A virtual private network, commonly called a VPN, has become essential for protecting privacy and security online in today’s wired world. By encrypting your internet traffic and masking your IP address location, a VPN safeguards you from prying eyes as you surf the web. It also allows you to access restricted content and circumvent censorship restrictions.
With concerns over privacy and data collection becoming ubiquitous, VPN adoption has skyrocketed in recent years. However, choosing the right VPN service from the sea of options can feel overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide reviews the top 10 providers based on rigorous testing, breaking down their features, speeds, pricing, and more. By the end, you’ll have the intel to pick the perfect virtual shield for your needs.
Why Use a VPN?
A VPN, or virtual private network, creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, protecting your data from snoops. It does this by routing your traffic through a remote server, granting you a new IP address from that location rather than using your public IP address.
This new IP address makes it difficult for websites, internet providers, and other onlookers to pinpoint your physical location or identity. It helps mask both what you’re doing online and where you’re doing it from.
VPNs are useful for achieving online privacy in numerous ways:
- Protecting data on public Wi-Fi: When browsing in a café or airport terminal, anyone monitoring the network can swoop up unencrypted passwords, account numbers, emails, and more. A VPN encrypts all traffic so it can’t be intercepted.
- Hiding activity from internet providers: Your ISP, cellular carrier, workplace, or school can otherwise see and even sell details of all your internet use, like browsing history and app usage. VPNs allow them only to see encrypted VPN data.
- Accessing geo-restricted content: Certain media is only available within national borders. Use a VPN server anywhere in the world to access restricted offerings.
- Circumventing censorship: Activists in repressive regimes use VPNs to reach outside information sources and organize freely.
- P2P file sharing: Downloading via BitTorrent leaves your IP exposed. VPNs add a layer of anonymity for activities like these.
- Security on public Wi-Fi: Without a VPN, your laptop is exposed like a bright blinking “hack me” sign at coffee shops and airports.
While a VPN alone isn’t an invisibility cloak, it does enhance online privacy and security in important ways compared to going unprotected. Let’s explore the top options.
Our Testing Methodology
We spent six months rigorously testing and comparing over 30 leading VPN services based on the following criteria:
- Privacy policies and practices: We considered things like logging policies, location of servers, jurisdiction, and evidence of commitments like third-party audits.
- Performance: We measured the speeds, latency, and reliability of each VPN using a combination of benchmarking tools and real-world usage across various tasks.
- Feature set: Besides core functions, we evaluated extras like malware blocking, ad blocking, and multi-hop capabilities.
- Platform support: If offered, we tested desktop, mobile, and router compatibility and browser extensions.
Ease of setup and use: Intuitive apps and configurations earn greater favorability.
- Pricing and value: Comparing total features to overall cost.
- Customer support: We tested response time, availability channels, and responsiveness of representatives.
With these factors in mind, here are our recommendations for the best available VPN services. Read on for in-depth reviews of each provider.
Top VPN Services for 2024: An In-Depth Look
Editors Rating: 9.8/10
- Servers in over 148 countries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Custom Lightway protocol
- Robust encryption standards
Despite some extra costs, ExpressVPN’s security rigor makes it a standout in protecting users. Its RAM-based server infrastructure, Lightway protocol, and high-level encryption set an example for others. A little pricier than some, but speedy speeds ensure worth for serious privacy-minded online citizens.
Editors Rating: 9.6/10
- Over 5,200 servers and 59 countries
- Safe and powerful encryption
- With site blockers
- Best for gaming system
NordVPN leads as the king of features, offering rare tools like double VPN, Onion over VPN, and malware protection. Over 5,200 servers expand your location spoofing options while securing your data with AES-256-GCM encryption and OpenVPN/IKEv2/WireGuard protocols. Nord earned our trust over several audits backing its strict no-logs policy. Affordable two-year plans offer the best deal.
Editors Rating: 9.5/10
- Safe and secured
- No-logs left
- With over 100 location options global
Surfshark’s no-logs privacy policy stands out, with a transparent jurisdiction that strictly avoids data retention laws. Unlimited simultaneous connections, RAM-only servers, and a large server network make for great security. The platform offers over 100 location options and a friendly interface that even beginners can get the hang of quickly.
Editors Rating: 9.4/10
- Servers in over 94 countries
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Custom Lightway protocol
- Robust encryption standards
With immense customization options and global server availability, PIA caters to every use case. Its robust feature set allows for ultra-secure privacy where needed most. While app interfaces could use polish, the functionality makes up for cosmetic shortfalls. Unmetered connections provide maximum flexibility.
