Best VPN Service Providers for 2024

At a Glance

If you’re looking for the best VPN (Virtual Private Network) for your needs, you’re likely a bit confused right now. I mean, every VPN claims that they’re the best, right?

In this article, I’ll be helping you find the best VPN service for your needs. I’ve used numerous VPNs over the years, and I’ve also put most of them through extensive testing, all with an eye to determining what each provider offers, and which categories each one excels in or comes up lacking in.

I’ll be offering up my honest feedback on which VPN will offer the best overall protection and enhancement for all of your online activities.

I’ll also discuss which VPNs provide reliable access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and other popular streaming services. We’ll also take a look at the providers that offer top-notch protection from monitoring by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), the government, and hackers.

Best VPN Service Providers

I put VPN service providers through strenuous testing before I ever recommend them to my readers. (More about that later.)

These seven VPN providers are the best VPN services:

1. NordVPN: NordVPN is the #1 VPN. The provider offers fast connections, has a large global server network, supports most popular devices, and provides excellent privacy and security protections. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN. This provider offers top-notch VPN service at a low, low price. This makes it an excellent option for users who are watching their pennies. Provides an unlimited number of fast connections from its large global server network.
3. ExpressVPN: Top premium VPN option. This admittedly expensive provider delivers premium VPN services, making it good value. The provider boasts an impressive global server network, comprehensive app support, and excellent online security and privacy.
4. CyberGhost: Excellent VPN option for beginners. First-time VPN users will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps that provide one-click access to the provider’s impressive global server network, which includes streaming- and downloading-optimized servers.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection. PIA’s top-notch online security and privacy features keep your online activities incognito. The provider delivers fast, reliable access to content around much of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but mighty VPN network. This provider’s global server network is admittedly rather small. However, it provides fast, well-protected connections to geo-fenced content in the countries that it serves.
7. Atlas VPN: Unlimited protection for popular devices. Atlas VPN allows users to make an unlimited number of connections to its servers, offering an excellent way for users with multiple connected devices to keep their online antics undercover.

For information about the criteria I used when choosing the above VPN providers, make sure you check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best Global VPN Service Providers for 2024

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the top option for reliable, all-around VPN protection and enhancement.

With nearly 5,600 servers stationed in 60+ countries, the provider’s global server network offers above-average access to geo-blocked content. It provides access to Netflix, HBO, Hulu, Showtime, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, and many other streamers. It also accesses other services and websites that may be blocked for various reasons.

This provider’s connection speeds compare well to the other providers on this list, delivering more than enough speed to enjoy any of the content that the streaming providers above offer, while gamers should also be pleased with the performance of NordVPN connections. Stream all you want, as there are never any data caps or bandwidth throttling with this provider.

Secure connection protection from this VPN provider is some of the best in the business, with government-level encryption, kill switch protection, and DNS/IPv6 leak prevention. The provider also offers malware and ad blocking, “Double VPN” protection that encrypts your data twice, and an “Onion Over VPN” service that routes your connection through the Onion network.

Your personal privacy is also never at risk thanks to the provider’s never saving any logs connected to your server usage and its cryptocurrency-based private subscription payment option. Plus, the provider’s servers are all run 100% from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is securely wiped from a NordVPN server whenever it is rebooted.

The provider is currently moving its server network to an owned-and-operated model, which will keep third-party contractors away from its customers’ personal data.

Apps are available for all of the most popular device platforms, including Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), and Windows device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox extensions protect your browsing. Router features protect all of your connected devices. Up to six devices can connect concurrently on the same login.

24/7 customer support is made up of always-available support chat, email support, and a searchable support database.

BEST OVERALL VPN SERVICE:NordVPN is the top option for users in search of reliable VPN protection. This provider charges below-average multi-year subscription prices while delivering above-average service. Its speedy, well-protected connections provide access to content around the globe. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark provides an excellent VPN option for users on a tight budget. In addition to reliable VPN service at a low price, the provider also offers an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance.

The provider has 3,200+ servers stationed in 100+ countries. Surfshark can provide access to numerous streaming providers, including Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more. The provider says it offers access to 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.

