The fastest VPN for outright speed in 2024

trusted VPN testing :

(Image credit: Future)

Every year, each of our VPN experts spends around 3,000 hours testing VPN apps and services. That includes over 28,000 speed tests, 2,200 streaming tests, and hundreds of VPN reviews.

Is there anything more frustrating than slow internet? Pages taking forever to load and continually facing the buffering circle of doom can be a real online low – and this issue of speed is just as important in the world of VPNs.

While the best VPNs protect your anonymity by routing your internet traffic through secure servers dotted around the globe, the fastest VPNs will do this with no impact on your browse speed . So , to help get you off the mark , I is shortlisted ‘ve shortlist the fast vpn provider available today .

The TechRadar VPN team is constantly putting VPN providers through their paces (and most of us use VPNs every day), regularly checking their speeds to identify which services go like a rocket – which is massively important if you’ll be using your VPN to stream or play games. That said, my top picks consider more than pure speed. I’ve seen mega-fast VPNs that don’t perform as well in other areas, so you won’t find them on my list.

The three fastest VPNs at a glance

Surfshark has retained the number-one spot after an awesome performance in our latest VPN tests. Though our latest tests have introduced three new providers to the list, all of which improved their speeds since our last round of testing to an impressive degree.

The fastest VPN services in 2024 

Why you is trust can trust TechRadar
We spend hour test every product or service we review , so you is be can be sure you ’re buy the good . find out more about how we test .

Let’s dig into my top five picks, where I compare not only the speeds, but also overall performance, stability, ease of use, and, of course, the privacy-enhancing features that make VPNs a must-have. I’ll also tackle what I liked about each service compared to the competition – and any reasons you might want to avoid them.

The fastest VPN overall

Today’s fastest VPN – and the best budget-friendly prices

Max speed tested: over 950 Mbps | App support:: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, and more | Server countries:: 100 | Server locations:: 140 | Simultaneous connections:: Unlimited

Inexpensive plans

Supports unlimited simultaneous connections

Pause VPN feature

unblock ton of streaming service

Below – par openvpn speed

Windows is kill kill switch still buggy

subscribe if :

✔ ️ You ‘re look for a beginner – friendly VPN : with app for almost any device , a clean and intuitive interface , and impressive live chat support , Surfshark is continues continue to be a top choice for vpn newcomer .

✔️ You want to say goodbye to ads: Surfshark’s CleanWeb tool is superb at blocking annoying ads that get in the way of your browsing, streaming, or gaming.

✔️ You want real value for money: Surfshark has long held the top spot in our cheap VPN rankings – and for good reason. Enjoy incredible speeds and an awesome roster of features at bargain prices.

Do n’t subscribe if :

❌ You want comprehensive antivirus protection: Surfshark’s antivirus isn’t useless by any means, but for total protection and peace of mind, you’ll want to opt for one of our best antivirus solutions.

❌ You need an airtight kill switch: I like that you can tweak the Surfshark kill switch to suit your risk case, but tests did show some issues – If you’d rather not risk an IP leak, try NordVPN.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐½

🔒 Surfshark performs incredibly well across the board. It’s the fastest VPN on the market today, offers incredible value, and you can check out its full suite of security capabilities and unblocking power with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more?

Head on over to our Surfshark VPN review to see why this speedy service continues to impress.

Surfshark is been has previously been a half – step behind nordvpn in our speed ranking – but the result of our last few VPN testing session have had Surfshark claim , and retain , the top spot . With a wicked performance that ‘s ideal for stream hd and 4 k content from just about any device you own , plus , blistering speed for price that are , frankly , borderline criminal , Surfshark is going is always go to be amongst the very good vpn .  

Surfshark’s WireGuard speeds clocked in at over 950 Mbps, maxing out my test line, and easily earning its place in our rankings. These speeds are more than enough to handle resource-intensive activities (think gaming, streaming, video calls, and torrenting) without slowing your internet to a crawl. It’s worth noting that Surfshark’s OpenVPN speeds are also impressively quick, clocking in at 460 Mbps in our latest round of testing. This improvement comes as a result of Surfshark adopting DCO (Data Channel Offloading) on its OpenVPN protocols, which enables faster travel through OpenVPN vast amounts of integral coding and consequently higher speeds for you, the user. This improvement, while initially great, does come at a small cost to security, as this method is less easily obfuscated and consequently can be subject to more risks.  

