Best VPN service in 2024

In a world where online privacy and security are paramount, choosing the right virtual private network (VPN) service can be a big job. However, with a plethora of options available, it’s essential to find a solution that not only safeguards your digital footprint but also provides a seamless and uninterrupted online experience.

This in-depth review explores the details of five top VPN services: ExpressVPN, IPVanish, NordVPN, Proton VPN, and Surfshark. Each service offers a unique blend of features, performance, and value, catering to a diverse range of user needs and preferences.

Whether you’re a tech-savvy individual seeking robust security measures, a remote worker in need of unrestricted access to online resources, or an online privacy advocate determined to protect your digital rights, this article aims to empower you with the knowledge to make an informed decision.

Dive into the world of VPNs and discover the perfect solution that aligns with your priorities, be it lightning-fast speeds, military-grade encryption, user-friendly interfaces, or unparalleled value for money. Unlock the full potential of the internet while safeguarding your online activities from prying eyes and potential threats.

Embark on this journey of digital freedom and privacy, and let this comprehensive review guide you towards the VPN service that best suits your needs, ensuring a secure and uncompromised online experience.

ExpressVPN #

ExpressVPN is a leading virtual private network (VPN) service that has garnered widespread acclaim for its exceptional performance, robust security features, and user-friendly interface. Established in 2009, ExpressVPN has solidified its position as a trusted name in the VPN industry, catering to individuals seeking online privacy, security, and unrestricted access to digital content.

ExpressVPN’s commitment to privacy is evident in its strict no-logs policy, which has been independently audited and verified. This policy ensures that your online activities remain private and secure, free from prying eyes or potential data breaches. Additionally, ExpressVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction known for its strong privacy laws and lack of data retention requirements.

One of the standout features of ExpressVPN is its proprietary Lightway protocol, which offers lightning-fast speeds and robust security. This protocol, combined with ExpressVPN’s vast network of servers spanning over 94 countries, ensures a seamless and uninterrupted online experience, whether you’re streaming your favorite shows, gaming, or simply browsing the web.

ExpressVPN’s user experience is second to none, with intuitive and user-friendly apps available for a wide range of devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The apps are designed with simplicity in mind, allowing even the most tech-savvy individuals to easily connect to a secure VPN server with just a few clicks.

Pros #

• Exceptional Speeds: ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol and optimized server network deliver blazing-fast speeds, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted online experience.
• Robust Security Features: With military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced security features like split tunneling and a kill switch, ExpressVPN provides top-notch protection for your online activities.
• Unblocks Streaming Services: ExpressVPN seamlessly unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more, allowing you to access your favorite content from anywhere in the world.
• User-Friendly Interface: The ExpressVPN apps are intuitive and easy to use, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced users.
• 24/7 Live Chat Support: ExpressVPN’s knowledgeable support team is available around the clock to assist you with any issues or queries you may have.

Cons #

• Slightly More Expensive: While ExpressVPN offers excellent value for its features, it is slightly more expensive than some of its competitors.
• Limited Customization Options: Some advanced users may find ExpressVPN’s interface lacking in customization options compared to other VPN services.

Price & Value #

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service, and its pricing reflects the quality of its offerings. The latest pricing plans are as follows:

• 1 Month: $12.95 per month
• 6 Months: $9.99 per month
• 12 Months: $8.32 per month

While ExpressVPN may be more expensive than some of its competitors, it offers exceptional value for its robust security features, lightning-fast speeds, and user-friendly interface. Additionally, ExpressVPN frequently offers discounts and promotions, making it more affordable for budget-conscious users.

When compared to other top-tier VPN services in the market, ExpressVPN’s pricing is competitive, and its features and performance justify the cost for users seeking a reliable and secure VPN solution.

Conclusion #

ExpressVPN is a top-notch VPN service that excels in delivering a seamless and secure online experience. With its cutting-edge technology, robust security features, and user-friendly interface, ExpressVPN caters to a wide range of users, from casual browsers to power users. Whether you’re looking to protect your online privacy, access geo-restricted content, or simply enjoy a faster and more secure internet connection, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice that offers exceptional value for its offerings.

IPVanish #

IPVanish is a popular VPN service that has been around for over a decade, offering a comprehensive suite of features and capabilities to ensure online privacy and security. At its core, IPVanish is designed to provide users with a secure and encrypted connection to the internet, allowing them to browse the web anonymously and access geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world.

IPVanish boasts an impressive network of over 2,000 servers across 75+ locations in 52 countries, ensuring that users have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to connecting to a server. The service utilizes industry-standard encryption protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, to protect users’ online activities from prying eyes.

