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These are the fastest, safest, and most versatile VPNs on the market today.
Last Updated: December 12, 2024
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The web is full of cybercriminals, hackers, and spies. A virtual private network (VPN) is essential for safeguarding your data, avoiding surveillance, and bypassing geo-blocks.
There are too many VPN providers. It’s challenging to determine which is the best, especially when they all claim to be.
We’ve tested dozens of VPN services, so you don’t have to. Most fell short, but 15 VPN providers made it to this list. We’ve ranked them to help you pick a VPN that fits your needs.
We spent weeks of rigorous testing to compile our list of the top VPN services for 2024. We assessed their security, privacy policies, customer support, pricing, and ease of use. We also examined the number of servers, unblocking capabilities, and compatibility with various devices.
Our team shortlisted only the VPNs that offered robust security and unblocked popular streaming platforms. We also ensured the selected VPNs delivered consistent speeds across various server locations and had an adequate refund policy.
We wanted to leave no room for doubt and ensure that the VPNs are trustworthy and capable of protecting your online privacy.
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ExpressVPN uses military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. It offers L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and proprietary Lightway VPN protocols.
ExpressVPN does not support WireGuard, one of the most used communication protocols in the VPN industry. But Lightway is faster and consumes fewer resources.
PwC audited ExpressVPN’s privacy policy. It is one of the world’s biggest auditing firms. ExpressVPN said they were pleased with the process from start to finish.
The VPN service is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which has no mandatory data retention laws and doesn’t participate in the 14 Eyes Alliance.
To prevent data leaks, the kill switch feature automatically blocks your internet when the VPN connection is interrupted. The service also uses TrustedServer technology based on RAM-only servers. The data is wiped clean when the power is turned off or the server restarts.
ExpressVPN runs private DNS on all its infrastructure to prevent any data leaks. Moreover, it offers an advanced protection feature, Threat Manager, which prevents websites and apps from recording your online activities.
Few can rival ExpressVPN’s unblocking of streaming platforms. Its VPN server fleet covers 105 countries, allowing you to access content from all over the world.
The website no longer states a precise server count. In 2022, ExpressVPN shut down servers in Russia and India due to data retention regulations. Fortunately, ExpressVPN still offers virtual servers in India that give access to region-specific content without risking your data privacy.
The provider uses obfuscated connections, which disguise your VPN traffic as regular web traffic. As a result, neither your ISP nor anyone who might be trying to spy on your connection will be able to tell you’re using a VPN.
Few VPNs work in countries with strict censorship, like China. However, ExpressVPN bypasses China’s Great Firewall, allowing you to use Spotify, Facebook, Google, or YouTube.
A VPN inevitably slows down your connection due to strong encryption and extra data travel. However, how slow it gets varies widely.
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN service, only decreasing connection speeds by 5%–15% on most servers. That usually affords you sufficient speeds to stream video content, torrent, or play online games.
ExpressVPN is fast because of its proprietary Lightway VPN protocol. Furthermore, they are upgrading their server bandwidth from 1Gbps to 10Gbps worldwide. Please note that the bandwidth is the total data capacity a server can handle per second and is unrelated to your internet connection.
ExpressVPN works with most major devices and operating systems, including:
ExpressVPN allows you to connect VPN on up to 8 simultaneous devices. However, if you have configured ExpressVPN on your router, all devices connected to your router count as one. If your router doesn’t support VPN, consider getting ExpressVPN’s Aircove or Aircove Portable.
Torrenting is allowed on all ExpressVPN servers, and split tunneling lets you set the torrent client to use the VPN tunnel while other apps continue using your ISP’s network.
Installing and setting up ExpressVPN is straightforward, even if you’re a first-time VPN user. Subscribe to your preferred plan, register an account, download the app, and log in, and you’re all set. If you’re stuck, refer to the step-by-step installation guides on ExpressVPN’s website.
The ExpressVPN app’s interface is clean and easy to navigate. You won’t miss the large Connect button on the dashboard or the server location menu. If you’re unsure, use the Smart Location feature—it will pick the best available server for your location and device. The app also shows recommended alternative locations and your recent locations.
The ExpressVPN apps’ interfaces are largely similar across devices, so it does not take long to get used to them when you switch them. Furthermore, the interface and settings menu are uncluttered and uncomplicated.
ExpressVPN’s browser extension works as a remote control for the desktop app. Most VPN browser extensions only protect your browser traffic but don’t encrypt other app traffic. Since ExpressVPN’s browser extension controls the app, it protects all your traffic.
ExpressVPN is in the upper price range, with the cheapest monthly subscription priced at $6.67. There’s no free trial, but you can try ExpressVPN risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee. Occasionally, you can find a discount coupon or get the app much cheaper, such as during a Black Friday sale.
The provider’s website has a comprehensive knowledge base with FAQs, setup tutorials, and blog articles. If that’s not enough, you can contact customer support over email or 24/7 live chat. Customer service agents are always polite, friendly, and, most importantly, helpful.
