Top 5 Ideal School-Friendly VPN Services of 2023 - A Comprehensive Guide by ZDNet

ZDNET Recommends

The best cheap VPNs You don’t need to spend the big bucks for affordable VPN protection. Read now

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

Show less

View now at NordVPN

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

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?

Show Expert Take Show less

Show less

View now at Cyberghostvpn

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+

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

Show Expert Take Show less

Show less

View now at ExpressVPN

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

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

Show Expert Take Show less

Show less

View now at ProtonVPN

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+

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

Show Expert Take Show less

Show less

View now at Surfshark

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

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

Show Expert Take Show less

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.

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.

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.

Hotspot Shield: Best VPN for school for private browsing $0 at Hotspotshield

IPVanish VPN: Best VPN for school for torrenting and PSP $0 at IPVanish

VyprVPN: Best VPN for school for speed $0 at VyprVPN

For more tech advice on the best tools for schoolwork, check out expert picks for the best computers , best laptops , and best tablets .

ZDNET Recommends

The best smartwatches you can buy: Apple, Samsung, Google, and more compared

The 5 best VPN services (and tips to choose the right one for you)

The best Android phones you can buy (including a surprise pick)

The best robot vacuum and mop combos (and if they’re worth the money)

• The best smartwatches you can buy: Apple, Samsung, Google, and more compared
• The 5 best VPN services (and tips to choose the right one for you)
• The best Android phones you can buy (including a surprise pick)
• The best robot vacuum and mop combos (and if they’re worth the money)

Also read: