Fastest VPN providers of 2024

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) running in the background should be unnoticeable and provide all the benefits without any downtime. That’s why you should opt for a fast VPN if you want a positive experience while streaming, torrenting, or even browsing the web.

Bear in mind that all VPNs impact your speed a little – it's unavoidable. However, the best VPNs have a minimal impact and won't slow you down. Still, thorough speed tests are important.

Based on my VPN speed test, the following are the top 5 fastest VPN providers in 2024. Besides speed, they offer solid security features, reliable privacy, and reasonable prices. As such, you’ll have a safe trip while speeding through the information highway when secured by any one of these services!

Top 5 fastest VPNs in 2024

1. NordVPN

   Fastest VPN service overall
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   High-speed VPN with excellent security
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Affordable and fast VPN provider
   8.6
4. IPVanish

   Swift VPN with impressive security features
   8.4
5. CyberGhost VPN

   Budget-friendly fast VPN service
   8.9

Speed comparison of the fastest VPNs

Let’s start with the most critical information of any fastest VPN service list – the overall performance summary. You’ll find a side-by-side VPN speed test comparison of each provider’s upload and download speeds, the supported devices, server numbers, and starting prices. From here, it will become clear which top VPN service is the best from a connectivity perspective.

Now, speed tests are quite sensitive to many factors, and your experience might differ. If you run a few speed tests yourself, the results may noticeably vary depending on the following aspects:

• Internet speed. The most obvious differences between VPN speeds can be seen in faster internet connections. If your internet speeds are below the VPN’s capabilities, the contrasts are going to be almost indistinguishable.
• Physical location. The distance between you and the VPN server you’re connected to is pivotal when discussing the transmission of digital data. The closer you are to the VPN server, the better speed you get.
• Chosen platform. It’s no secret that different hardware has different network speed capabilities. Your results can vary dramatically between testing connections on a high-power PC and a mid-grade smartphone.

Fastest VPNs in 2024: overview

1. NordVPN – fastest VPN in the world
2. Surfshark– ultra-fast VPN with loads of features
3. Proton VPN – high-speed VPN with a solid suite
4. IPVanish – performance-focused VPN with exceptional privacy
5. CyberGhost – the best fast VPN with an immense server variety

While overall connectivity was the primary criterion for my fastest VPN service list, I also emphasized the security, privacy, and comfort features each VPN offers. After all, it's not just about being at the top of the line if the value is lacking.

So, I tested 18 best-known brands and created a list of the 5 fastest VPN providers currently available. Now, let's take a closer look at each one.

1. NordVPN – the fastest VPN overall

If you’re looking for the fastest VPN in 2024 – NordVPN is your ultimate choice. It provides solid performance whether you browse the web content on Netflix. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol, a proprietary version of WireGuard, delivers incredibly fast speeds.

During my speed tests, NordVPN showed exceptional stability, maintaining impressive performance even at 500 Mbps base speed. I experienced almost no speed loss while using the VPN, with my download speeds averaging 454 Mbps and upload speeds remaining stable at 437 Mbps. This means the VPN retained 91% of my original download speed and 87% of my original upload speed, indicating strong performance.

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPNs with over 7000 servers in 118 countries. It’s excellent for 4K (UHD) streaming, P2P file-sharing, and online gaming. Thus, I would say it’s the fastest VPN for torrenting and streaming.

NordVPN has world-class security features, like practically unbreakable AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and an audited no-logs policy. All of them protect your anonymity at the highest level. Since it is based in Panama, you don’t need to worry about the Fourteen Eyes surveillance machine.

You can start your subscription today with a 74% discount using a NordVPN coupon code. Alternatively, you can dip your toes in first by claiming at free trial on the Google Play Store. Best of all, each plan is protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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

2. Surfshark – fastest VPN for streaming anywhere

Surfshark VPN is another excellent choice for its high-quality and affordable services. It offers fast VPN connections due to the WireGuard tunneling protocol.

Diving into the numbers, Surfshark displayed excellent results, with download speeds averaging 475 Mbps and uploads at 436 Mbps. In terms of speed retention, this VPN held up remarkably well, upholding 95% and 87% of download and upload speeds.

This service covers the globe with a fleet of 3200+ servers located in 100 countries that should provide excellent connectivity in any corner of the world. Additionally, all those servers utilize RAM-only technology to avoid hard drive storage.

Surfshark VPN unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, providing high-speed connections with fast 4K streaming. Plus, this VPN is torrent-friendly and allows an unlimited simultaneous connections.

Surfshark VPN is based in the Netherlands – a privacy-friendly location with no data retention laws. The VPN has excellent security features, like MultiHop and AES-250 encryption, that enhance your anonymity and privacy while browsing.

You can get the best deals on a subscription by using a Surfshark coupon code and instantly save 86%. Every customer is protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee to try this VPN completely risk-free. Otherwise, you can get a feel for the service by signing up for a 7-day free trial.

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

3. Proton VPN – affordable and quick VPN

High connection speeds shouldn’t leave you empty-handed. Luckily, Proton VPN is a fast and wallet-friendly option with excellent streaming performance.