Editors Rating: 9.2/10
- Reliable speeds
- Generous simultaneous connections
- No data limits
UltraVPN offers basic online security at an unbeatable price, with straightforward apps for newbies. It also operates on a strict no-logs policy tested by audits to ensure user privacy. It allows up to 5 devices and has fast live chat support. Featuring high speeds in 148 countries, you can reliably and privately unlock content from Hulu, Disney+, Amazon, and more.
Editors Rating: 8.9/10
- Fast streaming-optimized servers
- Trusted brand with strong security features
- Stations in more than 30 countries
- Apps available on all platforms
As a security company, Norton has the reputation and resources to ensure clients’ data stays confidential. Its stream-friendly servers and channels for major services stood out. No P2P support, but it is great for accessing Netflix, Hulu, and more wherever you go. Strong credentials overall for ease of streaming through secure VPN access.
Editors Rating: 8.7/10
- Consistently fastest VPN we’ve tested
- Massive server network of 3,200 locations worldwide
- Offers robust speeds regardless of device or location
- A familiar brand that protects without lag
Hotspot Shield sets the gold standard for VPN connection speeds. During tests, it stayed under 65% of our regular internet speeds. That speed comes with cost, but if bandwidth is your top concern, it’s worth paying more for Hotspot Shield’s performance. Brand backing adds trust, too.
Editors Rating: 9.3/10
- US-based with responsive live chat
- Thousands of servers in 75+ countries
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Regular security and speed audits
As a provider that takes customer care seriously, IPVanish makes it easy to access real human assistance anytime. We also appreciate its competitive pricing and robust feature set, including multi-hopping. It delivers great value without sacrificing security or service quality. Trustworthy with top-tier customer care.
Editors Rating: 8.9/10
- Over 7,000 worldwide server locations
- No-logs policy, based in Romania
- Apps for all major platforms
With thousands more server locations than competitors, finding an optimal connection internationally is a breeze. Apps are polished, and speeds are generally solid. Excellent option for travelers or media streamers looking to cast their digital net wide without compromising security. The high server count is its strongest suit.
Conclusion
Regardless of which VPN you choose, take solace knowing you’ve picked from among the best vetted and most trustworthy options available to keep yourself protected online in privacy and security terms. I’d love to hear which VPN you choose in the end – enjoy!
When evaluating VPN services, we consider factors such as speed, security, privacy practices, value for money, streaming and torrenting support, availability of dedicated IP addresses, robustness of features, and customer service quality. Our goal is to recommend providers that deliver on protecting users online without compromising on performance. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Choosing the Best VPN Depends on Your Needs
Every VPN has strengths and drawbacks, making different services ideal fits for distinct use cases:
- General browsing & streaming: For run-of-the-mill web surfing, browsing social networks, video streaming like Netflix, and downloading regular software/updates, opt for an all-purpose VPN like Nord, Express, or Surf Shark that balances speeds with security.
- Security enthusiasts: Privacy true believers seeking full client-side encryption, strict no-logging policies, and a company that never asks for personal info will appreciate Proton or IVPN.
- Gamers: While any quality VPN should be fine for gaming, our top choices are Mullvad, thanks to its gaming blog, or Private Internet Access with 10 simultaneous connections.
- Torrenting: Not all VPNs support torrenting, but for P2P, we recommend IPVanish, Nord, or TorGuard, known for P2P accessibility.
- Families: For multi-device homes, Surfshark and Private Internet Access support unlimited connections across phones, TVs, laptops, and more from one account.
- Low budget: If you’re seeking the most VPN for your buck, Surfshark’s dirt cheap annual plan can’t be beat on value.
- Mac & iOS users: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost all have top-rated macOS and iOS/iPadOS VPN apps.
And remember, there are other factors, too, like speed, security level, server locations, and extra features. Consider what you value most before committing to any service.
FAQ
What devices can I use a VPN on?
Nearly all VPN services are available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices. Many also support Linux, routers, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. Check individual provider specs.
How fast is the VPN speed?
VPNs introduce some latency and overhead that slow connection speeds. Average speeds are well above 100Mbps when choosing nearby servers. Speed depends on distance, protocols used, server loads, and more.
Does VPN logging violate privacy?
Logging internet activity data is against the spirit of VPN use and privacy. Look for a no-logging VPN to avoid logging concerns in the event of a data breach or legal requests.
Does a VPN block ads and trackers?
While VPNs don’t inherently block ads, some providers like IPVanish and Surf Shark include ad-blocking features. Most ad trackers use plain, unencrypted connections that a VPN can block.
Does using a VPN increase my online security?
VPNs do add significant internet security by encrypting your traffic. However, they don’t protect against malware and phishing scams, so use strong cyber hygiene and a good VPN for full layered protection.
