Multiple VPN services are available in the market. However, not every VPN offers what it claims. Therefore, after thorough testing and research, we hand-picked some of the best VPN service providers that provide a perfect balance of security, privacy, and value for money. Here’s a quick list of those VPNs:
- NordVPN: It has an extensive server network, a verified no-log policy, and various advanced features.
- ExpressVPN: The fastest VPN with servers in 94 countries and belongs to a safe jurisdiction.
- ExtremeVPN: This VPN offers various impressive features like safe swap but belongs to the US.
- CyberGhost: It uses AES-256 bit encryption and OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols
- SurfShark: An affordable VPN that comes with various privacy and security-centric features.
- Proton VPN: It has a free and premium version and uses AES-256-bit encryption for data safety.
- VyprVPN: It uses the Chameleon protocol for improving speeds and maintaining robust security.
- IPVanish: The VPN service uses AES-256 bit encryption and the SHA-512 hash function for securing data.
- Private Internet Access: A US-based VPN with features like a dedicated IP address and PIA MACE.
- Hotspot: It uses the proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol for maximum security.
VPN usage has grown more than ever before. A study reveals that almost one-third of internet users use a VPN, and it is likely to reach $107.6 billion by 2027. Therefore, finding the best VPN service provider for your needs is not accessible with many VPNs.
For a VPN to become “the best,” it has to fit into a specific repertoire. It must encrypt data traffic with secure cyphers and protocols to enable anonymity with a stable and fast connection. It should also have relevant features for downloading torrents, using public Wi-Fi, streaming, bypassing geo-restrictions, and preventing online spying.
Moreover, the best VPN protects your desktop and mobile devices from hackers and potential web threats. Also, installing the VPN on your device is easy, even for first-time users. This guide, therefore, sheds light on some of the best top-ranked VPN services in 2024 and helps you choose the ideal VPN.
10 Best top ranked VPN providers
Let’s look at the detailed analysis of the top best VPN services so that you can decide one for yourself:
1. NordVPN
- Best VPN to unblock content from Netflix
- Unlimited bandwidth with super-fast browsing speeds
- Dedicated Tor over VPN servers
- Allows up to six simultaneous connections
- Follows a verified no-log policy
NordVPN is the best VPN service provider. It offers excellent online security to users and allows them to surf the web however they want. The VPN provider is based in Panama, which has no strict data logging laws. NordVPN follows a zero-logging policy and has twice undergone a log audit to prove its stance on being a genuinely no-log VPN.
It uses state-of-the-art AES-256-bit encryption and robust NordLynx and OpenVPN protocol to ensure maximum web protection. The NordLynx protocol is an advanced one that strengthens your security and improves connection speed. NordVPN is a fully-fledged VPN provider that comes with various impressive features like:
- Double VPN
- Dedicated IP address
- CyberSec
- Multi-factor authentication
- SOCKS5 proxy
It has 6,000+ servers in 111 countries, and unlimited bandwidth provides less ping time and the fastest internet speed. Because of its vast server network and stealth mode, it’s the best choice to stream Netflix. With NordVPN, you can unblock 19 Netflix libraries, streaming your favorite content in HD quality. It also has a split tunneling feature that makes torrenting possible. It also uses a kill switch feature to protect your IP address and other sensitive data from leaking.
You can download NordVPN on Android, Apple, Linux, Windows, and streaming devices and enjoy up to six device connections with a single account.
2. ExpressVPN
- Fastest server connection speeds
- Sticks to a verified no-log policy
- Ideal VPN for gaming
- Allows up to five multiple device connections
- 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee offer
If you’re looking for a top-rated VPN provider that offers the fastest server connection speed, ExpressVPN is a perfect choice. It is among the few VPN providers with an independent log audit report and belongs to the British Virgin Islands, which isn’t a member of the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and 14 Eyes alliance. Also, it is a privacy-friendly jurisdiction that doesn’t follow any data retention laws or strict anti-privacy laws, so all your activities remain private and out of the reach of the spying eyes.