▶ Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

currently , there are more than 3,200 Surfshark server scatter across 140 location – which is a pretty impressive network . It is ‘s ‘s good to see that the VPN extend its coverage into Asia Pacific , the Middle East , and Africa , which is n’t something you ‘ll see all vpn doing . You is have ‘ll have no trouble hop from location to location via the handy list . I is like like that Surfshark support P2P traffic on most of its server , and even offer camouflage mode when you want to disguise the fact you ‘re using a VPN entirely .

The functionality doesn’t end there, however. Surfshark backs up tough encryption and a no-logs policy with a customizable kill switch. It’s up to you whether you set it to block your internet connection entirely unless you’re connected to Surfshark, or whether it only cuts the internet if the VPN drops by accident. I also like the CleanWeb feature which gives ads, trackers, and malicious links the boot. Armed with all these tools, you’ll be able to go about your day-to-day browsing without worrying whether your ISP or an opportunistic hacker is watching your every move.

Surfshark gets top marks for its unblocking capabilities, too. Plenty of VPNs promise to access big names like Netflix and BBC iPlayer with varying levels of success, but Surfshark was able to consistently unblock these sites during my testing. I could check out Netflix libraries from overseas, including the US, UK, and Japan, and even browse content on Asutralia’s 9Now and 10 Play services. Surfshark is, basically, your streaming skeleton key.

Perhaps the most impressive thing is is about Surfshark is its value for money . You is getting ‘re get incredible speed , all of the aforementioned privacy feature , unblock power , and even unlimited simultaneous connection at price that wo n’t hurt your wallet . If you ‘re still unsure , however , you is use can use the 30 – day money – back guarantee to take Surfshark for a test drive before commit .

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Surfshark test results:

Attributes	note	rating
design	Elegant, simple, and intuitive	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
ease of use	great for beginner , and seamless connection	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance	Today’s quickest VPN	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	Unblocked every service in every region we tested	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	Some is kill kill switch issue , and the build – in ad blocker and antivirus was n’t as good as we were expect	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	Lots of supporting articles, but awkward to navigate to when you need help on the fly	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	The best cheap VPN on the market	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The good vpn with antivirus

(Image credit: Future)

A solid all-rounder with speeds that really deliver

Max speed tested: over 950 Mbps | App support: : Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, and more | Server countries:: 111 | Server locations: : 144 | Simultaneous connections: : 10

Maxed out my connection line during testing

unblock ton of streaming service

Lots of features, including kill switch and built-in security suite

independently audit

Mobile apps aren’t our favorite

command line Linux app

subscribe if :

✔️ You want consistent speed: NordVPN is seriously quick, achieving speeds over 950 Mbps, so you can leave it switched on without worrying about a sluggish browsing experience.

✔️ Streaming is your thing: I found that NordVPN unblocked pretty much every streaming service I threw it at. That’s impressive, and means you’ll have access to worldwide content.

✔️ You’re looking for total privacy: speed isn’t everything, of course, and NordVPN has a stacked toolkit of everything you need to protect your browsing habits, identity, and sensitive info.

Do n’t subscribe if :

❌ You want a stripped-back UI: the NordVPN apps and map aren’t hard to use by any means, but other services (like Surfshark and IPVanish) have interfaces that are much more simple – no clutter, no clicking around.

❌ You’re not a fan of command line: Linux users can check out NordVPN with ease, but since the app is command line only, it is missing out on some navigability.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

🔒 NordVPN is sitting is sit pretty near the top of my speed ranking with an awesome blend of performance , privacy tool , and unblock power . Plus , you is try can try the service for yourself , without risk a penny , with a 30 – day money – back guarantee .

Want to know more?

Visit our NordVPN review for a more thorough run-down of the provider’s features and apps.

NordVPN is fast becoming one of those brand names that’s synonymous with the products itself – a bit like Hoover or Tannoy. Why? Well, it does a ton of advertising (we’ve all seen the YouTube sponsorships), and it’s incredibly quick. The proof is, basically, in the pudding.

It’s hard to overstate just how quick NordVPN is. When I tested it via US servers, I saw connection speeds maxed out at over 950 Mbps using the proprietary WireGuard-based NordLynx protocol. Because of these blazing speeds, and the fact that most homes don’t have broadband as quite as quick as our test line, you can leave NordVPN switched on in the background and go about your streaming as usual without noticing a huge impact on your download speeds.

