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Virtual private networks (VPNs) can be useful for a wide array of individuals and businesses — in short, anyone who wants to take steps to protect their web privacy and security. Finding the right service will depend on how you plan to use it. For example, individuals who want open access to streams or torrents will have different requirements than businesses looking to protect sensitive customer data.

Our team of experts have researched and analyzed the features, value and support offerings of the best VPN services on the market to produce our list of the top ten as well as finding five potential alternatives you might want to consider based on your specific needs.

Best VPN services

Why trust our small business experts

Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of business products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

  • 18 companies reviewed.
  • 774 data points analyzed.
  • 100+ hours of research.

Other VPN services we researched

Best VPN services comparison

NUMBER OF SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONSDEDICATED IP ADDRESSTOTAL NUMBER OF SERVERSDOUBLE VPN/MULTI-HOPLEARN MORE
TunnelBear
Unlimited with paid plans
No
Over 5,000
No
hide.me
Up to 10
No
2,400
Yes
TorGuard VPN
Up to 30
Yes with Business plans or as an add-on with Anonymous plans
Over 3,000
No
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Unlimited
Yes, as an add-on
Unpublicized
Yes
NordVPN
Up to 10
Yes, as an add-on
Over 6,200
Yes
Surfshark
Unlimited
Yes
Over 3,200
Yes
VPN Unlimited
Up to four; more available with add-on
Yes, as an add-on
Over 3,000
No
IPVanish
Unlimited
No
Over 2,400
No
ProtonVPN
Up to 10
Yes, for business users
Over 4,400
Yes
Windscribe
Unlimited
Yes, as an add-on
Unpublicized
Yes
Mozilla VPN
Five
Yes
Over 500
Yes
Mullvad VPN
Five
No
Over 650
Yes
CyberGhost
Seven
Yes, add-on
11,700
Yes
Hotspot Shield
Up to 10
No
Not listed
No
ExpressVPN
Five to eight
No
Not listed
No

Methodology

We extensively research the key competitors within an industry to determine the best products and services for your business. Our experts identify the factors that matter most to business owners, including pricing, features and customer support, to ensure that our recommendations offer well-rounded products that will meet the needs of various small businesses.

We collect extensive data to narrow our best list to reputable, easy-to-use products with stand-out features at a reasonable price point. And we look at user reviews to ensure that business owners like you are satisfied with our top picks’ services. We use the same rubric to assess companies within a particular space so you can confidently follow our blueprint to the best VPN services of 2024.

Expert score (10%): Our expert score is an editorial opinion that takes into equal account the VPN software’s features and functionality, value for money, experiences with its customer support team and its general reputation online and sentiments among its customers. It’s a more subjective and human view, rather than being based principally on data, intended to help businesses and users understand what it’s like to use the service.

Pricing (32%): Our assessment of a service’s pricing looks into whether there is a free trial or version available that allows users to test the service before committing (7%), as well as the total cost of its lowest (15%) and highest (10%) pricing tiers. We assess the value it offers as a product itself, as well as how it compares to other services.

Features (24%): When we look at a VPN service’s features, we take into account its general capabilities (13%), such as anonymous browsing, dedicated IPs and kill switches. We also assess additional functionality and features (11%), including its no-logs policy, the number of simultaneous connections allowed and its distribution of servers.

Speeds (8%): We assess average download and upload speeds through rigorous testing, as this is a central factor in how the software performs when it comes to day-to-day activities like web browsing, streaming and gaming.

Service and support (8%): When looking at a provider’s customer support options, we factor in the availability of its support team (3%), as well as the methods of contact (5%). 24/7 support is the most important factor, while phone support and live chat (both 2%) are more valuable than the presence of a knowledge base (1%).

Mobile app (9%): Finally, we look at the availability of a mobile app and on which platforms you can download it (3%), as well as ratings on both app stores (each 3%). This helps with understanding how functional the VPN service is on the go, which is crucial for mobile businesses and travelers.