ExpressVPN offers a top-notch level of security to users. It uses the industry’s highest encryption standard and prevents VPN leaks, boosting digital security. Furthermore, it uses various incredible features like:
- Trusted-server technology
- Private DNS servers
- Zero-knowledge DNS
- Public Wi-Fi protection
- Stealth mode
It consists of 3000 servers in 165+ locations and establishes a quick connection. The VPN also has unlimited bandwidth and no data caps, so it is handy when dealing with throttling issues.
The VPN uses a split tunneling feature that, along with Lightway protocol, boosts speed while downloading torrents. Because of ExpressVPN’s extensive server network, the ping time is meager, making it the best VPN for playing online games and accessing blocked streaming content.
Besides this, ExpressVPN offers a dedicated app for Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows devices, ensuring a smooth and excellent user experience. All the apps are easy to use and download and don’t cause any trouble. You can connect up to eight devices simultaneously from a single ExpressVPN account and do whatever you want.
3. ExtremeVPN
- The free version is also available but with limitations.
- Uses strong encryption and protocols for data protection
- Supports torrenting and streaming
- Servers across the globe
- Offer a 30-day money-back guarantee offer.
If you’re looking for an affordable, top-rated VPN, try ExtremeVPN. It also offers a free trial, but investing in the premium plan is better. The VPN provider follows a no-log policy and promises not to log or share users’ browsing data and information like the IP address and connection timestamp.
ExtremeVPN uses AES-256-bit encryption, WireGuard, IKEv2 protocol, and a functional kill switch to protect your data from privacy invaders.
It has fast-speed servers and allows lag-free streaming. It has over 6,500 servers spread over 96 locations, offering unlimited bandwidth.
ExtremeVPN fully harnesses your security and allows you to do whatever you want without fear. It offers unlimited device connections and excellent functionality on Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows devices. The VPN has a dedicated app for each platform, ensuring a fantastic user experience. It also protects you from VPN leaks, including IPv6 leaks.
4. CyberGhost
- Extensive server network that’s spread in 90+ countries
- Dedicated servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting
- Follows a no-log policy
- Allows up to seven simultaneous connections
- Supports torrenting and streaming
CyberGhost is among the best VPN services in 2024. That is a genuinely private VPN that follows a strict no-log policy and doesn’t record or share any of your data. It even belongs to Romania, which falls outside the jurisdiction of the Global Surveillance Alliance.
It is a safe and reliable VPN provider with strong AES-256-bit encryption and OpenVPN and WireGuard tunneling protocols to protect you from prying eyes. Moreover, it prevents IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks and maintains higher levels of online security.
It offers excellent global coverage and is a perfect VPN for anyone who wants to unblock websites and regional-restricted content. It offers dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting without buffering and connection lags.
With CyberGhost VPN, you can have an incredible web browsing experience because, besides the basic features, like a kill switch, it comes with some extra features too, like:
- Dedicated IP address
- NoSpy servers
- Split tunneling
- Public Wi-Fi protection
- Ad and malware blocker
You can download CyberGhost VPN on all popular operating systems, platforms, and streaming devices. The VPN offers a 24-hour free trial period and a 45-day money-back guarantee offer; you can use it to test the VPN services.
5. Surfshark
- A feature-packed VPN provider at an affordable price
- 3500+ servers in 100 countries
- Follows a no-log policy with a verified log audit report
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- A seven-day free trial is available on Android and Apple devices.
Another reliable VPN provider with a perfect balance of security and price is Surfshark VPN. It is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which falls outside the jurisdiction of the Global Surveillance Alliance and is free from following anti-data collection laws. Also, it follows a verified no-log policy, which means that the VPN neither records nor shares any of your activity or connection logs with the government or any third party.
Surfshark VPN is safe and secure and makes you utterly private on the web. It uses robust AES-256-bit encryption and a 2086-bit RSA key to safeguard your data from ISPs and other threat actors. Also, it utilizes secure OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols that boost your security and browsing speed. It comprises 3500+ servers in 100 countries and provides fast and reliable speed without bandwidth limitations. The ping time is less and even helps in bypassing ISP throttling.
