10 Powerful VPN Gate Alternatives That Work Even Better

VPN Gate is a public VPN service developed by researchers in Japan, offering free access to the internet with no data caps. However, as a volunteer-run network it has its drawbacks: it lacks native apps and even logs user activity. If you find VPN Gate too limited or complex, there are stronger, more user-friendly VPNs available. Below we explore ten top alternatives to VPN Gate – each with its key features, pros and cons, and a link to the official website.

1. ProtonVPN: A Secure VPN Gate Alternative

ProtonVPN is a Swiss-based VPN known for its strong privacy and a generous free tier. It comes from the makers of ProtonMail, so it’s built on strict privacy laws and open-source software. ProtonVPN offers unlimited free data (no speed cap), high-speed AES-256 encryption, and a no-logs policy. In practice, the free plan is slower (servers in limited locations) but usable for everyday browsing. Paid plans add features like Secure Core double-VPN, a kill switch, and access to 8,500+ servers in 112+ countries.

• Key features: Free unlimited data; strong AES-256 encryption; no logs; Swiss jurisdiction; OpenVPN and WireGuard support.
• Pros: Unlimited free tier; audited privacy-friendly; user-friendly apps on all platforms.
• Cons: Free servers are limited in number; paid tiers can be expensive; some connection drops reported.
• Official site: ProtonVPN

2. Windscribe: A Feature-Packed VPN Gate Alternative

Windscribe is a VPN and ad-blocking suite that works on desktop and as a browser extension. Its free plan grants 10 GB per month (with email confirmation) and protects your privacy by blocking ads and trackers. The paid (Pro) plan adds unlimited data and hundreds of global servers in 69+ countries. Windscribe also offers advanced privacy tools like IPv6/WebRTC leak protection and a “CleanWeb” blocker for ads, malware, and social media trackers.

• Key features: 10 GB/month free VPN; servers in 69+ countries; AES-256 encryption; no-log policy; built-in ad/tracker blocking.
• Pros: Generous free tier (10 GB); integrated ad and tracker blocker; supports torrenting and streaming; unlimited simultaneous connections.
• Cons: Free servers are slower and fewer; Windows app can be a bit buggy; based in Canada (part of Five Eyes).
• Official site: Windscribe

3. Mullvad: A Privacy-Focused VPN Gate Alternative

Mullvad is a Swedish VPN that emphasizes anonymity. You don’t even need an email to sign up – the service gives you a random account number and no personal data is collected. Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy and supports modern protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. It also has a built-in kill switch (called “Lockdown mode”) that stops all internet traffic if the VPN disconnects. Mullvad offers fast speeds and solid security, but its server network is smaller (about 600 servers in 40+ countries).

• Key features: No-logs, no-email accounts; WireGuard and OpenVPN support; AES-256 encryption; multi-hop servers; DNS/content blocker options.
• Pros: Strong privacy and transparency (audited no-logs); easy anonymous signup; reliable kill switch; minimal interface.
• Cons: No free plan (paid only); smaller server network; monthly cost (~€5/month) can be high for some; no live chat support.
• Official site: Mullvad

4. NordVPN: A Premium VPN Gate Alternative

NordVPN is one of the most popular commercial VPNs, known for a massive server fleet and extra security features. It’s based in Panama (outside 5/9/14 Eyes) and has an independently audited no-logs policy. NordVPN maintains 6,500+ servers in 111 countries, including specialized servers for Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and P2P. Key features include AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and the unique Threat Protection Pro (blocks ads and malware). NordVPN scores very high on speed (in our tests it kept 70%+ of baseline speed) and easily unblocks streaming services.

