Top 5 VPNs of 2024 - Reviewed By Experts

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have become essential tools for enhancing online privacy and security. Whether you’re looking to protect your personal data, access geo-restricted content, or simply ensure a safer internet experience, a VPN can be a valuable asset. In this article, we review the top 5 VPNs of 2024, diving into their features, pricing, and more.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is a highly respected VPN service renowned for its exceptional security features and user-friendly interface. It employs advanced encryption protocols like AES-256, ensuring a high level of data protection. One of its standout features is the kill switch, which maintains security by cutting off internet access if the VPN connection drops. Privacy is also a strong suit for NordVPN, thanks to its strict no-logs policy, ensuring that users’ online activities aren’t tracked or stored.

The service boasts an extensive network of servers located in various countries, which is beneficial for users looking to access content from different regions. While the server speeds are generally impressive, they can vary depending on the server’s location and the user’s internet connection. This extensive network and speed make NordVPN ideal for activities that require high bandwidth, such as streaming and gaming.

User experience with NordVPN is notably straightforward, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced users. The platform is compatible with a range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. The interface is intuitive, simplifying the process of connecting to different servers. Additionally, NordVPN provides effective customer support, enhancing the overall user experience.

NordVPN is particularly favored by those who use VPNs for streaming and torrenting. It efficiently bypasses geo-restrictions on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Moreover, the service supports P2P file sharing and has servers specifically optimized for torrenting, adding to its versatility.

Features:

Military-grade encryption
Double VPN for extra security
CyberSec feature to block ads and malicious websites
Automatic kill switch
Supports up to 6 devices simultaneously

Pricing:

Monthly Plan: $11.95/month
1-Year Plan: $4.92/month
2-Year Plan: $3.71/month

Pros:

Strong security features
Large server network

Cons:

Can be on the pricier side for monthly plans

2. ExpressVPN

The 2nd is ExpressVPN which is widely recognized as one of the leading VPN services available, known for its impressive speed, strong security measures, and extensive server network. It stands out for its commitment to user privacy and ease of use, making it a popular choice among both novice and experienced VPN users.

One of the most notable strengths of ExpressVPN is its focus on security and privacy. The service uses advanced encryption protocols, including AES-256, which is the industry standard for securing sensitive data. ExpressVPN also offers a reliable kill switch feature, which is essential for maintaining privacy if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops. The company maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activities and connection logs are not recorded or stored, which is a crucial aspect for users concerned about their online privacy.

ExpressVPN’s server network is another significant advantage. It spans a large number of countries, providing users with a wide range of options for connecting to different regions. This extensive coverage is particularly beneficial for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing global content, including streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. The servers are optimized for speed, making ExpressVPN an excellent choice for streaming, gaming, and other high-bandwidth activities.

The user experience with ExpressVPN is highly praised for its simplicity and efficiency. The application is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, suitable for users who may not be tech-savvy. It offers easy-to-use apps for various devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and more. The process of connecting to servers is straightforward, and the service provides robust customer support to assist with any issues or queries.

Features:

Advanced encryption standards
Split tunneling
TrustedServer technology
Network Lock kill switch
5 simultaneous connections

Pricing:

Monthly Plan: $12.95/month
6-Month Plan: $9.99/month
1-Year Plan: $8.32/month

Pros:

Fast speeds for streaming and downloading
User-friendly interface

Cons:

Slightly higher cost

3. Surfshark

Surfshark has rapidly established itself as a noteworthy player in the VPN market, gaining popularity for its combination of affordable pricing, robust security features, and user-friendly interface. This VPN service is often highlighted for its exceptional value and ability to support a wide range of devices simultaneously.

Security and privacy are fundamental aspects where Surfshark shines. It utilizes industry-standard AES-256 encryption to ensure that user data is kept secure. Additionally, it offers a kill switch feature, which is crucial for maintaining privacy in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Surfshark adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not track or store any logs of user activity, which is a significant plus for those concerned about their online privacy.

