Virtual private networks (VPNs) encrypt your data and hide your IP address. VPNs keep your data secure and prevent others from spying on your online activities, making them an excellent security tool at home and while on the road.
A VPN is particularly important when traveling or when using public Wi-Fi networks, such as those provided at hotels. VPNs are also great for streaming because they often unlock access to different content libraries (although this is a legally gray area), including movies and TV shows.
Also: The best VPNs for iPhone and iPad
While VPNs are not a silver bullet for security, they can help keep your browsing activities hidden and your data safe. Your IP address is concealed because your online requests are encrypted and routed through the VPN provider's server network. Some VPNs offer additional privacy features, including ad blocking, data breach scanners, antivirus protection, password managers, and cyber insurance.
Since choosing a VPN can be a long-term commitment, it is important to consider what you want most from a VPN, how you intend to use it, and what type of plan you are willing to sign up for before selecting one of the many solutions on the market.
What is the best VPN service right now?
Our pick for the best VPN overall is NordVPN. Based in Panama and subject to strict data protection laws, NordVPN has always been a top contender in the VPN space. NordVPN offers the full package: fast speeds, stable connections, an expansive server network, and excellent streaming capabilities.
It's not the cheapest VPN available (we have another pick for best value VPN below), but if you want a solid VPN for the foreseeable future that is suitable for most use cases and is backed by solid customer support, NordVPN is for you
The ZDNET team has decades of experience in the VPN arena. We've tested all the best VPNs on the market, rigorously evaluating them based on number of servers, security features, price, and more. We also consistently run speed tests in our evaluations -- our latest tests were performed in December 2024. Read on to find the best VPN for you.
The best VPNs of 2024
NordVPN
Best VPN overall
NordVPN is one of the most widely used consumer VPNs available. For most users, it ticks all the boxes. It's secure, suitable for streaming, and has all the features you'll likely need.
We've found it's one of the fastest VPNs with the most consistent speeds and rapid connectivity. In our recent tests with Netflix, for example, NordVPN emerged as the top VPN for streaming the service's content.
NordVPN offers many features beyond the basics, including support for P2P sharing and an option for a second layer of encryption through Double VPN, which lets you set up a dedicated IP address to run a VPN that doubles as a server. NordVPN also has a kill switch that activates if your connection suddenly drops.
Review:NordVPN: Consistent speed and performance
NordVPN is compatible with all major platforms. The company also operates Meshnet, which allows you to connect directly to other devices instead of routing your traffic through a VPN server. NordVPN provides a server network of 111 countries, allowing you to connect 10 devices simultaneously to its service under one account.
Subscription cost is on the pricier end. Still, customers enjoy its consistent and speedy service for home use and travel. In recent news, the company launched NordProtect, a new identity theft and protection service.
You can pick between three types of plans with two-year, one-year, or one-month contract terms, depending on whether you want advanced features such as a password manager, data breach scanner, cloud storage, or file encryption.
Prices start at $3.59 per month on a two-year plan or $4.59/month for a one-year subscription. Three months of free access are added to the end of these contracts. A month of service costs $12.99.
Also:ExpressVPN vs. Surfshark vs. NordVPN: Which is best?
NordVPN f eatures: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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ExpressVPN
Best VPN for speed
ExpressVPN is our top choice for the fastest VPN service. It's one of the most popular VPN providers, offering a wide range of platforms, and is well-regarded and trusted.
ExpressVPN has an expansive network with servers in 105 countries. Customers often say it delivers a speedy and consistent connection, and we agree. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are well-matched in speed, but during speed tests, we've found that ExpressVPN often just comes above its closest competitor.
The company doesn't log your browsing history, IP address, or traffic destination and operates a no-logs policy. Compatible platforms include Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire OS, and tvOS.
ExpressVPN is also the developer of Aircove, a router product line with ExpressVPN built-in, saving you the legwork if you want blanket VPN coverage for all your home devices. Alternatively, you can manually set up ExpressVPN to work with gaming consoles like Microsoft's Xbox, Sony's PlayStation, and Nintendo's Switch, and TVs that do not support its app (you may need to install the VPN directly on your router).
Review:ExpressVPN: Is it worth the price?