• Key features: 6,500+ servers in 111 countries; double-VPN and Onion modes; AES-256; audited no-logs policy; CyberSec ad/malware blocker.
• Pros: Very fast speeds; huge server network; excellent streaming support; up to 10 simultaneous devices; audited privacy guarantee.
• Cons: More expensive than some alternatives; 6–10 connection limit (depending on plan); no true free tier (paid only); occasional interface bloat.
• Official site: NordVPN

5. ExpressVPN: A Fast VPN Gate Alternative

ExpressVPN is a high-end VPN known for speed and simplicity. In our tests it ranked as the second-fastest VPN overall, retaining ~70% of our baseline download speed. It offers servers in 105+ countries (3,000+ servers) and also uses AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN and Lightway protocols. ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy (independently audited) and unique TrustedServer RAM-only technology (nothing is written to disk). Its apps are very easy to use, and it supports Netflix, gaming, split-tunneling, and up to 8–10 devices.

• Key features: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries; AES-256 encryption; audited no-logs; RAM-only servers; Easy, polished apps on all platforms.
• Pros: Outstanding speed; works reliably with Netflix and streaming; very secure (trustedserver tech); excellent privacy track record; 24/7 support.
• Cons: More expensive (monthly ~$13); no free version; max 8-10 devices; fewer advanced features (no kill switch toggle on some mobile apps).
• Official site: ExpressVPN

6. Surfshark: A Budget-Friendly VPN Gate Alternative

Surfshark is a newer VPN that offers strong performance at a low price. Its standout perks include unlimited simultaneous connections (you can use it on all your devices) and CleanWeb (built-in ad/malware blocker). Surfshark has servers in 100+ countries and supports modern protocols (WireGuard, etc.). It also publishes full audit results of its no-logs policy for transparency. In speed tests, Surfshark is generally fast, though slightly behind NordVPN. It’s easy to use and one of the cheapest ways to get premium features.

• Key features: Unlimited devices; CleanWeb ad/tracker blocker; AES-256 encryption; multiHop (double VPN) servers; NoBorders mode (works in restrictive regions).
• Pros: Very affordable long-term plans; unlimited simultaneous connections; simple, clean apps; audited no-logs policy; decent security (AES-256, kill switch).
• Cons: Smaller server network than top competitors; speeds can vary; fewer specialty servers; split tunneling only on some platforms; based in Netherlands (14 Eyes).
• Official site: Surfshark

7. Private Internet Access (PIA): A User-Friendly VPN Gate Alternative

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a veteran VPN prized for its customizable apps and value pricing. It has over 35,000 servers in 77 countries. PIA offers standard AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and even an ad-blocking DNS (called MACE). Importantly, PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so one subscription covers all your devices. It also has advanced features like per-app VPN rules and customizable encryption settings.

• Key features: Huge server count; AES-256; SOCKS5 proxy; kill switch; unlimited devices; open-source desktop apps.
• Pros: User-friendly and highly configurable apps; very affordable; torrent-friendly (P2P on all servers); unlimited connections.
• Cons: Upload speeds lag behind download speeds; fewer extra features (no streaming-optimized servers); based in the US (though zero-logs policy); no free plan.
• Official site: Private Internet Access

8. CyberGhost: A Streaming-Friendly VPN Gate Alternative

CyberGhost is a veteran VPN with an emphasis on ease of use and streaming. It offers servers in 100+ countries (125+ locations), including specialized servers for Netflix, torrenting, and gaming. All servers use AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy. CyberGhost apps feature one-click profiles (e.g. “For streaming USA Netflix”), automatic kill switch, and leak protection. Its interface is very user-friendly and helps non-experts pick the optimal server.

• Key features: 9,000+ servers in 100+ countries; streaming/torrenting/gaming-optimized servers; AES-256; no-logs; kill switch; 7-device support.
• Pros: Easy for beginners; strong streaming support; generous 45-day money-back guarantee; Romanian jurisdiction outside surveillance alliances; unlimited bandwidth.
• Cons: No free tier (just short trial); parent company (Kape) has controversial history; desktop apps can feel bloated; split tunneling limited on some devices.
• Official site: CyberGhost

9. Hotspot Shield: A Freemium VPN Gate Alternative

Hotspot Shield is best known for its blazing-fast proprietary protocol (Hydra) and a freemium model. Security.org’s tests confirm lightning-fast download/upload speeds (up to 1 Gbps servers). Its free plan gives you unlimited bandwidth but with data and ad limits (only 500MB/day per device, ads, and US-only servers). The Premium version adds secure unlimited access to 115+ countries. Hotspot also provides standard security (AES-256 on paid, AES-128 on free) and a no-logs policy.

