Best VPN Service of 2024

A Virtual Private Network, also known as a VPN, is a service that allows you to change your IP address by connecting your device to a remote server. This lets you protect your online anonymity and access content that would otherwise be restricted. While VPNs are incredibly useful, not all service providers offer the same level of quality.

That’s why I rigorously tested over 30 VPN service providers based on server networks, speed, security, privacy features, and cost-effectiveness. In this article, I will will introduce you to the best VPN services in 2024 and help you choose from the best VPNs available. Continue reading to find the leading VPN providers and select the best VPN for your needs.

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Best VPN services in 2024: top 5 picks

1. NordVPN

   The best and fastest VPN service
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Cheapest VPN without a device limit
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Best VPN service for 400% faster speeds
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Best VPN for beginners
   8.2
5. IPVanish

   Excellent security with unlimited devices
   8.4

Best VPNs in 2024 features comparison

Remember that speeds may vary depending on your internet bandwidth, geographical location, platform, and other aspects.

Best 12 VPN services in 2024

After testing over 30 VPN providers on the market, I gathered the top 12, starting with the best one. During my research, I looked at security features and privacy measures. I ran speed tests to determine how fast these VPNs are. Additionally, I analysed servers, torrenting capabilities, pricing and other criteria. I also tested if they can unblock Netflix and other most popular online streaming platforms.

All best-rated VPN services mentioned below have apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and most offer even more. Even if there’s no app, you can still configure the VPNs on routers to work with smart TVs, game consoles, and streaming peripherals.

1. NordVPN – the best and fastest VPN service

After extensive testing, I announce NordVPN as the best VPN service in 2024. This provider is not a mere VPN – it serves as a full security suite and stands out in virtually all categories.

Security and privacy. The renowned security powerhouse sets the standard for the most advanced AES-256 encryption. However, encryption alone is not enough to keep you safe, so NordVPN supplements it with not one but two kill switches. It also has leak protection, which passed out my tests with flying colors. When it comes to privacy, NordVPN ticked all the boxes – privacy-friendly location (Panama), triple audited no-logs policy, and RAM-only infrastructure. So, not only does it not log your data, the provider doesn't store it either.

Performance. I can't help but be amazed by NordVPN speeds. My VPN speed test tool constantly logs it as the fastest provider on the market. It's all due to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, and a fleet of 7000+ servers in 118+ countries. You can even get dedicated IPs from more than 10 countries to boost performance for specific use cases.

Features. As a VPN expert, I have to praise this provider for its specialized hardware, such as obfuscated Double VPN, dedicated IP, and Onion Over VPN servers. There are also more common features, such as Threat Protection, split-tunneling, a SOCKS5 proxy, Invisibility on LAN, and even Dark Web Monitoring.

Streaming & P2P. Thanks to its SmartPlay feature, NordVPN can easily unblock various streaming platforms. Without any issues, I gained access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Hotstar, and several other platforms. Similarly, NordVPN works well for file-sharing purposes. It has enabled P2P on its network, with servers optimized for torrenting.

Compatibility. You can use NordVPN with all of your devices. It has apps for all major platforms, such as Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. If you prefer to use the VPN directly in your browser, you can use Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Opera, and Edge browser extensions. The best part is the Smart DNS feature and router applet. These two allow users to set up a VPN on devices that don't support the apps natively. Plus, there 6 simultaneous connections to cover all of your devices.

Pricing. NordVPN prices start at $2.99/month, but you may find better deals on the coupons page. There's a 7-day free trial available on Android that works on all devices after activation. Or exercise your 30-day money-back guarantee if 7 days are not enough.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – privacy-oriented VPN without a device limit

Surfshark takes an honorable second place on my list due to its high affordability and some of the best features in the VPN market. This gem is a value-based provider with excellent security for unlimited simultaneous connections.