While customer service is friendly and polite, they persist in customer retention, so you'll need to set aside some time if you wish to cancel after 30 days. Considering the high price point of the subscriptions, however, we would like to see ExpressVPN to support unlimited simultaneous connections in the future, instead of just eight.
Typically, subscriptions begin at $6.67 per month on a 12-month plan. However, ExpressVPN is still running a promotion after its Black Friday sale, allowing new users to subscribe to a two-year plan for $4.99/month. Plus, four months of free service are added to the length of the contract.
ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 8 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Surfshark VPN
Best value VPN
In our Surfshark VPN review and testing, we found this VPN to be quick to connect with a reasonable server network. While it's not the fastest option, it's a service with a very affordable price point that provides excellent value for the money.
There were also no data leaks, which is precisely what you want to see from a quality VPN. With AES-256-GCM, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and RSA-2048 encryption, Surfshark prioritizes security. The organization also upholds a no-logs policy.
With 100 countries in its server network, you have plenty of locations to choose from, making this VPN a good choice for streaming content at home or abroad.
We appreciate its add-on features, such as anti-tracking, a search engine that doesn't log your information, and a scanner that searches data breach lists for your email. With Surfshark's multi-hop option, you can also connect through two VPN servers. Customers say that the support team is excellent and quick to respond.
The cheapest option, a two-year subscription called Surfshark Starter, costs only $1.99/month. Alternatively, you can sign up for one year and pay $2.99 per month or $15.45 for just one month of access. One- and two-year contracts include four months of free access.
Also:NordVPN vs Surfshark: Which is better?
Surfshark f eatures: S imultaneous connections: Unlimited | Ad blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes | Countries: 100 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.8
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Private Internet Access
Best open source VPN
Private Internet Access is an excellent option if you need a VPN long-term and support for multiple devices. The service offers unlimited simultaneous connections and is compatible with various operating systems and devices.
PIA offers excellent security, too, given that it's open-source. Much of the VPN's code can be examined and audited publicly, which you always want when trusting your security to a third-party vendor. There is also a strict no-logs policy in place, and PIA publishes frequent transparency reports.
PIA doesn't have the most expansive network available, with 91 countries, but as customers note, the VPN is quick to install and very simple to use. During our testing, however, we found server upload speeds can be slow.
PIA includes a free email breach monitor. Other features we like are the "snooze" button if you need to temporarily turn off the VPN and a tab displaying security elements, including port connections, protocols, and data encryption standards in use. You can also opt for a dedicated IP address or an antivirus scanner as a part of your package.
Review:Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access offers a range of monthly plans, including a two-year subscription for $2.03 per month, making it a very affordable VPN. If you want to try out the VPN for a shorter period, you can sign up for $7.50 per month for six months. The best deal is the two-year subscription, as you also get four months of free access.
Private Internet Access VPN f eatures: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Google Play rating: 4.3 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Proton VPN
Best free VPN
Proton is a Swiss company created by engineers and scientists. Under the slogan "privacy by default," the organization is focused on developing services -- including encrypted email and a VPN -- to enhance the privacy of activists, journalists, and the public.
Proton VPN has a solid approach to security, layering robust protocols on top of perfect forward secrecy and encryption. Not only does Proton VPN have a kill switch, but it also has an always-on function that attempts to restore VPN service if it's dropped mid-communication. All of Proton's apps are open-source, there's a no-logs policy, and the company reports that it is independently audited.
Review:Proton VPN
Proton offers a free VPN service that is supported by paid users. It allows one machine to connect without bandwidth limits and provides access to servers across five countries. We don't typically recommend using free VPNs, but if you want a service for casual browsing, you should consider this one. Unlike many less reputable free VPN services, it will not sell your information.
Customers like Proton's attitude to security and privacy. We find it easy to use, and the speeds are reasonable. Although Trustpilot ratings are low, the feedback primarily relates to the firm's free plan limitations and customer support system.
The best deal is $4.49 per month on a two-year plan. A one-year plan is priced at $4.99 per month, or you can select one month of access for $9.99. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Proton VPN features: Open-source | Simultaneous connections: One to 10, depending on the plan | Countries: 110 | Logging: No-logs policy | Security audits | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, Kodi, and routers | VPN accelerator | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Free option | Trustpilot rating: 2.4 | Google Play rating: 4.5 | App Store rating: 4.6
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Best VPN service Price Kill switch Countries Simultaneous connections DNS leak detected?
