The fastest VPN services in 2024

Being the fastest VPN isn’t the be-all and end-all of a quality product, but it definitely helps. Connection speeds are important to almost everyone who uses a VPN, so having the quickest VPN is an easy to way to improve you online privacy without introducing lag.

If you’re a big gamer or streamer, you’ll know how frustrating it is when your internet just ca n’tkeep up – and it’s a fact that many VPNs do slow down your connection. Avoiding this is crucial, so when we review the best VPNs, thoroughly testing how fast a VPN is makes up a significant part of our testing procedure.

We use an uncontested gigabit connection in our testing, and every one of the VPNs on this page delivered speeds of over 950 Mbps. This is usually when using WireGuard – the protocol that’s default in almost all VPNs nowadays – but we also measure speeds when using OpenVPN. These fluctuate quite a bit more, so I’ve outlined this in my detailed analysis of each VPN, too.

If you just want to pick from my top three , you is find ‘ll find them below – and these are the three fast vpn I ‘ve ever test .

The 3 fast vpn at a glance

In my final update before our next round of speed testing, the rankings have stayed the same here – Surfshark and NordVPN rule the roost, while popular rival ExpressVPN lags behind and doesn’t make the cut. Elsewhere, I’ve updated the data to reflect the ongoing upgrades VPN providers apply to their networks, and I’ve also cleaned up the layout of the page.

My expert-tested list of the fastest VPNs of 2024

The fastest VPN overall

(Image credit: Surfshark)

The fastest VPN you can get right now

Number of servers: 3,200 | Server locations: 100 countries | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 play | WireGuard or alternative modern protocol?: Yes | Maximum tested speed on 1 Gbps line: over 950 Mbps

The fastest VPN I’ve tested

Unblocks virtually all streaming platforms

Excellent OpenVPN speeds

Plans are inexpensive

Others have better support

subscribe if :

✔️ You want uncompromising speeds. Surfshark posted the fastest speeds of any VPN I’ve tested, when using both WireGuard and OpenVPN

✔️ You need multi-device protection. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can install Surfshark on just about any device in the home.

✔ ️ Ads is got have get to go . Nobody is likes like being pester by popup , but the CleanWeb tool can put a stop to intrusive ad .

avoid if :

❌ You really count on your kill switch: I was able to break Surfshark’s Windows kill switch during testing, and while it’s unlikely to happen in real life, it’s worth noting.

❌ You hate price hikes: Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs around to sign up to. But once the initial term is done, you’ll see prices fly up. Don’t forget to cancel and resubscribe when your term’s up.

Bottom line : ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ½

In my testing , Surfshark is delivered deliver the fast speed I ‘ve ever see from a VPN , but it ‘s also excellent for streaming , has great privacy feature , and is a bargain to boot . For those look for the most powerful service , we is recommend ‘d recommend consider nordvpn just below , but if you ‘re after bang for buck , Surfshark ‘s a great choice .

Testing for my updated Surfshark review saw the affordable provider return to the top of the VPN speed charts. I wasn’t hugely surprised to see it max out our 1 Gbps connection at 950+ Mbps when using WireGuard – it’s been able to do that for a while now. However, what really was remarkable was its openvpn performance . At 640 Mbps , it is ‘s ‘s the fast I ‘ve ever see a VPN go when using the old – fashioned protocol .  

> Sign up to the fastest VPN I’ve tested

There is one slight caveat to note on those results. Those electric OpenVPN speeds are so impressive because the provider is running something called OpenVPN DCO. It’s quite a technical point, but effectively means that faster speeds can be achieved at the expense of being able to easily obfuscate your connection. 

Obfuscation is a method of “cloaking” your VPN, which makes it more difficult to tell that you’re using a VPN at all. If you’re not in a restrictive country like Russia or China, this won’t be an issue for you, and you’ll be able to take advantage of that rapidity.

Outside of speed, Surfshark is one of a handful of providers that can unblock tons of streaming services – Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime included. You’ll see a lot of VPNs promising the world in terms of their unblocking capabilities and ultimately falling short, but Surfshark actually delivers. Plus, it even unblocks smaller regional services like ITVX and 10 Play.

