BEST VPN SERVICE for 2024 — Top VPN Tested By Experts

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BEST VPN SERVICE
  • February 14, 2024
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BEST VPN SERVICE for 2024 — Top VPN Tested By Experts

Finding a great all-around VPN can feel impossible. Some VPNs have reliable servers for streaming but lack strong security features. Others are super secure but slow your connection down so much that even browsing becomes frustrating. Not to mention the dozens of untrustworthy VPNs that track your online movements or fail to encrypt your traffic properly.

To save you time and hassle, our team of cybersecurity experts across the globe spend months testing over 300 VPN services to determine which ones are the best overall.

These VPNs all have global server coverage and are great for streaming your local content in HD or UHD. They also secure your connection without slowing you down and keep your online activity private. Some of them are even powerful enough to work in countries with strict internet censorship.

TLDR: Our top choice is ExpressVPN, thanks to its industry-leading security features and impressive speeds for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. But it also stands out for its strong commitment to keeping your online activity private.

You can try ExpressVPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. It offers 24/7 live chat with a responsive customer support team to assist you with any questions or concerns. If you’re not as impressed as we are, you can easily get a full refund.



We can give you all the research and test results in the world, but when it comes down to it, you’re the one who has to choose a VPN. And while some are unquestionably better than others, the best VPN for each individual depends on their personal needs and preferences.

Here’s a quick, 3-step guide to finding the right VPN for you.

  1. Identify your priorities. Security or entertainment? Some VPNs specialize in one over the other, though top ones balance both.
  2. Define your purpose. Identify your use case (privacy, streaming, gaming, torrenting, or a mix of them all) and how often you’ll use the VPN. This focuses on your feature hunt.
  3. Set your budget. Decide your spending limit and whether you want to pay monthly or for a long-term plan. Top VPNs often run deals, but remember that a higher price doesn’t always mean better service.

Key Features

Keep an eye out for these features while you’re reading VPN reviews. In our experience, these are the most important to consider.

  • Privacy and security. Opt for a no-logs VPN with verified privacy policies, 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
  • Streaming. For optimal streaming, seek VPNs with large server networks in your country and fast speeds to stream in HD lag-free. Also, make sure they work reliably for your streaming accounts, like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or DAZN.
  • Torrenting. Choose a VPN for torrenting that masks your IP, encrypts traffic, and offers P2P profiles. You’ll also need fast speeds, and you might want optional features like SOCKS5 proxies.
  • Ease of use. A good VPN should have native apps for multiple platforms and offer router or Smart DNS solutions for devices that don’t support VPNs. All of the VPNs in this list provide easy-to-install apps on their websites for popular devices like Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and more.
  • Bypassing firewalls. Look for features like obfuscation to disguise VPN traffic and ensure the VPN has been tested in restrictive countries. For instance, if you need a VPN for China, make sure that it works there. 24/7 customer support is a plus here because you can get the info you need at any time.



1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Speed, Security, and Reliability

Best FeatureThe fastest speeds we tested, strong security features, and versatility
Server Network3,000 servers in 105 countries
Simultaneous Device ConnectionsUp to 8
Works WithNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

ExpressVPN is the best all-around VPN our global team of VPN experts has tested, with incredibly fast speeds and strong security.

First, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we’ve tested on both nearby and faraway connections. Our VPN speed tester in the UK tests multiple servers consistently using its speed-optimized Lightway protocol. On average, ExpressVPN barely affects connection speeds. Local speeds are slowed by only 5%, while connecting to servers thousands of miles away only saw 10% drops.

User-Friendly and Perfect for Streaming

ExpressVPN’s global server coverage ensures you’ll have reliable nearby connections for streaming your local content while preventing potential slowdowns caused by overcrowded servers.

Note that even though ExpressVPN and other services can hypothetically let you watch content that’s not licensed and available in your country, such action goes against most streaming platforms’ T&Cs. What’s more, it might even constitute copyright infringement, which the team and I don’t condone or support. We urge you to use a VPN responsibly and legally.

My global team and I tested it with 10+ Netflix libraries from their respective and licensed locations — we all had fast and smooth streaming. It also worked well for Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video when I tested it with these platforms from within the US. Our UK team confirmed that it worked smoothly with Sky Go and BBC iPlayer, too.

It has a Smart DNS feature (MediaStreamer) that allows you to set it up for good-quality streaming on devices that don’t usually support VPNs, like gaming consoles and smart TVs. Keep in mind it doesn’t encrypt your traffic like a normal VPN connection.