• Key features: Proprietary Hydra VPN protocol (very fast); servers in 80+ countries; AES-256; 10 devices per account; free plan (4 limited servers with ads).
• Pros: Outstanding speeds; simple apps; uncapped data even on free plan; allows torrenting on premium; reasonable pricing.
• Cons: Free version has ads and only 500 MB/day; limited server choice on free; based in US (Five Eyes); only 10-device limit.
• Official site: Hotspot Shield

10. TunnelBear: A Beginner-Friendly VPN Gate Alternative

TunnelBear is a whimsical, privacy-focused VPN that appeals to VPN newbies. It provides a free 500 MB/month plan (upgradeable to unlimited on paid plans). Its apps are extremely easy with a simple interface and “bear” branding. Under the hood, TunnelBear uses AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy (audited by a third party), and has a kill switch on all platforms. It also comes with GhostBear mode (obfuscation to bypass VPN blocks).

• Key features: 500 MB free data (trial mode); AES-256 encryption; audited no-logs policy; simple one-click apps; GhostBear obfuscation.
• Pros: Very easy to use and well-designed; audited privacy policy (no logs); free tier for basic use; attentive to DNS/WebRTC leak protection.
• Cons: Only 500 MB free (purchase needed for more); few servers and slower speeds; sometimes blocked on Netflix; based in Canada (Five Eyes).
• Official site: TunnelBear

VPN	Speed	Pricing	Ease of Use	Security	Free/Paid
ProtonVPN	Fast	Free, or $5–$10/mo (paid)	Easy, modern interface	AES-256; no-logs; Swiss privacy laws	Free + Paid
Windscribe	Good	Free ($0) or $9+/mo (pro)	Simple apps + browser extension	AES-256; no-logs; ad/tracker blocking	Free + Paid
Mullvad	Good	Paid only (~€5/mo)	Minimalist, anonymous login	AES-256; no-logs; kill switch	Paid only
NordVPN	Very Fast	Paid only (~$3–$12/mo)	Intuitive apps, many features	AES-256; audited no-logs; ThreatProtection	Paid only
ExpressVPN	Very Fast	Paid only (~$6–$13/mo)	Extremely user-friendly	AES-256; audited no-logs; TrustedServer	Paid only
Surfshark	Good	Paid only (~$2–$12/mo)	Clean, simple; unlimited devices	AES-256; no-logs; CleanWeb anti-malware	Paid only
Private Internet Access (PIA)	Good	Paid only (~$2–$10/mo)	Highly customizable apps	AES-256; no-logs; MACE ad-blocker	Paid only
CyberGhost	Good	Paid only (~$2–$13/mo)	Beginner-friendly, profiles	AES-256; no-logs; kill switch	Paid only
Hotspot Shield	Very Fast	Free or $8–$13/mo (premium)	Easy (simple interface)	AES-128/256; no-logs; kill switch	Free + Paid
TunnelBear	Moderate	Free or $4–$10/mo	Extremely easy (cute UI)	AES-256; no-logs (audited); kill switch	Free + Paid

In summary, there’s a VPN alternative to match every VPN Gate user’s needs. If you want robust privacy, Mullvad or NordVPN stand out. For free or budget solutions with decent protection, try ProtonVPN or Windscribe. Streaming fans and speed seekers may prefer ExpressVPN or CyberGhost for their fast, unblocking networks. Families or power users who need many connections will like Surfshark or PIA. Beginners who just want simplicity can go with TunnelBear. And if you need extremely fast, freemium access, Hotspot Shield is an option. In short, these VPN Gate alternatives each improve on VPN Gate’s limitations, giving you more security, speed, and usability for whatever your use case demands.