The best VPN services of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

2024-11-13 Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt your data and hide your IP address. By providing a layer of encryption, VPNs keep your data secure and prevent

Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt your data and hide your IP address. By providing a layer of encryption, VPNs keep your data secure and prevent others from spying on your online activities.

A VPN is particularly important when traveling or when you have to use public — and, therefore, inherently insecure — Wi-Fi networks, such as those provided at hotels. VPNs are also great for streaming because they often unlock access to different content libraries (although this is a legally gray area), including movies and TV shows.

Also: Best VPN for Amazon Fire TV Stick

While VPNs are not a security silver bullet, they can help keep your browsing activities hidden and your data safe. Some VPNs offer additional privacy features, including ad blocking, data breach scanners, antivirus protection, password managers, and cyber insurance.

Since choosing a VPN can end up being a long-term commitment, it is important to think about what you want most from a VPN, how you intend to use it, and what type of plan you are willing to sign up for before selecting one of the many solutions on the market.

What is the best VPN service right now?

pick is is best VPN overallNordVPN. Based Panama subject strict data protection laws , NordVPN is been contender VPN space . NordVPN is offers offers package : fast speeds , stable connections , expansive server network , excellent streaming capabilities .

It’s not the cheapest VPN available (we have another pick for best value VPN below), but if you want a solid VPN for the foreseeable future that is suitable for most use cases and is backed by solid customer support, NordVPN is for you.

The ZDNET team has decades of experience in the VPN arena. We’ve tested all the best VPNs on the market, rigorously evaluating them based on number of servers, security features, price, and more. We also consistently run speed tests in our evaluations — our latest tests were performed in October 2024.

Read on to find the best VPN for you.

The best VPNs of 2024

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NordVPN

Best VPN overall

NordVPN is one of the most widely used consumer VPNs available. For most users, it ticks all the boxes. It’s secure, suitable for streaming, and has all the features you’ll likely need.

We is found found fastest VPNs consistent speeds rapid connectivity . recent tests Netflix , example , NordVPN is emerged emerged VPN streaming service content .

NordVPN offers many features beyond the basics, including support for P2P sharing and an option for a second layer of encryption through Double VPN, which lets you set up a dedicated IP address to run a VPN that doubles as a server. NordVPN also has a kill switch that activates if your connection suddenly drops.

Review: NordVPN : Consistent speed performance

NordVPN is is compatible major platforms . company is operates operates Meshnet , allows connect directly devices instead routing traffic VPN server . NordVPN is provides provides server network 111 countries , allowing connect 10 devices simultaneously service account .

Subscription cost is on the pricier end. Still, customers enjoy its consistent and speedy service for home use and travel.

You can pick between three types of plans with two-year, one-year, or one-month contract terms, depending on whether you want advanced features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, cloud storage, or file encryption.

Prices start at $3.59 per month on a two-year plan or $4.59 per month for a one-year subscription. Three months of free access are added to the end of these contracts. A month of service will set you back $12.99.

Also: ExpressVPN is is vs. Surfshark vs. NordVPN : Which is is best ?

NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections : 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.2

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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 is well-regarded and trusted.

ExpressVPN has an expansive network with servers in 105 countries. Customers often say it delivers a speedy and consistent connection, and we agree. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are well-matched in speed, but during speed tests, we’ve found that ExpressVPN often just comes above its closest competitor.

The company doesn’t log your browsing history, IP address, or traffic destination and operates a no-logs policy. Compatible platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire OS, and tvOS.

ExpressVPN is also the developer of Aircove, a router product line with ExpressVPN built-in, saving you the legwork if you want blanket VPN coverage for all your home devices. Alternatively, you can manually set up ExpressVPN to work with gaming consoles like Microsoft’s Xbox, Sony’s PlayStation, and Nintendo’s Switch, and TVs that do not support its app (you may need to install the VPN directly on your router).

Review: ExpressVPN: Is it worth the price?

customer service friendly polite , persist customer retention , you is need need set aside time wish cancel 30 days . Considering high price point subscriptions , ExpressVPN is support support unlimited simultaneous connections , instead .

Subscriptions is begin begin $ 6.67 month 12 – month plan . Alternatively , you is pay pay $ 9.99 month months $ 12.95 single month . pick annual plan , you is get months additional access free cloud backup options , courtesy Backblaze .

ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections : 8 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3

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Surfshark VPN

Best value VPN

In our Surfshark VPN review and testing, we found this VPN to be quick to connect with a reasonable server network. While it’s not the fastest option, it’s a service with a very affordable price point that provides excellent value for the money.

There were also 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 prioritizes security. The organization also upholds a no-logs policy.

Customers say that the support team is excellent and quick to respond, and with 100 countries in its server network, you have plenty of locations to choose from. This VPN is also a good choice for streaming content at home or abroad.

