Best VPN Service of 2024

Choosing the best VPN can be a challenging task. It can be hard to know which one is the best for your needs with many options. There are quite a few features that matter when selecting the right VPN service.

You may need private internet access for streaming, online gaming, downloading files, reading uncensored news, or staying safe from hackers. There are many VPN providers with differing VPN protocols for your specific needs.

We have made a list of some of the best VPNs of 2024 for you. Let’s go through all of them in detail and find the right one for you.

Best VPN services comparison

VPN Service	Pricing – Starts from	Number of Servers	Platform Supported	Average Speed	Key feature
NordVPN	$3.99	5400	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Smart TVs, etc	369 Mbps	NordPass password manager and NordLocker cloud storage add-ons.
Surfshark VPN	$2.49	3000	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Smart TVs, etc	324 Mbps	Unlimited simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN	$6.67	3000	Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Smart TVs, etc	135 Mbps	Most diverse server network.
CyberGhost VPN	$2.29	7900	Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Xbox, PS3, PS4, Chrome, Firefox, Smart TVs, etc	548 Mbps	Second most diverse server network, one of the highest number of servers.
PureVPN	$1.99	6500	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles, Firefox, Chrome	200 Mbps	Servers optimized for high upload speeds.
UrbanVPN	$1.49	2000	Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Chrome, Edge, Firefox	10 Mbps	Unlimited device support.
iTop VPN	$2.31	1800	Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Chrome	100 Mbps	The free limited version is available.
VyprVPN	$8.33	700	Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, Roku, Chrome	44 Mbps	Business plans available.
Turbo VPN	$3.33	21000	PC, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS	45 Mbps	Large virtual server network.
Hotspot Shield	$7.99	3200	Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Smart TVs, Router, Chrome	48 Mbps	Up to 25 devices supported.

Top 10 best VPN services in 2024

We analyzed multiple features and conducted tests with more than 30 VPN service providers. Here is a list of the top 10 best VPN providers we found:

1. NordVPN – Overall best VPN 2024

Starting price: $3.99

Free trial: No, 30-day money-back guarantee

Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, etc

Browser extensions: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

Devices per account: 6

Average speed: 369 Mbps

Number of servers: 5400 +

Number of server locations: 60 countries

Based on: Panama

Streaming services: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, etc

NordVPN deals: Get $3.99 per month for the 2-year plan

Add-ons: NordPass password manager, NordLocker cloud storage

Pros

• 24/7 customer service
• Unblocks streaming services without any buffering or interruption
• Best encryption and protocols
• Split tunneling, kill switch, tor connections, and multi-hop are all possible
• Perfect for playing games, streaming, and downloading
• 5400 + vast server network
• DNS leaks prevention

Cons

• No free version
• More expensive than some rivals

Who is NordVPN recommended for?

NordVPN is capable of everything that a VPN can do. We recommend:

• Gaming
• Streaming
• Downloading and uploading large files
• Business passwords managing
• Users from VPN restricted countries

NordVPN is one of the most popular and well-known VPNs on the market. It is known for its robust security features and impressive speeds.

The servers can handle speeds up to 6,730 Mbps faster than almost anyone’s connection. It is the best VPN service for gaming, streaming, and downloading large files.

It is cheaper than ExpressVPN but more expensive than Surfshark, CyberGhost, etc. There is no difference in security: However, it has unmatched speed.

2. Surfshark VPN – Best VPN with multiple device support

Starting price: $2.49

Free trial: 7-day free trial on Android, iOS & macOS

Platforms supported: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, FireTV, etc

Browser extensions: Edge, Chrome, Firefox

Devices per account: Unlimited

Average speed: 324 Mbps

Number of servers: 3,200

Number of server locations: 65 countries

Based on: the British Virgin Islands

Streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, Hotstar, Amzon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, etc

Surfshark deals: Save 81% on a 2-year deal

Pros

• Affordable long-term pricing
• Independent audit
• Offers clean web mode
• Unlimited device connections

Cons

• Low social media presence
• High monthly price

Who is Surfshark VPN recommended for?

• Large families
• Small businesses with multiple devices
• Streaming and gaming

If you need a VPN to work on dozens of devices with one account, Surfshark is the best VPN provider. This VPN provides private internet access with unlimited simultaneous connections so that you can protect all your devices with just one account.

It has no competition when it comes to simultaneous connections. It is the easiest choice considering other factors like its encryption, DNS leak protection, robust VPN protocol, and high connection speed.

3. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for unblocking

Starting price: $6.67

Free trial: No. Only money-back guarantee

Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Routers, Chromebook, Kindle fire, Playstation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, etc.

Browser extensions: Chrome, Firefox, Edge

Device per account: 5

Average speed: 135 Mbps

Number of servers: 3000 +

Number of server locations: 160 locations in 94 countries

Based on: the British Virgin Islands

Streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hotstar, HBO max, Amazon Prime, ESPN, DAZN, etc.

ExpressVPN deals: 12 Months + 3 Months FREE

Pros

• Strict no-logs policy
• DNS leak prevention, kill switch and split-tunneling
• 24/7 customer support
• Most diverse servers
• Friendly User Interface
• Access in restricted countries
• Supported on all major platforms

Cons

• More expensive long-term plans
• 5 simultaneous connections only

Who is ExpressVPN recommended for?

• Streaming
• Individuals and small families
• Bypassing censorship
• Unblocking the most number of websites

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for unblocking content from around the world. It gives users access to content from all corners of the globe. This powerful and easy-to-use service has a vast network of servers in 94 countries.

Whether you are trying to unblock region-specific websites or social media platforms, ExpressVPN has you covered. Even better, this service provides high levels of security and privacy, so you can browse in peace without worrying about others snooping on your online activities.

It has lightning-fast connection speeds, unbeatable features, and a reasonable price point for streaming. ExpressVPN is the best choice for getting private internet access to bypass censorship by the government or your internet service provider.

4. CyberGhost VPN – Best VPN for chrome

Starting price: $2.29

Free trial: Yes

Platforms supported: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Xbox, PS3, PS4

Browser extensions: Chrome, Firefox

Device per account: 7

Average speed: 548 Mbps

Number of servers: 7900 +

Number of server locations: 91 countries

Based on: Romania

Streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, Hotstar, Amzon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, etc.

CyberGhost deals: Enjoy 3 Years of Unrivalled Anonymity for Only $2.29/mo

Add-ons: CyberGhost security suite

Pros

• Large network of servers in 91 countries
• Works in restricted countries
• Specialized streaming, gaming, and P2P/torrenting servers
• Affordable long-term plans
• 45-day money-back guarantee
• Free browser extension
• Adblocker, antivirus add-ons

Cons

• Expensive short term (monthly) plan
• Parent company’s bad history

Who is CyberGhost VPN recommended for?

• Long-term VPN users
• Free unlimited VPN for browser
• Those who need a longer money-back guarantee

Whether you are new to online security or an expert, CyberGhost has the perfect solution for you. Their super intuitive and straightforward chrome extension provides excellent protection from tracking and malicious threats. It has a more extended refund policy than almost any other VPN provider, with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

At just a fraction of the size of many other similar extensions, this tool is excellent for people of all technical skill levels. In addition, CyberGhost provides a great degree of customization, allowing users to choose exactly how their data needs to be protected. It can also be considered the best VPN for gaming too.

5. Urban VPN – Best VPN with free unlimited data

Starting price: $1.49

Free trial: Yes

Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

Browser extensions: Chrome, Edge, and Firefox

Device per account: Unlimited

Average speed: 10 Mbps

Number of servers: 2000 +

Number of server locations: 80 +

Based on: USA

Streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon fire stick TV (may run into issues several times)

Urban VPN deals: 85% off on the 3-year plan

Pros

• Extremely easy to use
• Unlimited and free
• Good for beginners
• Low premium prices

Cons

• Poor desktop speeds
• The free version may retain user data
• Limited platforms support
• Not great for frequent VPN users
• It doesn’t work well in China

Who is Urban VPN recommended for?

• Newbies
• Those who don’t use VPN often
• Android device users
• Free users

Urban VPN is the best VPN service provider for those who want a free VPN but are okay with upgrading to a premium plan. If you are one of them, we recommend using Urban VPN’s free version but not the premium one.

The free plan offers all the basic features of a VPN, including encrypting internet traffic and hiding your IP address. However, the premium plans offer unlimited server switching and faster speeds. It even supports simultaneous VPN connections on unlimited devices.

Urban VPN is also a good choice for beginners due to its easy-to-use interface. However, it is essential to note that Urban VPN is not recommended for users in restricted countries due to the possibility of government surveillance.

