In 2024, finding the right VPN is more important than ever. With so many options available, it can be hard to know which one to choose. A good VPN helps keep your online activities private and secure. It also lets you access content from all over the world without restrictions. In this article, we will explore the best VPNs of 2024, helping you make the best choice for your needs.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is often considered the top choice for privacy in the VPN market. With a strong focus on security and user-friendliness, it has earned high ratings for its performance and features.

Key Features

• Security Score: 9.7/10
• Number of Servers: 6,400+ in 140 countries
• Maximum Devices Supported: 10
• Privacy Features: No-logs policy, automatic kill switch, and private DNS.

What We Like

• Based in Panama, which has strong privacy laws.
• Offers multi-hop connections for added security.
• User-friendly apps for various devices.
• Excellent for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

What We Don’t Like

• Higher prices compared to some competitors.
• Customer support can be hard to reach.
• Limited servers for torrenting.

NordVPN stands out for its combination of speed, security, and ease of use, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a reliable VPN. It offers great features at an affordable price, making it a top contender in 2024.

Key Features

• Unlimited Device Connections: You can use Surfshark on as many devices as you want with just one account.
• Strong Security: It uses AES-256 encryption, which is very secure.
• User-Friendly Interface: The app is easy to navigate, even for beginners.

Pricing Plans

Plan Type	Monthly Cost	Total Cost for 2 Years
1 Month	$15.45	N/A
12 Months	$2.99	$45
24 Months	$1.99	$60

Performance

Surfshark has impressive speeds, with an average speed loss of only 17%. This makes it suitable for streaming and gaming. However, some users may experience occasional jitter during high-demand activities.

Surfshark is not just a budget-friendly option; it also provides excellent privacy features that compete with more expensive VPNs.

Conclusion

In summary, Surfshark is a strong choice for anyone needing a VPN. It combines affordability, security, and performance, making it a great option for both casual users and those who need more advanced features.

3. Private Internet Access VPN

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a great choice for those who love to customize their VPN experience. With over 20,000 servers in more than 90 countries, it offers a wide range of options for users.

Key Features:

• Unlimited devices: Connect as many devices as you want.
• Strong privacy: PIA has passed independent audits proving its no-logs policy.
• Customizable settings: Perfect for tech-savvy users who want to tweak their VPN settings.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Excellent for streaming services	Can be complex for beginners
Strong security features	Speeds are not the fastest
Affordable pricing options	Interface can be awkward

PIA is ideal for users who want a powerful VPN with many features, but it may not be the best fit for those looking for a simple solution.

4. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is known for its incredible speed, making it a popular choice among users who prioritize fast connections. Here’s a closer look at what this VPN offers:

Key Features

• Speed: Hotspot Shield is one of the fastest VPNs available, with average download speeds around 242 Mbps.
• User-Friendly Interface: The app is easy to navigate, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
• Streaming Access: It works well with streaming services like Netflix, allowing users to access content from different regions.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Very fast connection speeds	Higher price compared to others
Large server network (1,800+)	Limited to five simultaneous connections
Free version available	Based in the U.S. (Five Eyes member)

Privacy and Security

Hotspot Shield has a mixed reputation regarding privacy. While it claims to have a no-logs policy, it does collect some user data, especially for its free version. Users should be aware of this when choosing to use the service.

Hotspot Shield is best for those who want fast speeds and access to streaming services, but users should consider their privacy needs before committing.

In summary, Hotspot Shield is a strong contender in the VPN market, especially for users focused on speed and streaming capabilities.

5. Norton Secure VPN

Norton Secure VPN is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable VPN service. It stands out for its dynamic IP addresses, which enhance your online privacy.

Key Features:

• AES-256 encryption: This is a strong encryption standard that keeps your data safe.
• Dynamic IP addresses: Each time you connect, you get a different IP address, making it harder for anyone to track you.
• Affordable plans: You can get a plan for multiple devices at a reasonable price.

Pricing Plans:

Plan Type	Duration	Price
1 Device	1 Month	$4.99
1 Device	1 Year	$19.99
5 Devices	1 Month	$7.99
5 Devices	1 Year	$29.99
10 Devices	1 Month	$9.99
10 Devices	1 Year	$59.99

Pros and Cons:

What We Like:

• Easy to use, especially for beginners.
• Good security features, including automatic connection to secure networks.
• Allows up to 10 devices on one plan.

What We Don’t Like:

• Limited server locations compared to other VPNs.
• No split tunneling on iOS or Mac devices.
• Higher cost if purchased separately from antivirus products.

Norton Secure VPN is best for those who are new to online security tools. It’s user-friendly and comes from a trusted brand known for antivirus software.

6. IPVanish

IPVanish stands out for its excellent customer support, making it a top choice for users who value assistance. Here’s what you need to know:

Key Features

• Fast download speeds: IPVanish is known for its quick performance, making it suitable for streaming and gaming.
• Unlimited connections: You can use IPVanish on as many devices as you want, which is great for families or multiple devices.
• Split tunneling: This feature allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet.

Customer Support Options

Support Type	Availability
Email Support	24/7 (48-hour response time)
Phone Support	9 AM to 5 PM (UTC-6), Mon-Sun
Live Chat Support	24/7

Pros and Cons

What We Like:

• Fast download speeds
• Safe for streaming and torrenting
• User-friendly features

What We Don’t Like:

• History of sharing customer logs
• Based in the U.S.
• Slower speeds on Windows, though improved with WireGuard protocol

IPVanish has made significant improvements in its privacy policy, ensuring that it no longer logs user activity. This change has been verified by independent audits, making it a reliable choice for privacy-conscious users.

7. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is known for its top-notch security features and user-friendly design. It offers a great balance of speed and privacy, making it a popular choice among VPN users.

Key Features

• Strong Encryption: Uses 256-bit AES encryption, which is considered very secure.
• User-Friendly Apps: Available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
• Fast Speeds: Generally provides good speeds for streaming and browsing.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Excellent privacy protection	Higher price compared to competitors
Easy to use for beginners	Limited features outside core VPN
Good for streaming services	No phone support

ExpressVPN focuses heavily on privacy, using advanced technology like RAM-based servers that do not store data long-term. This makes it a strong choice for users who prioritize their online safety.

8. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a well-known name in the VPN world, recognized for its strong privacy features and good streaming capabilities. With over 11,000 servers in 100 countries, it offers a wide range of options for users.

Key Features

• Large Server Network: Over 11,000 servers available.
• Good Streaming Support: Optimized servers for platforms like Netflix and iPlayer.
• User-Friendly Apps: The latest version has a modern design and is easy to navigate.

Performance

CyberGhost provides impressive connection speeds, reaching up to 760 Mbps. However, users may experience slower upload speeds, which can drop significantly.

Feature	Rating
Design	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of Use	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Performance	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Unblocking	⭐⭐⭐
Security and Privacy	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer Support	⭐⭐⭐
Price	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

CyberGhost is a budget-friendly option that works well for casual users, but it may not meet the needs of those requiring top-tier privacy and security.

Limitations

• Device Limit: Only allows installation on 7 devices.
• Privacy Concerns: Although it has improved its logging policy, some users may still have concerns.
• Inconsistent Streaming: While it can unblock some services, it struggles with others like UK Netflix.

In summary, CyberGhost is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable VPN with a large server network and decent performance, but it may not be the best option for users with high privacy needs.

9. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a top choice for anyone who values online privacy and security. It offers a unique feature called Secure Core, which routes your internet traffic through extra secure servers located in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden. This adds an extra layer of protection to your online activities.

Key Features:

• Privacy-Focused: Proton VPN is based in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws.
• Fast Speeds: Users report excellent upload and download speeds, making it suitable for streaming and video calls.
• User-Friendly: The app is easy to use on various devices, including Linux, Android, and iOS.

Pricing Plans:

Plan Type	Monthly Cost	Features Included
1 Month	$9.99	Full access to all features
12 Months	$3.99	Best value for long-term users
24 Months	$3.59	Lowest monthly rate

Proton VPN is not just a VPN; it’s part of a larger suite of privacy tools, including ProtonMail and ProtonDrive, making it a comprehensive choice for security-conscious users.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

• Excellent security features
• Free version available
• Good for streaming services like Netflix

Cons:

• Higher prices compared to some competitors
• Limited customer support hours
• Fewer servers in the US and Europe compared to others

In summary, Proton VPN stands out for its commitment to privacy and security, making it a great option for users who prioritize these aspects. For more feedback and reviews, check out free VPN best Reddit discussions to see why it’s a popular choice.

10. UltraVPN

UltraVPN is a great choice for everyday users who want a simple and effective VPN. It offers solid privacy protection without overwhelming features.

Key Features

• User-Friendly App: Easy to navigate, making it suitable for all users.
• Affordable Pricing: Monthly plans start at $7.99, with long-term options as low as $1.99 per month.
• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee: Try it risk-free for a month.

Performance Overview

Feature	UltraVPN	Hotspot Shield
Average Download Speed	160 Mbps	242 Mbps
Average Upload Speed	185 Mbps	231 Mbps
Average Latency	105 ms	75 ms

Pros and Cons

What We Like:

• Simple to use
• Affordable subscription options
• Strong IP address protection

What We Don’t Like:

• No real kill switch on Android
• Limited VPN protocol options
• Higher speed loss compared to competitors

UltraVPN is best for students and casual internet users looking for a reliable VPN for daily use. While it may not be the fastest, it provides good value for its price.

Final Thoughts on the Best VPN in 2024

In conclusion, choosing the right VPN is essential for anyone who wants to stay safe online. The best VPNs in 2024 not only protect your privacy but also offer fast speeds and easy access to streaming services. With so many options available, it’s important to pick one that fits your needs. Whether you want to watch shows from other countries or keep your data secure, there’s a VPN out there for you. Now is a great time to sign up, especially with the latest deals making it more affordable than ever.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a VPN and why do I need one?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, helps keep your online activity private and secure. It does this by creating a secure connection to the internet and hiding your IP address, making it harder for others to track what you do online.

Can I use a VPN on multiple devices?

Yes, many VPNs allow you to connect multiple devices at the same time. Some even let you connect an unlimited number of devices!

Will a VPN make my internet speed slower?

Sometimes, using a VPN can slow down your internet speed because your data is being encrypted and routed through a different server. However, many top VPNs work hard to maintain fast speeds.

Is it legal to use a VPN?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, some places have restrictions on VPN use, so it’s good to check local laws.

Can I stream movies and shows with a VPN?

Absolutely! A VPN can help you access streaming services from different countries, allowing you to watch movies and shows that might not be available in your area.

Are free VPNs safe to use?

While some free VPNs can be safe, many have limitations and may not protect your privacy. It’s usually better to choose a paid VPN for better security and performance.