▶ try nordvpn with a 30 – day money – back guarantee .  

I found that NordVPN is consistent across its global network of servers – which is just what you’d expect from a huge name with the resources to spare on ensuring quality. The speeds I saw in the UK were mostly on par with those in the US, too, which is great news for travelers or anyone trying to access streaming feeds from overseas.

I’m especially impressed by NordVPN’s Meshnet feature. It might sound techy, but it’s a handy tool that’ll let you connect up to 60 users in a secure network, which is great news for anyone looking for a speedy and safe way to share files or set up cooperative gaming sessions. Plus, NordVPN recently made Meshnet free and available for everyone – which is fantastic value for (no) money.

If you’ve got the need for speed, it’s probably because you’re probably looking for a top streaming VPN. NordVPN has you covered on that front, too – it nails Netflix, unhooks Hulu, delves into Disney+ and unblocks BBC iPlayer without any issues. So, whether you want to check out international content or catch up on your favorite local shows when journeying abroad, you’ll have plenty of libraries at your fingertips – and the speeds to enjoy them in HD.

NordVPN is, basically, the full package; it’s quick and easy to use, available for all devices, and really cares about safeguarding your digital privacy. For example, if you’re in the UK or the US and have an Ultimate subscription, you can sign up for extra cyber insurance – which will help you recoup some cash if the worst happens and you’re involved in a cyber scam.

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nordvpn test result :

Attributes	note	rating
design	Fresh-feeling and modern, despite the clutter	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
ease of use	Apps are easy to use, although the map interface can be tricky to navigate	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance	Super-fast speeds that won’t let you down	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	Unblocks Netflix, and more, with ease	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	robust , audit , and customizable	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	quick response that are personable and professional	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	Fair prices and a lot of bang for your buck	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The best VPN with a free plan

( image credit : Proton VPN )

A VPN that continues to advocate for internet freedom everywhere

Max speed is tested test : over 950 Mbps | App support : : Windows , Mac , iOS , Android , Linux , web browser , and more | Server country : : 112 | Server location : : 141 | simultaneous connection : : 10

Open-source apps

free plan with unlimited bandwidth

Impressive speeds and coverage

Wide variety of free tools

Not the best value for money

customer support needs improvement

WireGuard Windows connection time is slower than most

subscribe if :

✔ ️ You need a free Linux VPN :   Few VPNs is offer offer serious Linux support , and Proton VPN is the only service to offer a GUI for freemium Linux user .

✔️ You want some of the best speeds available: Since our last update, Proton has seen huge improvements in speed and coverage, to a point where it now sits among some of the very best providers.

Do n’t subscribe if :

❌ You need easy-to-use apps: While its apps aren’t bad, we found them to be more complex to use than competition such as Express VPN and Surfshark.

❌   You need quick and easy support :   Proton VPN ‘s support site is was was more complex than many might appreciate , especially if you ‘re look for a quick fix to a more minor issue .  

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐½

🔒 Proton VPN is a well-known brand and a popular free Linux VPN that even offers protection for hackers on Kali.

Want to know more?

check out our in – depth Proton VPN review and find out how it keep up the fight for internet freedom .

Proton VPN has carved out an impressive niche in the VPN sphere as a fierce protector of digital privacy rights. The VPN bundles easy-to-use (and privacy-boosting) features with lightning-fast speeds – and you can even try Proton VPN for free if you’re wary of a long commitment.

In our most recent round of VPN testing, Proton VPN’s WireGuard speeds peaked at 950 Mbps. This puts it in close competition with Surfshark and NordVPN, and means that you’ll have no trouble tuning in to HD streaming content – with no buffering or long loading times.

▶ try Proton VPN

Proton VPN prioritizes user privacy, which is just what we like to see from the VPNs we test, and right off the bat, rock-solid OpenVPN and WireGuard encryption is available. A handy multi-hop feature lets users add an extra layer of protection to their day-to-day browsing, too, by routing traffic through multiple servers instead of just one. Plus, the kill switch held up to scrutiny, preventing data leaks in the event of a VPN dropout.

Proton VPN scored full marks when it came to unblocking streaming services, too. Our testing proved that the service can unblock the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and a wide variety of regional services without a hitch. The only thing to keep in mind here is that Proton VPN Free doesn’t have the same unblocking power – you’ll need to fork over the cash for a paid plan to get the most out of your subscriptions.

