The best VPN service for 2024 - Tested and reviewed by Digimagg
Discover the best VPN service for 2024, offering top-notch security, wide server coverage, and high-speed connections for your online privacy needs.
Like many heavily promoted products, the assertions made about virtual private networks (VPNs) can be dubious. Terms such as "military-grade encryption" or "complete anonymity" are not easily substantiated and won't assist in determining the most suitable service for your browsing requirements. With an increasing number of these firms turning to influencer marketing to promote their products, the jargon has become even more convoluted, creating a confusing landscape to navigate, despite the critical role VPNs play in online security. We evaluated nine popular VPNs to clarify the market and aid you in determining which one is most suitable for you.
What is a VPN?
VPNs, short for virtual private networks, hide your IP address and your device's identity on the network, creating an encrypted "tunnel" that prevents your internet service provider (ISP) from accessing information about your browsing activities. However, VPNs are not a universal security solution. They are just one element of maintaining the privacy and security of your data. According to Roya Ensafi, an assistant professor of computer science and engineering at the University of Michigan, VPNs do not protect against common threats like phishing attacks, nor do they safeguard your data from theft. While much of your data or information is stored with the VPN provider instead of your ISP, using an inadequately designed or unprotected network can still compromise your security. Nonetheless, VPNs are useful for enhancing online privacy, especially when connecting to untrusted networks in public places, as they tunnel and encrypt your traffic to the next hop.
This suggests that grandiose assertions, such as military-grade encryption or complete digital invisibility, might not be entirely truthful. Yael Grauer, the program manager of Consumer Reports' online security guide, suggests focusing on security features such as open-source software with reproducible builds, current support for industry-standard protocols like WireGuard (Consumer Reports' preferred protocol), and the capability to protect against attack vectors like brute force.
Understand your VPN needs
Before opting for a VPN, ensure that your online security is updated in other areas. This includes using complex passwords, employing multi-factor authentication methods, and adjusting your data sharing preferences. However, you probably don't need to use a VPN all the time."If you're just concerned about someone passively observing your data, then a VPN is a great option," stated Jed Crandall, an associate professor at Arizona State University, to Engadget.If you frequently use public WiFi networks, such as when working at a coffee shop, using a VPN can provide you with private internet access. VPNs are also useful for concealing information from others on your ISP if you prefer to keep your online activities private from household members.
Geoblocking has become a popular use for VPNs, as they allow you to access services in other regions. For instance, you can watch shows that are only available on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime in other countries, or play online games with individuals from around the world.
Are VPNs worth it?
The value of VPNs depends on how frequently you can utilize them for the aforementioned purposes. If you travel frequently and depend on public WiFi or hotspots, desire to browse outside your home country, or wish to conceal your traffic from your ISP, then investing in a VPN can be beneficial. However, it's important to note that even the best VPN services often reduce internet connection speeds, so they may not always be ideal.In today's environment, we advise against relying solely on a VPN connection as your primary cybersecurity measure. Relying solely on a VPN can create a false sense of security, making you susceptible to attacks. Additionally, if you select just any VPN, it may not be as secure as relying on your ISP alone. This is because the VPN could be based in a country with weaker data privacy regulations, compelled to disclose information to law enforcement, or associated with inadequate user data protection policies.
For VPN users in professions such as activism or journalism who are looking to significantly enhance their internet security, alternatives like the Tor browser may be a valuable option, as suggested by Crandall. Tor is free to use and, although less user-friendly, it is designed for anonymity and privacy.
How we tested
To evaluate the security specifications of various VPNs and identify our top choices, we relied on existing academic research from Consumer Reports, VPNalyzer, and other reputable sources. We examined privacy policies, transparency reports, and security audits that were publicly available. Additionally, we considered past security incidents such as data breaches.Our evaluation criteria included price, usage limits, impact on internet speed, potential use cases, user-friendliness, overall functionality, and extra features like multihop. We tested the VPNs on iOS, Android, and Mac devices to assess the state of their mobile apps across different platforms (most VPNs also support Windows devices). During speed tests, we used the "quick connect" feature on the VPN apps to connect to the fastest available provider. We also checked for IP address data leaks and DNS and WebRTC leaks, which occur when a fault in the encrypted tunnel exposes requests to an ISP.