Security & privacy. I tested Surfshark's security, and it's clear to me that it's bulletproof. It implements leading AES-256 encryption as well as a kill switch, which worked never failed us when testing. The provider's privacy measures are just as efficient. It has been proven with independently audited no logs policy, browser extensions, and server infrastructure. Plus, Surfshark infrastructure runs on RAM-only hardware, proving its no-logs policy is solid.

Performance. Surshark is one of a few VPNs that can compete in the speed category with NordVPN. It is lightning-fast and has stable connections. The reason for it is the leading WireGuard protocol, which is lightweight and secure. To top it off, Surfshark has the largest region selection in the industry – 3200+ servers across 100+ countries. All of these servers are RAM-only. You can also get dedicated IPs from 4 countries to use on services sensitive to IP changes.

Features. Surfshark borders the spectrum of VPN applications with plenty of additional features. You can use Camouflage and NoBorders modes to circumvent censorship. Meanwhile, MultiHop doubles the encryption. If you want to get rid of ads and avoid dangerous websites, you'll benefit from the CleanWeb ad blocker. Another great feature is the IP rotator which periodically connects you to a different server without dropping the secure connection.

Streaming & P2P. Surfshark is one of the best streaming VPNs. It helped me gain access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and other popular streaming services. This VPN streams series on any device, powered with the Smart DNS feature and a router applet. Torrenting enthusiasts aren't overlooked either – all servers allow P2P, and you can even use a SOCKS5 proxy to stay anonymous.

Compatibility. Surfshark offers user-friendly apps for all major operating systems as well as platforms like Android TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick. Furthermore, Surfshark supports Chromebooks and has browser add-ons for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera.

Pricing. You can grab Surfshark VPN for $2.19/month or look for a better deal. There's a free 7-day trial available via the Google Play and Apple App Stores for those who want to test it out. And a standard 30-day money-back guarantee applies to all subscriptions if you ever want to get a refund.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Proton VPN – best VPN service for 400% faster speeds

Proton VPN puts all of its efforts into maintaining strong security. It's not to say that the provider doesn't have anything else to offer. In fact, it comes with additional features and great cross-platform compatibility.

Security & privacy. Proton VPNs apps are open source. This means that the provider guarantees full transparency since anyone can review its code. Apart from internal audits, the app has passed independent third-party audits with no significant security issues. When it comes to the most important secure features, Proton VPN covers all the basis with advanced encryption, a reliable kill switch, and leak protection.

Performance. My tests show that the provider is one of the fastest on the market. It employs a WireGuard tunneling protocol as well as VPN Accelerator, resulting in outstanding performance. It also comes with a decent server fleet – 9200+ servers across 110+ countries. Also, almost all of its servers are 10 Gbps.

Features. With this VPN, you also get a solid adblocker, which removes ads, trackers, and even malware when you browse the web. Among other notable features is the Stealth protocol, which conceals anyone from knowing you're connecting through a VPN. Secure Core is implemented to route traffic via multiple servers, meanwhile, split tunneling routes it through the apps of your choice. Subscribers also get the Tor Over VPN option and port forwarding (but only for Windows).

Streaming & P2P. Apart from being ultra-secure, Proton VPN is also great for streaming. It unblocks Netflix libraries as well as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Sky Sports, and others. All of its servers are optimized for P2P. However, the provider allows torrenting only in 5 countries.

Compatibility. Proton VPN offers Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Chromebook apps. What's more, you can manually configure it on routers to extend the range of protected devices. The service also offers Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera browser extensions. We do miss the Smart DNS feature, though.

Pricing. Proton VPN's lowest price is $3.59/month, excluding coupon codes. Or you can use the free version first. It has 3 server locations, unlimited bandwidth, the Stealth protocol, and VPN Accelerator. But streaming and P2P aren't available. Going premium is risk-free, though, with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

4. Total VPN – top VPN for security and affordability seekers

Total Safe Browsing VPN, or Total VPN for short, is another excellent contender on the list, offering one of the best balance between effectiveness and affordability. While one may raise an eyebrow hearing “excellent” and “cheap” in the same sentence, Total VPN truly nails both in this competition.