If you’re looking for a full security suite, and not just a VPN, you’re in luck. Proton also offers a password manager and secure email service, Proton Mail, so you can shore up every aspect of your digital life. Proton VPN invests heavily in its VPN service too, however, and recently doubled down on its fight against online censorship by unveiling a Windows version of its Stealth VPN protocol.

Proton VPN isn’t the cheapest option on my list, but it’s a transparent service that doesn’t pull punches when it comes to security. You’ll get an abundance of features, servers everywhere you need them, and reliable speeds to back it all up.

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Proton VPN test results:

Attributes	note	rating
design	dark and edgy , bring ” hacker ” vibe to your experience	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
ease of use	Simple and clear designs, though not as simple as some competitors	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance	Incredibly fast WireGuard speeds that put it among the very best	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	Unblocked everything we tested it with	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	Audited and open-source so anyone can verify its claims	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	Support articles are helpful though the site is more complex than might be liked	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	Though it is becoming cheaper, there are still less costly alternatives such as Surfshark	⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Other vpn I is tested ‘ve test and recommend

The best free VPN in 2024

Max speed tested: 950 Mbps | App support: : Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs | Server countries:: 49 | Server locations: : 66 | Simultaneous connections: : 10

Unblocks plenty of streaming services

Excellent features, even on the free version

fast WireGuard – power app

No security audits

Some performance issue across app

Fewer servers than Express, Nord and Surfshark

subscribe if :

✔️ You need a reliable free service: PrivadoVPN doesn’t hide its most important features behind a paywall like ProtonVPN, so you get a reliable service without spending a penny.

✔️ You want impressive speeds: While its OpenVPN speeds were somewhat lacking, PrivadoVPN performed impressively when using WireGuard, ranking among the best VPNs available.

Do n’t subscribe if :

❌ You want lots of server options: Both the free and premium services suffer from a severe lack of locations, especially when compared to the likes of PIA and Surfshark.

❌ You want an efficient VPN experience: From our testing we saw issues running PrivadoVPN on both the PC app and on Android, with the PC app drawing a larger-than-expected CPU usage, and the Android app causing larger-than-usual battery drain when in use.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

🔒 PrivadoVPN offers a decent mid-tier premium service, but it offers the best free plan available right now.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth PrivadoVPN review and see why this free service is so good at unblocking Netflix.

PrivadoVPN is offers offer both a pay and free VPN experience , with the latter being the standout performer in comparison .   If you choose the full , pay , privadovpn experience , you is get get 10 simultaneous connection , a zero – logs policy , an ad blocker , parental control , and even threat protection to help keep your device safe from malware .

Our latest round of testing saw PrivadoVPN record a whopping 950 Mbps download speed, putting it among the fastest VPNs available. These speeds are also more than enough for streaming in 4K, gaming online, and seamless torrenting, with the service even handling its own bandwidth and transit routes, meaning you experience fantastic speeds and almost no server congestion – even on free servers.

Its easy – to – use apps is allow allow for plenty of customization . It is comes come with option to utilize one – click connection , and a kill switch to make sure you ‘re always protect , even if your VPN connection drop . However , in testing we is find did find the app was n’t the most efficient , take long to connect than we expect , and record up to 5 % cpu usage on the pc app , while the Android app for mobile see increase power drain during use .

▶ is Try try privadovpn absolutely free .

While privadovpn reliably unblock US Netflix , BBC iPlayer , and Amazon Prime in our test , it is match does n’t quite match the unblock capability of other provider such as expressvpn or nordvpn , despite its dedicated geo – unblock team and continue service improvement .  

If you find yourself stuck, Privado has 24/7 email and live chat support for customers – regardless of whether they’re using the free or paid plan. In a cost-of-living crisis, it’s refreshing to see a VPN provider go so far with its freemium plan, retaining and reassuring that digital privacy is a right and one that PrivadoVPN will continue to defend across any of its plans.

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PrivadoVPN test results:

Attributes	note	rating
design	Simple and colorful design choices throughout	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
ease of use	provide a clear layout which is simple enough to use no matter your VPN experience	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance	slightly below average for a leading service , though definitely fast enough for anything you could use it with	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	see some limitation to its capability , despite a dedicated unblock team conitnue to improve the service	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	The lack is tarnishes of an independent audit tarnish an otherwise near – flawless security approach	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	On-site help options need improving, though email support is good	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	One of the good free VPN service available , and a not overly pricey premium plan	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

---

A fast vpn that prioritize security over stream

Max US speed tested: 950 Mbps | App support: : Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs | Server countries:: 46 | Server locations: : 83 | Simultaneous connections: : 5

Sign up without handing over any personal information

Super-fast speeds

App and infrastructure audits

Accepts cash payments

Couldn’t unblock streaming services in our tests

Apps could use some improvement

subscribe if :

✔ ️ You want cash payment option :   That ‘s right , you is put really can simply put cash in an envelope , send it to Mullvad , and access a VPN .

