Best VPN service 2024: 8 options our experts recommend

Staying on top of your online privacy is important, and a reliable VPN (virtual private network) makes this easy to do. With trackers harvesting your data, hackers attempting to steal personal information, and even your ISP (internet service provider) logging your internet activity, a VPN can help make sure your data is for your eyes only. But that’s only one of its many perks.

By switching your IP address and encrypting your internet traffic, you’ll no longer be bound by region-restricted websites, bandwidth throttling, or geo-blocked streaming services. That means complete access to the internet, whether it be watching the latest shows on country-specific streaming libraries, sneaking past blocked content, or boosting your internet speeds.

Plenty of VPN services exist, and some may be more suited to your needs than others. That’s why we’ve put together this round-up of the best VPNs. If you’re looking for streaming-specific needs, however, you can’t go wrong with the best VPNs for streaming.

It may be tempting to forgo the subscription fees and opt for a free VPN. However, many free services offer bare-bones protection at best. At worst, you could end up like the 360 million SuperVPN users whose data was shared in mid-2023. We recommend opting for a free trial, which many of our top picks offer, to find the best fit — or check out these reliable free VPNs.

Top VPNs for your phone, tablet, or computer

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice if you value speed above all else. While it has a relatively small number of servers, they’re located in more countries than any other service on this list, giving you excellent connection speeds wherever you go. ExpressVPN is available on phones, tablets, desktop computers, and gaming consoles, and it’s a great pick if you’re looking to expand your protection to all your devices.

With a built-in kill switch for sudden VPN disconnects, Threat Manager to keep trackers and malicious activity at bay, and its new built-in password manager, ExpressVPN, has all the tools you need to browse securely on the go. All of its servers have P2P support, and when coupled with its top-notch security features, this is the best choice for torrenting.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Similar to Panama, the BVI has no data retention laws. While it is a United Kingdom territory, it is an entirely separate legal jurisdiction.

• Cost: $12.95 per month; $59.94 per six months; $99.84 per year
• Supported platforms: Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows
• Additional support: VPN extensions for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Firefox; Router app; Kindle Fire app
• Server locations: 105 countries
• Servers: More than 3,000
• Free trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
• Devices allowed: Up to 8
• Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands

For those who want the fastest VPN for their devices, NordVPN is your port of call. With its wide network of optimized servers and its own NordLynx protocol, this service will hardly put a dent in your internet speeds. In fact, it can also increase your speeds. But even though there are cheaper VPNs, NordVPN provides the best balance between features and cost.

NordVPN offers users plenty of features, including Meshnet, Threat Protection, and a Double VPN service. This routes your traffic through two VPN servers, adding an extra layer of security to your browsing. It has a great auto-connect feature, so you’ll be protected when you connect to a new network. It also offers additional benefits, such as its Dark Web Monitor that alerts you if your credentials are exposed online, and 24/7 customer support is accessible through the app.

NordVPN is based and operated in Panama. Panama has no data retention laws, so NordVPN is not required to maintain data logs. The company states it does not store any of your data.

• Cost: $12.99 per month Standard plan; $59.88 one-year Standard plan; $81.36 two-year Standard plan
• Supported platforms: Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows
• Additional support: Most connected devices
• Server locations: 111 countries
• Servers: More than 6,400
• Free trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
• Devices allowed: 10
• Jurisdiction: Panama

Surfshark is among the most affordable VPNs on this list if you’re willing to subscribe to an annual plan. Why’s that? Well, it’s the best VPN for multiple devices, as it doesn’t limit the maximum number of connected devices for an account, meaning your entire family (and beyond) can be protected.

Surfshark integrates a kill switch and has over 3,200 servers. Beyond its VPN service, the service offers a host of add-ons. These include an ad-blocker, a private search engine, Camouflage Mode for obfuscation, and a dark web monitor to check if you’ve been affected by a data breach.

Like ExpressVPN, Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands. You can expect privacy protection and it has a verified no-logs policy. It’s worth noting that Surfshark merged with Nord Security (the owner of NordVPN) in 2022.

• Cost: $15.45 per month Starter plan; $41.85 per year Starter plan; $59.13 for two-year Starter plan
• Supported platforms: Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows
• Additional support: VPN proxy for Chrome and Firefox
• Servers: More than 3,200
• Server locations: 100 countries
• Free trial: 7-day free trial; 30-day money-back guarantee
• Devices allowed: Unlimited
• Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands

CyberGhost’s expensive monthly plan might make some users hesitant to use the service, but its fantastic two-year deal (which then reverts to an annual plan) is even better than IPVanish’s offer. It’s hard to commit to that, so CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost has a decent array of VPN features, and it even now offers split tunneling. Even better, its fleet of servers has grown to over 11,000, and many are optimized for streaming and gaming, making it one of the best VPNs for Netflix.