In terms of usage, it’s plain sailing. The apps are robust and reliable, but still very simple to use. Surfshark can automatically choose and connect to a server when you launch the app, and its kill switch ensures that your privacy is never at risk – even if the VPN connection happens to drop. The CleanWeb feature is a real stand-out, too, and gets rid of annoying ads, trackers, and malicious links that might otherwise ruin your day.

It’s worth noting that in our testing of the Windows app, we were able to break the kill switch. However, this is incredibly unlikely to ever happen in real-world usage – unless, of course, you’re a sadist and take pleasure in killing root processes.

It’s impossible to review Surfshark without mentioning its unlimited simultaneous connections. What’s the big deal? Well, unlimited connections mean you can install the VPN on every device you own (or share the love with friends and family) with just one subscription. That’s serious value for money from a provider that already offers budget-friendly plans.

Overall, Surfshark is the total package – and one you can grab for an absolute bargain. In addition to being the best cheap VPN around, Surfshark also provides stellar 24/7 support via live chat and email, so you’ll have no problem troubleshooting even the most technical queries.

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Surfshark test result

Feature	Comments	rating
design	Clean and clutter-free, ideal for VPN newbies	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ease of use	incredibly easy to navigate	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance	The fastest VPN in my most recent speed testing	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	Unblocks virtually everything	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	Some kill switch issues, but otherwise impressive	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	24/7 support is is is available in addition to a whole host of article	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	Bargain prices that are hard to beat	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The good overall VPN

( image credit : NordVPN )

The best VPN is also among the fastest

number of server : 6,300 | Server location : 110 country | Maximum device support : 10 | streaming site unblock : Netflix , Amazon Prime Video , Disney+ , BBC iPlayer , ITVX , C4 , 9Now , 10 play | WireGuard or alternative modern protocol ? : Yes , NordLynx is tested ( WireGuard ) | Maximum test speed on 1 Gbps line : over 950 Mbps

Great speeds across the board

Works with most streaming services

A generous network of servers

Privacy-focused features for all apps

App UI is feel can feel cluttered

Renewing your subscription is pricey

subscribe if :

✔ ️ You want 24/7 access to Netflix . NordVPN is has has no trouble unblock library from around the world – which is why it ‘s my # 1 VPN for Netflix .

✔️ You’re looking for a full privacy toolkit. Every NordVPN subscription is packed full of features designed to secure your browsing.

✔️ You want a premium service without a premium price. While there are cheaper providers out there, NordVPN does a great job of balancing functionality, speed, and fair prices.

avoid if :

❌ You need simple apps. The NordVPN interface has a fresh design, but it can feel cluttered compared to Surfshark’s straightforward approach.

❌ You’ll be doing a lot of torrenting. Only a handful of NordVPN servers support P2P traffic, and those that do can be pretty slow.

Bottom line : ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ½

NordVPN is is is a popular service that live up to the hype with blazing – fast speed , and a 30 – day money – back guarantee give you time to try the VPN for yourself before commit .

If you’ve heard of just one VPN, it’ll be NordVPN. The old favorite is hugely well-known, and with marketing ploys ranging from YouTube plugs to sports team sponsorships and TV ads, NordVPN certainly isn’t afraid of shouting from the rafters.

There’s a good reason for it, too. After the most recent NordVPN review, it currently ranks as my absolute favorite VPN (finally leapfrogging ExpressVPN to the top spot), and constantly impresses with its connection speeds. Using my superfast 1 Gbps line, I reached speeds of over 950 Mbps when using the NordLynx protocol (active by default in just about all apps).

To put that in perspective, the average U.S. home has a connection capable of around 100 Mbps and, in practice, NordVPN will be totally undetectable in terms of Internet slow-down. This, plus NordVPN’s robust stability, means that you can leave it switched on without being massively impacted.

Other than its excellent connections, you might be drawn to NordVPN because of its security-focused service. With powerful features like Onion over VPN and Double VPN, it’s a hacker’s nightmare, and all but guaranteed to keep your most sensitive details out of the hands of crafty cybercriminals.