Since it offers native apps for the most popular devices and operating systems, installation is easy. The browser extensions are top-tier, too — they’re like a remote control to the main VPN app, offering full protection. Most services only offer proxy connections with their browser extensions. My only complaint regarding its apps is that the Linux interface could be more user-friendly.

You can also easily install ExpressVPN on your router thanks to its custom firmware. Unlike other VPNs, you don’t need to dive into your router’s code to install it manually. Simply download the firmware from ExpressVPN’s website, and it’ll guide you through the process. To make things even easier, you can buy ExpressVPN’s Aircove router — it’s pre-configured to work with the VPN to save you time.

ExpressVPN supports P2P sharing across its entire network, making it easy to find an uncongested and fast server. It only supports port forwarding through router setup, but split tunneling can help maximize your speeds while torrenting, too. I use it to encrypt only my BitTorrent traffic while everything else remains on my local network.

Top-Notch Security and Privacy Protection

The reason I put my trust in this VPN is that ExpressVPN’s security and privacy protection claims are upheld by industry-leading features and third-party audits. Its Lightway protocol, apps, and browser extensions have undergone several security audits to prove they’re watertight. Plus, in 2022, KPMG (a reputable auditing firm) confirmed ExpressVPN is in compliance with its no-logs policy.

Additional security and privacy features:
  • Privacy protection. It’s based in the British Virgin Islands and outside of the 14-Eyes Alliance jurisdiction. Plus, RAM-based servers (referred to as TrustedServer technology) wipe your data after every reboot.
  • Military-grade encryption. It combines AES 256-bit encryption along with SHA512 hashing and a 4096-bit RSA key — basically impossible for even the most skilled hacker to breach. Plus, perfect forward secrecy ensures that in the unlikely event an encryption key was discovered, it wouldn’t compromise any past or future communications.
  • No data leaks. Network Lock is ExpressVPN’s kill switch that prevents your data from being exposed in case you suddenly lose connection from the VPN. ExpressVPN also provides DNS/IP and WebRTC leak protection.
  • Choice of protocols. Aside from Lightway, you also get access to OpenVPN — and IKEv2, but only on macOS.
  • Threat Manager. ExpressVPN has a blocklist of sites that are known for tracking and malware, and it prevents your device from communicating with these shady servers. You can also customize it to block pop-up ads or adult sites with a single click.
  • Obfuscation on every server. This feature is what allows ExpressVPN to work in strictly-censored countries, like China.
Solid Customer Care and a Reliable Guarantee

You can try ExpressVPN for yourself risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. When I tested this, it was straightforward. I just used its 24/7 live chat feature to request my refund. The agent asked a few questions about my experience, then instantly approved the refund. My money was back in my account 2 days later.

ExpressVPN is Best for…
  • Overall versatility — the combination of fast speeds, strong security, and reliability makes ExpressVPN a one-stop shop for a broad range of online activities, including streaming, torrenting, gaming, and safe browsing. It’s also one of the only VPNs that’s proven to work and perform all of these activities in China.
ExpressVPN May Not Be Best for…
  • Users on a budget — ExpressVPN is not the cheapest on my list (with plans starting from $6.67/month), but it does offer discounts on its site. I got 49% off when I signed up for a long-term plan.

💥 ExpressVPN Offer February 2024: For a limited time only, you can get an ExpressVPN subscription for up to 49% off! Don’t miss out!



2. CyberGhost — Speciality Servers for Reliable Gaming, Streaming, and Torrenting

Best FeatureOptimized servers make it one of the easiest VPNs to use
Server Network11,666 servers in 100 countries
Simultaneous Device Connections7
Works WithNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

CyberGhost is one of my favorite streaming VPNs, with specialty servers that are designed to give you fast and reliable connections for enjoying your favorite local content. Each of these is labeled according to the platform it works best with.

I’ve been using and testing CyberGhost’s Netflix US server in the US for almost 3 years and have never experienced a sluggish or choppy connection. My international colleagues have reported that, during their tests, CyberGhost’s optimized streaming servers consistently work with their designated platforms within their respective licensed locations. This includes Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and much more.

Its optimized servers for gaming and torrenting also provide a great experience. The gaming servers are designed for low ping and reliable speeds, while the torrenting servers offer strong security and fast downloads. I connected to the gaming server in New York from Portland to play Call of Duty: Warzone online with friends. With a consistent ping of just 41 ms, I only encountered a tiny bit of lag.

