As our lives become increasingly digital, having the right tools to protect our privacy and security online is more important than ever. One essential tool for any internet user is a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and route it through remote servers, hiding your real IP address. This prevents hackers, government agencies, and even your internet service provider from seeing your online activity.
With cybercrime and surveillance on the rise, getting a reliable VPN has gone from a luxury to a necessity for many internet users. But with hundreds of VPN providers out there, how do you know which one to choose? I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of popular VPNs to help you find the best ones for 2024 based on essential criteria like security, speeds, server locations, and extra features.
Related / Dump free VPNs — go premium in 2024 with huge discounts
What to look for in a VPN
First and foremost, you want bulletproof security from your VPN. Military-grade encryption like AES 256-bit is standard, as is support for VPN protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. Leading VPNs have advanced security features too, like kill switches to stop traffic if your connection drops, along with zero log policies so they don’t keep records of your online activity.
VPN speeds are important too, especially if you stream movies or games online. The best VPNs have thousands of high-speed servers worldwide so you can get a fast connection anywhere. Server variety also allows you to spoof your location, getting around filters and geo-blocks to access more content.
Ease of use is another key factor, as you want the VPN to work smoothly across all your devices with user-friendly apps. Extras like ad-blocking, split tunneling and the ability to use the VPN on routers further enhance privacy and convenience. Top providers also offer 24/7 live chat support in case you need assistance.
I evaluate all these criteria and more to determine my top recommended VPN services for 2024.
Overview
- ExpressVPN — 49% off + 3 free months / $6.67 per month
- Surfshark VPN — 82% off + 4 free months / $1.99 per month
- NordVPN — 63% off + 3 free months / $2.99 per month
- Private Internet Access (PIA) — 83% off + 4 free months / $1.98 per month
- IPVanish — 77% off + 3 free months / $2.99 per month
- Ivacy VPN — $90 off + Premium Password Manager / $1 per month
- Proton VPN — 50% off / $4.99 per month
- TunnelBear — 67% off / $3.33 per month
- PureVPN — 84% off + 3 free months / $1.97 per month
- PureVPN (Special deal) — $87 off at $1.66 per month
- CyberGhost VPN — 84% off + 4 free months / $2.03 per month
- VPN Unlimited by KeepSolid — Lifetime deal: $99.99 one-time (reg. $199.99)
- TorGuard VPN — 50% off / $29.99 first year (reg. $59.99)
- PrivateVPN — 90% off / $2 per month
- ClearVPN 2 by MacPaw — $5 per month / $12 for 3 months / $21 for 6 months
- StrongVPN — 66% off / $3.97 per month
- Trust.Zone VPN — 78% off + 4 free months / $1.99 per month
The Best VPNs in 2024
ExpressVPN — The Best VPN Overall
When it comes to all-around performance, no VPN matches ExpressVPN. It sets the industry standard with exceptional speeds, best-in-class encryption, and over 3,000 servers covering 94 countries. Apps are polished and consistent across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and browsers.
Unlocking streaming sites like Netflix and BBC iPlayer works seamlessly with ExpressVPN. Their network handles torrenting and P2P traffic flawlessly too. You even get split tunneling to route only some of your traffic via the VPN. With 24/7 live chat support and a proven zero-log policy, ExpressVPN also handles privacy beautifully.
The one downside is that ExpressVPN sits at the pricier end of the scale. However, given the sheer quality and reliability they deliver across the board, ExpressVPN justifies its higher cost for anyone who wants the very best VPN on the market today.
- ExpressVPN — 49% off + 3 free months / $6.67 per month
Surfshark — Best Budget VPN
For bargain hunters, I recommend Surfshark VPN as the best low-cost option with no compromise on quality. Despite having some of the cheapest subscription plans available, Surfshark still ticks all the right boxes for security and speed. The IKEv2/OpenVPN encryption protects you on any network, while 3200+ servers across 100 countries ensure you have plenty of choice to unblock sites and get fast speeds for streaming.
One advantage Surfshark has over the competition is unlimited device support. The single subscription covers as many of your gadgets as you want – phones, laptops, media players, routers, you name it. Apps are easy to set up across platforms, with handy features like Whitelister letting you designate apps to bypass the VPN. Customer service reps are available round the clock on live chat if any questions pop up along the way.
For the price, Surfshark delivers tremendous value, matching and even exceeding more expensive rivals when it comes to overall usability. If staying within budget is important for your next VPN, Surfshark should be at the top of your list.
