The best VPN service of 2024 is ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark VPN. This handpicked list of top VPN providers truly prioritize your online privacy rather than trying to sell you snake oil.
In this expert VPN 2024 roundup, you’ll find out what is the #1 best VPN and which VPN is 100% safe. We’ve compared the technical security, privacy policies, top VPN features, unblocking capabilities, speed and server location. We also rate them as the very best in their respective price ranges.
Note: The best VPN download for Windows PC is tested and reviewed by our experts bringing you unbiased rankings and information for safe and secure browsing.
Best VPN Service 2024: Top VPN picks for privacy, speed, and security
Overall, ExpressVPN is the #1 best VPN in 2024. It retained Softlay’s Choice Award for the best overall VPN for the year 2024 with top-tier security and privacy, fast speeds on its global network, 3,000+ servers for streaming and torrenting, and audited no logs-policy. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free!
Second on our list is the unmatched NordVPN. This is certainly the best VPN in 2024 overall and earned a Softlay Editors’ Choice Award as our VPN value pick for the previous year. It costs less than Express and has an enormous network that’s fast and secure. It’s easily the most reliable VPN service and passes the no-log audit with a green flag. Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Surfshark is a close third among our top VPN picks for 2024. It seems to have it all: low prices, great security and easy to use interface. With servers in over 100 countries, fantastic speeds, and support for unlimited devices, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How we test the best VPN services – Our Simple & Expert Analysis
We tested, ranked and listed ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark VPN against the following four must-have criteria:
- Advanced security and data privacy features
- Fast speeds with a global network of servers
- Accesses popular sites (like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+) and P2P support
- Dedicated, easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and more
- Good value for money, plus 24/7 customer support
Editors’ note, Feb. 7, 2024: The VPN industry has undergone significant change in the past few months , with all three of our top VPN choices announcing major changes in corporate ownership. In December, ExpressVPN announced that it had officially joined Kape Technologies and has raised privacy concerns in the past. In February, NordVPN and Surfshark announced the two companies were merging, though they’ll continue to operate autonomously. Therefore, we’re in the process of reevaluating all of our top VPN picks for 2024. We will update our best VPN reviews and, if necessary, our rankings to account for this new change.
There are like hundreds of VPN providers to choose from, each promising an online utopia. The abundance of choices makes every VPN equally tantalizing that generally don’t meet our standards. Hence, we have tested and reviewed tons of them and found these three the best VPNs in 2024.
The spruced up list represents our best VPN picks for 2024 and we are in the process of giving these services a fresh look with the latest data on cost, privacy, and more. We’ll continue to update and add our latest findings to our VPN reviews to make sure our recommendations stay accurate and up to date. You can use this list for gaming on mobile or PC.
ExpressVPN: Best Overall VPN for privacy protection and fast speeds
The best VPN in 2024 is ExpressVPN. But why is it the #1 best VPN choice for this year? It’s largely because its one of the few VPNs that work consistently in China. You can browser the internet safely and overcome Great Firewall.
Its obfuscation on every server are specialized VPN servers that hide the fact that you’re using a VPN to reroute your traffic, so you can access the Internet risk-free.
I found ExpressVPN supports a range of quality encryption protocols. It has its proprietary Lightway protocol that is secure, lightweight and speedy. You can also choose from OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec.
ExpressVPN’s Network Lock kill switch earns our trust for not leaking the data. Coupled with an on-board IP address checker, along with two leak testers and a password generator so you can be confident that your online traffic is well-secured.
The company has a substantial network of more than 3,000+ ExpressVPN Ram-only servers spread across 160 locations in 94+ countries. A series of speed tests on multiple servers in the U.S., UK, Germany and Australia did not disappoint us, dropping only 16-25% from baseline speeds in all locations.
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming because of its exceptional content-unblocking capabilities with minimal speed loss. Whether you’re eager to watch the latest series on HBO Max or stream your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer, Hulu, or Disney Plus, ExpressVPN has plenty of servers in the US and UK so you can access foreign libraries.
This is the best VPN download for Windows PC. It has increased its independent third-party audit count, published details about its TrustedServer deployment process, joined the i2Coalition to call for improved VPN industry ethics and released the open-source Lightway encryption protocol.
