Skip to content

The 5 Best VPNs of 2024 Reviewed by Our Experts

As cybercriminals grow increasingly sophisticated, the need for online cybersecurity becomes even more crucial for all of us. Using a VPN as an internet security tool can offer protected searches, access to geo-blocked websites, and private online activity to individuals and corporations online.

But how do you choose the right VPN for your needs?

Choosing the right VPN exceeds budget, highlighted features, and privacy. You need to determine which features are vital to your unique needs, and a variety of factors may factor into your decision. 

Our experts have reviewed five of the best VPNs on the market based on the security and features they offer, their prices, and more. This guide to the top VPNs can help you to determine which of the best VPN services is the right choice for you.

A VPN comparison table  

Before we dig in, here’s a general overview to compare the best VPN services:

ProviderCountriesDevicesP2PMonthlyReview
CyberGhost907Yes$2.19CyberGhost Review
NordVPN596Yes$3.99NordVPN Review
ExpressVPN945Yes$6.67ExpressVPN Review
IPVanish75UnlimitedYes$2.75IPVanish Review
SurfShark80UnlimitedYes$2.29SurfShark Review

Feeling overwhelmed? Try our VPN Simplifier and simplify the selection process. We’ve researched the best VPNs for you.

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a fantastic tool for online cybersecurity that hides your IP address from websites and Internet users, and protects your personal data. VPNs prevent tracking cookies utilized by most websites, and keep your online activity anonymous.

VPNs also offer a great way to work around geoblockers that may prevent you from accessing a website based solely on your physical location. The great news is that the best personal VPNs are extremely user-friendly and won’t break the bank.

Although VPNs are legal in most of the world — including the U.S., Europe, and Canada — there are countries that have banned the use of the cybersecurity tool. Nations like North Korea, Russia, and China have either banned VPNs entirely, or have placed heavy restrictions on VPN use.

If you attempt to use a VPN to connect to websites in any of these countries, or try to access a VPN when in these nations, you could face criminal charges.

Does the VPN feature data encryption?

What criteria you should look for in the best VPNs

When you’re searching for a VPN, it’s important to compare the best VPNs based on your needs, and choose a top VPN with many positive reviews. “What VPN should I use?” is a question that many people need help answering. 

Here are some common VPN features and questions that can help you pick what’s best for you:

  • Customer support: Does the VPN provider offer easily accessible customer support? Is there an online chat feature and toll-free number? Is customer support available 24/7?
  • Encryption: Does the VPN feature data encryption? Does the VPN provider highlight total encryption measures?
  • IP shuffle: Although all top VPNs hide your physical IP address, some VPNs go above and beyond by switching the IP used for your connection throughout your online session via an IP shuffle.
  • Kill switch: A kill switch will instantly disconnect you from the Internet should your VPN connection drop. Many of the best personal VPNs offer this feature.
  • Leak protection: If you have multiple devices connected to your WiFi network (for example, your phone, TV, or tablet), but only use a VPN on your personal computer, when you’re using your VPN, your other devices will automatically be disconnected from WiFi to offer you leak protection.
  • No logs policy: A no logs policy prevents your VPN provider from storing any information about your online activity history. This feature offers many users an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
  • Privacy: The best VPNs care about your privacy and make that a focal point of the services and features their product offers.
  • Split tunneling: Some VPN networks may prevent multiple device connections. Split tunneling allows you to use your VPN while simultaneously using your local network to keep your other devices connected to WiFi. 
  • Simultaneous connections: Some top providers offer the ability to connect multiple devices using the same VPN connection.
  • Secure protocols: Most VPNs have a variety of secure protocols in place that determine what data is transferred and what remains protected. Some of the most common secure protocols used by VPN providers include Open VPN, PPTP, and SSTP.

The 5 best VPNs according to our experts

Cyberghost VPN

CyberGhost VPN is a popular company based in Romania, which falls outside of the spying Five Eye circle. This VPN offers the best VPN software and high-security standards, including OpenVPN and AES 256-bit encryption. In addition to OpenVPN, CyberGhost also allows PPTP and L2TP protocols. However, PPTP isn’t recommended as it’s the weakest secure protocol and can be easily broken.

