BEST VPN Services In 2024: Top 7 VPN Providers Compared

When it comes to the best VPN services in 2024 choices are practically limitless in this day and age. Every provider comes with its set of strengths and weaknesses, and on paper, it can be difficult to discern the best choice among them.

To help with this, we’ve gathered the highest-rated VPNs, comparing their features to uncover which is the best, while also highlighting their respective pros and cons.

How We Chose The Best VPN Services?

We have finalized this list of VPNs after testing more than 23 VPNs for 3 weeks and narrowed it down to the best seven VPN providers.

In a hurry? ExpressVPN is the best VPN service In 2024.

What we compared and the key points that you should look for in a VPN service.

Security: Look for a VPN provider that uses strong encryption protocols and has a no-logs policy to ensure that your data is secure and private.

Speed: A good VPN should not slow down your internet connection too much. Some VPNs may have better speed in certain areas compared to others.

Privacy: A provider which is not tied to 5-Eyes, 9-Eyes and 14-Eyes Surveillance.

Server locations: Choose a VPN with servers in the locations where you need to access the content. If you want to access geo-restricted content, make sure that the VPN has servers in the region you’re interested in.

Customer support: Choose a VPN provider that offers good customer support in case you need assistance.

Pricing: Consider the price of the VPN service and the features included.

The top seven VPNs we’ll be comparing today are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, ProtonVPN, CyberGhost VPN, Private Internet Access, and IPVanish. These seven providers are often seen as the crème of the crop in their field, and it’s difficult to argue otherwise. Between their experience with the market and specialized features, they’ve redefined what a VPN can offer to its customers.

We’ll be breaking down which one is the best based on multiple factors, including their key features, pros, cons and pricing. Once all the data has been compiled, we’ll determine once and for all which VPN offers the most for your money. So, without further ado, let’s get right into it.

1. ExpressVPN – Best Overall VPN

As far as VPNs go, ExpressVPN tends to sit at the top of most people’s lists, and for good reason. Between its powerful tools, complete features and excellent performance, ExpressVPN stands near the top. It’s one of the most impressive packages within the VPN space, so let’s look closer at what exactly makes ExpressVPN such a popular choice among consumers.

ExpressVPN: Features

Server Count	3000+ Ram-only Servers
Server Countries	94 Countries
Base Location	British Virgin Islands
Max Device Count	5 Devices
Supported Protocols	Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Key Features	Lightway Protocol, RAM-only Servers, Threat Manager, Split Tunneling, Extensive Customer Support
Customer Support Options	Support Website, 24/7 Live Chat Support, Email Support
Supported Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Routers
Peak Speeds	Lightway – 560Mbps OpenVPN – 355Mbps
Pricing	Monthly – $12.95/month 6-month Plan – $59.99/ 6-months ($9.99/month) 1-year Plan – $99.95/ year ($8.32/month)

ExpressVPN: Pros

ExpressVPN has an incredibly well-rounded set of pros, leaving very little for its cons list. It’s as close as any VPN gets to be a complete all-in-one package, and for most users, that’s the tipping point that makes them lean in ExpressVPN’s favour.

• Lightway Protocol – ExpressVPN’s custom protocol performs equally to the ever-popular WireGuard protocol that comes with most other VPNs.

• Complete feature set – Features like split-tunnelling, a kill switch, streaming support, gaming support and censorship bypassing are baked into ExpressVPN.

• Threat Manager – A micromanagement tool that screens all possible threats to your connection and data, affording you granular control over every single one.

• Smart Locations – An ExpressVPN-specific feature, that allows users to connect to the fastest and most consistent servers based on their most recent location.

• 3,000+ RAM-Only Servers – With over 3,000 RAM-only servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN keeps your information safe by not logging any of it.

• Top-notch customer service – ExpressVPN’s customer service and knowledge base are known as the best in the market, being especially user-friendly and comprehensive.

ExpressVPN: Cons

As mentioned earlier, ExpressVPN doesn’t really have any debilitating flaws behind it. Its cons are just things that put it slightly under the competition as opposed to actual issues. Overall, you really can’t go wrong with ExpressVPN.

• Standard Performance – While the Lightway Protocol does match most WireGuard VPN speeds, it’s not exactly the fastest performer around either.

• Higher Than Average Price – ExpressVPN costs slightly more than some of the options on this list.

• 5-Device Connection Limit – You can have up to five devices connected to an ExpressVPN account at any given time, slightly less than some of the competition.

