The VPN market is packed with options, making it hard to pick the perfect one for you.
That’s where we come in. We have reviewed and ranked VPN services based on several key factors to ensure the best recommendations for privacy, security, and performance.
Our evaluation considered the VPN’s logging policy, encryption standards, server network, connection speed, compatibility with streaming services, and support for torrenting.
Additionally, we assessed ease of use, pricing options, customer support availability, and user feedback to provide a comprehensive comparison, helping you choose the most reliable VPN for your needs.
Best VPN services for 2024 Ranked
1. Surfshark
Surfshark is our top choice for a budget-friendly VPN that goes beyond just basic protection. It offers ad-blocking, antivirus, tracker-free browsing, and alerts for data breaches.
Plus, with the Alternative ID tool, you get a new identity and email to keep your personal details safe from spam and data harvesting.
Despite its low price, Surfshark provides premium security features without breaking the bank.
It’s perfect for those who want to protect multiple devices without compromising on performance or relying on free VPNs that limit bandwidth and connections.
Pros
- Supports unlimited devices
- Unique and useful alternative ID
- Great value for the features offered
- Perfect for streaming
Cons
- Watch out for steep price hikes after the first term
- Some issues with the kill switch under extreme conditions
2 VeePN
VeePN uses WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPSec protocols to ensure a balance of safety, speed, and security.
VeePN VPN apps also support split-tunneling, NetGuard, and double encryption. All this to ensure that iphone ip address lookup from websites is not successful.
You can download VPN apps on iOS and bypass almost any regional restriction and protect yourself from hackers or even viruses.
Advanced Security Features:
- 256-bit AES Encryption: This military-grade encryption ensures all your internet traffic is unreadable.
- Strict No-Logs Policy: VeePN does not collect logs related to your IP addresses or web browsing activities.
- Kill Switch: Automatically disables internet access if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental traffic leaks.
Pros
- Advanced security measures
- No-logs policy
- Low price when purchasing an annual subscription
- There is an app or extension for all popular devices
- You can connect up to 10 devices to one subscription
Cons
- Low bandwidth servers encountered
- Collects some basic information
3 ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has user-friendly apps that simplify VPN setup, letting experts handle the complicated parts.
In my review, ExpressVPN easily unblocked everything I tested and has solid privacy features.
It has over 3,200 servers in 158 locations across 103 countries, along with a kill switch, split tunneling, and obfuscated servers.
While some providers like Proton VPN have more servers, few offer such global coverage.
This means you’ll get fast, reliable connections no matter where you are. It’s particularly strong in Asia, a region often overlooked by others.
Advanced Security Features:
All apps use AES-256 encryption, the industry standard, combined with OpenVPN and Lightway protocols. Lightway, their open-source protocol, delivers good speeds around 410 Mbps, though Surfshark and NordVPN can be faster. However, unless you have an ultra-fast connection, you won’t notice much difference.
Pros
- Lots of servers spread out in different locations
- Strong privacy and security measures
- Split tunneling feature
- Stylish and user-friendly interface
Cons
- More expensive than other VPNs with similar features
- Doesn’t offer multi-hop connections
4 TunnelBear VPN
TunnelBear VPN might look playful with its bear-themed app and bright colors, but don’t be fooled.
This VPN is perfect for beginners, offering a simple interface and a free subscription option.
Despite its fun design, TunnelBear VPN is serious about security, boasting one of the industry’s most transparent audit processes.
Whether you’re new to VPNs or need a reliable, general-purpose tool, TunnelBear is a trustworthy choice you can depend on.
Pros
- Connect as many devices as you want at the same time
- Strong privacy policies to keep your data safe
- Independent audits every year for added trust
- User-friendly design featuring cute bears
Cons
- No option for multi-hop connections
- Split tunneling only available on certain platforms
- Free subscription comes with a data limit
5 CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a well-known name in the VPN world, known for its privacy, streaming performance, and torrent-friendly servers. With over 11,000 servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost offers plenty of options to connect to.
In my detailed review, I found CyberGhost delivers impressive speeds of up to 760 Mbps. While most users won’t need these speeds, it’s still a notable achievement.
