Best VPN Service in 2024

What VPN Should I Use?

The most important aspect about a VPN is that it acts as an encryption tunnel that secures your device’s connection to the internet. It protects your browsing traffic and data to prevent your ISP from seeing your internet activities and visiting sites from knowing where you are physically located. A good VPN will also have an extra layer of security that protects you when using public Wi-Fi. This ensures that sensitive information you either send or receive through the internet is not compromised.

The best VPN service will unblock geo-restricted sites and bypass heavily censored content. This way, you can access streaming, gaming and social media platforms when you are physically located in places where they are prohibited or blocked. These are the primary features most VPNs have today. On top of that, some are more affordable than others, and others have reliable customer support, while others have straightforward and user-friendly platforms.

Answering the question:” what VPN should I use” is entirely your choice. However, you have to consider the primary and secondary functions of a VPN and affordability and see which is more convenient for you. You can check the list below, compare and even test them, as most VPNs give you a money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN

Pros:

• Keeps you secure and anonymous online
• User-friendly apps available for various devices
• Over 3,000 servers are spread out in 94 countries
• Transparent and trustworthy
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Not as affordable as other VPNs

If it’s not the best VPN service, ExpressVPN is amongst the best in the world, and its servers are located in 160 locations in 94 countries. This means that wherever you are travelling, chances are you’ll be able to connect to a nearby server that will give you access to your desired streaming services. It has split tunnelling, a kill switch, DNS/IPV6 leak protection and military-grade encryption to protect your data.

You can connect up to five devices simultaneously without affecting its lightning speed. It supports many devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers and gaming consoles. There’s excellent service whether you access it through an app or browser.

Surfshark

Pros:

• Very much affordable
• You can connect unlimited devices simultaneously
• Strict no-logs policy
• Camouflage function
• 24/7 customer support through live chat

Cons:

• Bad torrent speeds

Surfshark is the best VPN service because you can connect as many devices as possible. It supports macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and more. Accessing the internet through this VPN means your data is protected through security technologies such as AES-256 encryption. Its strict no-longs policy ensures that your internet activities aren’t stored or tracked. Switching on the camouflage mode makes it the best VPN for countries with tight internet censorship. You can also turn on the “NoBorders mode” to access it worldwide.

The connectivity speed has also improved, and the spread out of its over 3,200 servers located in 65 countries allows solid and uninterrupted connections. You can try it out before officially deciding to use it, as there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN

Pros:

• Strict no-logs policy
• Fast connectivity speed for downloads and streaming
• Over 5,600 servers located in 59 countries
• Connect six devices simultaneously
• Features a multi-factor authentication to secure your account

Cons:

• All servers do not support torrenting

NordVPN constantly upgrades its platform by adding new features to make it one of the best VPN service providers. Some of its recently added protection functions (at the time this article was written) include “Threat Protection”, “Dark Web Monitor”, and “Mashnet.” The site is also great for both new and non-tech-savvy individuals due to its user interface which is easy to navigate.

If your connection to the VPN is lost briefly, there is a kill switch to ensure your data isn’t exposed. Whether looking for the best residential VPN service business or travelling purposes, NordVPN provides uninterrupted internet connection. If you aren’t happy with these services, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ProtonVPN

Pros:

• Great free subscription and affordable paid services
• One of the fastest VPNs
• Features multi-hop and split tunnelling
• Top-notch security levels
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• There aren’t many peer-to-peer friendly servers for torrenting

ProtonVPN makes it to the best VPN service list due to its high speeds and bank-level security standards. It has over 1,700 servers in 63 countries globally. If you opt for their paid services, you have the luxury of being able to leave within 30 days of service and get your money back if you aren’t happy with this VPN’s services.

Otherwise, you can opt for their free version, which, to our surprise, delivers way better services than other free subscription VPNs. Of course, there are specific differences between the paid and free versions. The latter doesn’t have strong support for torrenting traffic. However, if one of the primary reasons you are looking for a VPN is torrenting, the paid version is the absolute best VPN service.

IPVanish

Pros:

• Unlimited devices connected simultaneously
• User-friendly interface
• Beginner-friendly
• SOCKS5 proxy is excellent for torrents
• Features a kill switch to protect your data no matter what

Cons:

• 30-day money-back guarantee is only applicable to customers who purchase a yearly plan

IPVanish has over 2,000 servers in more than 75 locations. It is based in the United States, which makes it not just the best VPN service but also the best VPN in US. This is due to some functions it has that help secure your online content access, more than 40,000 IP addresses to help hide your location and high-speed connectivity.

Customer support is only ever a click away, as you can communicate with them via live chat 24/7. If you are a new VPN user, its beginner-friendly site will guide you on how VPN works. It will help you learn as you go, and you might not even need customer service help.