Security & privacy. Like all top VPNs, Total VPN ensures absolute data safety with AES-256 encryption, time-tested and reliable OpenVPN tunneling protocol, and solid IP/DNS leak protection. A nice touch is the inclusion of both manual and automatic kill switches to prevent data spills in case of a compromised connection. While it’s based in the UK, a known Five-Eeyes Alliance country, TotalAV claims a no-logs policy, although independent auditing has yet to verify its privacy practices.

Performance. Total VPN delivers reliable performance with quite substantial speeds on nearby servers, although connections to distant servers can show more speed loss. While testing, I noticed speed drops of around 35-40% on remote servers, which are within the expected range of the OpenVPN protocol. With 50+ servers across 35 countries, most in North America and Europe, Total VPN is more than enough to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy unrestricted online access.

Streaming & P2P. This VPN successfully bypasses geo-blocks on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu with stable HD streaming quality. Although it lacks the Smart DNS feature for devices that don’t support VPNs natively, it remains an extra reliable option for streaming on PCs and mobile devices. For P2P file-sharing, torrenting is allowed on non-US servers, although the speed might not be outstanding.

Compatibility. This service is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, the big 4 of today’s main platforms. The dedicated apps for each of them pack easy-to-understand interfaces and essential features with only minuscule differences. Unfortunately, router support is currently missing, but Total VPN makes up for it by offering online security, streaming, and bypassing geo-blocks on 5 devices simultaneously.

Pricing. While Total Safe Browsing VPN cannot be bought as standalone software, it’s by no means a bad deal. Taking the TotalAV Internet Security package, for example, Total VPN is still one of the most budget-friendly VPNs out there, starting at just $1.59/month. You can try it for more than a month by taking the 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee, which applies to all TotalAV plans.

For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.

5. IPVanish – top-ranked VPN with a free antivirus

IPVanish has a good reputation for security and performance. It also comes with great additional features to boost your VPN application methods.

Security & privacy. The provider comes with all necessary VPN security features – AES 256-bit encryption, strong protection against DNS, IP, and WebRTC leaks, and a kill switch. This way, the provider ensures the safety of your data. When it comes to privacy, IPVanish is based in the US. While it could be concerning, the provider earns users' trust with an independently-audited no-logs policy.

Performance. Among several tunneling protocols to choose from is WireGuard, with it comes fast speed and stable connections. For ultimate speed, you IPVanish allows you to automatically connect to the fastest servers when you don't need a specific location. As for servers, IPVanishh has a decent fleet of 2200+ servers in 71+ countries.

Features. IPVanish comes with split tunneling features, but only for Android FireOS devices. To increase your security even further, the provider offers Stealth VPN known as the Scramble option. However, it can only be enabled for OpenVPN traffic. Another great feature is VIPRE antivirus, which serves as real-time protection from malware at no additional cost.

Streaming & P2P. IPVanish can unblock various Netflix libraries without any issues. However, for some reason, it struggled with some European libraries. Similarly, IPVanish had issues with BBC iPlayer. While it unlocked the service, the quality was very low. Other platforms it unblocks include HBO Max and YouTube. Torrenting, on the other hand, proves to be speedy, and you can download and upload without much struggle across any server on the network.

Compatibility. The service includes dedicated applications for all major operating systems. You can also get clients for Android TVs, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and ChromeOS devices. It also supports routers if there's a need for it.

Pricing. IPVanish costs $2.19/month. Don't think it can get cheaper than that? Check the dedicated coupons page to be pleasantly surprised. And last but not least, the 30-day money-back guarantee protects all plans longer than a month. Sadly, no trial version is available.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

6. Bitdefender VPN – best mid-class VPN for daily use

Bitdefender Premium VPN is a new rising star in the middle brackets of the current VPN market. Even though this VPN is made by an antivirus company, don’t be fooled; it’s a competent contender with a lot to offer. Not only is it now packed with industry-standard security features, but it also hides a few strong aces up its sleeves.

