Best VPN service 2024

A person holding a smartphone in front of a laptop. The smartphone displays that a VPN is switched on
(Image credit: Getty Images)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, keeping snoopers at bay. The best VPN service can also unblock geo-restricted websites, so you can stream your favorite content from anywhere in the world. However, with so many VPNs available, and amidst all the claims they make, it can be difficult to single out services that are actually worth your attention.

Together with my team of experts, I have put in countless hours behind testing, reviewing, and comparing dozens of VPN providers to help you choose the number one VPN for your needs. All of the VPNs I've listed offer a good network of servers, great customer service, and rock-solid security.

However, not all VPNs are created equal and some may suit you better than others, depending on your intended use case. To accommodate every preference, I've also taken into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, and connection speeds. Keep reading to take a deep dive into the VPNs' details, as well as learn how to choose a VPN and how we test VPN services.

The three best VPNs in 2024 - quick answer

I'll cut straight to the chase for those after a quick answer. Here are the three best VPN services right now:

1. The best VPN service around: NordVPN

1. <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=564&url_id=10992&aff_id=3013&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="go.nordvpn.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The best VPN service around: NordVPN
NordVPN sits pretty at the top of my VPN rankings. It's an all-in-one security suite that comes with a password manager, ad-blocking, malware protection, and several nifty privacy tools at very affordable prices. 

With class-leading server speeds, Nord's also the fastest VPN in the industry—and if you're after a powerful VPN for Netflix, there's just none better. Put it to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee and see for yourself why I rate it so highly.

2. The best VPN for beginners: ExpressVPN

2. <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Foffer%2Frecommended-deal%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The best VPN for beginners: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a perfect match for newbies, thanks to easy-to-use apps and automated configurations that give you rock-solid security with a single click. It's also fast, a serious streaming VPN, and offers more server locations than its rivals. 

It's admittedly pricier than Nord and Surfshark, but it makes up for that by offering a password manager, a year of unlimited cloud storage, and three months of extra protection for free on a 12-month subscription. There's also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can put it to the test without risking a penny.

3. The best cheap VPN: Surfshark

3. <a href="http://get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=61&aff_sub3=i%3Dbest&aff_id=1691&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The best cheap VPN: Surfshark
Surfshark is the best option for those who want premium performance and excellent security at a wallet-friendly price. Plus, it's the only VPN in the top three that you can protect an unlimited number of devices with.

With servers in over 100 countries and superior unblocking, it unblocks everything that's thrown at it—and simple apps mean that it's just as excellent for beginners. Be sure to make the most of its 30-day money-back guarantee and see how it compares to Nord and Express.

Best VPNs in 2024

I've spent hours analyzing, reviewing, and comparing dozens of VPNs to prepare this no-nonsense guide where I recommend only what's best for your privacy while also keeping factors like affordability and usability in mind. Let's deep dive into each of the top 5 VPN services on the market right now. Here, I'll point out their standout offerings, advantages, and any areas where they aren't up to the mark so that you can ultimately opt for the best one for your needs.

The best VPN overall

NordVPN on a laptop and smartphone

(Image credit: Future)

1. NordVPN

Tons of security tools, class-leading speeds, and excellent unblocking

Specifications

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (CLI), routers and more
Number of servers: 6,100+
Server locations: 140
Countries: 110
Simultaneous connections: 10
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
24/7 support: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Lots of additional security tools
+
Fastest connection speeds
+
Unblocks most websites
+
Reasonable pricing

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as user-friendly as ExpressVPN
-
Fewer server locations than ExpressVPN
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want the complete security package: NordVPN nudges past rivals as it offers everything from antivirus and ad blocking to cyber insurance for identity theft and fraud.

✔️ You want a Netflix VPN: NordVPN unblocks all the Netflix libraries I tested and is equally good with every other streaming service as well. 

✔️ You want the perfect quality-cost mix: with excellent speeds, security, and unblocking capabilities at a reasonable price, NordVPN is simply the #1 VPN overall right now.

Don't subscribe if:

❌ You want simple apps: NordVPN apps are decent, but they're just less intuitive and easy to use than ExpressVPN.

❌ You want a VPN for torrenting: NordVPN doesn’t quite match up to the likes of PIA and ExpressVPN as far as torrenting is concerned.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 NordVPN is an excellent well-rounded VPN that rarely disappoints. It's incredibly fast, rammed with features, and boasts a comprehensive security suite you won't find elsewhere. Try it risk-free with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN is the most popular name in the industry for a reason. It offers the best all-around package I've ever seen, combining incredible security, exceptional performance, and easy-to-use apps with a vast network of over 6,000 servers in 110+ countries—and all that at rates cheaper than my previous #1, ExpressVPN. 

One of Nord’s biggest draws is its all-in-one security package. Besides a reliable kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and an independently audited no-logs policy, you also get a password manager, data breach scanner, secure cloud storage, and the latest addition, a link checker tool that tells you whether a URL is legit and safe or contains malware.

Plus, NordVPN comes with a couple of security features you won’t find elsewhere, such as Double VPN and Onion over VPN. Double VPN routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, encrypting your data twice—and Onion over VPN is a special set of Nord VPN servers that lets you access the Tor network without ever having to download the Tor browser.

In addition to being the fastest VPN in my testing (clocking over 950 Mbps consistently), NordVPN is also the best streaming VPN, thanks to class-leading unblocking capabilities that can reliably bypass the toughest of geo-restrictions time and time again. I tried it with all big-name streaming services and I’m happy to report that it worked well with all of them.

A standout NordVPN offering is the Meshnet feature. This allows you to create your own private network and link up to 60 devices from anywhere around the world—think of it as a secure LAN because it connects devices directly. This makes file sharing, multiplayer gaming, and virtual routing easier than ever. The best part? NordVPN doesn't charge extra for Meshnet.

While Nord's 10 simultaneous connections should suffice for most families, if you want to share your VPN with lots of devices, you would be better off with Surfshark or PIA, both of which come with unlimited simultaneous connections. Plus, I found that Nord’s map-based interface works better on larger screens of tablets and PCs than on smartphones where it feels quite busy. 

The lack of super simple apps is perhaps the only noticeable chink in Nord’s otherwise mighty armor—so, if you are a non-tech-savvy beginner, I would recommend ExpressVPN. 

Overall, though, NordVPN is the #1 VPN in my testing, offering everything you would expect from a high-quality VPN—privacy, security, great streaming support, and reasonable prices. Try it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee and see if it’s for you.

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NordVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignFun and intuitive design, but not the most clutter-free⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useGenerally pretty simple, although the map-style interface isn't perfect, especially on mobile apps⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceThe fastest I’ve tested, with peak speeds of over 950 Mbps⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingThe best Netflix VPN, and unblocks every other streaming platform as well⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyIdeal on all fronts with an in-built antivirus, ad-blocking, and additional features⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 expert assistance in addition to tons of tutorials⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceEvery bit value for money⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best VPN for beginners

ExpressVPN on a laptop and smartphone

(Image credit: Future)

2. ExpressVPN

Amazing performance, and tailor-made for beginners

Specifications

Available on: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux (command-line only), Routers, almost everything else
Number of servers: 3,200+
Server locations: 160
Countries: 105
Simultaneous connections: 8
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
24/7 support: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Easy-to-use apps
+
Rock-solid privacy and security
+
Vast network of servers
+
Class-leading support

Reasons to avoid

-
Fewer simultaneous connections
-
More expensive than others
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a beginner-friendly VPN: ExpressVPN is a newbie's delight thanks to an auto-connect feature, friendly 24/7 support, detailed online guides, and simple apps.

✔️ You want access to content all over the world: with over 160 locations around the world to choose from, you'll be able to access local content no matter where you are.