Surfshark impressive connection speeds can easily handle streaming content in HD and even 4K, depending on your usual connection speeds. No bandwidth limitations or data caps are ever imposed to ruin the fun.

The provider offers excellent online security protection, using a kill switch, bank-grade encryption, and an ad and tracker blocking feature to secure your online activities.

Privacy-wise, Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy and happily accepts Bitcoin as a privacy-friendly payment method. The provider now runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, meaning no data is ever written to a hard drive or SSD, so all data is securely wiped from the server whenever it is rebooted or shut down.

Surfshark offers native apps for Android, iOS, macOS (including native Apple Silicon support), Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices. Extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox protect your in-browser activity, and router support protects all of your devices via a single access point.

Surfshark provides something else that’s particularly useful for streaming: an unlimited simultaneous connections policy. This means you and your family or coworkers can all connect your devices at the same time using one account.

The provider’s Smart DNS service can connect VPN-incompatible devices, like gaming consoles and some set-top boxes, to streaming services abroad. Be warned though, it doesn’t encrypt your connection.

You can connect to customer support through their 24/7 live chat option or a “contact us” form. You can also choose to peruse their searchable support library.

BEST FOR BUDGET MINDED USERS:Surfshark is excellent for online users who would rather spend their money on other things, like online entertainment. The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy makes it great for big families with lots of streaming fans. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an excellent option for reliable VPN service.

The provider’s global server network is quite extensive, with 3,000+ servers located in 94+ countries around the world. The network offers access to Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, ESPN, HBO, ITV Player, Hulu, and numerous other streaming services. In addition, it also accesses social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, and others in countries where they are blocked by oppressive governments.

The server network provides high-speed connections. Whether it’s streaming HD and 4K video, playing fast-moving games online, or sharing large files, ExpressVPN’s connections can handle them. The provider never imposes any daily or monthly data caps, with unlimited bandwidth as standard.

Those fast connections are well protected. The provider uses banking-grade encryption to protect their users’ connections, along with a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. A split-tunneling feature allows users to select which apps will use the provider’s tunnel of VPN protection. The provider’s Lightway connection protocol is optimized for protection and performance.

Your privacy after the fact is also well-protected thanks to the provider’s no-server-logs-ever policy and a Bitcoin subscription payment option. The provider’s proprietary “TrustedServer” technology runs all server operations completely from RAM, which means all information is wiped every time an ExpressVPN server is rebooted.

No matter which device you use, there’s a very good chance that ExpressVPN offers a user-friendly VPN app to protect it. Options are available for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Linux, and Windows device platforms.

Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider’s MediaStreamer smartDNS service opens content for your smart TV, Apple TV, game console, and other devices.

Up to five devices can connect at once on a single set of user credentials. The provider’s excellent advanced router features allow you to protect all of your connected devices via a single access point. ExpressVPN’s router firmware was recently updated, improving its performance and user interface.

Customer support is available around the clock thanks to 24/7 live chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, a searchable support library, and email support.

RELIABLE VPN SERVICE:ExpressVPN delivers reliable VPN service, delivering fast connections from an extensive global server network. The provider’s well-protected connections provide access to most popular streaming services, as well as other types of geo-blocked services and websites. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Users who are new to the VPN or online scene will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use yet powerful services.

As of this writing, the provider has over 9,000 servers stationed in 90+ countries around the globe, making it one of the largest global server networks in the VPN industry. Plenty of those servers are optimized for both file sharing and streaming.

The servers provide access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, CNC, CBS, YouTube, Crunchyroll, Eurosport, FOX, NBC, Comedy Central, and many other streaming services.

CyberGhost’s protected connection speeds are easily up to handling all of that streaming content, meaning no matter what your favorite online activity is, this provider’s connections can handle it. No data caps to deal with here.

Military-grade strong encryption, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak prevention team up to protect your online activities from observation. In addition, ad and tracker blocking is available, as well as the ability to force a website to serve up HTTPS-only versions of its pages when available.

The provider has a no-logs policy on its servers, and your payment privacy is protected thanks to a Bitcoin subscription payment option.

CyberGhost’s user-friendly VPN apps provide one-click access to its servers on Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows device platforms. Meanwhile, the provider’s excellent router support protects all of your other connected devices (like your smart TV).

Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browser sessions. Up to seven devices can connect at once on a single set of login credentials.

The provider also offers a password manager, and ID Guard feature that warns when your email address is included in a data breach. A Windows Security Suite provides antivirus and malware protection, a scanner for your PC to detect outdated and vulnerable apps, and more.

Around-the-clock support options include always-available live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support knowledge base.

BEST VPN SERVICE FOR NEWBIES:If you don’t have much experience in using a VPN, CyberGhost could be the VPN provider for you. The provider offers one-click access to its massive global server network, which provides easy access to streaming- and downloading-optimized servers. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable, well-protected access to content around much of the globe.

The PIA global server network includes 3,300+ servers stationed in nearly 85 countries, providing wide access to geo-controlled content.

PIA’s customers have no worries that its online travels are being kept undercover, thanks to the provider’s use of military-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch feature. PIA also offers blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

There are no records of your online antics being saved while you’re connected to PIA servers. This keeps your usage information private. The provider also accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment, protecting your payment privacy. (Use a disposable email address to subscribe for additional payment privacy.)

PIA’s native app support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is compatible with multiple router makes and models, allowing you to connect more devices than the provider’s 10 simultaneous device limit allows.

This provider’s connection speeds are certainly not the fastest on this list. However, PIA’s connections are still up to handling any of your favorite online activities, including streaming, gaming, and sharing files. There are no daily or monthly data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about here.

PIA’s customer support offerings include a live chat option, a trouble ticket system, and a support library.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION:Private Internet Access provides fast, well-protected connections to geo-fenced content in most areas of the world. PIA provides comprehensive online security and privacy protection. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is still experiencing some growing pains, but it’s quickly proving itself to be a provider to deal with.

This provider offers the lowest server count of any provider on this list but uses them to maximum effect. While their server count is limited to a little over 200 servers, they are spread out amongst 63+ countries. Those servers access Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, so they do provide some excellent unblocking power.

PrivateVPN’s connection speeds are streaming-capable and also handle fast-moving games and sharing and downloading of large files.

Government-grade strong encryption, a kill switch option, and DNS and IPv6 leak prevention all join to provide excellent connection protection. Plus, a “Stealth VPN” option disguises and hides your VPN activity.

PrivateVPN saves no logs of any kind on its servers, and a Bitcoin payment option keeps your subscription payment information totally incognito.

The provider’s native app support is somewhat limited, with offerings only for the big four platforms (Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows), and it doesn’t offer browser extensions.

However, it does provide protection for other types of connected devices thanks to its router compatibility. Up to six devices can simultaneously connect to the service on a single set of login credentials.

While PrivateVPN claims its live support chat is available 24/7, availability appears to be hit-or-miss, as I have visited the site plenty of times when chat was not available. However, an FAQ support library and email support are always available.

“STEALTHY” VPN PROTECTION :PrivateVPN offers reliable and well-hidden online protection thanks to its “Stealth VPN” feature that hides your VPN activity from detection. While the provider needs to improve its server count and app offerings, users of the four most popular device platforms should find that it meets their needs. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN’s above-average-sized server network delivers reliable, well-protected access to content around the world. The provider has more than 750+ servers stationed in nearly 50 countries around the globe.

Atlas VPN’s download speeds are well-above average connection speeds, providing more than enough horsepower to easily handle streaming, gaming, and other popular online activities. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to be found here.

The provider’s banking-grade encryption, kill switch protection, IP/DNS leak protection, and other online security features keep its users’ online activities private. The provider’s proprietary “Safebrowse” feature blocks both online danger and irritating advertisements.

Atlas VPN servers run 100% free of user logs and the provider also accepts cryptocurrency as subscription payment.

Native app support from the VPN provider includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV device platforms. However, support for browser extensions and routers is nowhere to be found. (The provider says those features are in development.)

Atlas VPN allows customers to connect an unlimited number of simultaneous devices to its servers.

The provider’s live agent chat is a paying customer-only support feature. However, all users can access email support, contact form, and a support library.