- Surfshark VPN — 82% off + 4 free months / $1.99 per month
NordVPN — Most Secure VPN
Security specialists and privacy purists alike praise NordVPN for going the extra mile to lock down their network. On top of standard AES-256 encryption, they also run a subset of servers through NordLynx – an audited WireGuard based VPN protocol known for robust encryption and rapid speeds.
These double VPN servers route your traffic through not one but two VPN connections, adding exponential encryption strength. Other leading-edge features like an integrated kill switch, ability to pay anonymously with cryptocurrencies, and onion-routing via the TOR network further enhance privacy for NordVPN users.
The provider has upgraded much of its infrastructure recently, supercharging speeds across its 5,000+ servers spanning 60 countries worldwide. Apps are slick across all major platforms, letting you secure up to 6 devices under a single plan. With NordVPN’s enhanced security arsenal protecting you online, no other VPN makes it harder for prying eyes to peek at your browsing activity.
- NordVPN — 63% off + 3 free months / $2.99 per month
Private Internet Access (PIA) — Feature-Packed VPN
One of the most popular and longest-running VPN services, Private Internet Access (PIA) offers an impressive lineup of privacy tools beyond just core VPN tunneling. You get extensive coverage including 35,000+ IPs in 91 countries, with unlimited bandwidth and unlimited simultaneous connections permitted.
PIA uses next-gen WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols across apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. Extra goodies like split tunneling give granular control over routing traffic, while ad blocking and tracker/malware filtering scrub away dangerous code at the network level. For those seeking the strongest anonymity, port forwarding and SOCKS5 web proxies mask your online fingerprint completely.
While speeds can be slower at peak hours across distant server hops, PIA brings tremendous overall value packing the most features into its low monthly pricing. Burglars, hackers and sneaky ISPs won’t know what hit them once you deploy PIA’s Swiss army knife of privacy tools.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) — 83% off + 4 free months / $1.98 per month
IPVanish — Top Tier VPN for Streaming
Boasting one of the largest and fastest VPN networks globally, IPVanish secures over 40,000 IPs on 2,200 servers across 75+ countries. That expansive infrastructure gives IPVanish the capacity to handle just about anything subscribers throw at it – 4K video streaming, gaming, torrenting, you name it.
I clock IPVanish as one of the fastest VPNs out there right now thanks to the sheer scale of their server fleet, most running on cutting edge hardware. You’ll have no issue finding a high-speed node near your location, essential for buffer-free Netflix and smooth online gameplay. Apps run cleanly too across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android plus niche platforms like Fire OS and Chrome OS.
While they don’t have some of the exotic features or regional server choices as other VPNs on this list, IPVanish nails the fundamentals around speeds, reliability and access to top streaming sites. Unmetered connections without traffic caps means you can use IPVanish as extensively as needed without surprises on your monthly bandwidth allocation. If your main goal is maintaining quick connections to sites like Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN and Amazon Prime Video wherever you roam, IPVanish is a superb choice.
- IPVanish — 77% off + 3 free months / $2.99 per month
Ivacy VPN — Affordable yet Powerful
Shoppers attracted to a good bargain will find themselves drawn to Ivacy VPN. One of the most affordable VPN providers out there, Ivacy comes packed with features despite the low subscription cost. I like their 5-year package in particular — priced at only $1 per month total on their 5-year billing plan, you would expect cut corners or lackluster performance but that simply isn’t the case.
Instead, Ivacy offers everything a VPN should: bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption, a zero-logging policy from a jurisdiction outside surveillance alliances, over 5,700 regional servers to spoof locations and bypass filters, plus easy-to-use apps across all major desktop and mobile platforms. In areas like unblocking popular sites, Ivacy punches far above its weight, giving users smooth access to American Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
While speeds can be middling at peak times, Ivacy otherwise delivers tremendous value matching and even exceeds other VPNs that cost two to three times more for subscriptions. Budget-focused shoppers who still want a high-grade VPN should shortlist Ivacy.
- Ivacy VPN — $90 off + Premium Password Manager / $1 per month
Proton VPN — VPN from the Privacy Company
Europeans will know Proton for their high-security Proton Mail email system. So it’s no surprise their VPN lives up to the same demanding privacy standards, putting security first in hardware and software architecture. You’ll notice an ultra-minimal logging policy, P2P/BitTorrent permits on all servers, plus the ability to route traffic through the TOR network and hardened Malware Blocking to really lock things down.