The live chat is only available in English. However, the knowledge base is available in German, Dutch, French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
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Like most top-rated VPNs, CyberGhost uses military-grade encryption standards to safeguard your data. It offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard tunneling protocols, so there’s an option to choose from for every use case.
CyberGhost VPN’s no-logs policy passed Deloitte’s independent audit in 2022. Therefore, you can trust this VPN provider to safeguard your data.
CyberGhost is owned by the same parent company as ExpressVPN, Kape Technologies. Although Kape has had its share of scandals, there’s no evidence that the parent organization is anything other than a holding company.
CyberGhost VPN is headquartered in Romania, an EU member country with strict data privacy laws. Romania doesn’t belong to the 14 Eyes Alliance and isn’t obliged to share intelligence data with other governments.
More importantly, CyberGhost’s infrastructure is RAM-only, which means any data handled by its servers is automatically deleted upon shutdown or reboot.
CyberGhost VPN includes a kill switch on all its apps to prevent data leaks in case of connection issues. My tests didn’t detect any WebRTC or DNS leaks, nor did we find leak reports from other users.
Windows users can get extra protection with CyberGhost Security Suite for an extra fee. It upgrades the VPN client to include an antivirus, malware blocker, and security updater.
CyberGhost is one of the few VPNs that can compete with ExpressVPN regarding unblocking capabilities. It unlocked the Netflix US and UK on the first try. Even if CyberGhost runs into geo-blocks, connecting to a different location in the same region usually resolves the issue. CyberGhost VPN also unblocks Hulu, Max, Disney+, and other popular streaming platforms.
If you ever find a server location blocked on a particular site or platform, you can write to customer support, and they’ll take care of it. Their team regularly updates server IP addresses.
Speed loss is barely noticeable on most CyberGhost VPN servers, particularly if they’re close to your location. Speeds with some distant locations can be disappointing, but that’s a common problem with VPNs.
CyberGhost’s streaming and torrenting-optimized locations provide better speeds than regular connections. You can watch Netflix or Max without interruptions and play games online with minimal latency.
The NoSpy servers inevitably slow down connections because of extra encryption, so you can expect the VPN to perform worse on these servers, but you’ll have enhanced security and privacy. Whether NoSpy servers are included in your subscription depends on when you get it. Sometimes, it’s a paid add-on, but sometimes, it’s included with your regular VPN subscription during certain promotions.
CyberGhost has dedicated apps for all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Chrome OS. It’s also compatible with gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other devices via smart DNS or router.
CyberGhost has extensions for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome but not for Safari or Opera. Both extensions are free but only provide 8 server locations across four countries: Romania, the US, the Netherlands, and Germany.
You can use CyberGhost on seven devices simultaneously. The limit only refers to active connections. You can install CyberGhost on as many devices as you like. Furthermore, if you set up CyberGhost on a router, you can connect unlimited devices to the router.
Torrenting is allowed on all servers, but you’re better off using the P2P-optimized locations for faster speeds and extra protection.
Split tunneling is only available on Android for now.
Although CyberGhost doesn’t have Tor-optimized servers, you can connect to any server before using the Tor browser.
CyberGhost has server locations worldwide, including some countries unavailable with most providers, like Russia and mainland China. The provider uses virtual servers in countries with strict surveillance to safeguard your data.
Setting up CyberGhost is a no-brainer, even if you’ve never used a VPN. All you need to do is purchase a subscription, install the app, and log in. The app has features, but it’s easy to navigate and offers a smooth experience.
The Best Location feature automatically connects you to the fastest server, which is excellent for newbies or if you don’t care where your IP is geo-located. Server locations are categorized into streaming, gaming, torrenting, and NoSpy, so finding one to fit your needs is easy.
CyberGhost VPN’s monthly subscription is pricey, but you can save about 80% by subscribing to the two-year plan, which makes it one of the cheapest VPNs available. Plus, you can access a 45-day refund with a long-term subscription. Sometimes, CyberGhost offers even better deals on its website.
CyberGhost also offers a free trial that doesn’t require payment information. The free trial lasts only 24 hours for Windows and Mac. Android gets a 3-day free trial, while iOS gets a 7-day one.
If you’ve encountered a problem while using the app, you will likely find a solution in CyberGhost’s online knowledge base. Alternatively, you can contact 24/7 chat support, which is very friendly and can help you in English, German, or French.
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Unlike many VPNs, PIA uses AES 128-bit encryption by default. It’s not as strong as AES 256-bit encryption used by other providers, but it’s generally faster. You can switch to AES 256-bit if you want to. The PIA app supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and KEv2/IPSec protocols and SOCKS5 proxy connections.
A Big Four consultancy firm audited PIA’s no-logs privacy policy, which confirmed the company’s claims are valid. PIA is headquartered in the US and a member of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, so it might be forced to share intelligence data with other member countries. However, data collected by PIA is insufficient to identify anyone, and this was proven in a Federal court. Like CyberGhost and ExpressVPN, PIA is owned by Kape Technologies.