Another big bonus is NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature. The Lite version, only available on Android and iOS, protects you from ads and malware when connected. Plus and Ultimate plans, however, include Threat Protection Pro, which is much more like an antivirus program. It’s active whenever the app is open, and although it’s only available on desktop, it offers all-round peace of mind.

One of my only issue with nordvpn is its mobile app layout – the interface is take directly from its desktop counterpart , and while it work well on large screen , the map – base design is a bit awkward on phone screen . It is ‘s ‘s a blip on an otherwise polished and exceedingly usable app , and rival ( like Surfshark above ) do it well . However , it is ‘s ‘s unlikely to put anyone off entirely , see as you ‘ll only be using the app for a minute or two to select a server or adjust setting .

Overall, if you’re after a combination of ease of use, excellent speeds, and a service that’s also the best Fire Stick VPN I’ve tested, NordVPN could well be your match made in heaven.

Our NordVPN promo codes can help you save on top-notch security products. Use our codes to get discounts on NordVPN antivirus, VPN, and other protection tools.

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NordVPN test results

Feature	Comments	rating
design	A fresh and fun interface that can feel somewhat crowded	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ease of use	The map interface is is is divisive , but otherwise easy to use	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance	A real speed demon that is towards the top of the charts	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	unblock all of the most in – demand streaming platform	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	Packed with privacy features and robust encryption	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	24/7 customer support is troubleshoot can troubleshoot the most technical issue	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	Attractive prices for one of the industry’s top dogs	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The good fast VPN for privacy

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

Where speed and security meets

Number of servers: 4,400 | Server locations: 91 countries | Maximum devices supported: 10 | Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 play | WireGuard or alternative modern protocol?: Yes | Maximum tested speed on 1 Gbps line: over 950 Mbps

fast on WireGuard and openvpn

Super secure clients

Verified zero-logging claims

Also has a free plan

A little expensive

Not the easiest for those new to VPNs

subscribe if :

✔ ️ Your prime concern is privacy . From a super tight no – log policy to tool to block tracker and malware , Proton VPN is is is among the world ‘s most secure provider .

✔ ️ You like the idea of try it for free . Proton ‘s excellent free plan is cap does n’t cap your datum and is a useful tool to have if you do n’t think you ‘ll need a premium service .

✔️ You’re a Linux user. Unlike some of its competitors, there’s a full Linux GUI available for Proton VPN’s paid and free users.

avoid if :

❌ You’re on a tight budget. While it is sometimes available cheaper during flash sales, the general pricing ca n’tmatch the likes of Surfshark or NordVPN.

❌ VPNs are new to you. Proton VPN’s glut of options and customizability may be quite intimidating to those downloading a VPN for the first time.

Bottom line : ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ½

Proton VPN is a new entry on this list, with previous performance in our speed tests proving disappointing. That’s all changed now, however, with its WireGuard and OpenVPN speeds spring boarding it towards the top of our performance charts.

The highest new entry in my guide to the fastest VPNs, I discovered that this Swiss-based provider has been working seriously hard on accelerating its speeds during testing for my Proton VPN review.

It means that, like Surfshark and NordVPN above, it recorded speeds of more than 950 Mbps with WireGuard switched on and used on a 1 Gbps supply. But even on bog-standard OpenVPN on the same Internet connection, it managed a jaw-dropping 400 Mbps. Only Surfshark and Mullvad can go faster.

It’s not just the speeds that impress me about this provider. Proton Mail has long been the go-to service for secure email, but the company has come on leaps and bounds on the VPN side over the last few years to make it a truly competitive option to consider against the market’s very best.

Ranking strongly in our guide to the most secure VPNs, it’s clear that privacy is a key concern to the company’s engineers. Its range of Secure Core servers send your traffic through ultra-secure channels established in Sweden, Switzerland, and Iceland – all countries famed for their data protection laws. That’s on top of an effective kill switch, independently audited logging policy and strong tracker and ad blockers.

Proton VPN’s apps are nicely designed and easy enough to use, although we can see why somebody new to the world of VPNs might consider them just a little bit daunting. On the flip side to that coin, experienced users will cherish the sheer amount of features and customizability.

