Most Overrated vs Underrated VPNs — Community Vote: 5 Picks That Actually Save You Money

Most Overrated vs Underrated VPNs — Community Vote: 5 Picks That Actually Save You Money

7 November 2025 Views: 0

1️⃣Mullvad VPN

Mullvad is the underrated community favorite for ruthless simplicity and real privacy. Flat pricing, anonymous payment, and fast WireGuard make it a workhorse on every device. If you value privacy over hype, this is the quiet winner.

  • flat €5 pricing
  • no email sign up
  • independently audited
  • anonymous payment options
  • fast WireGuard speeds
  • open source apps
  • clear no logs policy
  • fewer locations than giants
  • no streaming optimized servers
  • no long term discounts

2️⃣Proton VPN

Proton VPN is the underrated blend of privacy pedigree and daily usability. The free plan is genuinely useful, while paid tiers unlock Secure Core and reliable streaming. It feels premium without the premium headache.

  • Switzerland jurisdiction
  • audited no logs
  • fast and reliable
  • useful free tier
  • Secure Core multi hop
  • great apps
  • unblocks major streamers
  • higher monthly price
  • UI can feel dense
  • split tunneling not on all platforms

3️⃣ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a household name with slick apps and marketing, but often considered overrated by voters. It is fast, but the price keeps climbing and device limits hurt families. You often pay more to get about the same as cheaper rivals.

  • easy setup
  • consistent speeds
  • large server coverage
  • solid streaming
  • expensive vs peers
  • 5 device limit
  • fewer advanced features
  • opaque ownership concerns

4️⃣NordVPN

NordVPN is feature packed with strong speeds and a big brand halo, yet some users call it overrated outside of sales. Aggressive upsells and a complex product suite add friction, and support quality can be inconsistent. Great on deep discounts, less compelling at full price.

  • very fast
  • huge server list
  • extras like Meshnet and Threat Protection
  • good streaming
  • price jumps after promo
  • cluttered app UX
  • past server incident still noted by users
  • add on upsells

5️⃣Surfshark

Surfshark is the bargain favorite with unlimited devices and sharp promos, but hype can overshoot reality for power users. It works for casual streaming and travel, yet speeds can fluctuate and sites trigger CAPTCHAs more often. The newer brand history still makes some buyers cautious.

  • low cost on long plans
  • unlimited connections
  • clean apps
  • good for streaming on a budget
  • speed variability
  • more CAPTCHA roadblocks
  • smaller independent audit record
  • price jump after first term