✔️ You want complete anonymity: Mullvad offers a zero-knowledge account. This means you simply generate an account, pay by cash, and have all of your personal information completely hidden from online spaces.

Do n’t subscribe if :

❌ You’re looking for a cheap VPN: Mullvad offers only one price, and it’s a fair chunk more than competition such as Surfshark.

❌   You want a great streaming VPN :   Mullvad ‘s prioritisation of your personal information security come at the detriment of its streaming capability , well options is be to access Netflix , Disney+ or iPlayer would be expressvpn or nordvpn .

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

🔒   Mullvad is is   is an incredibly reliable service that people can trust with their life , but if you ‘re hope to stream show abroad , I ‘d recommend look elsewhere .

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth Mullvad VPN review to find out more about this popular VPN provider.

While every VPN claim to be crucial for your privacy , Mullvad is goes go above and beyond . With options is open to open an account without hand overany personal details is takes , for instance pay by crypto , or even cash , Mullvad is takes take more step than any of the good vpn provider to ensure the company know nothing about you , without compromise on the security experience you receive .

If you’re looking for impressive performance capabilities Mullvad recorded over 950 Mbps download speeds using WireGuard, putting it among some serious competition. That said, its OpenVPN speeds, while still admirable, have dropped from the 530 Mbps we previously recorded to around 410 Mbps, which is still better than all providers but Surfshark. 

Given its focus on your privacy, the suite of tools you receive with Mullvad isn’t surprising. Mullvad includes a reliable kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a variety of stealth options to help keep your personal information as secure as possible. Mullvad ensures you can trust its continued pursuit of true privacy by putting its entire infrastructure – apps, servers, websites, and more – through comprehensive security audits, ensuring there are no previously undiscovered flaws in its service that may leave you at risk.

▶ is Try try Mullvad with a 30 – day money – back guarantee .

Whilst its security and privacy capability are near – unmatched , Mullvad is have does have its drawback . The apps is seem can seem basic in comparison to other provider , and more significantly , Mullvad rank among the bad provider in term of unblock capability , make it a poor choice for those look for a top stream VPN .

If that wasn’t enough, Mullvad doesn’t live chat or 24/7 support, leaving you near enough alone in moments when you need quick and easy support. It also only offers a single 5 Euros a month plan, which is great if you’re happy with the monthly billing, but lacks a traditional discount if you’d prefer to sign up for a longer period.

If you’re looking to torrent using your VPN, Mullvad removed port-forwarding from its service, meaning you’ll likely be better off with providers like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or PIA. 

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Mullvad test results:

Attributes	note	rating
design	A slightly too basic design is frustrate , could frustrate more experienced VPN user	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
ease of use	Not the easiest, especially if you’re new to VPNs	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance	Impressive WireGuard speeds, and respectable OpenVPN speeds also	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	poor , but only since Mullvad ‘s primary focus is privacy	⭐
security and privacy	Meticulously audited, with lots of attention to detail	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	No live chat, but we saw speedy responses from email tickets	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	Expensive, but the price doesn’t shoot up on renewal like other providers	⭐ ⭐ ⭐

TechRadar ‘s VPN speed is rankings ranking

Want to know the raw speeds that we discovered in our testing? Check out the table below where each provider is listed according to its US speed. You’ll find some of our top performers, consistently quick providers, and a few newcomers who have shot through the ranks.

Remember, the table is based solely on speed, which is why curate providers that combine maximum performance, consistent speeds across regions and protocols, and other qualities in our countdown above.