6. PureVPN – Best cheapest VPN provider

Starting price: $1.99

Free trial: No, 7-day trial for $0.99

Platforms supported: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Gaming consoles

Browser extensions: Firefox, Chrome

Device per account: 10

Average speed: 200 Mbps

Number of servers: 6500 +

Number of server locations: 96 locations in 78 countries

Based on: Hong Kong

Streaming services: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO go, Hotstar, etc.

PureVPN deals: Get PureVPN | 82% off

Pros

• Best affordable prices
• Diverse server locations with 6500 + servers
• It supports all major platforms
• High upload speeds
• Anonymous purchase available

Cons

• Free version unavailable
• No-kill switch and split tunneling in the iOS app

Who is PureVPN recommended for?

• People who need a cheap premium VPN without compromising security
• Those who require high upload speeds
• Content creators, YouTubers, and Twitch streamers

PureVPN is the most affordable premium option on this list. It is one of the most affordable premium VPNs today, even outside this list.

With prices starting at less than $2 per month, it is one of the most wallet-friendly options available. If you want a long-term solution, PureVPN is an excellent choice. Its low price makes it an ideal option for budget-conscious users, but its range of features and ease of use also makes it an excellent choice for a more comprehensive service.

So if you are looking for a reliable and trusted VPN that will give you the best security no matter your budget, look no further than PureVPN.

7. iTop VPN – Best VPN for streaming

Starting price: Free, premium starts at $2.31 per month

Free trial: Free limited VPN

Platforms supported: Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows

Browser extensions: Chrome

Devices per account: 5

Average speed: 100 Mbps

Number of servers: 1800 +

Number of server locations: 100 +

Based on: Hong Kong

Streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO

iTop VPN deals: Limited time deal – 86% off on 3-year plan

Pros

• Free limited VPN service
• DNS protection and kill switch
• 100 free servers
• No sign up required for access

Cons

• Outdated encryption protocol
• Limited platform support
• Free version stores logs and sell data
• Small server network
• Unstable connections in free servers

Who is iTopVPN recommended for?

• P2P file sharing
• Torrenting
• Downloading and uploading large files

Torrenting is a popular way to download large files, but it can also be risky. You could be subject to expensive fines or even jail time if you accidentally download copyrighted material. Without a VPN, your activities are visible to your ISP and anyone else on the network.

iTop VPN provides a secure, P2P-optimized server that makes torrenting safe and easy. In addition, the incredible speeds and unlimited bandwidth allow you to download large files quickly. As a result, iTop VPN is an incredible choice for anyone who wants to torrent safely and efficiently. It is the best VPN for torrenting.

However, it is important to be careful when torrenting. Always use a reputable source for your downloads, and do not torrent copyrighted content under any circumstances. By following these simple guidelines, you can torrent safely and legally with iTop VPN.

8. VyprVPN – Best VPN for business

Starting price: $8.33

Free trial: Yes

Platforms supported: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, Roku

Browser extensions: Chrome

Device per account: 5

Average speed: 44 Mbps

Number of servers: 700 + servers with 300,000 IP addresses

Based on: Switzerland

Streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, etc

VyprVPN deals: Save 44% on an annual plan

Pros

• Simple User Interface
• DNS leak prevention, kill switch, and split tunneling
• Self-owned servers
• Works in China
• Business plans available

Cons

• Only 700 servers
• Expensive monthly plan
• No dedicated IP
• Short free trial

Who is VyprVPN recommended for?

• Businesses and enterprises
• Torrent users
• Individual users

VyprVPN is a great way to ensure data privacy and security for businesses that rely heavily on the internet. With two business plans priced at $299 and $399 per year, VyprVPN offers a variety of features to meet the needs of different businesses.

The $299 plan allows for managing multiple users and provides access to global business servers, while the $399 plan includes dedicated IP and dedicated servers. Both plans come with a free trial, so businesses can try out VyprVPN before committing.

Fast and easy to deploy, VyprVPN is an ideal solution for businesses looking to protect their data.

9. Turbo VPN – Best VPN for newbies

Starting price: Free, $4.17 for premium

Free plan: Available

Platforms supported: PC, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

Browser extensions: none

Device per account: 5

Number of servers: 21,000 +

Number of server locations: 45 countries

Based on: Singapore

Streaming services: Netflix, Hulu, HBO, HotStar, and more but not always

Turbo VPN deals: 65% off on 24 months plan

Pros

• Easy user interface
• Lightweight
• Crypto payment accepted
• Unlimited free bandwidth
• Good for newbies

Cons

• Doesn’t support all platforms
• Slow speed at times
• No-logs policy unavailable

Who is Turbo VPN recommended for?