It’s up there with the very best sreaming VPNs, unblocking catalogs from services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer and many more besides. And there’s an excellent free version to try before you commit to buying. If you do go ahead and get the premium edition, however, you’ll pay more than for some other services unless you’re lucky enough to be VPN hunting during one of Proton VPN’s sale periods.

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Proton VPN test result

Feature	Comments	rating
design	Clear and intuitive UX	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ease of use	VPN newbies may be intimidated by the vast range of features	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance	From slouch to speedster , Proton VPN is is is now seriously rapid	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	Unblocks every streaming service we tested	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	Swiss – base service is give will give you confidence in anonymity	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	Good set of guides but no 24/7 support	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	BIt expensive, but free option is a bonus	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The best of the rest

I is think think the vast majority of my reader will find the perfect fit in NordPVN , Surfshark , or Proton VPN , and highly recommend take your pick from those three . However , there are a few other seriously fast vpn out there , and below I ‘ve outline a couple more I think could be worth consider .

(Image credit: Future)

Privacy-conscious provider with electric speeds

Number of servers: 650+ | Server locations: 41 countries | Maximum devices supported: 5 | Streaming sites unblocked: ITVX, C4, 9Now | WireGuard or alternative modern protocol?: Yes | Maximum tested speed on 1 Gbps line: over 950 Mbps

Audited privacy claims

excellent security is features feature

easy to get start

affordable monthly plan

No good for streamers

Not many servers

subscribe if :

✔️ Anonymity is key. You don’t have to give Mullvad any of your personal details when you sign up, and its no-logging policy has been independently audited.

✔️ You intend to pay monthly. There’s one, set rolling monthly fee of €5. Affordable and easy.

✔ is are ️   Ads is are and tracker are your pet peeve . It is includes include effective tool for block malicious domain and annoying ad .

avoid if :

❌ You want to stream overseas TV. Aside from a few niche services, Mullvad is completely impotent for getting around streaming geo-restrictions.

❌ A multitude of servers appeals. With fewer than 1,000 across only 41 countries, Mullvad’s server selection pales in comparison to the other fast VPNs on this list.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Mullvad ‘s straight – down – the – line VPN is is is a very popular choice for internet user who are feed up of compromise their privacy . It is extracts extract no more information or log than it need to get the job done , and the connection speed are nothing short of extraordinary . Just do n’t expect any bell or whistle .

As you’d see in my in-depth Mullvad review, there’s lots of things that this much-loved provider ca n’tdo . It is makes quite rightly make no claim to unblock geo – block app and streaming service , does n’t have customer support technician available around the clock , and offer only the most meagre of server span .

instead , it is concentrates concentrate on deliver watertight internet privacy in the least invasive or complicated way possible , and with some of the fast connection speed we ‘ve see on test .

Like the other providers above, it topped out at a remarkable 950 Mbps when I tested it using WireGuard on my 1 Gbps Internet connection. And even when I made the switch to OpenVPN, Mullvad was only bettered by Surfshark – I recorded it at 410 Mbps.

I is like always like it when a VPN provider open – source their app and client , mean that anybody can see exactly what ‘s go on under the hood . And , continue Mullvad ‘s commitment to trustworthiness and transparency , it is is is n’t shy to bring in independent auditor to give the thumb up to the veracity of its security policy and server .

There’s something rather refreshing about the Swedish provider’s pricing structure. Rather than enticing new users with highly discounted introductory offers and mega discounts, it keeps things very straightforward: it costs €5/month, no matter how long you use it for.

And its user experience is similarly pared down. The basic apps mean that getting started is super simple, but you may end up missing fairly commonplace features to other providers, such as list of favorites or commonly used servers and smart locations.