PIA’s security features include a kill switch, a built-in ad and malware blocker, custom DNS settings, and multi-hop obfuscation. We wanted to ensure PIA doesn’t leak your data, so we ran some tests that didn’t identify any issues.
PIA did reasonably well in my unblocking tests. It unblocks Netflix US and UK, Max, Disney+, Hulu, and other streaming content, even content it struggled to access in our 2021 tests. The likely reason for the improvement is the obfuscation added to desktop and mobile apps in 2022.
Unfortunately, PIA is unreliable in China. Obfuscated server locations do the job, but the Chinese government blocks regular server IP addresses. The PIA team acknowledges that some users cannot bypass the Great Firewall, and they’re working on a solution.
PIA claims to be the fastest VPN service in the industry, but try to find one that doesn’t claim to be the same.
While it isn’t necessarily the fastest VPN service, it’s certainly not the slowest. With local servers, PIA dropped our speeds by roughly 15% to 20%, and distant locations were downright slow. Note that VPN speeds depend on many factors, including encryption strength, distance to the server, network load, and protocol choice.
PIA has Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux, and Android apps. You can also install it on your router to share a Wi-Fi connection with gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other devices. The Chrome, Firefox, and Opera extensions only encrypt your browser traffic.
PIA upgraded its previous 10-device limit to unlimited simultaneous connections. That’s handy if you have many devices or want to share the subscription with your household.
Torrenting is allowed on the entire network. Port forwarding allows you to redirect incoming connections to bypass NAT firewalls. Unfortunately, split tunneling is only available on the Windows, Linux, and macOS apps.
PIA has servers in 91 countries and all 50 US states. However, the company no longer discloses the exact server count.
In 2022, PIA replaced its physical servers in India with virtual ones following an update to the country’s data retention laws. This was the right move, as they could no longer guarantee their infrastructure was safe from local interference. Most major VPN services did the same thing.
The PIA app is sleek and intuitive. The interface isn’t overwhelming, yet it has all the features you need to tailor the experience to your needs. Like most VPNs, the Quick Connect button will pick the fastest location. Alternatively, you can scroll through the location list and pick the one with the lowest ping, displayed to the right of the location’s name.
We recommend PIA for both newbies and tech experts. The default settings are elementary, but you can configure connections more than possible with other VPN providers based on your needs. Power users will appreciate piactl, PIA’s command-line desktop tool with more configuration options.
PIA’s monthly plan isn’t cheap, but you can save 83% by subscribing for two years (with four free months). Fortunately, all plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee. No free trial is available.
PIA’s online knowledge base is one of the best I’ve come across. You can find installation guides, VPN use cases, troubleshooting guides, and contact support via email or 24/7 live chat. PIA used to have a forum where users could share problems and suggestions, but it was shut down in 2021.
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IPVanish offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. Compared to some VPNs, there are few choices, but it offers the most popular protocols.
In 2022, Leviathan Security Group audited and certified IPVanish’s no-logs policy. Although the VPN provider is headquartered in Los Angeles and complies with US data retention regulations, it couldn’t share any valuable user data even if it wanted to. According to its no-logs policy, there’s nothing to share in the first place.
IPVanish offers a kill switch on macOS, Windows, and Android. Besides the standard system-wide kill switch, IPVanish has an advanced solution to block local network traffic. The app’s DNS leak protection works as intended, as we didn’t identify any problems during our tests. IPVanish doesn’t yet have IPv6 leak protection, but neither do most competing VPNs.
IPVanish’s obfuscation setting is called Scramble, and it helps you hide your VPN traffic when you’re worried about surveillance or bypassing strong blocks.
During our tests, the VPN bypassed most geo-restrictions easily as it unblocked Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and other services.
IPVanish’s speeds are surprisingly consistent across locations. Even when connected to a server on another continent with the most robust encryption protocol, download speeds didn’t drop by more than 20%.
IPVanish’s apps are available on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome OS, and Linux. You can install the VPN on DD-WRT, Tomato, and high-end RT series ASUS routers, which allows you to share the VPN connection with other devices, like your gaming console or smart TV.
Unlike most VPNs, IPVanish has no device limits, so it’s best if you have a big family or household with which to share the subscription. However, IPVanish monitors usage for abuse, so don’t risk sharing your subscription with other households, or you might lose your account.
IPVanish doesn’t frown upon torrenting but doesn’t explicitly support it, which is standard practice for VPNs operating in countries that take a tough stance against torrenting. Given the no-logs policy and obfuscation, IPVanish is a good choice for P2P file sharing. But don’t expect crazy P2P speeds because IPVanish doesn’t support port forwarding.
IPVanish’s split tunneling is only available on its mobile apps.
IPVanish app is minimalist yet functional. The home screen has a large interactive world map and a Quick Connect button that picks the best-performing server for your location and device. Server locations have real-time ping and server load indicators.
The settings are simple enough for a newbie to understand but customizable enough for power users. IPVanish’s apps explain how the protocols differ and how each feature works.