Security & privacy. Bitdefender VPN ensures solid data security with industry-standard AES-256 encryption and offers seriously fast WireGuard and Catapult Hydra tunneling protocols. Additionally, it includes a functional kill switch and solid DNS leak protection, with WebRTC and IPv6 defences only available on Windows. Looking into Privacy matters, Bitdefender VPN is based in the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Romania and proclaims a no-logs policy. However, it still collects some minor user data and lacks an independent third-party audit.

Performance. The server fleet of 4000+ servers in 50 countries is almost on par with some of the best options out there. On top of great connectivity, the recent inclusion of the WireGuard protocol also boosted the speeds and reliability quite significantly. However, while the average connection speeds are nowhere close to the fastest competitors, it’s way more than enough for any daily use cases.

Features. A notable standout for Bitdefender VPN is its highly customizable auto-connect feature, offering options to set triggers for automatic connection in specific scenarios, like launching torrent clients. It also includes a system-wide ad blocker, split tunneling, and fully configurable double-hop with freely selectable entry and exit server nodes. Additionally, the App Traffic Optimizer allows its users to prioritize specific applications, such as games, for maximum bandwidth and speed.

Streaming & P2P. Bitdefender VPN offers an excellent streaming experience with Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+, but can sometimes struggle while breaching geo-blocks on a couple of international libraries. While its speeds are fully suitable for HD streaming, compatibility with platforms like game consoles and non-Android smart TVs is off the table. For torrenting, Bitdefender VPN provides solid security measures but doesn't support port forwarding, so download speeds can suffer in the process.

Compatibility. This VPN is compatible with all major platforms like Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. While it lacks support for routers or any browser extensions, each available platform offers a commendable range of features. Finally, if you want to protect multiple devices, you might be glad to see a limit of 10 simultaneous connections.

Pricing. Bitdefender Premium VPN is not too premium when it comes to affordability and can be yours for just $2.92/month. However, if you’re still not sure about giving Bitdefender VPN a try, you can simply snag a 7-day free trial and test it firsthand. After that, you can continue further risk-free with a 30-day cash-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Bitdefender VPN, read our Bitdefender VPN review.

7. NortonVPN – good VPN for P2P, supports many platforms

Norton VPN never seizes to surprise me with its security and privacy measures. This reliable VPN is one of the best choices if you prioritize privacy above all else.

Security & privacy. The VPN is based in the United States, a member of the Five-Eyes alliance. However, it proved its dedication to privacy by having a no-logs policy and not tracking your VPN activity. The VPN also uses military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch – all the necessary features you'd expect from a VPN.

Performance. Norton VPN owns a sizeable fleet of 5000+ servers in 30+ countries. When it comes to speed, PureVPN offers fast and stable connections, thanks to its OpenVPN and WireGuard protocol choices.

Features. Norton VPN offers split tunneling to route the VPN connection via select apps. It also comes with an obfuscation feature to conceal the fact that you're using a VPN. For added security, you get DDoS protection and Wi-Fi security. Also, a small additional fee gives you a password manager.

Streaming & P2P. I managed to unblock Netflix US and the notoriously stringent Japan library on the first try. However, the provider isn't perfect, as it failed to unblock German and French libraries. Although it works great with other platforms, such as BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, to name a few. The service is a good option for torrenting, too. Just be aware that it's only available in countries where P2P is legal.

Compatibility. Norton VPN supports an extended range of platforms, including a Kodi add-on and a DD-WRT applet. You can also configure it to work with routers, ChromeOS, and Raspberry Pi, among others. Each account gets 10 simultaneous connections, which should be enough even for your extended family.