Industry-Leading Privacy and Security

CyberGhost proves its dedication to protecting your data by offering a variety of unique privacy and security features. I know I’m always covered — whether I need protection on public WiFi, malware prevention, or want extra privacy while working with sensitive data online.

Additional security and privacy features:

  • Romanian base and NoSpy servers. CyberGhost’s headquarters are outside of the 14 Eyes Alliances’ jurisdiction. Here, it also has a private set of servers (NoSpy), managed solely by CyberGhost employees to minimize the risk of your data being intercepted.
  • Customizable protection. Its Block Content feature helps prevent ads, trackers, and malware. Plus, Smart Rules protects you on public WiFi by letting you customize how and when the app protects your traffic. Smart Rules also allows you to set “exceptions” to apps and sites (like split tunneling).
  • Quality protocols. You get a choice of IKEv2, L2TP/ IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard. Unfortunately, OpenVPN is not available for iOS or macOS, though.
  • Dedicated IP option. You can get this for a small monthly fee — it’s a “personal” IP address that only you have access to, so you can avoid overcrowding and prevent sites from detecting it as a VPN connection. They’re available in the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, and France.
  • Dependable privacy protection. Its no-logs policy was audited by Deloitte, who confirmed that your information is never stored. And like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost switched to diskless servers to ensure your data isn’t stored.
  • Security essentials. You get 256-bit encryption plus perfect forward secrecy to keep hackers far away from your personal data. Plus, DNS/IP leak protection and a kill switch.
Easy-to-Use Apps and Speedy Connections

CyberGhost’s apps are sleek and easy to navigate — you can enable most features with just 1 click. It also has free browser extensions, but these are just proxies and aren’t available in every country. While it’s compatible with tons of popular operating systems (such as Windows, macOS, and Linux), Chromebook is not one of them.

It’s fast, especially on its nearby connections. We tested 3 nearby servers (in the UK, France, and Germany) and only lost about 5% on average. Its Japan server was also fast, dropping no more than 23% from the baseline connection, but one of its Australia reduced speeds by about 70%. Luckily, CyberGhost has a large server network, so we could find a different Australian server that only produced a 27% speed loss.

Affordable Plans and Extra-Long Guarantee

Its plans are affordable, and it also has a 24-hour free trial available that lets you try all of its features. Since testing a VPN out fully takes time, I opted to get CyberGhost with its 45-day money-back guarantee. This is available with all of the long-term plans (you get 14 days with its short-term plan).

You can trust its refund policy — I made sure by testing it myself. Like ExpressVPN, it offers 24/7 live support, which I found to be friendly and knowledgeable.

CyberGhost is Best for…
  • Entertainment — its optimized servers make CyberGhost ideal for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Plus, it has a smart DNS feature, so you can stream on more devices.

CyberGhost May Not Be Best for…

  • Use in countries with strict censorship — CyberGhost doesn’t work in strictly-censored countries like China and the UAE.

💥 February 2024 Deal: CyberGhost is currently offering 83% off its most popular plan! Take advantage of this offer now and save more on your CyberGhost subscription.



3. Private Internet Access — Highly Customizable Settings Let You Finely Balance Speed & Security

Best FeatureTons of adjustable features at a great value
Server Network29,650 servers in 91 countries
Simultaneous Device ConnectionsUnlimited
Works WithNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

Private Internet Access (or PIA) offers exceptional security for a low price, which has made it an increasingly popular VPN in recent years. On top of this, you get unlimited device connections, which makes this VPN a really great deal.

Fully Customizable Security Features

You get full control over your connection to personalize it just the way you like. You’ve got two popular VPN protocols to choose from: OpenVPN and WireGuard. For speedy streaming, I switched to WireGuard, which outperformed OpenVPN by 9% in our speed tests.

When it comes to my bank accounts, security is my top priority, so I use the highly secure OpenVPN protocol. Plus, I like that you can select your preferred level of encryption — either 128-bit or 256-bit. To keep my confidential info super safe, I always bump my encryption level up to 256-bit.

