Public Wi-Fi networks aren't always safe, and college towns are full of them. These are the best VPNs for protecting your privacy, whether it's on campus, at a coffee shop, or at home.
ByMax Eddy
Max Eddy
Lead Security Analyst
My Experience
Since my start in 2008, I've covered a wide variety of topics from space missions to fax service reviews. At PCMag, much of my work has been focused on security and privacy services, as well as a video game or two. I also write the occasional security columns, focused on making information security practical for normal people. I helped organize the Ziff Davis Creators Guild union and currently serve as its Unit Chair.
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&Chris Stobing
Chris Stobing
Senior Analyst, Security
My Experience
I'm a senior analyst charged with testing and reviewing VPNs and other security apps for PCMag. I grew up in the heart of Silicon Valley and have been involved with technology since the 1990s. Previously at PCMag, I was a hardware analyst benchmarking and reviewing consumer gadgets and PC hardware such as desktop processors, GPUs, monitors, and internal storage. I've also worked as a freelancer for Gadget Review, VPN.com, and Digital Trends, wading through seas of hardware and software at every turn. In my free time, you’ll find me shredding the slopes on my snowboard in the Rocky Mountains where I live, or using my culinary-degree skills to whip up a dish in the kitchen for friends.
Read Full Bio
UpdatedDecember 20, 2023
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Our Top 8 Picks
Best Free and Overall Jump ToDetails Best for Affordable and Flexible Subscriptions Jump ToDetails Best for Strict Focus on Privacy Jump ToDetails Best for Limited Location Spoofing Jump ToDetails Best for Affordable Browsing Jump ToDetails Best for Flexible Pricing Jump ToDetails Best for Securing Many Devices Jump ToDetails Best for Opera Users Jump ToDetails Proton VPN
IVPN
Mullvad VPN
TunnelBear VPN
Bitdefender Premium VPN
Norton Secure VPN
Atlas VPN
Opera VPN Pro
Heading to school, college students have to do without some of the comforts of home. Such comforts might include free meals and laundry, but that list should also include a reliable and trustworthy internet connection. Students may not know who manages their network connections at school or who can see their network traffic. A virtual private network, or VPN, can help improve your online privacy—on campus or anywhere else.
In this article, we'll examine affordable, reliable VPN services that should appeal to college students. If you're using remote learning offerings to attend classes, consider our picks for the best VPNs overall for the average home user. We also recommend checking out our lists of the best cheap VPNs and the best free VPNs since money is nearly always tight for students.
Our Experts Have Tested 15 Products in the VPN Category in the Past Year
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Proton VPN
Best Free and Overall
5.0 Exemplary
Why We Picked It
Proton VPN is our top pick for a number of reasons. For one thing, it doesn't place any data limit on free subscribers, making it by far the most usable free VPN we've seen. For another, Proton VPN is one of the very few VPN services to provide multi-hop connections, split tunneling, and access to Tor via VPN. It has everything you'd want in a VPN and costs less than much of the competition.
Who It's For
Proton VPN is a great choice for any student who needs a free VPN, but keep in mind that although Proton VPN places no data restrictions on free customers they are limited to just a few server locations. The company also provides all users access to several other privacy-focused products, such as Proton Mail and Proton Drive, so any college student looking to expand their privacy toolbox should start with Proton VPN.
PROS
- The best free VPN subscription
- Numerous advanced privacy tools
- Strong customer privacy stance
- Slick, accessible client
- Excellent speed test scores
CONS
- Awkward ChromeOS implementation
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Blocks Ads | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 |
500+ Servers | |
Server Locations | 67 countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | |
Free Version | |
Free Version Data Limit | Unlimited |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Proton VPN Review
IVPN
Best for Affordable and Flexible Subscriptions
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
Like Mullvad VPN, IVPN uses an account number system that offers customers more privacy. The company is also extremely transparent about its operations and has a simple, straightforward app. Along with Mullvad VPN, it is one of only two VPNs we've seen that accept cash payments mailed to their respective HQs.
Who It's For
Although IVPN doesn't offer a free option, subscriptions start as low as $2 per week. This makes it a great choice for students who need to keep upfront costs down, or who only want a VPN for a short time—such as traveling or studying abroad—or aren't ready to commit to a VPN provider.
