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Best VPN Services in 2024
May 2024
VPNs, or virtual private networks, serve various purposes such as protecting your online privacy, hiding your location, allowing you to access blocked websites, and enabling you to use streaming services from anywhere.
So, what should you consider when choosing a VPN service?
We've evaluated several VPN providers based on key aspects like privacy and security, connection speed, the diversity of servers and their locations, support for streaming and torrenting, compatibility with different devices, and the cost of subscription plans.
Our Top Choice

From $2.29 / mo
Surf Shark - Best Overall
Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
Number of servers: 3,200+
6 simultaneous connections
Impeccable streaming performance
#1
MOST POPULAR
BEST VPN 2024
EXCELLENT
REVIEW
5.0
05/2024
6 Reasons to use VPN
Privacy Protection: VPNs encrypt your internet connection, which helps prevent outsiders, including your internet service provider (ISP), from monitoring your online activities. This is especially important if you often use public Wi-Fi networks, where your data might be exposed to cyber threats.
Security Enhancements: Encryption helps secure your data against hacking attempts, especially when you're transmitting sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or personal details over the internet.
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: If you access content from various locations, a VPN can help bypass geo-restrictions. This is useful for streaming media from services that limit their content by region.
Avoiding Censorship: In countries where internet usage is heavily monitored or restricted, a VPN can provide access to the full internet without the government knowing which websites you visit.
Safe Downloading: If you’re downloading files, a VPN can protect your identity from being associated with certain downloads, whether they’re legal or in a gray area.
Improved Online Experience: Some ISPs throttle bandwidth based on your activities, such as streaming or gaming. A VPN can help avoid this throttling by masking your activity from your ISP, potentially improving your connection speed for certain activities.
The Results

From $2.29 / mo
Surf Shark - Best Overall
Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
Number of servers: 3,200+
6 simultaneous connections
Impeccable streaming performance
#1
MOST POPULAR
BEST VPN 2024
EXCELLENT
REVIEW
5.0
05/2024
Nord VPN - Good quality at a reasonable price
Maximum devices supported: 6
Number of servers: 6,000+
GOOD
REVIEW
4.8
05/2024

Starting $3.09 / month

Express VPN - Best for speed
Speed: Up to 750 Mbps
Maximum devices supported: 8
GOOD
REVIEW
4.8
05/2024

From $6.67 / mo

Proton VPN - Best for privacy
Maximum devices supported: 10
Number of servers: 2,900+
GOOD
REVIEW
4.3
05/2024

From $3.59 / mo

CyberGhost - Excellent for torrenting and streaming
Maximum devices supported: 7
Number of servers: 9,700+
GOOD
REVIEW
4.2
05/2024

From $2.19 / mo

Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN
The ideal VPN is one you hardly notice. Unlike purchasing a car, the effectiveness of a VPN—focusing on security, anonymity, and reliability—is typically only apparent when it fails to perform well.
Consider these important questions:
What will you use the VPN for?
Whether it’s for streaming Netflix, downloading torrents, or evading government surveillance, ensure the VPN can handle your specific needs.
What level of privacy do you need?
VPN providers vary in their encryption methods and privacy policies. Some offer strict no-logging policies, while others may share your data with third parties. Decide what's crucial for you and choose a provider that meets your privacy requirements.
How many users will there be?
VPN usage can extend to multiple people depending on the provider. Consider if you'll share it with family, roommates, or use it solo, as this can guide your choice.
Different Types of VPNs
Not every VPN excels in the same areas. For instance, the best VPN for Netflix might not be the top choice for torrenting. Some VPNs are geared towards streaming, others prioritize anonymity or specific device compatibility like Android.
Are VPNs Safe and Secure?
Yes, but your security depends on the quality of the VPN provider. Choose a well-reviewed, reputable VPN to ensure robust protection and privacy. Steer clear of less reliable providers.
How can you verify?
Check for solid encryption protocols, clear no-log privacy policies, and additional security features like DNS leak protection.
Choosing VPN Providers: Tips
Focus on essential features when selecting a VPN. Opt for one that offers quick speeds for a smooth connection, robust security features for privacy, and user-friendly functionality. Support for P2P file sharing and reasonable pricing are also important.
Additional Considerations:
Don’t compromise on quality for price. While saving money is great, a low-cost VPN might compromise your security, providing a false sense of protection. It’s often worth paying a bit more for a reputable service.
Customer service is key. With the growing concern over internet security, having access to responsive and reliable customer support is essential. Look for providers with 24/7 live chat support, comprehensive FAQs, and a reputation for good customer service.
VPN Pricing
On average, a legitimate VPN service costs about $4 per month. Rates can vary from as low as $2.50 to over $9.99 per month, often depending on the length of the subscription. Longer commitments typically reduce the monthly cost, whereas month-to-month plans might be more expensive.
Free VPNs:
Exercise caution with free services. They may suffice for very basic tasks but are generally inadequate for secure activities like online banking, downloading, or streaming.
Surf Shark VPN - Best value for money

From $2.29 / mo
Surf Shark - Best Overall
Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
Number of servers: 3,200+
6 simultaneous connections
Impeccable streaming performance
#1
MOST POPULAR
BEST VPN 2024
EXCELLENT
REVIEW
5.0
05/2024
Bottom Line
A VPN is a valuable addition to your internet toolkit, but it's not a foolproof solution that prevents hacking or data leaks. If you're in the market for a reliable VPN, we've tested numerous options and have a list of the best VPNs available. Starting with a VPN has never been simpler. Although it's wise to steer clear of most free VPNs, many leading brands provide a free trial period, allowing you to test the service before committing to a purchase. Investing in a VPN is a small price for the extra security and the expanded access to streaming content that it offers.
Interesting facts
Global Usage: According to the Global Web Index, as of 2021, 31% of internet users worldwide have used a VPN, with usage particularly high among the tech-savvy younger demographic.
Popular Reasons for Using VPNs: The primary reasons people use VPNs include accessing better entertainment content (50%), maintaining anonymity while browsing (41%), and ensuring privacy from internet services (34%). Another significant reason is to access social networks or news services during government-imposed restrictions.
Mobile vs. Desktop Usage: VPN applications are more commonly downloaded on mobile devices than on desktops. Data from 2022 suggests that approximately 62% of VPN users primarily use their VPN on a smartphone.
Market Growth: The VPN market has been growing consistently. Research from Market Watch predicts that the global VPN market will reach $107.6 billion by 2027, driven by the ongoing concerns about privacy and increasing restrictions on internet freedom in various countries.
Security Incidents: Despite their security benefits, VPNs are not immune to vulnerabilities. In recent years, several VPN providers have suffered from data breaches and security flaws that have exposed user data. It's crucial for users to choose providers that are transparent and follow strict security protocols.
Impact on Speed: Using a VPN can affect internet speed. Encryption and rerouting traffic through a VPN server can slow down your connection, although the impact varies significantly between different VPN providers.
Legality and Restrictions: VPNs are legal in most countries, but some, like China, Russia, and Iran, impose restrictions on their use, particularly those VPNs that are not approved by the government.
VPN and Streaming: One of the most popular uses of VPNs is to bypass geo-restrictions imposed by streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. However, these services continuously update their technologies to detect and block VPN users.
Corporate VPNs: In the corporate sector, VPNs are crucial for remote work, allowing employees to securely access company resources from anywhere in the world. The rise of remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased reliance on VPN technologies.
Free vs. Paid VPNs: While free VPNs are tempting, they often offer limited services and might compromise security by tracking user activity or displaying ads. Paid VPNs provide stronger security measures, better speeds, and more reliable access to geo-blocked content.