Pricing. The mind-blowingly low prices start at $3.33/month and have significant discounts. You can try the service for 30 days. Subscribing is a better option because you can use the 60-day money-back guarantee later.

For a deeper investigation of Norton VPN, read our Norton VPN review.

8. CyberGhost – effective, no-nonsense VPN

CyberGhost has a lot of edge over its competitors, but it's most recognizable for having one of the largest server fleets on the market. Furthermore, this security-minded provider never fails to protect users from common online threats.

Security & privacy. CyberGhost ensures your data is impenetrable with AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and leak protection. Its no-logs policy is independently audited. The no-logs policy is further enforced with its RAM-only infrastructure. Plus, the provider operates in Romania – a privacy-friendly country.

Performance. While slower in speed than its competitors above, CyberGhost offers decent performance. It comes with a variety of tunneling protocols, with WireGuard as the fastest and most secure one. The best part about CyberGhost is the fleet of 11700+ servers across 100+ countries.

Features. Windows devices benefit from the CyberGhost Security Suite, a robust anti-malware & antivirus tool. Other perks include split-tunneling, a free SOCKS5 proxy, and ID Guard Monitoring which alerts about email or password leaks. And besides dedicated streaming and torrenting servers, you also get gaming ones.

Streaming & P2P. I easily accessed all major streaming platforms. What's CyberGhost's secret? The provider has specialized streaming servers. This way, it ensures a fast connection, a full HD experience, and no buffering. CyberGhost lets you watch Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and other content platforms. Torrenting is on the table, too, with optimized hardware just for P2P. Plus, there's a SOCKS5 if you need an extra performance boost for torrenting.

Compatibility. CyberGhost is available on all major platforms, including Android TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick devices. Manual configuration for routers is possible, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera offer an added layer of protection. Connect up to 7 devices simultaneously for ultimate convenience.

Pricing. Currently, CyberGhost VPN prices start from $2.03/month, but you may find better deals on the coupons page. Then there's a 1-day free trial (Windows only) plus an extended 45-day money-back guarantee. Sadly, no free version is available.

For a deeper investigation of CyberGhost VPN, read our CyberGhost VPN review.

9. ExpressVPN – performance-focused top VPN service

ExpressVPN is a secure and powerful VPN for a wide variety of applications. I tried the service myself and were pleasantly surprised by great speeds, access to various popular streaming services, and a powerful toolkit.

Security & privacy. With a market standard AES encryption at hand, leak protection, and a reliable kill switch, ExpressVPN ensures advanced security of your online features. Based in the British Virgin Islands, the provider is not subjected to any data retention laws. Furthermore, it has the strongest no-logs policy on the market. Not only is it independently audited, but it also has been proven in court twice.

Performance. While ExpressVPN is not the fastest provider on the market, it is certainly fast enough. It employs proprietary Lightway protocol, which is derived from a market-standard WireGuard. A big part of ExpressVPN’s performance comes from an optimized and efficient fleet of 3000+ RAM-only servers in 105+ countries.

Features. The feature-rich provider comes with a Threat Manager to remove annoying and dangerous ds. You also get MediaStreamer, a tool powered with Smart DNS to bypass geo-restrictions on any device. On top of that, it has a few handy features that don’t often come with a VPN – password manager and secure storage.

Streaming & P2P. Unblocking streaming platforms is no issue for ExpresssVPN. It gave me access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other online entertainment platforms. When it comes to torrenting, users can benefit from P2P, which is allowed on all servers. Furthermore, there’s a port forwarding feature to boost your torrents.

Compatibility. With Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android apps, ExpressVPN covers all compatibility bases. You can also install it on Android TV, Fire Stick, Chromebook, and Kindle Fire. There’s even an app for routers. Furthermore, there are browser add-ons for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera. With a 8 simultaneous connection cap, you’ll be able to run the VPN on several devices.

Pricing. ExpressVPN prices start from $4.99/month, which is a tad expensive, especially compared to other providers listed here. At least you can try getting a special deal.