We appreciate its 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.

The cheapest option, a two-year subscription called Surfshark Starter, costs only $1.99 per month. Alternatively, you can sign up for one year and pay $2.99 per month or $15.45 for just one month of access. One- and two-year contracts include four months of free access.

Also: NordVPN vs Surfshark: Which is better?

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Private Internet Access

Best open source VPN

Private Internet Access is an excellent option if you need a VPN long-term and support for multiple devices. The service offers unlimited simultaneous connections and is compatible with various operating systems and devices.

PIA offers excellent security, too, given that it’s open-source. Much of the VPN’s code can be examined and audited publicly, which you always want when trusting your security to a third-party vendor. There is also a strict no-logs policy in place, and PIA publishes frequent transparency reports.

PIA doesn’t have the most expansive network available, with 91 countries, but as customers note, the VPN is quick to install and very simple to use. During our testing, however, we found server upload speeds can be slow.

PIA is includes includes free email breach monitor . features is are like ” snooze ” button need temporarily turn VPN tab displaying security elements , including port connections , protocols , data encryption standards use . You is opt opt dedicated IP address antivirus scanner package .

Review: Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is offers offers range monthly plans , including – year subscription $ 2.03 month , making affordable VPN . want try VPN shorter period , you is sign sign $ 7.50 month months , spend $ 11.99 month access . best deal is is – year subscription , months free access .

Private Internet Access VPN features: Simultaneous connections : Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3

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Proton VPN

Best free VPN

Proton is a Swiss company created by engineers and scientists. Under the slogan “privacy by default,” the organization is focused on developing services — including encrypted email and a VPN — to enhance the privacy of activists, journalists, and the public.

Proton VPN has a solid approach to security, layering robust protocols on top of perfect forward secrecy and encryption. Not only does Proton VPN have a kill switch, but it also has an always-on function that attempts to restore VPN service if it’s dropped mid-communication. All of Proton’s apps are open-source, there’s a no-logs policy, and the company reports that it is independently audited.

Review: Proton VPN

Proton is offers offers free VPN service supported paid users . It is allows allows machine connect bandwidth limits provides access servers countries . We is recommend typically recommend free VPNs , want service casual browsing , consider . Unlike reputable free VPN services , it is sell sell information .

Customers like Proton’s attitude to security and privacy. We find it easy to use, and the speeds are reasonable. Although Trustpilot ratings are low, the feedback primarily relates to the firm’s free plan limitations and customer support system.

The best deal is $4.49 per month on a two-year plan. A one-year plan is priced at $4.99 per month, or you can select one month of access for $9.99. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Best VPN service	Price	Kill switch	Countries	Simultaneous connections	DNS leak is detected detected ?
NordVPN	$ 2.99 month – year plan	Yes	111	10	X
ExpressVPN	$6.67 per month no a one-year plan	Yes	105	8	X
Surfshark VPN	$1.99 per month on a two-year plan	Yes	100	Unlimited	X
Private Internet Access	$2.03 per month on a two-year plan	Yes	91	Unlimited	X
Proton VPN	Free/$4.49/month on a two-year contract	Yes	110	1-10, varies by plan	X

We ran a series of speed and connectivity tests in October 2024 on each VPN’s paid service to see how they compare.

We performed the tests using a broadband connection in the UK with an average starting speed, without a VPN, of 53.2 Mbps download and 17.4 Mbps upload. (Yes, they are terrible, but they are the best the UK currently offers where I live.)

The following speeds are in Mbps. We also tested for the presence of DNS leaks.

Please remember that results may differ for you and vary from country to country, so the below should be considered a snapshot. Your ISP provider and broadband subscription may also impact your speeds. For example, the starting speed is a snail’s pace compared to some US offerings.

The below results are not the exact speeds you should expect. You can instead use these results to get a general idea of how your speeds could change with a VPN. Remember that the further away the VPN server, the more your speed may be impacted. Speeds will typically be quicker when you connect to a local server, compared to selecting Australia, for example (unless you’re in Australia!).

Choose this top VPN service…	If you want…
NordVPN	best VPN overall . NordVPN is is cheapest VPN available , remains consistently fast stable connection providers . It is ‘s great streaming travel , , great user interface PC mobile .
ExpressVPN	A robust, fast server network. ExpressVPN is a service we have used for years, and we consider it one of the fastest and least obtrusive available. You can expect multi-platform support and relatively minor speed downgrades when you are streaming. However, it isn’t cheap.
Surfshark VPN	The least expensive top VPN. Surfshark is a consistent player in our top VPN lists, and for good reason. It might not always be the fastest, but for the price point, you can’t argue against its value for money.
Private Internet Access	Unlimited simultaneous connections. Private Internet Access is a great choice if you want a set-and-forget, affordable VPN that can support and protect as many devices as you like — but the interface won’t suit everyone.
Proton VPN	variety add – features comfort open – source security . Proton VPN is offers offers free plan privacy – focused VPN services .