CyberGhost also offers:

  • DNS and IP address leak protection
  • Kill switch capabilities
  • Compatibility with Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows

CyberGhost VPN primary features

  • 6.5k+ servers in over 90 countries
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Ad blocker
  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • Free trial period
  • Major platform compatibility 
  • Malware blocker
  • OpenVPN support
  • P2P permissions
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Up to 7 simultaneous connections on one VPN license

Other CyberGhost VPN highlights

CyberGhost offers full customer support, including a live chat link and a “request ticket” form to receive an emailed answer in less than 24 hours. Troubleshooting issues with CyberGhost is easy and adds to the provider’s status as a top VPN.

CyberGhost pricing

CyberGhost VPN offers month-to month, one year, and two year plans, with an occasional three year special option. Along with the money-back satisfaction guarantee, this top VPN provider offers 90-day free service bonuses for customer referrals (see the CyberGhost website for exact details).

The affordable pricing plans can be paid via credit cards, PayPal, or even bitcoin.

How to install and use CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has free apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It can also be configured on Linux, routers, Kodi, and gaming consoles. Manual configuration guides are available on the CyberGhost website.

Follow these steps to easily install one of the best VPNs on your smart devices:

  • Install on a router to exceed the seven devices per license limit. Router installation allows unlimited device connection.
  • For free installation on Windows and Mac, download directly from the CyberGhost website.
  • For Android and iOS apps, download CyberGhost directly from your app store and enjoy a 7-day free trial

Privacy assurance

CyberGhost VPN isn’t a member of the “Five Eyes” or “Fourteen Eyes” overwatch groups. The top VPN provider doesn’t record or store any user data — including search history or preferences and content. 

Our CyberGhost verdict

CyberGhost VPN is one of the best VPN providers and offers the perfect blend of anonymity, privacy, and affordability. However, slower connection speeds may impact gaming, content streaming, and other services that require high-bandwidth. 

Unhackable AES 256-bit encryption, bonus protection features like the ad and malware blockers, and a wide array of secure protocols including OpenVPN make CyberGhost a popular choice for users from all backgrounds. 

NordVPN

If you’ve ever conducted a general VPN search, NordVPN is one of the first results you’ll see. Extremely popular among ordinary Internet users and tech savvy professionals alike, NordVPN is a top VPN that offers military-grade encryption, and also includes the VPN software and hardcore malware blocker, CyberSec.  

Widely considered the best VPN by customers, NordVPN is extremely user-friendly.

NordVPN primary features

  • Up to 6 simultaneously connected devices
  • 24/7 customer service
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Accepts cryptocurrency payments
  • Adware blocker
  • DNS leak protection
  • Double VPN encryption 
  • Excellent connections for gaming 
  • Fast speeds
  • Kill switch
  • Malware blocker
  • No logs policy
  • SmartPlay streaming accessibility (including Hulu and Netflix)
  • Torrent friendly
  • Unlimited bandwidth

Other NordVPN highlights 

NordVPN has become one of the best VPNs available due to a commitment to customer security and accessibility via all major online platforms. This top VPN provider offers “Onion over VPN” services which connect you to a VPN server before you even begin to browse, and adds an additional layer of cybersecurity.

NordVPN features 5400+ servers in 59 different countries, and extremely high speeds to allow gamers and streaming channel audiences to seamlessly enjoy content.  NordVPN also offers extensive resources, including a lengthy FAQ section to support troubleshooting.

If you can’t find answers to your question on the website, you can also check out the 24/7 live online chat support or email NordVPN customer support via [email protected] and receive a quick reply. 

NordVPN pricing

NordVPN offers month-to-month, one year, and two year VPN plans. 

Payments can be made through Alipay, credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. 

Installation and use

You can download NordVPN for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, or add Firefox and Chrome browser extensions. Possibly the most popular VPN, NordVPN can also be configured to work with Linux, Raspberry Pi, DD-WRT, and Tomato.

Privacy assurance

NordVPN operates under Panama jurisdiction and does not fall under the scrutiny of the Five Eye group, and doesn’t keep VPN user logs or store user information. By utilizing Onion over VPN through this top VPN provider, you’re ensured a new, virtually untraceable IP address every 5 minutes, and protects you from even the most seasoned hackers.

Our NordVPN verdict

NordVPN is one of the largest and best VPN providers available. Fast speeds, low prices, user-friendly features, and extensive and secure protocols like OpenVPN contribute to its success and popularity. OpenVPN may slow your connection down a bit, however, NordVPN makes up for this with extremely fast speeds overall.

The top VPN provider’s appeal is also increased by its SmartPlay feature, which can give you access to 100s of geo-restricted streaming channels including Amazon Prime, BBc, Netflix, and Pandora. Gamers flock to NordVPN too, as it provides access to unlimited torrenting. 