✔️ You need class-leading privacy: ExpressVPN is one of the most secure VPNs and with countless audits and a no-logs policy, you'll be safe even everywhere you go.

Don't subscribe if:

 You're on a strict budget: ExpressVPN delivers good value for its price, but if you're after a better price, consider NordVPN or Surfshark.

❌ You want a full security suite: while its VPN excels, Express doesn't offer an all-in-one solution with built-in antivirus and other extras like some of the rivals.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 ExpressVPN is a close runner-up to NordVPN and an ideal choice if you’re looking for a fast and reliable VPN that's built for both beginners and experts alike and has servers all over the world. Try for yourself and see why it's one of my favorite picks with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN walks into most top VPN lists without a shadow of a doubt, because no matter what you ask of it, it delivers. While it comes at a premium and doesn't offer as many privacy tools as NordVPN—two major reasons it's no longer the reigning champion—it's still a world-class package. 

You get blazing speeds, tons of server connections, best-in-class unblocking, and rock-solid privacy features, including a free password manager and a proprietary open-source Lightway protocol that's both fast and secure.

ExpressVPN's biggest selling point, though, is its simplicity and usability. From automatically suggesting servers for the fastest connection to useful one-click connect, it is one of the most plug-and-play solutions out there. 

Also, it offers similar interfaces for every platform, so setting up is a breeze regardless of your device type. In addition to the standard Windows, Mac, etc, there are also dedicated ExpressVPN apps for Chromebook, Fire Stick TV, and routers, as well as dedicated extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

As the best VPN for beginners, ExpressVPN also comes with an auto-connect feature so that you can connect once and stay protected always—and friendly 24/7 support along with an in-depth knowledge hub of help articles round up what's an excellent service for newbies. 

While it doesn't have as many servers (3,000+ is still nothing to sniff at, though) as, say, NordVPN or PIA, it is present in a whopping 160 locations around the world, which is more than any other provider on the list, allowing you to connect from and to anywhere. 

Add to this its powerful unblocking capabilities and ExpressVPN is a top choice for getting around content blocks. It reliably unblocked several Netflix libraries, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, etc. in my recent rounds of testing, which puts it on par with the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark.

Are there cheaper VPNs? Yes. However, in my experience I've found ExpressVPN to be worth every single penny as it offers class-leading privacy features, good speeds, and most notably, easy-to-use apps across the board that surprisingly come with a good amount of customization, too, making it ideal for just about everybody, including experts and newbies. Be sure to make the most of its 30-day money-back guarantee to see how it compares to NordVPN.

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ExpressVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignClean interface and everything is easy to find without a lot of clutter⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useExcellent for beginners, and very configurable for more tech-savvy users⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceFast enough for anything you may need it for, but Surfshark and NordVPN are faster⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingUnblocks every streaming platform and region with ease⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyOne of the most secure and private VPNs I've tested⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportFriendly and professional 24/7 assistance by agents, and very helpful guides⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceIt's worth splurging on but cheaper options are available⭐⭐⭐

The best cheap VPN service

Surfshark on a laptop and smartphone

(Image credit: Future)

3. Surfshark

The best VPN service for those on a tight budget

Specifications

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI), routers and more
Number of servers: 3,200+
Server locations: 160
Countries: 100
Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
24/7 support: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Unlimited simultaneous connections
+
Incredibly fast
+
Incogni service for reclaiming data privacy

Reasons to avoid

-
Windows kill switch isn't bulletproof
-
Support isn't class-leading
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want the best budget VPN: Surfshark arguably offers the best combination of features and price on the market and is therefore tailor-made for those strapped for cash.

✔️ You need a fast VPN: With peak speeds of over 950 Mbps, Surfshark is the fastest service I’ve tested.

✔️ You want to connect a lot of devices: thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections, a single Surfshark subscription can protect the devices of all your friends and family members.