Additional security and privacy features:

  • Layers of security — PIA has a built-in ad and malware blocker called MACE. You can also enable “Multi-Hop” to route your connection through a SOCKS5 or Shadowsocks obfuscation proxy along with the VPN server. Although, it doesn’t allow the VPN to work in China as some VPNs’ obfuscation features do.
  • NextGen servers — to eliminate the risk of third-party interference, PIA offers a selection of self-owned (colocated) servers in 3 global regions: North America, Europe, and Australia.
  • Built with the basics — on top of military-grade encryption, you get leak protection and an adjustable kill switch that can protect you from leaks, even when the VPN is manually disabled. I found no leaks during my tests.
  • Proxy browser extension — you can get its proxy extension for free for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. It doesn’t encrypt your traffic like a VPN but can change your virtual location.
  • Court-proven no-logs. Its no-logs policy has been court-proven multiple times; even when user data was demanded, PIA never had anything to show. This is reassuring since PIA is based in the US, which is the heart of the 14 Eyes Alliances.
Tons of Servers and Fast Speeds

With a vast network of 29,650 servers, it’s no surprise that PIA delivers impressive speeds. Nearby connections lost no more than 5%, while long-distance servers averaged a 32% speed loss.

PIA supports P2P sharing on all servers. And unlike ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, it provides port forwarding, so you can connect directly to seeders while enhancing your download speeds.

It has streaming-optimized servers in 8 different countries. These have proven much more reliable than its regular servers — I sometimes struggle to get fast or stable streaming with its normal connections. For Netflix US and Hulu, I use its US East Streaming connection since this is the closest to my location in the US. There’s also a US West Streaming server.

Another unique feature that I really appreciate is that PIA has at least 1 server in all 50 US states. That ensures you’ll have a server nearby, no matter which state you’re located in. In most cases, the closer the server, the speedier the connection. Plus, more connections are also good for reducing user overload and slowdowns.

Great Customer Support and Resources

PIA’s apps are easy to install, and there’s also a smart DNS feature. I particularly like that it offers a native GUI app for Linux. If you need help, you can contact customer support via live chat. Otherwise, there’s a huge knowledge base of FAQs, tutorials, and setup guides.

With plans starting at just $2.19/month it’s one of the most affordable options in this list. All plans come with a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test PIA for free without risk. PIA offers a helpful 24/7 live chat feature to accelerate the refund process.

PIA is Best for…

  • Flexibility — PIA’s adjustable security settings let you choose the security you need for your specific online activities —whether you’re torrenting, banking, or simply browsing.
PIA May Not Be Best for…
  • VPN beginners — its huge range of customization options can be overwhelming if you’re new to VPNs. On the other hand, this is great if you’re a tech nerd like me.

February 2024 Update: PIA doesn’t usually have deals or discounts (it’s already so affordable), but right now you can get a new subscription for a crazy 82% off!



4. NordVPN — Threat Protection for Enhanced Security Against Ads, Trackers, and Malware

Best FeatureThreat Protection uses a ton of customizable security settings to protect you from malware, ads, and trackers
Server Network6,061 servers in 61 countries
Simultaneous Device Connections6
Works WithNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

NordVPN made my list of best VPNs for its one-of-a-kind features, like Threat Protection and NordLynx — its proprietary protocol that’s built for speed and security.

Intuitive Features

Its Threat Protection feature blocks malicious sites, ads, and phishing attempts, even when the VPN isn’t connected to a server. It also scans and removes harmful files from your device. Every time I’ve tested it with the ad-heavy website allrecipes.com, this feature eliminated all ads, leaving me with a list of blocked threats.

NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor notifies you if your VPN-linked email address is compromised on the dark web. The Meshnet feature facilitates encrypted connections to various devices. For example, you can access folders on your home computer from your laptop while traveling.

Additional security and privacy features:

  • Specialty security servers. Multi-hop and obfuscated servers make it harder for prying eyes to intercept your data, which can also help you overcome certain firewalls. There are also onion over VPN servers, so you can connect safely to Tor without having to download the Tor browser.
  • Assured privacy protection. NordVPN’s no-logs policy has been verified 3 times — the most recent (performed by Deloitte in 2022) found NordVPN to be 100% compliant. It also uses RAM-based servers and is based in Panama, a country without data retention laws.
  • Security essentials and more. NordVPN includes a kill switch with 2 settings (for the internet and apps, or both), 256-bit encryption, and DNS/IP leak protection. Plus, it runs its own DNS servers to keep your online activity from being traced back to you.
  • Three different protocols. In addition to its proprietary NordLynx protocol, you also get access to OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec.
Solid Streaming and Torrenting VPN

NordVPN’s built-in SmartPlay feature makes it super reliable for streaming. It consistently works with every site my global team and I tested it with from within the countries they’re licensed for, including Netflix (in 5 countries), BBC iPlayer, Max (formerly HBO Max), and Hulu.