NordVPN $2.99 per month on a two-year plan Yes 111 10 X
ExpressVPN $4.99 per month on a two-year plan Yes 105 8 X
Surfshark VPN $1.99 per month on a two-year plan Yes 100 Unlimited X
Private Internet Access $2.03 per month on a two-year plan Yes 91 Unlimited X
Proton VPN Free/$4.49/month on a two-year contract Yes 110 1-10, varies by plan X
We ran a series of speed and connectivity tests in December 2024 on each VPN's paid service to see how they compare.
We performed the tests using a broadband connection in the UK with an average starting speed, without a VPN, of 52.42 Mbps download and 17.13 Mbps upload. (Yes, they are terrible, but they are the best the UK currently offers where I live.)
The following speeds are in Mbps. We also tested for the presence of DNS leaks.
Please remember that results may differ for you and vary from country to country, so the below should be considered a snapshot. Your ISP provider and broadband subscription may also impact your speeds. For example, the starting speed is a snail's pace compared to some US offerings.
The below results are not the exact speeds you should expect. You can instead use these results to get a general idea of how your speeds could change with a VPN. Remember that the further away the VPN server, the more your speed may be impacted. Speeds will typically be quicker when you connect to a local server, compared to selecting Australia, for example (unless you're in Australia!).
Choose this top VPN service... If you want...
NordVPN The best VPN overall. NordVPN isn't the cheapest VPN available, but it remains one of the most consistently fast and stable connection providers. It's great for streaming and travel, too, with a great user interface on PC and mobile.
ExpressVPN A robust, fast server network. ExpressVPN is a service we have used for years, and we consider it one of the fastest and least obtrusive available. You can expect multi-platform support and relatively minor speed downgrades when you are streaming. However, it isn't cheap.
Surfshark VPN The least expensive top VPN. Surfshark is a consistent player in our top VPN lists, and for good reason. It might not always be the fastest, but for the price point, you can't argue against its value for money.
Private Internet Access Unlimited simultaneous connections. Private Internet Access is a great choice if you want a set-and-forget, affordable VPN that can support and protect as many devices as you like -- but the interface won't suit everyone.
Proton VPN A variety of add-on features and the comfort of open-source security. Proton VPN also offers a free plan and is one of the most privacy-focused VPN services out there.
These are the most important factors to consider when selecting a new VPN service.
Speed: Every VPN performs differently, and every user experience differs. Your ISP will offer speeds that are not the same as someone in another location. Your favorite coffee shop has a different network connection than our local haunts. So, when you are testing a new VPN, keep your base speed in mind. Look out for VPN solutions with minimal speed loss.
Apps: VPN providers should offer compatibility for multiple platforms and operating systems. Take a look at the user interfaces, features, and compatibility offered by your chosen VPN provider before you commit.
Simultaneous connections: If you're paying for a VPN, you might want to use it across multiple devices, such as a desktop PC, smartphone, or smart TV. We recommend you sign up for a plan supporting at least six devices, and thankfully, most paid plans now offer at least this number.
Trial periods: Before committing to a VPN provider, test them out -- that's what money-back guarantees are for. Remember that most VPN providers will give you 30 days to cancel and secure a refund. Some even offer up to 45 days.
Avoid most free VPN providers: Running a VPN is expensive, and if the VPN provider doesn't make money from your service fees, they're going to make money from your data -- sometimes even by selling your personal information. Stick with the trusted commercial vendors we've tested or the handful of free plans we recommend. There are also cases where "free" VPNs undermine what the software is meant to stand for -- data protection and security.
Contract terms: VPN providers constantly offer discounts, typically on longer-term plans, so you need to consider the fine print before you sign up. Remember to cancel before automatic renewal if you're no longer happy with the service or want to switch to a cheaper deal elsewhere.
Use cases: Your VPN selection should relate to how you want to use a VPN. You may want one specifically for streaming geo-locked content, for example, or you may need a VPN that is likely to work in restricted countries. Consider these points before making your final choice, and test them out during your MBG time period to ensure the VPN is right for you.