One of the standout features of IPVanish is its exceptional performance and functionality. With WireGuard connections reaching blistering speeds of over 770 Mbps in tests, IPVanish is an excellent choice for users who engage in bandwidth-intensive activities such as torrenting and streaming. The service has been independently audited for security and privacy, ensuring that users can trust its commitment to protecting their data.

IPVanish’s user experience is also noteworthy. The service offers feature-rich apps with plenty of customization options, catering to both novice and advanced users. The apps boast an intuitive map interface, making it easy to connect to servers in different locations. Additionally, IPVanish offers a dedicated Linux GUI app, a rarity among VPN providers.

Pros #

• Blistering Speeds: With WireGuard connections reaching over 770 Mbps, IPVanish is ideal for bandwidth-intensive activities like torrenting and streaming.
• Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: IPVanish allows users to protect as many devices as they want with a single subscription, providing unparalleled flexibility.
• Robust Security Features: The service offers robust security features like a kill switch and leak protection, ensuring that users’ online activities remain private and secure.
• 24/7 Live Chat Support: IPVanish provides round-the-clock live chat support, ensuring that users can get assistance whenever they need it.

Cons #

• Streaming Limitations: While IPVanish unblocked popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer in tests, it struggled to unblock Disney+ in the latest tests.
• Pricing Structure: While IPVanish offers competitive pricing for longer subscription plans, the renewal pricing can be quite expensive if users don’t opt for longer plans.
• Complex Desktop Apps: The desktop apps can feel a bit cluttered and complex for beginners, which may be a deterrent for those seeking a more streamlined user experience.

Price & Value #

IPVanish offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different user needs. The monthly plan is priced at $12.99, while the yearly plan is available at $3.99 per month, and the 2-year plan is the most cost-effective option at $2.99 per month.

When compared to other VPN services in the market, IPVanish’s pricing is competitive, especially for its longer subscription plans. The service offers excellent value for money, considering its impressive performance, robust security features, and unlimited simultaneous connections.

Conclusion #

IPVanish is a reliable and feature-rich VPN service that excels in providing users with a secure and private online experience. With its blistering speeds, unlimited simultaneous connections, and robust security features, IPVanish is an excellent choice for users who prioritize online privacy and security. While it may have some limitations in terms of streaming and app complexity, the service’s overall performance and value make it a compelling option for both novice and advanced users.

NordVPN #

As another leading VPN service, NordVPN has garnered widespread acclaim for its robust security features, lightning-fast speeds, and unwavering commitment to user privacy. Established in 2012, NordVPN has swiftly risen through the ranks to become one of the most trusted and highly recommended VPN providers in the industry.

NordVPN’s core offering revolves around its extensive global server network, boasting over 6,000 servers strategically located across 110 countries. This vast infrastructure ensures that users can seamlessly access geo-restricted content, bypass censorship, and maintain online anonymity, regardless of their physical location.

One of NordVPN’s standout features is its exceptional security measures. The service employs military-grade AES-256 encryption, coupled with advanced protocols like NordLynx (a proprietary implementation of WireGuard) and OpenVPN, ensuring that your online activities remain completely secure and private. Additionally, NordVPN’s strict no-logs policy, independently audited by reputable third-party firms, further solidifies its commitment to safeguarding user privacy.

NordVPN’s performance and functionality are equally impressive. With its cutting-edge technology and optimized server infrastructure, the service delivers blistering fast speeds, often exceeding 950 Mbps in real-world testing scenarios. This unparalleled speed ensures a seamless streaming experience, lightning-fast downloads, and lag-free online gaming sessions.

The user experience with NordVPN is nothing short of exceptional. The service offers intuitive and user-friendly apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. These apps feature a clean and minimalistic interface, making it easy for users of all skill levels to connect to the VPN with just a few clicks.

Pros #

• Extensive Global Server Network: With over 6,000 servers spanning 110 countries, NordVPN offers unparalleled access to geo-restricted content and ensures reliable connections worldwide.
• Robust Security Features: NordVPN employs military-grade encryption, advanced protocols, and a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain completely secure and private.
• Blazing-Fast Speeds: Powered by cutting-edge technology and optimized server infrastructure, NordVPN delivers blistering fast speeds, often exceeding 950 Mbps in real-world testing scenarios.
• Reliable Streaming and Unblocking: NordVPN consistently unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, ensuring seamless access to your favorite content.
• User-Friendly Apps: NordVPN offers intuitive and user-friendly apps for various platforms, making it easy for users of all skill levels to connect to the VPN with just a few clicks.