The NordVPN kill switch offers extra protections as it shuts down connections if the VPN service drops for any reason, DPN leak protection to keep your personal details hidden, protection from federal government intrusion, and its availability makes it a great VPN for on-the-go use. We highly recommend this versatile VPN.

Some of the best VPN services

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN  provides some of the best VPN services to help you stay safe while accessing public WiFi connections and streaming your favorite TV shows and movies.

The provider’s services are a bit more costly than their best VPN counterparts, but are incredibly reliable.

ExpressVPN primary features

  • Accepts bitcoin payments
  • Apps available on all major platforms
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • 160+ server locations in 94 countries 
  • Up to 5 simultaneously connected devices
  • 24/7 live chat customer support
  • High speed connections
  • OpenVPN supported
  • Supports P2P (peer-to-peer sharing)
  • Split tunneling
  • Unblocks geo-restricted Hulu and Netflix 
  • Works in China

Other ExpressVPN highlights

ExpressVPN features incredibly fast speeds, which makes P2P, torrenting, gaming, and watching streaming channels seamless and easy. This top VPN provider is one of the only providers with the capability of bypassing Netflix VPN restrictions and the ability to bypass China’s strong VPN firewall protection. 

An expansive network allows the best VPN services of the provider to shine through and offers customers a large range of IP address connections, and the 256-bit AES encryption offers a virtually unhackable connection. 

ExpressVPN boasts of 24/7 customer support that includes a live chat feature, a ticket system for troubleshooting, and a customer support email ([email protected]) that allows agents to give same day responses (sometimes in as little as an hour). 

The VPN provider also offers online troubleshooting and installation guides. In contrast, many other VPN companies don’t offer 24/7 support or extensive resources.

ExpressVPN pricing

ExpressVPN doesn’t have the cheapest prices in the VPN industry. However, the provider offers month-to-month, 6-months, and one-year plans (the year-long plan may cost you more upfront, but can save you money in the long run). Although ExpressVPN doesn’t offer free trials, there is a risk-free, 30-day money-back guarantee.

Credit card payments, PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and other payment methods, including Alipay and Yandex Money are accepted. ExpressVPN accepts bitcoin via BitPay, Ethereum, XRP, USDC, BUSPD, PAX, and GUSD stablecoins.

Installation and use

ExpressVPN works across multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and routers. The top VPN provider also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. 

Apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux can be downloaded directly from the ExpressVPN website. Apps for iOS and Android can be downloaded from their respective app stores, and ExpressVPN can also be directly configured on a router and connected to up to five devices without the need for a second VPN license. 

Privacy assurance

ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, and it also doesn’t log your personal internet-activity data. The provider protects user privacy and doesn’t collect web activity or search history. Bitcoin payments help customers to completely protect their anonymity.

The data collected by ExpressVPN includes app functionality, dates the VPN was accessed (excluding exact timestamps), server connections, and the amount of data transferred. 

Our ExpressVPN verdict

ExpressVPN provides one of the best VPNs available and includes lightning fast speeds, high-grade encryption, a kill switch,  the ability to unblock geo-restricted streaming platforms, access to websites in China, and a large VPN network.

ExpressVPN allows P2P, which means you can torrent your favorite movies, shows, and games. The top VPN provider also provides split tunneling to simultaneously utilize your encrypted and regular WiFi connections. 

Although ExpressVPN comes with a higher price tag than some of its counterparts, and cannot simultaneously connect as many devices as CyberGhost and NordVPN, its trustworthy and efficient services make it one of the best VPNs available. 

IPVanish

Based in the U.S., IPVanish offers some of the best VPN encryption services (including WireGuard®). Although the top VPN service provider does collect minimal data, user traffic logs are non-existent.

IPVanish primary features

  • 24/7 customer support
  • 1600+ servers
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on yearly plans
  • Apps available on all major platforms
  • Available servers in over 75 global locations
  • Blocks malware
  • Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption
  • Supports OpenVPN and WireGuard® 
  • Supports P2P 
  • Unblocks US and UK Netflix
  • Unmetered devices

Other IPVanish highlights

IPVanish offers live chat help, quick replies, and customer service phone support. The configuration files and instructions provided by the top VPN provider are user-friendly and straightforward. The provider’s fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth allows Netflix accessibility, video download capabilities, a large global network, and a truly enjoyable user experience.

IPVanish also offers the unique benefit of pre-configured routers that can be plugged in and used without a need for configuration or installation. However, this option still comes with the need for an IPVanish subscription.