You can only install CyberGhost on 7 devices at a time. If you reach this limit, you’ll need to unregister one device to use another, instead of just logging out like most other VPNs.
This restriction can be inconvenient if you’re using multiple devices. It would be great if CyberGhost offered unlimited device connections, similar to PIA, another provider owned by Kape Technologies.
Pros
- Large and well-distributed server network
- Connect up to seven devices at once
- Includes helpful extras like antivirus protection
- Excellent speed test results
- Recently passed a third-party audit
Cons
- Pricey
- Privacy policies are confusing
6 Private Internet Access (PIA)
Setting up a VPN on Linux can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the command line.
But don’t worry—PIA makes it simple. PIA is perfect for Linux users, including beginners.
Its installation is easy, and it offers a full-featured app with a graphical user interface, so you don’t need to mess with commands.
For advanced users, PIA provides a lot of flexibility with its features. While the settings might seem overwhelming at first, you can simply use the connect button if you prefer to keep things straightforward.
Pros
- Port forwarding makes torrenting easy.
- Its no-logs policy has been proven in court twice.
- It’s open source, allowing anyone to scrutinize the code
- Power users get lots of control
Cons
- Beginners might find it overwhelming.
- Speeds are below average.
- There are often long gaps between updates.
7 Hotspot Shield
Hotspot Shield is incredibly fast. In my tests, it consistently outpaced other services by 12 to 15 percentage points. It maintained around 67% of the base speed, which is much faster than most VPNs.
However, you can’t pay anonymously, and its privacy policy might not be for everyone. Despite this, Hotspot Shield offers excellent speeds, a great desktop app, and works with U.S. Netflix.
Who should use Hotspot Shield?
If you want the fastest connection with minimal speed loss, Hotspot Shield is a great choice. It’s one of the best options for those who prioritize speed and need to access location-restricted content on major streaming services.
Pros
- Super fast
- Lots of countries and servers to choose from
Cons
- They record which domains you visit, but they don’t link it to you
- It’s pricey
8 NordVPN
NordVPN is a top choice in the VPN industry. It offers excellent privacy features, advanced settings for experts, and is perfect for streaming global content. While its apps can be a bit complex, it’s still the best all-around VPN available.
With over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, NordVPN ensures a fast connection no matter where you are.
Recently, NordVPN increased its coverage, matching its main competitors, ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
You’ll likely use Nord’s NordLynx protocol, a reworked version of WireGuard. It’s modern, stable, and delivers blazing fast speeds of over 950 Mbps – making it one of the fastest VPNs I’ve tested.
Pros
- Supports multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
- Lots of features and add-ons
- Good speed
- Includes antivirus tools
- Excellent design
- Easy-to-use onboarding wizard
Cons
- Expensive
- Threat Protection Pro doesn’t offer full antivirus capabilities
- Misleading annual renewal pricing
Conclusion
We assessed the VPNs using general criteria as we can’t predict your specific needs. If affordability is your priority, your choice may differ.
However, keep in mind that cheaper options aren’t always better; saving $10-20 a year might not be worth the extra risk or inconvenience.
The VPNs we recommend are technologically advanced, safe, fast, and reputable. With them, you can trust that your data and overall connection will remain secure.
FAQ
Q1. Are VPNs legal?
Ans: VPNs are legal in most countries and can help protect your online privacy. However, in places like China, Iran, Russia, and the UAE, using a VPN might get you in trouble due to strict internet censorship.
Q2. What is better: Paid VPNs vs free VPNs?
Ans: Free VPNs often fall short, with limitations and risks. Even the best free options have drawbacks. Instead, try money-back guarantees and free trials from top providers to avoid the pitfalls of free plans.
Q3. How to Know if VPN Works?
Ans: Your VPN is working if your IP address changes to the VPN server’s location. Check this on sites like whatismyipaddress.com. Ensure your privacy is protected by checking for leaks using dnsleaktest.com or ipleak.net.
Q4. What VPN Protocols are there?
Ans: There are several VPN protocols, each with unique features. OpenVPN is secure and widely used but requires client software. L2TP/IPsec, supported by most operating systems, offers security when paired with IPsec. IKEv2 is a new, secure option for Windows and iOS.