The VPN providers have various privacy and security-centric features that enhance your overall browsing experience. Some of Surf Shark’s features are as follows:
- Multihop
- Clean Web
- Camouflage mode
- RAM-only servers
- GPS Spoofing
It also comes with a no-border mode by which you can get around internet restrictions and use it even in restrictive regimes.
The VPN is ideal for unblocking Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu content. It supports all popular torrent clients and guarantees a fast and hassle-free downloading experience. It can also operate on all popular devices and platforms, ensuring an incredible streaming and torrenting experience.
6. Proton VPN
- Available as a free and premium VPN provider
- Don’t log your data
- Unblock and download content from anywhere
- Ultra-blazing speed
- Allows up to ten simultaneous connections
Proton VPN is an excellent VPN provider that you can use to increase your digital security and privacy. It is the most trustworthy VPN because it belongs to Switzerland, a privacy-heaven country with no data retention or anti-privacy laws. Besides this, it follows a zero-logging policy that issues frequent transparency reports to ensure that it doesn’t share your browsing data with anyone.
The VPN provider uses uncrackable AES-256-bit encryption and robust protocols to secure your data and boost online security. It also offers various advanced security and privacy-centric features that you won’t find in other VPN providers like:
- Alternate routing technology
- NetShield Ad-blocker
- Secure core servers
- Full disk encryption
- Tor over VPN compatibility
Proton VPN allows users to download torrents and stream the blocked content anywhere. But streaming and torrenting depend on the plan you’ve subscribed to. Both activities are possible when you are using a paid version. Moreover, Proton VPN has an extensive server network spread in 100+ countries and offers ultra-fast speed, no matter what task you’re doing.
The VPN also offers dedicated Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows apps. The apps are sleek and intuitive in design and ensure an excellent user experience. You can connect up to ten simultaneous devices with a single ProtonVPN account and enjoy surfing or streaming.
7. VyprVPN
- Uses strong chameleon protocol
- Follows a verified no-log policy
- Prevent IP leaks with the kill switch
- Allows up to five device connections
- No free trial but a 30-day money-back guarantee offer
VyprVPN is also a reliable and top-rated VPN provider that you should use to enjoy maximum privacy on the web. It is a private VPN provider that belongs to the safe jurisdiction of Switzerland and follows a strict no-log policy. The VPN doesn’t keep your activity logs and IP address. Also, It has undergone a log-audit process and proves that all the claims regarding the logging policy are valid.
Furthermore, it’s famous for providing greater online security to users by using AES-256-bit encryption, WireGuard, and OpenVPN. It hides your IP address and keeps your activities hidden under the cover. The best thing about VyprVPN is that it uses Chameleon protocol that uses strong ciphers and increases speed and security. For this reason, despite having a minimal server network, users don’t face slow speed.
The VPN also offers fantastic features that boost digital privacy and ensure a smooth browsing experience. Some of these features include:
- Site blocker
- Connection per app
- Split tunneling
- Kill switch
VyprVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and even supports torrenting and streaming. It is compatible with Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows platforms and comes with a 30-day refund policy.
8. IPVanish
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Zero-traffic logs
- Free SOCKS5 proxy
- 24/7 customer support
- Unlimited device connections
IPVanish is also among the top-rated VPN providers because it follows a zero-logging policy and doesn’t keep records of your browsing or connection data except for aggregated and anonymous performance data, email addresses, and payment methods.
It uses AES-256-bit encryption and the SHA-512 hash function for securing data from outside threats and prying eyes. The VPN uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocol, ensuring that you get fast browsing speed and even helps get around ISP throttling. Like other VPNs, IPVanish uses various features such as:
- SOCKS5 proxy
- Split tunneling
- Shared IP addresses
- Secure access to media
- Kill switch
The VPN provider offers over 2000 servers in 75+ locations and is the perfect choice for unblocking Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Besides this, the VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections and operates on Android, iOS, MacOS, and Windows. All the apps have a sleek interface and guarantee an excellent user experience.
It is overall a good VPN to choose from, but it belongs from the USA and has been named in a data leaking incident in 2016, but at that time, the VPN company was owned by Mudhook Media. In 2017, when StackPath acquired IPVanish, no such incidents were reported, which means you can use it without having doubts.