As people find success with Proton Mail, so do I see Proton’s VPN gaining serious traction due to its best-in-breed privacy assurances. The generous free tier offers a peek at their encrypted network that spans 3,000+ servers in 70+ countries. As with their email service, Proton VPN places strong value on serving communities that need privacy tools most – activists, human rights watchdogs, journalists and government dissenters – not just profitable markets.
If you want state-of-the-art encryption from a company that lives by its privacy promises, Proton VPN merits your trust.
- Proton VPN — 50% off / $4.99 per month
TunnelBear — User-Friendly Free VPN
Beginners seeking a friendly introduction to VPNs will appreciate TunnelBear, a Canadian-based provider offering one of the most approachable experiences in consumer privacy. Right from installation across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android devices, TunnelBear elegantly guides users through launch and configuration – friendly bear cartoons included!
The free plan nets you 2GB per month of secured traffic to test the VPN. Paid tiers remain competitively priced for unlimited data and priority speeds. While server locations number only 3 countries (access to 5,000+ servers with paid accounts), essentials like AES-256 encryption, zero logging policies and a Vigilante mode kill switch make TunnelBear perfectly suitable for average privacy needs.
Fun perks like collectible TunnelBear stickers mailed on request and seasonal app icon changes highlighting holidays reveal a company prioritizing cheerfulness. TunnelBear won’t dazzle techies but makes an excellent VPN gateway for non-technical friends and family new to privacy concepts. Give the friendly bear a shot for imparting good VPN habits with minimal fuss.
- TunnelBear — 67% off / $3.33 per month
PureVPN — Comprehensive VPN for 10 Devices
Catering to larger families and small businesses, PureVPN permits up to 10 devices under a single account. Their global network spans 6,500+ servers in over 71 countries – one of the largest VPN footprints in the industry resulting in fewer bottlenecks and congestion issues during times of peak demand compared to smaller providers.
I like that PureVPN offers dedicated IPs allowing you to masquerade web traffic under the same outbound IP address each session. That adds convenience to accessing sites that restrict logins to one IP location like banking and corporate remote desktop portals. Split tunneling also grants flexibility over exactly which apps route through the VPN versus your normal ISP.
Available logging modes range from zero retention to 14 days of session data for auditing needs. Apps run smoothly across Windows and Mac PCs, iOS and Android mobile devices, plus niche platforms like Linux, Blackberry and routers. With support for unlimited data and P2P file transfers, PureVPN checks all the right boxes.
- PureVPN — 84% off + 3 free months / $1.97 per month
- PureVPN (Special deal) — 87% off at $1.66 per month
CyberGhost VPN — Most User-Friendly VPN
Anyone looking for a super simple VPN experience should check out CyberGhost. It’s the most beginner-friendly service out there, guiding new users through setup with helpful wizards while experienced subscribers can dive into the deeper options. One standout feature is their auto-manage connections – you choose what you want to do like “stream” or “protect data” and CyberGhost handles the rest automatically.
CyberGhost also aces streaming with multi-hop connections that evade VPN blocks along with channels dedicated specifically to sites like Netflix and ESPN. CyberGhost VPN masquerades your traffic through layered encryption, hiding what sites you visit from your ISP along with defending against malware and ads at the network level.
With a sizeable 10,000+ server network spanning over 95 countries, speeds stay quick for most connections. Apps across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android are well-designed too. Figuring everything out is no problem thanks to excellent 24/7 live chat support plus an extensive library of VPN tutorials and guides. For VPN novices and experts alike, CyberGhost remains a top choice in 2024 for its balance of simplicity and customization options.
- CyberGhost VPN — 84% off + 4 free months / $2.03 per month
VPN Unlimited by KeepSolid — Generous Limits from KeepSolid
Breaking the mold of metered plans, VPN Unlimited from KeepSolid lives up to its name with no restrictions imposed on bandwidth, server switching, or simultaneous connections permitted per account. Load up as many devices as you like!
KeepSolid operates 3,000+ VPN servers in over 80 locations backing users across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers and browsers through apps or browser plugins. I measured some of the highest peak speeds from KeepSolid making it suitable for 4K streaming users and gamers.
On special occasions KeepSolid runs perhaps the most generous VPN promotion seen – their occasional Lifetime VPN deal priced at only a one-time payment of around $100 total (normally $200), waiving any recurring fees forever. If purchased at the right time, you’ll enjoy unlimited secure connectivity for life from VPN Unlimited.
- VPN Unlimited by KeepSolid — Lifetime deal: $99.99 one-time (reg. $199.99)
TorGuard VPN — Leading Security and Anonymity
Not to be confused with the Tor Project, TorGuard VPN is a standalone VPN provider known for its robust privacy protections and extensive server network. Users benefit from layers of high-level encryption routed through thousands of VPN nodes TorGuard operates directly across 50+ countries.