Customers can also connect with customer support via email, at [email protected]. Replies can take from a few hours to one business day.

IPVanish pricing

IPVanish offers budget-friendly monthly VPN plans, along with quarterly and yearly plans. Two-year plans are offered on a limited time offer basis only. Unfortunately, payment options are limited to credit cards and PayPal. Although IPVanish is one of the best VPNs, the provider doesn’t offer bitcoin or cryptocurrency payment options.

Installation and use

IPVanish is easy to install and use for even the least tech savvy customer, and is available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Windows Phone, Fire TV, router, and Chromebook users.

Privacy assurance

IPVanish doesn’t log your data, and its no-logs policy has been audited by a third-party cybersecurity firm that accessed the top VPN provider’s technology, data collection, and documentation to confirm that all services are complaint with the IPVanish privacy policy.

Our IPVanish verdict

IPVanish provides consistent speeds and high-grade encryption. They offer multiple plan lengths and allow you to connect unlimited devices simultaneously on one subscription plan, whereas many of the best VPN service providers only offer a limited amount.

One of the best VPNs for gaming, streaming, and torrenting, IPVansih offers excellent speeds, and WireGuard®, OpenVPN protocol, and AES 256-bit encryption for layered cybersecurity protection. The IPVanish pre-configured routers are a great option for new VPN users, and the VPN customer service support is incredible.

The only drawback for IPVanish is that U.S.-based companies must reveal user data if government authorities request them to do so. Nevertheless, if you’re asking yourself, “What VPN should I use?” this may be a factor that weighs heavily in your decision.

Surfshark

Newer than its top VPN counterparts, Surfshark still provides high-quality services and may be the best VPN for people in need of an extremely versatile VPN. Headquartered in The Netherlands, Surfshark isn’t subject to strict data retention VPN regulations.

Surfshark primary features

  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live chat
  • Account use for friends and family 
  • Cryptocurrency payments accepted
  • Double VPN chain
  • Kill switch
  • Unblocks Netflix
  • Bypasses the Great Firewall of China
  • Supports unlimited devices on a single license
  • Servers in 65 countries

Other Surfshark highlights

A recent merger with NordVPN means greater resources and access to the best VPN services for customers. Surfshark still stands as its own company, but falls under the same ownership as NordVPN. 

Surfshark has the ability to unblock Netflix on multiple servers via the U.S. and U.K., supports P2P networking, offers great secure protocol options, and great speeds for gaming, streaming, and torrenting.

Surfshark has 95 servers in 65 countries, can bypass the “Great Firewall of China,” has apps available for all major platforms, and offers multi-hop connections.  Live chat connections allow for immediate customer support responses, and a FAQ section on the website. You can email customer support via [email protected].

Surfshark pricing

Surfshark offers month-to-month, yearly, and two year VPN subscription plans. The month-to-month cost is far above average, but you can pay less per month by buying their one- or two-year subscription.

Surfshark also offers a “bundled” Surfshark One plan that offers the VPN service, alerts, antivirus software, and a no-track search feature. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. However, before they will issue a refund, they’ll try to work with you to solve the problem or issue you’re facing. 

Credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies are all acceptable forms of payment. Payments through the Google Play store or iTunes store will not be refunded.

Installation and Use

Surfshark has the best VPN software and apps available for PCs, Macs, iPhones, Androids, Amazon Fire TV and Linux. Surfshark also offers browser plugins for Chrome and Firefox that are easy to install and use. Plugin activity on your other apps and any torrents won’t be protected by the Surfshark VPN.

Privacy assurance

Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which is part of the Fourteen Eye alliance, but the typical VPN user has little to worry about. The top, privacy-focused VPN provider doesn’t collect or retain user’s activity information.

The Surfshark website also offers a warrant canary feature that appears as a sign that the VPN provider has never been served with a secret subpoena from the government.

Our Surfshark verdict

Although relatively new, Surfshark is among the best VPN providers and can hang with the VPN industry juggernauts. It’s a top VPN because of  good speeds, military-grade, AES 256-bit encryption, and the best security protocols — OpenVPN and IKEv2.

The one detraction here stems from the VPN’s “add ons” with the Surfshark One plan that can make pricing seem a bit confusing. Nevertheless, an easy-to-use VPN, combined with the security and privacy features mentioned above, could easily make Surfshark your best VPN option.

For more VPN help, check out the What Is My IP Address free VPN Simplifier tool.