Don't subscribe if:

 You need a reliable kill switch: Surfshark’s kill switch could potentially leak under extreme pressure, which is not the case with NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

❌ You want to torrent: Surfshark is perfectly serviceable for torrenting but lacks P2P sharing, so if that's your intended use case, ExpressVPN and PIA are better picks.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Surfshark provides exceptional value for money, thanks to class-leading speeds, unlimited simultaneous connections, great unblocking, and a solid security suite. Plus, you're backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee in the unlikely event that it's not for you. 

If you're looking for quality on a tight budget, Surfshark could be the best VPN service for you. Despite donning the best cheap VPN tag, Surfshark boasts a jam-packed feature set consisting of high-quality security offerings, lightning-fast speeds, and good streaming support capable of giving premium providers a run for their money. 

The headline news, though, is that you can use Surfshark on unlimited devices, which is handy if you have a house full of tech addicts. It's worth noting that others like ExpressVPN and NordVPN limit you to 8-10 simultaneous connections. 

The Surfshark apps are brilliant, too—they’re a doddle to use—especially the mobile apps. As for the desktop apps, while they may seem a little complex at first glance, you'll quickly admire how everything is simply laid out in sidebars, tabs, and buttons. 

As for speeds, Surfshark knocked it out of the park, consistently hitting download speeds of over 950 Mbps in our recent tests. What’s more, although a network of 3,000 servers doesn’t match the market leaders, they’re smartly spread across 100 countries, so you can connect to your favorite regions no matter where they are on the map.

You get all the usual bells and whistles, including split tunneling (Surfshark calls it Bypasser), AES-256 encryption, PrivateDNS leak protection, and ad-blocking, as well as antivirus protection, MultiHop, and Surfshark's unique Incogni service that automatically requests data brokers to delete any personal data.

However, privacy obsessives should take note of the fact that Surfshark’s kill switch failed when I put it through rigorous testing. On the bright side, though, that’s very unlikely to happen in real life. Next, Surfshark’s customer support is decent, but it lacks the depth you get with the two providers above. 

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are certainly more reliable—plus they have the edge when it comes to unblocking websites, but if the lure of unlimited connections is too strong, or you fancy a thoroughly premium VPN for a bargain price, Surfshark is a great buy. 

It comes with a price tag of less than $2.50 a month, which is nothing short of mouthwatering, plus you get a 30-day money-back guarantee to try before you commit. Lastly, Surfshark could just as easily also be the #1 choice for Linux users, as it comes with a dedicated Linux GUI—most of the competition only offers a command-line interface. 

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Surfshark test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignSimple and intuitive design with a clear layout⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useFairly straightforward and ideal for those just getting started with a VPN⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceOn par with NordVPN as the fastest service in my testing⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingUnblocked everything I threw at it without breaking a sweat⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyThe kill switch can use a few tweaks, but the rest is excellent⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportReliable 24/7 support and lots of helpful guides⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceSuperb blend of high-end features and low prices⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best VPN for Linux

Private Internet Access on a laptop and smartphone

(Image credit: Future)

4. Private Internet Access

Excellent value for money, and the ultimate VPN for torrenting

Specifications

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI), routers and more
Number of servers: 20,000+
Server locations: 100+
Countries: 84
Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
24/7 live chat support: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Great for torrenting
+
Tons of servers
+
Open-source apps
+
Port-forwarding support

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most beginner-friendly
-
WireGuard speeds don't match market leaders
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a Linux VPN: PIA is one of the few VPNs to come with a graphical user interface (GUI) on Linux devices—some top providers like ExpressVPN don’t.

✔️ You want a proven track record of security: PIA is perhaps the only VPN that has proven its no-logs policy in court twice, which stands as a testament to its commitment to user privacy.

✔️ You need a budget VPN: PIA is ridiculously cheap and still comes with the top-notch security features we've come to expect of a premium VPN, making it one of the best bargain picks.