One of the distinctive features of Surfshark is its unlimited device support, allowing users to connect as many devices as they want on a single account. This is particularly appealing for families or individuals with multiple devices. The service boasts a sizable network of servers spread across various countries, enhancing its ability to bypass geo-restrictions and access a wide range of content globally. This makes it a solid choice for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, as well as for other geo-specific content.

The user experience with Surfshark is generally praised for its simplicity and ease of use. The VPN service offers intuitive apps for a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and others. The interface is straightforward, making it accessible even for those who are new to VPNs. Customer support is also robust, providing helpful assistance when needed.

Surfshark is a strong contender in the streaming and torrenting arena. It effectively unblocks major streaming platforms and supports P2P file sharing and torrenting, with some servers optimized for these purposes. The speeds are generally good, though, like any VPN service, they can vary based on server location and internet connection.

Features:

AES-256 encryption
CleanWeb ad-blocking feature
Unlimited device support
Camouflage Mode for extra privacy
MultiHop feature for connecting via multiple countries

Pricing:

Monthly Plan: $12.95/month
6-Month Plan: $6.49/month
2-Year Plan: $2.49/month

Pros:

Budget-friendly
Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

Smaller server network compared to others

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost VPN is a popular VPN service known for its user-friendly interface and strong commitment to privacy and security. It offers a vast network of over 7,000 servers in 90 countries, providing users with a wide range of options for global server locations. CyberGhost is particularly praised for its high-speed connections, making it a good choice for streaming, torrenting, and general browsing.

One of the standout features of CyberGhost is its dedicated streaming servers optimized for various streaming services. This ensures reliable access to geo-restricted content with minimal buffering. Additionally, it supports up to seven simultaneous connections, allowing multiple devices to be connected under one subscription.

Security-wise, CyberGhost uses robust encryption methods, including AES 256-bit encryption, and has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that users’ online activities are not recorded or monitored. The VPN service also includes an automatic kill switch, which is an essential feature for maintaining privacy if the VPN connection unexpectedly drops.

However, some users may find the pricing a bit higher compared to other VPN services, especially for short-term plans. The longer-term plans, though, offer more value for money. Another potential downside is that its ad-blocking feature may not be as effective as some standalone ad-blocking applications.

Overall, CyberGhost VPN is a solid choice for those prioritizing ease of use, strong security features, and reliable streaming capabilities. While it may not be the cheapest option available, its performance and range of features justify the investment for many users.

Features:

High-level encryption
Dedicated streaming servers
NoSpy servers for extra privacy
Automatic kill switch
Supports up to 7 devices at once

Pricing:

Monthly Plan: $12.99/month
1-Year Plan: $3.99/month
3-Year Plan: $2.25/month

Pros:

Specialized servers for streaming
45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

Complex interface for beginners

5. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a robust VPN service that offers strong privacy and security features at an affordable price. With thousands of servers in numerous locations worldwide, PIA provides reliable and fast connections for users seeking anonymity and unrestricted access to online content.

One of PIA’s standout features is its strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity remains private and confidential. Additionally, PIA offers strong encryption protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard, to safeguard data transmission from potential eavesdropping or interception.

The user interface is intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy for both beginners and advanced users to navigate and customize their VPN settings. PIA supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, allowing users to protect their devices across multiple operating systems.

Speeds are generally consistent and fast, although they may vary depending on the user’s location and server load. However, PIA’s vast server network helps mitigate any potential slowdowns, ensuring a smooth and seamless browsing experience.

Features:

Open-source software
Ad and malware blocking
Supports 10 devices simultaneously
Advanced split tunneling
WireGuard®, PPTP, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPSec protocols

Pricing:

Monthly Plan: $9.95/month
1-Year Plan: $3.33/month
3-Year Plan: $2.19/month

Pros:

High level of configurability
Transparent privacy policies

Cons:

Inconsistent speeds in some regions

Conclusion

When choosing a VPN, consider what’s most important for your needs—be it security, speed, price, or user-friendliness. The above-listed VPNs are among the best in 2024, each offering unique features and pricing plans. Remember, the VPN landscape is constantly evolving, so it’s wise to stay updated on the latest developments and reviews.