We tested and analyzed the best VPNs in 2024 using the following criteria to help you make an informed decision:
Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there's no point in using a VPN while streaming if your connection continually drops or lags. We frequently conduct speed tests to stay up to date and informed of any service changes.
Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit how many devices you can connect to a service at the same time. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and possibly even a smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least six simultaneous connections.
Security: There's no point using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.
Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from using an unprotected connection. This is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
Geo-blocks and streaming: We know VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you're away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations perform well given these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while you are streaming.
Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive mobile apps.
Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough -- at least 50 or so -- to provide variety.
Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee, and many will offer mobile users a seven-day trial.
Support: As with any subscription software, you may encounter problems with installing apps, using the service, renewing, or canceling. We list VPNs with an available support team.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.
VPN FAQs
VPN is an acronym for virtual private network, which lets you browse the internet privately and connect securely to open or public Wi-Fi networks. A VPN allows you to change your virtual location by redirecting the connection through one of its servers worldwide. A VPN encrypts your traffic, hiding you from hackers, internet service providers, and governments.
If, however, your online activities are being monitored at the ISP level -- say, by a government -- they may recognize the signature of a VPN, even if exactly what you are doing is hidden.
VPNs are useful in unblocking geo-restricted content and can be vital tools for accessing information in countries with repressive governments. They are important services for anyone who wants to maintain a high level of safety and privacy online. Because they are anonymous (or at least should be), they can also be used to hide illegal online activities, such as pirating content.
A fully functional VPN should protect your privacy and mask your location and IP address. If you're unsure if your VPN is working correctly, some tools make checking your VPN's performance easy.
You can find out your IP address and location by using whatismyipaddress.com. Compare the IP address and location when you're connected with and without a VPN. If they are different, then your VPN is doing its job.
It's possible that your VPN is leaking your data and potentially exposing your online activity. You can run tests on a site like DNS Leak Test to ensure your VPN has no issues with DNS leaks or IP leaks. Plenty of tools allow you to test for leaks, but VPN providers own many, and it may not always be clear who developed the tool, which could be a conflict of interest. You may want to run tests using different sites and compare the results.
If you're traveling or using the internet in a public place like a coffee shop, data encryption is critical, since most public Wi-Fi hotspots are open and unencrypted -- which means anyone on the network can see what you send and may be able to eavesdrop on your activities and steal passwords.
If you're connecting to an existing corporate virtual private network, you may not need an additional service. MacOS comes with built-in native VPN support.
Head over to System Settings, then the Network tab, and either import the configuration file you were provided or hit the plus button and add a VPN interface. Here's a handy tip sheet from Apple that will walk you through the process.
If you're connecting to an established corporate VPN, all you need to do is add a new Windows VPN connection. Click the Start button, type settings, then select Settings, Network & Internet, VPN, and then Add VPN. Make sure you have the connection details provided by your work, and then click on "Add a New VPN Connection." Fill in the form and you're good to go. Here's a tip sheet from Microsoft with more information.
Windows also allows you to host a VPN server by creating a new incoming network connection, choosing the users who can connect, and telling Windows that the incoming connection is across the internet. You'll also have to configure your router to allow traffic to your computer.
WireGuard is Linux's baked-in VPN capability. Its code is relatively simple and small, making it far easier to maintain, test, and debug.
So what do you need to set up WireGuard? Most VPNs we spotlighted support WireGuard right out of the box. You can download it for Linux. You can also download a package for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and FreeBSD. It's like most open-source products in that you'll need to do some reading and thinking to make it work.
We've highlighted paid services in this article, although some offer a free tier or a money-back guarantee during a trial period (check out our picks for the best VPN free trials). In general, we don't recommend most entirely free VPN services because they may not be secure.
Operating a good VPN service requires hundreds of servers worldwide and vast networking resources. If you're not paying to support that infrastructure, who is? Probably advertisers or data miners. If you use a free service, your data will probably be sold. You wouldn't want your data to go to some company to sift through -- it completely defeats the purpose of a VPN.