Its widespread placement of servers also means you should have a consistent connection wherever you are. It also provides excellent add-ons, including 500GB of encrypted storage with a two-year VPN plan. CyberGhost is an excellent VPN, especially for binge-watching shows, thanks to its optimized server selection, but you’ll get the most value if you pay for a two-year subscription.

• Cost: $12.99 per month; $41.94 for six months; $56.94 for first two years
• Supported platforms: Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows
• Additional support: Chrome and Firefox proxy extensions; Smart DNS
• Servers: More than 11,700
• Server locations: 100 countries
• Free trial: 45-day money-back guarantee
• Devices allowed: 7
• Jurisdiction: Romania

Mullvad VPN stands out for its simplicity and strong privacy commitment, and does it an affordable price of just 5 euros ($5.30) a month. Its pricing model is straightforward with no difference between monthly and yearly options, offering a competitive rate for those who value a no-nonsense approach to online security. Mullvad supports a wide range of devices and is well-regarded for its speed, making it ideal for streaming and secure browsing.

When it comes to privacy, Mullvad is a top contender. It operates under a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that none of your data is stored. Based in Sweden, which has strong privacy protections, Mullvad doesn’t ask for any personal details to create an account, using just an anonymous number for identification. It also includes essential security features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and IPv6 support, making it a solid choice for users who prioritize privacy.

Mullvad is perfect for users who need a privacy-first VPN without unnecessary frills, though it might not be the best option if you’re seeking a vast network of servers across the globe.

• Cost: €5 ($5.30) per month (no long-term contracts)
• Supported platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
• Additional support: WireGuard, OpenVPN
• Servers: Over 643
• Server locations: 43 countries
• Free trial: None (but a 30-day money-back guarantee is offered)
• Devices allowed: 5 devices
• Jurisdiction: Sweden

Private Internet Access (PIA) remains a top VPN choice for anyone who prefers a long-term subscription on the cheap. Its $11.99 monthly plan isn’t anything special, and its six-month plan is still relatively pricey, but its two-year plan (with two months free) drops to $56.94 ($2.19 per month). You get a 30-day money-back guarantee for the service, and there’s also a seven-day free trial for Android and iOS apps.

PIA hosts servers in more than 91 countries, but its primary focus is the US. Along with its incredible 35,000 servers, there it has at least one server in all 50 states, which makes sense due to PIA’s location. If you’re worried about U.S. jurisdiction and its tendency to be less reliable when it comes to privacy, a different VPN service should be a better choice.

There are apps available for most platforms and systems, and PIA lets you connect unlimited devices. This feature combined with the low long-term pricing should make it a competitive option for households looking to up their online privacy.

• Cost: $11.95 per month; $39.96 for one year; $73.08 for three years
• Supported platforms: Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows
• Additional support: VPN extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera; Smart DNS for TVs
• Servers: More than 35,000
• Server locations: 91 countries
• Free trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
• Devices allowed: Unlimited
• Jurisdiction: United States

ProtonVPN grew from the team behind ProtonMail, a crowdfunded project dedicated to widespread online privacy. It also comes with a free tier, which provides a fantastic starting point if you’re new to VPNs.

While the selling point for ProtonVPN might be its free tier, it’s probably not the best bet if you value speed and reliability. With servers in just three countries, it isn’t likely to break any connection speed records. However, looking at the $9.99 per month tier, we see a substantial number of servers and a max bandwidth of 10GB/s, enough to give you decent speed around the globe.

If you care about security and privacy and are willing to pay a little extra, ProtonVPN should be your go-to VPN. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland. Switzerland is ideal for VPNs, as it has some of the world’s strictest data privacy and retention laws.

• Cost: $9.99 per month; $71.88 per year; $119.76 per two years
• Supported platforms: Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows
• Additional support: VPN extensions for Chrome and Firefox
• Servers: More than 6,300
• Server locations: 100 countries
• Free trial: 30-day money-back guarantee
• Devices allowed: 10
• Jurisdiction: Switzerland

As far as free VPNs go, Windscribe knocks it out of the park. With a generous offering of 11 countries to hop between, from the U.S. to Hong Kong, and fantastic speeds that allow for buffer-free streaming, it’s worth giving the service a try.