For a small additional monthly fee, you can get a dedicated IP from a choice of 15 server locations, including the UK, US, Japan, and Australia. Because this address will be unique to you, it’s less likely to produce slow or unstable connections that would normally be caused by a shared IP.

There’s a collection of P2P-optimized servers in various countries. And if you connect to a server that doesn’t support torrenting, you’ll automatically be redirected to one that does (in Canada or the Netherlands).

Its speed-optimized NordLynx protocol lets you stream and download smoothly. Nearby servers are fast — our UK speed tester reported an average loss of just 6% between the 3 servers they’ve been testing. With 3 long-distance servers, the average speed loss came to 19%, which is also pretty impressive.

Easy to Use With Responsive Customer Care

My team and I tested each of its apps (desktop, mobile, Linux, streaming devices, and more) — it took just a couple of minutes to install each one. NordVPN also offers a smart DNS feature.

All subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which proved trustworthy when I tested it out. I recommend using its 24/7 live chat for any inquiries, including refund requests. It’s fast and responsive.

NordVPN is Best for…
  • Streaming and torrenting — with its effective ad/malware blocker, fast speeds, SmartPlay, and P2P-optimized servers, it’s fully equipped for these activities. You can also speed up download times using split tunneling or its SOCKS5 proxy connection.
NordVPN May Not Be Best for…
  • Connecting quickly — its world map interface is large and bulky, but then again, some may find it easier to navigate than a server list. It also takes up to 40 seconds to connect to some long-distance servers.



5. Surfshark — Highly Unique Security Features to Layer Your Data With Protection

Best FeatureTons of advanced and unique security features to play around with
Server Network3,200 servers in 100 countries
Simultaneous Device ConnectionsUnlimited
Works WithNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

Surfshark offers some of the most advanced security features in the industry and, like PIA, unlimited device connections, although it’s not as cheap.

It has a Rotating IP feature to change your IP address every 5-10 minutes. As a valuable bonus, CleanWeb prevents ads, trackers, malware, phishing attempts — and even those annoying cookie consent pop-ups.

Surfshark’s NoBorders feature helps you enjoy internet freedom by detecting network restrictions and providing you with a list of the best servers to bypass such issues. On top of that, Camouflage mode obfuscates your traffic, but it doesn’t allow Surfshark to work in China.

Additional security features

  • Dedicated IP. Surfshark offers dedicated IP addresses for the UK, US, Germany, and the Netherlands. These are fantastic to have if you are located in one of these countries and could use a dependable connection for local streaming.
  • Whitelisting. You can keep your circle of trust tight by only allowing select email and IP addresses, websites, and applications to communicate with your device while blocking all others.
  • Military-grade security. Surfshark lets you choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. It also uses 256-bit encryption paired with perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. After repeatedly testing 8 servers for leaks, I’ve never found any.
  • GPS override (Android only). This automatically matches your phone’s GPS location to the VPN server location you’re connected to. That way, you can block apps that don’t need your location from tracking you.
Fast Speeds and Reliable Streaming

Surfshark consistently works with just about every streaming platform. It’s also a good torrenting VPN with its robust security features and Bypasser feature (split tunneling) to boost speeds. Plus, it supports torrenting on all of its servers.

I use its ‘Fastest location’ whenever I need the best speeds for streaming and gaming. In our last test, we got 119.19Mbps on a nearby server, which was only 4% less than the starting speed. Long-distance connections are decent — it never drops more than 33% on average.

Solid Privacy and Refund Policies

Despite Surfshark’s base in the Netherlands — a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance, its RAM-based servers and no-logs policy ensure that your data is kept private. Surfshark’s compliance with its no-logs policy also passed an independent audit by Deloitte in 2022.

Surfshark lets you try it risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. After making my request, I saw my money on my credit card before the week had passed.

Surfshark is Best for…
  • Unique security features — Not many VPNs offer features like GPS override and customizable Multi-Hop connections, just to name a few.
Surfshark May Not Be Best for…
  • Router setup — Surfshark doesn’t offer native router apps or firmware, so you have to manually install it and change locations, which is a bit trickier. Luckily, its site provides step-by-step instructions for this.