Don't subscribe if:

 You want a VPN that's easy to use: The highly configurable PIA has a lot to offer to the tech-savvy, but newbies might find it difficult to wrap their heads around the apps.

❌ You want a fast VPN: PIA isn’t slow, but if you’re after blazing speeds, go for services like Surfshark or NordVPN.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Private Internet Access is excellent for privacy purists on a tight budget. With great unblocking and a massive server network across the globe, it's fast and unblocks everything with ease, but beginners may find it overwhelming. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access has been delivering users a reliable, secure, and cost-effective solution for more than a decade now, and its recent upgrades, including open-sourcing all its apps, have made it more compelling. 

In addition to a super reliable kill switch, PIA also comes with port forwarding, which is not something you’ll find on every VPN. Also, it's perhaps the only VPN to have proven its no-logs claims in court, twice, ensuring complete peace of mind.  

Just like Surfshark, PIA also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can share your VPN subscription with every single friend and family member. Moreover, it comes with a GUI, making it a better VPN than Nord and Express for Linux users.

PIA apps are some of the most configurable I've seen. So, even though they may look overwhelming at the outset, you can cut down all of the clutter by hiding features you don't see yourself using day-to-day. Still, if you're new to VPNs and would like a plug-and-play VPN app, and a simpler experience overall, I would recommend you opt for ExpressVPN or Surfshark. 

PIA’s streaming capabilities deserve a special mention, too. It was one of the few VPNs that unblocked every single streaming service in my testing—that’s largely because of its 20,000-ish servers (including dedicated servers for streaming) in 84 countries.

Although PIA maxed out at a relatively average 360 Mbps when I last tested it, it's still fast enough for everything you will need it for, including streaming, gaming, and torrenting. However, it's still worth noting that it doesn't hold a candle to the big three (NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark) all of which offer blazing speeds.

Overall, Private Internet Access is one of the cheapest premium VPNs, as it asks for very little ($2.19 a month on a 2-year commitment) and delivers loads. It's packed to the brim with privacy and security tools, top-notch unblocking, the highest number of servers I've seen in a VPN, as well as some free extras, such as a free email breach scanner and Boxcryptor license to encrypt and secure your cloud storage.

Although the service isn't as rapid as the rest of the competition and the desktop apps are admittedly more geared towards experts, these shouldn't be looked at as impediments. Put it to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee and see for yourself.

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Private Internet Access test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignLots of customization, but it’s flooded with too many options which makes it cumbersome⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useBest for tech enthusiasts, not so much for beginners⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceFast for general day-to-day but doesn’t compare to the market leaders⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingReliable content unblocking with dedicated streaming servers⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyUses the latest safety features and has proven its no-logs policy in court, twice⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportTons of helpful guides and friendly 24/7 support⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceOne of the cheapest VPNs on the market⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A secure VPN with a free plan

Proton VPN on a laptop and smartphone

(Image credit: Future)

5. Proton VPN

A highly-respected Swiss-based VPN that comes with a free plan

Specifications

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI), routers and more
Number of servers: 2,900+
Server locations: 85
Countries: 67
Simultaneous connections: 10
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
24/7 live chat support: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Open-source apps
+
Free plan with unlimited bandwidth
+
Excellent for streaming

Reasons to avoid

-
Not as affordable as the others
-
Customer support needs improvement
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN you can trust: in addition to being independently audited, all Proton VPN apps are open source so anyone can inspect the code.

✔️ You want an unlimited free VPN: Proton VPN's free plan doesn't come with any data caps, and you can use it for as long as you want to.

✔️ You need a VPN for Linux: unlike most of the competition, Proton VPN comes with GUI on Linux devices, solidifying its place as an ideal choice for Linux users.

Don't subscribe if:

 Speed is your primary requirement: despite some nifty improvements and a VPN accelerator, Proton’s connection speeds are middling at best.

