The Best VPN Services of 2024

The Best VPN Services of 2024

The number of VPN services available can be overwhelming, especially when they’re touting similar features. to help you find the one that’s best for you, we spent over 20 hours researching 45+ VPN services to arrive at our top picks.

Our Selection Criteria

Using a VPN is a secure way for Internet users to protect their privacy and inUsing a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is one of the most secure ways for Internet users to protect their privacy and information against attacks. VPNs enable users to safely share files and access home or business networks from anywhere; avoid government surveillance, stream content, and more.

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    VPNs Reviewed
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    VPNs
    Curated
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    Top Picks
  • 1. Reputation

    Great user reviews, testimonials, and recognition from other reputable outlets.

  • 2. Security

    Uses the highest available level of encryption and the most up-to-date-security features.

  • 3. Server Coverage and Speed

    Vast networks of servers in multiple countries and the fastest connections.

  • 4. Logging Policy

    Commitment to not collect your data to sell to advertisers or share with law enforcement.

The Best VPN Services

CyberGhost - Most Server Locations

With more than 6100 servers in over 60 countries, CyberGhost offers secure coverage no matter where you are. They also have dedicated streaming servers, ensuring fast, uninterrupted media consumption. While CyberGhost only offers a free 24-hour trial, they do provide a 45-day money back guarantee.

CyberGhost also prides itself on its transparency. In 2011, they became the first VPN service to publish a Transparency Report, allowing users to see exactly how many Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaints, malware activity flags, and police requests they receive. This Romania-based company also has a strict no-logs policy.

This service supports a wide range of operating systems and apps, including Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Android TV, Fire TV, and more. Users can secure up to seven devices at once, making this an ideal choice for anyone wanting to protect their Internet activity regardless of the device they are using.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

CyberGhost Features
PriceMonthly: $12.99/month
1 year: $5.99/month
2 years: $3.69/month
3 years: $2.75/month
Platforms/Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox
Servers(#) in Countries(#)6100+ servers in 60+ countries
# of Devices7
More Features—1-day free trial
—45-day money back guarantee
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Showtime, BBC, etc.

ExpressVPN - Most Servers

Wherever you are in the world, ExpressVPN likely has a secure server nearby. Based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with strong privacy legislation, ExpressVPN has server locations in 94 countries, with multiple locations in the U.S., Brazil, France, Germany, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and more.

Besides supporting popular operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, ExpressVPN also offers coverage for a wide range of devices, including Apple TV, Fire TV, Playstation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and even smart home systems, meaning you are protected regardless of how you are connecting to the Internet.

Network Lock, ExpressVPN’s kill switch, protects your information from exposure even if your VPN connection is lost. They also protect users’ privacy with a strict no-log policy, split tunneling, Bitcoin payments, and best-in-class 256-bit AES encryption. While there is no free trial option, ExpressVPN does offer a 30-day money back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN Features
Price1 month: $12.95/month
6 months: $9.99/month
1 year: $8.32/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Vivaldi
Servers(#) in Countries(#)169 servers in 94 countries
# of Devices5
More Features—24/7 live chat customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Prime Video, BBC, Kodi, HBO, Disney, Showtime, etc.
—256-bit AES encryption

Goose VPN - Best for Multiple Devices

Whether you want to securely access the Internet from your computer, smartphone, tablet, TV, or video game system, Goose VPN has you covered. This VPN service allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices, at no additional cost, regardless of the plan you choose. Goose VPN also offers a lifetime subscription.

This is all a part of Goose VPN’s mission to provide unlimited, unrestricted online access with a secure VPN. Based in the Netherlands, Goose VPN has servers located in 25 countries on four continents. These include specialized servers for streaming media, and servers that allow peer-to-peer connections. Transitioning between locations is easy with Goose VPN’s Smart Safe feature, which allows you to seamlessly turn off the VPN based on networks you trust.

While Goose VPN supports all popular desktop and smartphone operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, they currently only offer browser support for Google Chrome.

