come in handy if providers do decide to stop playing nice with Netflix, or if you're in a country where American Netflix is blocked.

This is what we found when we actually dug through Reddit threads of users discussing their experiences with five of the top VPNs out there right now.

Best for high-end features Image: expressvpn The Good Unlimited bandwidth • Can unblock geo-locked channels • Speedy • Works with Netflix Unlimited bandwidth • Can unblock geo-locked channels • Speedy • Works with Netflix The Bad Pricier than other options Pricier than other options The Bottom Line If you're a regular torrenter who loves entertainment and needs great security, unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds, this could be your pick If you're a regular torrenter who loves entertainment and needs great security, unlimited bandwidth and fast speeds, this could be your pick Monthly: £10/month

£10/month Six months: £7.75/month

£7.75/month 15 months: £5.15/month See Details ExpressVPN Offers fast download speeds, great security, and global reach.

The client is uniform across every device I have used (Windows, Android, and Amazon FireOS). I would like to say I was quite happy that ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs (that seem trustworthy) that actually had a client in the Amazon App Store for the Fire tablets. No more need for sideloading, manual updates, or sketchy OpenVPN clone clients. At first the speeds weren't the greatest on the "Smart Location" server (New York). These speeds capped at about 12Mbps down and 10Mbps up. I have 150Mbps/15Mbps service. After hunting for other servers I found a few that provide roughly 60Mbps/15Mbps service throughout the US and Canada. DNS Leak tests were successful in that I am not leaking. As of now, I am very happy with the service. I would still love to see them up the speed of their connections. Another user, icurate, joins the thread:

I am about to renew after my first year with them and have had zero issues. Speed is consistent and when I switch to a different continent there is minimal lag. I do leak tests sporadically and have not found one. They aren't the cheapest, but in my book they are among the best. It's also notable that ExpressVPN is able to gain access to Netflix, which some (like PureVPN) are not able to do. Like PureVPN, ExpressVPN is one of the best for getting around roadblocks in China (though there are only servers in 94 countries), and has up to 256 bit encryption.

You will probably be paying more per month compared to any other VPN, but the quality is definitely there — and if you're really not happy, you can get your money back within the first 30 days.

We're slightly surprised that ExpressVPN wasn't top in the rankings, as Reddit users really seem to love it (or as close to love as you can get with the ultra-picky Reddit community). If you do a Reddit search on any other VPN, someone in the comments will say Express is better. At first glance, it already looks a lot more user friendly and a lot more trustworthy than PureVPN. In his ExpressVPN review, Redditor bigkenw writes:Another user, icurate, joins the thread:It's also notable that ExpressVPN is able to gain access to Netflix, which some (like PureVPN) are not able to do. Like PureVPN, ExpressVPN is one of the best for getting around roadblocks in China (though there are only servers in 94 countries), and has up to 256 bit encryption.You will probably be paying more per month compared to any other VPN, but the quality is definitely there — and if you're really not happy, you can get your money back within the first 30 days.

Best for high security Image: nordvpn The Good Great for Netflix • Easy interface • Mega security Great for Netflix • Easy interface • Mega security The Bad Security features can lower speed Security features can lower speed The Bottom Line If you're all about security, NordVPN is probably the pick for you If you're all about security, NordVPN is probably the pick for you Monthly: £9.68/month

£9.68/month One year: £5.66/month

£5.66/month Two years: £4.04/month

£4.04/month Three years: £2.82/month See Details Nord VPN NordVPN gets high ratings for security features, its easy to use interface, and Netflix streaming capabilities.

I haven't had any issues with nordvpn (windows 10), mostly use it for netflix and torrenting, like how easy the UI is. I did not try PIA but I can say for sure that at least nord works with netflix and has a live chat. Another appealing factor is its smooth, well-designed user interface and super easy setup across all devices: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. Reddit users put emphasis on how strong the Windows application is compared to competitors like PrivateInternetAccess.

