You depend on the internet for everything from connecting with loved ones to managing finances. This reliance makes online privacy and security paramount. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers a simple, affordable, and effective solution to mask your location and protect your online activities from prying eyes. Choosing the right VPN can be daunting, but we’re here to help. This guide presents the best VPN services available, covering pricing, features, and everything you need to make an informed decision.
Best VPNs of 2024: Detailed Reviews
This comprehensive list details our top VPN recommendations, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses:
Surfshark: Best for Unlimited Devices
Surfshark Review
Pros:
- Fast, reliable server connections
- Extensive network of fast servers globally
- User-friendly design
- Responsive and helpful live chat support
- Supports unlimited devices
Cons:
- No free version
- Two-year plan reverts to annual upon renewal
Key Features:
- Country of registration: The Netherlands
- Cost: $15/month; $45/year (plus 3 free months); $59/two years (plus 3 free months)
- Servers & Locations: 3,200+ across 100+ countries
- Clients: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, AndroidTV, tvOS, Kindle, VPN routers
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
- Special Features: Double VPN hop, 7-day free trial
Surfshark offers excellent value, especially for users needing to protect multiple devices. Its intuitive interface and simple setup make it ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free experience. While not as fast as some premium VPNs, it provides robust features like double VPN hop for enhanced security.
Proton VPN: Best Fast and Free VPN
Proton VPN Review
Pros:
- Fast, reliable server connections
- Extensive server network
- User-friendly design
- Responsive live chat support
- Solid free version
Cons:
- Slower upload speeds
- Malware blocker relies on reputation
Key Features:
- Country of registration: Switzerland
- Cost: $10/month; $60/year; $108/two years
- Servers & Locations: 8,210+ across 112+ countries
- Clients: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, tvOS, Kindle, VPN routers
- Simultaneous Connections: Up to 10
- Special Features: Split tunneling, robust free app
Proton VPN delivers impressive performance and security, even in its free version, which offers unlimited data and no ads. The paid version unlocks additional servers and features. Its Swiss base reinforces its commitment to privacy.
NordVPN: Best for Security and Features
NordVPN Review
Pros:
- Fast, reliable server connections
- Extensive server network
- User-friendly interface
- Responsive live chat support
Cons:
- Significant price increase upon renewal
- Suboptimal upload speeds
Key Features:
- Country of registration: Panama
- Cost: $13/month; $60/year; $81/two years
- Servers & Locations: 6,400+ across 111+ countries
- Clients: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, tvOS, Kindle, VPN routers
- Simultaneous Connections: Up to 10
- Special Features: Split tunneling
NordVPN prioritizes security with multiple encryption protocols and a vast server network. Its split tunneling feature allows users to selectively route traffic through the VPN, optimizing performance for specific activities.
Windscribe: Best for Low-Cost Build-a-Plan
Windscribe Review
Pros:
- Flexible “Build a Plan” option
- Transparent data policies
- Helpful AI chatbot support
Cons:
- Unlimited plan is pricier than competitors
- Inconsistent speeds
- Data cap on the free version
Key Features:
- Country of registration: Canada
- Cost: $9/month; $69/year; $81/two years
- Servers & Locations: 500+ across 69+ countries
- Clients: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, FireTV, Kindle, VPN routers
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
- Special Features: Split tunneling
Windscribe’s unique “Build a Plan” option allows users to customize their VPN access by selecting specific server locations, offering a cost-effective solution for occasional use.
CyberGhost: Best for User-Friendly Interface
CyberGhost VPN Review
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Fast, reliable server connections
- 24/7 live chat support
- Global server network
Cons:
- Inconsistent speeds
- Free extension is only a proxy
- Limited advanced options
Key Features:
- Country of registration: Romania
- Cost: $13/month; $42/six months; $57/two years (plus 3 free months)
- Servers & Locations: 10,000+ across 100+ countries
- Clients: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Kindle, VPN routers
- Simultaneous Connections: Up to 7
- Special Features: P2P support, 45-day money-back guarantee, free trial
CyberGhost’s user-friendly design and automatic server selection simplify the VPN experience. It offers a large server network and supports P2P file sharing.