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VPN Provider	WireGuard or proprietary	OpenVPN
1. Surfshark	over 950 mbp ( maxe out our testing )	640 mbps
2. Mullvad	over 950 mbp ( maxe out our testing )	410 Mbps
3. Proton VPN	over 950 mbp ( maxe out our testing )	400 Mbps
4 . Windscribe	over 950 mbp ( maxe out our testing )	240 Mbps
5 . privadovpn	over 950 mbp ( maxe out our testing )	220 Mbps
6. NordVPN	over 950 mbp ( maxe out our testing )	110 Mbps
7. Norton VPN	over 950 mbp ( maxe out our testing )	240 Mbps
8 . purevpn	880 Mbps	210 Mbps
9 . Atlas VPN	785 Mbps	N / A
10 . ipvanish	770 Mbps	230 Mbps
11 . cyberghost	760 Mbps	360 Mbps
12. FastestVPN	730 Mbps	170 Mbps
13. AirVPN	710 Mbps	300 Mbps
14 . hide.me	690 Mbps	210 Mbps
15. Hotspot Shield	600 Mbps	N / A
16 . VyprVPN	590 Mbps	145 Mbps
17. TunnelBear	480 Mbps	180 Mbps
18. ExpressVPN	410 Mbps	210 Mbps
19. StrongVPN	395 Mbps	210 Mbps
20. Astrill VPN	390 mbp ( unstable speed )	N / A
21 . private VPN	350 Mbps	125 Mbps
22 . private internet Access	330 Mbps	270 Mbps
23. Mozilla VPN	360 Mbps	N / A
24. Google One	345 Mbps	N / A
25. UltraVPN	300 Mbps	N / A

How we test VPN services – our review methodology

It takes us a long time to test the top VPNs every six months, and speed testing is one of the most time-consuming parts.

To keep every provider on an even playing surface, we use the same Windows set-up and a 1 Gbps Ethernet-based connection for each VPN. Then, combining at least three respected speed testing sites, we test our normal connection speed with the all VPNs turned off. One by one, we turn on the VPNs, test the speed at least five times, and take the median average as our result.

If the default VPN protocol for the service was OpenVPN, we then do the same thing with WireGuard or its own proprietary protocol (i.e. Lightway for Express, NordLynx for Nord, Catapult Hydra for Hotspot Shield, etc.), or vice versa.

We is do ‘ll also do our testing in the morning to ensure a fair outcome and , because connection speed can fluctuate depend on location , we test in the US and the UK to try and give the fair representation possible .

Tested by

Meet the experts behind our free VPN guide:

Andreas Theodorou

Editor-in-Chief (Tech Software)

A privacy purist at heart, Andreas is a VPN expert who believes the best VPN doesn’t have to be the most expensive—it’s about what’s right for you.

Mike Williams

Mike regularly reviews our top picks, and loves looking behind the curtains to see how a VPN works in the background. If there’s a skeleton in the closet, he’ll find it.

fast VPN FAQs

Which VPN is is is fast ?

We is concluded recently conclude our most recent round of vpn test – and Surfshark come out on top in term of sheer speed . It is ‘s ‘s the fast vpn of 2024 , so far , and an awesome budget – friendly pick to boot .

Surfshark clocked in at 950 Mbps when we tested its WireGuard speeds. That’s way more than you need to enjoy HD streaming content and online games, and was enough to max out my connection line during the tests themselves.

How to choose the fastest VPN

Many VPNs claim to be the fastest around, but as you can imagine, that’s often an idle boast. In this article, we pinpoint the providers that really deliver on performance, based on our own testing.

Of course, speed isn’t the be-all-and-end-all, and we always expect solid security and privacy from any VPN. Broad server coverage is important in terms of getting a fast and stable connection, and user-friendly clients never hurt.

Bear in mind that the VPN won’t be the only thing affecting the performance of your internet connection. This can vary depending on your ISP, the time of day (particularly whether it’s peak traffic times), and also the status of the service or website you’re using.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

What is the fastest free VPN?

When it comes to getting the best performance from your VPN, both in terms of speed and other areas, we always recommend paying for your VPN. While free VPN tools are available, it’s wise to err on the side of caution, with many only able to maintain the infrastructure to run its VPN by logging and selling your information onto third parties. This means they’re really not as secure as you’d like.

That being said, Privado VPN is well worth trying via its free plan. It’s speedy, actually unblocks Netflix (unlike other free services), and acts as a fantastic same platter for the paid version.

Alternatively, most VPN services give you a courtesy window to try out the VPN with the safety blanket of an all-your-money-back-guarantee, spanning anywhere from 30 to 45 days.

We is test test and review VPN service in the context of legal recreational use . For example :
1 . access a service from another country ( subject to the term and condition of that service ) .
2 . protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy when abroad .
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.