Like many premium VPNs, IPVanish has no free trial except on Android and iOS. However, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the yearly plan. Be cautious because IPVanish’s monthly and quarterly plans do not give you a refund period.
Online self-support resources can save you a lot of time. IPVanish’s knowledge base includes setup tutorials, FAQs, company updates, and articles on cybersecurity. The 24/7 email and live chat support were prompt and helpful during our interactions.
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NordVPN uses the industry standard AES 256-bit encryption like the other top VPNs. But NordVPN has other security features to impress. Apart from IKEv2 and OpenVPN, it offers the proprietary NordLynx protocol built on WireGuard’s backbone. My tests showed NordLynx outperforms the other protocols in most cases.
NordVPN’s no-logs policy passed PwC’s independent audit, confirming the company’s valid claims. With headquarters in Panama, NordVPN isn’t obliged to collect or share user data with authorities.
The provider’s split-tunneling allows you to block connections on specific apps rather than system-wide. In contrast, the optional DoubleVPN feature can route your web traffic through two server locations for extra security. The app comes with a built-in ad blocker and a dark web monitor that lets you know when your info shows up in data breaches on the dark web.
With the Meshnet feature, you can access files on remote devices, connect to your local server, or host LAN parties without security threats. Currently, no other VPN service has anything close to Nord’s Meshnet.
NordVPN takes good care of its IP addresses so you can access Netflix, Hulu, Max, and other streaming platforms without hassle.
NordVPN’s blog says you can try using it in China to bypass the Great Firewall, but it stops short of guaranteeing that it works there. Almost all comments on the same blog page are from users who claim NordVPN does not work in China.
NordVPN is a fast VPN only if you connect via the NordLynx tunnel. On NordLynx, even the privacy-optimized servers have decent speeds for streaming, torrenting, and lag-free gaming.
Protocols other than NordLynx provide inconsistent speeds even with local servers.
NordVPN has desktop and mobile apps for all popular operating systems. It’s also compatible with Meta Quest 2, Raspberry Pi, Chromebook, Amazon Kindle, and nearly any other device via a router. You can use the app on up to six devices at a time, which puts it behind ExpressVPN and PIA.
NordVPN doesn’t restrict torrenting activity on its network and even has P2P servers in several prominent regions, including the US, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, and select European countries. However, only its Windows and Android apps support split tunneling.
Although NordVPN’s server fleet is impressive, there are no server locations in Russia, Belarus, Turkmenistan, or any neighboring countries. In 2022, Nord shut down its servers in India, and unlike some of its competitors, it doesn’t plan on offering virtual replacements for people still looking to access local Indian content.
NordVPN’s app is easy to install and use. It has a functional world map and several specialty server categories. The settings menu is beginner-friendly and offers just the right customization options.
NordVPN pricing is comparable to other top VPNs like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost VPN. You can choose from three plans with different add-ons: a secure password manager, cloud storage, and a data breach scanner.
Note that VAT will be added at checkout if applicable. All subscriptions are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, even if you paid with a cryptocurrency.
The website has comprehensive support resources with troubleshooting guides, FAQs, and company news. 24/7 customer support is also available via email or live chat should you need more help.
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Surfshark limits protocol choice to the modern trusted WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. German consultancy firm Cure53 audited Surfshark’s no-logs policy and confirmed its accuracy.
Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which complies with the EU’s strict data privacy laws and doesn’t participate in the 14 Eyes Alliance. The app has a built-in ad and malware blocker, a kill switch, GPS spoofing, and even a cookie pop-up blocker.
Thanks to obfuscation, Surfshark unblocks every streaming platform we tried accessing. It bypasses the Great Firewall as quickly as other geo-blocks. However, remember that obfuscation slows down connection speeds.
Surfshark’s server fleet supports speeds up to 10 Gbps, so with high base speed, speed drops are barely noticeable even with distant locations. Popular servers might get overcrowded sometimes, but Surfshark is an excellent choice for streaming, online gaming, or torrenting.
Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that offers unlimited connections. Plus, it runs on nearly every platform. Even if your device doesn’t have a dedicated app, you can protect it via your router.
Torrenting is allowed on the entire network, but Surfshark doesn’t have P2P-optimized locations. The same goes for Tor over VPN—Surfshark supports Tor but doesn’t have features to make your dark web browsing smoother.
Setting up Surfshark is straightforward, even if you’ve never seen an installation screen. Subscribe to your preferred plan, register an account, download the app, and you’re ready to surf the web.
The app interface is basic but good. It includes an auto-connect button, an alphabetically ordered location list, and essential settings. It’s simple enough for beginners, but advanced users might find it too minimalistic.
Surfhshark prices are cost-effective compared to many other VPNs. It has a high monthly cost, but you can save substantially on long-term plans. If you subscribe for two years, your account will default to pricier one-year payments after the initial subscription period. There’s no free trial, but you can get a refund within 30 days of purchase.