GooseVPN Features
Price1 month: $12.99
1 year: $4.99/month
2 years: $2.99/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome
Servers(#) in Countries(#)Not provided
# of DevicesUnlimited
More Features—30-day free trial
—24/7 live chat customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime

Hotspot Shield VPN - Best Free Plan

Users seeking VPN protection at the lowest possible cost may want to consider Hotspot Shield VPN. With their Basic plan, you will be protected by military-grade encryption and no browsing activity logs. Hotspot Shield VPN’s Basic plan gives users a 500 MB daily data limit, restricts SD streaming, and limits speeds to 2 Mbps.

For those who want to upgrade, Hotspot Shield VPN’s Premium plan ($7.99/month) offers the same security with faster speeds, unlimited HD streaming, the ability to connect up to five devices, and added protection against malware and phishing. Other perks to signing up with the Premium plan include free access to 1Password, Robo Shield, and Identity Guard.

Hotspot Shield VPN is also a good choice for users who value speed when using a VPN to access the Internet. They were named the World’s Fastest VPN in the 2019 Ookla Speedtest Awards.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Hotspot Shield Features
PriceBasic: Free
Premium: $7.99/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox
Servers(#) in Countries(#)3,200+ servers in 70+ countries
# of Devices5
More Features—Email customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime
—Kill switch available

IPVanish - Best Customer Support

Regardless of the service they are using, customers want to be able to get the help that they need, when they need it. IPVanish delivers with robust customer service support, whether it’s via 24/7 live chat, email, or phone. There is also a handy System Status log where users can find information about updates, server statuses, and incidents.

Users can subscribe to IPVanish for one month, three months, or one year. All plans offer unlimited bandwidth, zero traffic logs, 256-bit AES encryption, and multiple VPN connection protocols (IKEv2, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec) for added power and adaptability. Users also get 250GB of encrypted storage and back-up with SugarSync®.

IPVanish is compatible with most major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. However, the only browser currently supported is Google Chrome. IPVanish also offers VPN support for routers, to connect non-native IoT devices to the Internet.

Read our full IPVanish review.

IPVanish Features
Price1 month: $10
3 months: $8.99/month
1 year: $6.49/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome
Servers(#) in Countries(#)1500+ servers in 75 countries
# of DevicesUnlimited
More Features—30-day free trial (iOS only)
—Live chat, email, and phone customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu

Mozilla VPN - Best for Windows Users

Mozilla is perhaps best known as the developer of the free, open-source web browser Firefox, but they have recently joined the VPN game. Currently, their VPN clients are only compatible with Windows and Android devices (although a VPN client for iOS is in beta, and VPNs for Mac and Linux are coming soon.)

Users whose devices run on Windows and Android will find a reliable, affordable VPN that never logs, tracks, or shares online data. Although Mozilla boasts more than 280 servers in over 30 countries, currently their service is only available to customers in the U.S., the U.K., Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, and Malaysia. There is a waiting list for users in other countries.

For $4.99 per month, Mozilla VPN users get unlimited bandwidth, and the ability to connect up to five devices. Mozilla VPN also offers a 30-day money back guarantee if users aren’t satisfied with the service.

Mozilla VPN Features
Price$4.99/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedFirefox
Servers(#) in Countries(#)280+ in 30+ countries
# of Devices5
More Features—30-day money back guarantee
—24/7 live chat customer support
—Kill switch available

Mullvad - Most Private VPN Service

All VPN services promise protection and privacy, but perhaps no one takes that promise more seriously than Mullvad.

This Swedish company allows customers to remain completely anonymous. No email address or identifying information is needed to sign up. Instead, Mullvad creates a unique 16-digit account number for each new customer, which is then used for account access. They also allow customers to pay anonymously, via cash or Bitcoin, as well as via traceable payment methods, like credit card, PayPal, and wire transfer.

Another open-source VPN service, Mullvad may not be user-friendly to those who are not technologically inclined. However, it offers powerful protection at a low monthly cost. It’s price is published at €5 per month, which equals $5.78 at the time of publication.

Mullvad users can connect up to five devices, and it also features multi-hop connections, a unique feature that adds an extra layer of protection and helps circumvent VPN blocking.

Mullvad VPN Features
Price$6/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedSafari, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Opera
Servers(#) in Countries(#)667 servers in 36 countries
# of Devices5
More Features—Email customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime
—AES-256-CBC security encryption

NordVPN - Best for Streaming

VPNs are popular for users who want to stream content that might not be available in their current geographic location. NordVPN can help users circumvent such restrictions.