PROS
- Flexible, affordable pricing
- Powerful multi-hop system
- Privacy is baked into its account system
- Strong stance on transparency
CONS
- Offers few server locations
- Multi-hop and account ID features might confuse some
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Blocks Ads | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 7 |
500+ Servers | |
Server Locations | 32 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | |
Free Version | |
Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
Learn More
IVPN Review
Mullvad VPN
Best for Strict Focus on Privacy
4.5 Outstanding
Why We Picked It
VPNs are supposed to improve your online privacy, but Mullvad raises the bar with a radical privacy-first stance intended to protect its customers. Like IVPN it uses an account number system to protect customers' personal information, but goes even further by no longer accepting recurring subscriptions. That way, the company can store as little information about its users as possible. Along with IVPN, it is one of only two VPNs we've seen that accept cash payments mailed to their respective HQs.
Who It's For
At a flat rate of just 5 euros per month, Mullvad VPN is one of the most affordable VPN services we've reviewed, making it a good choice for students on a tight budget. Its lack of recurring subscriptions might seem annoying, but students can be assured that they won't have to worry about being stuck paying for a service they no longer want. Mullvad VPN's efforts toward protecting customers make it a smart choice for students who are (justifiably) suspicious of VPN companies.
PROS
- Affordable
- Requires no email or account information
- Radically transparent
- Multi-hop, split tunneling, and port forwarding
CONS
- Awkward desktop interface
- Servers in a small range of countries
- Pay-as-you-go system may confuse some customers
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Blocks Ads | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 5 |
500+ Servers | |
Server Locations | 38 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | |
Free Version | |
Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
Learn More
Mullvad VPN Review
TunnelBear VPN
Best for Limited Location Spoofing
4.0 Excellent
Why We Picked It
TunnelBear VPN has been our go-to pick for first-time VPN users for years, thanks to its charming interface and affordable price tag. Although it lacks some of the advanced security features features of the competition, it's no slouch on privacy. This company has released annual audits of its service and has stayed true to its commitment to transparency. Unlike most VPNs, it places no limit on the number of simultaneous connections, so you'll be able to easily secure all your devices with a single account.
Who It's For
TunnelBear VPN's simple and friendly interface makes it a great choice for students who are using a VPN for the first time. Its free subscription is also a powerful incentive, although it limits you to just 500MB of data per month (which can be raised to 1.5GB per month by making social media posts about the company). TunnelBear VPN does let its free subscribers use all of its VPN servers, which gives students looking to spoof their location a lot of flexibility.
PROS
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Excellent privacy policies
- Annual independent audits
- Friendly, approachable design (with bears!)
CONS
- No multi-hop connections
- Split tunneling not available on all platforms
- Data limit on free subscription
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Blocks Ads | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | Unlimited |
500+ Servers | |
Server Locations | 23 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | |
Free Version | |
Free Version Data Limit | 500MB - 1.5GB Per Month |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
TunnelBear VPN Review
Bitdefender Premium VPN
Best for Affordable Browsing
3.5 Good
Why We Picked It
Bitdefender licenses Hotspot Shield VPN's infrastructure for its Bitdefender Premium VPN product, but don't dismiss this as an also-ran product. Bitdefender Premium VPN is a slick, easy-to-use service with a low price and a generous free option. The company continues to update and expand its offering, making it more excellent and distinct all the time.
Who It's For
Bitdefender Premium VPN is an easy choice for students who are already using Bitdefender products, but there's a strong argument for getting this VPN on its own merits. It's an especially good choice for students looking a VPN that will fit their budget, or college students who can operate within the limitations of its free offering.
PROS
- Affordable
- Excellent app
- Split tunneling
CONS
- Confusing privacy policy
- Introductory pricing for annual plans
- No multi-hop connections on Windows
- No option to change VPN protocol on Windows
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Blocks Ads | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 |
500+ Servers | |
Server Locations | 48 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | |
Free Version | |
Free Version Data Limit | 200MB Per Day, Per Device |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Bitdefender Premium VPN Review
Norton Secure VPN
Best for Flexible Pricing
3.5 Good
Why We Picked It
Norton Secure VPN provides multi-hop connections (but you can't switch them on manually). Most importantly, it's extremely affordable, with scalable pricing, and offered as part of Norton product bundles.