How we tested VPN services

Throughout weeks of testing, we downloaded VPN apps to our devices, which included iPads, Windows computers, Android devices, iPhones and smart TVs. Our first assessment always looked at how easy it was to install and configure the app.

We established connections using cable internet, slower mobile hotspots and public Wi-Fi. From there, we performed everyday tasks like streaming and browsing. When possible, we shared files with co-collaborators and used cloud-based applications or gaming consoles. 

Our evaluation considered ease of use when attempting each activity and factored in errors like being randomly disconnected or unable to connect. We also noted speeds when using different VPNs and server locations. This helped us determine if rates were reliable across sites or slowed down during peak hours.

What is a VPN and how does it work?

A virtual private network, or VPN, lets you connect to the internet securely, whether in a coffee shop, on vacation or at home. It hides your location and identity by masking your IP address and sending data through an encrypted tunnel. 

VPNs protect your information and data as it transits online. VPNs work to secure this transit in a number of different ways:

  • Data encryption: A VPN service will encrypt your data, making it virtually unreadable. One of the highest encryption standards is AES-256, which is commonly used by governments and militaries. 
  • IP address alteration: Your IP address is linked to your device and internet service providers can track everything you do online with it. A VPN will assign you a new IP so you cannot be tracked. 
  • Kill switches and firewalls: If your VPN connection is lost, sensitive data may be at risk in the time it takes to reconnect or restart. These tools help suspend or bolster your internet connection until your VPN can get back up and running.
  • Geolocation blocking: Your location can be used for all kinds of things — restricting content and price discriminating among them — and a good VPN will spoof your location to avoid these tricks. 
  • Ad blocking: Some VPN services have tools to help block ads and pop-ups, along with looking out for malicious sites and tracking cookies. 
  • Download protections: Downloads are linked to your IP address, and your download activity can be tracked. VPNs help encrypt your data and protect your IP address from this type of tracking. 

Most VPNs don’t keep any record of your online activity; this means that if a government or other authority requests your activity history, none can be made available to them.

Benefits of VPNs

People use VPNs for all sorts of reasons. Some of the most common include:

  • Secure web browsing at home or in public. Whether sending an email, streaming a movie or browsing, your activities go through the secure tunnel to the VPN server. Simply tap the button to disconnect the service when you’re finished using the internet. When using a public Wi-Fi network, a VPN can help safeguard your information and data, as your data can be viewed by the internet service provider (ISP) and hackers if they’re connected to the network.
  • Regional access. Sometimes, certain types of content are not available in certain locations. This is called geo-blocking. This can be due to a number of reasons, including censorship. Georestrictions use the location of a user’s IP address to decide whether the user is authorized to access a website. If you’re traveling and want to access particular sites or information, a VPN can help bypass restrictions. Even if you are home and just want to watch a show that is only available abroad, a VPN can also help facilitate this.
  • Anonymity. Reputable VPN services will have a no-log policy. VPN servers don’t record your internet activity when connected. Should government agencies request records of your history, they cannot provide them.
  • Avoiding online pricing discrimination. It’s no secret that within certain industries, like the airline industry, there can be discriminatory and predatory pricing practices. These can include location-based pricing discrimination. Utilizing a VPN can help you shield your location and get the best deal possible when shopping online. 
  • Built-in safeguards. Tools like kill switches, which cut off your internet connection automatically when the VPN drops its connection, ensure you are never connected to the internet unprotected.
  • Identity theft, fraud and dark web monitoring. Some services will search the internet and dark web for your personal information and alert you if it is found. You can then take steps to prevent damage, like changing sensitive login credentials. Data leaks happen all the time, and if that information makes it into the hands of a bad actor, you could face serious repercussions. A good VPN service will always be monitoring for any suspicious activity. 
  • Combat data brokering. Data brokering is big business and can put you at risk. A VPN helps guard your information so that it cannot be sold. 
  • Extra security with two-factor or multi-factor authentication. By requiring two or more steps to log into your VPN account, multi-factor authentication capabilities ensure only you can sign into your VPN account.

Who uses VPN services? 

