10 Fastest VPNs Of 2024

In our search for the fastest VPNs, NordVPN’s performance stood out from the crowd. Its consistent high-speed performance was impressive, making it ideal for everything from streaming to large file downloads. It’s not just the speed that impressed us, but the host of security features that comes with it. The inclusion of a kill switch, which disconnects your internet should the VPN connection drop, is a testament to NordVPN’s commitment to user security.

The user-friendly interface was another highlight of our experience with NordVPN. Adding users was a breeze, allowing even those with minimal technical experience to manage their VPN connections with ease.

However, even though NordVPN offers exceptional speed and an array of impressive features, there are a few points that might give potential users pause. The complexity of the service, while beneficial for those seeking advanced features, may be overwhelming for beginners. Although we found the interface to be user-friendly, the multitude of settings and features may require a learning curve for some users. NordVPN, while offering good value for the range of features it provides, may not be the most budget-friendly option on the market.

Learn more: Read our full NordVPN review.

Who should use it:

NordVPN is ideal for anyone seeking a speedy and secure VPN service. It’s particularly suitable for individuals who prioritize privacy and security, thanks to its kill switch feature and non-Five Eyes jurisdiction.

TorGuard VPN caught our attention with its feature-rich offering and emphasis on customization. The service boasts unlimited speeds and unlimited bandwidth, a standout feature that ensures a seamless, uninterrupted online experience. In addition, TorGuard offers a choice between OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2, allowing users to pick the protocol that best suits their needs.

With over 3,000 servers, TorGuard ensures a reliable, global connection. This extensive network can help users bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy a smooth connection almost anywhere in the world. However, it’s worth noting that streaming is only available with the Pro version, a limitation that might be a deal-breaker for some.

Despite TorGuard’s remarkable features, potential users should consider a few caveats. For starters, the service is based in the United States, a Five Eyes country, which could potentially impact user privacy. Furthermore, while the service is feature-rich, its interface might be overwhelming for VPN novices. TorGuard is designed with advanced users in mind, and beginners might find its array of options and settings challenging to navigate.

Learn more: Read our full TorGuard VPN Review.

Who should use it:

TorGuard VPN is an excellent choice for advanced users seeking a VPN service with a multitude of options and a high degree of customization. Its unlimited speeds and bandwidth make it suitable for heavy internet users, while its wide range of protocols caters to various security needs.

TunnelBear stood out in our review for its simplicity and user-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for VPN novices. The service features a fun, bear-themed interface that is both intuitive and visually appealing. Its easy setup process and straightforward features make it a great option for those new to VPNs.

The inclusion of a kill switch and split tunneling features is a testament to TunnelBear’s commitment to security. The kill switch ensures it cuts your internet connection off if the VPN connection drops, providing an additional layer of security. The split tunneling feature, on the other hand, allows you to control which apps use the VPN connection and which do not. This provides flexibility and control over your internet usage.

However, despite its ease of use and robust security features, TunnelBear does have a few drawbacks to consider. The most significant of these is that TunnelBear is based in Canada, a Five Eyes country. This means that the company may be required to share user data with government agencies. While TunnelBear has a strong privacy policy stating it doesn’t log user activity, this may still be a concern for users seeking the highest level of privacy.

Learn more: Read our full TunnelBear review.

Who should use it:

TunnelBear is a great choice for beginners or anyone seeking a user-friendly VPN service. Its simple interface and straightforward features make it easy to navigate, even for those with no prior VPN experience.

Proton VPN emerged as our top pick for users prioritizing privacy and security. Its location in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws and outside of the Five Eyes jurisdiction, is a significant advantage. Additionally, Proton VPN’s strict no-logs policy reassures users that their online activities are not tracked or recorded.

With servers in 67 countries, Proton VPN provides wide geographical coverage, offering flexibility and ease for users who want to bypass geo-restrictions. Notable features including Tor over VPN, DNS leak protection and forward secrecy further enhance user security, making Proton VPN a robust choice for those seeking comprehensive online protection.

Proton VPN also offers unique features such as the NetShield ad blocker and alternative routing. NetShield blocks ads, trackers and malware across the entire internet connection, while alternative routing is a method used to bypass network censorship.

However, potential users should note that while Proton VPN’s focus on security and privacy is commendable, it could come at the cost of speed if you’re using a lot of bandwidth. Heavy streaming and gaming might not be as smooth as with some other VPN services. Also, while the service offers a host of advanced features, beginners may find its interface a bit complex to navigate initially.

Learn more: Read our full Proton VPN review.

Who should use it:

Proton VPN is an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users and those who require robust security features. Its strong privacy protocols and advanced security features make it a strong contender for users seeking secure internet access.

One of Surfshark’s standout features is its support for unlimited devices. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-device users and large households where several devices need VPN protection simultaneously. With servers in over 100 countries, Surfshark also offers extensive geographical coverage, allowing users to bypass geo-restrictions with ease.

The service’s MultiHop feature, which routes traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy, and the CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads, trackers and malware, are noteworthy for improving online experiences. Surfshark’s acceptance of crypto payments and RAM-only servers for faster connections reflect its commitment to privacy and performance.

However, potential users should note that Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances. While Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy, its location might be a concern for users seeking the highest level of privacy. Furthermore, while Surfshark’s interface is generally user-friendly, its multitude of features might seem overwhelming to beginners.

Learn more: Read our full Surfshark review.

Who should use it:

Surfshark is an excellent choice for multi-device users and those who require VPN protection across several devices simultaneously.

Private Internet Access (PIA) impressed us with its extensive customization options and unique features. With the addition of a dedicated IP and advanced split tunneling, users have a high degree of control over their online experience. PIA’s support for the WireGuard protocol, renowned for its speed and security, is another major plus.

