With malware increasingly rampant, virtual private networks (VPNs) are becoming popular as a way of protecting users’ privacy and information online.

They hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic, acting as a proxy to connect to the desired website. CBR rounds up some of the top VPNs available now.

1. Private Tunnel

US-based Private Tunnel gives you a free trial to test out, although you will only be able to get through about 100 MB of data. After that you can pay for the amount of data you need.

Converting from the dollar pricing, 50 GB costs £7.68, 100GB costs £12.80 and 100GB will set you back £32.01. Because the service is charged by data, you can connect any number of devices to the same VPN.

In addition, there is no time limit to when you can use the data; once you’ve paid it is available forever.

2. CyberGhost

With servers in the UK and US, as well as other European countries, CyberGhost offers a subsidised free service with no limit on bandwidth.

However, it comes with some limitations, such as a three-hour browsing limit. You also will be unable to use the free iPad app.

The premium service usually costs £44.99 per year, although throughout July and early August there is a special offer of £22.49.

3. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access does exactly what it says on the tin. Powered by a tier-1 multi-gigabit private network. The advanced version provides port forwarding, DNS leak protection and disconnect protection. It comes with tailored software.

On the downside, there is no free or trial service, so you won’t know what you’re getting until you’ve already put down the money.

The service costs £4.45 paying monthly, £25.58 per year or £23.02 for six months.

4. Express VPN

Express VPN prides itself on being the fastest service, claiming to offer unlimited bandwidth and speed, but it is also notably user-friendly. Its applications can be used on Windows, Mac, iOS and Android.

In addition, Express VPN provides round-the-clock customer support through LiveChat and email.

One of the pricier offerings, Express VPN will cost you £63.98 every 12 months. However, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish’s VPN network spans over 25,000 IPs on more than 225 servers in over 60 countries. It supports all major operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, Ubuntu and Chromebook.

The service aims to provide a secure environment for everyday use. Once the connection is established all online data will pass through the tunnel.

For a year, the service will cost £49.91, a cost of £4.19 per month. If you pay monthly it will set you back £6.40 per month.