This Panama-based company promises instant secure access to hundreds of streaming websites worldwide. Furthermore, NordVPN supports all major operating systems, and is also available for routers, so you can stream your music, movies, TV, and other media on any device. NordVPN allows users to connect up to six devices simultaneously.

NordVPN subscriptions are available on a monthly basis, or in 1-, 2- or 3-year increments. The company boasts 5224 servers in 59 countries throughout North America, South America, Asia, Africa, and Europe, ensuring that a fast, secure connection is always accessible. Other features include 24/7 customer support, a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, and the ability to share large files securely with hundreds of P2P servers.

Read our full NordVPN review.

NordVPN Features
Price1 month: $11.95
1 year: $6.99/month
2 year: $3.49/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox
Servers(#) in Countries(#)5100+ servers in 59 countries
# of Devices6
More Features—30-day free trial
—24/7 live chat customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime

Norton Secure - Best Overall Security Package

At first glance, users may balk at Norton Secure’s prices, but a closer look reveals that this computer security provider offers much more than just a VPN service.

Norton Secure offers five different plans —Standard, Deluxe, Select, Advantage, and Ultimate Plus, all of which include secure VPN services, as well as real-time threat protection, dark web monitoring, password manager, secure cloud back-up, and more. Upgraded features include parental controls, credit monitoring, and data breach notifications. This makes it an ideal choice for users who are looking for a total cybersecurity package.

Norton Secure is compatible with all major operating systems, and the number of devices that can be connected ranges from one to unlimited, depending on the package selected. Customers also benefit from 24/7 customer support, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, a money-back guarantee, and access to more than 1500 servers in 28 countries.

Read our full Norton Secure VPN review.

Norton Secure Features
PriceStandard: $34/month
Deluxe: $39.99/month
Select: $99.99/month
Advantage: $199.99/year
Ultimate Plus: $259.99/month
(All prices for first year)
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox, Edge
Servers(#) in Countries(#)1500+ servers in 28 countries
# of Devices5
More Features—30-day free trial
—24/7 live chat customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime

Private Internet Access VPN - Most Affordable Short-Term Plan

Most VPN services give customers a discount for signing up for a longer subscription period. However, some users may only need a VPN for a short period of time, if they are traveling or working from home. In this case, Private Internet Access VPN is worth considering, as they offer the lowest single month cost of the VPN providers on our list.

For $9.95 per month, users get all of Private Internet Access VPN’s features, including the ability to simultaneously connect 10 devices, unlimited bandwidth, easy set-up, no traffic logs, ad and malware blockers, and more. Private Internet Access VPN has an extensive network of more than 2640 servers in 47 countries.

One of the unique features of Private Internet Access VPN is that the company allows users to pay anonymously with many major brand gift cards, including Starbucks, Best Buy, and Wal-mart, as well as Bitcoin, PayPal, and all major credit cards.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Private Internet Access Features
Price1 month: $9.95
1 year: $3.33/month
2 years: $2.69/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari
Servers(#) in Countries(#)3341 VPN and proxy servers in 32 countries
# of Devices10
More Features—30-day money back guarantee
—Email customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime

PrivateVPN - Easiest Installation

Many people may choose not to use a VPN service out of a concern that setting it up will be difficult and time-consuming. For those individuals, there’s PrivateVPN.

This VPN service offers an easy, 1-click set-up for all major operating systems, as well as routers. They promise that within 60 seconds of downloading their product, you will be surfing the Internet securely.

Users can choose from a 1-, 3-, or 13-month subscription, which will give you access to a secure VPN connection for up to 6 devices. PrivateVPN has servers in 60 countries, giving users fast speeds and unlimited bandwidths. This VPN service protects users’ data with 256-bit AES encryption, and multiple VPN protocols. Customers will never have to worry about being unable to access websites due to restrictions, thanks to PrivateVPN’s unblock feature.