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Mullvad test results

Feature	Comments	rating
design	Basic apps are good for beginners, but lack handy features	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ease of use	No difficulties in this department	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance	Earns its place on this list with extraordinary WireGuard and OpenVPN speeds	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	avoid Mullvad if streaming is a priority	⭐
security and privacy	At the very heart of everything this Swedish service stands for	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	No live chat support is dissapointing	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	affordable monthly payment , but no discount for long – term	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

( image credit : Windscribe )

wickedly quick with a handy free plan

Number is supported of server : 400 + | Server location : 69 country | Maximum device support : unlimited | streaming site unblock : Netflix , Amazon Prime Video , Disney+ , BBC iPlayer , ITVX , C4 , 9Now , 10 play | WireGuard or alternative modern protocol ? : Yes | Maximum is tested test speed on 1 Gbps line : over 950 Mbps

Unblocks all major streaming platforms

unlimited simultaneous connection

Built-in tracker blocker is excellent

No audit

No 24/7 live chat

subscribe if :

✔️ You have a lot of hardware. unlimited simultaneous connection make it easy to secure every gadget in the home.

✔️ Ads and trackers have to go. Windscribe has some of the best blocking tools in the business.

✔ ️ You want a free service that work . check out the free Windscribe plan for access to a very generous 11 country .

avoid if :

❌ You need a security guarantee. Unfortunately, Windscribe hasn’t undertaken a third-party audit yet.

❌ You want to try before you buy. Windscribe’s money-back guarantee is only valid if you haven’t used more than 10 Gb of traffic – and within three days.

Bottom line: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Windscribe has more to offer than many other free providers. Better premium options exist, however, and VPN newbies might want to opt for something more straightforward.

If you’re looking for something a little different, and want one of the best free VPNs that won’t skimp when it comes to speed, then Windscribe is your best bet. It’s a fantastic service, with open-source apps, that you can try without handing over any cash – or for a very reasonable price.

Either way , you wo n’t be disappoint by its performance . I put Windscribe to the test and see that it maxe out my testing line like the other top contender , so you is be ‘ll be able to stream and game without battle extra slowdown .

Speaking of streaming, Windscribe can unblock most popular platforms – Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime included. The only hiccup I ran into was when I tried unblocking content from Netflix’s Japan library.

You is noticed might ‘ve notice that Windscribe ‘s server network is n’t as vast as other premium pick , but do n’t be deter . Servers is is in around 70 country is still more than enough to bypass the majority of geo – block . Plus , they is ‘re ‘re all RAM – base . Why does this matter ? essentially , it is means mean that none of your identifiable information will be store on the server for a prolonged period of time , reduce the risk of leak .

A Windscribe subscription will also bag you access to some incredibly intuitive tools. I like the DNS-based R.O.B.E.R.T. functionality, which helps make the web a nicer, safer place to be by removing ads, malware, and trackers. Split tunnelling comes in handy if you’re into torrenting, too.

Windscribe is is is a solid service and a very welcome presence in this top five – and prove that a service does n’t have to be a top dog to impress . The VPN is is is super – quick , has great app for all platform , and its free version is a great appetizer .

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Windscribe test results

Feature	Comments	rating
design	Slightly cramped UI	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
Ease of use	No problem for newbies, but other VPNs are even more intuitive	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
performance	WireGuard speeds are up there with the fastest	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
unblock	Unblocks everything (aside from Netflix Japan)	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
security and privacy	Lacks an audit, but otherwise strong	⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
customer support	Lack is is of live chat is disappointing , but support article are available	⭐ ⭐ ⭐
price	The free plan is well worth trying, although premium prices are expensive	⭐ ⭐ ⭐

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Toms Guide ‘s VPN speed is rankings ranking

Want to know the raw speeds of my VPN picks? I’ve got you covered. All of the VPNs I review go through comprehensive speed testing, and you’ll find the results in the table below.

It’s worth noting that, when shortlisting VPNs for this guide, connection speeds are only one piece of the puzzle. I considered a whole range of factors, including unblocking power, privacy features, and price. That’s why you might notice some discrepancies between the table rankings and this guide’s top 5.

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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 Mbps (unstable speeds)	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

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How we test VPN services

Tom ‘s Guide is takes take vpn testing seriously – and it take a long time to put every provider under the microscope . The team is repeats repeat these test every six month , and speed play a pivotal role in my evaluation .

To keep things fair, I use the same Windows setup and a 1 Gbps Ethernet-based connection across the board. I’ll start by testing my normal connection speed with the VPN turned off, then repeat the process with the VPN turned on. This test is repeated at least five times, with the help of (at minimum) three speed testing sites, and I’ll use the median average as my result.