9. Private Internet Access
- Works on US Netflix
- Allows torrenting
- Stable browsing speeds
- Allows up to ten simultaneous connections
- 24/7 live chat option
Private Internet Access or PIA also ranks as the best VPN provider because it provides robust security to the users. It uses powerful encryption and world-class protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard to protect your data. It offers various impressive features like:
- Advanced split tunneling
- PIA Mace
- Dedicated IP address
- Highly customizable settings
- Reliable automation rules
The VPN provider offers fast and reliable servers in 84 countries with unlimited bandwidth. The speeds are also stable and are ideal for downloading torrents and streaming blocked content.
The VPN has its headquarters in the US and follows a no-log policy. It prevents itself from keeping any logs and releases regular transparency reports to win users’ trust. You can download it on all Android, Apple, and Windows devices and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee offer. Though the VPN has a free version, it’s not suitable.
10. HotSpot Shield
- Uses Catapult Hydra protocol
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Supports torrenting and streaming
- Allows up to five device connections
- 45-day money-back guarantee offer
The last best VPN service in this list is Hotspot Shield VPN, which uses AES-128-bit encryption and the SHA-256 hash function to protect your data from hackers and ISPs. Unlike other VPN providers, Hotspot Shield doesn’t use the OpenVPN protocol but uses the proprietary Catapult Hydra protocol for maximum security.
Hotspot Shield VPN offers several advanced features that increase its worth in the market:
- Kill switch
- Auto-Protect
- SmartVPN (Split tunneling)
- Cybersecurity Suite (spam call-blocker, 1Password manager, and Aura Antivirus)
The VPN provider offers more than 1600 servers in 80 countries. It provides unlimited bandwidth and above-average browsing speed, which helps users access geo-blocked content on Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Though it doesn’t have any P2P dedicated servers, it still supports torrenting across all servers.
Overall, Hotspot Shield is a good option, but the only thing that’s a bit concerning about this VPN is its logging policy and jurisdiction. The VPN doesn’t log your activity or browsing data but does store your IP address, connection timestamp, bandwidth used per session, non-personal logs of websites, and device-specific information. Moreover, it has its headquarters in the US and has a shady track record, which raises suspicion about its credibility.
It offers a free and premium version. It provides 500MB daily with three server locations and sluggish internet connections. But if you want to enjoy the impressive benefits of Hotspot Shield VPN, you should upgrade to the premium version.
Features that make a VPN top-ranked
Not all VPNs are created equally, so deciding on the one that fulfills your needs can be challenging. However, you can always look into some essential features that help you choose the best VPN service.
Here’s the VPN buying guide that you should consider while deciding on a VPN for yourself:
- Security – Don’t compromise your digital safety. The VPN should use strong encryption and security protocols and shield your data against privacy abuses.
- Privacy – Use a private VPN that follows a no-log policy and doesn’t track, record, or share your data.
- Supporting features – The best VPN has features catering to all your security and privacy needs. Ensure your VPN offers a kill switch, split tunneling, ad and malware blocker, and stealth mode.
- Streaming – The VPN should be compatible with streaming and help users access geo-blocked content from Netflix and other popular streaming platforms.
- Torrenting – Choose a VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth, torrent IP leak protection, and a vast server network for a hassle-free downloading experience.
- Fast speed – Use a VPN that boosts your internet speeds and helps you get away with ISP throttling.
- VPN jurisdiction – Select a VPN that doesn’t belong to five eyes, nine eyes, and 14 eyes countries or follows strict anti-privacy laws.
- Device support – The VPN should offer multiple device compatibility features and allow simultaneous device connections for a smooth user experience.
- Price – Of course, ensure that you’re not overpaying for a VPN. Use a VPN that offers all the essential features and benefits for an affordable price.
The best VPN provider caters to your different needs; thus, they must include all the above features. To enjoy a secure and reliable web browsing experience, ensure you don’t skip any of the mentioned factors.
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About the Author
Rebecca James is an IT consultant with forward thinking approach toward developing IT infrastructures of SMEs. She writes to engage with individuals and raise awareness of digital security, privacy, and better IT infrastructure.
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