The best VPN Service (2024)

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As computing technology advances, so do the associated threats. We tend to take the internet and our daily interactions with it for granted, either purposefully ignorant or unaware of the growing numbers of scams, viruses, and other online evils.

Most of us know we should invest in a good antivirus program and use a password manager to keep track of the unique passwords for every service.

But did you know your web traffic can be seen and sold by data brokers? Or that your device IP address identifies you wherever you are?

Using a VPN can limit your exposure to these threats, as your transmitted data is encrypted, and it also cloaks your real IP address. It also helps you get around geo-blocks on content, which is handy.

The best VPN services are here to protect you, especially if some of your online activity ventures into the murky waters of legality.

Find the best VPN service for you

Choosing the best VPN service often comes down to features and price. There is a strange mentality attached to choosing such a piece of software that causes hesitation.

We have no problem subscribing to a billion streaming services for entertainment, but when it comes to our own protection, we hesitate.

It’s worth the cost, which is often cheaper than what we pay for a single streaming service. With a VPN, we can protect more than just our computers; we can protect all the personal data stored within.

It’s also worth mentioning that while we show the per-month cost of subscribing monthly, most, if not all, of these providers have substantial cost savings if you purchase 12 months or more in advance.

Check their sites for the current best deals before you order.

NordVPN (Best Overall)

With over 6100 VPN servers in 67 countries, NordVPN makes it easy to find a safe connection and send spammers into a brick wall.

Most of these servers are ultra-fast and stable, so you won’t notice any difference when connected through a VPN versus your standard internet connection. This keeps all your devices protected, as well as anything on them.

We’re talking military-grade data encryption here, folks. That’s what you’re paying for. And if you have financial or personal data that you really want to protect, there is an ultimate plan that offers identity theft recovery and cyber extortion protection.

The bottom line is that NordVPN is at the top of the data security triangle and consistently provides secure connections.

Surfshark (Best Introductory Pricing)

Price is relative when it comes to VPNs, but Surfshark often offers one of the best deals for initial subscribers. Outside of that, you won’t find too many differences between Surfshark and other top VPNs.

You’ll have access to its wealth of security features, such as ad-blockers and hacker protection, across over 3200 RAM-only servers in over 100 countries.

Every file is scanned on the way into your machines, and webcam protection blocks access to your camera from any malicious sources.

And if all the normal protections of a VPN aren’t enough, Surfshark offers access to Incogni to remove your data from data broker sites and Alternative ID in case you just want to start fresh.

Norton 360 (Best VPN for PC Gaming)

There are a few versions of Norton 360, but one of them is specifically designed for gamers. This version of the popular VPN offers things like dark web monitoring for gamer tags, game optimization, 50GB cloud backup, webcam security, and a smart firewall for PCs.

And there’s a 60-day money-back guarantee, double what most VPNs offer.

But the Norton Game Optimizer (Norton GO) is where the true value is. It feeds your PC games the maximum available power while eliminating FPS lags and slowdowns. It also optimizes your system resources to properly allocate power to your games.

All in all, Norton 360’s gaming-specific features make it a great VPN for gamers.

ExpressVPN (Best Looking VPN)

ExpressVPN has servers in 105 countries, but that’s not the selling point of this particular VPN. Rather, it’s the UX presented by its apps.

And these apps work across all your devices, whether Apple, Android, Windows, Linux, random routers, and more. You get a consistent and easy-to-use application to keep your data secure.

But aside from the look and feel of the product, it’s very much comparable to other major VPNs with no activity logs and server technology that never writes any of your data to a hard drive.

It protects against everything, such as packet sniffing, man-in-the-middle attacks, etc. ExpressVPN is also great for traveling, thanks to its easy use and smooth UX.

CyberGhost VPN (Best Server Variety VPN)

CyberGhost VPN has a sleek app with a one-push VPN connection, but it goes a step further if you so desire.

Based on your current needs, whether it be unblocking global content, gaming, or anonymous browsing, you can let CyberGhost choose the best server for your chosen activity. And on one of the hundreds of servers in over 100 countries, you’ll get the best connection possible.

This is especially helpful when connecting to public Wi-Fi, as that’s the most dangerous thing you can do regarding your privacy and security. Being able to connect to a server specifically optimized for anonymous browsing on public networks can literally save you from disaster. That’s the top benefit of choosing CyberGhost VPN for your data protection needs.

Bitdefender (Best VPN for Business)

If your VPN needs exceed the personal and are more business-focused, then you’ll want to check out Bitdefender.

This VPN is no slouch when it comes to covering your personal security needs with the standard VPN data protection features, but also offers a robust enterprise security package.

From threat prevention, detection, and response to managed security services, the enterprise side of Bitdefender is nothing to scoff at.

It offers unified endpoint security and analytics, attack prevention, 24/7 expert support, and built-in advanced threat analysis. The gist is that Bitdefender steps up its game to protect your business data fully.

IPVanish VPN (Best VPN for Streaming)

Many VPNs simply allow you to use your streaming services as normal, but IPVanish VPN makes it a priority. It advertises the use of ESPN+ (which is usually blocked by VPN services due to regional restrictions) and is optimized for streaming services.

Secure access to media heightens the security response, and no data transfer caps will keep you streaming forever.

And no matter what your operating system or device is, you’ll be able to access VPN services. IPVanish works with Windows, Amazon FireTV, AppleTV, Android, macOS, iOS, your router, and even Chrome OS.

Private Internet Access (Best VPN for Linux)

When most VPNs mention the operating systems they work with, they often leave out Linux but not Private Internet Access (PIA). There are other VPNs that do work with Linux, but they probably haven’t been around as long as PIA.

It offers a native GUI for Linux users, along with a server in every state. This is great for getting around state-specific lockouts or draconian laws.

PIA has thousands of servers around the world, offering customers a quick and easy connection. While it’s not the fastest VPN, it has some great customization options, such as proxy browser extensions, and unblocks almost every region-specific streaming service.

Linux or not, Private Internet Access is a great choice for a secure VPN.

Proton VPN (Best Open Source VPN)

Proton is a Swiss-based VPN, which means it’s subject to some of the strictest privacy laws in the world. What this means for you is that there are no corners to be cut, even if Proton wanted to cut them.

It offers the same type of VPN features you’d expect, such as IP masking, ad blockers, a kill switch, and strong protocols.

Additionally, it takes internet freedom very seriously with its Stealth product to fight censorship, as well as alternative routing.

But guess what? All Proton VPN apps are completely open-sourced, allowing anyone to check the code and perform continuous user audits.

Ivacy VPN (Honorable Mention)

Sometimes, it’s hard to categorize a VPN like Ivacy. That is, it’s hard to pick just one specific service that it offers that other VPNs do not.

Instead, Ivacy is a full-service VPN that even offers enterprise services. If you prefer more specific customization, it has many advanced security features, such as multiple protocols and IPv6 leveling.

If we were to pick out one outstanding feature, it’d be the split tunneling. This allows you, through the VPN, to access both local and foreign content at the same time.

That’s a nice feature, especially if you consume your content on multiple devices during one attention span.

Stay safe and secure with a VPN

Choosing the best VPN service often comes down to price and available features, as many offer competitive services.

But there are always little things, like Linux compatibility or prioritizing streaming and gaming, that can tip the scales.

The key is to protect yourself and your data from scammers, hackers, malicious actors, and all the other digital evils out there. That’s what we use VPNs for, to keep our digital data and ourselves safe.

Have a favorite VPN provider? Made your own VPN because you don’t trust any of the major services? Drop us a line in the comments below, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.