PrivateVPN supports customers with 24/7 live chat, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PrivateVPN Features
Price1 month: $7.67
3 months: $4.88/month
13 months: $3.82/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox
Servers(#) in Countries(#)150+ servers in 60 countries
# of Devices6
More Features—7-day free trial
—24/7 live chat customer support
—128-bit CBC security encryption

ProtonVPN - Best for Journalists & Activists

ProtonVPN grew out of ProtonMail, a free, encrypted email service created to help journalists, activists, and others communicate safely and securely while protecting civil liberties worldwide. Now, this Swiss company is breaking down barriers of Internet censorship worldwide, by letting users connect to the Internet without fear of surveillance or identification.

Another key feature of ProtonVPN is that it offers a Free plan, which lets users connect one device, at medium speed. Those who upgrade to the Plus plan ($6.63 per month for two-year plans) or the Visionary plan ($19.96 per month for two-year plans) get access to the highest speeds, as well as more servers, including P2P, Tor, and Plus servers. ProtonVPN’s network boasts nearly 900 servers in 50 countries throughout North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

ProtonVPN protects users’ information with 256-bit AES encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and DNS leak prevention. All of ProtonVPN’s apps are 100% open-source and run on all major operating systems and platforms.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

ProtonVPN Features
PriceFree version available
Basic: $3.29/month
Plus: $6.63/month
Visionary: $19.96/month
*Pricing listed for 2-year contracts
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedFirefox, Chrome, Safari, Edge, Opera
Servers(#) in Countries(#)898 servers in 50 countries
# of Devices5
More Features—7-day free trial
—Email and ticket customer service
—Streaming services unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime

PureVPN - Best Money-Back Guarantee

A 30-day money back guarantee is the industry standard, but PureVPN gives customers one extra day to evaluate their product and decide if they are fully satisfied. They also let users test-drive their product for seven days for only $0.99.

This confidence may come from being a fast, reliable VPN provider. This Hong Kong-based company has 2000 servers on every continent, save for Antarctica. PureVPN is compatible with all major operating systems and platforms, as well as less common ones like Roku, Kodi, and Raspberry Pi. Standard features include a kill switch, split tunneling, and 24/7 technical support.

One subscription allows a user to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. Users can choose between a 1-month or 6-month subscription. One potential drawback is that the only payment options currently available are Visa, American Express, and PayPal. However, for businesses that need VPN access, PureVPN also offers enterprise packages.

Read our full PureVPN review.

PureVPN Features
Price1 month: $10.95
6 months: $8.33/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox
Servers(#) in Countries(#)2000+ VPN servers in 140+ countries
# of Devices5
More Features—31-day money back guarantee
—24/7 live chat customer service
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, Showtime

StrongVPN - Best for Secure Storage

Not only does Strong VPN offer industry-leading security, speed and performance, subscribers get the added perk of 250GB of secure storage through SugarSync®, a cloud file sharing and online backup service. Users who want a safe place to share and store files without the hassle of signing up for a service separately may find StrongVPN a convenient one-stop solution for their online security needs.

The SugarSync® storage comes included with both StrongVPN’s monthly and yearly subscription options. StrongVPN boasts more than 950 servers in 35 countries, with 59,500 unique VPN IPs. They also offer a “Best Available Location” feature that makes it easy to connect to a nearby server for faster service. Users can connect up to 12 devices simultaneously, and Strong VPN supports all major operating systems for computers, smartphones, and other devices.

Security features include a no-logs policy, and multiple VPN protocols, including Wireguard, L2TP, OpenVPN, IPsec, and IKEv2.

Read our full StrongVPN review.

StrongVPN Features
Price1 month: $10
1 year: $69.99
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox
Servers(#) in Countries(#)950+ servers in 20+ countries
# of Devices12
More Features—30-day money back guarantee
—24/7 live chat customer service
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime

Surfshark - Most Affordable Long-Term Plan

Like most VPN services, Surfshark offers subscriptions of different lengths, but for customers who are seeking a long-term solution, their two-year subscription plan is one of the best deals around.

For only $1.99 per month, customers get protection for an unlimited number of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, routers, video streaming platforms, and more. All major operating systems and browsers are supported. Surfshark also boasts some unique features including a Camouflage Mode that prevents your Internet Service Provider from detecting your VPN, a No Borders mode that lets you use Surfshark in restricted regions, and a Multihop feature so you can connect to the Internet via multiple countries at once.