2. NordVPN

If there’s one VPN provider that stands toe to toe against ExpressVPN, it’s NordVPN. With an equally impressive set of features and enough advertising that they’ve practically become synonymous with VPNs, they’ve managed to forge their own identity within the VPN market. There are many factors that set NordVPN apart from its contemporaries, so let’s look closer at what it does well, and what it lacks.

NordVPN: Features

Server Count	5200+ RAM-only Servers
Server Countries	59 Countries
Base Location	Panama
Max Device Count	6 Devices per Account
Supported Protocols	NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec
Key Features	NordLynx Protocol, SmartPlay, Onion Over VPN, DoubleVPN, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitor, Threat Protection
Customer Support Options	Knowledgebase, 24/7 Live Chat Support, Email Support
Supported Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Router, Browser extension, Amazon Kindle, Nintendo Switch, Raspberry Pi, Chromecast
Peak Speeds	NordLynx – 820Mbps OpenVPN – 550Mbps

NordVPN: Pricing

NordVPN has a complicated pricing system with many different packages, so we’ve decided to keep it separate from the features list.

Package Type	Monthly	1-year Plan	2-year Plan	Extra Features
Standard Package	$11.99/mo	$67.35/year ($4.49/mo)	$80.73/ 2 yrs ($2.99/mo)	–
Plus Package	$12.99/mo	$82.35/year ($5.49/mo)	$107.73/ 2 yrs ($3.99/mo)	Cross-platform password managerData Breach scanner, 3 months free for the first year
Complete Package	$14.29/mo	$101.85 /year ($6.79/mo)	$142.83/ 2 yrs ($5.29/mo)	Cross-platform password manager, Data Breach scanner, 3 months free for the first year 1 TB encrypted cloud storage

NordVPN: Pros

NordVPN, like ExpressVPN before it, is a well-balanced VPN provider. It has many pros, without most of the cons that Marr and many other VPN experiences. It’s not exempt from issues, but for the most part, NordVPN is outstanding in its field.

• NordLynx Protocol – NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is the company’s proprietary solution, offering performance that’s similar to or exceeds other WireGuard-powered VPNs.

• All Industry Standard Features – Features like split-tunnelling, a kill switch, streaming support, gaming support and censorship bypassing are baked into NordVPN.

• Meshnet – Meshnet allows NordVPN users to create worldwide networks of devices, allowing for safe, fast and secure connectivity.

• Based in Panama – Panama is not part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes or 14 Eyes coalition, meaning your information is safe from governments and businesses.

• 5,000+ RAM-Only Servers – NordVPN has over 5,200 RAM-Only servers in 59 countries, meaning the servers can’t log your information and you’ll always have a server close by to connect to.

• NordPass – NordVPN’s proprietary password manager, works incredibly well and is a worthwhile addition to any NordVPN subscription.

NordVPN: Cons

NordVPN manages to avoid many of the pain points that other VPNs carry, with an overall focus on being well-balanced. The biggest things to poke a stick at are some of its version differences, which are also prevalent on competing VPNs.

• Browser extension – NordVPN’s browser extension is pitiable, a far cry from its robust desktop and mobile applications.

• No Split-tunneling on macOS – NordVPN, unfortunately, does not offer split-tunnelling on the macOS variant of their VPN.

• More expensive with various packages – NordVPN has many different packages, with the cheaper packages missing out on many useful features. On top of this, it’s on average more expensive than competing VPNs.

3. Surfshark VPN

While Surfshark may be relatively new next to its contemporaries, you wouldn’t be able to tell based on what they have on offer. Boasting performance that matches, and even surpasses its competitors on top of a hyper-competitive price point, Surfshark has paved its own path to success in the VPN market. So, let’s take a look at what makes Surfshark a contender for best VPN, and what holds it back.

Surfshark VPN: Features

Server Count	3200+ Ram-only Servers
Server Countries	99 Countries
Base Location	Netherlands
Max Device Count	Unlimited devices
Supported Protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, IKEv2
Key Features	Bypasser, Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb, Split-Tunneling, Unlimited Devices
Customer Support Options	Support Website, 24/7 Live Chat Support, Email Support
Supported Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Router
Peak Speeds	WireGuard – 950Mbps OpenVPN – 190Mbps
Pricing	Monthly – $12.95/month 1-year Plan– $47.88/ year ($3.99/month) 2-year Plan– $53.28/ 2 years ($2.05/month)

Surfshark VPN: Pros

Surfshark’s biggest pro by far is that there are no limits on the number of devices you can link to an account. Generally, Surfshark excels at sheer performance numbers, especially on the WireGuard protocol. With a few other extras added to the mix, Surfshark puts on a strong showing.

• Unlimited devices – With one Surfshark account, you can connect an unlimited amount of devices, adding excellent value to a Surfshark subscription.

