A virtual private network (VPN) is like a tunnel you can use to pass through a public network, protecting your data from outside eyes. Whether you're worried about internet service providers selling your data or want to stay safe on public Wi-Fi, a VPN can help protect you.

However, while a VPN will keep you safe at your local coffee shop, it comes with a cost. Using a VPN means your VPN provider will know everything about your browsing habits. This makes VPN providers a tempting target for hackers.

This means picking the right VPN service is serious business. Most VPN providers claim they keep no logs, but this is rarely verified. You're stuck taking companies at their word. For this reason, we've limited our testing to VPN providers that have been independently audited and published the results.

To help you sort out when and why you might want a VPN, as well as why you may not, be sure to read through our complete guide below. If you're already sure you want to use a VPN, here are our top picks among commercial VPN providers.

Best for Most People

Courtesy of ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is based out of the British Virgin Islands and is the only VPN that's been verified to not keep customer logs. ExpressVPN has been independently audited, has failed to produce logs in court, and even had the Turkish government seize its servers only to find … nothing. When it comes to no logs, this is your best VPN bet.

Even better for those of us not particularly worried about logs, ExpressVPN offers a great set of tools to simplify connecting to the company's VPN servers. There are apps for nearly every device, including home routers—and once you set up your router, you don't have to worry about setting up apps on every device. On the go, there are apps for Android and iOS.

In my testing, ExpressVPN consistently offered the fastest connections and had the most reliable Netflix experience. Not only was I able to circumvent Netflix's country restrictions, but ExpressVPN's network was also plenty fast enough for HD streaming.

ExpressVPN costs $6.67 per month if you buy one year up front

Best for VPN Newcomers