For a deeper investigation of ExpressVPN, read our ExpressVPN review.

10. PrivateVPN – best VPN for low-priced streaming

PrivateVPN is a great provider that is often underlooked among the market leaders. Yet, this VPN comes with a versatile set of practical implementations, great security, and usability that gives the edge over some rivals.

Security & privacy. PrivateVPN pairs bulletproof encryption with a kill switch and efficient protection against IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. While the provider does not own RAM-only servers, it at least prevents third-party tampering by owning and operating all of its hardware. Furthermore, it ensures your data is safe with a no-logs policy. However, it operates in Sweden, a country that is part of the Fourteen Eyes alliance. Despite that, Sweden prohibits data logging, which allows the provider to cleanse logs without breaching the law.

Performance. The main difference between PrivateVPN and other providers is the server fleet. 200+ servers across 63+ countries, this provider is one of the smallest on the market, yet it has great performance. Despite lacking WireGuard, the trusted OpenVPN protocol facilitates stable, fast connections.

Features. This provider has several features to enhance security. For instance, an Application Guard lets you choose to terminate specific apps you don't want to open when a VPN stops working. Port forwarding feature, which helps to keep outsiders away from your network. If you need a VPN in a high-censorship situation, PrivateVPN has you covered with a Stealth VPN feature.

Streaming & P2P. Geo-block is not a problem with PrivateVPN. During my tests, it provided access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other geo-restrictions. While there's no SmartDNS feature, PrivateVPN offers a router applet as an alternative. The VPN allows P2P on all of its servers. Plus, there's a SOCKS5 proxy feature to keep torrenters anonymous.

Compatibility. The service offers tailor-made applications for major platforms, including Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and a Kodi add-on. It is also compatible with various devices like routers. With one account, users can have up to ten simultaneous connections.

Pricing. PrivateVPN offers competitive pricing, starting at just $2.00/month per month. However, there might be even more attractive deals available. You can take advantage of their 7-day free trial, which you can download directly from the provider's website. Alternatively, you can subscribe right away, knowing that your purchase is protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.

How I tested the best VPN providers

Testing providers' capabilities is a complex process that requires strict ranking criteria. These are the criteria I evaluated when testing the top VPN providers:

• Security. I picked providers with market-leading AES encryption and advanced tunnelling protocols, such as WireGuard and its variations NordLynx and Lightway. I also tested providers' IP leak protection and kill switch reliability. Other features like RAM-only servers and malware protection have placed providers at the top of my list.
• Privacy features. I looked into where providers are based to get a clearer view of what data retention laws apply to them. I didn't include any VPNs with shady logging practices. Thus you'll find here only those providers with audited no-logs policies.
• Server locations. As a rule of thumb, providers with small server fleets or lack physical servers are underperforming. Thus, I picked providers with large server fleets and wide location coverage. This way, I ensured that providers offer fast and reliable service for all use cases.
• Streaming and torrenting. One of the most common reasons for using a VPN is for entertainment purposes. Thus it's important that providers would be suitable both for torrenting and streaming. I tried each VPN with the most popular streaming platform and evaluated their geo-bypassing performance. I also analyzed torrenting capabilities and features like P2P servers and SOCKS5 proxy.
• Cross-platform support. The best providers ensure that you can use their service even on devices that don't natively support VPN apps. I picked services that come with SmartDNS and apps for all major platforms. Additionally, I also took into consideration an unlimited simultaneous connections cap to ensure you'll be able to enjoy your VPN with all your devices.
• Pricing. The best VPNs on the market have a lot to offer, but you may be surprised that the providers on my list are rather cheap. That's because I filtered out VPNs with unreasonable pricing and kept only those with a feature pack to match the price tag.