People use VPNs for professional and personal use, at home and while traveling. Anytime you connect to public Wi-Fi or want to keep your location or online identity private, a VPN is necessary. In addition, anytime you need your data encrypted and hidden from cybercriminals, a VPN can help. It provides extra security when entering bank or credit card data online. 

VPNs help people in certain areas access blocked content and overcome ISP restrictions or throttling. Since a VPN privatizes your browsing and location data, you may see fewer targeted ads and prevent third parties from tracking your online activities.

For more information on when a VPN can benefit you or your business, read our reasons to use a VPN guide.

How to choose the best VPN service 

With dozens of VPNs on the market, finding the right one for your needs can be challenging. To understand the latest best practices for online security and VPNs, we spoke with Joshua Tucker, COO of Designli, an app development company.

“Simple VPNs work for most people,” Tucker said. But “not all VPNs are created equal.” Therefore, it’s vital to compare various factors before choosing a service. Take these steps to choose the best VPN.

Key features to look for

The best VPNs provide standard features, including anonymous browsing, DNS protection measures to encrypt your data and kill switches to ensure you’re never connected without VPN protection. Kill switches and split-tunneling tools — which allow you to choose what data goes through your VPN — often only work on specific hardware. 

For instance, ExpressVPN supports Windows and Mac. However, PIA users can configure split tunneling for Windows, Linux, Android and macOS (pre-Monterey only) hardware. 

Additionally, Tucker said, “It’s helpful to know how many servers a solution has and if those servers have good reputations. Some known VPN servers are on a lot of block lists.”

Some of the most important VPN features to consider include:

  • Server quantity and locations. A large network of servers in many locations will help ensure that you can find the fastest connection in your desired location. Be sure to check availability in restricted regions if you are looking for a particular location. 
  • Download and upload speeds. The server and its location can impact download and upload speeds, along with other factors. The average web browser may not notice this, but if you are looking to stream or game, speed will be a bigger factor to consider. 
  • Supported devices. Most VPN services support iOS, Android, macOS and Windows, but not all support Linux or certain devices like smart TVs or consoles. If you have a less common device that you want protected, be sure to check that your provider will support it.
  • Simultaneous connections. Some VPN providers limit the number of devices you can connect, or you will need to upgrade plans for additional devices. If your whole household is connecting all of its phones, computers, smart TVs, routers or other devices, make sure your chosen provider can accommodate this number.
  • Kill switch. If your VPN cuts out for any reason, your data will be at risk. Ensure that your chosen VPN provider has a kill switch to protect your sensitive information in the event of a connection loss. 
  • Dedicated IP addresses. Dedicated IP addresses are static IPs exclusively assigned to a single entity. This can be useful when you want to access services that are particularly sensitive to IP address changes, but not every provider offers it, and it is often available at an additional cost rather than included with standard plans.
  • Double VPN/multi-hop capabilities. Double VPN — often referred to also as “multi-hop” — routes your traffic through two different VPN servers, essentially encrypting your data twice.
  • Split tunneling. Split tunneling helps divide your internet traffic so that some of it can be sent through a VPN and the rest through your local network. This can help preserve bandwidth while also keeping sensitive information secure.

For more information on key features to consider in a VPN, read our VPN definition and features guide

Hardware and connection requirements

Individuals who want VPNs for their tablets, phones and computers may not need an unlimited plan. But gamers might prefer VPN services that make it easier to connect their favorite smart devices or gaming systems, like Surfshark’s or NordVPN’s smart DNS tool. 

On the other hand, if you want to share your VPN with your entire family, roommates or even your business team, VPNs with device limitations may not work. So, add up how many devices will be online at once to ensure your VPN choice can accommodate your needs. 

Then consider if you have any particular hardware concerns, like wanting a pre-configured router. For households or businesses that don’t want to pay for unlimited connections, using a pre-configured router can mean more connections for less money. 

What we don’t recommend

When looking at VPN services, keep an eye out for privacy and security features, as this is the primary reason to use a VPN. Ensure it has a strict no-logging policy, up-to-date encryption standards, and doesn’t lack essential features like kill switches. 

