The best virtual private networks (VPNs) do two things: Encrypt your data between two points, and hide the IP address where you're located. This keeps your data secure, and prevents others from stealing your passwords or spying on your online activity.
Using a VPN is particularly important when traveling over the summer, or when using a public Wi-Fi network, like at a coffee shop or a hotel. VPNs are also great for streaming because they unlock access (in some cases, with dubious legality) to content and sports unavailable in a user's location. While VPNs are not a silver bullet for personal security, they are a valuable tool worth investing in to keep your browsing and data safe.
What is the best VPN service right now?
Our pick for the best VPN overall is NordVPN. While it's always been a top contender in the VPN space, with recent upgrades, NordVPN now provides the whole package: rapid speeds, stable connections, plenty of simultaneous connections, and an expansive server network. It's not the cheapest VPN available (though we do have another pick for best value VPN below), but if you want a solid VPN for the foreseeable future that is great for a variety of purposes, NordVPN is for you.
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.
The best VPNs of 2024
NordVPN
Best VPN overall
NordVPN is one of the most widely used consumer VPNs available. For most users, it checks all the boxes. It's secure, suitable for streaming, and has all the features you'll likely need. We've found it to be one of the fastest VPNs with the most consistent speeds and rapid connectivity.
NordVPN offers many features beyond the basics, including support for P2P sharing and an option for a second layer of encryption through Double VPN. You can set up a dedicated IP address to run a VPN that doubles as a server.
Review: NordVPN: Consistent speed and performance
NordVPN can run on all major platforms and a number of home-network platforms. The company also operates Meshnet, which allows users to connect directly to other devices instead of routing their traffic through a VPN server. Recently, NordVPN has increased its location availability and the number of simultaneous connections on an account from six to ten devices.
It is worth noting, however, that the user interface has room for improvement. On the MacOS platform, in particular, it is somewhat clunky compared to other top VPN providers. Additionally, the subscription cost is on the pricier end.
You can select between Basic, Plus, and Ultimate. The difference is whether you also want access to a password manager, data breach scanner, cloud storage, or file encryption.
Prices start from $3.69 per month on a Standard two-year plan and increase to $6.69/month on an Ultimate subscription. Still, it's a strong choice, and you can always try it for 30 days and get a full refund. At the time of writing, you will be given three months of free access on signup with two or one-year subscriptions.
Also: ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Which is best?
NordVPN features: Simultaneous Connections: 10 | Kill Switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox | Logging: None, except billing data | Countries: 111 | Servers: 6200+ | Trial/MBG: 30 day | Trustpilot rating: 4.2
Show Expert Take Show less
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for speed
ExpressVPN is our top choice for the fastest VPN service. It's one of the most popular VPN providers, offering a wide range of platforms, and it's a well-regarded, trusted service. Platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon operating systems.
You can also manually set up ExpressVPN to work with some gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch) and TVs that do not support its app, although you may need to install the VPN directly on your router to do so. The company recently launched ExpressVPN for Apple TV and the firm's Aircove routers come with the VPN pre-installed and ready to go.
Review: ExpressVPN: Is it worth the price?
ExpressVPN has an expansive network with servers in 105 countries. It also delivers a speedy and consistent connection.
The company doesn't log your browsing history, IP address, or traffic destination. Still, it does collect information about the amount of data transferred, the dates you connected to the VPN (not times), and the location of the VPN server. ExpressVPN has also recently introduced an ad blocker and adult content filter option.
One thing to note, however, is that you'll need to set aside some time if you don't want to continue and want to cancel after 30 days. While customer service is friendly and polite, they persist in customer retention.
Subscriptions begin at $6.67 per month on a 12-month plan. Alternatively, you can pay $9.99 monthly for six months or $12.95/month. If you pick the annual plan, you will be given three months of additional access for free and cloud backup options, courtesy of Backblaze.
ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous Connections: Up to 8 devices | Kill Switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebooks (see the full list here) | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Countries: 105 | Trial/Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trustpilot rating: 4.4
Show Expert Take Show less
Surfshark VPN
Best value VPN
In our Surfshark VPN review and testing, we found no data leaks, which is precisely what you want to see from a quality VPN. With AES-256-GCM, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and RSA-2048 encryption, Surfshark also prioritizes security.
We appreciated its complementary and inexpensive add-on features, such as anti-tracking, a search engine that doesn't log your information, and a scanner that searches data breach lists for your email. With Surfshark's multi-hop option, you can also connect through two VPN servers. Furthermore, Surfshark operates a live warrant canary.
It's quick to connect with a reasonable server network, and while it's not the fastest option, it's a fair service for its very affordable price point. Customers say that the support team is excellent and quick to respond.
The cheapest option, a two-year subscription called Surfshark Starter, costs $2.19 per month. Plus, three months of free access are included. If you select the mid-tier plan, Surfshark One, you will pay $2.69 per month and be granted three months for free. Finally, a two-year subscription for the highest tier, Surfshark One+ ($4.29/month), also awards three months of free access.
Alternatively, you can sign up for one year and pay $2.79 per month or $15.45 for a month of access.
Also: NordVPN vs Surfshark: Which is better?
Surfshark VPN features: Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited | Kill Switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Firefox, Android TV | Logging: None, except billing data | Countries: 100 | Servers: 3,200+ | Trial/MBG: 30 day | Trustpilot rating: 4.4
Show Expert Take Show less
Private Internet Access
Best VPN for the long haul
Private Internet Access is an excellent option if you need a long-term VPN and support for multiple devices. The service was upgraded earlier this year to offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
PIA offers excellent security, too, being an open-source option. In other words, much of the VPN's code can be examined and audited publicly, promoting transparency (a feature you always want when trusting your security to a third-party vendor). There is also a strict no-logs policy for further privacy.
A free email breach monitor is included, and other features we like are the handy "snooze" button if you need to temporarily turn off the VPN and a tab displaying security elements, including port connections, protocols, and data encryption standards in use. One downside, however, is that some upload speeds are low in faraway servers.
Review: Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access offers a range of plans, including a two-year subscription for $2.03/month. If you want to try out the VPN for a shorter time period, you can sign up for $7.50 for six months—or you can spend $11.99 for a month of access. The best deal is the two-year subscription, as you are also given four months of access for free, tacked on to the end of the contract.
Private Internet Access VPN features: Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited | Kill Switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, smart TVs, gaming consoles | Logging: No-logs policy | Countries: 91, 140 locations | Trial/MBG: 30 days | Trustpilot rating: 4.4
Show Expert Take Show less
Proton VPN
Best open source VPN
Proton is a Swiss company created by engineers and scientists focused on creating encrypted email and VPN communications to protect the communication of activists and journalists.
In terms of product, Proton VPN has a belt-and-suspenders approach to security, layering robust protocols on top of perfect forward secrecy on top of strong encryption. Not only does Proton VPN have a kill switch, but it also has an always-on VPN, which attempts to restore VPN service if it's dropped mid-communication. All apps are open source, and the company reports that they are independently audited.
Review: Proton VPN
The company offers a free VPN service, supported by paid users. It allows one machine to connect at medium speed and without bandwidth limits, and it provides access to servers across five countries. Customers like Proton VPN's attitude to security and privacy, although Trustpilot ratings are low, you should keep in mind the feedback primarily relates to the firm's limited free plan.
The best deal is $4.49 per month on a two-year plan. Alternatively, Proton VPN's plans include 12 months for $4.99/month, or one month of access will cost $9.99.
Proton VPN features: Simultaneous Connections: Up to 10, depending on the plan | Kill Switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Android TV | Logging: None, except billing data | Countries: 91 | Servers: 2,700+ | Trial/MBG: 30 day or free plan | Trustpilot rating: 2.3
Show Expert Take Show less
View at IPVanishView at VyprVPNView at MullvadView at Astrill