Download this best VPN app for Windows PC, Mac VPN, Android, iPhone, Apple TV and for Router. Its collection of setup guides, detailed FAQs and troubleshooting articles give it a clear advantage for users. Its 24/7 live chat, and its no-questions-asked with 30-day money back guarantee makes it my favorite VPN – a big reason why ExpressVPN tops our list as the best VPN service in 2024.
| ✔️ Subscribe If: | ❌ Avoid If: |
| You value your privacy | You’re on a strict budget |
| You want to stream global content | You want a fuller suite of software |
NordVPN Download for PC: The best VPN with built in antivirus and ad blocking
NordVPN is the best online VPN service for speed. Its strict no-log policy makes this VPN 100% safe. Its double VPN encryption and advanced security features make it a favorite for those prioritizing privacy.
You might ask Is NordVPN safe? Well, the company moved into overdrive after its data breach five years ago, which made many wonder about their customers’ safety. Since then, NordVPN added layer after layer of privacy-protecting features and technologies. It now brings in PricewaterhouseCoopers annually to carry out a thorough independent audit of NordVPN’s no-logging policy.
It is one of the safest VPN providers. RAM servers of Nord are extremely useful: the data gets wiped out every time your server is restarted. This way there is no information left for anyone to steal.
The best VPN service of 2024 has over 5,500 servers in 60+ countries. While it does not boast as many server locations as ExpressVPN, you’ll still be very well served. You’ll likely connect with Nord’s owned server “NordLynx” protocol, which is a reworked version of WireGuard.
NordVPN might be the most powerful VPN in the world. Its own custom version of WireGuard, “NordLynx” recorded connection speeds of over 950 Mbps during latest testing, an improvement from 880 Mbps in the previous tests. This makes NordVPN the fastest VPN, way quicker than its closest competitor, ExpressVPN, which managed 750 Mbps.
NordVPN is best for changing country. It is consistent across its global network of servers. The speeds across UK and US were mostly on par which is a thumbs up for travelers trying to access streaming feeds from overseas.
You’ll be able to unblock tons of Netflix locations, iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, and more. NordVPN also tops our charts for the best VPN for Netflix. It is a top streaming VPN that lets you access international content and plenty of libraries with ease.
You get split tunneling, an effective kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and other benefits like strong DNS leak protection, Double VPN (known as multi-hop elsewhere), Onion Over VPN, and even a dedicated TOR. It will also scan downloads for malware with its (admittedly somewhat limited) Threat Protection feature. While this is a nice add-on, a dedicated tracker blocker does best.
Nord’s most interesting new feature is Meshnet. This allows users to link devices anywhere around the world via encrypted NordVPN connections, creating its own secure network. This is incredibly powerful, exciting and perfect for secure file sharing, gaming and virtual routing as you can direct your traffic through a device of your choice such as router or computer.
NordVPN is available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and Linux. Its customer support is not bad. There are plenty of in-depth tutorials and troubleshooting articles.
I would like to raise one issue here. There is no option to mark favorites on the apps. You can choose from recent and specialty servers, or scroll through the list of countries. Repeated annoying disconnection pop up asks you whether you want to pause instead of giving you the option to clearly choose between pausing and disconnecting.
Wondering “How much does NordVPN cost per month”. Its monthly billed plans are a $14.99 which is a little expensive than some. However, its annual offering is a good value (5.99/mo). To spruce it up, the two-year NordVPN subscription plan beats most providers for the first term. But, don’t worry about it. You can still try Nords 30-day money-back-guarantee.
NordVPN app doesn’t accept PayPal payments. You can purchase a subscription with any major credit or debit card, AmazonPay, Google Pay or ACH transfer. Pay with a variety of cryptocurrencies, including bitcoin, ethereum, tether and dogecoin for complete anonymity.
| ✔️ Subscribe If: | ❌ Avoid If: |
| You want the fastest VPN | You’re on a strict budget |
| You primarily want Streaming | You need a huge range of global locations |
| You want absolute privacy along with its stacked toolkit | You like simple apps (like Surfshark and IPVanish) because they have simple, no clutter UI |
| You want maximum bang for your buck | You torrent often. Only some of Nord’s servers are configured for P2P, and due to this I’ve found it can be slow sometimes to download torrented files |
Surfshark: Best Value VPN
Surfshark VPN download for Windows PC is significantly cheaper than NordVPN and slightly on a higher side than ExpressVPN. Its unlimited simultaneous connections, easy-to-use interface and expansive global network of more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries helped Surfshark earn Softlay’s Editors Choice for Best Value VPN in 2024.
Along with standard VPN features such as a Kill switch and DNS leak protection, it also includes camouflage mode (which hides the fact you’re using a VPN), split-tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in regions where VPNs are restricted).
