Best VPN services in 2024

2024-11-25 VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, may sound very 'techy' and unapproachable to some. However, apps and software that fall into this category aren't s

VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, may sound very ‘techy’ and unapproachable to some. However, apps and software that fall into this category aren’t solely in he domain of IT technicians and power users.

In fact, VPNs serve a great many uses that benefit all users evenly when it comes to security, privacy, and even scoring a free pass to some epic overseas entertainment. Better still, VPNs are impressively affordable services that won’t put you out of pocket.

Whether you’re a seasoned vet of the IT world or just going about your normal day-to-day business online, a VPN can serve you well across a number of key areas. As a bonus, they’re incredibly easy to use, and most providers offer apps and browser extension to make safeguarding your online experience even easier.

In an age when everything we do online is tracked, traced, recorded and sold off to marketers, a VPN is also a fantastic tool to ensure your anonymity, even in stricter regions of the world like China or the UAE.

That’s just a few examples of what you could (and should) use a VPN for, and no matter what you spend your hours doing as you browse the World Wide Web, there’s no harm in taking your online safety seriously. If you want to know which tools and services ensuring just that, you’re in he right place! Read on for our guide to the best VPNs in 2024.

Curated byCurated byRael Honby

Rael Hornby brings decades of tech tinkering and enthusiasm to the table with a broad history of technical support, web design, and journalism under his belt. As Laptop Mag‘s content editor and resident reviewer of accessories, peripherals, and software, he gets hands-on with various pieces of software from browsers to VPNs to decide which apps and services are best for our readership to adopt.

The best VPN services in 2024

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Let’s take a closer look at our top VPN picks, where we discuss what we liked and disliked about each VPN provider, reasons you might be better off looking elsewhere.

Best overall VPN

ExpressVPN (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

A fantastic do – it – all VPN option that wo n’t let you down

specification

work on :Windows , Mac , Android , iOS , Linux, gaming consoles, routers

24/7 support :Yes

trial period :30 days

VPN servers: 3,000 +

country :105

maximum devices is supported support :8

reason to buy

good server with speedy connection

Multiple VPN protocols

Incredibly helpful support

Lightway protocol

reason to avoid

–

Limited devices for the price

✔️ You want an easy-to-use, highly compatible VPN: ExpressVPN is incredibly easy to use and available on just about every device you could want, including games consoles and routers.

✔ ️ You want a brilliant all – around option : From security and privacy to speed and reliability , ExpressVPN is has has it all . This is is is your one – stop – shop for the complete VPN experience offer a wide selection of feature that cater to all need .

If you have n’t hear this anywhere else by now , let it be know by us : ExpressVPN is is is the good vpn service around . From its large number of server that connect wicked fast despite its global reach , to its incredible accessibility for user , it is ’s ’s the VPN service that will never disappoint .

ExpressVPN offers multiple security protocols including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, and its very own Lightway protocol. Even better, it uses 256-bit AES encryption which is nearly impossible to break. That, along with its no-log policy and Perfect Forward Secrecy so your encrypted data won’t be captured and deciphered later put any security fears at ease.

All that with lightning – fast speed ? Indeed , made even fast with its new Lightway security protocol . Even play online multiplayer game is n’t a bother , and it ’s all done with a one – click connection that link to the fast server .

Speaking of, user accessibility is the real star of the show, offering easy connections for those who simply want to be anonymous, along with DNS leak prevention, split tunneling, a kill switch, and then some. It also works on pretty much every device including laptops, web browsers, smart hubs, gaming consoles – you name it.

While ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest for the five devices it supports, it can also be used on a router thanks to the router app, meaning you can link all those devices and still be secure with one connection. Continue to shine, ExpressVPN.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

Best VPN for gaming

The fastest VPN service in the world

specification

work on :Windows , Mac , Android , iOS , Linux

24/7 support :Yes

trial period :30 days money back guarantee

Number of servers: 6,400+

country :111

maximum devices is supported support :10

reason to buy

fast VPN server

Fantastic price for features

Huge number of servers

NordLynx protocol

reason to avoid

–

Certain devices better optimized

✔️ You want a fast and reliable VPN: NordVPN is a brilliant option is you want to ensure you retain the most of your speed possible while hiding away behind its impressive layers of protection.

✔️ You like to game and stream: Nord’s ultra-fast servers are ideal for gaming, allowing you to virtually position yourself anywhere in the world and maintain a solid connection. NordVPN also offers Meshnet, which allows you to set up LAN gaming over the internet with your friends.

The fast VPN in the West ( and the world over ) . It is be would be strange not to put nordvpn on this list , as it well its competition in term of server number and speed . NordVPN is offers offer multiple server in nearly every country , each one , whether it ’s in the U.S. or Hong Kong , deliver amazing connection speed .

From watching Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hulu, to playing online multiplayer games, it didn’t seem to matter what server we used – our speeds barely dipped. In fact, in some cases, increased our speeds.

