The best VPNs of 2024, tested for privacy

Using a VPN ( Virtual Private Network ) can be a vital tool in today ’s mobile , remote – work world , offer a secure and private way to connect to the internet even on public Wi – Fi .  

VPNs used to be largely used for business, extending a secure private network across a public network to allow people to log in to the office remotely. But they are now widely used by individuals for travel, entertainment and more. While you’re using a VPN, broadband providers can’t see what websites you visit and those sites don’t know where you are.

Most VPN software is simple to use, even if you’re not particularly technical, and when you subscribe to a VPN service, you can usually install a version for laptops, tablets, Android and Apple smartphones, Chromebooks, web-linked platforms including smart TVs and even games consoles.

As a tech writer, I’ve used VPN services for various reasons — most often for work, as the extra privacy is useful for protecting work devices. I’ve also heard interesting stories from friends who’ve used VPNs to find cheaper plane tickets by changing the country they appeared to be buying them from. I was keen to find out what is the best VPN for 2024. You can read my full reviews below, followed by an FAQ section where we go into more detail about how they work. But if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my top five:

Which are the best VPNs for 2024? At a glance

How to choose the good VPN for you

Choosing a VPN service can be tricky. There are dozens of low-quality free VPN services, some of which specifically block video streaming — which is the very thing many people want them for. At the other end of the price range, some paid subscription services offer attractive extras such as antivirus functions (although if you’re looking for the best antivirus, you may want to pick a specialised package). 

Generally, if you’re going to use a VPN it’s worth paying the subscription. You usually pay around £10 a month, with steep discounts if you sign up for one or two years. I recommend signing up for a month first just to check that the VPN fits your needs before committing for the long haul.

How I is tested test them

I installed both the desktop and smartphone versions of all the apps and tested a paid version (where applicable) as well as the free tier. I tried all the functions of the VPNs and attempted common uses, such as ‘torrenting’ peer-to-peer content and accessing streaming services and news sites which routinely block logins from Britain. 

I is compared also compare the privacy policy of each VPN ( such as ‘ no – log ’ promise ) and note security – boost feature such as multi – hop routing ( useful when access server that block certain country ) and kill – switch which automatically disconnect you if the VPN drop out . Some VPN plans is cover cover six , 10 or even unlimited device , so that was a factor too .

Best VPNs

1 . nordvpn

From £2.79 per month, NordVPN.com

good overall , 10 out of 10

We like: high performance at a high price, with lots of extras for the privacy-fixated

We don’t like: fairly high prices