Written by Lena Borrelli, Contributing Writer
Reviewed by
Emery WrightWhy you can trust ZDNET
ZDNET's reviewers perform extensive testing on the VPNs on this list. We test out connections through different countries, and run speed tests using speedtest.net to measure and compare results. We also test whether the VPN has any DNS leaks while connecting, which would potentially provide information to your ISP or other services about what sites you visit or your originating location or IP address. We evaluate how easy each service is to navigate via website and app, how well it works for streaming content, and its customer service offerings. All of these factors give us a view into how well the VPN works, and how secure it is.
What to Consider
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Performance
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Simultaneous connections
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Security
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Kill switch
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Geoblocks and streaming
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Platforms
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Countries and servers
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Trial length and price
NordVPN
Best VPN for school overall
View now View at NordVPN
CyberGhost
Best VPN for school when studying abroad
View now View at Cyberghostvpn
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for school for privacy features
View now View at ExpressVPN
ProtonVPN
Best free VPN for school
View now View at ProtonVPN
Surfshark
Best budget VPN for school
View now View at Surfshark
ZDNET Recommends
There are a lot of things to worry about in school, but your internet shouldn't be one.
A VPN, or virtual private network, can help guarantee privacy while browsing, hiding your IP address so you can work anonymously. That means you can use a public network like your school's WiFi without worrying about your information being public and at risk of being stolen.
But which VPN is the best? We can help. We researched the five best VPNs for school that can help you focus on work.
Also: Read more about the best VPNs available
Pros
- Flexible platforms
- User-friendly
- Tons of servers
Cons
- Monthly fees apply
- Limited simultaneous connections
NordVPN
Best VPN for school overall
Tech Specs: Number of servers: 5400+ | Number of server locations: 59 countries
Plan type | Cost |
2-year plan | Complete $5.29/mo. Plus $3.99/mo. Standard $2.99/mo. |
1-year plan | Complete $6.79/mo. Plus $5.49/mo. Standard $4.49/mo. |
Monthly | Complete $14.29/mo. Plus $12.99/mo. Standard $11.99/mo. |
NordVPN is our pick for the best VPN for school overall. It uses encrypted private tunnels and traffic routing to keep your information safe when you're researching or surfing. You'll benefit from threat protection that fights viruses and trackers while preventing infected websites from poisoning your computer. You also receive a personal IP address, as well as automatic alerts if someone takes your information to the dark web, thanks to the Dark Web Monitor.
Read the review: NordVPN review
Also: NordVPN vs Surfshark: Which is better for you?
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Pros
- Smart rules feature
- Excellent connections
- Does not log personal data
Cons
- Limited privacy
- Ping speed could be an issue
CyberGhost
Best VPN for school when studying abroad
Tech Specs: Number of servers: 9,700+ | Number of server locations: 91+
Plan type | Cost |
1 month | $12.99/mo. |
6 months | $6.99/mo. |
2 years and 2 months | $2.03/mo. |
Benefit from what CyberGhost claims is the fastest VPN for your studies. CyberGhost has the most servers on our list by far, clocking in around 9,700 servers and over 91 server locations around the world. It automatically encrypts your online use while keeping your IP address hidden. There is also incredible value because CyberGhost offers connections for all of your devices, allowing up to seven devices with a single subscription.
Read the review: CyberGhost review
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Pros
- Built-in traffic sculpting
- Multiple platforms
- 24/7 support
Cons
- Some IP issues for users
- Limited connections
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for school for privacy features
Tech Specs: Number of servers: 3,000+ | Number of server locations: 94
Plan type | Cost |
1 month | $12.95/mo. |
6 months | $9.99/mo. |
12 months | $8.32/mo. |
When privacy is the ultimate concern, we love ExpressVPN for internet use. You receive access to VPNs in 94 different countries, using AES-256 encryption to protect your information. TrustedServer technology means your information is never stored, regardless of which five devices you choose to connect. If you need help, there is 24/7 customer service, so there's always someone nearby when you hit a snag.