Hotspot Shield

Pros:

• High connectivity speed
• Military-grade encryption
• 24/7 live chat support
• Connect up to five devices
• 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Number of devices you can connect depends on the plan

Hotspot Shield has over 1,800 servers in 115 locations globally. It uses 128-bit AES encryption to shield your data from third parties. Its lightning bolt connectivity speed allows you to access streaming platforms seamlessly. Its speed is one feature that makes it join the best VPN service list worldwide. As some of its servers are in US states, it is also super fast in neighbouring countries like Canada.

Users might not be happy about the non-transparency in this VPNs privacy and security. It uses the closed-source Catapult Hydra instead of the open-source OpenVPN protocol. We hope Hotspot Shield will improve here, as users should know what happens to their data.

TunnelBear

Pros:

• User-friendly
• Reasonable prices
• Exceptional privacy policy
• DNS leak protection
• Has a no-logs policy

Cons:

• Split tunnelling is only on Android devices

TunnelBear is the best VPN service if you only require protection while surfing the net. It has standard AES-256 encryption and DNS leak protection. It also has good connectivity speed that will allow you to access streaming platforms. You can use a nearby server from where you are located from its servers which are located in 48 countries.

This beginner-friendly Virtual Private Network is easy to navigate and offers a limited free subscription, giving new users time to learn more about it. It’s also a trustworthy name because of its transparent audit process. If you’ve been looking for the best VPN service outside US, this might be the one for you. It is located just outside the US, in Canada, and is owned by a US-based company.

CyberGhost VPN

Pros:

• +9,200 servers in 91 countries
• Strict no-logs policy
• Connects and secures seven devices
• 24/7 customer support via live chat
• Features ID Guard to alert users when there’s data leakage

Cons:

• Unclear privacy policy in terms of data collection

This is the best VPN service for travelling, as its servers are spread globally. It helps keep you digitally invisible through features like AES 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection. CyberGhost features fast and safe protocols like IKEv2, OpenVPN and WireGuard. That’s where it’s lightning-fast connectivity speed comes from.

You can access streaming platforms and live games without being distracted by buffering. If this isn’t the best VPN service for you, there’s a 45-day money-back guarantee option. It is paid back to users without any questions. However, if you have chosen and paid for the monthly subscription, you’ll only receive a refund within 14 days.

Norton Secure VPN

Pros:

• Secures up to 10 devices simultaneously
• Strict no-logs policy
• Features split tunnelling
• Over 1,500 servers in 73 locations in 30 countries
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• No P2P and BitTorrent support

Norton Secure is suitable for household use only. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer many products that can help secure you while travelling. It does have standard features for security and privacy. It does, however, protect your data through anonymous browsing, a kill switch and split tunnelling. There is also a no-logs policy which means that your data isn’t stored, and the VPN doesn’t track your internet activities.

We don’t recommend this VPN if you are specifically looking for more complex services like unblocking geo-restricted content or masking your traffic to appear normal. Also, its pricing differs from other VPNs, as you are charged according to the number of devices you want to secure simultaneously. So, the more devices you add, the more significant the amount.

PureVPN

Pros:

• +6,500 servers in over 78 countries
• Affordable
• No-log policy
• 31-day money-back guarantee
• Fully implemented GDPR compliance

Cons:

• Not good for torrenting

PureVPN has a significant number of servers in different parts of the globe. You can ask for a dedicated IP address to maximise your security while connecting through these servers. Your data while browsing is protected through AES 256-bit encryption. On top of that, no one keeps track of your activities or stores your information, as this is a logless VPN. You are also able to connect up to ten devices simultaneously.

This doesn’t take away from the upgraded blazing server speed of 20Gbps. You can access all available sites instantly. If you encounter any issues, you can contact customer support any time of any day. You’ll also be refunded if you aren’t happy within 31 days of use. We consider PureVPN a good VPN for countries like Australia as it has 483 servers in the Oceania region. Users in this world will have many server options to pick from to enjoy desired sites.

StrongVPN

Pros:

• No-log policy
• Offers dedicated IP addresses
• Over 950 servers in +30 countries
• Bypasses internet censorship
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• No multi-hop connections

StrongVPN owns everything that exists on its network. It doesn’t rely on third parties for servers or bandwidth. This VPN has user-friendly apps for macOS, Windows, Android and other devices. Not only does it encrypt your data, but it also masks traffic, so it doesn’t appear as though you are using a VPN. That is how it helps you bypass censorship and browse international websites and apps. It also uses the WireGuard protocol, with the maximum connectivity speed in the market.