First, Proton VPN has 9200+ servers in 110 countries, providing extensive coverage for a smooth and secure browsing experience. Even with the free version, you can access US, Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland servers. However, it's important to note that not all servers and features are available on the free plan. Upgrading to a paid plan unlocks full access, faster speeds, and advanced security features.

Its VPN Accelerator technology helps boost connection speeds, making streaming smooth and buffer-free, even when accessing servers across the globe. During my tests, it produced reliable performance with 424 Mbps download (84%) and 451 Mbps upload (90%) speeds. The connection was also very stable, with no sudden speed drops.

Overall, I was very impressed with the speed and performance, as I could unlock extra content on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, BBC iPlayer, and countless other platforms. You can also protect your privacy and security when watching your favorite shows with Proton VPN's Secure Core feature. The service allows 10 simultaneous connections, so you can share an account with friends and family.

Grab the service now for 64% off if you use a Proton VPN coupon to get the best possible speeds. Lastly, every plan has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.

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

4. IPVanish VPN – swift VPN with exceptional security features

IPVanish delivers an impressive blend of speed, security, and affordability, making it a top choice for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy. It offers solid global coverage with over 2200+ servers in 51+ countries. This means I can easily find a server nearby, helping to minimize speed loss and maintain a reliable connection no matter where I am.

The VPN supports advanced protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec, and SSTP, ensuring robust performance and flexibility. During my tests, I noticed that WireGuard was particularly effective at boosting download (418 Mbps) and upload (439 Mbps) speeds, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, or downloading large files. With these protocols, IPVanish effectively balances speed and security, giving me confidence in its performance.

AES-256 encryption protects my data from prying eyes. The service also includes DNS leak protection, preventing accidental browsing exposure. Knowing that IPVanish follows an independently audited no-logs policy reassures me that my online activities aren't tracked or stored.

IPVanish's standout feature is its ability to unblock popular streaming platforms. Whether I want to watch Netflix, Disney+, or BBC iPlayer, IPVanish makes accessing content simple. As for streaming, it was smooth and without buffering, which is vital for enjoying shows and movies uninterrupted.

IPVanish also includes a kill switch feature that automatically disconnects me from the internet if the VPN connection drops. It guarantees that my data is never exposed, even for a moment. This feature protects my sensitive information, especially when I'm using public Wi-Fi networks.

At a competitive price of $2.19/month, paired with a 30-day money-back guarantee, IPVanish offers excellent value. This makes it a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their online privacy without breaking the bank. The 7-day free trial allows you to test out its features risk-free, ensuring it meets your needs before committing to a subscription.

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

5. CyberGhost – speedy VPN with great value for money

CyberGhost offers a balance between affordable prices, excellent performance, and reliable privacy.

With global coverage of 11700+ servers in 100 countries, you'll easily find a server near you and minimize any speed loss. Unsurprisingly, some servers are virtual, but this doesn’t impede connection speed since WireGuard is there to put that pedal to the metal. Moreover, bandwidth congestion is a thing of the past since CyberGhost upgraded many of its servers to support 10Gbps throughput.

I found some interesting results were found when I tested CyberGhost. During the trials, we noticed an interesting trend of CyberGhost pushing out way better upload speeds (avg. 464 Mbps) than downloads (avg. 447 Mbps). This resulted in speed retention rates of 92% for downloads and 89% for upload speed with an enabled VPN connection.

CyberGhost offers a wide range of specialized servers for the best possible performance, including gaming, P2P, and streaming. The latter option works flawlessly with almost every popular streaming platform and easily unlocks foreign libraries in just a few clicks.

Security-wise, CyberGhost offers powerful encryption, an automatic kill switch, and leak protection. It also follows a strict and independently audited no-logs policy while being based in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction of Romania. The provider also releases periodic Transparency Reports for added accountability.

Along with solid performance, CyberGhost serves great value, especially if you activate a discount code for 84% savings. Furthermore, it offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee, surpassing the warranties of most other providers out there.

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

How I tested VPN speeds?

I used a systematic approach to determine the speed test results for the fastest VPNs. In order to ensure accuracy and reliability, software speed tests require specific parameters and criteria. Here's how I did it:

• Tunneling protocols. Testing your car’s top speed in third gear will not give you reliable numbers. That’s why I chose the fastest VPN protocols. A surprising number of older options were not even able to match Wireguard, and the proprietary counterparts had only a limited role to play.
• Server locations. The distance between you and your chosen VPN server plays a pivotal role in your connection speed and responsiveness. I tried to give every contender a fair chance and performed speed tests on servers in the same location. In case the particular provider was missing a server in that region, I searched for the locale of the closest one.
• Same conditions. Every VPN test was conducted on the same device using the same 500Mbps network. That, however, only eliminated any inconsistencies from the user’s side rather than any possible fluctuations depending on the VPN service.

One thing to note is that tests like these are prone to severe differences depending on any tester’s hardware and internet connection. Also, VPNs deliver way speeds each day through their networks.