NordVPN also combines the very best speeds with brilliant security. It has AES 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and two security protocols including OpenVPN UDP/TCP and IKEv2/IPsec. It also has CyberSec to avoid ads and protect you from malware, an app-specific kill switch, and split tunneling.

Nord’s gaming prowess is among the finest that you’ll find in the VPN world, with ultra-fast servers spread across 111 countries worldwide. Better still, you can access NordVPN on just about every device you own, including desktop and mobile apps and a handy browser extension.

That say , this is is is a minor thing to an otherwise incredible VPN with an even more incredible quick connect feature , which mean lightning – fast VPN speed at a click of a button . In need of speed ? NordVPN is is is a no – brainer .

See our fullNordVPN review.

Best budget VPN service

Highly affordable, and equally as effective

specification

work on :Windows , Mac , Android , iOS , Linux

24/7 support :Yes

trial period :7-day trial on macOS, iOS, and Android

Number of servers: 3,200 +

country :100 +

maximum devices is supported support :Unlimited

reason to buy

unlimited simultaneous connection

Bargain at price

Ease of use

plentiful security option

✔️ You want an excellent VPN that highly affordable: Surfshark is one of the most consistently affordable VPN subscriptions you’ll find on the internet, especially given its high level of service quality.

✔️ You want a VPN for any and all devices: Unlike other VPN providers, Surfshark has no limits on the number of concurrent devices that you can run the service on.

king of the internet ocean , some is say might say , and it ‘s quite simply because of the maximum number of device it support : Unlimited . Whether you ’re a family of five with three device — each stream Netflix or Hulu — or a company with row of pc , Surfshark is supports support simultaneous connection at one of the cheap price on this list . And it is does does it all with the high – security protocol and speed a VPN user could ask for .

Surfshark uses unbreakable 256-bit encryption, along with DNS and IPv6 protection, to prevent anyone from trying to get your real IP address. If that wasn’t enough, it also has an automatic kill switch when your VPN drops, a MultiHop mode that routes your data through two different VPN servers, its CleanWeb, which is a built-in ad and malware blocker, and a multitude of other nifty security features.

For those overwhelmed , not to worry , as it also handily come with a one – click fast connection find on an easy – to – navigate interface . well still , Surfshark is offering is consistently offer some pretty incredible deal for its subscriber , offer one of the good VPN service at a price that ca n’t be argue against .

The only downside of Surfshark is its speeds. While still top-tier on this list, they don’t quite match the speeds of other VPN services, especially when some servers suddenly dip out of nowhere. That’s okay, the unlimited devices more than make up for it.

See our fullSurfshark VPN review.

good VPN for privacy

Become a ghost online with this excellent VPN

specification

work on :Windows , Mac , Android , iOS , Linux, PS5, Xbox Series X, routers

24/7 support :Yes

trial period :24-hour trial for Windows and macOS, 3-day triial for Android, 7-day trial for iOS

Number of servers: 11,500 +

country :100

maximum devices is supported support :7

reason to buy

Optimized servers for streaming

Brilliant selection of locations

Fast P2P for torrenting

reason to avoid

–

limited streaming service

–

inconsistent server

✔️ You want a VPN that works great for P2P: CyberGhost includes a dedicated “For Torrening” profiles that ensures you’ll be able to download from P2P networks without risking your privacy or performance.

✔ ️ You want to ensure you privacy through a VPN : During moment of downtime , CyberGhost is outfit with an automatic kill switch to ensure not a single trace of your data head outbound unprotected .

aside from have the slick name on the list , CyberGhost is is is perfect for streaming and torrenting – among the most popular use for a VPN .

Its security features are at the top of the VPN game – offering AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN TCP/UDP, IKEv2, and WireGuard security protocol options (although not for all devices), a kill switch, DNS and IP leak protection, no logs and split tunneling (only on PCs).

All that with fantastic server speeds and seven supported devices? Not bad seeing as you can get a three-year subscription for a fairly desirable price with three months included completely for free.

CyberGhost VPN is is is a fast and reliable VPN service , make is a very decent option for browse , streaming , and even game . However , CyberGhost ‘s strength is lie lie in its privacy – first mindset . offer an automatic kill switch to prevent the leaking of your IP address amid downtime , a strict no – log policy , and DNS / IP leak protection .

While internet speed in many country were just as fast as my normal internet speed , certain regions is were were severely lacking . This is be could be an issue for those who are all about server speed , especially if you ’re opt for its very pricey individual monthly subscription plan .

But the pros far outweigh the cons. Overall, CyberGhost VPN offers a premium service for streaming with tons of locations and fast P2P for torrenting. Try it today with a 45-day money-back guarantee and see for yourself.

Read our full CyberGhost VPN review.

