You’ve heard of using a VPN on your laptop or smartphone—but what about your kitchen appliances? While putting a VPN on a toaster may sound ridiculous (and, to be fair, it is), this experiment proves one thing: you can secure just about anything these days.
So what does this mean for your actual devices—those you should protect with a VPN? Whether you’re looking for the cheapest option or the best VPN for each platform, here’s a breakdown to help you choose wisely.
🛡️ Why Put a VPN on (Almost) Everything?
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) helps encrypt your data, mask your IP address, and prevent tracking or throttling. While your toaster might not need that level of protection (yet), your personal devices certainly do.
🔍 What We Found: Best VPNs by Category
Here’s what stood out when we searched for the best VPNs across devices and use cases:
- Cheapest VPN
If you’re on a tight budget, PrivadoVPN and Atlas VPN offer free plans with decent speeds and reasonable data caps. For paid options, Surfshark consistently ranks as one of the most affordable premium VPNs, with prices as low as €2/month on long-term plans. - VPN for Windows
NordVPN offers a native Windows app with a clean interface, powerful encryption, and support for split tunneling and kill switch features. It’s fast and beginner-friendly, with plenty of server locations. - VPN for Mac
ExpressVPN is often recommended for Mac users due to its seamless integration with macOS, strong privacy track record, and excellent speed. It’s easy to install and doesn’t hog system resources. - VPN for Linux
Proton VPN stands out with strong command-line support and full-featured Linux compatibility (without cutting back on features). It’s open-source friendly and privacy-focused. - VPN for iPhone
Surfshark works especially well on iOS, with WireGuard support, clean design, and the ability to bypass geo-blocks easily—perfect for both security and streaming. - VPN for iPad
CyberGhost delivers an optimized iPad experience with a user-friendly app and specialized servers for streaming and torrenting. Great for travelers and casual users alike. - VPN for Android
Mullvad VPN is a privacy purist’s dream: no email, no tracking, and open-source apps for Android. If you prefer something more mainstream, NordVPN is a solid second choice with fast, stable connections. - VPN for Router
Want to protect everything at once—including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and yes, toasters? ExpressVPN’s router app makes it simple to secure your entire network. It supports many models and even offers its own pre-configured router.
🥪 Final Thoughts From the Toaster
Okay, the toaster didn’t really benefit from military-grade encryption—but the point remains: VPNs are more versatile and accessible than ever. Whether you’re gaming, working remotely, or watching Netflix abroad, there’s a VPN tailored for your platform and budget.
Just don’t try to sideload one into your toaster.