❌ You want lots of servers: Proton VPN has over 2,900 servers, which is a little less than the big hitters.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Proton VPN sets the bar quite high for a secure VPN, thanks to class-leading Swiss safety and Secure Core servers—and there's also an unlimited free plan. While it's not as affordable as the others, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to try it out risk-free and see if it speaks to you.

Proton VPN is an incredibly secure VPN service based in Geneva, Switzerland. This means users benefit from some of the strongest privacy laws in the world, making it an excellent choice for those who are concerned about civil liberties.

Proton VPN was created by the scientists, engineers, and cryptographers behind Proton Mail, one of the world’s largest encrypted email services, so it's a trustworthy choice. The apps are all open source, meaning anyone can inspect them. You can even pay for your monthly subscription anonymously, via Bitcoin.

A highlight is Proton’s Secure Core servers, which are ultra-secure, underground servers in Iceland, Switzerland, and Sweden all of which are extremely privacy-friendly countries. If you choose to use the Secure Core technology, your online traffic will be routed through one of these servers first and then to your destination, adding an extra layer of protection.

While WireGuard speeds aren't near-class-leading, Proton's OpenVPN speeds (350 Mbps) are faster than most—only Mullvad and CyberGhost are faster.

Sure, there's undoubtedly huge amounts of security, but Proton VPN is just as excellent for those who want to have fun, too. It unblocked everything we threw at it in our testing, including several Netflix regions, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. 

Proton VPN is also one of the best free VPNs, thanks to a generous free plan that comes with unlimited data (most free providers cap you at 10GB/month) and gives you access to 3 server locations i.e. US, Netherlands, and Japan. If you'd like more servers plus the ability to bypass geo-restrictions for free, try PrivadoVPN Free.

One of the biggest Proton VPN positives is its partnership with Deutsche Welle, a German news company, to allow users access to independent and unbiased news anywhere in the world. The best part is that even those on Proton's free plan can make full and unrestricted use of this. 

All in all, Proton VPN is an impressive beast and while it's admittedly more expensive than some of the best VPN services, it's worth a serious look, especially by the privacy purists—and you also get 10 simultaneous connections, which is on par with industry standards.

What's more, if you're willing to spend a little extra, you can get Proton's entire privacy suite including Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, Proton Drive, and its password manager for a fraction of the cost you'd have to spend elsewhere for a similar package. Leverage its 30-day money-back guarantee and take it for a spin, and that without risking a single penny.

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Proton VPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignThe dark mode feels refreshing and the design is intuitive⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useSimple enough for everyone, even beginners⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceFast, but doesn’t quite hit the speeds it should with proprietary speed-enhancing tech⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingGrants access to every major streaming site, but only on the paid plan⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyOpen-source apps and an audited no-logs policy ensure complete peace of mind⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportAn exhausting library of help articles and reliable customer support⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceThe paid plans aren't exactly cheap, but the free plan is a saving grace⭐⭐⭐

How to choose a VPN

The right VPN service for you depends on your intended use case—gaming, torrenting, streaming, or a little bit of everything? Once you have a clear idea of that, consider the following factors to zero in on the best VPN for your needs.

Look for a VPN with tons of servers around the world so that you can enjoy fast and reliable connections from and to anywhere. If you're a streaming head, make sure you choose a provider with servers in regions whose content you want to watch. 

Subsequently, pick a VPN with strong unblocking powers so that you can access region-locked content libraries of Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, iPlayer, etc. If you frequently travel abroad (for work or otherwise), especially to surveillance-heavy countries with strict internet censorship such as China or Turkey, you'd be better off with a secure VPN with obfuscated servers.

Next, evaluate the quality of security features on offer. The VPN you pick must have a strict no-logs policy, a reliable kill switch, and leak protection, and it should support the most popular and secure protocols. While these come standard with most high-quality VPNs, not all of them are created equal. 