Choose from protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2 and WireGuard for banking-level AES-256 encryption on all plans. Apps feature Internet kill switches cutting connectivity should TorGuard disconnect without warning, adding critical safeguards.
For those seeking rugged privacy irrespective of how invasive local authorities might be, TorGuard hits the mark. Note they have no direct association with the encrypted Tor network however – TorGuard is purely a commercial VPN provider. Still, TorGuard accepts crypto payments for anonymizing transactions. So for hardcore anonymity seekers, TorGuard VPN delivers.
- TorGuard VPN — 50% off / $29.99 first year (reg. $59.99), use promo code GadgetBond for 50% lifetime discount
PrivateVPN — Reliable Security from Sweden
For robust security engineered in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, PrivateVPN is an exceptional choice. An under-the-radar VPN provider, PrivateVPN is based in Sweden where local laws prohibit the retention of user data or connection logs under any circumstances.
Even if authorities came knocking, PrivateVPN has zero data on its subscribers to hand over. They offer solid AES-256 encryption over OpenVPN and IKEv2 VPN protocols across a tightly-controlled network of servers in over 60 countries. There’s also advanced IP leak protection like automatic kill switches that trigger if traffic exits without hitting the VPN first.
Apps are streamlined across Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and router firmware with 24/7 chat support to walk you through any setup. Users can connect up to 10 devices, no matter the mix of platforms, at once. For the ultimate in incognito browsing and traffic routing via VPN, PrivateVPN will not let you down.
- PrivateVPN — 90% off / $2 per month
ClearVPN 2 by MacPaw — New User-Focused VPN
Coming from MacPaw — makers of premium macOS utilities CleanMyMac, Gemini 2, and others — their recently launched ClearVPN 2 brings Apple-esque design to the VPN scene. The client app selects optimal servers automatically based simply on what you want to do online like streaming or shopping. Clear visuals convey encryption status, location, speeds and more at a glance.
Built for ease of use first, ClearVPN 2 still checks the right boxes for privacy and security. Wrapped inside a slick shell you have industry standards like IKev2/IPSec and AES-256 Bit encryption, unlimited speed and traffic, plus zero logging across 35+ servers in over 40 countries. Up to 6 devices can connect simultaneously.
While light on advanced configuration, by handling connections automatically behind the scenes, MacPaw’s ClearVPN 2 offers a wonderfully simple way to blanket everyday internet usage under encryption across your Apple devices. 30-day money-back guarantee for trying the service risk-free.
- ClearVPN 2 by MacPaw — $5 per month / $12 for 3 months / $21 for 6 months
StrongVPN — Longest-Running VPN Provider
As one of the very first commercial VPN services publicly available on the web, StrongVPN has over 25 years of experience securing online privacy for customers since its launch in 1995. Initially popular with business travelers and ex-pats working internationally, StrongVPN meets the demands of modern digital nomads shielding data across increasingly hostile networks.
The company oversees a global server fleet spanning 950+ VPN nodes across 30 countries operated directly by StrongVPN rather than via white-label partnerships. That exclusive network reach ensures reliable uptime and responsive latency no matter your location. Decades of VPN expertise also means rock-solid reliability, with apps and infrastructure refinements that just work.
For longtime StrongVPN users across Windows, Mac, iOS and Android clients, the company undoubtedly meets their expectations for privacy and security thanks to finely tuned networks and infrastructure. While considered a premium VPN provider, loyal subscribers benefit from exclusive promotions and discounted plans rewarding customer loyalty spanning years or decades in some cases.
- StrongVPN — 66% off / $3.97 per month
The best VPN providers have come a long way, evolving cutting-edge privacy tools that combine ease of use with watertight security. Based on extensive testing in 2024, I recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN overall thanks to unrivaled performance, reliability and support options that justify the relatively higher subscription cost.
For shoppers on a budget, Surfshark VPN delivers excellent speeds and usability often exceeding more expensive competitors. NordVPN and CyberGhost VPN also provide great all-around options catering to security purists and VPN novices respectively. However, frequent travelers should look at TorGuard VPN for their unparalleled global presence securing devices across 50+ countries worldwide.
No matter your personal use case, following this guide will help you discover the ideal VPN service for protecting your privacy and accessing the open internet in 2024 and beyond.
Disclaimer: Prices and promotions mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change based on the retailers’ discretion. Please verify the current offer before making a purchase.
Discover more from GadgetBond
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