Additionally, transparency is a must, so be weary of providers that don’t share information about ownership, jurisdiction and logging policies mentioned above. Finally, in terms of features, watch out for limited numbers of servers and locations covered as this can affect overcrowding and download speeds.

Always be sure to check customer reviews and the company’s reputation online to get a better understanding of other people’s experiences. Negative reviews around customer service should be a particular red flag.

How much does a VPN service cost?

FREE VERSION AVAILABLELOWEST-TIER PLAN PRICE PER MONTH (BILLED MONTHLY)LOWEST-TIER PLAN PRICE PER MONTH (BILLED ANNUALLY)HIGHEST-TIER PAID PLAN PRICE PER MONTH (BILLED MONTHLY)HIGHEST-TIER PAID PLAN PRICE PER MONTH (BILLED ANNUALLY)
TunnelBear
Yes
$9.99
$4.99
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
hide.me
Yes
$9.95
$4.57
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
TorGuard VPN
No
$9.99
$2.50
$14.99
$5.41
Private Internet Access (PIA)
No
$11.95
$3.33
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
NordVPN
No
$12.99
Varies
$15.99
Varies
Surfshark
No
$15.45
$3.49
$17.95
$6.49
VPN Unlimited
No
$9.99
$5.00
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
IPVanish
No
$12.99
$3.33
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
ProtonVPN
Yes
$9.99
$5.99
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
Windscribe
Yes
$9.00
$5.75
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
Mozilla VPN
No
$9.99
$4.99
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
Mullvad VPN
No
€5.00 EUR
€5.00 EUR
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
CyberGhost
No
$12.99
$6.99
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
Hotspot Shield
Yes
$12.99
$7.99
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing
ExpressVPN
No
$12.95
$8.32
Single-tier pricing
Single-tier pricing

The average monthly cost for VPN service is around $11. Annual prepayment drops the average to $5 monthly. Aside from free versions, Mullvad VPN and Windscribe have the cheapest month-to-month plans, with subscriptions costing $5.33 (depending on the conversion rate) and $9.00. The most expensive monthly VPN services come from Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Hotspot Shield, IPVanish, Surfshark and NordVPN

Yet, many companies give steep discounts for annual billing. For example, Tunnelbear’s $9.99 monthly fee drops to $4.99 with a yearly prepayment. TorGuard and Private Internet Access have the most affordable annual rates, costing only $2.50 and $3.33. 

Most of the VPN providers have a single plan, but Surfshark, NordVPN and Torguard VPN, have multiple subscription options. Higher-priced tiers offer additional features, like dedicated IP addresses or cloud storage. 

In addition, five VPNs feature free versions. While we generally don’t recommend using free VPNs long-term, they might work for occasional use or to test VPN services. Tunnelbear limits free users to 2 GB of bandwidth. Hotspot Shield provides unlimited data and hide.me gives 10 GB monthly.

Nothing beats giving the service a trial run before committing to a long-term plan. Some VPNs offer a free version, including ProtonVPN. Take a look at the pricing table below to learn the VPNs that offer a free version so you can try it before you buy. 

Even for those that don’t offer a free version or trial, you may be able to try them risk-free. All VPNs except Tunnelbear (which has a free version) provide a money-back guarantee. These range from three days (Windscribe) to 45 days (Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost).

Always read the terms of service carefully, especially the fine print on qualifying for the money-back guarantee and how you can terminate the service. 

VPN speed test results

AVERAGE DOWNLOAD SPEED (MBPS) AVERAGE UPLOAD SPEED (MBPS) MINIMUM DOWNLOAD SPEED (MBPS) MAXIMUM DOWNLOAD SPEED (MBPS) MINIMUM UPLOAD SPEED (MBPS) MAXIMUM UPLOAD SPEED (MBPS)
TunnelBear
2905327630643.868.7
hide.me
142366124158341410
TorGuard VPN
2593624426833.237.8
Private Internet Access (PIA)
244204225252181213
NordVPN
356333332377265418
Surfshark
330312301356278355
VPN Unlimited
2937526833812.2139
IPVanish
339358326357310417
ProtonVPN
317353308328296374
Windscribe
204332158226275358
Mozilla VPN
317331295328303353
Mullvad VPN
288322257311279364
CyberGhost
313330294318278351
Hotspot Shield
239.976.0422326768.586.7
ExpressVPN
285331274289298342

VPN speed factors

Speed significantly influences your enjoyment of online activities; upload and download rates vary between VPNs. While VPNs can slow your connection, the speed difference is less noticeable with the best VPNs. 