It’s able to bypass geo-blocked content, which allows you to stream different content libraries on Netflix, Disney+, and more. However, you’ll only get 10GB of monthly data to use. It’s better used for browsing websites rather than streaming, but the upgrades that come with its affordable paid plan can give you unlimited data and a selection of servers in 69 countries. Security features are also a highlight, with its R.O.B.E.R.T system blocking unwanted IPs and domains, split tunneling, anti-tracking tools, and support for torrenting.

It’s based in Canada, a privacy-friendly country, but needs a public security audit to strengthen its privacy standards.

• Cost: free; $9 per month; $69 per year
• Supported platforms: Amazon Fire TV, Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows
• Additional support: VPN extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera; Router app
• Servers: Unknown
• Server locations: 63 countries
• Free trial: Unlimited
• Devices allowed: Unlimited
• Jurisdiction: Canada

How we chose our top VPN picks

AP’s editors and writers have used and tested hundreds of VPNs on almost every smartphone, tablet, and computer available. During our testing, we identified these essential VPN features:

• Multi-device support: While using a VPN on your phone is essential, you’ll want to use one on most of your devices. Our selections work on multiple devices simultaneously.
• Server locations: Multiple server locations are essential, especially if you use a VPN to access geo-fenced content or services.
• Compatibility with multiple operating systems: A good VPN should have, at the bare minimum, apps for Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows.
• Solid speeds: Although your Wi-Fi or data speeds may slow slightly when connected to a VPN, you should be able to use your phone or laptop without any problem.
• Logging: VPNs should not log, monitor, or store your activity while connected.
• Jurisdiction: We listed the jurisdiction for each VPN. Do your own research to see if you believe jurisdiction is important, but we give you a jump by listing it for each VPN.

What makes a good VPN?

If you’re unfamiliar with VPNs, beginners should consider learning terms like split tunneling and kill switches and a breakdown of the most common VPN protocols, like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and ikev2. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with VPNs, you can choose one. But what should you look for when the top VPNs offer the same core service?

Despite the same core service, each VPN provider has unique functionality. Some offer faster speeds, while others have more server locations for consistent connections. Consider your situation carefully when selecting a VPN. For example, suppose you travel a lot but aren’t fussed about internet speed. In that case, you’ll want a VPN that offers the most server locations for a consistent VPN connection and a kill switch if you accidentally access unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

Another critical point to consider is how many devices a single subscription supports. Most VPN subscriptions offer simultaneous connections to multiple devices, but the exact number varies. This means you can improve your security on Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows, as well as browsers like Chrome and your router, through one subscription.

Also, keep an eye out for split tunneling. This allows you to route some apps through a VPN while letting others access the internet directly. This is handy if you’re struggling with bandwidth in your location, but there’s another convenient use. By routing your streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video through different servers, you can trick them into thinking you’re located elsewhere, allowing you access to region-locked content. In this scenario, look for the fastest VPNs with the most bandwidth.

If you regularly torrent content, you must have a VPN installed. As torrenting involves installing files from unknown sources, your privacy goes out the window without a VPN active. In this scenario, you’ll want a VPN with the best privacy that’s optimized for P2P sharing.

Choosing the VPN that’s right for you

A good VPN service will keep your data secure, but the best VPNs go a step further by offering multiple easy-to-use features to manage your privacy and get past restrictions. Better yet, our picks continue to improve, offering more countries to jump to, a larger fleet of servers, and greater speeds.

For a mix of the best perks a VPN can offer, ExpressVPN is a no-brainer. Its popularity is well warranted, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, incredible speeds thanks to its Lightway protocol, and a user-friendly app on multiple platforms. From advanced tools, such as its built-in password manager and Threat Manager, to its servers optimized for streaming and gaming, ExpressVPN delivers — even if it’s a tad on the expensive side.

NordVPN, on the other hand, is the fastest of the bunch. Its blazing-fast NordLynx protocol and servers can go as far as improving your internet speeds, and you’ll get over 6,000 servers in 111 countries to make sure you get the fastest connection. Throw in incredible features like Meshnet and Threat Protection, and it becomes a VPN that’s hard to pass up. While pricey, it’s best to opt for its two-year annual plan.

Affordability is always an important factor, and Surfshark ensures value is a priority without skimping on the essentials. Boasting some of the fastest speeds, a network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, and unlimited simultaneous device connections, this low-cost VPN offers the best features at affordable pricing plans.

Considering a cash-free VPN option? It’s good to know the key differences between free VPNs and paid VPNs, but there’s also a way to create a self-hosted VPN on your Android device in under 30 minutes.