A military grade VPN is a piece of internet security software that encrypts and protects your private internet data. When you connect to a VPN server, the VPN will create an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet so that no one, including ISPs (Internet Service Providers), government agencies, malicious advertisers, cybercriminals, and hackers, can access or decipher it.
Encryption is a method of encoding data so that it is only readable to authorized parties. Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) refers to the symmetric key encryption cipher used to encrypt your data so that it is unreadable to anyone trying to access it.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption is certified by the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology as a safe method of safeguarding internet data. Currently, law enforcement officials, governments worldwide, and the military use it to safeguard sensitive information and files, ensuring national security at a top-secret level.
If you are concerned about your internet privacy and security, our cybersecurity experts recommend downloading and using a premium VPN that offers military-grade encryption.
Here are the best VPNs on the market in 2025 that offer military-grade AES bit encryption to protect your online activities.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, ChromeOS, FireOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows |
| Streaming: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouSee, DR TV, Disney+, Plex, Kodi, NBC, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, Apple TV |
| Browser Extentions: | Firefox, Safari, Chrome |
Pros:
Fast connection
Zero-log policy
More than 5000 worldwide servers
Cons:
Few payment options
Split tunneling unavaible
6 Devices Maximum
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs that delivers secure encryption and easy-to-use apps. It is another audited no-logs provider, too, so you can rest assured that your private data will be protected.
The well-known VPN provider operates on military-grade advanced encryption as a standard to ensure your online privacy is protected at all times.
There is support for an impressive range of secure VPN protocols, including OpenVPN TCP, OpenVPN UDP, IKEv2, and WireGuard. The military-grade VPN is also one of the fastest on the market, making it an excellent choice if you wish to access the geo-restricted content on overseas streaming sites like Netflix or for your specific needs.
NordVPN also comes with an independently audited no-logging policy, which is a real positive for any security-conscious users. This means that your VPN connection data will never be logged or shared by the Virtual Private Network.
There is a host of advanced security features with NordVPN, too, including a reliable kill-switch that will offer protection for your personal web traffic data in the case that the VPN connection drops for any reason.
Double VPN encryption will re-route your internet traffic through two different VPN servers simultaneously for an added layer of protection. NordVPN also comes with Onion over VPN, which sends your traffic via the encrypted Tor network for complete security and anonymity.
There are well-designed apps for every popular device and operating system, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and powerful browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. If you run into any issues while setting up the VPN software, there is 24/7 assistance to help you find a solution.
Prices start at $4.13 a month on the provider’s 2-year plan, making it one of the cheapest options on the market if you’re happy to commit to a long-term subscription. And, you’ll be protected by a risk-free 30-day refund policy. If you change your mind, request a refund, and you’ll get your money back, no questions asked.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
No log policy
Unlimited bandwith
Free version available
Cons:
No dedicated IPs
Limited features on free plan
Very few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Swiss-based ProtonVPN is one of the safest on the market. It delivers military-grade VPN encryption as standard as well as a host of other security features to protect your online privacy.
When you connect to ProtonVPN, your internet connection will be rerouted through an encrypted tunnel of servers to ensure an attacker or cybercriminal can’t access or steal your private information. The secure VPN will also enable access to websites and services typically blocked in your country or region.
Proton utilizes the highest encryption standard to ensure your online activity data is securely protected like all of the best VPNs. All of your internet traffic will be encrypted with AES-256 bit encryption, a 4096-bit RSA key exchange, and SHA384 message authentication encryption.
There is Perfect Forward Secrecy, too, which means that your encrypted traffic can’t be accessed and deciphered later, even if a previous encryption key is compromised. ProtonVPN operates on secure VPN protocols like IKEv2/IPSec and Open VPN.
The VPN service provider operates advanced VPN technology, including its own Secure Core VPN server network, which offers an additional layer of security against network-based attackers. The Secure Core remote server network will protect your internet connection by rerouting your data through multiple servers before it leaves the remote server network. This means that even if an attacker gained access to the exit server, they would be unable to view your sensitive data or link it back to your real IP address.
ProtonVPN delivers a decent network of just over 1,200 secure VPN servers spread across 55 countries worldwide. This means that you’ll have loads of choices when it comes to finding a private connection, no matter where you are.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Unblocks streaming services
Based in privacy-friendly country
Cons:
No phone support
No 12 month plan
Few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
If you’re looking for an affordable encrypted VPN solution, Surfshark is arguably the best option. There is military-grade VPN encryption as standard, support for secure VPN protocols, as well as a generous unlimited simultaneous connections policy.
Surfshark is one of the most attractive Virtual Private Network services on the market. It delivers a premium service with military-grade VPN encryption, a decent server network, well-designed clients for all popular devices and operating systems, and an unlimited simultaneous connections policy.
