What is a VPN service? A VPN, which stands for virtual private network, establishes a digital connection between your computer and a remote server owned by a VPN provider, creating a point-to-point tunnel that encrypts your personal data, masks your IP address, and lets you sidestep website blocks and firewalls on the internet. This ensures that your online experiences are private, protected, and more secure. By its very definition, a VPN connection is: Virtual because no physical cables are inv

The Best VPNs We've Tested (February 2026)