Also, consider the price you’re willing to shell out and the number of devices you want to protect. If you’re on a thin budget, consider opting for a good cheap VPN—and if you want to protect every single family in your household (or share the VPN with friends and family), providers like Surfshark and PIA that come with unlimited simultaneous connections will fit your bill.

If you're new to VPNs, you'd also want a VPN that's easy to use and comes with lots of reliable support options, such as email, live chat, and phone support, as well as a comprehensive set of help articles for help on the fly.

How we test VPNs

My team of experts and I at What Hi-Fi? re-review the top VPNs every 6 months so that our VPN guides are at all times accurate and relevant—and that we always recommend only the best services in the industry. Our VPN testing begins at the provider's website where we comb through its privacy policies and support options to ensure that it's a reliable and transparent provider. 

Then we download the VPN's apps on all supported platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, as well as Chromebook and Amazon Kindle, among others. We test the apps to see if everything is in place and working smoothly. This includes evaluating the kill switch, split tunneling, and other features offered by the provider.

Once we've evaluated the VPN apps for their ease of use, we try to access region-restricted libraries from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer from different locations to zero in on the provider’s unblocking capabilities.

To check the VPN's performance, we test its speed at least 120 times across two different locations, one a US home connection and the other a 1 Gbps UK data center. Lastly, we throw multiple curveballs (all genuine queries about the service, by the way) at the provider's support agents and note their response time and the accuracy of their replies.

The best VPN FAQs

Is it legal to use a VPN?

It’s not so much a question of whether the VPN provider is illegal but of where you use the VPN and what for. Using a VPN to protect your privacy is completely legitimate in most regions of the world. However, even in countries where VPNs are legal, you can still face jail time and/or fines if you use a VPN service to commit unlawful activities such as downloading copyrighted material.

Surveillance-heavy countries that may also want to suppress dissidents and anti-government sentiments like Iraq, North Korea, and Turkmenistan have completely banned all VPNs, so using them in such places can result in legal action against you. China and Russia only allow you to use government-appointed providers.

Some countries such as Egypt, Oman, and the UAE haven't illegalized VPNs, but if you're caught using a VPN to try and access government-restricted content, that can put you in a lot of trouble as you would have technically gone against government orders, and that's illegal. 

Are VPNs safe?

Short answer—yes.

Almost every single reputable and high-ranking VPN provider is totally safe and secure, including those that feature on my best VPN list. They hide your IP address and anonymize you on the internet so that snoopers cannot trace your online activities. 

To find out for yourself whether a VPN service is trustworthy, ensure that it has a strict (and preferably audited) no-logging policy, meaning it won't track your IP or internet usage. Next, it should support the most secure protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2) and offer industry-standard AES-256 encryption, a reliable kill switch, and leak protection.

Should I use a free VPN?

Free VPNs may seem like a good choice for those pinching for pennies, and they can be, particularly for those who just need basic VPN protection and don't mind the lack of functionalities, including limited data, little to no support for streaming, just a handful of servers, and so on.

However, in reality, a lot of free VPNs provide a false sense of security—they may track your data and then sell it to third parties for a profit. In worst-case scenarios, they may be outright malicious, as downloading them may infect your device with malware.

If you're dead set on getting a free VPN, only pick from the most reliable services, including PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN, Windscribe, and Hotspot Shield. That said, the better option would be to get a good cheap VPN as well as make full use of free VPN trials and money-back guarantees to get a risk-free trial run and zero in on the best service for you.

Olivia Powell
Commissioning Editor for Tech Software

Olivia joined What Hi-Fi? in October 2023 as part of the core Future Tech Software team, and is the Commissioning Editor for Tech Software. With a background in cybersecurity, Olivia stays up-to-date with all things cyber and creates content across sites including TechRadar Pro, TechRadar, Tom’s Guide, iMore, Windows Central, PC Gamer and Games Radar. She is particularly interested in threat intelligence, detection and response, data security, fraud prevention and the ever-evolving threat landscape.

With contributions from