• New users
• Unlimited free data with limited servers for smartphones
• Those who simply want to bypass censorship and change locations

Turbo is the best VPN for those looking for an easy user interface. It is a simple and easy-to-use VPN. It offers users a streamlined interface and decent speeds for a beginner-friendly learning experience.

Turbo VPN is a good choice that delivers decent performances without any complicated bells and whistles. Unlike many other VPNs, Turbo VPN does not include complex or confusing features. It focuses on providing a bare-bones service that is easy to understand and use. So, if you’re looking for a straightforward, simple VPN, look no further.

10. Hotspot Shield VPN – Best VPN for family

Starting price: $7.99

Free trial: Free limited

Platforms supported: Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Smart TVs, Router

Browser extensions: Chrome

Device per account: 25

Server speed: 48 Mbps

Number of servers: 3200 +

Number of server locations: 80 countries

Based on: United States

Streaming services: Netflix, YouTube, Disney+ & more

Hotspot Shield VPN deals: 40% off on a premium family’s annual deal

Pros

• Limited free version available
• Simple interface
• Great gaming potential
• Works in restricted countries
• Long money-back guarantee

Cons

• High starting price
• No add-ons
• Crypto payment unavailable
• Limited bandwidth, throttling, and ads in the free version

Who is Hotspot Shield VPN recommended for?

• Those who need to try out a VPN before committing
• Simple user interface
• Small businesses

A Hotspot shield is an ideal choice when protecting your family’s online activities. This versatile tool allows you to safely browse the internet on five to 25 devices in your home.

The hotspot shield has all the features you need in one convenient package. It safeguards your personal information, protects your children from inappropriate content, or stays safe while surfing the web. The simple and intuitive interface makes it easy to use, even if you aren’t tech-savvy.

Our research methodology to find the best VPN services

We looked at more than 30 different VPNs and tested them thoroughly.

To conduct thorough research on each VPN service, we have followed multiple approaches.

First of all, we have gone through the official webpage of each VPN service and we have read all the privacy policies and the features it has to offer.

Then, we downloaded the app on our devices and tested it for ourselves.

We have also looked at various user reviews to get a better understanding of what others think about each service. This provides us with a well-rounded and unbiased view of each VPN.

We have also contacted the customer support of each VPN service to test their responsiveness and the quality of their service.

Then, we have compiled all the data we collected and we have compared the features and the prices of each service.

We also compared each VPN’s claims to our own as well as actual-world use by the reviewers. This was done to determine how trustworthy and transparent the businesses are.

For the process of gathering the real-world reviewers though on each VPN service, we visited various user review websites.

We looked at the popular VPN subreddits, r/vpn, and r/vpnreviews, as well as reviews from G2 and on Google Play and App Store to get a deep understanding of each VPN service. ^[1]Reddit, “Reddit VPN Reviews, https://www.reddit.com/r/vpnreviews/” ^[2]Reddit, “Reddit Virtual Private Network, https://www.reddit.com/r/VPN/”

We also interviewed Adam Levin, the cybersecurity expert of Magical Media Studio, to get his insights about what to look for when choosing the best VPN service. He guided us in our testing process and helped us evaluate each service.

As we all know how important is security in VPN services before we actually start our reach process we have studied several peer-reviewed articles and research papers that have been published in well-renowned journals.

This has helped us understand the technicalities and the working of a VPN service. We have also read about the different protocols used by VPNs and the level of security they provide.

Few of the notable research studies that we went through are –

• “A New Approach for the Security of VPN” research conducted by Kuwar Kuldeep V. V. Singh and Himanshu Gupta at Amity Institute of Information Technology ^[3]Kuwar Kuldeep V. V. Singh and Himanshu Gupta. 2016. “A New Approach for the Security of VPN.” In Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Information and Communication … Continue reading
• “VPN Technologies – A Comparison” research conducted by Matthew Finlayson, Jon Harrison, and Richard Sugarman for Data Connection Limited ^[4]Finlayson, M., Harrison, J., & Sugarman, R. (2003). VPN Technologies-a comparison. Data Connection Limited, Feb.
• “Virtual Private Networks” by National Cyber Security Centre UK^[5]National Cyber Security Centre, “Virtual Private Networks, https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/device-security-guidance/infrastructure/virtual-private-networks”

How we picked the best VPN services

Many things need to be factored in when choosing the best VPNs. When reviewing these VPNs, here are the major factors we considered:

• Features
• Security protocols & encryption
• Pricing
• Customer Support & privacy policy
• Ease of use
• Average speed

How we tested the best VPN services

We ran several tests on our own by using each of the VPNs ourselves. The first things we took notes of were the ease of use and user interface of these VPN services.