PrivadoVPN: Best Deal on Strong Privacy
PrivadoVPN Review
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Good speeds on select servers
- Easy setup and use
- Free version with servers in 10 countries
- Supports split-tunneling and kill switch
Cons:
- Variable download speeds
- Limited free version data
- Restricted live chat hours
Key Features:
- Country of registration: Switzerland
- Cost: $11/month; $24/year; $36/two years
- Servers & Locations: 500+ across 49+ countries
- Clients: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, tvOS, Kindle, VPN routers
- Simultaneous Connections: Up to 10
- Special Features: P2P transfers, SOCKS5 proxy support, free data-capped basic plan
PrivadoVPN offers a compelling balance of affordability and privacy, with its Swiss jurisdiction providing strong privacy protections. It supports P2P transfers and offers a free, albeit limited, version.
ExpressVPN: Best for Speed and Reliability
ExpressVPN Review
Pros:
- Consistently fast and reliable connections
- Extensive server network
- User-friendly apps
- Responsive live chat support
Cons:
- Premium pricing
- No free version or trial
Key Features:
- Country of registration: British Virgin Islands
- Cost: $13/month; $60/six months; $80/year (plus 3 free months)
- Servers & Locations: 3,000+ across 105+ countries
- Clients: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, tvOS, Kindle, VPN routers
- Simultaneous Connections: Up to 8
- Special Features: Split tunneling
ExpressVPN delivers consistently high speeds and reliable performance. It offers a user-friendly experience and robust security features, though at a premium price.
TorGuard: Best for Flexibility on a Budget
TorGuard Review
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Impressive speeds on some servers
- Easy setup and use
- Base plan includes pinned IPs
Cons:
- Variable speeds
- Inconsistent support experience
- Located in a Five Eyes alliance country
Key Features:
- Country of registration: United States
- Cost: $10/month; $30/year
- Servers & Locations: 3,000+ across 50+ countries
- Clients: Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Android, Kindle
- Simultaneous Connections: Up to 8
- Special Features: Port forwarding
TorGuard offers budget-friendly VPN access with unlimited speeds and bandwidth. Its inclusion of pinned IPs in the base plan is a notable feature.
PureVPN: Best for Long-Term Savings
PureVPN Review
Pros:
- Cost-effective long-term plans
- Wide range of features
- Supports P2P and split tunneling
Cons:
- Premium add-ons come at an extra cost
Key Features:
- Country of registration: British Virgin Islands
- Cost: $13/month; $48/year; $51/two years (plus 3 free months); $130/five years
- Servers & Locations: 6,000+ across 65+ countries
- Clients: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, tvOS, Kindle, VPN routers
- Simultaneous Connections: Up to 10
- Special Features: P2P support, split tunneling, premium add-on features
PureVPN provides significant long-term savings with its multi-year plans. It offers a robust feature set, including P2P support and split tunneling.
IPVanish: Best for 24/7 Support
IPVanish Review
Pros:
- Affordable pricing with frequent sales
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 24/7 customer support
- Independently audited no-logs policy
Cons:
Key Features:
- Country of registration: United States
- Cost: $13/month; $40/year; $53/two years
- Servers & Locations: 2,400+ across 90+ countries
- Clients: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, tvOS, Kindle, VPN routers
- Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
- Special Features: Independently audited no-logs policy
IPVanish combines affordability with unlimited simultaneous connections, making it suitable for larger networks. Its 24/7 customer support and independently audited no-logs policy further enhance its appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most secure VPN?
Several factors contribute to VPN security, including no-log policies, server location, kill switches, double encryption, and available security protocols. NordVPN stands out for its comprehensive security features.
Should you use a VPN in 2024?
VPNs offer valuable benefits for online privacy and security, including data encryption, bypassing ISP throttling, and accessing geo-restricted content. However, they are not a foolproof solution and have limitations. Understanding these limitations is crucial for informed VPN usage.
Should you use a free VPN or buy one?
Free VPNs often compromise user privacy by logging and selling user data or displaying intrusive ads. Paid VPNs typically offer superior performance, stronger security, and a commitment to privacy, making them a worthwhile investment.
Is using a VPN illegal?
VPN usage is legal in most countries, but some jurisdictions restrict or ban their use. It’s crucial to research local laws regarding VPNs. Importantly, using a VPN does not legitimize illegal activities. VPNs are designed for privacy and security, not for circumventing the law.
