Best VPN Services for Beginners

Choosing a new VPN service provider can be confusing at times. The concept is definitely sound—you are protecting your internet connection with an extra security feature not provided by your internet service provider.

But being the new kid on the block is never fun. There’s some initial confusion, a learning curve—plus you’re not even sure you want to be on the block in the first place. (Insert joke here about hating 90s boy bands.)

With any new software, there’s a tendency to be in constant evaluation mode—is the money you’re going to spend on a VPN subscription even worth it? Any new app has to prove itself.

Yet, most VPNs are not at all like a new productivity app where you can try out all of the features and see if it makes a difference.

But a few VPN services do stand out. These VPN providers offer unusually long or comprehensive trial periods with a guarantee that you will love the app.

In all cases, there are clear instructions about how to use the VPN service including a training video. Of course, these top-rated VPN (virtual private network) providers are also well-suited for beginners because they’ll deliver added security and protection for all online activity.

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1: VPNSecure

A top-rated VPN with a 90-day trial version.

You might absolutely love VPNSecure, and that’s the great hope for anyone new to the service. This VPN service has one of the most unusual return policies (which you can call a trial but it’s more like a money-back guarantee). Within a 90-day window, you can decide whether VPNSecure is a good fit for you or not. VPNSecure does require that you state your displeasure by chat or email and work with tech support to resolve any issues, but if you decide to part ways they do allow that. VPNSecure also has clear and helpful instructions so you can learn how to optimize and use your VPN service, even if it’s your first time.

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What stands out about VPNSecure?

• 90-day money-back guarantee
• Highly rated VPN
• Online privacy
• Great instructions
• Mobile device compatible (Android and iOS app)

Want to know more? Read our full-length VPNSecure review.

2: Norton Secure VPN

A 60-day return policy makes Norton Secure VPN our second pick.

Second only to VPNSecure is the highly rated Norton Secure VPN. You’ll find clear and helpful instructions for using the VPN app on a laptop or smartphone, stated in a way that will get you up and running quickly. Norton is well-known for being a professional security company and knows how to present features in a clear interface. The 60-day refund policy allows you to try out all of the features in the full version.

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What stands out about Norton Secure VPN?

• 60-day return policy
• Clear install instructions
• Online privacy
• Reliable and secure VPN overall
• Mobile device compatible (Android and iOS app)

Want to know more? Read our full-length Norton Secure VPN review.

3: Surfshark

A 30-day return policy is nice, but this is also a reliable VPN overall.

Surfshark is an impressive, powerful, and easy-to-use VPN, which makes it a bit surprising that there’s a 30-day return policy for new VPN users. You can kick the tires all you want, but we’ve found the interface to be one of the best around. Another bonus is that this VPN includes helpful instructions they call “beginner’s guides” for new VPN users.

^{Data effective 6/11/2020. Offers and availability vary by location and are subject to change.}

What stands out about Surfshark VPN?

• 30-day refund policy
• Beginner’s guides for new users
• Online privacy
• Clear and efficient interface
• Mobile VPN (Android and iOS app)

Want to know more? Read our full-length Surfshark review.

How to find the right VPN for you

Start with the free trial

These VPN clients will protect your internet connection and are ideal for someone just getting started with VPNs because they offer longer trial periods and refund policies than most. You can experiment with VPN features, see if you like the interface, and then decide to ask for a refund if necessary.

Be forewarned that the refund policy is clearly stated but might require a bit of wrangling with sales and support to cancel your subscription. The best outcome of course is that these VPNs will be perfectly suited for your needs and you won’t need to bother with a refund.

Find the real cost and weigh it against the features

Choosing a virtual private network is not easy even for advanced users who know the security market because the field keeps changing and improving. New VPN providers seem to pop up constantly, and the pricing schemes vary from one VPN provider to the next.

Figure out what it will cost you on the terms you’re comfortable with. Some virtual private networks offer pricing plans for one month, one year, and three-year terms. You’ll usually get a discounted rate for making a longer commitment. You’ll need to decide if the savings is worth the time you’re committing to.

Several VPN services offer extra advanced features for an added cost and it can feel a bit like trying to choose an IKEA table for your living room without knowing the specs or seeing the instruction manual. Not to diss on the VPN market too much, but new users might get a headache parsing out all of the options available.

Recap: What’s the best VPN service for beginners?

VPNSecure will give you the longest time period to test out and get familiar with using a VPN in your day-to-day online activities.

Longer-than-usual trial versions and refund policies help VPN beginners test out a VPN service’s features, interface, and capabilities to see if it will meet your needs. With VPNSecure or Norton Secure VPN, you should have plenty of time to feel things out and decide what you need before committing to a long term contract.

• VPNSecure: Longest refund policy of 90 days.
• Norton Secure VPN: Has a 60-day return policy and a polished interface.
• Surfshark: Great instructions for new users and a great interface.

Still got questions about VPNs?

• Is It Legal to Use a VPN?
• Will a VPN Slow Down Your Internet?
• Should You Leave Your VPN On All the Time?
• Do I Need a VPN?
• Is a VPN Safe to Use While Online Banking?
• Do VPNs Keep Your Data?

^{Additional contributors}

^{Chyelle Dvorak}