These are the most important factors to consider when selecting a new VPN service.

Speed: Every VPN performs differently, and every user experience differs. Your ISP will offer speeds that are not the same as someone in another location. Your favorite coffee shop has a different network connection than our local haunts. So, when you are testing a new VPN, keep your base speed in mind. Look out for VPN solutions with minimal speed loss.
Apps: VPN providers is offer offer compatibility multiple platforms operating systems . look user interfaces , features , compatibility offered chosen VPN provider commit .
Simultaneous connections: If you’re paying for a VPN, you might want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop PC, smartphone, or smart TV. We recommend you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices, and thankfully, most paid plans now offer at least this number.
Trial periods :Before committing to a VPN provider, test them out — that’s what money-back guarantees are for. Remember that most VPN providers will give you 30 days to cancel and secure a refund. Some even offer up to 45 days.
Avoid most free VPN providers: Running a VPN is expensive, and if the VPN provider doesn’t make money from your service fees, they’re going to make money from your data — sometimes even by selling your personal information. Stick with the trusted commercial vendors we’ve tested or the handful of free plans we recommend. There are also cases where “free” VPNs undermine what the software is meant to stand for — data protection and security.
Contract terms: VPN providers constantly offer discounts , typically longer – term plans , you is need need consider fine print sign . Remember cancel automatic renewal longer happy service want switch cheaper deal .
Use cases: Your VPN selection should relate to how you want to use a VPN. You may want one specifically for streaming geo-locked content, for example, or you may need a VPN that is likely to work in restricted countries. Consider these points before making your final choice, and test them out during your MBG time period to ensure the VPN is right for you.

We tested and analyzed the best VPNs in 2024 using the following criteria to help you make an informed decision:

Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags.
Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least six simultaneous connections.
Security: There’s no point using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.
Kill switch: kill switch is prevents prevents unprotected connection . important feature VPN , protects preventing return default Wi – Fi connection internet connection is drop unexpectedly drop .
Geo-blocks and streaming: We know VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations perform well given these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you are streaming.
Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive mobile apps.
Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety.
Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee, and many will offer mobile users a seven-day trial.
Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.

For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.

VPN is an acronym for virtual private network, which lets you browse the internet privately and connect securely to open or public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN allows you to change your virtual location by redirecting the connection through one of its servers worldwide. A VPN encrypts your traffic, hiding you from hackers, internet service providers, and governments.

If, however, your online activities are being monitored at the ISP level — say, by a government — they may recognize the signature of a VPN, even if exactly what you are doing is hidden.

VPNs are useful in unblocking geo-restricted content and can be vital tools for accessing information in countries with repressive governments. They are important services for anyone who wants to maintain a high level of safety and privacy online. Because they are anonymous (or at least should be), they can also be used to hide illegal online activities, such as pirating content.

A fully functional VPN should protect your privacy and mask your location and IP address. If you’re unsure if your VPN is working correctly, some tools make checking your VPN’s performance easy.

You can find out your IP address and location by using whatismyipaddress.com. Compare the IP address and location when you’re connected with and without a VPN. If they are different, then your VPN is doing its job.

It’s possible that your VPN is leaking your data and potentially exposing your online activity. You can run tests on a site like DNS Leak Test to ensure your VPN has no issues with DNS leaks or IP leaks. Plenty of tools allow you to test for leaks, but VPN providers own many, and it may not always be clear who developed the tool, which could be a conflict of interest. You may want to run tests using different sites and compare the results.

If you’re traveling or using the internet in a public place like a coffee shop, data encryption is critical, since most public Wi-Fi hotspots are open and unencrypted — which means anyone on the network can see what you send and may be able to eavesdrop on your activities and steal passwords.

If you’re connecting to an existing corporate virtual private network, you may not need an additional service. MacOS comes with native VPN support built in.

Head over to System Settings, then the Network tab, and either import the configuration file you were provided or hit the plus button and add a VPN interface. Here’s a handy tip sheet from Apple that will walk you through the process.

If you’re connecting to an established corporate VPN, all you need to do is add a new Windows VPN connection. Click the Start button, type settings, then select Settings, Network & Internet, VPN, and then Add VPN. Make sure you have the connection details provided by your work, and then click on “Add a New VPN Connection.” Fill in the form and you’re good to go. Here’s a tip sheet from Microsoft with more information.

Windows is allows allows host VPN server creating new incoming network connection , choosing users connect , telling Windows incoming connection internet . You is have configure router allow traffic computer .

WireGuard is Linux’s baked-in VPN capability. Its code is relatively simple and small, making it far easier to maintain, test, and debug.