• Excellent WireGuard speeds – With speeds hitting 950Mbps, Surfshark outperforms a large number of its competitors effortlessly.

• Low price – Surfshark is one of the more affordable options among top-tier VPNs, with a possible price of $2.05/month with the cheapest plan.

• SHA-512 Encryption – Whereas most other VPNs only go with SHA-256 encryption, Surfshark goes a step beyond with SHA-512 encryption.

• RAM-Only Servers – Surfshark has RAM-only servers in over 100 countries, which is an excellent number for any provider.

• Three Independent Audits – To assure consumers that they can be trusted, Surfshark has been independently audited three separate times, with the most recent being in 2023 by Deloitte.

Surfshark VPN: Cons

Now, while Surfshark’s got excellent pros, many of its cons are possible deal breakers. Make sure to look them over carefully before deciding to take a dive with Surfshark.

• Extra security options cost extra – While Surfshark’s features are great, they aren’t actually included with the lower-priced packages. This means if you don’t pay up, you’ll be missing out on things like Surfshark’s email monitoring, ID leak notifications and more.

• Inconsistent P2P performance– While WireGuard speeds for Surfshark are indeed excellent, the P2P performance can be somewhat iffy. If you’re someone who needs to use P2P regularly, we wouldn’t recommend Surfshark.

• Poor OpenVPN speeds – Surfshark boasts incredible speeds on the WireGuard protocol, but switch over to OpenVPN and it’s a whole different story. In our tests, we recorded an average speed of 140Mbps, which is abysmal next to the competition.

4. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN serves as the dark horse in this comparison, not being nearly as well known as the others. This is a shame, as ProtonVPN is one of the most innovative VPN providers on the market. Making use of its unique extras and offering a no-frills free package, ProtonVPN is well on its way to overturning the big players. It does however come with some caveats, which we’ll discuss below.

ProtonVPN: Features

Server Count	1900+ Servers
Server Countries	67 Countries
Base Location	Switzerland
Max Device Count	10
Supported Protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, Stealth
Key Features	WireGuard Protocol, Proton Unlimited, Proton Free, Secure Core, Stealth Protocol, Tor Support, VPN Accelerator
Customer Support Options	Knowledgebase, Live Chat Support, Email Support
Supported Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Routers
Peak Speeds	WireGuard – 510Mbps OpenVPN – 210Mbps
Pricing	Monthly – $9.99/month 1-Year Plan – $71.88/ year ($5.99/month) 2-year Plan – $119.76/ 2 years ($4.99/month)

ProtonVPN: Pros

ProtonVPN’s many strengths manifest in the form of extra functionality, afforded by the company’s many different software offerings. ProtonVPN also has the distinction of being the only provider that has a completely free option, with no strings attached. It’s a strong showing for the provider.

• Free package – ProtonVPN’s free package is 100% free, although it only allows connections to Netherlands, US and Japanese servers. It’s a far cry from the standard free trials offered and works well.

• All industry-standard features – Features like split-tunnelling, a kill switch, streaming support, gaming support and censorship bypassing are baked into ExpressVPN.

• Proton Unlimited – Proton’s suite of productivity applications like ProtonMail, ProtonCalendar and ProtonDrive are all well-made, user friendly and powerful, adding value to your subscription.

• Based in Switzerland – Switzerland is not part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes or 14 Eyes coalition, meaning your information is safe from governments and businesses.

• Tor Support – With Tor, many different layers of security keep you safe, while the Tor anonymity network makes you impossible to track.

• Secure Core – Secure Core routers user traffic through multiple servers before it leaves their network, making it practically impossible to track.

• Stealth Protocol – ProtonVPN’s Stealth protocol was built from the ground up to bypass firewalls, censorship, and VPN blocking methods.

ProtonVPN: Cons

ProtonVPN’s insistence on its applications to add value to it means some users may find the higher-priced packages unnecessarily expensive. There are also some inconsistent download speeds from ProtonVPN, though, for the most part, it works well.

• Higher-priced packages are very expensive – While the more affordable packages are great, the high-end packages reach into and beyond NordVPN and ExpressVPN prices, which can be unattractive to some users.

• Average and inconsistent speeds –  While ProtonVPN isn’t necessarily slow, it’s also not breaking any speed records, sitting in the middle of the pack. Its download speeds can also fluctuate, resulting in a frustrating experience.