Furthermore, we conducted geoblocking tests by accessing content exclusive to Canada on Netflix, a streaming test by watching a news livestream on YouTube through a VPN based in Hong Kong, and a gaming test by playing on servers in the United Kingdom. Performing these tests simultaneously allowed us to verify claims about simultaneous device usage. Here are the VPN services we tested:
- TunnelBear
- Bitdefender VPN
- CyberGhost
- Windacribe
- ExpressVPN
- NordVPN
- Surfshark
- Proton VPN
- Atlas VPN
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Users can access 10GB of data per month, unlimited connections, and more than 10 countries by signing up for Windscribe's free plan with their email. We selected it as the best free VPN due to its strong security features and wide range of server locations compared to other free VPNs. According to the company, Windscribe has over 500 servers in more than 60 countries and can be configured for use with routers, smart TVs, and other devices, in addition to standard operating systems.
Although Windscribe has not undergone a recent independent security audit, it does publish a transparency report indicating that it has not received any data requests, operates a vulnerability disclosure program to encourage researchers to report flaws, and offers multiple protocols for user connections.
User-friendly interface Wide server network No-logs policy.png)
Potential for blocked streaming services Limited customer support Variable connection speeds
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The VPNs we tested performed consistently well across all our evaluations, but ProtonVPN stood out as a top choice due to its strong security features, user-friendly interface, and focus on privacy. Part of the Proton Technologies suite, which includes email, calendar, and drive services, ProtonVPN is renowned for its end-to-end encryption, making it a robust option for overall security.
ProtonVPN's no-logs policy has been audited and the company has demonstrated a commitment to not complying with law enforcement requests. Being based in Switzerland, there are no mandatory logging requirements, according to the company. Additionally, ProtonVPN is built on an open-source framework and has an official vulnerability disclosure program, along with clear policies regarding the handling of personal information.
Wide server Network Swiss-based Secure encryption Variable speeds Limited customer support Fewer features on some platforms
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We selected ExpressVPN as the best VPN service for travel, gaming, and streaming due to its access to numerous locations with high-speed connections and minimal lag. It is one of the most premium VPNs we tested, offering fast connections. Additionally, ExpressVPN now includes an in-house password manager, ExpressVPN Keys, which allows users to manage and autofill logins across sites included with the subscription. This feature makes it easier to switch between streaming and gaming accounts while browsing securely.
An internet speed test showed faster upload and download speeds compared to using no VPN, which is uncommon among VPNs. However, such high speeds are likely due to the VPN service circumventing traffic shaping by the ISP or another anomaly, as even top VPNs typically slow down speeds to some extent. With 2,000 servers in 160 cities, according to the company, ExpressVPN has one of the widest global reaches among VPN services. It also performed well in our geoblocking, streaming, and gaming tests, and it undergoes regular security audits. Additionally, ExpressVPN features Network Lock, a kill switch feature that keeps your data safe even if you lose connection to the VPN. Subscription costs range from $8.32 to $12.95 per month, depending on the plan's term, and include the password manager.ExpressVPN allows users to connect up to five devices simultaneously, which is lower than some other services. However, it is compatible with a variety of devices, including smart TVs and game consoles, unlike some other services that only support smartphones and laptops.
High speeds Strong security features Large server network Limited Device Connections Lack of split tunneling on some platforms Limited customer support options
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Because many top VPN services can connect to routers, having cross-platform accessibility isn’t always crucial. By linking a VPN to your home router, you can connect an unlimited number of devices in your household, provided they all access the internet through that router.However, if you use VPNs on the go and across multiple devices, the ability to connect to a wide range of platforms becomes indispensable. CyberGhost allows simultaneous connectivity on up to seven devices for $2.11 to $12.99 per month, depending on the subscription term. It supports various devices such as routers, computers, smart TVs, and more. While similar to ExpressVPN in its support, CyberGhost provides detailed instructions on setting up cross-platform connections, making it more user-friendly for these purposes. Additionally, it recently expanded its network of servers from 91 to 100 countries, adding locations like Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.
