3 Ways You Can Use a VPN With Chromecast – Updated 2024

Unless you have a new Chromecast with Google TV, you’ll find your Chromecast can’t natively support a VPN, and it doesn’t have configurable settings (so you can’t use Smart DNS, either). However, if you want to use your Chromecast with a VPN to access your favorite streaming services, there are a couple of workarounds.

I’ve identified three straightforward methods for configuring a VPN with your Chromecast device. Furthermore, I conducted extensive testing on over 30 VPN services to determine the best one for seamless streaming and unblocking access to your regional streaming platforms.

ExpressVPN is the best choice for Chromecast, with super-fast streaming speeds and an easy-to-configure router setup. Plus, ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test the service risk-free before subscribing. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Try ExpressVPN risk-free today

Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Use a VPN With Chromecast

Get ExpressVPN for Chromecast

How to Use a VPN With Chromecast in 2024

Here are a few easy ways to set up a VPN with your Chromecast device. Note that you cannot use your Chromecast with your Android or iOS device while using a VPN, either through mirroring or the Google Chrome app.

1. Mirror Your Screen to Chromecast From a VPN-Connected PC

Tip: If you are watching Netflix, you’ll need to Cast Desktop. If you just Cast Tab, it will recognize that it’s Netflix and open the Netflix app, instead of just mirroring the tab and won’t work.

This is the easiest way to use a VPN with your older Chromecast dongle, although you can expect a lower stream quality than other methods. You can use this with Google Chrome on your Windows, Mac, Chromebook, or Linux device.

Stream on Chromecast with ExpressVPN

2. Set Up a Chromecast VPN by Creating a Virtual Router

You can set up connection sharing using an ethernet cable or by creating a virtual router on your Windows PC or Mac device. An ethernet cable connection will give you faster speeds, but creating a WiFi connection for a virtual router is more convenient.

You’ll need to make sure you have a device with a Broadcom-based WiFi adapter, a VPN that supports OpenVPN (like ExpressVPN), and administrative rights on your computer.

Set Up a Virtual Router on Windows

Here are the steps to setting up a virtual router on your Windows device:

Start streaming with ExpressVPN

Set Up a Virtual Router on macOS

Setting up a virtual router on Mac is a little more complicated. Before you begin, make sure you choose a VPN that uses the L2TP/IPSec protocol and that you have your VPN’s list of L2TP/IPSec server addresses available — you’ll find this by accessing your VPN account through a browser.

Once you’re finished with streaming on your Chromecast, go back to the Network window and click “Disconnect.”

Connect your Chromecast with ExpressVPN

3. Install a VPN on Your WiFi Router for Chromecast

By installing a VPN on your router, you can protect every device that connects to your WiFi — including your Chromecast dongle. However, router setup can be tricky and time-consuming, and it’s more difficult to change your server location too. You may also find that your router isn’t compatible with a VPN setup, in which case I recommend you set up a virtual sharing connection for Chromecast.

If you want to install a VPN on your router, I recommend you choose ExpressVPN as it has a router app ready for installation, making the process much more simple.

Get ExpressVPN for Chromecast today

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

The Best VPNs for Chromecast in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Easy-to-Use Apps Make Streaming on Chromecast Simple

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	3,000+
📱Devices	8
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

ExpressVPN is the top VPN for Chromecast, with intuitive apps that make it easy to use on every device. If you have a new Chromecast with Google TV, you can directly download the ExpressVPN app. For older Chromecast dongles, you can control server connections with ExpressVPN’s dedicated router app — it’s compatible with Asus, Linksys, and Netgear routers.

Most VPNs require manual configuration to switch servers on a router, but with ExpressVPN, it’s as easy as switching on your Windows PC or iPhone. I found this made it very convenient to connect with my Chromecast and start streaming instantly.

During my tests, I found that ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN service on the market. I was impressed by its speeds across its global network of 3,000 servers, as I experienced very little slowdown — on average, my speed reduced by just 18%. My connections with ExpressVPN were fast enough for smooth, lag-free streaming using my Chromecast.

Every server uses obfuscation to hide your VPN traffic, making it look like regular traffic. This means ExpressVPN is one of the most effective VPNs for accessing your local streaming account from anywhere. My colleague in the US could connect to Netflix US with ExpressVPN and access personalized, local content.

My team and I found it easy to connect to our streaming accounts with ExpressVPN. We tested many popular streaming services and could access the following:

I was pleased to find that ExpressVPN is compatible with all the methods I used to connect my Chromecast to a VPN. Setup was made even easier by ExpressVPN’s dedicated and detailed support site, which provides step-by-step guides with videos and images — I had my Chromecast connected to ExpressVPN in just a few minutes.