Each of Surfshark’s 1700+ servers are P2P friendly and have a private DNS. With servers in 63 countries, a secure connection is never far away. Surfshark supports customers with 24/7 customer service via live chat, email, and tutorials.

Read our full Surfshark review.

Surfshark Features
Price1 month: $11.95
1 year: $5.99/month
2 years: $1.99
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox
Servers(#) in Countries(#)1700 servers in 63+ countries
# of DevicesUnlimited
More Features—30-day free trial
—Email customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime

TorGuard - Best for Businesses

Individuals aren’t the only ones who need protection on the Internet. Many businesses also need VPN services, especially if employees are connecting to their company’s network from a different location. TorGuard offers excellent coverage for businesses as well as individuals, with four different business subscriptions that can accommodate the needs of businesses of any size.

All of TorGuard’s subscribers, whether they are individuals or businesses, can put their trust in the service’s network of more than 3000 servers in over 50 countries. TorGuard promises users unlimited speed and bandwidth, and the maximum encryption available. They support multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, Stunnel, PPTP, LT2P, IPsec, SSTP, and iKEV2.

Individual users can connect up to eight devices simultaneously. Depending on the package a business chooses, they can have anywhere from 10 to an unlimited number of connections. TorGuard is compatible with all major operating systems and browser platforms.

TorGuard Features
PriceMonthly: $9.99
Quarterly: $19.99
Semi-Annually: $29.99
Annually: $59.99
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox, Safari
Servers(#) in Countries(#)3000+ servers in 50 countries
# of Devices8
More Features—7-day free trial
—24/7 live chat customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime

TunnelBear VPN - Most User-Friendly

TunnelBear aims to be a VPN solution for even the most technophobic customers. They focus on being user-friendly, so customers can get their VPN up and running as quickly and painlessly as possible.

They have a clean interface, and offer customers support through live chat and a variety of help articles. Users can try TunnelBear for free, with up to 500MB of secure browsing. Those who like the service can upgrade to their Unlimited plan ($3.33/month), for unlimited browsing and the ability to connect up to five devices simultaneously. TunnelBear is available for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS devices.

This Canada-based company has more than 1800 servers in over 22 countries, and gives customers the option to choose their server location for the fastest connection. TunnelBear also regularly publishes independent security audits of their apps, so users can see for themselves how well the company is protecting their data.

Read our full TunnelBear review.

TunnelBear Features
PriceFree for 500 MB of secure browsing
Unlimited: $3.33/month
Teams: $5.75/user/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox, Opera
Servers(#) in Countries(#)1800+ servers in 22+ countries
# of Devices5
More Features—Email customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Reddit, and Etsy
—Kill switch available

VyprVPN - Best for Uncensored Internet

VyperVPN stands out among VPN services for its commitment to a completely open and uncensored Internet.

Its engineering team recently launched a proprietary technology called Chameleon™, which scrambles OpenVPN packet metadata so it’s not recognizable via deep packet inspection. In layman’s terms, this means that VyperVPN users can bypass any restrictions established by governments, ISPs, or corporations without sacrificing security or speed. Other security features include VyperDNS™, VyprCloud, a kill switch, automatic public WiFi protection, high-end encryption, and a NAT firewall.

Customers can choose from a monthly, annual, or biannual subscription package, which gives them access to more than 700 servers in 64 countries. Dynamic server switching ensures that connections are fast and reliable. Users can connect up to five devices simultaneously, and VyprVPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, as well as routers and smart TVs. The company also provides subscribers with 24/7 customer support.

Read our full VyprVPN review.

VyperVPN Features
Price1 month: $12.95
1 year: $3.75/month
2 years: $2.50/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome
Servers(#) in Countries(#)700+ servers in 64 countries
# of Devices5
More Features—30-day free trial
—24/7 live chat customer service
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime

Windscribe VPN - Most Flexible Plan

While most VPN services lock customers in with monthly or yearly subscriptions, Windscribe offers customers more flexibility with a Build-A-Plan feature that lets them access the company’s features for $1 per location, per month.