Cons #

• Limited Simultaneous Connections: NordVPN allows up to 6 simultaneous connections on a single subscription, which may be limiting for users with multiple devices.
• Slightly Complex Interface: While generally user-friendly, NordVPN’s interface can appear cluttered or overwhelming, especially on mobile devices, due to the abundance of features and options.

Price & Value #

NordVPN offers a range of pricing plans to cater to different user needs and budgets. The Basic plan, which starts at $3.09 per month for a 2-year subscription, provides access to the core VPN service.

For users seeking more advanced features, NordVPN offers the Plus and Ultimate plans, which include additional features like malware protection, ad/tracker blocking. These plans are priced at $3.99 and $5.99 per month, respectively, for a 2-year subscription.

Compared to other premium VPN services in the market, NordVPN’s pricing is competitive, especially considering the comprehensive feature set and exceptional performance it offers. With its robust security measures, lightning-fast speeds, and reliable streaming capabilities, NordVPN represents an excellent value proposition for users seeking a top-tier VPN solution.

Conclusion #

NordVPN stands out as a compelling choice for individuals seeking a reliable, secure, and high-performance VPN service. With its extensive global server network, robust security features, blazing-fast speeds, and user-friendly apps, NordVPN caters to a wide range of user needs, from online privacy and security to seamless streaming and unblocking of geo-restricted content. While it may have a slightly complex interface and a limited number of simultaneous connections, NordVPN’s overall value proposition and commitment to user privacy make it a top contender in the VPN market.

Proton VPN #

Proton VPN is a privacy-focused virtual private network (VPN) service that prioritizes security, transparency, and internet freedom. Developed by the same team behind the renowned encrypted email service ProtonMail, Proton VPN is designed to protect users’ online activities from prying eyes, censorship, and surveillance.

Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws and commitment to digital rights. This strategic location allows the service to operate under a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no user data or browsing activities are ever stored or monitored.

One of the standout features of Proton VPN is its exceptional security measures. The service employs robust encryption protocols, including AES-256-GCM, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and RSA-2048, to safeguard user data from potential eavesdroppers. Additionally, Proton VPN offers advanced features like Secure Core servers, which route traffic through multiple servers in privacy-friendly countries, providing an extra layer of protection.

Proton VPN’s commitment to transparency is evident in its open-source apps, which are available for public auditing and scrutiny. This approach not only enhances trust but also allows security experts to identify and address potential vulnerabilities, ensuring the service remains secure and reliable.

The user experience with Proton VPN is seamless and intuitive. The service offers stable and full-featured apps across all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The apps boast a sleek and modern design, making it easy for users to navigate and customize their VPN settings.

Pros #

• Strict No-Logs Policy: Proton VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that no user data or browsing activities are ever stored or monitored.
• Advanced Security Features: The service employs robust encryption protocols, Secure Core servers, and other advanced security measures to protect user privacy.
• Open-Source Apps: Proton VPN’s apps are open-source, allowing for public auditing and scrutiny, enhancing transparency and trust.
• Unblocking Capabilities: Proton VPN excels at unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime.
• Commitment to Internet Freedom: The service actively advocates for digital privacy rights and provides dedicated servers for accessing unbiased news sources in censored regions.
• Strong Server Network: Proton VPN is steadily expanding their server network, with more than 4,650 servers across 91 countries as of spring 2024.

Cons #

• Lack of Browser Extensions: The service currently lacks browser extensions, which can be a convenient feature for some users.

Price & Value #

Proton VPN offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth, as well as several paid plans to suit different needs and budgets. The paid plans start at $4.99/month for a 1-year subscription or $4.49/month for a 2-year subscription, making it a reasonably priced option compared to other premium VPN services.

While Proton VPN may not be the most affordable option on the market, it offers excellent value for money, especially for users who prioritize privacy, security, and transparency. The service’s advanced features, commitment to internet freedom, and open-source approach justify its pricing, making it a compelling choice for privacy-conscious individuals and organizations.

Conclusion #

Proton VPN is a robust and trustworthy VPN service that excels in providing a secure and private online experience. With its strong emphasis on privacy, advanced security features, and commitment to transparency, Proton VPN stands out as a reliable choice for those seeking to protect their digital privacy and bypass online censorship.

Surfshark #

Surfshark is a leading virtual private network (VPN) service that has gained immense popularity for its robust security features, lightning-fast speeds, and exceptional value for money. Established in 2018, Surfshark has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most sought-after VPN solutions in the market.