6. IPVanish — Completely Self-Owned Network for Ultimate Privacy

Best FeatureIPVanish doesn’t rent servers from third parties but owns its entire network
Server Network2,200 servers in 75 countries
Simultaneous Device ConnectionsUnlimited
Works WithNetflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Vudu, and more

IPVanish is a great VPN offering all the security essentials, but what makes it stand out is its commitment to privacy. Many VPNs rent their servers from third parties, but IPVanish owns each and every one of its servers, removing any risk of third-party meddling. On the other hand, IPVanish is based in the US — but its strict no-logs policy has been audited by Leviathan Security Group to confirm it won’t record or store your data.

Intuitive With Fast Nearby Speeds

It’s simple with few customizable settings, but that’s what makes IPVanish so user-friendly. Each server is displayed with its ping rate and load percent. This is offered on its native Amazon Fire app, so you can quickly find the best connection in your country for lag-free streaming. I personally appreciate this feature for finding a low-latency server for gaming on my PC.

Our speed tester’s results have been mixed. Long-distance servers drop speeds between 12% up to 72%, while nearby servers averaged a speed loss of around just 4%.

Additional security features:

  • Security basics. IPVanish has a reliable kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and split tunneling — although the latter is only available on the Android app. It also doesn’t offer advanced features like malware protection, an ad-blocker, or a multi-hop feature.
  • Scramble. If you’re on a restrictive network that blocks VPNs, you can use this feature to obfuscate your traffic and hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.
  • Four protocols. WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and IPSec are all supported by IPVanish.

24/7 Customer Support and Solid Guarantee

Since IPVanish is fairly simple to use, it’s unlikely that you’ll run into any problems. But if you do, you can contact customer support through 24/7 live chat, via email, or by phone.

It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can sign up for IPVanish with peace of mind. This refund process is simple; you don’t even have to reach out to a support rep. Refund claims can be made directly through your account portal on the website.

IPVanish is Best for…

  • Torrenting — all of IPVanish’s self-owned servers support torrenting. It also has a SOCKS5 proxy connection to speed up download times.

IPVanish May Not Be Best for…

  • Streaming — The servers I tested from within the US were fast and reliable for most regional sites, like Netflix US and Max. However, some of its servers weren’t so dependable for watching Hulu or Prime Video from the US. Plus, some servers located in faraway states produced major slowdowns, which isn’t great for streaming.



7. PrivateVPN — Solid VPN With a Small but Reliable Network

Best FeatureDependable for streaming and security
Server Network200 servers in 63 countries
Simultaneous Device Connections10
Works WithNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

PrivateVPN has a relatively small network — but it turns this into a virtue by ensuring you can depend on these connections for reliable streaming on local platforms and other online activities.

My team and I tested servers in the US, the UK, Italy, and Australia to see if PrivateVPN could provide fast and dependable connections for the popular streaming platforms available in each of our locations. We were all able to enjoy lag-free, smooth streaming on our regional sites, including Netflix, Sling TV, BBC iPlayer, and more.

In our speed tests, PrivateVPN proved quick on nearby servers, with a reasonable speed drop on distant ones (48% on average). No matter which server I used, it was still fast enough for seamless browsing and HD streaming.

Strict No-Logs VPN That Works in China

PrivateVPN is based in Sweden — although it’s headquartered within the 14-Eyes jurisdiction, it follows a strict no-logs policy.

To further protect your privacy, it also has a Stealth VPN mode designed to bypass VPN blocks and DPI firewalls. We know the Stealth mode works because our researchers in China confirmed it.

Additional Security Features

  • Advanced View Settings. PrivateVPN offers a kill switch and IPv6 and DNS leak protection, which can all be enabled in ‘Advanced view’.
  • Five protocols. It uses AES 256-bit encryption and a choice of AnyConnect, IKEv2, IPSec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard protocols.
  • Port forwarding and SOCKS5. These two settings are particularly useful for optimizing torrenting speeds.

Simple Apps and a Money-Back Guarantee

It has user-friendly apps for most devices and operating systems. Although it doesn’t offer the convenience of browser extensions, your online sessions are still covered by the VPN. There’s also no smart DNS feature, but you can set up PrivateVPN on a router to use it with devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and some streaming devices.

Its 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to make sure it’s the right choice for you. PrivateVPN also offers 24/7 live chat to help answer any questions you have in a timely manner.

PrivateVPN is Best for…

  • VPN beginners — it offers a ‘Simple view’ which hides all PrivateVPN’s more complicated security features and lets you connect to a server with 1 click.