CONNECTION PROTECTION IS UNLIMITED:Atlas VPN provides comprehensive online security and privacy protections. A proprietary “Safebrowse” feature blocks various online dangers, as well as irritating ads. Fast connections deliver reliable access to content in many areas of the world. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs

A VPN should provide reliable online security and privacy protection, as well as reliable access to geo-fenced content. When you’re VPN shopping, there are several factors that need to be carefully considered.

Below, I’ve listed the most important factors that should be considered before subscribing to a VPN:

• Connection speeds: Whether it’s streaming video, gaming, or conducting business online, fast connections are important. The VPNs I include on this list scored well in my most recent connection speed tests.
• Server network: Look for a large global server network, as that provides access to geo-blocked content in other countries. Also, take note of how many servers it has stationed in each country. The more servers in a single country, the less chance a single server will be overloaded by too many users.
• Value: Carefully compare a VPN provider’s asking price to the features and functionality it provides. All VPNs on my list offer excellent value for the money.
• Ease of use: A VPN should offer intuitive apps for popular device platforms. Each VPN I include on my list offers easy-to-use apps for the most popular device platforms.
• Security and privacy: All VPNs should offer (at the very least) banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak prevention. A strict no-logs policy is also a must to ensure that the VPN doesn’t save any records of your online antics.
• Streaming: Streaming is arguably one of the most popular online activities. The VPNs on my lists offer reliable access to streaming sites such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streaming services.

The above list makes up only a part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This research provides a data-driven understanding of the VPNs and their offerings. This allows me to recommend only VPNs that are a good fit for my readers’ needs and online activities.

How to Use a VPN To Protect Your Online Activities

To use a VPN to keep your online activities private, do the following:

1. Subscribe to a top-notch VPN provider. (NordVPN is my #1 choice.)
2. Install the VPN’s app(s) on your internet-capable device(s) and install browser extensions if you need to. You can also set up your WiFi router to work with the service if you want to protect all of your connected devices through a single point of access.
3. Start the VPN app on your device and log in to the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located in your local country to protect your online activities from being monitored. You can also select a server located outside of your country’s borders to gain access to geo-fenced content located in other countries.

Enjoy your new online anonymity and improved access to online content!

What Can I Do With A VPN?

A VPN provides numerous features that both protect and enhance all of your online activities.

Protection

There is arguably no better way to protect all of your online activities than by using a VPN.

A VPN encases your internet connection in an impenetrable tunnel of encryption. This encrypted tunnel protects all of your online activities from being observed by prying eyes, like those of hackers, your Internet Service Provider (ISP), and even your own government.

If you use public WiFi hotspots – such as those found in coffee shops, hotels, malls, and other public locations – you are an open target for hackers, who are looking to steal your valuable personal and financial information. Any time you shop, do your banking, or pay bills on your device while connected to a public WiFi hotspot, you are open to data theft.

Hackers love WiFi hotspots, as they are usually unencrypted and therefore unprotected. This allows them to monitor the activities of anyone who connects to the hotspot, leaving them all open to data theft.

A VPN also protects you from your ISP and government, two parties that would just love knowing what you’re up to online.

In many countries, ISPs are allowed to monitor and log your online travels. They are then allowed to sell that valuable information to advertisers and other nosy parties. They can also turn that information over to the government. Remember, any government, no matter how free it is, loves to know what its citizens are up to.

ISPs also have a nasty tendency to throttle or block your internet connection if they observe you sharing files via a peer-to-peer network, or if you’re streaming video or accessing files from “unapproved” sources. A VPN’s encrypted protection shields your activities from the ISP’s prying eyes, preventing them from affecting your online access.

Enhancement

A VPN enhances your online activities by opening up access to content that you might normally not have access to, including music, video, gaming, and numerous other types of content.

Most streaming providers limit their available content either to a single country (like Hulu, which is limited to viewers in the United States), or they vary their content from country to country (like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, which offer different content in France than they do in the U.S., for example.)

This is due to the contracts the streaming services sign with movie and TV producers, which limit where the content can be viewed.

A streaming service can detect a viewer’s geographical location by detecting the IP address of the device being used to connect to the service’s servers.