This integrated protocol increases speed and performance. Whether at home or travelling, you can keep up to 12 of your devices secured. It has affordable plans, and you can get a full refund if, for some reason, you feel the need to cancel your subscription. This only applies to the one-year plan. And, you can communicate with customer support personnel via live chat 24/7.

Private Internet Access

Pros:

• Strict no-logs policy
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Connect up to ten devices simultaneously
• Excellent speed
• Dedicated IP address option

Cons:

• Expensive

Private Internet Access has been in the industry for over ten years. It is 100% transparent and has features that have millions of customers trusting it. These include 24/7 live chat support, split tunnelling, adverts and malware blocking, WireGuard protocol and dedicated IP address. With a strict no-logs policy, this VPN assures users that their data isn’t stored and internet activity is not tracked.

This means that though its headquarters are in the US, a part of the Five Eyes alliance, if the government comes for your data, they won’t be getting it from this VPN. It has powerful encryption that ensures complete security wherever you are connected. You can try it without risks as there is a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are using Android or iOS, the apps give you a trial period of seven days.

Torguard VPN

Pros:

• User-friendly apps
• +3,000 servers in more than 50 countries
• Stealth VPN protocol
• Instant response from 24/7 live chat
• Dedicated IP addresses

Cons:

• Only a 7-day money-back guarantee

Torguard provides you with the anonymity you need when travelling. On top of that, it has many servers in various locations, so you can connect to neighbouring countries and get the promised lightning speed you deserve. Its state-of-the-art AES-256 encryption that comes with SHA-512 will protect you while unblocking international sites. You’ll be able to use this VPN in countries with strict firewalls.

It keeps you anonymous and completely hides the fact that you are using a VPN. With such strong security, malware and hacking is something you don’t have to worry about. It automatically blocks adverts and malware. The fantastic customer support it offers will also make it easier for you to figure out some challenging settings if needed.

Windscribe

Pros:

• Free plans available
• Features split tunnelling
• AES-256 solid encryption with SHA512
• WireGuard protocol

Cons:

• Slow customer support

Windscribe has a free and paid VPN version. The free version is considered one of the safest but it does have limited features. For instance, it doesn’t give you access to every server; the pro version does. However, if you are on a budget, the free VPN service will give you 10GB of data per month and unlimited connections to servers in around ten countries. You can unblock geo-restricted content.

Overall, this is not the most popular VPN, but it does have the necessary features to help secure your information, whether on the go or at home. It even permits P2P and torrenting on most of its servers. Look for servers labelled 10Gbps for faster connectivity.

How Does VPN Connection Work?

A Virtual Private Network secures your internet connection by giving you an anonymous IP address. It uses servers to redirect your connection and encrypt your data; hence, it’s an encryption tunnel. Your information travels through this tunnel from your device to the internet. This is to help mask your identity so your ISP, hackers, government authorities and other third parties cannot access it.

It creates encryption tunnels to secure your connection, and rules (protocols) are used to determine how your data will be protected.

The best VPN for China are: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Astrill or any other VPN service with VPNs located in the Asia region. Servers in Japan and Hong Kong keep the connectivity speed blazing fast when connecting from China. Also, the camouflage function keeps the VPN from being detected and blocked by authorities.

The best VPN in Canada is one that can keep your data away from surveillance by the Five Eyes Alliance or help you access international content. It should be highly secured and have an extensive network of servers globally. These can be VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN or Proton VPN.

Whether travelling abroad or needing online protection while in the country, the best VPN for Australia should have excellent speed and security and be able to unblock geo-restricted sites. Suppose you want access to Australian streaming platforms while abroad. Surfshark, CyberGhost and IPVanish are some of the VPNs you can use.

How Does VPN Work?

If you have been wondering how VPN connection works, don’t worry, as this is the part where we thoroughly answer that question for you. In summary, a VPN is an encrypted tunnel that keeps your data secure. It protects your information once you have registered, paid (if not free) and signed in. Here are detailed points on how it does that:

• Once you are in, a VPN encrypts your data so it can travel securely through the chosen server. This secure connection still allows your data to go through your ISP, but it can’t be deciphered as the encryption makes it look unrecognisable.
• The VPN server can decrypt it and send it to the internet to get the necessary reply or information you want.
• Upon sending it back to you, the VPN server encrypts it again so it can securely deliver it to you.
• Then the VPN on your device encrypts it when it arrives so you can view and understand it.

All of this happens in the background and doesn’t interfere with anything other than ensuring that data is securely transported.

What does VPN Mean?

VPN is short for Virtual Private Network. It means providing security and protection while online. If you’ve been worried about malware and your information being leaked or sold, a VPN will give you all the protection you need. Today, it means even more. VPNs enable users to unblock geo-blocked content and go further to camouflage their VPN IP address and traffic so it doesn’t show you are using a VPN in places with tight censorship.