Connecting to Nord's various servers is easy — just click on the country you want to connect with on the map. We also like that NordVPN comes with a built-in ad blocker called "CyberSec." In addition to blocking ads, the company says CyberSec will shield your device from malware and phishing. Reddit users give Nord praise because it actually seems trustworthy, especially compared to other VPNs that may hand over information to the wrong people. Nord is also equipped with the ability to connect to a Double VPN, which encrypts your traffic twice for double the protection. One NordVPN fan on Reddit, Sacredkeep, even mentioned that NordVPN solved the problems that PureVPN and PIA gave them. Plus if you have any issues, Nord offers a 24/7 live chat. If you want a no frills, no worries situation, NordVPN is the simple, smooth operator that has your back.

Note: NordVPN has announced that it suffered a breach in March 2018 when a hacker exploited an insecure remote management system at a Finnish data centre from which the company was renting servers. Fortunately, this isolated attack affected just one NordVPN server — and thanks to its strict no-logging policy, no user activity was compromised in the incident.

Chosen as one of Mashable's top three for staying anonymous online, NordVPN is a choice backed by much of Reddit. It's made for fast streaming and torrenting, P2P and non-P2P options, and is one VPN that can actually bypass the American Netflix block anywhere in the world. Plus, a single NordVPN login can be used on up to six devices simultaneously, so sharing the perks and splitting the price is a major bonus for savvier internet users. Reddit user ambillop writes:Another appealing factor is its smooth, well-designed user interface and super easy setup across all devices: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. Reddit users put emphasis on how strong the Windows application is compared to competitors like PrivateInternetAccess. Mashable's Ray Wong writes Reddit users give Nord praise because it actually seems trustworthy, especially compared to other VPNs that may hand over information to the wrong people. Nord is also equipped with the ability to connect to a Double VPN, which encrypts your traffic twice for double the protection. One NordVPN fan on Reddit, Sacredkeep, even mentioned that NordVPN solved the problems that PureVPN and PIA gave them. Plus if you have any issues, Nord offers a 24/7 live chat. If you want a no frills, no worries situation, NordVPN is the simple, smooth operator that has your back.Note: NordVPN has announced that it suffered a breach in March 2018 when a hacker exploited an insecure remote management system at a Finnish data centre from which the company was renting servers. Fortunately, this isolated attack affected just one NordVPN server — and thanks to its strict no-logging policy, no user activity was compromised in the incident. Click here to learn more

Best for speed Image: purevpn The Good Speedy • Compatible with loads of devices Speedy • Compatible with loads of devices The Bad Some Reddit users find it shady • No Netflix Some Reddit users find it shady • No Netflix The Bottom Line If you're looking for speed and use on multiple devices, it might be worth it to try PureVPN for a month to see if the Reddit haters are wrong If you're looking for speed and use on multiple devices, it might be worth it to try PureVPN for a month to see if the Reddit haters are wrong Monthly: £8.50/month

£8.50/month One year: £2/month See Details PureVPN PureVPN gets high marks for speed and versatility, but some Reddit users think something shady is going on.

Compared to other VPNs that get the same speed (like Astrill), it's considerably more affordable. PureVPN has more than 500 servers spanning across 140 countries and impeccable access in China — and may be the only option available in some places.

Pure VPN is also extremely accessible when it comes to devices: It's compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, and Firefox, as well as apps for media streaming devices like Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Kodi. So, if nothing else, it's one of the most versatile of the bunch.

Though Mashable dubbed it one of the best due to its speed and how many things it can do, Reddit users insist that it is not a trustworthy choice. Multiple Redditors claim that PureVPN lies to users about not logging their information or search history when they really do. Some also believe that PureVPN uses spammers and claim that a lot of positive feedback about PureVPN on Reddit are from fake accounts. Reddit user cloudhat writes:

"Yeah, I have lifetime subscription to PureVPN and it sucks. Does not hide my DNS despite me checking the box that says DNS leak. They spoof their servers as well. I connected to China servers (don't ask me why) and my IP was in Brazil. Used for like 4 months and now I am using another VPN." Or, stated bluntly by Reddit user U/Siaisthefuture:

"Don't fucking use Purevpn! I'm getting fucking targeted adds based on what I'm searching fuck pure vpn private my ass." PureVPn is one of the cheapest services, so if you want to try it for a month to see if they've been trolling Reddit or not, it won't cost you too much.