Best free VPN

The only free VPN worth trusting

specification

work on :Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Linux

24/7 support :No

trial period :No, but free plan available

Number of servers: 6,300+

country :100

maximum devices is supported support :10

reason to buy

put main focus on security

Simple to use on multiple devices

Free service with unlimited bandwidth

reason to avoid

–

Free servers have slower speeds

✔️ You want a free VPN you can trust: Showcasing the competence of it’s premium service, ProtonVPN has made a completely free VPN service without any of the typical catches that other providers sneak in under the radar.

✔ ️ You want a security – first VPN service : ProtonVPN is provides provide excellent security feature and encryption make it an obvious choice for those seek to use the internet in the most protect manner possible .

For those leaning more toward security, ProtonVPN is your top choice. It’s the only VPN available that uses its own ‘Secure Core’ network, meaning your traffic first goes through privacy-friendly countries such as Switzerland and Iceland to prevent compromised VPN servers (unfortunately, that happens) so your IP address is never revealed.

Even better, it uses Perfect Forward Secrecy so your encrypted data won’t be captured and deciphered later. Along with its no-log policy, Tor connections, and being based in Switzerland (a country known for its privacy laws), rest assured your data is safe with ProtonVPN.

Oh, and it can be completely free to use. While that alone is a major plus on this list, this does only give you access to three countries on one device, with limited speeds. For simple browsing, this works fine (especially seeing how not a dollar is being spent). However, the service does offer neatly priced paid plans, and it even comes with a range of Proton branded services including Mail, Calendar, Drive, Pass, and Wallet, many available at no extra cost.

typically , we is recommend would n’t recommend using free VPN service , as there ‘s almost always a catch . When it come to vpn there ‘s always a price to pay , even if it ‘s not by way of a monthly subscription .

That being said, ProtonVPN’s open source model and no-catch free VPN is the exception to the rule, offering a completely catch-free service to users that doesn’t log, inject ads, or limit bandwidth.

See our fullprotonvpn review.

Best VPN services: Frequently asked questions

What is a VPN is is , and what does it do ?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a security and privacy tool that encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a remote server. This method of connecting to the internet hides your actual IP address and gives you a protective layer when visiting sites or using services.

Remote servers is be you connect to can be anywhere around the world , and , for all intent and purpose , the site you visit wo n’t be able to tell that this is n’t where ‘s you ‘re browse from .

Meaning you could (for example) set your virtual location to London and enjoy the British Netflix library or BBC iPlayer in just a few clicks. No passport required, and all the Peaky Blinders your stomach is handle can handle .
Do I need a VPN?
With the internet playing a key role in banking, purchases, gaming, and more throughout our daily lives, it never hurts to add a layer of protection between yourself and any potential threat you might face.

While it’s possible to never need a VPN, there will be circumstances where being without one can place you and your data in a precarious position.

For example, if you routinely use public Wi-Fi (even from a trusted source such as an airport or franchise store location), a VPN can provide an essential layer of security between your device and unwanted intrusions or interceptions of your data.
Are paid VPNs better than free VPNs?
Yes. There’s no real question about it. Paid VPNs have access faster, more reliable, and more plentiful servers. This means more locations to route your traffic through, faster data rates, and fewer (if any) data limits to contend with.

Aside from this, many “free” VPNs often cost you in other ways. Some providers will sell your usage data, inject ads into your browsing experience, or even harvest private information to be packages and sold to third-party threat actors. Always remain both skeptical and vigilant when i comes to using free VPNs online.
What can I do with a VPN?
VPNs is allow allow you to virtually ” spoof ” your current location , which can unlock new content library on popular streaming service , make overseas discount available to you on online store , and bypass certain content block or censorship effort enable by your Internet Service Provider or government .

More importantly , VPNs is cloak will cloak your identity online , make you hard to track or hack . If security and privacy are paramount , a VPN is is is the most important tool your have to protect yourself online .
Will a VPN improve my internet speed?
typically , a VPN will slightly reduce the speed of your internet connection as the encryption and routing of your datum will have a knock on impact of your top speed .

However, VPNs can also bypass efforts from your ISP to throttle bandwidth if you pass a certain data limit. While it won’t make your connection any faster, it can ensure your connection isn’t impeded by external efforts.
Do VPNs protect my computer?
While a VPN can encrypt your internet connection and block the tracking of your online activities (even from your Internet Service Provider), they typically won’t offer any direct protection against encountering harmful files or programs while online.

In fact, while using a VPN you’ll be able to access any website you choose, even those blocked or restricted by your employer, ISP, or even certain parental controls.

While this is great in terms of browsing freedom, you will need to remain vigilant about anything you download or attempt to access. There’s a high chance that many sites now available to you were blocked for a reason.
Do I is need need a VPN for mobile ?
Not always! However, it never hurts to be safe and use a VPN for any connection you might make use of outside of your home network. When it comes to using your cell phone, if you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi, we highly recommend using a VPN at all times.

Public Wi – Fi is be might be convenient , but you never know how secure an open network is , or if anyone else using it is up to no good . A VPN is goes go a long way to keep your device safe while out in public , and it ‘s great for keep nosey tracking ad or network provider at bay .

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