Before you choose a VPN service, free or paid, know that no single tool can guarantee your privacy. Anything can be compromised. A VPN protects your data from your computer to the VPN service. It doesn't protect what you put on servers. It doesn't protect your data from the VPN provider's VPN servers to whatever site or cloud-based application you use. Privacy and security require you to be diligent throughout your digital journey, and VPNs, while helpful, are not a miracle cure.
That said, if you would like to explore free options, we have compiled a guide of the best free VPNs available in 2024.
A VPN's cost can vary depending on your needs. Basic plans are often priced at a few dollars per month, but keep in mind that pricing structures are often displayed as monthly equivalents, so you may have to pay upfront for the full contract at sign-up. Tax may also be added. If you need a specialized VPN, such as one able to circumvent blocks in countries like China, expect to pay more.
If it's your data, and you want it to be secure, yes. The same choices are valid regardless of what kind of device you use to transmit and receive data over the internet.
Also: The best mobile VPNs
Yes, in most countries, including the US, the UK, and the majority of Europe. In some countries, however, VPNs are illegal, or they are severely discouraged and limited to state-approved software.
At the moment, countries including North Korea, Iraq, and Belarus have reportedly banned the use of VPNs entirely. As noted in NordVPN's country guide, others -- like China, Russia, and Egypt -- discourage VPN use and try to stop new adoption by demonizing VPNs as software widely used for criminal activity.
Workarounds do exist, but they may come with risks.
We recommend that you do, as a VPN provides a blanket layer of protection for your online activities. If speed loss is problematic during some activities -- such as gaming -- at least use one during sensitive activities, such as accessing financial accounts. You should also always use a VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Some do. Check when you sign up. For non-free plans, none of the providers we recommended limit the amount of data you can use. Some will limit how many devices you can use at once -- although, for paid plans, VPN providers tend to offer more connections than you will need.
As a general rule of thumb, free or trial offerings tend to restrict usage, speed, and/or the number of devices you can connect to the VPN, with access and speed increased for paying customers.
Logging is the recording of data about your usage, and it occurs everywhere. Every website, at minimum, records an IP address, time, and data accessed so they can track traffic. All VPN providers have to check credentials against recorded personal data to make sure you paid, but some let you sign up with Bitcoin, allowing you to hide your identity.
When we say a VPN doesn't log data, we mean they don't track which sites you visit and for how long, but they may track how much of their infrastructure you use.
Let's say you're surfing online and suddenly your VPN connection fails. Your phone or computer is likely to immediately try to reconnect and do so directly without going through a VPN. All of a sudden, your data is unprotected.
A kill switch is a feature in your device's VPN app that detects when a connection fails and immediately shuts down network access. Like with everything, it's not a 100% perfect solution, but these days, we wouldn't recommend using a VPN that doesn't offer a kill switch.
When you have multiple devices -- such as a tablet, a laptop, and a smartphone -- and you are using these devices for different tasks, you still want to keep your data and connections secure on each machine.
When you have enabled the VPN on more than one device at the same time, you are using simultaneous connections. It's always best to have this feature in a VPN to ensure your privacy isn't accidentally compromised through one device or another.
Using a VPN can often slow down your connection. That's because your data is encrypted, decrypted, and sent through intermediate servers. Game responsiveness might suffer, for example, or you may notice your streaming service doesn't load as fast as usual.
With many high-quality VPNs now available, however, the negative impact is often unnoticeable, unless there is a problem with the VPN server you connect to. To fix this, try a server in a different location and see if that improves your connection.
If you've been shopping for a VPN service, you've undoubtedly come across a bunch of names like SSL, OpenVPN, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, PPP, PPTP, IKEv2/IPSec, and SOCKS5. These are all communication protocols. They are, essentially, the name of the method by which your communication is encrypted and packaged for tunneling to the VPN provider.
To be honest, while VPN enthusiasts can argue over protocols for hours, it's probably good enough to use the default setup from your provider.
You should avoid VPNs without a long-term customer base or strong customer feedback. Shady VPNs may offer you free services, but nothing in life is truly free -- and they may store or sell your information in return. You should also avoid VPN providers with known security problems and a lack of transparency around resolving them.
Our top recommendations are above, but that doesn't mean other excellent VPNs are not in the market. Below, you will find alternative providers offering trustworthy, secure VPN services for different use cases.
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