• Knowledgebase too technical – While Proton does offer a fairly comprehensive knowledgebase for you to troubleshoot issues, it’s also quite technical. Non-tech-savvy users will find it a bit too much to follow at times.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost is a VPN service that prioritizes two things above all else, security and pricing. This focus on providing the best in these two categories allows CyberGhost to carve its own niche, though it’s not lacking in other departments either. It sits on the more simple side of the VPN market, a selling point for its many loyal customers. So, let’s take a closer look to find out if it’s worthy of the top spot.

CyberGhost VPN: Features

Server Count	8900+ Servers
Server Countries	91 Countries
Base Location	Romania
Max Device Count	7
Supported Protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPSec, IKEv2
Key Features	WireGuard Protocol, Split tunneling, NoSpy servers, Kill switch
Customer Support Options	Knowledgebase, Live Chat Support, Email Support
Supported Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Routers
Peak Speeds	WireGuard – 730Mbps, OpenVPN – 380Mbps
Pricing	Monthly – $12.99/month,  6-month – $41.94/ 6-months ($6.99/month) 2-year – $56.94/ 2 years ($2.03/month)

CyberGhost VPN: Pros

With its big focus on security, many of CyberGhost’s strengths lie in this speciality. Of course, that’s not the only thing CyberGhost excels at, the service has plenty of other great selling points. The question is, is it enough to give it the edge over the competition?

• CyberGhost Security Suite – CyberGhost gives users a complete antivirus and security suite that integrates with their VPN service.

• NoSpy Servers – CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers are self-maintained servers that sport top-end hardware, better security and excellent performance.

• Good long-term pricing – When it comes to pricing, CyberGhost provides solid value with its long-term plans, including the triennial plan.

• Based in Romania – Romania is not part of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes or 14 Eyes coalition, meaning your information is safe from the prying eyes of governments and businesses.

• Stable speeds and performance – CyvberGhost doesn’t boast the fastest speeds, but it’s more than adequate, staying stable throughout use. This makes it excellent for streaming videos.

• 7,000+ RAM-Only Servers – CyberGhost matches a lot of competition with more than 7,200 servers in RAM-Only servers in over 90 countries, meaning the servers can’t log your information and you’ll always have a server close by to connect to.

CyberGhost VPN: Cons

CyberGhost’s cons lay in what it doesn’t have, which is understandable. CyberGhost’s focus on security leaves it with little space for anything else. If you really want the best security, then CyberGhost is top, but it’s not great for extras.

• Lacking in features – Outside of its security-centric features, CyberGhost VPN doesn’t exactly have many extras to its name.

• Fewer payment options –  Where most other VPNs offer a huge amount of payment options, CyberGhost only offers credit card, PayPal and BitPay options. If anonymity is your focus, then CyberGhost might not be the best choice.

• Apple clients lacking – CyberGhost’s Apple device clients aren’t as good as their other clients, with the iOS app in particular suffering from this.

6. Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN

Having been established in 2010, Private Internet Access’s head start means that it’s had plenty of time to develop. The result is a VPN service that’s not only highly trusted but also packed with features that make it a complete package for most users. This, along with the service’s highly competitive price tag put it in the running for the best VPN, though some factors do drag it down.

Private Internet Access: Features

Server Count	10,000+ Ram-only Servers
Server Countries	84 Countries
Base Location	USA
Max Device Count	10 Connections
Supported Protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
Key Features	Open-source, Kill Switch, Advanced Split Tunneling, Automation Rules, Customization, Ad Blocker
Customer Support Options	Knowledgebase, Live Chat, Email Support
Supported Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Router
Peak Speeds	WireGuard – 510Mbps OpenVPN – 440Mbps
Pricing	Monthly – $11.95/month 1-year Plan – $39.95/ year ($3.33/month) 3-year Plan – $79/ 3 years ($2.03/month)

Private Internet Access: Pros

Private Internet Access holds its ground when it comes to strengths and features. Power users will get a lot out of the sheer number of configuration options, and the VPN gives you a lot of features for its price. Performance and features are exactly what PIA excels at.

• Incredibly affordable – Private Internet Access is easily the most affordable VPN on this list, with their triennial plan costing a hyper-competitive $2.03/month.

• Highly configurable – Thanks to the company’s many years of experience, they have a vast number of settings and power options available that will give power users granular control over every aspect of their VPN experience.

• 10,000+ RAM-only servers – With over 10,000 servers in 84 countries, Private Internet Access boasts an absolutely massive number of servers, making connections pretty consistent and widely available.

• 10 device limit – Private Internet Access allows a maximum of 10 devices to be used simultaneously to one subscription, a generous amount compared to the standard 5 devices.

• Excellent OpenVPN speeds – Clocking in at 440Mbps, Private Internet Access features fairly impressive OpenVPN speeds, making it a great choice if you need to use OpenVPN for whatever reason.