Download speed affects online gaming and video streaming or when users transfer data to their devices. On the other hand, upload rates impact people who livestream on social media networks or give business presentations online. In these instances or other cases, the person transfers large files to the server (uploading). 

Out of the VPNs on our list, the average VPN download speed is 205 Mbps, whereas the average upload rate is 124 Mbps. TunnelBear has the fastest average download rate and Proton VPN logged our fastest average upload speeds. 

Some of the key factors that impact server location include:

  • Server location: Selecting a nearby server with fewer users can improve your experience. IPVanish said, “The geographical distance between your device and a VPN server can make a substantial impact on speed.”
  • Load: Load is the number of people using the service and can play a big role in VPN rates. Several of the best VPNs show server loads on your VPN dashboard, including IPVanish and ProtonVPN. 
  • Activity type: The type of activities you’re engaging in also affects VPN speed. According to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) 11th Measuring Fixed Broadband report, “video devices, in particular, can have a multiplier effect on traffic.” This means that a 4k or ultra-high definition (UHD) TV is “about 15 to 18 Mbps is more than double the high definition (HD) video bit rate and nine times more than standard definition (SD) video bitrate.”
  • Simultaneous connections: Cisco’s Annual Internet Report forecasted that “by 2023, two-thirds (66%) of the installed flat-panel TV sets will be UHD, up from 33% in 2018.” So, if multiple people are streaming through the VPN service simultaneously, speed could be a more critical factor than for individuals using one device. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

TunnelBear is the best VPN service. It offers:

  • 24/7 customer support.
  • A free plan.
  • Unlimited devices on paid plans.
  • Paid plans starting at $3.33 per month.
  • Compatibility with iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and web browsers. 

Learn more in our full TunnelBear review.

Personal VPNs are useful for individuals, while site-to-site VPNs (which connect multiple networks) and business VPNs (with added features such as employee-access controls) are more suitable for companies. Remote access VPNs can be used for either purpose but are especially helpful for virtual teams connecting to a business network remotely.

To set up a VPN, follow these steps: 

  • Download the VPN app: You will need to do this for any devices you want to use with the VPN services. Providers often offer VPN services for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS apps. 
  • Establish a secure connection: Do this once you create a VPN account and log into it. In some cases, you will choose a server first. 
  • Select a server: Some VPN providers let you pick a server or will automatically select the best one based on your location.
  • Confirm you are connected: The VPN dashboard will display your connection status, and if it’s green, you are connected and all web traffic will go through the VPN. 

Once connected to the VPN, your data is encrypted and safely transmitted back and forth from your device to a VPN server to the internet. Encryption first converts the data you send into a code that prevents unauthorized viewers from understanding it if they should access it. 

The encrypted data then travels through a VPN tunnel, further creating a barrier between your data and anyone who might be trying to view it. 

For a more detailed walkthrough of the setup process, see our guide, How to set up a VPN.

VPNs are legal in the United States, Canada and most of Europe. Iraq and North Korea ban VPNs, whereas China and Russia restrict VPN usage. Sometimes, countries will only approve VPN providers in their region if they give access to user logs and data. Therefore, it’s crucial to check for local restrictions and privacy policies when traveling.

A virtual private network prevents third parties from tracking your IP address and web traffic. It encrypts your data traffic and changes your location to your chosen data server, meaning you can be online in America but appear online with an Australian address.

Government agencies and internet service providers (ISPs) can determine your use of a VPN. But you can use an obfuscated server with some VPN services like Surfshark, which calls it camouflage mode.