Users can scrutinize and verify its source code, ensuring there are no hidden elements that can compromise security. PIA also accepts anonymous payments through cryptocurrency and third-party gift cards, further emphasizing its commitment to user privacy.

However, as feature-rich as PIA is, there are a few points of concern. The service is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes alliance, which might be a concern for users seeking the highest level of privacy. Moreover, while the range of features and customization options is a boon for advanced users, beginners might find PIA’s interface a bit complex to navigate.

Learn more: Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Who should use it:

Private Internet Access is a great choice for users seeking a high level of customization in their VPN service.

Editor’s Note: It is worth mentioning that, despite their competitive prices and robust features, some in the cybersecurity community have reservations about CyberGhost, ExpressVPN and PIA, which are all owned by Kape Technologies. Formerly known as “Crossrider,” the company gained infamy for creating and operating a platform that was used for injecting adware. Kape Technologies has repeatedly stood by the integrity of its VPNs, but consumers should keep this information in mind if they are especially wary of privacy.

The hide.me VPN caught our attention with its impressive suite of features geared towards improving online gaming and streaming experiences. With support for WireGuard, a protocol known for its superior speed and security, hide.me ensures a fast and reliable connection that’s essential for these high-bandwidth activities.

The service’s MultiHop feature, which routes traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy and security, and its ability to avoid ISP throttling by bypassing UDP for TCP traffic (available for Windows users) contribute to a smooth and uninterrupted online experience. This, combined with features such as IP leak protection, IPv6 support and uncensored DNS, makes hide.me a comprehensive choice for privacy and security.

The Stealth Guard feature from hide.me, which allows specific apps to only work when connected to the VPN, further enhances user security. Being based in Malaysia, a country outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes alliance, adds an extra layer of privacy assurance.

Despite its robust feature set, hide.me might not be for everyone. While it is excellent for gaming and streaming, users primarily seeking a VPN for other purposes might find other services more tailored to their needs. Additionally, while the service is feature-rich, beginners might find its interface a bit complex to navigate.

Learn more: Read our full hide.me review.

Who should use it:

For gamers and streamers, hide.me is an excellent choice. Its high-speed connections, ISP throttling avoidance and robust security features ensure a smooth and secure online experience.

VPN Unlimited stands out with its extensive server coverage across the globe. With more than 3,000 high-speed servers in over 80 locations, the service provides impressive geographic diversity. VPN Unlimited is a great option for people who need to access content from different parts of the world because it allows them to easily bypass geo-restrictions.

The ability to choose a preferred location for optimal performance is another strong selling point. This feature not only enhances connection speeds but also provides a more tailored VPN experience. The service’s user interface is intuitive, making it simple to switch between servers and settings.

However, despite its impressive server coverage and user-friendly interface, VPN Unlimited is based in the United States, a Five Eyes country. While the service maintains a strict no-logs policy, the jurisdiction might be a concern for users seeking the highest level of privacy.

Learn more: Read our full VPN Unlimited review.

Who should use it:

VPN Unlimited is a solid choice for users who value geographic diversity and need to bypass geo-restrictions frequently. Its extensive server coverage and the ability to choose preferred locations make it particularly suited for users who require a high degree of flexibility in their VPN usage.

CyberGhost has a clear and simple interface, allowing even the less tech-savvy to navigate with ease. Being headquartered in Romania, a country outside the Five Eyes alliance, it provides an added layer of privacy assurance. CyberGhost does not compromise on speed, offering swift connections vital for streaming, gaming or handling large data transfers.

It maintains a high server count spread across the globe, improving the likelihood of achieving high-speed connections close to a user’s location. Furthermore, CyberGhost adheres to a strict no-logs policy, adding another pillar to its privacy-focused framework.

Learn more: Read our full CyberGhost review.

Who should use it:

Those seeking a fast and efficient VPN experience that balances ease of use with strong privacy measures.

Editor’s Note: It is worth mentioning that, despite their competitive prices and robust features, some in the cybersecurity community have reservations about CyberGhost, ExpressVPN and PIA, which are all owned by Kape Technologies. Formerly known as “Crossrider,” the company gained infamy for creating and operating a platform that was used for injecting adware. Kape Technologies has repeatedly stood by the integrity of its VPNs, but consumers should keep this information in mind if they are especially wary of privacy.

ExpressVPN offers great global coverage because of its substantial server locations across 94 countries. This coverage allows users to access region-specific content with little hindrance. Unique to many VPN provider, ExpressVPN’s Aircove router is the first Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in VPN protection. It not only secures conventional devices but also smart home appliances and gaming consoles. This router’s Wi-Fi range can cover an entire home, accommodating multiple devices without a compromise on performance.

Aircove is designed for simplified setup, allowing any device to gain VPN protection merely by connecting to the Wi-Fi. The router facilitates connection to multiple VPN locations simultaneously, catering to varying requirements of different devices. Advanced protection features such as threat management, ad-blocking and parental controls provide added layers of security.

Learn more: Read our full ExpressVPN review.

Who should use it:

Tech-savvy individuals looking for broad global coverage and advanced security features for multiple devices.

Editor’s Note: It is worth mentioning that, despite their competitive prices and robust features, some in the cybersecurity community have reservations about CyberGhost, ExpressVPN and PIA, which are all owned by Kape Technologies. Formerly known as “Crossrider,” the company gained infamy for creating and operating a platform that was used for injecting adware. Kape Technologies has repeatedly stood by the integrity of its VPNs, but consumers should keep this information in mind if they are especially wary of privacy.