Top 10 VPN Services 2024

Must-have features of the best VPNs available today:

- Browse super fast from dozens of countries without annoying disconnections
- Enhance your privacy when you surf online
- Secure connection to local hotspots and public WiFi, wherever you are

Main reasons for getting a VPN

1. Better Privacy

There is no better way to keep your surfing private then using a VPN.

2. Improved Security

Using a VPN service adds a layer of protection to your Internet connection. This increased encryption means you are safer online. Whenever you make a transaction online, or when you need to send or receive sensitive information, a VPN will enhance your security.

Here's how a VPN works

The acronym VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. When you connect to the internet, your VPN creates a “tunnel” where all your data is transmitted through your chosen server instead of via your internet provider.

VPNs are also useful in real-life scenarios

At its core, a VPN is all about security and protecting user privacy. It keeps your IP address, location, and browsing activities well under wrap. It also hides your personal information and other sensitive data so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

However, a VPN is so much more than that. Here are some surprising ways to get the most out of your VPN!

- Use a VPN to check multiple prices online, from various locations.

- Access public Wi-Fi safely and securely. It’s tempting to connect to public WiFi in coffee shops, airports, and hotel lobbies if only to save on your data plan. However, public WiFi networks are easy targets for hackers. By using a VPN, you can connect to the internet freely without compromising your email login, bank login, photos, address, and other personal information.

Here are some popular brands that didn’t make it into our Top 10 recommendation...

We look at several factors when reviewing and testing VPNs: security, number of servers and locations, extra features, value for money, and user reviews. In addition, we prefer brands with a non-invasive data logging policy and no history of data misuse. These may be popular brands but that doesn't mean they are the best out there.

Avast Secureline: We decided not to include Avast VPN after the security breach in 2019 when it was caught collecting user data via its subsidiary, Jumpshot. We also don’t like that you have to pay for a separate license for every device you have, plus their Acceptable Use Policy is a bit shady.

AVG: We think AVG is too pricey for a VPN that offers no-kill switch feature, has limited servers, mediocre encryption, and a history of security breaches.

McAfee: McAfee is pretty much a household name so it might be surprising not to see this one on our list. However, we can’t ignore the fact that it has one of the most intrusive logging policies. It also doesn’t help that it’s based in the US which is part of the Five-Eyes intelligence alliance.

SaferVPN: An easy-to-use VPN with a couple of handy features like automatic wi-fi protection and 24/7 support. But subpar speeds, and severe security bugs make it difficult to recommend in our top 10 list.

BitDefender: BitDefender isn’t that bad but the experience we’ve had with its customer support has got to be one of the worst during our testing period. Paying customers honestly deserve better.

Kaspersky: Another household name but one we can’t include as it’s based in Russia which is known for strict internet regulations.

OpenVPN: We want our readers to have the best experience possible when using one of our recommended VPN software. OpenVPN, however, is not exactly user friendly and new users might struggle with getting it up and running.

TunnelBear: While TunnelBear offers a free data allowance, it caps at 500MB which is hardly enough to test the VPN thoroughly, so while we found the digging bear cute, we had to pass on it.

Windscribe: Windscribe is a bit more generous than TunnelBear. A confirmed email address gives you 10GB of VPN bandwidth every month. However, it's still barely enough.

IPVanish: This service had controversy back in 2016, when it provided a user's identity and logs to a Homeland Security investigation (despite it claiming that it keeps no logs).

VyprVPN: VyprVPN used to have an issue with minimal user logging but an update on their Privacy Policy seems to reflect a strict “zero logs” policy now. However, we have decided to exclude it mainly because of its limited servers and mediocre speeds.

HolaVPN: HolaVPN didn’t make the cut because it has way more cons than pros. It logs a whole lot of user information and we’re not comfortable with the whole bandwidth sharing thing.