VPN Comparison: The Best VPNs of 2024

We’ve tested all the best VPNs on the market, rigorously evaluating them based on speed, number of servers, security features, price, and more. Read on to find the best VPN for you depending on your devices and needs.

Key Takeaways

• NordVPN is the best overall VPN of 2024 with stable connection speeds and an extensive server network.
• Surfshark offers excellent security features and competitive pricing, making it a top choice for budget-conscious users.
• Private Internet Access is the best VPN for Windows users, providing a user-friendly interface and strong privacy protections.
• Hotspot Shield is ideal for streaming services like Netflix due to its fast speeds and reliable connections.
• Norton Secure VPN stands out with its dynamic IP addresses, enhancing privacy and security for its users.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN stands out as the top choice for privacy-focused users. For the third consecutive year, it has earned the highest rating among all VPNs tested. It offers a robust set of features that cater to various needs, from streaming to security.

Key Features

• Multihop: Yes
• Camouflage Mode: Yes
• Kill Switch: Yes
• Split Tunneling: Yes
• Netflix Access: Yes
• Torrenting: Yes

Pricing Plans

App Support

• Windows
• Mac
• iOS
• Android
• Linux
• Web browsers

Customer Support

• 24/7 Email Support
• Live Chat
• Knowledge Hub

Simultaneous Connections

• Up to 6 devices

Refund Period

• 30 days

NordVPN is not only reliable and affordable but also packed with features that make it a versatile choice for any user.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark stands out as a budget-friendly VPN service. Starting at just $2.19 per month on a two-year plan, it offers exceptional value for money. Over the past year, it has consistently been the fastest VPN service available, making it an excellent choice for streaming and bypassing geographical restrictions.

Key Features

• Multi-hop: Yes
• Camouflage Mode: Yes
• Kill switch: Yes
• Split Tunneling: Yes
• Netflix: Yes
• Torrenting: Yes

Pricing

Security

Surfshark excels in security, boasting a SecurityScore of 9.5/10. It includes features like Multi-hop, Camouflage Mode, and a kill switch, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.

Surfshark combines premium features with an incredibly low price, making it a top choice for budget-conscious users.

3. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a robust VPN service known for its deep customization options and strong privacy features. It boasts a proven zero-logging policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private. While it may not match the top three VPNs in terms of streaming and connection speeds, it offers significant value, especially given its affordable pricing.

Key Features

• Unlimited simultaneous connections: Protect all your devices without any limitations.
• Affordable plans: The best deal is the two-year subscription at $2.03/month, which includes four additional months for free.
• Strong privacy: Proven zero-logging policy to keep your data secure.

Pricing

Private Internet Access has been around for a long time and continues to innovate and improve each year. Its latest version includes unlimited simultaneous device connections, enhancing an already solid VPN service.

4. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield stands out as an excellent choice for streaming enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy Netflix. Its proprietary Hydra protocol ensures top-notch performance and speed. Here are some key features:

• Security Score: 8.9/10
• Servers: 1,800+ in over 80 locations
• Platforms: Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV
• Price: $8 per month or $95.88 annually; $13 for a month-to-month plan

Product Specs

Hotspot Shield is ideal for users who prioritize maintaining the fastest connection with minimal speed loss. While it was once the fastest VPN available, other services have started to catch up in recent years.

5. Norton Secure VPN

Norton Secure VPN, developed by the renowned Norton LifeLock, is a solid choice for users seeking a VPN with dynamic IP addresses. Norton is best known for its antivirus software and identity protection services. However, its VPN offering is somewhat limited in features compared to competitors.

Key Features

• Security Score: 8.4/10
• Multi-hop: Yes
• Camouflage Mode: No
• Kill Switch: No
• Split Tunneling: Available on Android and Windows only
• Netflix Compatibility: Yes
• Torrenting: No

Pricing

Norton Secure VPN has a unique pricing structure based on the number of simultaneous connections:

Pros

• Automatic connection to the fastest server when on suspicious Wi-Fi networks
• Strong reputation in digital security

Cons

• No support for P2P or BitTorrent
• Limited compatibility with Linux, routers, and set-top boxes
• Privacy-compromising data leaks during testing

Norton Secure VPN is a reliable option for basic VPN needs, but it falls short in advanced features and compatibility.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish stands out for its exceptional customer support, making it a reliable choice for users who may need assistance. It offers a robust set of features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and support for torrenting with uTorrent. While it may not be the fastest VPN available, it delivers respectable speeds of around 770 Mbps when using WireGuard.

Key Features

• Security Score: 9.3/10
• Multi-hop: No
• Camouflage Mode: No
• Kill Switch: Yes
• Split Tunneling: Yes
• Netflix: Yes
• Torrenting: Yes, with uTorrent

Pricing

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous device connections
• Verified no-logging policy
• Comprehensive feature set

Cons:

• Some Netflix locations are unavailable
• Apps can be complicated for beginners

IPVanish is a solid choice for users who value customer support and need a VPN that offers a wide range of features. However, its US jurisdiction may not be ideal for those with critical privacy needs.

7. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN stands out as best vpn reddit for its robust encryption and privacy features, making it a top choice for users seeking secure internet browsing. Its privacy features are excellent, delivering good speeds and unblocking a wide range of global streaming sites. The service is highly accessible, with support for multiple devices and a user-friendly design.

Key Features

• Simultaneous Connections: Up to 8 devices
• Kill Switch: Yes
• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebooks
• Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs
• Countries: 105
• Trial/Money-back guarantee: 30 days
• Trustpilot rating: 4.4

Performance

ExpressVPN offers a fast server network with relatively minor speed downgrades during streaming. It is a reliable choice for daily use, providing multi-platform support and maintaining high usability standards.

Pros

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Wide range of useful features
• Available on all major platforms
• Affordable

Bottom line: ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs available, offering excellent privacy features, good speeds, and a user-friendly design. It is a simpler alternative to NordVPN and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. CyberGhost

CyberGhost stands out as a top choice for Mac users, offering a seamless experience with robust features. With over 11,000 servers in 100 countries, it boasts one of the largest server networks in the industry. This extensive network ensures excellent performance for streaming and torrenting.

Key Features

• Multihop: Yes
• Camouflage Mode: No
• Kill Switch: Yes
• Split Tunneling: Yes
• Netflix Access: Yes
• Torrenting: Yes

Pricing

CyberGhost is a straightforward and easy-to-use VPN service with an incredible number of server locations, making it a reliable choice for both beginners and advanced users.

9. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is renowned for its strong commitment to digital privacy, stemming from its roots in ProtonMail, an encrypted email service. Based in Switzerland, Proton VPN benefits from the country’s lack of data retention laws, allowing it to maintain a strict no-logs policy. The service has undergone independent audits and features a warrant canary page for added transparency.

Key Features

• Multi-hop: Yes
• Camouflage Mode: Yes
• Kill Switch: Yes
• Split Tunneling: Yes
• Netflix Support: Yes
• Torrenting: Yes

Pricing

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Privacy-focused
• Excellent for streaming
• Stable and powerful apps across all platforms

Cons:

• Complex support site
• Can take a while to connect

Proton VPN’s app is open source and available for macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. With the Plus plan, you can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. The app supports IKEv2, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols, automatically selecting the best one for you, though manual selection is also available. The Permanent Kill Switch feature ensures your device won’t reconnect to the internet without a VPN, even after a reboot.

10. UltraVPN

UltraVPN stands out as a straightforward and budget-friendly option, making it ideal for everyday use. Its simplicity and affordability are its main strengths, catering to casual users who need reliable privacy protection without the bells and whistles of more feature-rich VPNs.

Key Features

• Security Score: 9.2/10
• Kill Switch: Yes
• Split Tunneling: Yes
• Netflix and Torrenting: Supported
• Number of Servers: 1,000

Performance

While UltraVPN may not boast the fastest speeds, it offers solid performance with an average download speed of 160 Mbps. This is a 40% drop compared to our real network speed, but it remains sufficient for most day-to-day activities.

Security

UltraVPN excels in security by using the Hydra protocol, which ensures robust online protection. It blocks malware-ridden websites, encrypts traffic with 256-bit AES, and prevents IP address leaks. Additionally, it provides access to a private DNS server, enhancing your online privacy.

UltraVPN is a secure and straightforward choice for users who prioritize ease of use and affordability over advanced features.

Conclusion

After extensive testing and analysis, we’ve identified the best VPNs of 2024 to suit a variety of needs and preferences. Whether you prioritize speed, security, or affordability, there’s a VPN on our list that will meet your requirements. NordVPN stands out as the best overall, offering a stable connection, robust security features, and an extensive server network, despite its higher price point. Other top contenders like Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and ExpressVPN also provide excellent services tailored to different user needs. Ultimately, the best VPN for you will depend on your specific requirements and usage patterns. We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision to enhance your online privacy and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VPN and why do I need one?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection, providing privacy and security by masking your IP address. It helps protect your data from hackers and allows you to access geo-restricted content.

How do I choose the best VPN for my needs?

When choosing a VPN, consider factors such as speed, number of servers, security features, price, and compatibility with your devices. Reading reviews and comparisons can also help you make an informed decision.

Are there any free VPNs that are reliable?

While there are free VPNs available, they often come with limitations such as data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server options. For reliable and secure service, a paid VPN is generally recommended.

Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?

Yes, most VPNs allow you to use a single account on multiple devices simultaneously. However, the number of devices may vary depending on the VPN provider.

Is using a VPN legal?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, some countries have restrictions on VPN usage, so it’s important to check the laws in your specific location.

Will a VPN slow down my internet connection?

Using a VPN can sometimes slow down your internet connection due to the encryption process and the distance to the VPN server. However, premium VPNs are optimized to minimize speed loss.