Who It's For
Norton Secure VPN will appeal to any student looking for a cheap, no-frills VPN experience. Notably, its pricing scales up depending on how many devices you want to use simultaneously, so students can purchase a small plan to cover only the devices they need. If you're already familiar with the Norton product lineup, or perhaps already use the company's antivirus software, definitely take a look at this VPN. Although audits are imperfect tools, we should note that Norton has yet to release a third-party audit of its VPN product.
PROS
- Affordable, flexible pricing
- Dramatic new interface
- Compromised network detection on mobile
- Split tunneling
- Ad-tracker blocking
CONS
- No configurable multi-hop
- Few server locations
- No public, third-party audits
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Blocks Ads | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 1 - 10 |
500+ Servers | |
Server Locations | 30 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | |
Free Version | |
Free Version Data Limit | No Free Version |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Norton Secure VPN Review
Atlas VPN
Best for Securing Many Devices
Why We Picked It
Atlas VPN includes both multi-hop connections and split tunneling, and a rarely seen option that automatically changes your IP address at set intervals Importantly, Atlas VPN is among the few VPN services that place no limit on the number of simultaneous connections. Atlas VPN's free version is surprisingly generous, but was recently adjusted and now includes a 5GB per month data cap.
Who It's For
Atlas VPN has a higher-than-average price, but does offer a data-capped free option that is sure to appeal to cash-strapped college students. The free version is a great way to try out the service, but students that manage to keep their data usage under the threshold can stick with Atlas VPN full time. Although audits are imperfect tools, we should note that Atlas VPN has yet to release a third-party audit of its VPN product.
PROS
- Free subscription option
- Unique IP swapping servers
- Multi-hop connections
CONS
- Quirky behavior in testing
- No third-party audits of infrastructure or policies
- Awkward interface
- Pushy email subscription nags
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Blocks Ads | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | Unlimited |
500+ Servers | |
Server Locations | 38 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | |
Free Version | |
Free Version Data Limit | 5GB Per Month |
GET IT NOW
Learn More
Atlas VPN Review
Opera VPN Pro
Best for Opera Users
3.0 Average
Why We Picked It
The company behind the Opera browser has offered a VPN in some form or another for a while now, but its latest incarnation is worth a look. It's one of the most affordable VPNs we've reviewed, and has a free version to boot.
Who It's For
Opera's VPN is an attractive offering, but it comes with some major limitations. For one thing, you have to install the Opera browser to use it. For another, it's not currently supported on iOS and has only a few features, so students with iPhones and iPads might want to look elsewhere. Although Opera's free VPN has no data cap, it only protects your browser data. Existing Opera users and college students who need a free VPN for just browser traffic should look at this option.
PROS
- Affordable monthly and annual pricing
- Limited free version
- Simple design and execution
CONS
- Few features
- Limited server locations
- Requires Opera browser
- Free version only for iOS
SPECS
Name | Value |
---|---|
Blocks Ads | |
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 6 |
500+ Servers | |
Server Locations | 33 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | |
Free Version | |
Free Version Data Limit | Unlimited |
Learn More
Opera VPN Pro Review
Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for College Students in 2024
What Is a VPN?
Switching on a VPN creates an encrypted connection between your computer and a remote server operated by the VPN company. Your data travels securely to the server and then out onto the open internet.
This can improve your privacy in a couple of ways. First off, it prevents your school and internet service provider (ISP) from seeing what you're up to online. ISPs have enormous insight into your online activities, and if your school is also your ISP, they might as well. If that makes you uncomfortable, a VPN can help.
By hiding your true IP address, a VPN can also make it harder for advertisers and others to track your movement across the web. And because your data appears to be coming from the VPN server, not from your computer, a VPN stymies anyone trying to figure out your geographic location.
The Best VPN Services for 2022
Do I Need a VPN at School?
While digital security news can often feel like a cavalcade of downers, there have been some serious improvements in online security in the last few years. Most sites now use HTTPS, and the march of progress has improved the security of Wi-Fi networks. Those were two of the most urgent reasons to use a VPN. However, there are still scenarios where a VPN may improve your privacy, so consider your priorities before you dive in.