• Solid customer service –  While contacting Private Internet Access requires more information than usual, the customer support team has been repeatedly reported to be very helpful and effective.

Private Internet Access: Cons

Private Internet Access is good, but its flaws relegate it a little bit from contending with the best in the business. While it still maintains its large number of power options, it’s lacking in a few other departments, holding it back from being the best.

• Knowledgebase can be difficult to use –  For users who like to self-troubleshoot, you’ll find that PIA’s knowledgebase can be frustrating at times. It’s vague with certain details and can sometimes sound misleading, getting in the way of fixing the issue.

• Average speeds –  Private Internet Access is definitely consistent with its connections, but it’s still firmly middle of the pack in terms of speed. This can lead to buffering issues when attempting to stream high-quality video.

• No app whitelisting feature – Private Internet Access unfortunately still doesn’t offer a whitelisting service for apps. This means some apps that don’t play nicely with VPNs (case in point, many Microsoft apps) can be troublesome to use.

• Based in the USA –  IPVanish is based in the US, meaning it’s inside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance and not safe from prying eyes.

7. IPVanish VPN

Last but not least, we have IPVanish, another longstanding VPN provider. It offers a great selection of features and good security options, and has a loyal client base, keeping it on the upper echelon of VPN providers. On paper, IPVanish has a plethora of different strengths, though it’s not perfect. We’ve got several gripes when it comes to IPVanish, so join us as we dig deeper into its pros and cons.

IPVanish VPN: Features

Server Count	2000+ Servers
Server Countries	75+ Countries
Base Location	USA
Max Device Count	Unlimited Devices
Supported Protocols	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPSec, IKEv2
Key Features	WireGuard Protocol, VIPRE Advanced Security, Split Tunneling,
Customer Support Options	Support Articles, FAQs, Live Chat Support, Toll-free Phone Support, Email Support
Supported Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Routers
Peak Speeds	WireGuard – 720Mbps OpenVPN – 120Mbps
Pricing	Monthly – $11.99/month 3-month – $29.99/ 3-months ($10.00/month) 1-year – $47.89/ 1 year ($3.99/month) Subsequent years – $89.99/ 1 year($7.50/month)

IPVanish VPN: Pros

IPVanish’s strengths are not as pronounced as some of its contemporaries, as IPVanish is more of an all-rounder that’s focused on simplicity. Their biggest claim to fame is that they own their own infrastructure, not outsourcing anything, which should theoretically make them more secure.

• WireGuard – WireGuard is one of the best VPN protocols, providing top-notch security and some of the best speeds among VPN services.

• Unlimited Devices – Connect as many devices to the VPN as you’d like with unlimited device support.

• VIPRE Advanced Security – A powerful antivirus program that keeps your device safe from viruses, trojans and malware.

• Good WireGuard speeds – In our speed tests, IPVanish managed a pretty respectable 720Mbps average speed, making it suitable for things like streaming and gaming.

IPVanish VPN: Cons

IPVanish tends to be heavily scrutinized in regards to its cons, as they’ve had a troublesome past. It’s led to a lot of negative press surrounding the service, which continues to this day. Whether it’s warranted or not is up to the user, though it does also suffer in some other departments.

• Security concerns – In 2016, IPVanish were forced to hand over user logs at the request of the FBI, a scandal that left lasting effects felt to this day. While IPVanish claims this will never happen again, the company is based in the US, meaning it’s inside the jurisdiction of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance and not safe from prying eyes.

• Abysmal OpenVPN speeds –  Our speed tests recorded 120Mbps on OpenVPN which is terrible. If you need to use OpenVPN, the IPVanish isn’t for you.

• Middling customer support – There are many mixed reports when it comes to IPVanish’s customer support, which is never a good sign.

Conclusion: Best VPN Services In 2024

So, now that we’ve broken down the strengths and weaknesses of every single VPN listed here, which one did we find the best? After much deliberation, we believe the one VPN that stands above all others is ExpressVPN. It gives users the greatest balance of features, performance and consistency, without any particular compromises. For most users, this makes it the best choice.

ExpressVPN may be a bit more pricey than its contemporaries, but in return, you get the most complete package possible. It beats out NordVPN by having a more robust basic feature set, it’s only slightly less secure than options like CyberGhost, it has never had any problems like IPVanish, and most importantly, it has an extensively large user base with millions of satisfied customers.

While some more budget-conscious users may consider the alternatives, there’s no doubt in our mind that ExpressVPN continues to lead the pack in regard to what a VPN can be. We hope this answered the question for you, and no matter what, make sure you’re well-informed before making a VPN choice!

Frequently Asked Questions