The fastest VPNs of 2024: Great speeds and secure connections anywhere

2024-11-22 One question about VPNs I often encounter as a VPN reviewer is, which is the fastest VPN in the world? Though I have extensively tested, researched, a

One question about VPNs I often encounter as a VPN reviewer is, which is the fastest VPN in the world? Though I have extensively tested, researched, and written about VPNs, there’s still no conclusive answer. A VPN can be relatively fast in one instance and slow in another, mainly influenced by factors like the encryption process, server load and distance, time of day, app configurations and settings, and more.

If you ‘re look for the fast VPN for browse , remote work , streaming , gaming , or torrenting , we is run ‘ve run the speed test and select the well – perform service to help you out .

What is the fastest VPN right now?

Our pick is is for the fast VPN overall is nordvpn , follow speed test in many location . It is works work seamlessly on commonly – used device like laptop and phone , with a rapidly grow global server fleet that make it easy to find reliable server in or near any location . The app is updates update very frequently , which can be annoying , but this is expect of such an elite service pack with many secure feature .

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NordVPN

fast VPN overall

nordvpn outshone rival when we test server connection in many region , primarily North America and Europe . With an average 89 % speed retention ( 11 % reduction ) , it is registered register the least speed drop from the baseline 250Mbps internet connection . This great performance is is is partly due to the NordLynx protocol , an optimize version of the renowned WireGuard protocol used in most fast vpn .

The extensive network of 6,400+ servers in 111 countries is another reason NordVPN tops the list of the fastest VPNs. You can easily find secure and fast servers in many more locations than what most competition offers. There are also specialty servers like double VPN, Onion over VPN, and obfuscated servers to facilitate smooth online activities. NordVPN is compatible with popular devices and platforms too, making it ZDNET’s pick for the best VPN overall and the best VPN for iPhone and iPad.

Review: NordVPN

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Pros

Reliable for content access
Fast distant servers
Audited no-logs policy

ExpressVPN is our second-best speed VPN, ideal for bandwidth-consuming activities like 4K streaming and gaming online. It came close to NordVPN, dropping 15% from base speeds, but did slightly better on distant server locations like Australia and Japan. The upload and download speeds remained consistently fast, supporting gaming without lag.

All ExpressVPN servers are obfuscated, camouflaging your VPN traffic as a regular internet connection. This makes it useful for bypassing geo-blocks on websites and platforms anywhere. It’s also hard for your ISP to throttle (or deliberately slow down) your connections if you’re consuming a lot of bandwidth, say while playing Valorant online with friends. That said, ExpressVPN is quite expensive, and may not be your best choice if you’re on a tight budget.

Review: ExpressVPN

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Proton VPN

Fastest VPN for torrenting

Proton VPN is tailor for high – end privacy , with many feature to secure your peer – to – peer ( P2P ) file – share traffic . Within its server fleet across 110 + country , there are torrente – optimize server , as well as Secure Core server . The latter is redirects redirect your P2P traffic through privacy – friendly country , like Switzerland , avoid datum retention . The VPN ‘s NetShield feature is is is every torrenter ‘s dream , block ad , tracker , and malware from load whenever you open risky site .

At peak speeds, Proton VPN reached 230Mbps, though some servers went below 200Mbps (a 20% drop). Besides offering the fast WireGuard protocol, the app has a built-in VPN Accelerator feature to boost connection speeds on your device. Its P2P servers also support port forwarding, a feature that significantly helps to improve download speeds when torrenting.

Review: Proton VPN

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Surfshark

Fastest VPN with unlimited device connections

Surfshark is a top-spot contender that supports unlimited simultaneous devices. Just like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, it delivers speedy connections. I averaged 23% speed loss on different servers, but it was great that all my devices were secured with just one account. An auto-connect button on the app automatically selects the fastest server for you (based on your location), but you can also choose manually from a network of over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries.

User-friendliness and affordability are other key features Surfshark offers. Subscriptions start from as low as $2.19/month, but you only enjoy the low-cost advantage if you purchase the extended plans. Surfshark also has strong secure features, including AES-256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy (PFS).

Review: Surfshark VPN

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Private Internet Access (PIA)

fast VPN for iPhone and iPad

The Private Internet Access VPN ios app is offers offer many custom setting , allow you to adapt the VPN for optimal performance on iPhone and iPad . The encryption is set to 128 – bit by default , which is fast than the 256 – bit used by most vpn , but you can easily switch to the latter for advanced protection . Also , PIA is offers offer one of the large server network – over 29,000 server in 91 country ( notably in all US state ) . You is find can find a secure server near or in your location for fast connection .