A Wi-Fi network may be more secure, but people and devices can still be tricked into connecting to networks they don't intend. That's especially true when you're using numerous Wi-Fi networks. You might use the school network at your dorm or library, or you might sign on at the quirky local coffee shop that will be replaced by a Panera when you visit for your 15-year college reunion. Even if HipsterCoffeeShopWiFi is safe, it's easy to accidentally connect to the highly suspicious HipsterCoffeeShopWiFi_.
VPNs are also great at getting around restrictions imposed by whoever is running the network. If you're using a network that blocks BitTorrenting or some other online activity, for instance, a VPN may help unblock websites or services you want to use.
Of course, if you need quick access to the latest show, you'll probably stick to streaming. Some networks may block streaming services, especially those that fall into a gray legal area. A VPN can help access these sites and even unlock streaming services that are restricted to specific geographic areas—the BBC iPlayer is a good example. Unfortunately, some mainstream streaming services block VPNs, too. To make matters even more confusing, a VPN may work with a service one day and not the next.
What Doesn't a VPN Do?
VPNs are useful tools, but they aren't magic shields that protect against all the threats out there. This is true whether you're attending classes in person or social distancing from home.
Although VPNs can block some of the tricks advertisers and corporations use to track you as you move across the web, they don't prevent all forms of tracking. A VPN will do precious little against browser fingerprinting, for instance. It's a good idea to use a tracker or ad blocker if this concerns you.
While some VPNs offer a modicum of protection against malicious websites, VPNs are no substitute for antivirus. If you just got a new laptop to take to school, or to use at home, you should protect that investment from malware.
A VPN also can't adequately protect you against phishing attacks. That's when an attacker uses a convincing email or specially built website to trick you into entering your personal information. Browsers are pretty good at catching phishing sites (antivirus software is usually the best), but better safe than sorry: scrutinize every site you visit and every link you click.
Lastly, you should use a password manager to create unique and complex passwords for each site and service you use. Where possible, switch on multi-factor authentication (MFA or 2FA), too. These two tools will make it much harder for someone to take over your accounts.
What Is Two-Factor Authentication?
How We Pick the Best VPNs for Schools
Given that the US is tied to a system that saddles college students with enormous debt, we favored inexpensive VPNs that offer either a free trial or a free version.
Even if you plan on purchasing a VPN subscription, we highly recommend trying out a VPN with a free version first. If the VPN you'd like to buy doesn't have a free option, we recommend using a short-term subscription instead. This way, you can test a VPN and see if it is blocked by any services you need.
Most free VPN subscriptions have some limitation—either the amount of data you can use, or the number of servers you can connect to, and so on. Proton VPN is notable as it offers the only free plan that does not include a data limit. Opera VPN's free plan also has no data limit, but it only encrypts Opera browser data.
Do I Need a VPN If I Attend Classes Remotely?
Even remote students can benefit from a VPN. As we said above, ISPs have enormous insight into what you do online and can sell your anonymized data, which is somewhat ridiculous when you consider that you're already paying them. And your data is valuable. Just look at this story and hundreds of others, all targeted at students. Using a VPN can help keep advertisers from tracking you across the web, even when browsing from home.
For remote learners, remember that your school's remote learning tools may not play nicely with a VPN. You might be blocked or unable to use high-bandwidth services like video conferencing apps with a VPN. If that's the case, there are a few things you can do.
First, use a VPN that will let you select a specific server and try reconnecting through a different VPN server. You can also use one of the aforementioned best free VPNs to see if the VPN fits with everything you need to do.
Second, consider a VPN that supports split tunneling for web domains. This will let you run the web traffic for certain apps and websites outside the VPN.
If all else fails, just switch your VPN off when you need to. Privacy is important, but so is education. You can always turn it back on later.
Can Schools Block VPNs?
Your college might very well have a blanket ban on VPN use since using a VPN could potentially prevent them from enforcing other usage rules—like the prohibitions on BitTorrent I mentioned earlier. If you're schooling at home, your family might have parental controls on their network, which might block VPNs.
When we first researched this story, a representative from TunnelBear VPN explained that the most likely way a VPN would be blocked would be if the network administrators blocked the specific ports used for VPN traffic. The OpenVPN protocol, for instance, requires port 443 or port 7011 to function. To test if those ports are being blocked, you can type www.portquiz.net:XXX into the URL bar in your browser and replace the XXX with the port you're curious about.