Surfshark’s website provides installation tutorials, troubleshooting instructions, and FAQs. Support agents are available via email or 24/7 live chat.
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Hotspot Shield uses AES 128-bit or AES 256-bit encryption and offers a proprietary Hydra tunneling protocol. Although Hydra seems fine, it is too soon to determine if it is as good as OpenVPN or WireGuard.
Hotspot Shield’s no-logs policy has yet to be audited by third-party experts. The company is headquartered in California. The US has somewhat invasive privacy regulations so a privacy audit wouldn’t hurt. The good news is that Hotspot Shield’s app code passed an independent security audit.
A kill switch is available for both free and paid subscriptions. The Premium plan comes with built-in malware protection. So far, Hotspot Shield hasn’t been involved in any data leak scandals.
Hotspot Shield unblocked geo-restricted platforms with no hassle. Its Premium plan is an excellent choice if you want to watch Netflix, Max, Hulu, Disney+, and other streaming platforms.
The service also works in China, though it isn’t as reliable as top-rated VPNs. You can only access Western platforms from China if you have the Premium plan and connect via obfuscated locations. Even then, you might need to try several locations until you find one that works.
Hotspot Shield provides impressive speeds at a high price. My tests showed an average of 15% drop in connection speeds, which allows for buffer-free video streaming and no-lag online gaming.
Hotspot Shield has desktop and mobile apps for all popular operating systems, select routers and Smart TVs. However, you must subscribe to the Premium plan, which allows 10 simultaneous device connections to cover your entire home network. The free plan only allows one.
There are no P2P-optimized locations, but torrenting is allowed on the entire Premium server fleet. Unfortunately, the free plan only offers one virtual location in the US and doesn’t support streaming or torrenting.
If you are looking for a simple, uncluttered VPN service, consider Hotspot Shield. It’s ideal for first-time users, as you can connect with one click without being distracted by unnecessary configurations. At the same time, no vital information or features are missing. Plus, you can install the app for free to see whether you like the interface.
Hotspot Shield is one of the best free VPNs. The Basic plan only offers one virtual location and shows sponsors’ ads, but it’s a trustworthy option if you care about privacy. All premium subscriptions have a 45-day money-back guarantee. Note that Basic plan users only get access to FAQs on the website, whereas Premium plan users can contact support via email or 24/7 live chat.
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Windscribe offers the choice between OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. That’s not much, but Windscribe deliberately excluded outdated protocols with inadequate security or speed.
Windscribe’s head office is located in Canada, a member of the Five Eyes Alliance. This fact might raise data breach concerns, given that Windscribe’s no-logs policy is yet to be audited.
With free and paid plans, a kill switch is available for Windscribe desktop clients. However, only Premium plan users get additional features, like port forwarding, split tunneling, double VPN, GPS spoofing, the domain and IP address blocking tool ROBERT, and the option to purchase a static IP address.
Windscribe doesn’t yet have obfuscated locations, so it has had mixed success in bypassing geo-restrictions. It unblocks some Netflix libraries, Max, and Fubo.tv but fails to access Disney+ and Peacock. For the same reason, Windscribe is useless in China.
Windscribe speed test results are typical. Local servers are blazing fast, but distant ones are disappointing. Streaming-optimized locations perform better, but there aren’t many available. Windscribe isn’t the best choice if your connection is initially slow, but you won’t notice a drastic difference if you have 1 Gbps home internet.
Windscribe has apps for all popular operating systems and can work on other internet-connected devices via your router. It also has Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, MS Edge, and Opera extensions. All plans allow unlimited connections, making Windscribe a cost-effective option.
Torrenting is allowed in select locations. The free version only offers locations in the US, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, Romania, the Netherlands, and Norway. It also limits you to 10 GB of data monthly, so it isn’t great for torrenting.
Installing Windscribe takes a few clicks. After you create an account, you’ll receive detailed instructions on setting up the app. The desktop client could have better navigation, so we don’t recommend it for beginners. However, if you’re an experienced user, you’ll have no problem finding the necessary settings.
Apart from free and Premium subscriptions, Windscribe offers custom and business plans. You only have three days to decide whether you like the service and claim your refund, so set a reminder.
Windscribe has a comprehensive knowledge base, an active Subreddit, and 24/7 chatbot support but no live chat support. You can only talk to a human agent via email.
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VPN Unlimited offers IKEv2, OpenVPN, UDP, TCP, WireGuard, and L2TP. It also offers its proprietary protocol, KeepSolid Wise, created to bypass geo-restrictions effectively.
The company’s headquarters are in New York, which might raise data safety concerns. Moreover, the VPN’s no-logs claims have yet to undergo an independent audit.
All desktop and mobile apps support a kill switch. You can get other MonoDefense package apps for extra security, including antivirus and an encrypted password manager.
VPN Unlimited’s proprietary KeepSolid Wise protocol works as intended, bypassing geo-blocks like they’re non-existent. The service accessed every streaming platform on our list and even works from China. However, the number of obfuscated locations is limited, so if you’re in China, you can only access content from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India.