We studied the advanced features and security protocols provided by these VPNs for optimal protection and performance.

In addition, we examined the VPN service’s privacy policies and history to ensure that there are vulnerabilities that could compromise user security.

AES-256 bit is the best encryption for a VPN today. Our team looked for VPNs that are using this encryption. Availability of security protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec was checked too.

A good VPN should not slow down your internet connection too much. So we conducted speed tests to check for any lagging or connection issues that may affect the user experience.

We also checked the ping times of these VPNs to see which one gives peak performance while gaming.

Several tests were conducted to see the effectiveness of DNS leak protection by connecting to different servers. Due to these tests, we know that the VPNs we selected are capable of preventing DNS leaks on their servers.

Lastly, we experienced the customer support offered by each VPN company. We contacted their representatives and evaluated their response to customer inquiries.

What is VPN?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts and redirects all your internet traffic. VPN protects your online browsing activity from hackers, surveillance agencies, and other prying eyes.

A VPN is useful for many things, including online privacy, accessing region-locked content, and evading censorship. It’s like putting a tunnel between your computer and the internet. Your data goes through the VPN server, making it hard for anyone outside the tunnel to snoop on your activity. That includes your ISP, the government, and malicious hackers.

Most VPN services require you to install a VPN app on your computer or phone, then connect to a server in the country of your choice. It changes your IP address, making it appear as if you’re in that country. That’s how you can access region-locked content from anywhere in the world.

A VPN can also help to prevent online tracking by masking your real IP address. When it comes to online privacy, a VPN is an essential tool.

How does VPN work?

VPNs work by routing your traffic through a VPN server instead of directly to the internet. This VPN server can be located anywhere in the world, and it will encrypt your data before sending it to its destination. Because your data is encrypted, it is more difficult for anyone to intercept and read it.

Additionally, VPN servers can mask your real IP address with a different one, making it harder for websites and online trackers to identify you. However, this can be a slow process due to heavy encryption and security.

Some VPNs also offer split tunneling, which allows you to route some of your traffic through the VPN while still sending other traffic directly to the internet. This can be useful if you want to access region-locked content while still using your regular internet connection for other things. Split tunneling can also help improve your online security by ensuring that all of your traffic is not going through the same tunnel.

Related info: Check out this – best Android VPNs, where we have listed expert-tested best VPN providers for Android devices.

How to use a VPN?

To use a VPN, you will first need to choose a VPN provider and sign up for an account with that company. Then, you can connect to the VPN through a VPN client app on your computer or mobile device. It will assign you a new IP address and encrypt your network traffic, allowing you to browse anonymously and securely.

Both free and paid options are available, but paid services generally offer better security and reliability. Paid options usually provide unlimited connections, which means you can use them to transfer as much data as you want.

Related info: Check out this – best iPhone VPNs, where we have listed expert-tested best VPN providers for iOS devices.

Are VPNs illegal?

VPNs are not inherently illegal. But some countries have placed restrictions on VPNs to prevent their citizens from engaging in illegal activities. For example, VPNs can bypass censorship regulations and access content that would otherwise be blocked or restricted. That may be seen as a violation of local laws and regulations.

VPNs can help protect people’s privacy but you must choose a legit VPN provider with strong security measures. Additionally, criminals sometimes use VPNs to hide an individual’s actual location or identity. That puts them in violation of certain rules and regulations.

At the end of the day, whether VPNs are legal or not depends entirely on how they are used–it is up to individual users to comply with any applicable laws or regulations when engaging in online activities using VPN services.

FAQs about the best VPN providers

Final thoughts

A VPN is a necessity in today’s online world. With so many threats to your data and privacy, it’s essential to have the best VPN to stay safe.

There are many different VPN providers, each with its strengths and weaknesses. Depending on your needs, you may want a different VPN than someone else. It’s essential to choose the right one for you.

For example, if you’re looking for a VPN for gaming, you’ll want a different service than someone looking for a VPN for streaming. The best way to find the best VPN service for you is to evaluate your needs and compare prices from multiple providers.

We hope you found this information helpful. Please feel free to share this with your friends and family.