Surfshark’s core offering revolves around providing users with a secure and private online experience, shielding their internet activities from prying eyes and enabling unrestricted access to geo-restricted content. With over 3,200 servers strategically located across more than 100 countries, Surfshark ensures a seamless and reliable connection, no matter where you are in the world.

One of the standout features of Surfshark is its exceptional performance and functionality. Powered by the cutting-edge WireGuard protocol, Surfshark delivers blistering speeds of up to 950 Mbps, making it an ideal choice for data-intensive activities such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Moreover, Surfshark’s robust security measures, including AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and advanced features like MultiHop and IP Rotator, ensure that your online activities remain private and secure.

Surfshark’s user experience is equally impressive, with intuitive and user-friendly apps available for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux. The apps are designed with simplicity in mind, allowing users to connect to the VPN with just a few clicks, while still providing access to advanced features for power users.

Pros #

• Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Surfshark stands out by allowing an unlimited number of simultaneous connections on a single subscription, making it an excellent choice for households or individuals with multiple devices.
• Unblocks Streaming Services: Surfshark consistently unblocks popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more, ensuring you can access your favorite content from anywhere in the world.
• Innovative Features: Surfshark offers a range of innovative features, such as MultiHop, Nexus network, and IP Rotator, providing an extra layer of security and privacy for your online activities.
• Affordable Pricing: Surfshark offers exceptional value for money, with its long-term plans often priced around $2.49 per month, making it one of the most affordable premium VPN services on the market.
• Strict No-Logs Policy: Surfshark adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities are never tracked or stored, further enhancing your privacy.

Cons #

• Jurisdiction: Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is a member of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, potentially raising concerns for users with the highest privacy needs.
• Limited Server Locations: While Surfshark has servers in over 100 countries, some competitors offer a larger network of server locations, which may be a consideration for users who require access to specific regions.

Price & Value #

Surfshark offers exceptional value for money, with its long-term plans often priced around $2.49 per month. This makes it one of the most affordable premium VPN services on the market, especially when considering the wealth of features and performance it offers.

When compared to other leading VPN providers, Surfshark’s pricing is highly competitive, and its unlimited simultaneous connections policy further enhances its value proposition. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user with multiple devices, Surfshark’s pricing structure ensures that you get a feature-rich VPN solution without breaking the bank.

Conclusion #

Surfshark is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a secure, fast, and feature-rich VPN solution at an affordable price point. With its exceptional performance, robust security measures, innovative features, and user-friendly apps, Surfshark caters to a wide range of users, from casual browsers to power users and online privacy advocates. While its jurisdiction and limited server locations may be a consideration for some, Surfshark’s overall value proposition makes it a standout option in the crowded VPN market.

Frequently Asked Questions #

What is a VPN and how does it work?#

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is an application that creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server. It redirects your internet traffic through this secure tunnel, masking your actual IP address and location. This allows you to browse the internet anonymously and access content that may be restricted in your region.

Is using a VPN legal?#

In most countries, using a VPN is perfectly legal as it is a legitimate tool for protecting your online privacy and security. However, there are some countries where VPNs are either banned or heavily restricted. It’s important to note that while using a VPN itself is legal, engaging in illegal activities online, such as downloading copyrighted material, remains illegal regardless of whether you’re using a VPN or not.

How do I know if my VPN is working properly?#

To verify if your VPN is functioning correctly, you can check your IP address and location on websites like whatismyipaddress.com. If the displayed IP address and location match the VPN server you’re connected to, it means your VPN is working as intended. Additionally, you can run leak tests on sites like dnsleaktest.com to ensure your VPN isn’t leaking any data.

Will a VPN affect my internet speed?#

Using a VPN may result in a moderate decrease in internet speed due to the encryption and rerouting of your traffic through a remote server. However, reputable VPN providers typically have robust server networks and infrastructure to minimize speed loss. The impact on speed also depends on the distance between your location and the VPN server you’re connected to.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a VPN?#

The three crucial factors to consider when selecting a VPN are privacy, speed, and security. Look for a VPN with a strict no-logs policy, fast and reliable server connections, and robust encryption protocols to ensure your online activities remain private and secure.

Can a VPN make me completely anonymous online?#

While VPNs significantly enhance your online privacy and anonymity, they do not make you completely anonymous. There are various tracking methods employed by websites and online services that can still identify you, such as when you log into accounts or services. A VPN should be used in conjunction with other privacy practices for maximum anonymity.