Read the review: ExpressVPN review
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Pros
- Affordable
- Unlimited data
- No data limits
Cons
- Only one simultaneous connection
- Limited countries
ProtonVPN
Best free VPN for school
Tech Specs: Number of servers: 1,700+ | Number of server locations: 60+
Plan type | Cost |
2 years | $4.99/mo. |
1 year | $5.99/mo. |
1 month | $9.99/mo. |
If you're on a strict budget, ProtonVPN offers a free VPN service for school. There are versions of ProtonVPN you can pay for with the above pricing structure, or you can opt for the free version. It uses an encrypted VPN tunnel to keep information safe while hiding your browsing history with a 10-Gbps server network. One unique feature is ProtonVPN's ability to protect against Internet censorship, allowing you to access any websites you want. There is also the VPN Accelerator that delivers up to a 400% increase in VPN speeds to quickly get you what you need.
Read the review: ProtonVPN review
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Pros
- Unlimited devices
- Affordable
- Extra security protocols
Cons
- Limited countries
- Pricey for short-term accounts
Surfshark
Best budget VPN for school
Tech Specs: Number of servers: 3,200+ | Number of server locations: 100
Plan type | Cost |
1 month | $12.95/mo. |
1 year | $3.99/mo. |
2 years | $2.05/mo. |
Consider Surfshark as the best affordable VPN for school. It provides security against public ISPs and third-party trackers. It works with all of your devices, too, for excellent compatibility. You also don't have to worry about your information being leaked, thanks to private DNS and two-factor authentication. 24/7 support is available if you need a helping hand to set up or use the VPN.
Read the review: Surfshark review
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What is the best VPN for school?
We love NordVPN for its performance, affordability, and accessibility. To see how it stacks up against the competition, these are the best VPNs for school.
Best VPN for school | Starting cost | Number of servers | Number of server locations |
NordVPN | $2.99/mo. | 5,400+ | 59 |
CyberGhost | $2.03/mo. | 9,700+ | 91+ |
ExpressVPN | $8.32/mo. | 3,000+ | 94 |
ProtonVPN | Free | 1,700+ | 60+ |
Surfshark | $2.05/mo. | 3,200+ | 100 |
Which is the right VPN for school for you?
Consider our expert recommendations to help you find your best VPN for school that fits your budget and needs.
Choose this best VPN for school... | If you want... |
NordVPN | A fast, budget-friendly VPN for school |
CyberGhost | An excellent VPN for international studying |
ExpressVPN | The highest security no matter what |
ProtonVPN | A free VPN service with limited capabilities |
Surfshark | The best budget-friendly VPN service |
How did we choose these VPNs for school?
When choosing the best VPNs for school, we kept several factors in mind that may also help you choose:
- Bandwidth: Look for a VPN service that does not limit your data or bandwidth while you work.
- Security: Search for industry-leading security features, like 256-bit encryption and protection against leaks.
- Price: Consider the cost of each VPN for school and look for a service that fits within your budget.
Do the best VPNs for school keep my information private?
The best VPNs for school will conceal all of your browsing and internet activity, even preventing school administrators from tracking your exact activity.
Do the best VPNs for school protect my VPN from my internet provider?
The best VPNs for school are largely hidden from your Internet Service Provider (ISP). Your ISP will know that you are using a remote server but will not be able to see your exact activity.
How much do the best VPNs for school cost?
The best VPNs for school range in price from about $2.00 per month to more than $8.00 per month, depending on the VPN service you choose. Some services like ProtonVPN offer a free plan, as well.
Are there alternative VPNs for school worth considering?
In our search for the best VPNs, we also found these alternative VPNs that may be worth a second look.
For more tech advice on the best tools for schoolwork, check out expert picks for the best computers, best laptops, and best tablets.
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