From a security standpoint, CyberGhost underwent an independent security audit by Deloitte earlier this year, operates a vulnerability disclosure program, and offers a transparency report detailing requests for its data. An updated version of its transparency report was released in August. While it passed all of our tests, it's worth noting that we encountered difficulties connecting to servers in the United Kingdom and had to opt for an Ireland-based server for our gaming test.
Strong privacy and security features User-friendly interface Large server network Limited advanced features Connection speeds No independently audited no-logs policy
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As mentioned earlier, connecting to a router can provide nearly unlimited access to devices within a single household. However, Surfshark VPN stands out as one of the few VPN services offering use on an unlimited number of devices without bandwidth restrictions, according to the company. This convenience comes without a significant price increase, as Surfshark subscriptions cost approximately $2.49 to $12.95 for a monthly subscription. The company recently underwent its first independent audit and has added QR-code-enabled login across devices and expanded support for alternative ID profiles since our initial review, a feature that some competitors already offered.During testing, we encountered some difficulties connecting to Surfshark's WireGuard protocol but were able to test on the IKEv2 protocol instead. The VPN speed was a bit slow and struggled to connect initially for our geoblock test, but ultimately passed. What sets Surfshark apart from other VPNs with unlimited connection options is its access to a larger number of servers and availability on more types of devices.
Unlimited Simultaneous Connections Strong Security Features Wide Server Network No independently audited no-logs policy Limited advanced features Customer support
Our experts conducted evaluations on additional VPN services.
NordVPN
NordVPN fell short of expectations due to being overhyped and underwhelming. As outlined in our comprehensive review, the pricing, which can go up to $14.49 for a "complete" subscription, appeared steep compared to other services. Additionally, its free or lower-cost plans lacked the same breadth of features as its competitors.
TunnelBear
While TunnelBear's cute graphics and user-friendliness are appealing, it did not rank as a top choice. It failed several basic security tests conducted by Consumer Reports and had limited availability across platforms such as Linux. However, it received a significant security boost in July when it updated to support the WireGuard protocol across more of its platforms.
Bitdefender VPN
Bitdefender lacks support for devices like routers, which limits its cross-platform accessibility. Additionally, it does not provide a transparency report or third-party audit to verify its security specifications.
Atlas VPN
Atlas ranked lower in our speed tests compared to other VPNs, with a significant slowdown observed during web browsing and streaming tests. While it was a decent option overall, its slower speeds could be frustrating for users seeking high-speed connections. In terms of security, an Atlas VPN vulnerability led to the leakage of Linux users' real IP addresses.
What are some common uses for VPNs?
VPNs are primarily used to secure internet traffic. When connected to an untrusted network, such as public WiFi in a cafe, a VPN can hide your online activities from the internet service provider. This prevents the WiFi owner or potential hackers from identifying your computer or accessing your browsing history.
Another popular use for VPNs is accessing geographically restricted content. By masking your location, VPNs can make it appear as though you are browsing from a different country, allowing you to bypass region-based restrictions. This is particularly useful for streaming services that limit content based on location, such as accessing Canadian Netflix from the United States.
What information does a VPN conceal?
A VPN hides certain information, such as your IP address, location, and browsing history. However, it does not make you completely anonymous online. The VPN provider still has access to this information, so total anonymity is not guaranteed. It's also important to note that VPNs do not protect against phishing attacks, hacking, or other cyber threats. To enhance your online security, use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
Are VPNs secure?
Generally, VPNs are considered safe and reliable for encrypting and protecting internet data. However, the level of safety can vary depending on the provider. To determine the security of a VPN service, you can refer to resources such as third-party audits, Consumer Reports reviews, transparency reports, and privacy policies.
What is Google's One VPN?
As of early 2023, Google One subscriptions include access to Google's VPN service. This VPN functions similarly to other VPNs, concealing your online activity from network operators. Google One subscribers can use the VPN in 22 countries on Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac devices. They can also share VPN access with up to five individuals on their One plans. While we have not conducted a full test of Google's One VPN, we will update our list if we find it meets our criteria.