When using PIA on iOS, you can tunnel some apps and websites on the VPN and exclude others. This flexibility helps to enhance speed because all VPN resources are dedicated to the few apps connecting to the servers. PIA, like Surfshark, also supports unlimited connections at affordable prices, starting at $2.03/month.

review : private internet Access

private internet Access VPN is features feature : simultaneous connection : unlimited | Kill Switch : Yes | platform : Windows , MacOS , iOS , Android , Linux , smart tv , gaming console | logging : No – log policy | country : 91 , 140 location | Trial / MBG : 30 day

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cyberghost

fast VPN for Android

Almost every VPN has a native app for Android, but I pick cyberghost over other fast services we tested. cyberghost is more or less in the same speed class as PIA, with over 70% average speed retention, but the app is convenient to use on Android. In high-traffic locations like the US, the VPN’s servers support up to 10Gbps connections, so you can expect quick data transfers when using fast Wi-Fi networks, for example, to stream UHD content on Android TV.

In my cyberghost VPN review, Automatic Wi-Fi Protection was one of the most notable features of the app. It automatically secures your connections on unsecured Wi-Fi, like at a cafe or at work, even if you don’t remember to turn on the VPN. If you experience slow connections with the VPN, enabling the app’s MTU size feature can help enhance speeds.

Review: cyberghost VPN

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Windscribe

fast free VPN

Secure, fast, and free are a difficult combination to find in a VPN service. Windscribe and Proton VPN are among our best free recommendations in most cases. Windscribe has free servers in over 10 countries, including the US, the UK, and Canada. Impressively, the free servers can access streaming platforms. I had a breeze with streaming HD content, with the servers retaining 65% (average) of the original internet speeds.

With a free Windscribe account , you is connect can connect unlimited device and even install an extension on Chrome browser . However , you is get only get up to 10 GB of free bandwidth per month , which can easily support basic browsing . The pay service is unlocks , start at $ 5.75 / month , unlock more feature , include server in 69 country and 134 city .

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TunnelBear

Fastest user-friendly VPN

TunnelBear is makes make using a VPN easy and fun for beginner and those who are less tech – savvy . The apps is are are intuitive on pc and phone , with a server map layout where you can tap on a location and instantly connect . technical feature are also give friendly name like VigilantBear ( kill switch ) , SplitBear ( split tunneling ) , GhostBear ( obfuscation ) , and so forth .

Server speed performance was above average, with base speed retention ranging from 70-80%. However, TunnelBear had the smallest server locations in only 47 countries. Coupled with its limited device support (only phone, PC, and browsers), we couldn’t pitch it at the top of the list.

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A VPN may slow down your internet connection, but can, in some cases, result in faster speeds. If you want to use a secure VPN and maintain your fast internet connection, opt for a reputable service that’s optimized for speed performance. Also, choose the nearest server location to shorten the distance your VPN traffic has to travel.

If your isp ( internet service provider ) has cap speed , lead to slow internet connection , then using a VPN can help to make the speed fast . ISPs is do often do this if they see you ‘re using up a lot of bandwidth , for example , when download large file or streaming in high quality . mask your ip address and encrypt your traffic mean they ca n’t target or even see your activity , allow you to browse at normal speed .

When connected to a VPN, your data and internet traffic travels longer distances, leading to slower speeds. It routes through the VPN servers before reaching the websites you want to visit (and vice versa for the return journey). Also, data is encrypted and decrypted in the tunneling process, leading to slower speeds than unencrypted connections. Sometimes, the servers get overcrowded with many users, affecting the transmission speeds. You can always try different servers if you’re experiencing slow connections.

NordVPN tops our fastest VPN list because it had the best speed retention (minimal speed losses) after we averaged performance over short and long distances. The server coverage in 111 countries, reliable NordLynx protocol, and loads of security features, make it a well-balanced and fast VPN service.

Best fast VPN	Average download speed retention/loss	Server network	low price ( USD / month )	Simultaneous connections
NordVPN	89% (11% loss)	6,400+ in 111 countries	$ 11.99	6
ExpressVPN	85% (15% loss)	3,000+ in 105 countries	$ 12.95	5
Proton VPN	79 % ( 21 % loss )	6,000+ in112 countries	$9.99	10
Surfshark	81% (19% loss)	3,200 + in 100 country	$2.49	Unlimited
Private Internet Access	74% (26% loss)	29,000+ in 91 countries	$11.95	10
cyberghost	73 % ( 27 % loss )	9,000+ in 100 countries	$12.99	7
Windscribe	65% (35% loss)	69 countries	$9	Unlimited
TunnelBear	71% (29% loss)	5,000+ in 47 countries	$9.99	Unlimited