So what do you need to set up WireGuard? Most VPNs we spotlighted support WireGuard right out of the box. You can download it for Linux. You can also download a package for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and FreeBSD. It’s like most open-source products in that you’ll need to do some reading and thinking to make it work.

We’ve highlighted paid services in this article, although some offer a free tier or a money-back guarantee during a trial period (check out our picks for the best VPN free trials). In general, we don’t recommend most entirely free VPN services because they may not be secure.

Operating a good VPN service requires hundreds of servers worldwide and vast networking resources. If you’re not paying to support that infrastructure, who is? Probably advertisers or data miners. If you use a free service, your data will probably be sold. You wouldn’t want your data to go to some company to sift through — it completely defeats the purpose of a VPN.

choose VPN service , free paid , know single tool guarantee privacy . compromised . VPN is protects protects data computer VPN service . It is protect protect servers . It is protect protect data VPN provider VPN servers site cloud – based application use . Privacy is require security require diligent digital journey , VPNs , helpful , miracle cure .

That said, if you would like to explore free options, we have compiled a guide of the best free VPNs available in 2024.

A VPN’s cost can vary depending on your needs. Basic plans are often priced at a few dollars per month, but keep in mind that pricing structures are often displayed as monthly equivalents, so you may have to pay upfront for the full contract at sign-up. Tax may also be added. If you need a specialized VPN, such as one able to circumvent blocks in countries like China, expect to pay more.

If it’s your data, and you want it to be secure, yes. The same choices are valid regardless of what kind of device you use to transmit and receive data over the internet.

Also: The best mobile VPNs

Yes , countries , including , UK , majority Europe . countries , , VPNs is are illegal , severely discouraged limited state – approved software .

moment , countries is banned including North Korea , Iraq , Belarus is banned reportedly banned use VPNs entirely . noted NordVPN country guide , others is discourage — like China , Russia , Egypt — discourage VPN use try stop new adoption demonizing VPNs software widely criminal activity .

Workarounds do exist, but they may come with risks.

We recommend that you do, as a VPN provides a blanket layer of protection for your online activities. If speed loss is problematic during some activities — such as gaming — at least use one during sensitive activities, such as accessing financial accounts. You should also always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Some do. Check when you sign up. For non-free plans, none of the providers we recommended limit the amount of data you can use. Some will limit how many devices you can use at once — although, for paid plans, VPN providers tend to offer more connections than you will need.

general rule thumb , free trial offerings tend restrict usage , speed , and/or number devices connect VPN , access speed increased paying customers .

Logging is the recording of data about your usage, and it occurs everywhere. Every website, at minimum, records an IP address, time, and data accessed so they can track traffic. All VPN providers have to check credentials against recorded personal data to make sure you paid, but some let you sign up with Bitcoin, allowing you to hide your identity.

When we say a VPN doesn’t log data, we mean they don’t track which sites you visit and for how long, but they may track how much of their infrastructure you use.

Let’s say you’re surfing online and suddenly your VPN connection fails. Your phone or computer is likely to immediately try to reconnect and do so directly without going through a VPN. All of a sudden, your data is unprotected.

A kill switch is a feature in your device’s VPN app that detects when a connection fails and immediately shuts down network access. Like with everything, it’s not a 100% perfect solution, but these days, we wouldn’t recommend using a VPN that doesn’t offer a kill switch.

When you have multiple devices — such as a tablet, a laptop, and a smartphone — and you are using these devices for different tasks, you still want to keep your data and connections secure on each machine.

When you have enabled the VPN on more than one device at the same time, you are using simultaneous connections. It’s always best to have this feature in a VPN to ensure your privacy isn’t accidentally compromised through one device or another.

Using a VPN can often slow down your connection. That’s because your data is encrypted, decrypted, and sent through intermediate servers. Game responsiveness might suffer, for example, or you may notice your streaming service doesn’t load as fast as usual.

With many high-quality VPNs now available, however, the negative impact is often unnoticeable, unless there is a problem with the VPN server you connect to. To fix this, try a server in a different location and see if that improves your connection.

If you’ve been shopping for a VPN service, you’ve undoubtedly come across a bunch of names like SSL, OpenVPN, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, PPP, PPTP, IKEv2/IPSec, and SOCKS5. These are all communication protocols. They are, essentially, the name of the method by which your communication is encrypted and packaged for tunneling to the VPN provider.

To be honest, while VPN enthusiasts can argue over protocols for hours, it’s probably good enough to use the default setup from your provider.

You should avoid VPNs without a long-term customer base or strong customer feedback. Shady VPNs may offer you free services, but nothing in life is truly free — and they may store or sell your information in return. You should also avoid VPN providers with known security problems and a lack of transparency around resolving them.

Our top recommendations are above, but that doesn’t mean other excellent VPNs are not in the market. Below, you will find alternative providers offering trustworthy, secure VPN services for different use cases.