Key features included in all Windscribe VPN plans include unlimited data and devices, ad blocking, and split tunneling. Windscribe also protects customers with 256-bit AES encryption, zero logs, port forwarding, and multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, Wireguard, IKEv2, and SOCKS.

Desktop features include firewalls, and the ability to create a proxy gateway, and turn your computer into a secure WiFi hotspot. Customers using their browser extension apps can take advantage of unique features like TimeWarp, which changes your timestamp so you appear to be in the country through which you are connected, and Cookie Monster, which automatically deletes cookies when you close a tab.

Read our full Windscribe review.

WindScribe Features
Price1 month: $9
1 year: $4.09/month
Build-A-Plan: $1/location/month
Platforms/ Browsers SupportedChrome, Firefox, Opera
Servers(#) in Countries(#)N/A
# of DevicesUnlimited
More Features—1-day free trial
—Email and ticket customer support
—Streaming platforms unlocked include Netflix, Hulu, BBC, Youtube, Prime Video, Kodi, HBO, Disney, and Showtime

How We Chose the Best VPN Service

The number of VPN services available can be overwhelming, especially when they’re touting similar features. To help you determine which VPN will best suit your needs, we evaluated each provider on four key factors that make a VPN worth your time, money, and trust.

Security

A VPN is first and foremost a security tool; if it doesn’t use the most up-to-date security features, it won’t be as useful as you need it to be. We scrutinized the security features of the services we reviewed, to ensure that they have the highest available level of encryption (256-bit AES with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512); allow secure torrenting, and use multi-factor authentication.

Server Coverage

How many servers a VPN service has, and their geographic locations, affects the speed and reliability of your VPN connection. As with a public Internet connection, if there is too much traffic on your VPN server, everything slows down, and you may have trouble getting or staying connected. We focused on VPN services that have vast networks of servers in multiple countries.

Logging Policy

Although it seems counter-productive, some VPN companies log your activity and collect data. Since you may be using a VPN to keep your Internet activity private and off the record, we used a third-party site to ensure each VPN software on our list has a no-log policy.

Free Trial

Even with all the information we provide about various VPN companies, it’s important to test drive services before selecting one, to ensure that you’re getting the speed and reliability you need. Therefore, we only included VPN services that offer some form of a trial or money-back guarantee.

Why we didn’t consider price

While there are some free VPN services, because of the costs associated with maintaining servers and doing regular security updates, a paid plan will usually get you better service and security. The plan and price that’s right for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and budget.

VPN Basics

How does a VPN work?

A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, allows you to access the Internet through a more private and secure connection than your basic Internet Protocol (IP) address. While your IP address reveals your location, and makes you traceable online, a VPN routes your Internet usage through specialized servers, and encrypts your data. This protects you from hackers, identity theft, data mining, and other online threats.

Why should you use a VPN?

The main reason for using a VPN is security. A VPN provides online anonymity by encrypting and routing your online activity through a secure server’s Internet connection, thereby hiding your actual IP address and location. This makes it harder for hackers and cybercriminals to watch your activity, and steal personal information. With a VPN, you can safely access home or business networks from anywhere, bypass restrictions based on geography or censorship, and securely send and receive emails, files, and more.

Are VPNs secure?

VPNs offer a higher level of security than a basic Internet connection. They do this in two key ways. First, prying outside eyes will see the IP address of the VPN server, not your IP address and location. Secondly, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel through which your information will travel, so potential hackers or cybercriminals cannot see any of the data you are sending. While a VPN won’t protect you from other types of online tracking, like cookies, it gives you an extra layer of security you wouldn’t have otherwise.

What systems are supported by VPNs?

This varies based on the specific VPN provider, but most providers offer support for a range of devices and systems. When selecting a VPN provider, research your options carefully to make sure you choose one that is compatible with all the devices you use, including smartphones and tablets, as well as their operating systems.

Will a VPN slow my Internet connection?

This question is understandable, given that a VPN means routing your online activity through a different server, perhaps in a different region or country. However, while using a VPN means a slower Internet connection is possible, it’s unlikely. Furthermore, if this happens, the difference is usually small enough to go unnoticed. Using a VPN should not cause major slowdowns, and may in fact increase your connection speed, if your Internet Service Provider throttles certain types of traffic.