So, depending on what you are looking for in a VPN, you can pay for one that best suits your needs. If you want to ensure that you browse the internet securely, then a VPN with standard security and protection features like an AES-256, DNS leakage, and a strict no-logs policy should be fine. However, if you’re travelling and want to access streaming platforms that are blocked at your destination, choose a VPN with many servers, a Stealth VPN protocol and more features.

Why VPN is not connecting?

If you are wondering why VPN is not working, yes, that happens sometimes, but there are possible solutions:

• Unstable internet connection
• Incorrect credentials
• Try another server, as some servers will reject new connections when they are packed
• Check port settings and see if the correct ports are on
• The VPN can sometimes have software issues; check if it’s up-to-date, update the app or re-install it
• Your location’s firewall could be blocking the VPN; adjust the VPN’s firewall settings accordingly
• Contact customer support

Why is VPN Important?

There are many reasons VPNs are advantageous to different individuals. This is because they aren’t only about securing your connection. As more VPNs were introduced, more user issues were addressed. Below are some of the advantages of a VPN:

Keep Your Data Private

Without a VPN, your IP address (an online postal code) gives out your location and identity. Your information can be stolen, and online activity traced back to you. A VPN helps keep your data private by hiding your IP address and encrypting your online activities.

Use Public Wi-Fi Safely With a VPN

People using the same network, including cybercriminals, can access your data when using Wi-Fi at a restaurant, hotel or airport. They can tap into your personal information and could access your email login details, credit card information or images. With a VPN, cybercriminals only see encrypted data they can’t understand.

Protect Your Personal Data

Encryption protocols used by VPNs keep your data scrambled to make it impossible to read. So, with a VPN, there are lesser chances of being hacked, and having your data leaked and accessed by your ISP, government authorities and other third parties.

Protect Proprietary Info

Certain VPNs are specifically designed to protect company data. They can connect and protect unlimited devices. This is a secure way to keep your company data inaccessible to third parties, especially when you have employees working from home.

Access Blocked Content

Some countries impose restrictions on the internet, and specific online platforms are licensed to operate in a limited number of locations. A VPN will help you unblock online content by connecting to a server located in an area where it’s not restricted.

How We Test VPNs?

Before recommending a VPN, we test its security and speed. If it’s secure enough and has speed that will allow you to at least type an email and send it without waiting for the loading wheel every second, then it’s worth paying for.

Testing security goes as far as doing background checks of the company owning the VPN. Also, for those in countries that are part of the eyes alliance, we check if their no-logs policy is legit and whether there’s any history of sharing user information with government authorities. Then, we use leak test tools to run DNS, IP and WebRTC leaks. If security isn’t strong enough here, your data could be compromised.

When testing speed, we consider the number of servers, the number of IP addresses, whether dedicated IP addresses are available and the protocols used. Built-in WireGuard does improve a VPN’s connectivity speed. We then pick between five to ten servers located in various regions and test their speeds. These are tested for three or more days to see if they’ll maintain the same speed.

Finally, we check other features to see which VPN service is best for household, business and travel purposes.

Types of VPN Services

Below is a list of different types of VPNs and how they work:

Personal VPN

With a personal VPN, the server you are connected to becomes the middleman between your device and the online content you are accessing. It protects your data by encrypting your connection and hiding your IP address. It provides you with access to a public, not private, network and communicates with it through an encrypted tunnel. Examples include NordVPN, Private Internet Access and more.

Remote Access VPN

Remote access VPNs are popular with companies because they let you use a private network. Encryption is used to help secure and keep the data private as it moves to and from the network. This kind of VPN can be necessary specifically for a company with workers working from home or travelling.

Site-to-Site VPN

Also known as network-based VPNs, site-to-site VPNs are also popular with organisations. The main difference between this type and remote access VPN is that with the former, a VPN is used to join two networks. Companies usually use it with offices in different locations.

Mobile VPN

Unlike remote access, Mobile VPNs do not assume you’ll only use a local network and close your IP tunnel when disconnected. With a mobile VPN, you can be located anywhere, connected to any Wi-Fi or have your device turned off for a while without losing connection.

Bottom Line Of The Best VPN Service

We hope we have answered the important questions here, such as: where to get VPN, how to use a VPN from another country and more. Most importantly, we hope to have made your search for the best VPN easier. Any question that pops up in your mind now, like: is it ok to use VPN all the time and which VPN increases internet speed when in use and whether you should use one or not, should be answered.

Choosing a VPN can be a lot of work, but we cannot choose the best VPN for you. Only you know your needs regarding a VPN better; therefore, it is best to pick one that makes sense to you and is affordable. Secure your data and keep your online activities private without inconveniencing yourself.