Speed is VPN Unlimited’s weak spot. It’s decent with local and streaming-optimized servers, but don’t expect to enjoy fast downloads with distant locations. We don’t recommend this service unless you’re a light user.
VPN Unlimited allows five simultaneous device connections, but you can purchase extra slots. Each device must be registered and is counted even if you’re not connected. Most VPNs allow you to install their app on unlimited devices but only connect a specific number of devices simultaneously. So VPN Unlimited loses a point here.
The VPN has apps for all major operating systems and can protect other internet-connected devices via a router. Extensions are available for Firefox, Chrome, Opera, and Edge. Torrenting is restricted to France, Canada, and Romania. You can purchase a static IP address in Canada, the UK, the Netherlands, or the US.
The VPN Unlimited app is functional and appealing. It has a static world map with available locations, so you can’t zoom in or click on it to change your IP address. Servers are organized into General, Recommended, Favorites, Torrenting, and Streaming, a significant time-saver. Settings are easy to navigate and uncluttered.
VPN Unlimited does not offer a free plan or trial, but all subscriptions are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. PayPal users receive a 10% discount. If you can’t stand recurring subscriptions, consider the lifetime subscription for $199. Online support resources are well-structured and informative, but there is no 24/7 support.
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With TunnelBear, OpenVPN is available on all platforms, whereas WireGuard and IKEv2 are only on Windows and iOS.
Although the company is headquartered in Canada and is a member of the Five Eyes Alliance, its privacy policy undergoes an independent audit every year. Even if authorities request your data, TunnelBear will have nothing helpful to hand over.
TunnelBear has a kill switch except on iPad and iPhone, while split tunneling is only supported on Android.
There’s an obfuscation feature called GhostBear, which conceals your VPN traffic to make it look like regular internet traffic. This helps bypass most geo-blocks, even those introduced by the Chinese government. GhostBear works in all locations but isn’t available on iOS.
TunnelBear performed exceptionally well during our speed tests. The website doesn’t mention the number of servers available or their bandwidth, but we suspect both numbers are high because speeds were consistent even with distant locations. GhostBear slows down connections, but that’s inevitable with obfuscation.
TunnelBear has desktop and mobile apps for popular operating systems and Chrome and Firefox extensions. It doesn’t work on routers, consoles, or streaming devices. It’s among the few VPN services that allow unlimited connections with all plans. TunnelBear doesn’t explicitly prohibit torrenting but doesn’t have P2P-optimized locations either.
Installing TunnelBear takes a few minutes. The TunnelBear app designers did a brilliant job creating a functional and appealing interface. The menu is easy to navigate, and its appearance stands out. It presents an interactive, colorful map with cute bears peeking from tunnels. The app is suitable if it’s your first time using a VPN, but it won’t disappoint even the most tech-savvy users.
TunnelBear does not offer a refund guarantee but offers a free plan to test all its features. The only difference between the free version and paid subscriptions is the free plan’s 500 MB monthly data limit. Customer support could be improved, as the FAQs are very short, and support agents are only available via email.
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VyprVPN offers WireGuard, IPSec, OpenVPN, and the proprietary Chameleon protocol. The NAT Firewall feature blocks unrequested inbound traffic and doesn’t require configuration—it works by default on all devices.
VyprVPN is headquartered in the US and is a member of the Five Eyes Alliance. However, Leviathan Security confirmed that its no-logs claims are valid. The kill switch, a network lock, only works on desktops. If the VPN connection drops, your mobile device will be at risk of data leaks.
VyprVPN is a superb VPN for bypassing geo-blocks because of its Chameleon protocol. It is available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and routers. It unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and most other streaming platforms. For the same reason, VyprVPN is among the best VPN services for China.
VyprVPN isn’t the fastest VPN service, but it is certainly not the slowest. It delivers sufficiently fast speeds with local servers but might be relatively slow with distant locations. The app shows each server’s ping, which can help you pick the best option.
VyprVPN has apps for desktop, mobile, and Roku. You can also install it on your router and share the connection with other devices via Wi-Fi. The website doesn’t mention the maximum number of simultaneous connections, so we had to contact support. The agent clarified you can connect up to 10 devices at once. Torrenting and P2P traffic is allowed on the entire VPN network.
The VyprVPN app is modern and easy to use. The interface is clean, so you won’t have a problem finding the necessary features even if you’ve never used a VPN. Plus, the app is available in many languages.
VyprVPN costs similarly to the top five VPNs, but you can save 50% by choosing the annual plan. Thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee, you don’t risk anything. If you encounter any issues, customer service agents are available 24/7 via live chat. The website also has excellent online support resources, including guides on using a VPN, troubleshooting, and installation.
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Proton VPN offers OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and its proprietary Stealth protocol that uses obfuscation to bypass firewalls.
Proton VPN is among the best VPN services for privacy because it’s headquartered in Switzerland. Moreover, Securitum regularly audits its no-logs policy.