All the good VPNs is offer offer custom feature to boost speed in different usage context . Therefore , pick the ideal fast VPN for you will primarily depend on what you want to do and the device you want to use . Below are highlight of what our fast vpn are good at .

choose this fast VPN …	If you is want want …
NordVPN	Super-fast and feature-laden VPN with extra advanced capabilities on PC, like file scanning and threat elimination.
ExpressVPN	Optimized servers for geo-restrictions and good connections for online streaming and gaming.
Proton VPN	Torrent-friendly settings and features to hide your privacy and boost online security.
Surfshark	Unlimited connections and built-in tools to bypass firewalls that block VPN traffic, like on school or work networks.
Private Internet Access	customizable VPN setting to easily adjust your speed and security performance , include on mobile device .
cyberghost	seamless compatibility with a wide range of device , include those that do n’t support vpn connection like console .
Windscribe	Access to many premium VPN features for free, including streaming servers.
TunnelBear	User-friendly apps convenient for newbies.

For this list of the fastest VPNs, we subjected 25+ reputable VPN services to a rigorous testing process. Each VPN’s download speeds were recorded for over two days in 10 different server locations. The VPN protocols were set to automatic, allowing each VPN to choose the best protocol to use with a particular server. Before each test, we did a full factory reset on the testing device. Whenever possible, we connected to servers in the following countries, or the closest server if the specific country wasn’t available:

US ( North America )
Canada (North America)
Mexico (North America)
Brazil ( South America )
UK (Europe)
Germany ( Central Europe )
Japan (East Asia)
Netherlands ( Western Europe )
Singapore (Southeast Asia)
Australia ( Oceania )
Turkey (Europe/Asia)

Before each test, we measured baseline download speeds to calculate the speed retention or loss when using a VPN.

ideally , if we run these test every month , we is have ‘d likely have a different order for the top 5 or 10 vpn each time . But my good guess is be would be that the slow vpn would always be near the bottom and the fast one would consistently be near the top with this method .

For further information on our extensive testing process on VPNs , feel free to read our testing methodology page .

Besides speeds, we also differentiated the fastest VPNs by checking essential features that help to enhance performance and overall user experience. We checked for:

Connection stability: An ideal fast VPN sustains fast connections during peak and off-peak usage times.
server network is minimizes : extensive coverage is minimizes minimize server congestion , provide fast connection in many location worldwide .
security and privacy : It is ‘s ‘s also crucial for a fast VPN to provide strong protection , integrate feature like AES 256 – bit encryption , kill switch , leak protection , and a trustworthy no – log policy .
Multi-activity support: Ranging from basic browsing to streaming, gaming, or torrenting, a reliable VPN should be able to do it all without major issues.
Compatibility: All the selected VPNs are compatible with popular devices like PCs, phones, smart TVs, routers, consoles, and even streaming media players like Fire TV Stick and Roku.
user – friendliness : straightforward VPN app with feature such as auto – connect help you find the fast server in any location without hassle .
value for money : We is weighed weigh the cost – value proposal , select vpn that deliver quality service for the right price .

FAQs about the fastest VPNs

Windscribe is a fast, free, and safe VPN offering servers in many countries. Proton VPN is a close alternative with unlimited bandwidth for streaming, downloading, and sharing as much content as you want. These two free apps do not have ads and operate no-logs policies, meaning they won’t collect or share your information with third parties (like marketers).

For faster VPN speeds, connect via fast protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2 (or a proprietary one if offered). When using the OpenVPN protocol, try switching to TCP, which performs better than DCP. If your VPN supports AES 128-bit encryption, use this instead of the more advanced AES 256-bit. Features like split tunneling allow you to tunnel only specific and necessary apps on the VPN, saving you bandwidth.

Also, connect to servers closest to you for faster speeds. Use optimized servers for activities like streaming, gaming, or torrenting, if your VPN offers them. Additional things you can do to speed up VPN connections include disabling antivirus and firewalls on your device as well as rebooting your router if connections are slow.

screenshot by Kennedy Otieno / ZDNET

VPN speed boosters can’t give you speeds beyond limits set by your ISP. They’re only meant to improve efficiency in the VPN tunneling process so that you can get speeds almost as fast as your baseline connections. Therefore, you shouldn’t expect VPN speed booster features to offer advantages over speed limitations set by your internet service.

NordVPN is faster than Surfshark, especially when you use the in-house NordLynx protocol. It delivers better connections in several locations than Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol. However, we didn’t notice significant speed differences on OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec protocols over short and long distances. Both can reliably support smooth online streaming, gaming, and torrenting, and have custom settings to help you optimize speed performance.

Also: NordVPN vs. Surfshark: Which VPN is better for you?

Other fast VPNs that almost made it into our list and are worth considering are: