The best VPN service in 2024

A virtual private network (VPN) is a privacy tool that protects your device and information when you're online. The best VPNs encrypt your data and route it through a secure server—giving you a new IP address, and making it appear as though you're in a location of your choosing. This makes it easier to unblock streaming services and restricted content abroad whilst hiding your internet usage from cyber criminals, internet providers, and even governments.

However, there are hundreds of VPN providers to choose from, and unfortunately, most of them don't offer the privacy and security you need. In TechRadar's 15 years online, our experts have tested and reviewed over 100 VPN services, and in the past three years, I've found countless providers that don't meet our standards.

To help you choose which one is worth your hard-earned cash, I've compared the technical security, privacy policies, features, unblocking capabilities, speed, server locations, and (most importantly) the value for money of the best services to curate this list of the top VPNs.

Written by
Andreas Theodorou Editor-in-Chief Tech Software
Written by
Andreas Theodorou (MRes, BA)

As a digital privacy advocate and expert, he's spent the past four years leveraging his master's degree to research VPNs, cryptography, and other cybersecurity topics.

The three best VPNs in 2024

Want a quick answer? Here are the three best VPN services right now: 

1. The best overall VPN service: ExpressVPN

1. The best overall VPN service: ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN holds the crown for the best VPN around because it automates all of the difficult processes that most other apps would make you do manually. This isn't some default setting like a lot of the competition, Express configures your setup in real time to give you the safest, fastest connection in the blink of an eye. Express blows me away in every aspect of my testing.

It may seem pricier than Nord and Surfshark, but if you want the absolute best, it more than makes up for it by offering a password manager, a year of unlimited cloud storage, alongside three months of extra protection for free on a 12-month subscription. 

See for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can put it to the test without risking a penny.

↪ Read more in my ExpressVPN deep dive

2. The fastest VPN around: NordVPN

2. The fastest VPN around: NordVPN
NordVPN offers an all-in-one VPN solution with built-in ad blocking and malware protection as standard. Combine that with rapid server speeds, lots of customization, and fantastic features, and you can see why it's a close runner-up to ExpressVPN. 

It currently tops my list as the best VPN for Netflix, and as the service turns 12 years old, Nord is offering TechRadar readers 67% off and a free Uber Eats voucher so take advantage of NordVPN's, 30-day money-back guarantee and see how it compares to ExpressVPN risk-free.

↪ Read more in my NordVPN deep dive

3. The best cheap VPN: Surfshark

3. The best cheap VPN: Surfshark
Surfshark keeps giving us reasons to recommend it. It's a high-value, low-cost option that's easy to use, packed with security features, and easily unblocks restricted content abroad. 

With servers in over 100 countries, you can stream your favorite shows from almost anywhere. Best of all, Surfshark costs just $2.29 per month, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, too.

↪ Read more in my Surfshark deep dive

Recent updates

My latest in-depth VPN tests are finally finished, so keep checking back to see how our latest VPN test results have shaken up our rankings.

What are the best VPN services in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

See how my top picks compare in the following analysis and reviews as I discuss reasons to subscribe, reasons to avoid, my testing results, what I liked about each provider, and how they compare with one another.

The best VPN overall

ExpressVPN, the best VPN, running on Windows, Mac, tablet, iPhone, Android, router, and AppleTVTechRadar Editor's Choice award logo

1. ExpressVPN

High-quality, and perfect for beginners

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now, 10 play | Available on: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux (command-line only), Routers, almost everything else | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30 days | Number of servers: over 3,200 | Server locations: 160 | Countries: 94 | Simultaneous connections: 8

Easy to use for beginners
Apps for almost everything
Fast servers in over 94 countries
Ultra-reliable security features
Expert 24/7 live customer support
An expensive choice
Not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN that you can set and forget: ExpressVPN's auto-connect feature means that you connect once, and you're always protected.

✔️ You're wanting to access content everywhere: with over 160 locations around the world to choose from, you'll be able to access local content no matter where you are.

✔️ You need a VPN you can trust with your life: between ExpressVPN's regular audits and no-logs policy, you can be certain your information is safe from oppressive regimes.

Don't subscribe if:

 You're on a strict budget: in a cost-of-living crisis, ExpressVPN is an expensive choice. If you can't afford its prices, we'd recommend looking towards NordVPN or Surfshark.

❌ You need a full security suite: ExpressVPN prides itself on being the best VPN, and that's where it focuses its attention. If you need an all-in-one solution with built-in antivirus capabilities, Express may not be the right pick for you.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 ExpressVPN strikes the perfect balance between security, usability, performance, and unblocking capability, all while offering exceptional customization. Try for yourself and see why it's our #1 pick with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review for a closer look at the service, and see why it's our top VPN pick for 2024.

ExpressVPN tops my list as the best VPN on the market because of the way it automates all of those complicated configurations that most other apps would have you do manually. If you just want an app you can set and forget, ExpressVPN is perfect. Plus, it comes with a built-in password manager and Threat Manager to keep your security simple.

Everything is laid out in a simple and clear design that makes it great for beginners. With one-click connect, you just tap the power button and you're instantly protected. ExpressVPN also shows suggested servers for the fastest connection, as well as your recent connection history and amount of time protected.

Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

If you're looking to access content abroad, ExpressVPN's server library is enormous. With 160 locations across 94 countries, that's more than almost any other provider. Whether you're wanting to watch the latest series on HBO Max or stream your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer, ExpressVPN has plenty of servers in the US and UK. 

ExpressVPN is always there to offer support—with teams available 24/7. In my personal testing, I found ExpressVPN had issues split tunneling Android Auto in my car, which meant it occasionally wouldn't work. After relaying this information to ExpressVPN, the devs pushed out a new update, almost immediately, to fix the issue and ensure Android Auto was detectable in the split tunneling list.

ExpressVPN offers some amazing speeds, but it does have its drawbacks. Unfortunately, it's not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark, which both maxed out our tests. However, the speeds it does offer (750 Mbps) are still over 30 times what you'd need for streaming in 4K ultra-high-definition and gaming online.

Be sure to set up the auto-connect and kill switch functions if you want to make sure your device and data are protected at all times. This means that even if your VPN connection is interrupted, your data will still be protected, and you won't accidentally reveal what you were doing online. I use it on my phone so I know I'm always protected when I'm out and about.

ExpressVPN is our top pick for the best VPN overall because of the sheer quality of its service. For the everyday user, ExpressVPN will go above and beyond your needs to protect your device and data. It's the best VPN for most use cases, and focuses on providing a service that people can trust with their lives—and many of its users do. With so many high-quality security features, ExpressVPN gives genuine peace of mind while you're using the internet.

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ExpressVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA clean and simple design that gives you everything you need, exactly when you need it⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useIntuitive apps with auto-connect functionality make life easier⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceFast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slower than NordVPN and Surfshark⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingEffortlessly gives you access to content around the world⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyExpress offers military-grade protection for total peace of mind⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportAlways available, friendly, and helpful⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceMore expensive than leading competitors⭐⭐⭐

The fastest VPN I've tested

NordVPN app working on mobile, PC, tablet, and other devices

2. NordVPN

So fast it maxed out my testing line

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now, 10 play | Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (CLI), routers and more | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30 days | Number of servers: over 5,670 | Server locations: 80 | Countries: 60 | Simultaneous connections: 6

Excellent security tools
Reliable Netflix unblocking
High-speed NordLynx protocol
Meshnet secure network as standard
Apps can be a bit confusing for beginners
Fewer server countries than ExpressVPN
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want an all-in-one security suite: NordVPN comes with ad blocking and malware protection as standard with its VPN subscription.

✔️ Streaming Netflix is your primary use case: NordVPN currently tops our list as the best VPN for Netflix, so you can access streams anywhere in the world.

✔️ You want a blend of quality and cost: NordVPN offers plenty of features, amazing speeds, and additional security tools, all at a mid-range cost.

Don't subscribe if:

❌ You want a super simple interface: NordVPN's map-style interface can be a lot of fun, but if you want a more plain design without the bells and whistles, our other top picks all have cleaner apps.

❌ You want to access content everywhere: with servers in 60 locations, you get a lot of options, but compared to our other top picks, NordVPN is more limited in countries and locations.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 NordVPN strikes the perfect balance between security, usability, performance, and unblocking capability, all while offering exceptional customization. Try for yourself and see why it's such a close runner-up with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth NordVPN review for a closer look at this all-in-one security solution.

NordVPN may have been fractionally edged into second place in our rankings again, but there's still plenty to love about the service. It's currently sitting atop my fastest VPN rankings with over 950 Mbps download speeds. It's immensely capable of unblocking streaming sites, and filled to the brim with features to protect your devices and information.

What really sets NordVPN apart from the competition, though, is its all-in-one approach to security. Unlike ExpressVPN, NordVPN offers built-in ad-blocking and antivirus protection to keep you safe and streamline your online activity. On top of that, NordVPN also offers its NordPass password manager, data breach scanner, and NordLocker secure cloud storage to users on the Complete plan.

Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

With the introduction of NordVPN's Meshnet feature, you can create secure private networks in your own home and protect as many as 60 devices at any one time. This makes it perfect for secure file sharing, gaming, and virtual routing as you can direct your traffic through a device of your choosing (such as a router or computer). 

What's more, NordVPN now offers free Meshnet for all users—most companies would charge a premium on top of the regular subscription fees for a service like that. With NordVPN's customizable pricing, you can choose what you need, and reduce the cost by not paying for features you don't want. 

Despite the amazing array of features available, it lacks the sheer attention to detail and sheer quality that comes with ExpressVPN. The map-style interface can be as awkward as it is novel, and I find some of the in-app pop-ups, notifications, and nagware a little frustrating. The quality of NordVPN's features is undeniable, but this is just a minor element that everyday users may find irritating.

Overall, NordPVN is an amazing middle-ground for people who want an all-in-one security solution, but don't want to invest in ExpressVPN. If you're just after a Netflix VPN that goes the extra mile to keep your device secure, then NordVPN is an excellent value-for-money option that doesn't skimp on quality or functionality.

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NordVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA fun design that can be a little busy for some people⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useEverything is easy to find, but the map interface can be off-putting, and there isn't much attention to detail⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceThe fastest VPN in our latest round of tests⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingPerfect for Netflix and other streaming sites⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyEvery bit as strong as ExpressVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportFriendly, supportive and professional⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceFantastic value for money⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best cheap VPN service

Surfshark VPN app running on several devices

3. Surfshark

The best cheap VPN - amazing speeds and a premium service

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now, 10 play | Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI), routers and more | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30 days | Number of servers: over 3,200 | Server locations: 143 | Countries: 100 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited

Incredibly fast
Unblocked everything in our tests
Unlimited connections
Pause VPN feature
Unclear virtual server locations
Windows kill switch is still buggy
No notification if your VPN drops
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want the best budget VPN: Surfshark is the perfect blend of cheap and cheerful, with lots of features, unbelievable speeds, and a reliable network—all at a low price.

✔️ You need a fast VPN: currently topping our charts with over 950 Mbps average speeds, Surfshark isn't just fast, it's faster than all of our top picks.

✔️ You want a cheap security suite: much like NordVPN, Surfshark comes with an array of internet security tools to keep you safe.

Don't subscribe if:

 You need a bulletproof kill switch: our testing showed some issues with Surfshark's kill switch. If an accidental IP leak could put you in danger, we'd recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

❌ You need even more server locations: If 143 locations still isn't enough for you, you're better off with ExpressVPN.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Surfshark is an exceptional value-for-money VPN. With unparalleled speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections, you get a lot of VPN for a low price. Try for yourself and see why it's our favorite cheap VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth Surfshark VPN review and see why the fastest VPN is also our #1 budget pick.

Surfshark isn't just the best cheap VPN, it's a whole security suite. With built-in ad-blocking, antivirus, tracker-free web browsing, and even a data breach notifier built in, it's premium protection without the price.

Surfshark recently launched its latest innovation, Incogni: a service that automatically requests the deletion of personal data stored by data brokers. I love this tool because it finally gives us the tools to reclaim our digital privacy from invasive data-tracking practices and companies.

Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can protect every device you own on a single subscription, as well as every device your friends and family own, too. Admittedly, we've not tried to test how many devices we could install Surfshark on, but that's because it would require everyone at TechRadar to spend all of their time installing the software until Surfshark asked us to stop—and that would take far too much time to do.

If you're one of the many Linux users looking to shore up their privacy with a VPN, you'll be glad to know that Surfshark has a dedicated Linux GUI for some of the most common distros. It's one of the few leading VPNs that offer more than the standard command-line interface for Linux, and it shows the genuine love and care the service has for its users.

Where Surfshark falls short, however, is its torrenting and unblocking capabilities. Once marketing itself as the VPN for streaming, it struggles to compete against the likes of NordVPN in recent tests. That said, it's not incapable. We were able to reliably unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max, and more in our latest round of tests.

Because of this amazing blend of capability, features, and immense speed, it's no surprise that Surfshark tops our charts for the best cheap VPN and the fastest VPN. It's the perfect pick for anyone looking to protect the devices of everyone they know.

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Surfshark test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignEasy to use and elegant⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useConnecting only takes a few clicks—ideal for newbies⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceOne of the fastest providers we tested⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingUnblocks virtually everything you'll need⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyNot a comprehensive antivirus or ad-blocking solution, and some kill switch ossues⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportBrowsing support articles isn't as intuitive as I'd like⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceReal value for money⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best VPN for Linux

Private Internet Access VPN apps running on Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and other platforms.

4. Private Internet Access (PIA)

The best VPN for Linux with a dedicated GUI for most distros

Streaming sites unblocked: US Netflix, Amazon, Disney Plus, Hulu, ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now, 10 play | Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI), routers and more | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30 days | Number of servers: Over 20,000 | Server locations: Over 100 | Countries: 84 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited

Port-forwarding support
Open-source apps
Lots of features and customization
Dedicated streaming servers
Apps can be difficult for beginners
Below-average WireGuard speeds
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN that's proven its claims: PIA is one of the only VPN services that can say it's proven its no-logs policy in court—not once, but twice.

✔️ You need a dedicated Linux GUI: with apps for the most popular distros and over 10 years in the industry, it's a long-standing favorite in the Linux community.

✔️ You need a customizable torrenting VPN: port-forwarding and a mountain of torrent-friendly servers make PIA an excellent pick for P2P file sharing.

Don't subscribe if:

 You want the easiest VPN to use: PIA's technical prowess is both a blessing and a curse, and its orientation towards technical users means that it isn't the easiest for absolute beginners.

❌ You want a built-in password manager: unlike ExpressVPN and NordVPN, PIA doesn't offer a password manager for users.

❌ You want the fastest VPN: PIA offers good speeds for torrenting and is comparable to ExpressVPN, but it is nowhere near the speeds on offer with NordVPN and Surfshark.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Private Internet Access is an industry veteran, and a long-standing favorite of privacy purists like myself. Put it to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth Private Internet Access VPN review and see why this low-cost option is also great for Linux.

Private Internet Access has over a decade of experience in the industry and has outlasted the majority of its competition for one simple reason: it does exactly what it says on the tin. While most leading services will commission regular third-party audits, PIA goes a step further and makes its software open-source so anyone in the world can view, audit, and verify its privacy claims.

If that's not enough, PIA is perhaps the only VPN that has proven its no-logs claims in court, twice. When American authorities presented a warrant for information, PIA gave them absolutely nothing, because there was nothing to give in the first place. If you need a VPN that will genuinely protect your digital privacy, nothing gives peace of mind like having your policies proven true.

Try Private Internet Access on unlimited devices.

My favorite feature is the utterly enormous network on offer. There are tens of thousands of servers to connect to—giving you plenty of opportunities to access content in the country you want. Dedicated streaming servers make it easier to unblock your favorite shows around the world, and with more IPs on offer than any other pick on our list.

All subscriptions come with a free email breach scanner and Boxcryptor license to encrypt and secure your cloud storage. Both of these come as standard with all PIA subscriptions, and when you factor in that most competitors would charge extra for those same features, its value for money increases exponentially.

The mobile and tablet apps are easy enough to use and are absolutely rammed with features and security tools, but the desktop apps are better suited to more technical users. As such, it generally lacks that intuitive feel and attention to detail that comes with ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Plus, PIA is one of the few Linux VPN services with a GUI (visual app), rather than a simple command-line interface like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

While it definitely suits advanced users best, PIA has an absolutely impeccable record and comes with built-in threat protection and ad-blocking functionality. It's easy to see why privacy purists are so fond of the service. 

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Private Internet Access test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignLots of customization, but could do with some attention to detail⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useNot the best for beginners, but great for advanced users⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceGood speeds, but generally average compared to industry leaders⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingDedicated streaming servers and an enormous global network help you unblock anything and everything⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyThe latest and greatest in VPN tech, and a proven no-logging policy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportA mass of knowledge online and expert support on-hand at all times⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceBudget-friendly and offering plenty of value for money⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Other VPNs I've tested and recommend

Between myself and the team, we've conducted hundreds of VPN reviews over the years—so many that I've frankly lost count. Here are five more VPN providers that may not be the best overall, but they're excellent alternatives that I would still recommend.

IPVanish apps running on PC, phone, routers, and tablets

5. IPVanish

A speedy VPN with lots of customization

Streaming sites unblocked: US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now | Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI), routers and more | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 30 days | Number of servers: over 2,200 | Server locations: 75 | Countries: 50 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited

Blistering speeds
Independently audited
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Dedicated Linux GUI
Couldn't unblock Disney+ in our latest round of tests
Couldn't unblock Netflix AU or CA in our latest round of tests
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a Linux GUI: IPVanish is one of the few VPNs that offer a dedicated app for Linux users.

✔️ You have a lot of devices to protect: much like Surfshark, IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Don't subscribe if:

 You don't intend to cancel your renewal: initial pricing is pretty cheap, but if you allow the service to renew, you might just break the bank.

❌ You want to stream Disney+: IPVanish has pretty reliable unblocking capabilities, but it struggled to unblock Disney+ in our latest round of testing.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 IPVanish is a budget-friendly provider with plenty of great features and unlimited simultaneous connections. It's come a long way since our last deep-dive.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth IPVanish VPN review to find out more about this popular VPN provider.

IPVanish really took some strides in our latest round of reviews, pushing its speed and capabilities to a whole new level. The company doesn't just rent its servers, it owns them—giving it full control over bandwidth. On top of that, there are no device limits, so you can protect as many devices as you want. Combine all that with a feature-rich offering and independent auditing, and it's a reliable alternative.

In our latest round of testing, IPVanish unblocked US, UK, and Japanese Netflix with ease, and even accessed Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and 9Now. However, it struggled to unblock Disney+.

Try IPVanish with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The desktop apps stand out for their intuitive and easy-to-use map interface. It's less imposing than NordVPN's but comes with some of the same UI problems. Personally, I really like the dark aesthetic of the software—it almost feels like you're in a hacker movie. 

IPVanish makes the most of WireGuard too, with blistering test results of over 950 Mbps earning it a place in our top three fastest VPNs. OpenVPN speeds were up from previous testing too, coming in at 225 Mbps. This might not seem like a lot in comparison, but bear in mind that WireGuard is around 5,000 lines of code, while OpenVPN is over 72,000 lines of code, and over 20 years old, to boot. Getting speeds of over 200 Mbps with OpenVPN can be incredibly difficult, so this is quite impressive.

There's a wealth of security features and customization to be had with the app. You can tweak it to suit your style, and the built-in kill switch holds up to our most extreme testing, so you can be confident in the protection it gives you. I'm not a big fan of the hard kill switch approach though. If you have it activated and intentionally disconnect from the VPN, it'll stop your internet. This can be a pain in the neck if you just want to pause it for a moment. It's easy enough to deactivate on the fly though, so this is only a minor gripe.

IPVanish is a great alternative for anyone with lots of hardware to protect and who wants to use its eye-popping WireGuard speeds. The 30-day money-back guarantee gives you a risk-free way to find out more, but beware, it's for annual plans only—monthly billed users aren't covered. 

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IPVanish test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignDark and edgy, but generally complicated⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useSome usability issues and a complex interface⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceIncredibly fast WireGuard speeds⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingDecent unblocking with a couple of hiccups⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyThoroughly audited and reliable encryption⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportSupport articles aren't as helpful as they should be and generally say the same thing⭐⭐⭐
PriceGenerally cheap, but renewal prices are quite a sting to users that get caught out⭐⭐⭐

PrivadoVPN running on different devices

6. PrivadoVPN

The best free VPN in 2024

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max | Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TVs | 24/7 support: Website and email | Refund period: 30 days | Number of servers: over 300 | Server locations: 63 | Free locations: 13 | Countries: 48 | Simultaneous connections: 10

Unblocks plenty of streaming services
Excellent features, even on the free version
Fast WireGuard-powered apps
No security audits
Single-month plan is pricey
Fewer servers than Express, Nord and Surfshark
Subscribe if:

✔️ You need a reliable free VPN: PrivadoVPN doesn't hide its most important features behind a paywall like ProtonVPN, so you get a reliable service without spending a penny.

✔️ You want to stream Netflix: a dedicated geo-unblocking team means that even free users benefit from reliable US and UK Netflix unblocking.

Don't subscribe if:

 You want lots of server options: while the free service has 13 locations, it's still incredibly limited, and the same can be said for the premium service compared to the likes of PIA and Surfshark.

❌ You need more than 10 GB of data per month: PrivadoVPN's free service has a data limit on its uncapped server speeds, but after that's used up, you go into "over quota mode" where you're limited to 1 Mbps. If you need unlimited data on a free VPN, I recommend Proton VPN.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 PrivadoVPN offers a decent mid-tier premium service, but it's hands-down the best free VPN on the market right now.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth PrivadoVPN review and see why this free service is so good at unblocking Netflix.

PrivadoVPN is a mid-tier premium VPN with an unbeatable free version. On a premium subscription, you get 10 simultaneous connections, a zero-logs policy, an ad blocker, parental controls, and even threat protection to help keep your devices safe from malware.

When it comes to the free version, some of these features are locked behind the enticing premium paywall. But you still get plenty of customization.

Try PrivadoVPN absolutely free.

Our latest round of testing showed a fantastic 880 Mbps download speed, which is plenty for streaming in 4K, gaming online, and seamless torrenting. It even handles its own bandwidth and transit routes, so you get fantastic speeds and almost no server congestion—even on free servers.

I spoke with one of PrivadoVPN's representatives about how pleased I was that they offered WireGuard encryption on the free plan, and they responded with "Of course. We wouldn't want to lock something so important behind a paywall." This just goes to show how much they value users, regardless of whether or not they're premium customers.

Its easy-to-use apps allow for plenty of customization. You can utilize one-click connections and a kill switch to make sure you're always protected, even if your VPN connection drops.

PrivadoVPN has a dedicated geoblocking team, that constantly looks to bypass censorship and regional content restrictions. What's more, it doesn't make free users suffer with sub-par servers—making it one of the only free services that can reliably unblock US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. 

PrivadoVPN has yet to verify its privacy credentials with an independent audit. Privado told us that an audit would require months of standstill for development, and that would prevent them from delivering on the needs of their users. Privado plans to pursue an audit as soon as possible, but it needs to make sure it's offering the best service it can at all times. This admittedly feels a little hollow given the app doesn't feel as wholly polished as some of the competition.

I like that PrivadoVPN doesn't give you a reduced priority if you're a free user. If you find yourself stuck, Privado has 24/7 email and live chat support for customers—regardless of what plan they're on. In a cost-of-living crisis, it's refreshing to see a VPN provider go so far with its freemium plan. Digital privacy is a right and one that PrivadoVPN clearly defends.

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PrivadoVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA simple yet colorful design⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useEasy to use and clearly laid out⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceThe low end of average for a leading service, but generally fast enough for anything you could throw at it⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingSome hiccups despite a dedicated unblocking team⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyGood scores on paper, but currently lacking an independent audit⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportDecent email support, but not a lot of of on-site help⭐⭐⭐
PriceNothing beats free⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Proton VPN apps running on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android devices.

7. Proton VPN

A VPN that continues to advocate for internet freedom everywhere

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon, Disney, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now, 10 play | Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI), routers and more | 24/7 support: No | Refund period: 30 days - free version available | Number of servers: over 2,900 | Server locations: 85 | Countries: 67 | Simultaneous connections: 10

Open-source apps
Free plan with unlimited bandwidth
Improving speeds and coverage
Lots of free tools
Not the best value for money
Customer support needs improvement
WireGuard Windows connection time is slower than most
Subscribe if:

✔️ You need a free Linux VPN: Few VPNs offer serious Linux support, and Proton VPN is the only service to offer a GUI for freemium Linux users.

✔️ You want a totally unlimited free VPN: if you need lots of data every month, ProtonVPN doesn't limit your monthly usage.

Don't subscribe if:

 You need a fast VPN: Windows connection speeds were a bit slow in our testing, so we'd recommend ExpressVPN or Surfhark if speed is a deal-breaker for you.

❌ You want lots of locations to choose from: while Proton VPN has improved greatly, it still offers a limited range of locations and countries to choose from—especially on its free plan.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Proton VPN is a well-known brand and a popular free Linux VPN that even offers protection for hackers on Kali.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth Proton VPN review and find out how it keeps up the fight for internet freedom.

Proton VPN's network exploded in size from a just few hundred servers in 14 countries a few years ago, to over 2,900 servers across 67 countries today. You can access these servers via a wide range of apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Chromebook. 

Trust is important when you're choosing a VPN provider, and Proton VPN does more than most to reassure you that your privacy is safe in its hands. You can pay anonymously via Bitcoin, even cash. Proton VPN's apps are open-source, allowing anyone to inspect the code, and they've been independently audited, too.

Try Proton VPN's unlimited free plan.

Technical privacy and security features start with strong encryption and the best protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2) MultiHop VPN passes your traffic through several VPN servers for extra safety, and a rock-solid kill switch keeps your identity safe if the VPN drops.

Our test results saw Proton VPN peak at an average of 460 Mbps (down from 510 Mbps) for WireGuard—not quite top ten material, but fast enough for most people— and a well above average of 350 Mbps with OpenVPN.

Proton VPN's support site still has some overly complicated articles, and although the company has added live chat, agents aren't always available. When you do get ahold of someone, though, we've found them to offer top-notch advice, and email questions usually get helpful replies within a few hours.

Proton VPN may focus on its privacy-protecting abilities, but it also knows how to have fun. Our latest tests allowed us hassle-free access to content from US, UK, Aussie, and Canadian Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. Unlike PrivadoVPN, Proton VPN doesn't offer the same unblocking reliability to both premium and free users.

On June 28, Proton launched Proton Pass, a new password manager with a free option available, too. It's another tool in the wider array of Proton's belt, and means that you can create a whole security suite for yourself, with emails, VPN, and password management, all for free.

Continuing its efforts to combat censorship around the world, Proton launched the VPN Observatory to monitor spikes in VPN usage. The Observatory uses that information to raise the alarm when sudden acts of censorship have taken place around the world.

Proton VPN isn't cheap, but it's open and superbly transparent, with plenty of features and great unblocking abilities. Plus, a generous ten-device limit—more than the likes of Express or Nord—means it's likely you can connect and use all your hardware at the same time.

Proton VPN being used on a Windows laptop

We found Proton VPN's clients to be "dependable, with only one connection drop during testing" (Image credit: Proton VPN)
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Proton VPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignIf you like dark mode, you'll love this interface⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useFairly easy on mobile, but a bit more complex on desktop⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceDecent speeds, but there's a risk of congestion on free servers⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingLimits unblocking to premium services but otherwise fantastic⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyStrong encryption and plenty of security add-ons available⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportAgents can be hard to get ahold of, but there's a lot of very technical support available⭐⭐⭐
PriceModerately expensive premium plans, but a great free plan⭐⭐⭐⭐

Windscribe logo on a laptop screen

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

8. Windscribe

A popular free VPN with open-source apps

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Disney, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now, 10 play | Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (CLI), routers and more | 24/7 support: No | Refund period: 3 days - free version available | Number of servers: over 400 | Server locations: 112 | Countries: 69 | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited

Unlimited device connections
Crammed with advanced features
10 GB a month free plan
Open-source apps
No 24/7 live chat support
No security audit
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a free VPN with more than 3 locations: unlike Proton VPN, Windscribe offers 11 countries to choose from on its free servers.

✔️ You want to pretend you're in Antarctica: that's right, Windscribe has a fake Antarctica server, so you can pretend to be a penguin accessing international content.

Don't subscribe if:

 You're paying for a subscription: it's a great service, but even Windscribe's cheapest premium plan just doesn't offer the same value for money as the likes of Surfshark of PIA.

❌ You want an audited VPN: Windscribe is open source, so anyone can audit, but it has yet to commit to a proper, independent third-party audit.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 Windscribe offers an amazing free plan, but its premium service struggles to compete with the industry leaders in terms of value.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth Windscribe VPN review to find out more about this popular VPN provider.

Windscribe is a capable Canadian VPN with a stack of interesting features, and plenty of appeal for just about every type of user.

Lots of hardware to protect? There are stylish open-source apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux, along with powerful browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. A subscription covers unlimited devices, too, so you can likely connect your entire home with one Windscribe plan.

Try Windscribe for free today.

If streaming overseas content is a priority, you'll love Windscribe's ability to unblock US Netflix, Amazon, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. Notably, in our latest test, we were unable to unblock Netflix Japan, however. 

Experts get access to unusual advanced features. Windscribe doesn't just have basic ad blocking, for instance; it can also block trackers, malware, fake news, porn sites, and more, and you can configure every detail to get the precise protection you need.

Our testing shows Windscribe is continually improving its speed, and this year it was one of the few that maxed out our testing lines. That's impressive, and even more so when you factor in that it was able to unblock most streaming services (with the exception of Amazon Prime) in our latest analysis.

There's no 24/7 live chat support, unfortunately, although you can send emails or use the company's own Subreddit. Although Windscribe has taken a big transparency step recently by open-sourcing its desktop apps, we'd like to see it go further by putting the service through an independent security audit.

Windscribe is a solid VPN choice, but it still has a way to go before it goes toe-to-toe with the leading providers. That said, it's making improvements every day, so I'm keen to see how it'll look in the future. What's more, the free plan gives you 10 GB per month and access to all the main features, so if you're tempted, you can try the service out risk-free, to see what it can do for you. 

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Windscribe test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignGenerally simple, but quite cluttered⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useIntuitive, but may feel complicated for beginners⭐⭐⭐
PerformancePretty average for WireGuard⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingDecent unblocking, but couldn't access Amazon Prime in our tests⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyRobust and open-source, but lacking an independent audit⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportNo live chat, but helpful on-site content and quick responses to emails⭐⭐⭐
PriceWe always love free plans, but the premium plan is quite expensive⭐⭐⭐

CyberGhost VPN app running on multiple devices and operating systems

9. CyberGhost VPN

A good value VPN with plenty of features

Streaming sites unblocked: US Netflix, Amazon, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, ITVX, Channel 4, 9Now, 10 play | Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (CLI), routers and more | 24/7 support: Yes | Refund period: 45 days | Number of servers: over 9,260 | Server locations: 116 | Countries: 91 | Simultaneous connections: 7

Above-average WireGuard speeds
Can be used on almost anything
45-day money-back guarantee
Audit is hard to access
Annoying device limit scheme
Support site isn't the best
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want an easy-to-use VPN: a clean and intuitive interface makes CyberGhost VPN a great choice for beginners.

✔️ You want more than a month to test it: CyberGhost VPN offers the longest money-back guarantee on the market at a spectacular 45 days.

Don't subscribe if:

 You need a Disney Plus VPN: in our latest round of testing, CyberGhost VPN struggled to unblock the popular streaming service.

❌ You need in-depth support: while the customer support agents are friendly and helpful, CyberGhost's support site lacks the depth on offer with PIA, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN.

❌ You want to install it on more than seven devices: most services have a limit on the maximum number of simultaneous connections, whereas CyberGhost VPN only lets you have up to 7 installations at any one time.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 CyberGhost VPN is a popular choice for beginners with easy-to-use apps and a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth CyberGhost VPN review to find out more about this popular VPN provider.

CyberGhost VPN has a mighty network of over 9,260 servers (mostly torrent-friendly) spread across an impressive 91 countries. There are apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and other smart TVs, and Smart DNS support allows you to set it up on game consoles, too.

Streaming proved another highlight, as CyberGhost VPN effortlessly unblocked US Netflix (but unsuccessfully in catalogs further afield), Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. CyberGhost failed to unblock Disney Plus and UK Netflix this time around, despite having dedicated streaming servers for the platforms. I love that the apps have dedicated servers for streaming Hulu, HBO Max, and more.

Try CyberGhost VPN with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Although the apps are generally easy to use and intuitive, they have one or two very basic omissions. The Windows app still doesn't display a notification when it connects or disconnects, for instance, so unless you're looking at the app window, you won't know for sure when you're connected or if the VPN drops.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost VPN removed its password manager due to a lack of interest from users, so if that's a deal-breaker, you may want to consider ExpressVPN or NordVPN, but it's fair to say that CyberGhost isn't wasting time or money on features that its users don't really want or need.

CyberGhost's maximum speed is impressive, but was slightly lower than our previous testing, with WireGuard connections sitting around 630 Mbps (down from 730 Mbps), and OpenVPN reaching 360 Mbps (down from 380). This is still incredibly fast, and more than enough for gaming online, torrenting, and streaming in 4K, so you'll be glad to know it won't slow you down.

One major concern we have with CyberGhost is that the Windows app doesn't use notifications when it connects or disconnects. This isn't a trivial point—you can't be sure when you're protected unless you watch it, meaning it could give you a false sense of security. Because of that, combined with a recent, embarrassing Windows security vulnerability, that was identified and fixed via a bug bounty before it was reported, we've knocked CyberGhost down in our rankings.

If you're willing to commit to a longer plan, there's exceptional value for money on offer, and with its enormous network, you don't need to worry about busy servers slowing you down.

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CyberGhost VPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignSimple, intuitive, and easily customizable⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of usePerfect for beginners and anyone wanting a simple experience⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceDecent speeds that are great for torrenting, streaming and gaming online⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingDedicated streaming servers, but struggles to unblock Disney Plus⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyA few notable hiccups, but a third-party audit from Deloitte⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportAgents are helpful, but the on-site content could be better⭐⭐⭐
PriceExcellent value and competitive pricing⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mullvad VPN working on a laptop

10. Mullvad

A fast VPN that prioritizes security over streaming

Streaming sites unblocked: None | Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux (GUI), routers and more | 24/7 support: No | Refund period: 30 days | Number of servers: over 650 | Server locations: 72 | Countries: 43 | Simultaneous connections: 5

Sign up without handing over any personal information
Super-fast speeds
App and infrastructure audits
Accepts cash payments
Couldn't unblock streaming services in our tests
Apps could use some improvement
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want to pay with cash: One of the only services that let you pay by cash for increased anonymity.

✔️ You want total VPN anonymity: Mullvad offers the option for a zero-knowledge account. Simply generate an account and pay by cash and you can hide your personal information.

Don't subscribe if:

 You're on a budget: Mullvad has one price, and it's not exactly cheap.

❌ You want to stream: Mullvad prioritizes anonymity and security over unblocking streams, so if you want to access Netflix, Disney+ or iPlayer, you'll be better off with ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 Mullvad is an incredibly reliable service that people can trust with their lives, but if you're hoping to stream shows abroad, I'd recommend looking elsewhere.

Want to know more?

Check out our in-depth Mullvad VPN review to find out more about this popular VPN provider.

Every VPN claims it cares about privacy, but Mullvad goes further than most. You can open an account without handing over any personal details, for instance, then pay by crypto, or even post a cash-stuffed envelope (no, seriously) ensuring the company knows nothing about you at all.

Mullvad scores for transparency, too, putting its entire infrastructure—apps, servers, websites, and more—through comprehensive security audits, and promising to repeat these regularly.

Try Mullvad with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

If performance is your top priority, though, Mullvad's 900 Mbps (up from 770 Mbps at last testing) peak speed is nearly twice some of the competition. That said, OpenVPN speeds were nearly triple what we would normally see from the competition at 530 Mbps. Privacy purists who are still skeptical of the latest protocol can have peace of mind knowing that the OpenVPN speeds are some of the fastest in the industry.

Valuable features include a reliable kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a variety of stealth options. The apps are top-quality, too, fully leak-free and with a rock-solid kill switch keeping us safe in every situation. 

It's not all good news, though. The apps are a little basic in many areas, and Mullvad couldn't unblock a single streaming service in our tests. On top of that, there's no live chat or 24/7 support; its single 5 Euros a month plan is great if you're happy with the monthly billing, but there's no discount if you're happy to sign up for longer.

Plus, on May 29, Mullvad announced it was removing port-forwarding from its service. The loss of this key feature means that torrenters will be better off with the likes of ExpressVPN or PIA.

Feeble unblocking and basic support mean this isn't a VPN for the average user. High speeds and excellent privacy make Mullvad a solid pick for anyone who's looking to maintain anonymity online.

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Mullvad test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA fairly basic design that does away with the usual bells and whistles⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useNot the easiest for beginners⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceSolid speeds, even on OpenVPN connections⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingMullvad focuses more on privacy and security, and less on unblocking content, leaving it all a bit underwhelming
Security and privacyMeticulously audited, with lots of attention to detail⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportNo live chat, but we saw speedy responses from email tickets⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceExpensive, but the price doesn't shoot up on renewal like other providers⭐⭐⭐

What is a VPN?

virtual private network (VPN) is "a mechanism to establish a secure remote access connection across an intermediary network, often the internet" (Stewart and Kinsey, 254, 2021). To do this, the VPN software encrypts your internet connection and makes it illegible to anyone who doesn't have the key to decrypt it. Put simply, this means that no one can see your data or what you're doing online, and improves your security, privacy, and anonymity online.

In doing so, a VPN replaces your IP address (your device's digital signature) to make it appear as though you're accessing from a different device elsewhere in the world. This lets you unblock foreign content while hiding your identity behind the sheer volume of users among VPN services.

Note: choosing the right VPN is essential. There are so many services that aren't secure enough, and using them could give you a false sense of security. Some of the more suspect VPN services will even track your activity and sell your information to third parties—unraveling the privacy aspect of using the VPN in the first place.

Do I need a VPN?

In short, yes! A VPN is an essential piece of kit in the modern world. There's a lot more to a VPN than just unblocking your favorite shows and hiding your online activity from your internet provider. 

It's also capable of protecting you far beyond the capabilities of normal internet encryption standards, and even securing your device from hackers. With everything being so internet-focused, cybercrime is becoming increasingly complex and hard to stave off by the everyday person.

That hotel/airport/café WiFi you just connected to may be fake, or could've been tampered with by a hacker to steal your information. Sadly, it's easier to do than you might think. But a VPN is the answer to securing yourself against those online criminals.

TechRadar's VPN rankings

There are hundreds, if not thousands of VPNs out there, and you've likely heard the names of countless services. Check out our rankings below of popular services and see some honorable mentions that can't currently compete with what's on offer with our top services.

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VPN serviceRatingSummaryReviews
1. ExpressVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The best VPN overall and our top pick for most use cases.Check out our ExpressVPN review
2. NordVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐½The fastest VPN, plus a full security suite with ad-blocking and malware protection.Check out our NordVPN review
3. Surfshark⭐⭐⭐⭐½The best cheap VPN, and also the fastest in our tests.Check out our Surfshark review
4. Private Internet Access⭐⭐⭐⭐½The best Linux VPN. A dedicated GUI for Linux, and a no-logs policy that was proven in court twice.Check out our Private Internet Access review
5. IPVanish⭐⭐⭐⭐The best of the rest. An up-and-coming provider that supports Linux.Check out our IPVanish review
6. PrivadoVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐The best free VPN. It even unblocks Netflix.Check out our PrivadoVPN review
7. ProtonVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐A popular free VPN service with a history of advocating for the freedom of the internet.Check out our Proton VPN review
8. Windscribe⭐⭐⭐⭐A fast service with a popular browser proxy.Check out our Windscribe VPN review
9. CyberGhost VPN⭐⭐⭐⭐A popular and easy-to-use platform that's great for beginners.Check out our CyberGhost VPN review
10. Mullvad⭐⭐⭐⭐Good for Linux, and you can even pay in cash.Check out our Mullvad review
11. PureVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐One of the cheapest premium VPNs on the market.Check out our PureVPN review
12. Hide.Me⭐⭐⭐⭐A speedy service with plenty of customization.Check out our Hide.me review
13. Atlas VPN⭐⭐⭐½A new player in the VPN industry that's already making waves.Check out our Atlas VPN review
14. TunnelBear⭐⭐⭐½A reliable free VPN but no support for content unblocking.Check out our TunnelBear review
15. Mozilla VPN⭐⭐⭐½A well known brand with a VPN that currently underperforms.Check out our Mozilla VPN review
16. Hotspot Shield⭐⭐⭐½A fast VPN service with lots of great features.Check out our Hotspot Shield review
17. VyprVPN⭐⭐⭐½A reliable VPN with a dedicated protocol for bypassing even the most severe censorship.Check out our VyprVPN review
18. Norton VPN⭐⭐⭐Known for its popular security suite with a lacklustre VPN.Check out our Norton VPN review
19. PrivateVPN⭐⭐½An excellent cheap service that offers plenty of support for streaming and torrenting.Check out our PrivateVPN review
20. AstrillVPN⭐⭐½A mid-range VPN that's popular for bypassing Chinese censorship.Check out our Astrill VPN review
21. FastestVPN⭐⭐½Making its way up the list, but not yet living up to its name.Check out our FastestVPN review
22. StrongVPN⭐⭐Another mid-range VPN that continues to improve.Check out our StrongVPN review
23. AirVPN⭐⭐Built by hacktivists, for hacktivists.Check out our AirVPN review
24. Goose VPN⭐⭐An incredibly cheap mid-range VPN.Check out our Goose VPN review
25. TorGuard⭐⭐A torrent-friendly VPN that's good for accessing foreign content.Check out our TorGuard review
26. UltraVPN⭐⭐Fast and secure with plenty of server locations.Check out our UltraVPN review
27. Le VPN⭐⭐Lots of locations to choose from and integrated SmartDNS technology.Check out our Le VPN review
28. VPNArea⭐⭐A mid-range VPN that struggles to hold up against the industry leaders.Check out our VPNArea review
29. ZoogVPN⭐⭐A fairly underwhelming VPN from Greece.Check out our ZoogVPN review
30. Google One⭐⭐Google's history with data doesn't give us much faith in the service.Check out our Google One VPN review

We've tested a lot of VPNs over the years. Check out our VPN reviews for more information.

What is the fastest VPN?

It's a well-trodden sales technique for VPN providers to claim they have the fastest speeds—but they clearly can't all be the fastest. That's why we test the speeds on offer from all the top VPNs across different global servers and on a variety of protocols. 

Below are the speed results for the top VPN services, during our latest tests:

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VPN serviceWireGuard or proprietaryOpenVPN
1. NordVPNover 950 Mbps (maxed out my testing)140 Mbps
2. Surfsharkover 950 Mbps (maxed out my testing)130 Mbps
3. IPVanishover 950 Mbps (maxed out my testing)225 Mbps
4. Windscribeover 950 Mbps (maxed out my testing)330 Mbps
5. Hide.meover 950 Mbps (maxed out my testing)260 Mbps
6. Norton VPNover 950 Mbps (maxed out my testing)240 Mbps
7. Mullvad900 Mbps530 Mbps
8. PrivadoVPN880 Mbps130 Mbps
9. Atlas VPN860 MbpsN/A
10. ExpressVPN750 Mbps230 Mbps
11. FastestVPN730 Mbps170 Mbps
12. PureVPN650 Mbps140 Mbps
13. CyberGhost630 Mbps360 Mbps
14. Private VPN610 Mbps110 Mbps
15. Hotspot Shield570 MbpsN/A
16. TunnelBear500 Mbps310 Mbps
17. Proton VPN460 Mbps350 Mbps
18. Private Internet Access360 Mbps310 Mbps
19. Mozilla VPN360 MbpsN/A
20. Google One345 MbpsN/A
21. VyprVPN325 Mbps105 Mbps
22. Astrill VPN390 Mbps (inconsistent testing results)N/A

How to choose a VPN

Finding the right VPN starts by focusing on your needs and intended use case. Will you be streaming content? Just want to keep yourself safe online? Or do you want to use it for torrenting and doing some gaming? Whether it's one of these things or all of them, the following factors will help you find the best VPN.

How we test VPN services - our review methodology

While our experts use the top VPNs every day, we conduct a comprehensive analysis of the top 30 VPN services every 6 months with the help of Mike Williams and Anthony Spadafora. This allows us to keep track of who's really the best, and for which use cases.

TechRadar's VPN reviews begin at the provider's website, where we analyze the claims it makes, its privacy policy, its support options, and any other elements of note. We look for any tracking cookies on the site and if/when they activate to see if the service tracks people using the site.

Tested by

Meet the experts behind our best VPN guide and their favorite VPN services:

Andreas Theodorou Editor-in-Chief Tech Software
Andreas Theodorou

A privacy purist at heart, Andreas is a VPN expert who believes that the best VPN doesn't have to be the most expensive—it's about what's right for you. He enjoys nothing more than holding VPN services accountable to the highest standards and challenging the industry to be better.

Mike Williams in the dark
Mike Williams

Mike regularly reviews our top picks, and loves looking behind the curtains to see how a VPN works in the background. If there's a skeleton in the closet, he'll find it.

Chiara Castro, cybersecurity expert and VPN news reporter
Chiara Castro

Reporting on the latest trends and happenings in the world of cybersecurity, Chiara's investigative journalism helps keep our provider analysis at the cutting edge.

Our VPN testing ethics

When testing VPNs, we don't care about how big the name is or how much money they have to throw around. We care about the product and the genuine value to the reader. We want to know if a service offers a false sense of security. If a VPN is selling your data, we'll call it out. Ultimately, we leave no stone unturned.

We're not here to pull the wool over anyone's eyes. We're here to show which VPNs are genuinely the best and hold the industry accountable for its actions.

The best VPN FAQs

What is the #1 best VPN on the market?

ExpressVPN is the best VPN in the industry—setting the bar for everyone else by automating all of the difficult manual procedures for you, rather than just providing a default configuration and saying it's automatic. 

On top of that, it supports almost any device you can think of, and has a proven track record of unblocking content and streaming services from around the world in our rigorous testing. If that's not enough, ExpressVPN continues to engage in cybersecurity conferences and academic studies to help further the field.

You can try it out for 30 days risk-free thanks to its completely no-quibbles money-back guarantee. If you sign up for an annual plan, you'll also get a built-in password manager, a year of Backblaze cloud storage, and an extra three months of protection, absolutely free.

ExpressVPN on multiple devices

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

What is the best free VPN to get?

PrivadoVPN is my go-to recommendation for a free VPN because it doesn't lock all of its most important security features behind paywalls, and actually unblocks regional streaming libraries consistently. Coupling that with super-fast speeds means it is hands-down the best free VPN around.


Is a VPN easy to use?

Most top VPNs are remarkably easy to use and despite all the technical-sounding terms that get thrown around. However, it's important to pick the right VPN if you're not already adept with them. Not all VPNs are created equal, and some providers are built with more technically advanced users in mind.

If you're new to VPNs and just want something simple, I recommend using ExpressVPN or Surfshark, as they're particularly simple in their designs, and offer excellent one-click connect functions and recommended server so you get instant protection.

What can I use my VPN for?

The most common uses of VPNs include:

Protecting your digital privacy and securing your device online

Accessing public Wi-Fi without a VPN puts you at risk of cybercriminals monitoring your internet traffic and stealing your data, malicious hotspots redirecting you to dangerous websites, and government agencies tracking and restricting your online activity. By using a VPN, you encrypt your data and hide your IP address, giving you greater digital privacy, and increased anonymity online.

Unblocking restricted apps

Whether it's a government firewall, your work's WiFi, or even a school network, there's always something that's being blocked. When a network blocks access to YouTube, TikTok, or even social media, the above VPNs allow you to bypass those restrictions and log into your favorite apps in total privacy. No one can see what you're doing online thanks to your encrypted data. 

Getting around government censorship

Countries like Russia, China, and other privacy-oppressive governments try to block websites and apps countrywide. If you connect to a secure VPN with obfuscation (VPN cloaking) enabled, you'll be able to access censored foreign content to help you avoid propaganda and disinformation.

However, this doesn't work in every case and may be illegal depending on where you are. China, in particular, works hard to detect and block VPNs—so only the best China VPNs can get around the country's strict censorship (commonly referred to as the "Great Firewall of China").

Streaming shows around the world

If you've ever had the displeasure of seeing an "unavailable in your region" error on Netflix or the like, you'll be glad to know that a VPN can help. Thanks to the new IP address from your secure server, you can spoof your location and make it appear as if you're really in that country. 

However, not all VPNs are created equal in this regard, and many streaming sites will try to limit your access if they detect that you're using a VPN. Whether you need a VPN for Netflix, or just want to watch BBC iPlayer from abroad, only the top services can give you reliable access every time.

Save money online

By shielding your IP, you can prevent tracking cookie-based price changes that up the cost of a product because the site thinks you're more likely to buy it. On top of that, you can use a VPN to buy products cheaper from abroad by leveraging online sales in different regions. Do this enough times, and you'll end up saving the cost of your VPN and more.

VPN in red writing against a gray tiled background

(Image credit: Pixabay)

Which VPN protocol should I use?

That depends entirely on you. If you're in a country that doesn't restrict VPN usage, and just want to be safer online while unblocking global content, then WireGuard will be more than enough.

However, if you're in a country like China or Russia, where VPN usage is heavily restricted, being caught using a VPN can be incredibly dangerous. Because of this, I'd recommend using OpenVPN with obfuscation (VPN cloaking) enabled to hide your VPN usage. Unfortunately, WireGuard cannot be obfuscated in a commercially viable way (yet). If you need to hide the fact you're using a VPN, OpenVPN is the most secure and proven protocol around.

TCP or UDP?

Transmission control protocol (TCP) and user datagram protocol (UDP) both have advantages and disadvantages. TCP is better for torrenting and everyday usage because it verifies the order, receipt, and sanctity of every packet, so you won't end up downloading half of a photo. 

However, UDP doesn't have that verification, meaning data can flow more quickly, but a packet may occasionally lose its way. It's nothing to be concerned about—it just means it's much better for streaming your favorite shows or playing games online. 

How do I get the best VPN?

Finding the best VPN means choosing the one that suits your needs. We can show you which ones are worth your time, but only you can decide if it's right for you. Once you've chosen a VPN from the list above, the next stage is easy. Click through to the one you like, and follow the easy steps on-site to sign up, using the payment method you're most comfortable with—some even let you pay with cryptocurrency these days. Providers like Privado and Proton will even off a free plan for you to take advantage of.

Going for a longer-term subscription will save you money in the long run if you decide to commit, but one thing to note—even though the prices will be described in monthly terms, you'll still have to pay for the full amount up-front.

Once signed up, you can download the VPN apps on whatever devices you want. So, for mobile, get yourself over to the App Store or Play Store, download, and you'll be connected in seconds.

Once installed, you can then get extensions added to your chosen web browser, and go about adding functionality to your various devices. Including your computer and mobile phone of course, but also your games console, tablet, TV streaming devices—even your internet router.

Paid VPNs vs free VPNs - which should I get?

When it comes to cost, a free VPN can feel like a no-brainer, but bear in mind that a great VPN doesn't have to be expensive, there's always a great VPN deal to be had, no matter the time of year. But to answer the question, you should get the one that suits you best.

I've compared some great choices above, but don't think that all VPNs are created equal—most of them are either mining your data to sell on, or simply not offering the protection you need. A lot of proxy services masquerade as VPNs, and because they lack the encryption of a true VPN service, you could open yourself up to a whole host of problems.

Some free services go much further. We've seen one that sends screenshots of your device back to the developer, allowing it to see the sites you're visiting and the apps you're using. Not much privacy protection, there.

Ultimately, whether you pick a free or paid-for service depends on your budgeting. Plus, you can get a premium service without saying goodbye to your cash by taking advantage of free VPN trials.

Are VPNs legal?

For most of the world, it's not the VPN that might be illegal, but what you do with it could still land you in trouble. If you're committing crimes while you're using a VPN, you're still breaking the law, and a VPN won't excuse that.

VPNs are legal in North and South America, Western Europe, Oceania, and most of the rest of the world, but in some countries, it's a far more complicated story.

China and Russia don't ban VPNs entirely, for instance, but they only allow you to use government-appointed providers. To encourage you, they've also banned just about everyone else: Russia's latest banned list includes ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Proton VPN, IPVanish, and more.

Turkey similarly hasn't tried to ban all VPNs, but it might block access to the sites or servers of providers that don't follow its rules. UAE and Oman have laws that might get you into trouble in some VPN-related situations. Iraq, North Korea, and Turkmenistan are more extreme and ban VPNs entirely.

It's a complex area, where the situation might change at any time as countries introduce new laws. It's unlikely you'll get into big trouble for, say, accessing Twitter from a foreign hotel room—repressive governments get enough flak over free speech issues already, without attracting more—but it can't be ruled out entirely. "But I didn't know" isn't a strong defense, though, so if you're traveling somewhere you might run into trouble, be sure to do a little research before you go, and find out what you can do and what you can't.

How much does a VPN cost?

VPNs aren't expensive, and you can get a premium service for as much as a cup of coffee per month. There are even some free services that are worthwhile alternatives if you're struggling to justify the expense.

How to reduce the cost of a VPN

The easiest way to make a VPN cheaper is to opt for a longer subscription. VPN services regularly offer significantly reduced rates for longer commitments.

For example, while a single month of ExpressVPN can cost over $12.95, opting for a 12-month subscription lowers the price by 49% to $6.67 per month. Some providers even offer longer subscriptions, like PureVPN's 5-year offer at just $1.33 per month.

How to check if your VPN is working

The easiest way to check if your VPN is working is to open an incognito/private browsing window and search "What is my IP address" to find an IP checker. Run the test before you connect to your VPN and you'll get your real IP address. Close the incognito window and connect to your chosen VPN, then open a new incognito window and repeat the same process. If your IP is the same, you may not be connected properly or your VPN may have a DNS leak.

Are VPNs safe?

What's the safest VPN?

The services in this guide are safe. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands of providers out there, and a significant portion of them wouldn't meet our standards for us to consider them safe. Many unscrupulous VPNs track your internet usage and log your IP so they can sell your data and hand over your information to anyone who comes knocking. 

If you want to make sure your VPN is safe, you should ensure it has the following features at a minimum: 

A no-logs policy: ensuring the service isn't tracking your IP or internet usage.

AES 256-bit encryption: the industry standard for security, so no one can snoop on you. Be sure to look for post-quantum encryption as standard, too. With Q-day fast approaching, you don't want to be let down by sub-par encryption.

A kill switch: disconnecting your internet if your VPN connection drops and protecting you from unsuspecting data leaks.

Secure encryption protocols: we recommend using the latest and greatest in encryption technology (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2) as some older protocols aren't as secure as they once were (IPSec, L2TP).

ExpressVPN currently tops my list for the most secure VPN because it automates its configuration to make sure you're always getting the safest, fastest service possible.

Will a VPN slow my internet speed?

Encrypting and decrypting your traffic, as well as routing it through an extra server, is a lot of extra work, and if you don't pick a provider with decent speeds, they'll likely drop your performance.

Top VPN providers keep this to a minimum by using well-designed apps and the most efficient protocols (the rules a VPN app and server use to transfer data). We regularly see the best VPNs reach over 600 Mbps and more, so if you choose your provider carefully, you may not even notice any difference in speed.

Do quantum computers pose a threat to VPNs and encryption?

The short answer: only if the encryption isn't up to modern standards. 

The long answer: because quantum computers can operate in a superposition of both 1 and 0 (unlike traditional computers, which can only be one or the other), it means that they can "look through millions of potential solutions at once, rather than sequentially" as a traditional computer would need to (Stallings, 457, 2023).

This greatly amplifies the computational power and means that traditional public key cryptography leveraging factoring and discrete logarithm problems, such as RSA-based methods, are no longer secure. What would take a traditional computer millennia to crack will soon only take a few minutes on a quantum computer.

"Shor's Algorithm" shows that a powerful enough, and most importantly stable enough, quantum computer would be able to employ attacks such as those based on "Grover's Algorithm" to identify the public key and decrypt your VPN traffic in a matter of minutes (Stinson and Paterson, 342 to 343, 2022). 

In the wake of revelations that quantum computers could obliterate traditional key exchange encryption methods, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) called experts to come up with ways to combat the issue.

The result was post-quantum cryptography standardization enabling VPN services to continue protecting your information. There were four algorithms identified by NIST to be quantum-resistant, with the most popular so far being lattice-based encryption methods. Employing a lattice of vectors for the key exchange, instead of a multiplication of two unique primes means that VPN providers can create thousandfold dimensions in which a quantum computer is just as useless as a traditional computer when it comes to decryption.

The encryption/decryption race is just another cat-and-mouse chase. 

Article sources

The following textbooks (among others) continue to fuel my research and analysis of VPN services, helping me make better recommendations to readers, and challenge providers on their shortcomings: 
- Stallings, William. Cryptography and Network Security: Principles and Practice (Eighth Edition). Harlow: Pearson, 2023. 
- Stewart, J. Michael, and Denise Kinsey. Network Security, Firewalls, and VPNs (Third Edition). Burlington: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2021.
- Stinson, Douglas R. and Maura B Paterson. Cryptography: Theory and Practice (Fourth Edition). Boca Raton: CRC Press. 2022.

Edited by
River Hart Tech Software Editor
Edited by
River Hart

River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Editor-in-Chief of Tech Software

Andreas is the Editor-in-Chief of Tech Software at Future, supporting content and teams on VPNs, antivirus, and other cybersecurity tools. He's previously written for and led content at ProPrivacy, Business2Community, and The Tech Report. After completing a Master of Research degree, Andreas fell in love with all things cybersecurity; combining his passions to help expose the prevalence of AdTech in the charity sector and raise awareness of digital privacy around the world.

With contributions from