While ExpressVPN is a more expensive option, I think it’s worth the price for ease of use, fast speeds, and its ability to connect to all of my streaming accounts. Its plans start at $$4.994.99/month for a 2-year + 4 months free subscription, which gives the best value — a huge 61% discount from its standard pricing.

I recommend you try ExpressVPN with your Chromecast for yourself. You can subscribe with confidence as the service is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

When I tested the refund process, I was surprised by how easy it was. It only took a couple of minutes using the 24/7 live chat to approve my request, with no questions asked. I had the full amount back in my account in less than 5 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Try ExpressVPN risk-free!

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Provide Easy Access to Streaming Services on Chromecast

Outstanding

Outstanding

📍Servers	11,676+
📱Devices	7
💰Refund	45 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

CyberGhost’s optimized servers make it easy to access your favorite streaming services with your Chromecast. These optimized servers are regularly tested by the CyberGhost team to guarantee you can make a connection and avoid any content blocks. The servers are available for a variety of streaming services, and my team and I could easily access the following:

During tests, I found CyberGhost’s optimized servers are significantly faster than its regular servers. I could stream my favorite content without lag or buffering, even when connected to distant servers.

While CyberGhost’s standard servers still perform well, you may find you have to connect to several different servers before making a connection to your streaming service. As CyberGhost doesn’t have a router app to use with Chromecast, this would make picking the right server difficult. I recommend configuring your router with an optimized server to ensure a reliable connection.

However, CyberGhost is compatible with routers, including models by Netgear, Linksys, and Asus. You’ll have to manually configure your router as there isn’t a native app, but CyberGhost’s detailed step-by-step guides make the process pretty simple.

I was able to follow the instructions and have my Chromecast protected by CyberGhost in less than 10 minutes. CyberGhost is also compatible with screen mirroring and setting up a virtual router — and it has a native app for newer Chromecasts with Google TV.

Even though router configuration is a little more tricky, CyberGhost’s apps are very easy to use, especially if you set up a virtual router or mirror your screen with Chromecast. Connecting to streaming servers is simple as they are clearly listed in their own menu. I quickly found and connected to my chosen service without any issues. CyberGhost also has dedicated torrenting and gaming servers, ideal for fast P2P file sharing and lag-free online gaming on Call of Duty: Warzone, League of Legends, and more.

In terms of price, CyberGhost is an affordable VPN choice with a generous money-back guarantee. Plans start at just $2.19/month for a 2-year + 2 months subscription, with a 45-day money-back guarantee. You can try CyberGhost with your Chromecast risk-free, and getting a refund is easy — I just contacted the 24/7 live chat and an agent processed my request in a couple of minutes. I had my money back in less than a week.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Try CyberGhost risk-free!

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Encryption Provides a Speed Boost for Streaming With Chromecast

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	35,000+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Private Internet Access (PIA) is highly customizable, making it a great choice for more experienced VPN users who want greater control over connections with Chromecast. I was particularly impressed with its encryption options — you can choose between the standard AES-256-bit and AES-128-bit. The lower-level encryption will still keep your data and devices secure and provides a speed boost. This is great if you want to improve your Chromecast stream quality on a slower network.

I was pleased to find PIA is compatible with multiple platforms, including routers — it supports some DD-WRT, LEDE, AsusWRT, and pfSense models. Configuration is a little time-consuming, so be prepared to spend 10 minutes or more getting a connection set up for your Chromecast. If you have a newer Chromecast dongle with Google TV, you can directly download the PIA app and connect from there.

PIA is reliably fast across its network of more than 35,000 servers. During tests, my speeds were consistently fast — even connecting to a server 15,000km away only resulted in a 26% drop from my regular speed. This is fast enough to stream on Chromecast, torrent, and game online without lagging or interruptions.

With such a large network, you won’t experience user congestion and high traffic levels in popular locations. I could connect to PIA’s servers easily, with just a couple of seconds between choosing a server and making a connection.

My team and I tested PIA with multiple streaming services and found we could access the following:

The downside is that PIA can’t always access services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer. If you want to stream these using your Chromecast, I suggest contacting customer support as an agent can recommend the best servers for your connection.

For budget-conscious VPN users, PIA’s plans start at $2.19/month for a 2-year + 2 months subscription — great value for a fast and secure VPN. You can try PIA with your Chromecast risk-free, too, as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. The live chat agent processed my refund request quickly, and I had my money back in 4 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Try PIA risk-free!

4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans

Excellent

Excellent

📍Servers	6,300+
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly.

I was particularly impressed with the high performance of every server I tested. Just because a VPN has thousands of servers doesn’t mean they all work. Servers can still struggle to work — and some can even fail to connect completely. However, NordVPN’s servers work with Netflix for smooth, buffer-free streaming.