While most VPNs fail to combine all necessary assets into a single service, NordVPN is an exception. The provider ticks all of the boxes in terms of security, versatility, performance, and pricing. Whether you're a fan of TV series, a torrenting enthusiast, or a gamer, NordVPN covers all the bases.

Other VPNs that I tested

After testing dozens of providers, many didn't make the cut into my list, mostly due to a lack of security, inadequate pricing, and lack of valuable features that can make a VPN a versatile security tool.

However, there are still some VPNs left that are worth mentioning. One of them is Private Internet Access. The provider has impressed us with efficient security and a massive server fleet. However, upon closer inspection, I realized that most of its servers are virtual.

Another VPN is Hotspot Shield. While it's fast and has great unblocking capabilities, the provider missed the mark in terms of privacy. I have a similar issue with Avast SecureLine VPN. Being a part of an antivirus bundle does guarantee great security. However, the same can't be said about privacy, especially since the provider does keep logs of your data.

How does a VPN work?

A VPN is a service that encrypts your traffic and hides your IP address from third parties. Those can include hackers, ISPs, and even the government. It also protects your personal information and ensures it's not being collected.

VPNs can be used not only for security and privacy but for changing your location as well. Many users need them for safe downloading and bypassing geo-blocked services, such as Netflix and other popular streaming platforms. And those who live in countries with restricted internet access can use a VPN to avoid firewalls, such as the Great Firewall of China.

One of the less-known ways to use a Virtual Private Network is getting better prices. Many online shops use different strategies in each country. With a VPN, you can save money by ordering a cheaper option from another location.

Finally, people often ask how to know if the VPN is working. This article explains everything in detail.

Can I trust a VPN service?

Top VPNs on the market are completely safe and reliable, but that doesn't mean they all are. However, some lesser-known VPNs, as well as free services, can't guarantee full security. So, how do you know which services you can trust? I recommend following this criteria:

• Privacy policy. Most providers outline what kind of information they collect (or don’t) in these policies. While it doesn’t mean they’re being completely honest, at least you’ll eliminate those that gather too much data.
• Independent audits. An independently-audited no-logs policy is a badge of honor not many services have. It indicates that what you’re doing while connected to the VPN isn’t being logged or stored anywhere.
• Court-proven. Another indication that no funny business is happening behind the scenes data-collection-wise is having a no-logs policy tested in court. If the judge asked for info and got nothing because there was nothing to give, your privacy will be in good hands.
• Reputation. Is the provider transparent about who runs the company? Were there any scandals regarding data breaches, information gathering, product management, or such? For example, did you know that Hotspot Shield is run by the same company that owns Betternet, a notoriously unsafe VPN service? The owner never publicly disclosed this, although they proudly presented the acquisition of JustVPN and TouchVPN.
• Jurisdiction. Ideally, the VPN operates far away from the Fourteen Eyes alliance. Countries that are members of it are known for sharing their citizens' private data with each other.

Also, make sure to stay up to date with the goings-on of the service market. It’s constantly in flux, and even incredibly popular providers sometimes find themselves in hot water. Or VPNs are acquired by less-than-trustworthy companies. Remember – using a compromised anonymity tool leaves you exposed to all kinds of risks!

Paid VPNs vs. free VPNs: which one is better?

According to my tests, paid VPNs perform much better than their free counterparts. They are also more secure and reliable. However, if you're on a tight budget, you may want to consider getting a freemium VPM, such as Atlas VPN. While it lacks features and server locations, its free version is just as secure as a premium VPN. Free versions of paid providers are the only exceptions when considering free vs paid VPNs.

Now, let's take a closer look at the differences:

As you can see, paid VPNs win almost in every category. I should also mention that many free providers not only log but also sell your data to make money. Others might even inject your device with malware.

I advise taking advantage of a little loophole instead. Many VPNs offer free trial versions that include the full feature set and server list. You can combine it with the provider’s money-back guarantee to use the service scot-free for over a month.