Proton VPN takes a different, more automated approach. A company representative told us when we first ran this story, "If the Proton VPN app encounters a block, it will automatically search for an unblocked port." If the connection is still blocked, the company advises toggling between OpenVPN TCP and UDP connections to find unblocked ports.
The TunnelBear VPN representative said that it's possible, albeit less likely, that a university might block the VPN at the protocol level. Some VPNs include tools to get around this. They disguise your VPN traffic as something innocuous, such as HTTPS traffic. For TunnelBear VPN, this feature is called GhostBear, but it has other names depending on the VPN service you choose.
We only accepted VPNs that allowed BitTorrent on their servers. Note, however, that free trials and free versions sometimes limit the servers you can access, which may cut you off from the VPN servers designated to handle BitTorrent traffic.
What's Next on the Security Syllabus?
When you're all set up with a VPN, antivirus, password manager, and MFA on all your accounts, there's still work to be done. Consider graduating to higher privacy protection. Everyone, from intelligence agencies to online advertisers, is hungry for your data. A new crop of privacy services specializes in hiding your identity and pulling your information out of data broker services. Many people get their start in activism at campuses, so consider using a secure messenger service and an encrypted email provider.
(Editors’ Note: While they may not appear in this story, IPVanish and StrongVPN are owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag's parent company.)
It's Surprisingly Easy to Be More Secure Online
Compare SpecsThe Best VPNs for College Students in 2024
Our Picks | Proton VPNCheck Price | IVPN | Mullvad VPN | TunnelBear VPNCheck Price | Bitdefender Premium VPNSee It$2.50 Per Month for 1 Year Plan at Bitdefender | Norton Secure VPNCheck Price | Atlas VPNCheck Price | Opera VPN Pro |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Editors'Rating | Editors' Choice 5.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.5Editor Review | Editors' Choice 4.0Editor Review | 3.5Editor Review | 3.5Editor Review | Editor Review | 3.0Editor Review |
Blocks Ads | ||||||||
Simultaneous VPN Connections | 10 | 7 | 5 | Unlimited | 10 | 1 - 10 | Unlimited | 6 |
500+ Servers | ||||||||
Server Locations | 67 countries | 32 Countries | 38 Countries | 23 Countries | 48 Countries | 30 Countries | 38 Countries | 33 Countries |
Geographically Diverse Servers | ||||||||
Free Version | ||||||||
Free Version Data Limit | Unlimited | No Free Version | No Free Version | 500MB - 1.5GB Per Month | 200MB Per Day, Per Device | No Free Version | 5GB Per Month | Unlimited |
Where to Buy | PCMag Exclusive: $3.95 Per Month + 5-Months Free (60% Off 2-Year Plan) at ProtonVPN | $120 for Three-Year Plan at TunnelBear $120 for 3-Year Plan at TunnelBear | $2.50 Per Month for 1 Year Plan at Bitdefender | $39.99 Per Year for 5-Devices (50% Off 1-Year Plan) at Norton LifeLock $7.99 Per Month for 5 Devices at Norton LifeLock | $49.21 Per Year for 2 Year Plan - 86% Off with 6 Months Free! at Atlas VPN |
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Editors' Choice
Since my start in 2008, I've covered a wide variety of topics from space missions to fax service reviews. At PCMag, much of my work has been focused on security and privacy services, as well as a video game or two. I also write the occasional security columns, focused on making information security practical for normal people. I helped organize the Ziff Davis Creators Guild union and currently serve as its Unit Chair.
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About Chris Stobing
Senior Analyst, Security
I'm a senior analyst charged with testing and reviewing VPNs and other security apps for PCMag. I grew up in the heart of Silicon Valley and have been involved with technology since the 1990s. Previously at PCMag, I was a hardware analyst benchmarking and reviewing consumer gadgets and PC hardware such as desktop processors, GPUs, monitors, and internal storage. I've also worked as a freelancer for Gadget Review, VPN.com, and Digital Trends, wading through seas of hardware and software at every turn. In my free time, you’ll find me shredding the slopes on my snowboard in the Rocky Mountains where I live, or using my culinary-degree skills to whip up a dish in the kitchen for friends.
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