The encrypted VPN operates on AES-256 bit encryption and a host of secure protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard to ensure your internet data remains private and secure. There is private DNS on every server, which offers an added layer of protection against attackers and cybercriminals, even on public wi-fi networks.
Surfshark also offers the option to activate Multi-Hop VPN encryption which will re-route your traffic through two different servers simultaneously to ensure no one can access your private data or link it back to your real IP address.
Surfshark’s headquarters are in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands is a major draw for users who want to remain completely private and anonymous online. Although it has not yet received a complete independent audit, the provider did receive an audit of its browser extensions. It offers an excellent, transparent no-logs policy, meaning your online activities won’t be stored or shared.
Connection speeds are excellent, especially if you connect using the WireGuard protocol. This means that you can stream and game in high-definition without lagging or buffering. There’s unlimited bandwidth, too, so you don’t have to worry about how much data you’re consuming and can enjoy a great online experience.
The VPN is an excellent choice if you want to access overseas streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more too.
Customer support is industry-standard, with a 24/7 live chat and a host of written articles available on the website. The Surfshark 2-year plan costs only $2.49 a month.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Plenty of payment methods
24 hours live chat support
30 days money back guarantee
Cons:
More expensive than competitors
Only 5 simultaneous connections
No servers in Russia
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN services on the market. It operates on military-grade encryption and supports a host of secure protocols like OpenVPN TCP, OpenVPN UDP, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, and LightWay.
If you are concerned about your internet privacy, ExpressVPN is one of the most secure VPN solutions on the market. It operates on the highest-grade AES-256 bit encryption as standard to ensure you enjoy a secure network connection and that your online activities are not accessible or readable by anyone.
ExpressVPN has also completed an independent security audit of its no-logging policy, so you can rest assured that the VPN will never store or share your private data or browsing history with third parties for profit. Its location in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands is another draw for security-conscious users.
The VPN provider also employs advanced TrustedServer VPN technology, which means that all of ExpressVPN’s servers operate on RAM rather than traditional, less secure hard drives. All information is deleted after every reboot, and data cannot be physically stored.
There are easy-to-use apps that feature a clear “Connect” button to enable an instant connection to the best available VPN server in terms of speed and geographical proximity. You can use the VPN on mobile devices such as iOS devices and desktop systems.
All subscription plans come with a risk-free 30-day refund policy, too, so you can test the military-grade VPN fully before making a decision. Prices start at $8.32 a month on the 12-month plan.
Although it may be one of the more expensive providers, the advanced security features and military-grade encryption on offer are arguably worth the extra investment.
Military-grade encryption refers to AES-256 bit encryption. There are different levels of Advanced Encryption Standard, and AES-265 is considered to be the strongest out there, which is why most VPN solutions employ it. It is hard for hackers to brute force AES-256 bit encryption.
While AES-128 is not, by definition, military-grade VPN encryption, it will provide you with an encrypted connection that protects your sensitive data. In some cases, AES-128 bit encryption can provide users with a secure and fast connection since the lower level of encryption can result in faster speeds.
So, if you want online privacy and security to protect your online data, AES-256 bit is the better encryption standard. However, AES-128 bit encryption is still top-tier encryption that can offer you a better internet connection in terms of speed for activities like torrenting and streaming.
If you want top-notch security online and for it to be virtually impossible for any third parties like Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to gain access to your online data, then you need military-grade encryption. Unsecure connections are just too risky nowadays. Here are the benefits encryption offers to internet users:
When looking for an encrypted VPN service, you should also consider whether or not the VPN offers other features aside from advanced VPN encryption. Here’s what cybersecurity experts worldwide recommend you look for:
A major aspect of VPN encryption depends on the VPN protocol you use. A VPN protocol refers to how your data is sent and received through the VPN tunnel to its intended destination.
The encryption protocol you choose will affect the strength of your VPN connection and the level of online security you enjoy.
Here is a quick overview of the best VPN protocols if you want to ensure your encrypted data and browsing history remain private and that you stay secure at all times online.
Some VPN services like NordVPN and ExpressVPN even offer a proprietary protocol for a more secure connection for your encrypted data.
Most free VPNs don’t employ high standards of encryption or any at all. As well as this, free services may use a less secure encryption protocol such as PPTP, which exposes you to more risks and makes it easier for others to see your browsing history. One example of a VPN service that doesn’t offer encryption or good security protocol levels is Hola.
On the other hand, there are some VPN providers that offer free VPNs that provide the strongest protection. ProtonVPN and Hotspot Shield are two services that offer free tiers which employ encryption that is almost impossible to crack.
Military-grade encryption is essential for national security and securing networks from the outside world. But it is also vital for individual internet users as attacks on home and public wi-fi networks increase.
We recommend downloading one of the VPN providers above to enjoy advanced encryption and safe protocols for the powerful cryptographic algorithms the combination provides. This will keep you safe on the web and ensure you have a high level of online privacy and security.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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