If you download and upload content, movies, and games on a daily basis, PureVPN is a choice with notably fast downloading and uploading speeds.Compared to other VPNs that get the same speed (like Astrill), it's considerably more affordable. PureVPN has more than 500 servers spanning across 140 countries and impeccable access in China — and may be the only option available in some places.Pure VPN is also extremely accessible when it comes to devices: It's compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chrome, and Firefox, as well as apps for media streaming devices like Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Kodi. So, if nothing else, it's one of the most versatile of the bunch.Though Mashable dubbed it one of the best due to its speed and how many things it can do, Reddit users insist that it is not a trustworthy choice. Multiple Redditors claim that PureVPN lies to users about not logging their information or search history when they really do. Some also believe that PureVPN uses spammers and claim that a lot of positive feedback about PureVPN on Reddit are from fake accounts. Reddit user cloudhat writes:Or, stated bluntly by Reddit user U/Siaisthefuture:PureVPn is one of the cheapest services, so if you want to try it for a month to see if they've been trolling Reddit or not, it won't cost you too much.

Best for beginners Image: cyberghost vpn The Good Ranks in the top 3 on Reddit • 30-day money back guarantee • Works with Netflix Ranks in the top 3 on Reddit • 30-day money back guarantee • Works with Netflix The Bad Some users say it's slow Some users say it's slow The Bottom Line Because of its high ranking but reported issues, this might be a good one to try with that 30-day money back guarantee Because of its high ranking but reported issues, this might be a good one to try with that 30-day money back guarantee Monthly: £10.05/month

£10.05/month One year: £4.05/month

£4.05/month Two years: £2.85/month

£2.85/month Three years: £1.95/month See Details CyberGhost CyberGhost ranks well on Reddit, but some users report issues.

I was trying to torrent a UFC event that I happened to miss recently, 500+ seeders and 200+ leechers for a 720p recording. Not the best ratio, but certainly doable considering. The download wouldn't even start. CyberGhost does have an option for torrenting servers specifically, but they're always "busy" and they use the term "too popular" as if that's some sort of excuse. I've used the program for a few days and I'm going to get a refund as soon as humanly possible. Complete joke and a complete waste if you were looking to torrent using this specific VPN. However, if you want to just surf the good ole' web, it works well enough. But if you need something to torrent with, this program is not for you. Another user, privacycaringweirdo, had a similar experience:

I supported them on their starts but it was a mistake, they are running vpn traffic through your computer, even if you have premium this is what they does. I always got slow speed, they always had [REDACTED] support making excuses worst service ever, not speaking of leaking your dns, crashdowns without any warnings so your entire traffic is unprotected. complete bs service Wow, "complete BS service" is pretty harsh. We did see some positive comments from users mentioning that they didn't have these problems. Others also mentioned that it's a good idea to test out every VPN service with a money-back guarantee just to see how they work, because why not? Unless you're in China — CyberGhost servers are apparently not the greatest there.

Another VPN with a money-back guarantee is CyberGhost . The theme we were seeing here was that when servers are good, they're really good, but when they're bad, they're really bad. However, after looking through Reddit threads, we're not really sure how this ranked in the top three. The biggest thing: This is not the VPN to get if you're looking to torrent or stream, as it's known to be pretty slow. Reddit user NewWorld98 writes:Another user, privacycaringweirdo, had a similar experience:Wow, "complete BS service" is pretty harsh. We did see some positive comments from users mentioning that they didn't have these problems. Others also mentioned that it's a good idea to test out every VPN service with a money-back guarantee just to see how they work, because why not? Unless you're in China — CyberGhost servers are apparently not the greatest there.