I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it mostly worked with Netflix, it sometimes had issues and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.

NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:

• AES 256-bit encryption
• kill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenly
• built-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blocker
• fully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN

In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server.

With plans that cost as little as $2.99 per month, it's easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days.

Get NordVPN today

5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	3,200+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out.

I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality.

When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:

• AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android users
• Wireguard VPN protocol enabled by default
• diskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)
• kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)
• IP and DNS leak protection

Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account.

While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet.

You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $1.99. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!).

Get Surfshark today

6. PrivateVPN — Small but Robust Network Easily Accesses Global Streaming Services for Chromecast

Great VPN

Great VPN

📍Servers	200+
📱Devices	10
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

PrivateVPN is excellent at accessing your favorite streaming services, making it a solid choice for use with your Chromecast dongle. During tests, my team and I could easily connect to our local streaming accounts — we tested the following and could stream on them all:

I thought that PrivateVPN’s small server network (just 200 servers worldwide) would cause issues when connecting to streaming services. However, PrivateVPN’s robust security means its server network is able to get around online restrictions — it’s one of the top VPNs for use in China, too.

When I tested PrivateVPN with my Chromecast, I had to manually configure it with my router. PrivateVPN supports routers with OpenVPN and L2TP and the following models — Asus RT, Synology, DD-WRT, Tomato, Linksys, QNAP, and pfSense. On its support website, PrivateVPN has step-by-step guides that make it easy to set up a router connection.

If you’re not technologically minded or need some help, PrivateVPN offers remote customer support. You can have one of PrivateVPN’s support staff help you configure your router setup through a device-sharing app called Teamviewer. When I tried this, the support agent was happy to guide me through the process — this top-tier support isn’t something I’ve seen on other VPNs.

In terms of speed, PrivateVPN is much faster on nearby servers and experiences some slowdown over long distances. During tests, I could stream The Boys on my local account without lag, but distant connections meant a longer load time and occasional buffering. If your regular speeds are slower, you may notice a more significant difference in distant connections. For consistent speeds across long distances, you should try ExpressVPN instead.

PrivateVPN is one of the cheapest monthly VPNs, making it a good choice if you’re on a budget — plans start at just $2.00/month for a 3-year subscription.

The service is backed by a money-back guarantee, so you can try PrivateVPN with your Chromecast risk-free. If you change your mind, just send an email refund request to customer support. When I did this, I had my money back in 5 days.

Try PrivateVPN risk-free!

7. IPVanish — Owns and Operates Entire Server Network for Fast, Reliable Connections With Chromecast

Good Choice

Good Choice

📍Servers	2,400+
📱Devices	Unlimited
💰Refund	30 days
📝Keep logs	No
🔰Kill switch
📞Support 24/7	Yes

See Deals

Key Features:

IPVanish owns and operates its entire network of 2,400+ servers, ensuring top security and speeds for streaming on your Chromecast. By managing its server network, IPVanish is better able to maintain fast connection speeds for streaming.

During my tests, I found IPVanish slowed my speeds by 23% on average. This is fast enough for smooth, lag-free streaming on my Chromecast. For the best speeds, I recommend using the WireGuard protocol and manually choosing your server. IPVanish features a comprehensive interface that displays the ping (latency) and user load data for every server. By selecting a server with minimal ping and load, I consistently achieved optimal connections for smooth streaming.

While IPVanish isn’t directly compatible with a Chromecast dongle, you can configure your router for use with your streaming device. IPVanish can be configured on routers with DD-WRT, Tomato, ASUSWRT, or ASUSWRT-Merlin firmware. To ensure setup is simple, IPVanish has easy-to-follow guides on its website — I configured my router in around 10 minutes. If you have a newer Chromecast, you can download IPVanish directly from Google Play.

My team and I tested IPVanish to see how well it can access streaming services, and we were pleasantly surprised. We found we could stream on our local accounts with the following services:

The downside to IPVanish is its price — plans start at $2.19/month for a 2-year  subscription. While this isn’t super expensive, I would expect a better range of features for the price. Other VPNs have features like optimized streaming servers, malware protection, and a bigger global network at a lower cost. If you want more features for less, I suggest you try CyberGhost.

If you’d still like to try IPVanish’s fast speeds and secure servers with your Chromecast, you can do so risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you change your mind, you can cancel your subscription through your account — no need to talk to customer service. I had my money back within an hour.

Try IPVanish risk-free!

Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for Chromecast

How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Chromecast

I tested more than 30 services to find the best VPNs in 2024 for Chromecast. Each VPN was tested and ranked against the following criteria:

• Compatibility with Chromecast: I looked at how each VPN could be configured with Chromecast, including compatibility with routers, ease of setup for virtual routers, and compatibility for screen mirroring.
• Streaming services: It’s essential your VPN can reliably access your streaming accounts without being blocked by proxy detection technology — ExpressVPN’s server obfuscation is especially good at masking your VPN traffic.
• Server network: Having servers spread across the globe means you can always find a connection for your streaming accounts. Plus, more servers means less chance of user congestion, keeping speeds fast and uninterrupted.
• Fast speeds: In order to ensure a seamless and lag-free streaming experience, it is crucial for your VPN to offer high-speed connections throughout its server network. I conducted numerous speed tests to identify VPNs that consistently maintain impressive speeds.
• Strong security: Every VPN uses military-grade encryption, data leak protection, and a kill switch to ensure your data and online activity are protected when you’re connected.
• Privacy policy: All recommended VPNs have a strict zero-log policy, so none of your streaming data or activity are logged or stored when you’re connected to the VPN servers.
• Customer support: If you have any questions or connection issues, each VPN has reliable and helpful customer service available for fast responses and quick resolutions.

Stream on Chromecast with ExpressVPN

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

The Benefits of Using a VPN With Chromecast

Connecting your Chromecast to a VPN server has many benefits, including:

Streaming Your Favorite Content Anywhere

When you travel abroad, it’s not always possible to access your streaming accounts or favorite shows and movies due to online restrictions. However, by connecting your Chromecast to a VPN server in your home country, you can log in to your local streaming accounts and watch content without issue.

Avoiding Network Restrictions

Your Chromecast is small and portable, so you may want to take it with you when you travel. However, sometimes network restrictions mean you can’t connect to streaming services as they are blocked. In countries like China, for example, it’s difficult to connect to Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and more due to strict online regulations. A service like ExpressVPN has server obfuscation to disguise your VPN traffic and get around restrictions like China’s Great Firewall. This means that even when there are network restrictions in place, you can still catch up on all your favorite content.

Security and Privacy

Whenever you connect to the internet, you’re at risk of being spied on by third-party advertisers, hackers, and even your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Connecting to a VPN before you use your Chromecast keeps your data and online activity secure. A VPN connection encrypts your traffic so no one can spy on your activity, see your true location, or track your data.

Why You Shouldn’t Use a Free VPN With Chromecast

Using a free VPN is a tempting idea, but you simply won’t get the same top-tier service provided by a premium VPN. Free VPNs are extremely limited, with data restrictions, a handful of server connections, and throttled speeds. Even the best free VPNs aren’t a good choice for streaming on your Chromecast — you won’t be able to stream as much as you want and could even find there are no servers available in your desired location.

Worse still, some free VPNs compromise your data security by tracking your activity and selling your data to third parties. This could mean you’re targeted by ads or be put at risk of identity theft and fraud.

Instead of having a frustrating or potentially dangerous experience with a free service, I recommend you try a premium VPN. A service like CyberGhost has a generous money-back guarantee you can use as a free trial — ideal if you only need a VPN while you’re on vacation. You get up to 45 days to test the service with your Chromecast, and once you’re finished, you can get a full refund.

I personally tried out the refund procedure and found it to be a straightforward experience. I reached out to a representative through the round-the-clock live chat and made a request to cancel. The representative efficiently processed my refund within a span of fewer than 5 minutes, and I received the complete refund in my account within a week’s time.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

FAQ: Chromecast and VPNs

Get More From Chromecast With a VPN

You don’t have to miss out on your favorite content when traveling abroad — you can use your Chromecast with a VPN to access your streaming accounts from anywhere. While older Chromecasts aren’t VPN-compatible, there are several ways to use a VPN with your device for safe, secure, and anonymous streaming.

During my tests, I found ExpressVPN is the best choice for your Chromecast. Its easy-to-use router app makes it simple to get connected, plus ExpressVPN’s fast speeds are ideal for smooth, lag-free streaming. I suggest you try ExpressVPN with your Chromecast and purchase with confidence — the service is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you change your mind. I requested a refund over the 24/7 live chat and had my money back in just 5 days.

Summary — The Best VPNs for Chromecast in 2024

Rank

Provider name

Our score

Price

Top Ranked Top Choice

1.

9.8

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$4.99 / month Save 61%

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2.

9.6

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$2.19 / month Save 83%

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3.

9.4

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$2.19 / month Save 82%

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3.

9.4

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$2.03 / month Save 83%

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4.

9.4

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$2.99 / month Save 76%

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5.

9.4

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$1.99 / month Save 87%

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6.

8.8

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$2.00 / month Save 83%

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7.

8.4

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$2.19 / month Save 83%

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Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.