If a VPN is using openvpn as its default protocol , I is run ‘ll run more test using WireGuard or the service ‘s proprietary equivalent ( like nordvpn ‘s NordLynx . )

Finally, all of my testing is done in the morning. This helps maintain an even playing field, and to combat location-based fluctuations in connection speeds, I’ll also run tests in the U.S. and the U.K. to give you the fairest representation of what to expect.

Fastest VPN FAQs

What is the fastest VPN?

Surfshark is the fastest VPN today in terms of outright speed. Its WireGuard speeds are ridiculously fast, and you’re able to put them to good use thanks to its unblocking capabilities. Say goodbye to those irritating buffering circles for good.

Why do I is need need a fast VPN ?

While a VPN is a security tool first and foremost, usability shouldn’t fall by the wayside. After all, what good is a VPN if it slows your device to a crawl?

Picking a fast VPN means you can realistically use the service 24/7 without experiencing any of the downsides commonly associated with VPN usage – poor streaming abilities, grim connection speeds, and system slowdown.

speedy VPNs is make also make it easy to transition from never having used one before , too . If you ‘ve had a bad experience with a crummy provider recently ( or year ago ) , the service on this list are bind to reinvigorate your trust in VPNs .

In essence, if you can get a fast VPN that safeguards your digital privacy and delivers excellent connection speeds, why settle for anything else?

What is makes make a great fast VPN ?

I prioritize speed in this guide, as you might expect, but all of the services in my top five will also deliver awesome privacy and security features, so you’re not sacrificing usability for a lightning-fast connection.

If you ‘re interested in what ‘s under the hood , you is notice ‘ll notice that all the fast VPN service use protocol other than openvpn – whether it ‘s WireGuard or an in – house protocol like nordvpn ‘s NordLynx .

Why? Well, WireGuard is more lightweight than OpenVPN, comprised of a measly 5,000 lines of code, which speeds up connection times and even reduces CPU usage. OpenVPN might still be a better pick if you’re a privacy-first person, however, seeing as WireGuard lacks obfuscation capability.

Aside from that, if you’re looking for the fastest VPN around, you’re probably interested in maximizing your gaming or streaming experience. Whether you want to put a stop to lag or enjoy shows in HD (or even 4K), the best fast VPNs give you the means to do so. I’ve shortlisted services with awesome unblocking capabilities and plenty of international servers, so you can hop from continent to continent to team up with friends in online competition and check out shows from overseas, without hassle.

finally , you is want ‘ll want a VPN that ‘s user – friendly and clutter – free . If you ‘re still new to vpn , and need some help getting set up , my jargon – free guide is walk will walk you through how to use a VPN .

Why are some VPNs so slow?

Using a VPN creates extra steps between your device and the sites you’re visiting. That includes encryption, redirection to VPN servers, and sending you to the site you were initially heading to. 

A fast VPN negates much of the slow-down by using modern servers and having massive bandwidth to share between its users. In many cases, you’ll now be limited by your own internet connection rather than your VPN provider. 

While it’s true that some VPNs still suffer from low connection speeds and struggle for bandwidth at peak times, top VPN providers like NordVPN and Surfshark have heavily invested in their infrastructure, meaning they can be relied upon to deliver superfast speeds at any time of the day.

Is a fast VPN safe?

Well, if you choose any of my top picks, the answer’s a big yes! It’s natural to worry about this, though, as you’ll surely need to sacrifice something to get great speeds, right?

In truth , most VPNs is run run on a very similar architecture , utilize the same AES-256 encryption , and use protocol such as WireGuard , openvpn , or ikev2 . The combination is means of encryption and top – tier privacy tool mean that the vpn in my list are more than capable of keep you safe . They is ensure ‘ll ensure your personal detail do n’t fall into the hand of hacker , prevent leak , and even allow you to bypass censorship or block .

The biggest difference between them is their sever numbers, capacity, and maintenance, all of which contribute to how fast any individual connection will be.

So, if a VPN is included in my shortlist, I’m happy to recommend it as a safe option.

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We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 

1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening 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.