For example, look at NordVPNs free 7-day trial. You can start the trial right after creating an account. Pick a plan, activate it, and enjoy the full service at no cost for 7 days. You'll be automatically charged if you don’t cancel it before it ends. No worries – use NordVPN for a whole month and utilize the 30-day money-back guarantee to get a full refund. You end up not paying anything.

Are VPNs legal?

Mostly yes, but the legal status of VPN services depends on the laws of each country and other contextual factors. For example, the use of such technology is completely illegal in:

• Belarus
• Iran
• Iraq
• Turkey
• Turkmenistan
• Zimbabwe

Elsewhere, these services are restricted in some way – China and Russia are prime examples of this. Still, the majority of nations allow VPN usage. However, some actions people use these tools for can be illegal. Copyright infringements or hacking, for example, will get you into trouble regardless of country.

How to choose the right VPN for you

While some VPNs, such as the leading NordVPN, are good for pretty much all purposes, you still need to assess your specific needs before purchasing. Be it streaming, torrenting, or gaming, consider the features you'll use. Then, remember to ensure that the VPN you choose is suitable for your device.

Once you pinpoint what you're looking for, check out this specific VPN article to pick the best option.

Usually, it will be the best overall VPNs occupying most places. Nevertheless, you will also find some providers that excel in a particular category.

Conclusion

Considering the many available service providers, selecting the best VPN for your needs can be exhausting. That’s why I tested and compared a bunch of them to compile a list of the best VPNs. The top performers came with a no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and DNS leak protection for ultimate security. Additionally, I looked into the server and country options, speeds, and connectivity. Compatibility is also crucial for a VPN’s effectiveness across various devices and platforms.

Among the best VPN services NordVPN stands out as the ultimate choice. It offers comprehensive security features, including military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced features like double VPN and Threat Protection. Its user-friendly interface and wide range of server locations make it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users. Whether you need privacy, speed, or seamless streaming, NordVPN is undoubtedly the best VPN for 2024.

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FAQ

Do I need a VPN?

I recommend everyone to use a VPN, especially if you need to connect to public Wi-Fi. A VPN will prevent third parties from intercepting your traffic. However, if you're not concerned about safety, a VPN can also be useful for streaming, bypassing restrictions, gaming, and torrenting, among other use cases.

Who provides the best VPN service?

According to my latest tests, NordVPN provides the best VPN service. It comes with a wide variety of features and top-notch security at a wallet-friendly price. Furthermore, the provider comes with a 7-day free trial, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and great customer support.

What is the best VPN in 2024?

The best VPN in 2024 is NordVPN. It is the most versatile provider that's suitable for a wide range of applications, such as streaming, torrenting, gaming, and more. It comes with a large fleet of 7000 servers and 118 locations, as well as the most advanced security features.

What is the best free VPN?

Proton VPN is the best free VPN in 2024. It also has a strong premium version with more servers, features, and unlimited simultaneous connections. Find the Proton VPN description in my detailed list of the best providers.

What’s the fastest VPN?

NordVPN is the fastest VPN. It uses the NordLynx tunneling protocol, an in-house version of WireGuard that guarantees unparalleled performance across the globe. Besides, NordVPN uses only bare-metal servers and is already upgrading the fleet to 10 Gbps.

Are VPNs safe?

Most VPNs are safe to use, but there are providers with less-than-stellar reputations you should avoid. Before you commit, Irecommend doing additional research to learn whether the VPN service is trustworthy enough for you.

What is the most trusted VPN?

NordVPN is the VPN with the strongest security credentials in the market. It operates from Panama, adheres to a thrice independently-audited no-logs policy, and offers robust applications that have passed security audits. Subscribers get industry-leading encryption, the latest tunnellng protocols, and access to a RAM-only server network.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

NordVPN is the best VPN to watch Netflix. The provider can help you easily change the Netflix region by connecting to a server in another country. Plus, it also bypasses geo-blocking measures of other popular streaming platforms like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.

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