How to speed up your VPN

Some performance reduction is expected due to how a VPN works. Rerouting your web traffic through an intermediary server increases data packet travel distance, thus slowing connection speed. However, there are various methods to minimize speed loss. Here’s how to make a VPN even faster:

1. Switch servers. Bandwidth congestion is a common problem if multiple users pump data through the same server. If that’s the case, a quick reconnect, even to the same location, will solve everything in mere moments.
2. Try closer locations. If changing your virtual location is not your primary objective, it’s always better to go for a server nearer to your actual location. Longer distances mean longer data transfer times, so reducing them is almost guaranteed to speed up loading times.
3. Look for specialized servers. Servers that are dedicated and optimized for specific purposes are nothing new. If your VPN service provides such options, go straight for those. Usually, specialized gaming, torrenting, or streaming servers deliver noticeably better results.
4. Tunneling protocols. Most of the best-known VPN services offer multiple tunneling protocols for your convenience. Even though WireGuard blows OpenVPN out of the water, it’s not always the most optimal choice. Some rare situations may benefit from other protocols, so don’t be afraid to play around.
5. Reach out to customer support. Support is crucial for VPN users, allowing you to get help anytime you encounter problems, whether it's with connectivity, configuration, or troubleshooting. VPN providers typically offer 24/7 support through various channels like live chat, email, and extensive online resources.

Why do I need a fast VPN?

Security is the primary purpose of a VPN, but usability shouldn't be overlooked. A fast VPN is a great companion for any daily internet user engaging in various online activities, such as:

• Unthrottled browsing. Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are known to slow down their customers’ internet speeds if they’re generating large amounts of traffic. Employing a fast VPN can help you easily bypass ISP throttling by encrypting your whole online traffic.
• Video streaming. Watching movies, TV series, or streaming sports online, especially inat high definition, eats up data like crazy. Fast VPNs prevent speed dropouts and let you stream buffer-free and seamlessly from anywhere.
• Online gaming. Every gamer knows that lag is your worst enemy. The fastest VPNs for gaming obliterate excessive ping, noticeably reduce latency, and avoid throttle to give the best gaming experience. Even better, a secure VPN can also protect you and your device from DDoS attacks.
• Torrenting. High-speed VPNs are the key to lightning-fast downloads and uninterrupted torrenting sessions. Even better, it adds a layer of security and privacy as you torrent, masking your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic for maximum anonymity.

What is the fastest free VPN?

In the world of VPNs, free and fast don’t usually go together in the same sentence. This is true for many reasons, like huge limitations and shady practices, but let’s take a deeper look at why a costless VPN can be a step backwards.

Free VPN services typically come in two forms – free or freemium. As the name suggests, the former comes with no additional cost. However, you may pay in other ways, such as your data and browsing history. On top of that, they offer subpar security and, most importantly, lackluster speeds. The second option is more consumer-friendly, but the data caps and limited speeds don’t offer much.

My best suggestion is to choose proven premium services offering free trials and money-back guarantees, such as NordVPN. By doing so, you’ll get the best possible performance and security for over a month, completely free. And if you don’t want to stick around after the trial? Not to worry. You can simply try other services until you find your one and only.

Try NordVPN risk-free today

NordVPN: the fastest VPN review

NordVPN wears the crown of the fastest VPN in the market year after year. Dive deeper into the mechanism behind world-class VPN, how it retains high speeds, and how it can benefit your ventures.

Bottom line

Choosing the fastest VPN without getting acquainted with the numbers may be a shot in the dark. Fortunately, all the VPNs featured on our list have a strong track record of delivering impressive speeds, thanks to their top-of-the-line tunneling protocols and vast server networks.

However, there can only be one winner, and our ultimate choice for both speed and strength is NordVPN. Not only does it deliver excellent performance for gaming, streaming, and torrenting, but it also guarantees uncompromised online safety. It's been proven time and again that NordVPN's industry-leading security doesn't need to be at the expense of performance.

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You may also like to read:
Best no-logs VPNs
Best VPN for torrenting
Best VPNs for streaming
Best VPN with a dedicated IP

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FAQ

Which VPN is the fastest?

The fastest VPN is NordVPN. It runs an expansive server network and uses the ultra-fast proprietary NordLynx protocol. Besides, it’s great for streaming, security, and online confidentiality. You can start by claiming a free trial on the Google Play Store and continue on any supported device.

Which free VPN has the fastest speed?

No free VPN will ever be faster than a premium VPN like NordVPN. However, the freemium Proton VPN comes pretty close. It has the WireGuard tunneling protocol and three server locations worldwide for optimal performance.

Are fast VPNs safe?

Yes, all of the fastest VPNs are safe and trustworthy. All VPNs on my list provide powerful security features and respect your privacy. Every respectable VPN strongly enforces no-logs policies, while some boast multiple independent audits.

Can a VPN increase speed?

Yes, VPNs can improve your internet connection. While it depends on multiple factors, there are many ways how a fast VPN can improve your internet speeds. The results, however, can differ from case to case, but VPNs do bolster internet connections in general.