Kill switch, multi-hop, and ad-blocker features are available in all Proton VPN apps. Split tunneling is available on Windows and Android, but there’s no split tunneling on macOS and iOS.
The Stealth protocol makes Proton VPN one of the best VPNs for bypassing geo-blocks. It accesses most streaming platforms and works in China, Russia, and Iran. The free plan supports Stealth only in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan.
Proton VPN delivers fast speeds with local servers but not with distant locations. The Plus plan supports 10 Gbps speeds, so a paid subscription offers better performance.
You can use the Proton VPN desktop and mobile apps or share a secure connection with other devices via your router. The free plan only allows one active connection, but you can connect up to 10 devices with a paid subscription. Unlike other best VPNs, Proton VPN doesn’t have browser extensions.
Torrenting is only supported with paid plans. You can use any server, but P2P-optimized locations provide better speeds. All plans, including free, offer unlimited bandwidth.
Even after testing top-rated VPNs, we were impressed with Proton VPN’s ease of installation and use. You’ll be taken on a quick tour when you launch the app for the first time. The simple interface doesn’t equate to limited, though. The Proton VPN app has numerous configuration options, including short descriptions.
If you’re looking for a free VPN service with unlimited bandwidth and advanced privacy features, Proton VPN might be your best bet. The free plan doesn’t support Tor, streaming, or torrenting and only offers three locations. Still, it’s a trustworthy choice for light VPN users.
The money-back policy covers all paid subscriptions. You’ll receive Proton credits for the unused portion if you cancel your subscription yourself. Credits can be refunded to your payment method if you request them within 30 days. Alternatively, you can go to support first and request a full refund, and they’ll cancel your subscription for you and then initiate the refund. We recommend contacting support via live chat for the quickest resolution.
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StrongVPN only offers modern state-of-the-art protocols: WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN. The company is headquartered in San Francisco and hasn’t yet undergone an independent privacy audit. However, the no-log policy is detailed and precise. The kill switch is only available on desktop applications.
StrongVPN’s Scramble feature helps bypass the strictest geo-blocks. We could access Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video without any hassle. At the time of writing, StrongVPN works in China. The VPN provider recommends connecting to San Francisco to bypass the Great Firewall.
StrongVPN isn’t the fastest VPN, but it delivers consistent speeds across the network. This VPN is a worthy choice for streaming or daily browsing, but online gamers will be disappointed with the ping on distant server locations.
StrongVPN has applications for desktop, mobile, and streaming devices. You can also protect your gaming console and other devices via your router. The VPN is generous with 12 simultaneous connections, more than the average user will ever need. There are no P2P server locations. However, StrongVPN doesn’t throttle connections if you use it to torrent content.
StrongVPN has a modern, easy-to-navigate application with a dark theme and interactive world map. Even non-tech-savvy users will have no problem setting it up. We want to highlight the Android app especially, as it has the perfect functionality–simplicity balance.
StrongVPN’s pricing is as simple as its app; only two plans are available: monthly and yearly. Only with the yearly plan do you get a 30-day money-back guarantee. The online knowledge base has everything you need to know about using a VPN and troubleshooting. Customer service is only accessible via email.
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PrivateVPN has a broad protocol selection, including Open VPN, L2TP, IPSec, PPTP, and IKEv2, but WireGuard is missing. The VPN provider is located in Sweden, which has strict privacy laws. However, Sweden is also a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance, and PrivateVPN has never undergone an independent audit. Fortunately, Sweden cannot request data from VPN companies unless a user is suspected of crimes.
PrivateVPN has a kill switch on all apps except iOS and Fire TV. In case of a VPN service outage, the Application Guard feature lets you block connections on select apps instead of the entire device. In other words, Application Guard works as an app-specific kill switch. Unfortunately, PrivateVPN doesn’t support split tunneling.
User reviews often call PrivateVPN the best VPN for streaming content. The VPN meets expectations, unblocking Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and other popular platforms. The Stealth mode also helps access censored content from China.
PrivateVPN comes nowhere near the top five VPN services in terms of speed, but it’s sufficient for daily use. The connection is stable, but there’s some trial and error in picking the fastest server.
Dedicated apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and TVs. PrivateVPN works with any internet-connected device via Synology, Tomato, AsusRT, DD-WRT, pfSense, QNAP, and Linksys routers.
It’s one of the best VPN services for torrenting because it supports port forwarding and obfuscation mode. P2P activity is allowed in all locations.
The PrivateVPN app is straightforward. You won’t find unnecessary buttons, bloatware, or ads, only a large Connect button and a server list. You can add locations to the favorites list to find them faster. There are also locations optimized for specific services. We can recommend PrivateVPN if you’re a minimalist or have never used a VPN.
PrivateVPN is one of the few VPNs that offer a free trial. You have seven days to test all the features and decide whether you like the app. If you subscribe to a paid plan, you can get your money back within 30 days of purchase. The live chat is available 24/7, but agents sometimes fail to help and redirect you to email support.