However, a VPN doesn’t stop malware, cookies, user error or many other issues that allow monitoring or abuse by bad actors. Therefore, it’s critical to take precautions when using the internet, regardless of whether you’re using a VPN.

Yes, you can use a VPN on your phone if you find a VPN compatible with your device. You can also install a VPN on a router to cover multiple devices in a company or home, including mobile phones.

VPNs slow your internet speed because traffic goes through a VPN server, which adds extra steps when sending and receiving internet data. Nonetheless, the speed difference is less noticeable if you choose the best VPNs.

There are a few reasons for this, including:

  • Distance to server: Premium VPNs typically offer a good selection of servers, so you can choose one within close proximity to your location.
  • Number of users: When too many people connect to one server, it can get overloaded.
  • Encryption protocol: VPNs provide different protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec and more), which may affect speeds.

Yes, using a VPN from a reputable service is very safe. VPNs encrypt and protect your data and keep your location and activities private.

Just remember that not all VPNs have a full suite of security tools, so you may need additional antivirus or antimalware software or password protector tools if your VPN service doesn’t include them. VPNs also won’t necessarily protect you from falling prey to phishing or other scams, so you still need to use your discernment and discretion as you go about your business.

Free VPNs also need to be subject to higher scrutiny. Some free VPN providers don’t apply stringent protections and protocols to their technology, and this can leave you and your data open to risk.

We highly recommend exploring a plan from one of the providers on our list, all of which have passed our stringent review of security features and protocols.

While the interface will vary a bit depending on VPN service, the process of changing your VPN location will be similar across providers, and it is very simple.

Once you have signed up for a service and downloaded the appropriate app for the device you are on, you will connect through the app. You will be able to select the location of your choice (provided your service has servers available in that location).

Once you are connected, you can continue using your device as normal, and your virtual location and IP address will register in the location you selected.

To set up a VPN on a router you must first confirm that your VPN service is compatible with routers because not all are. If yours is, you will need to log into your router by typing its IP address (you can usually find this on the router itself) and password into your browser.

From there, you will need to configure your router and set up your VPN within the admin panel. Once that’s done, you can test it to confirm that it’s working.

The benefit of setting up a VPN on your router is that it will protect all the devices on your network, rather than having to set up your VPN service on each individual device. However, it also means that if you want to change your server, you will need to log back into the router to adjust settings.

Also, remember that this will only protect devices on your local network. If you leave home to travel, for example, you will still want to connect to your VPN service separately from each device you take with you in order to remain protected.

Most VPN services will have a green status light or other easy way of indicating that you are connected to a network. You can check this in the app or from a desktop icon. 

If you want to be extra sure, you can check your IP address. You can sometimes do this on your specific provider’s website, which will show your IP address and location, or you can check on an outside site like WhatIsMyIP. This information should match the location of the network you selected to connect to, not your home network information.

Yes, there are a couple of ways to change your IP address without a VPN. These include disconnecting and reconnecting your router or manually on your phone or desktop. But these methods are not foolproof, and a new IP will still be connected to your ISP.

A VPN is a much more reliable and secure way to change your IP and protect your data and other sensitive information.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Mehdi is a writer and editor with many years of personal finance expertise under his belt. He's a spirited money-saver, with a passion for making personal finance accessible and manageable. When he isn't writing, Mehdi likes to read about history and travel, hike along coastlines and in forests, and watch his beloved team Manchester United underperform.

Sierra Campbell is a small business editor for USA Today Blueprint. She specializes in writing, editing and fact-checking content centered around helping businesses. She has worked as a digital content and show producer for several local TV stations, an editor for U.S. News & World Report and a freelance writer and editor for many companies. Sierra prides herself in delivering accurate and up-to-date information to readers. Her expertise includes credit card processing companies, e-commerce platforms, payroll software, accounting software and virtual private networks (VPNs). She also owns Editing by Sierra, where she offers editing services to writers of all backgrounds, including self-published and traditionally published authors.