When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

Online privacy is a real concern for many, with more and more people seeking ways to protect themselves.

VPN scam statistics

Let’s start with some numbers.

Cartoon image of VPN on computer screen

Any VPN that does should be avoided.

Fake reviews may comprise 37% of app reviews by 2025, influencing the downloads of unreliable VPNs.

It’s worth noting that this data is an estimation, based on historical data and current trends.

Proton VPN

However, it is still a damning view of the potential threat posed by VPN scams.

Are free VPNs safe?

You might be asking “are free VPNs safe?”

Surfshark | The best cheap VPN | $2.19 per month + 3 months FREE

Yes is the answer, but check that you are fully aware of what you’re signing up to.

This is a big red flag, and completely defeats the purpose of using a VPN.

There is a large crossover between the fastest providers and the best for streaming.

NordVPN | The best VPN overall | $3.09 + 3 months FREE

Using a free service doesn’t necessarily mean you have to compromise speeds.

Our team spends hours meticulously testing and analyzing products to ensure we can give you the best advice.

Be wary of overly positive reviews that may also be vague and lacking detail.

ExpressVPN | The best for beginners | $4.99 per month + 4 months FREE

These have a higher chance of being fake and mass produced in a short space of time.

Advertising is something many of us experience every day, sometimes without even realising it.

Watch out for VPN ads over-promising on features, and boasting exaggerated claims about security.

Proton VPN | The best for privacy | $3.59 per month

But this can all be verified and checked, so you know what they’re offering is genuine.

If you see an unfamiliar provider promising the world, then take the time to independently search them up.

Always be cautious and double check, and don’t punch suspicious ads.

Floating eyeballs watching a red laptop

Surfshark is thebest cheap VPN, costing the equivalent of $1.99 per month.

There are VPN companies, such as FastestVPN, that offer a lifetime subscription.

Whilst FastestVPN’s lifetime plan is completely legitimate and trustworthy, other lifetime subscriptions may not be.

secure VPN

It’s worth researching the plan, and reading other people’s experiences before considering one of these plans.

What are some trusted VPNs?

Surfshark is the best budget VPN overall, combining great features and protection with an incredible price.

Free iPhone VPN

As well as these, PrivadoVPN’s paid version is a very reasonable$1.48 per month.

Best VPNs

Many of the VPNs mentioned here all feature in ourbest VPN list.

NordVPN is our number-one choice, and is great value.

Illustration of a woman looking concerned, dressed in a green top and blue jeans.

ExpressVPN sits third in our rankings, and is thebest VPN for beginners.

It is more expensive than others mentioned here, but you get a lot of bang for your buck.

NordVPN | The best VPN overall | $3.09 + 3 months FREE

NordVPN is the perfect all rounder.

most private vpn

More premium plans include a host of additional features, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

It offers class-leading privacy, and has recently introduced loads of new features at no extra cost.

It boasts great privacy and encryption, and a wide range of server locations.

Best Android VPN ExpressVPN connected to a USA server on an Android device

It’s fast, great for streaming, and offers one of the best free VPNs out there.

What happens now?

VPN, and especially free VPN, scams are out there, and likely to increase.

Cartoon image depicting Surfshark�s Bypasser feature for iOS

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses.

For example: 1.

Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).

IPVanish

Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.

We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services.

Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Graphic of padlock with multi-coloured data background

Collection of VPN apps on iPhone screen

A person holding a Nintendo Switch 2 playing Mario Kart World

ChatGPT generated image

Garmin Vivoactive 6 in emerald green with the Morning Report shown on the screen

2025 Toyota bZ4X at New York Auto Show.

KTC G27P6

Michael B. Jordan as Smoke in “Sinners” movie