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HideMyAss, or HMA, is a VPN company with over 19 years in the industry. The app supports OpenVPN, IPSec, PPTP, and IKEv2 tunneling protocols, but not WireGuard. The company is headquartered in London and had privacy issues, but it has since changed its no-logs policy. VerSprite audited and certified the policy.
The kill switch works on all platforms, including iOS. That’s a major point in favor of HMA because many VPN providers only offer it on Android and desktops. HMA also supports IP shuffling.
Split tunneling is only available on Android.
Unlike most top-rated VPNs, HMA doesn’t offer obfuscated locations. Despite the impressive server location count, it fails to unblock Netflix or bypass the Great Firewall of China. However, it’s a good choice if you want to unblock YouTube and other platforms that aren’t as strict with restrictions.
HMA isn’t the fastest VPN, but it provides sufficient speeds for daily browsing. We want to highlight HMA’s speed test tool. You can select specific servers to test; the results are always objective.
HMA works on all major operating systems. Even if your device doesn’t have a dedicated app, you can share a VPN connection via your router. You can choose between 5 and 10 active connections.
Torrenting isn’t prohibited with HMA, but the provider’s website warns that you shouldn’t use the app to download copyrighted content. HMA might throttle your connection when you do so.
The HMA app has a playful and clean look. All information is easy to find, and there are just the right settings to tailor the experience to your needs without distracting you. Power users might find the app oversimplified.
HMA has no free plan, but you can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plus, the app has a 7-day free trial. You’ll likely find answers to any question in the online knowledge base. Customer service agents are available 24/7 and are always prompt and helpful, but support is only available via email.
Without a VPN, your data could be stolen, your device could be infected with malware, or other parties could spy on you. Your internet service provider might also throttle your connection speeds. Advertisers can track your online activity to display personalized ads. Security risks are higher if you use public Wi-Fi, but it isn’t entirely safe, even at home.
So, how does using a VPN help?
A VPN replaces your IP address with a different one to safeguard your online privacy and security. In other words, using a VPN drastically mitigates the threats mentioned above. As a bonus, it gives you access to geo-blocked content worldwide and helps avoid throttling. You can even use a VPN to get better online shopping deals, such as a cheaper Netflix subscription via a different country.
The best VPN providers in 2024 often include extra perks like ad blockers, malware protection, and secure password managers.
The 15 VPNs we covered have proven trustworthy and reliable. They’ll enhance your protection against cyber threats, keep your online activities private, and help you bypass internet restrictions, among other benefits.
However, only a few of these 15 VPNs meet the highest industry standards. Based on our extensive testing, the best VPNs in 2024 are ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, PIA, IPVanish, and NordVPN. With the best features in the industry, these VPNs are highly likely to meet your needs.
We strongly recommend that you don’t fall for empty claims—that’s why we wanted to ensure you know what you’re paying for with each of these VPNs. The best VPNs aren’t all cheap, but your online security is priceless. For more thorough information on the VPNs that interest you, check out our detailed VPN reviews.
ExpressVPN is by far the best VPN service for China. Its obfuscation technology disguises your VPN traffic as regular web traffic to trick Chinese ISPs. Obfuscated locations are available on every continent to access nearly any platform. Moreover, the provider regularly updates server IP addresses, which'll only be temporary even if they get blocked.
Proton VPN is the best free VPN service because it offers top-notch privacy, unlimited data, and an easy-to-use app. However, it only offers three locations. Windscribe is another worthy option, providing nine locations and 10 GB of monthly data. TunnelBear's free version shares the feature of the Premium plan but only offers 500 MB of data monthly, so it's best suited for testing out the app.
ExpressVPN is the best Android VPN for most users, with solid encryption, an audited no-logs policy, and server locations worldwide. CyberGhost, PIA, IPVanish, and NordVPN are excellent alternatives that might be a better fit, depending on your needs.
PIA is the best VPN service with unlimited device connections, with IPVanish being a close second. Surfshark, Windscribe, and TunnelBear also allow unlimited connections.
VPNs are legal in most countries because they're primarily used as tools to safeguard user data. However, there are exceptions. Namely, VPNs are strictly illegal in North Korea and Belarus. Additionally, some governments prohibit VPN servicesthey haven't approved. Using non-approved VPNs in China, Russia, Iran, Oman, Turkmenistan, and the UAE is illegal. Furthermore, some countries might restrict specific VPN activities, like torrenting.
We strongly advise you to check your country's current regulations to ensure you can legally use a VPN.
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic before it leaves your device. Your traffic is then routed through your ISP like usual. But then, it's sent to the VPN server, where it's decrypted before being sent off to its destination on the internet.
From the perspective of any other party, this process replaces your real IP address with the IP address of the VPN server. Combined with encryption, a VPN hides your online activity from your internet service provider, government, and other parties.
Typically, you can pick from IP addresses from all over the world. As such, you can safeguard your anonymity and access exclusive content from other countries, bypass government censorship, and even avoid ISP throttling in certain situations.
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