PrivateVPN May Not Be Best for…

  • Access to a large network — while its connections are reliable and have decent speeds, its small network might not cover every location you need access to.



8. Proton VPN — No Frills VPN That’s User-Friendly and Secure

Best FeatureEasy to use
Server Network3,142 servers in 71 countries
Simultaneous Device Connections10
Works WithNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

Proton VPN is a beginner-friendly VPN provider that works well with most streaming platforms. Its speeds are pretty impressive, especially with its VPN Accelerator feature enabled. The most our speed tester ever lost was 43% from a server all the way in Tokyo.

Special Secure Core Servers and Based in Switzerland

It’s based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and follows a no-logs policy. Also, it has its own unique Secure Core servers located in countries with favorable privacy laws (Iceland, Switzerland, and Sweden). You can route your traffic through a Secure Core server first and then another VPN server before it reaches its destination.

Additional Security Features

  • Reputable protocols. Proton VPN supports OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and Stealth, but not every app offers all of these protocols.
  • Perfect Forward Secrecy. This is paired with military-grade encryption to prevent cybercriminals from accessing your data.
  • Netshield — blocks ads, malware, and trackers before they ever reach your device.

Useful Features and a Limited Free Plan

Proton VPN allows you to personalize your connections. For example, you can choose one of its many P2P-optimized servers, the protocol you want, and label a “torrenting” connection for whenever you want to download files.

Almost all of Proton VPN’s servers are torrent-friendly, too. P2P servers are marked by a small icon next to the server name, but, unfortunately, it’s easy for your eyes to scan past these as the UI is a little crowded.

You can give Proton VPN a try using its free version — it has unlimited data and no ads. But the free plan doesn’t support torrenting and is not fast or reliable enough for streaming. It also doesn’t come with 24/7 live chat, like the paid plans.

It’s router-compatible, but like PrivateVPN, it doesn’t offer a smart DNS feature. You can bundle Proton VPN with its encrypted email, calendar, and/or cloud services for an extra fee. It’s also possible to try risk-free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Proton VPN is Best for…

  • Smooth, ad-free browsing — it offers full-VPN browser extensions (Firefox and Chrome) and its Netshield feature, which make Proton VPN great for secure and ad-free browsing.

Proton VPN May Not Be Best for…

  • Affordability — Proton VPN is one of the priciest VPNs on this list, even with its long-term plans, which start at $4.99/month.



9. Hotspot Shield — Strong Security Without Compromising Speed

Best FeatureHydra protocol
Server Network1,800 servers in 80 countries
Simultaneous Device Connections5
Works WithNetflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

Hotspot Shield’s proprietary protocol, called Hydra, prevents the major slowdowns that are caused by encryption.

Using Hydra, our speed tester’s local server speeds only dropped by 3% on average. Even distant servers in Japan, Australia, and the US maintained an average speed of 74Mbps (just 35% slower than the baseline connection). Its fast servers are ideal for activities like HD/UHD streaming and quick torrenting — when fast speeds are needed the most.

While testing it in the US, Hotspot Shield was smooth and reliable with most of my favorite streaming apps, like Netflix and Disney+ but not Amazon Prime Video. It doesn’t offer smart DNS, although setup on routers allows use on smart TVs or consoles. I quickly installed it on my ASUS router to watch Disney+ on Apple TV.

Security Essentials

On top of its speed-optimized protocol, you get the choice of 4 VPN protocols, all of which provide 256-bit encryption: OpenVPN, SSTP, IPSec, and L2TP. The biggest downside is that it doesn’t offer any advanced features that help it to work on heavily restrictive networks that block VPNs or other websites. But you can depend on it to protect your data while you browse, stream, and torrent.

Additional Security Features

  • Leak prevention. DNS/IP leak protection and a kill switch to help keep your information hidden under any circumstances. I tested a dozen servers for leaks and found none.
  • Built-in malware and phishing protection. This feature is automatically enabled to protect you and your devices.

Limited Free Plan and an Extended Refund Period

Hotspot Shield’s paid plans are on the pricier side. There’s also a free version, but it only gives you access to 4 server locations (Singapore, the UK, and 2 in the US). If you want to try Hotspot Shield risk-free, it comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Hotspot Shield is Best for…

  • Streaming and torrenting — its speed-optimized Hydra protocol, reliable HD streaming abilities, and P2P support all make this VPN a good choice for these activities.