An IP address identifies a connected device on a network. (The internet is, after all, simply a huge computer network.) The IP address allows identifying which device is making a request for information, and where the information is to be sent to. (Much like a postal address is used to identify your home.)

An IP address can also be used to identify a device’s physical location. (Again, much like your home’s postal address.) This is how a streaming service determines whether or not you’ll be allowed to view their content, or which content they’ll allow you to access.

These restrictions aren’t limited to streaming content, but also to gaming content, as well as other types of services and websites, such as financial websites that may restrict access to users from specific regions to provide added security for their customers.

This is where a VPN comes in. A VPN can temporarily assign a new IP address to your connected device. It does this by routing your internet connection through one of its VPN servers, located in another country. This makes it appear to the rest of the internet as if the device is actually located in the same country as the VPN server.

This IP address-“spoofing” tricks streaming services into opening the gates to the content for a particular country, greatly increasing your entertainment options.

How Do I Use a VPN?

Using a VPN is simple in itself. You can subscribe and start using a VPN service in a matter of just a few short minutes.

First, you decide on a VPN provider, sign up, and pay for your subscription. Then, you download and install the VPN provider’s apps on your computer and/or mobile devices, select a VPN server (or let the app select one automatically) and connect to the server.

Enjoy your newly protected and enhanced internet connection.

Why Not Use a Free VPN?

While it would be nice to find a reliable free VPN, you’ll find they are few and far between. As with nearly any service, free VPNs don’t match up well with their paid counterparts.

First of all, “free” VPNs are not really free. You pay for their use of your privacy.

Even a free VPN provider is looking to cover expenses like server costs, salaries, and more. Many freebie providers do so by tracking their users’ online activities, saving the information, and then selling it to interested third parties, like advertisers and other Nosy Nellies.

Meanwhile, other no-cost VPN providers have been found to be injecting unwanted tracking cookies and advertisements into their users’ web browsing sessions. (Plus, those tracking cookies stick around, even after you’ve logged out of the VPN provider’s servers.)

You also pay for free VPNs by sacrificing the high level of convenience and performance you will enjoy with a paid provider.

When you connect to a free VPN, you may be forced to cool your heels waiting in a queue with other free users, until a slot frees up on the provider’s limited number of free servers. Then, once you’re given the green light to connect, you’ll either find that your server selection is severely limited, or that you’re automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice.

As for the performance end of things, you may find that your connection speeds are severely throttled when using a free VPN’s servers. Many free VPN providers also offer paid subscriptions, and they reserve much of their available bandwidth for use by their paying customers.

In addition to much slower speeds, you’ll also likely find that your daily or monthly usage of a free VPN is severely limited due to data caps. Again, a VPN provider wants to preserve much of its online resources for use by its paying customers.

Plus, by limiting access to their free product, VPNs are encouraging you to spring for a paid subscription, which is where they make their money. Our list above has the fastest VPNs available and all offer excellent performance.

While a free VPN may be attractive to users on a tight budget (and there are a few free VPN services that are reliable), I strongly suggest spending a few bucks per month on a paid VPN service if at all possible. You’ll find the added reliability, privacy, security, performance, and convenience of a paid provider to be well worth the added expense.

Are VPNs Legal?

While a VPN can be used to keep illegal activities undercover, the actual use of a VPN is legal in most parts of the world. VPNs are mostly used to protect legal activities on the internet and are used by financial institutions, major companies, and even law enforcement to protect their online activities and associated sensitive data.

VPNs are illegal or severely restricted in the following countries:

• Belarus
• China
• Iran
• Iraq
• Oman
• Russia
• Turkey
• UAE

Keep in mind that laws change on a regular basis, so I advise readers to check local resources for the laws governing VPN usage in your country.

In Closing

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) service is arguably the best way to enhance and protect all of your online activities. A VPN’s encrypted protection prevents your activities from being monitored by outside parties. It enhances your online life by providing ready access to geo-blocked content around the globe.

My number one choice is NordVPN, which offers reliable VPN protection with strong encryption, kill switch protection, and much more.

It also provides reliable access to content around the globe via an extensive global server network. Nearly any device can benefit from the provider’s protection, and customer support is available whenever you need it.

Visit NordVPN for more information.

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