Is Surfshark a good VPN for torrenting? Yes, it can be used as a torrenting VPN. The platform enables P2P support for most of its servers. You can use Surfshark for torrenting and its whitelisting capabilities. You could single out your torrent client, enabling it to drive traffic through the VPN while your other internet traffic is channeled through a standard connection.
It’ll do you just fine, but some providers like ExpressVPN download for Windows PC and laptop offer P2P support on every server, and others like Private Internet Access download for PC have in-depth features like port forwarding, which may suit avid torrenters better.
A multi-hop VPN connection makes it even more difficult for others to track you, while ad tracker, and malware-blocking keep other privacy-busting dangers at bay. The bundle gets you Surfshark’s CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks.
Surfshark’s most most intriguing new feature is Incogni: a service that will work to remove your personal information from the clutches of data brokers. Considering that Surfshark VPN is 100% safe, it is my go-to VPN that acts as a privacy proxy.
One innovation that’s made this VPN safe is its ability to transform its fleet of discrete servers into a single network called Surfshark Nexus. This will jump to a new VPN server in the event of connection drops. Nexus also enables IP Rotator, which assigns you a new IP address periodically without breaking your connection. These few extra layers of protection while you use the VPN is beneficial if you value your privacy.
Surfshark’s servers have recently been audited by Cure53. The results were good. The company says that it doesn’t log any user activity. However, Cure 53 found just four issues which they later resolved. It then declared the top VPN provider to be solid in its 2021 security audit and passed its first independent no-logs audit in January.
The trustworthy VPN provider had no problems unblocking Netflix, and Amazon Prime video content. It takes the top spot for the best streaming service in 2024. I was able to consistently unblock BBC iPlayer and Netflix libraries, including the US, and UK and Japan. However, I faced slight trouble accessing Disney+.
As a best Netflix VPN, Surfshark has historically been very capable. However, a few years ago Netflix changed its VPN blocking tech and subsequently every VPN on the market has seen fluctuating results.
The unlimited simultaneous connections makes it worth the every penny. You can protect every device on a single $10.99/mo subscription. The Surfshark One package adds on antivirus, data leak alerts, and a private search engine – but this comes at an additional cost of around $1.50 a month.
Because of this amazing blend of capability, features, and immense speed, it’s no surprise that Surfshark earns the top spot for the best cheap VPN and the fastest VPN. Beyond those basics, though, Surfshark download for Windows PC and laptop has really pushed the boat out in terms of features.
GPS spoofing, URL and ad blocking, multi-hop (routing through two consecutive servers for added privacy, wide P2P support, and a new Nexus feature are an exciting and functional option that works reliably on tons of devices. Will keep you anonymous online and can tap into a huge amount of global streaming sites.
You can download the safest VPN on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI), Fire TV, Apple TV, other TVs, PlayStation, Xbox, Chrome & Firefox (browser extensions).
| ✔️ Subscribe If: | ❌ Avoid If: |
| You want the fastest VPN and best VPN download | You need a bulletproof kill switch |
| You want unlimited device connection | You’re a hardcore torrenter. If your main use case is sharing P2P, Express or PIA are a better option |
| You want absolute privacy along with its stacked toolkit | You need even more server locations |
Questions You Might Ask
What is the #1 best VPN?
NordVPN is best VPN for privacy followed by Surfshark which is best for security. ExpressVPN which is the best VPN on market has a proven record of unblocking content and streaming services across many platforms. You can bet on its features, excellent speeds and reliability as well as its customer support.
Which VPN is 100% safe?
Wondering best secure VPN services in 2024? According to Cybernews the safest VPNs to use is ExpressVPN. This download for Windows PC is the most secure VPN for laptops and PC. Its malware protection, robust encryption protocols and RAM based servers provides more bounce for the ounce.
Which is the best VPN for free?
Privado VPN is the best free VPN for PC and Mac. Second on the list of the best free VPNs for 2024 is Proton. It is a great free plan that offers unlimited data. TunnelBear is another VPN that has very good customer service for free and paid plans.
Is there a 100% free VPN?
If you are looking for the Best Free VPN for 2024, I think Proton VPN’s free tier is a great free VPN that doesn’t put limits on speed, data or usage time like most other free VPNs do. It doesn’t track you or serve you adds like other free VPNs do.
You can easily access Netflix using Proton’s free servers. You’ll be able to get access to servers in three countries (US, Netherlands and Japan) and can connect one device at a time.
![Intuit QuickBooks Payroll Review [year]: Features, Prices & How it Works](png/intuit-quickbooks-payroll-review-features-prices-how-it-works-1-300x212.png)