Hotspot Shield May Not Be Best for…

  • Super privacy-conscious users — it’s based in the US and has a vague privacy policy, but after a bit of digging, I learned that while it temporarily records your IP address to prevent fraud, it’s immediately encrypted and then deleted after your VPN session ends.



10. hide.me — Unique Stealth Guard Feature Protects You On Specified Apps

Best FeatureStealth Guard
Server Network2,400 servers in 89 countries
Simultaneous Device Connections10
Works WithNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more

hide.me’s Stealth Guard feature allows you to specify which apps should only run over a VPN connection. If the VPN disconnects, the apps automatically stop, preventing data leakage over an unsecured connection. It’s essentially a kill switch combined with split tunneling.

You can also customize how hide.me reacts to secure, unsecure, and ethernet connections. When it detects one of these networks, you can set it to ask you if you want to connect, enable the VPN, disable VPN, or ignore the network.

Additional security features:

  • Leak prevention. hide.me incorporates DNS/IP leak protection and a kill switch, preserving your online anonymity under all circumstances.
  • Zero logs. Your online activity is never stored, recorded, or shared. hide.me is also based in Malaysia, where there are no data-retention laws.
  • Encryption and strong protocols. hide.me supports SoftEther, WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and SSTP and uses 256-bit encryption.

Streaming and Torrenting-Friendly

hide.me’s Bolt feature bypasses network congestion and reduces latency for a faster, smoother, and more reliable connection. P2P is supported across all servers, ensuring speedy and uncrowded torrenting.

It works reliably and provides decent speeds for high-quality streaming. Plus, it is adaptable for smart TVs and consoles through router setup. I managed to stream my regional Netflix library in HD on my Apple TV after setting it up on my router.

Free Version and a Money-Back Guarantee

hide.me offers a limited free plan, including 9 server locations and a data cap of 10GB per month. As a better alternative, you can test its unlimited premium version risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

hide.me is Best for…

  • Reliable streaming and safe torrenting — It worked with every platform that our international team and I tested it with and had fast speeds that are ideal for lag-free streaming and quick downloads. Plus, its strong security features protect your data while torrenting.

hide.me May Not Be Best for…

  • Fast long-distance connections — Overall, hide.me is pretty fast with nearby connections. Although, our speed tester recorded an average speed loss of 71% with its servers in Australia and Japan, which is pretty significant.



VPNs can vary a great deal as far as the features they provide. This can make some VPNs better suited for certain activities than others.

A large server network is beneficial for easily finding a speedy nearby server while preventing user overload. At the same time, fast speeds are important for keeping your online activities running smoothly — slow VPNs can cause buffering or lag.

If you’re a big Netflix fan, look for a VPN that works reliably with your country’s library — no matter which Netflix region you’re in, it should secure your connections without compromising the streaming quality. If privacy is of bigger concern, using a VPN that’s based outside the 14 Eyes jurisdiction gives you added assurance that your data won’t be compromised.



Use the table below to compare some key features of the best VPNs.
Lowest Monthly PriceBiggest ProBiggest Con# of ServersSpeeds# of Netflix Libraries It Works WithBased Outside 14 Eyes Jurisdiction?
🥇ExpressVPN$6.67/monthWorks seamlessly for every use-caseA bit pricey3,000 in 105 countriesReally fast13+Yes
🥈CyberGhost$2.19/monthOptimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrentingDoesn’t work in China11,666 in 100 countriesReally fast13+Yes
🥉PIA$2.19/monthAdjustable security featuresTricky to navigate advanced features29,650 in 91 countriesFast10+No
NordVPN$3.39/monthRobust ad, malware, and tracker blockingClunky app6,061 in 61 countriesFast16+Yes
Surfshark$2.89/monthTons of unique security features9-Eyes headquarters, macOS app lacks Open VPN3,200 in 100 countriesReally fast14+No
IPVanish$3.25/monthSelf-owned server networkNot the best for streaming2,200 in 75 countriesAverage10+No
PrivateVPN$2/monthReliable for streaming and works in ChinaSmall server network200 in 63 countriesAverage12+No
Proton VPN$4.99/monthUser-friendly appsA bit pricey3,142 in 71 countriesReally fast7+Yes
Hotspot Shield$2.99/monthSpeed-optimized unique protocolVague privacy policy1,800 in 80 countriesFast2+No
hide.me$2.69/monthCustomizable app securitySlow long-distance connections2,400 in 89 countriesAverage4+Yes

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