Best VPN Services of 2024

Updated


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Using a VPN is wise whenever you use the internet–especially if you value privacy and security. To cut straight to the chase, we chose Surfshark as the best overall VPN for its pricing, versatility, and security features. But there’s no one-size-fits-all. VyprVPN & CyberGhost round out our top three, with the right one for you depending on your preferences.

Best VPN Services: Our Shortlist

Our Top Picks

Surfshark

Best Overall

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VyprVPN

Best for Businesses

Jump to Review

CyberGhost

Most Transparent Company

Jump to Review

ExpressVPN

Most Reliable VPN

Jump to Review

NordVPN

Best for Gamers

Jump to Review

IPVanish

Best Customer Service

Jump to Review

ProtonVPN

Best for Overall Privacy

Jump to Review

Windscribe VPN

Highly Customizable Plans

Jump to Review

NortonSecure

Best Security Bundle

Jump to Review

Hotspot Shield

Fastest VPN

Jump to Review

Digital.com dives deep into every topic it covers to offer trusted and reliable recommendations for the best business tools. See how we review VPN services.


Meet the Team

Tired of worn-out business advice? Us too. We want to make the internet a better place for entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone else who’s as do or die as we are.

The Top VPN Services

Surfshark logo

Surfshark

Best Overall

Features

  • Double hop feature
  • Kill switch & no-log policy
  • Cheapest plan on our list

#1 Top Pick

Surfshark is a fast, affordable, and feature-rich VPN–with a strict no-logs policy, kill switch, double hop, and more, it has everything you need at one of the cheapest prices on the market.

Lowest Price
$1.99 per month

Free Trial
30-day trial

Unlimited Bandwidth
Yes

Ease of Cancellation
Paid up front, no refund

Read More

Surfshark customers get access to some unique VPN features. One of them is Whitelister — a split-tunneling technology that allows you to exclude certain apps and websites from connecting to the VPN. It also includes CleanWeb, a built-in blocker for ads, trackers, and malware.

Main dashboard inside of Surfshark. Shows that the device is connected and the location

Besides the privacy credentials, Surfshark also has a strict no-logs policy, so you can browse safely, knowing your VPN provider isn’t holding personally identifiable information.

Surfshark earns our badge for its unique double VPN multihop as its best security feature. The double VPN multihop is a plus for security-conscious individuals such as journalists and activists who may need to hide their actual location. Surfshark’s network stretches across 63 countries and boasts more than 1,700 servers, all of which are peer-to-peer-friendly (P2P) to encourage the overall usage of the double hop feature.

  • Who is Surfshark best for?
    Surfshark works great for various situations, as it offers a fantastic customer support hotline 24/7. It also provides ideal self-service options like tutorials and guides to encourage users to find the answers needed. Unfortunately, Surfshark may not be the perfect candidate for businesses as it does not offer a business plan.

    You can still use the VPN for business, but other solutions may include more business-centric features to explore first.
  • Recent upgrades to Surfshark
    Surfshark recently overhauled its entire VPN architecture and infrastructure by upgrading its 1GBps servers to 10GBps servers across the globe. Since 5G is here to stay, Surfshark took a protective step to ensure its speeds will be cutting edge for the foreseeable future.
  • Surfshark pricing
    Surfshark offers an affordable VPN solution for individuals and small businesses. The two-year subscription plan starts at just $2.49 per month and gives users VPN connections for an unlimited number of devices. While this is still an affordable option, these prices are up from older rates that started at $1.99 per month.

    Surfshark removed its one-year plan at $5.99 per month and moved to a six-month plan at $6.49, effectively doubling the cost yearly in hopes that users will commit to a two-year contract.

Reasons to choose Surfshark

  • Unlimited devices
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • SmartTV support
  • Strict no-logs policy

Reasons to avoid

  • No business plan offering
  • Weak social media stance
  • P2P is not the best
  • Slower response time

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a fast VPN with many features that unblocks all the streaming platforms, Surfshark is an excellent choice. However, if you’re concerned about data privacy or compliance risks, NordVPN is a better option. SurfShark is an ideal all-around VPN solution worth considering if you’re looking for a VPN for personal use.

Visit Surfshark

VyprVPN logo

VyprVPN

Best for Businesses

Features

  • Streamlined user management
  • Dedicated account manager
  • Apps for nearly all platforms

Lowest Price
$299 per year

Free Trial
30-day trial

Unlimited Bandwidth
Yes

Ease of Cancellation
30-day guarantee

Read More

VyprVPN has over 700 servers in 64 countries and utilizes dynamic server switching to ensure that connections are always fast and reliable. This VPN service supports Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices, routers, and smart TVs.

Additional security features with VyprVPN services include VyprDNS, VyprCloud, a kill switch, automatic public Wi-Fi protection, high-end encryption, and a Network Address Translation (NAT) firewall.

Shows a device disconnected from VyperVPN in France with the option to choose server locations

VyprVPN touts its business services as a VPN solution for traveling employees, distributed workforces, journalists, and entrepreneurs. It offers two business plans: VyprVPN for Business and VyprVPN for Business Cloud. Both come with unlimited usage, an easy-to-use admin interface, and the proprietary Chameleon technology, which scrambles OpenVPN packet metadata, so it’s not recognizable via deep packet inspection.

In lay terms, VyprVPN users can bypass any government, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), or corporation restrictions without sacrificing security or speed. If privacy is your concern, you’ll be pleased to know that VyprVPN is based in Switzerland, a privacy-friendly nation. Some VPN providers are based in countries that are part of what is known as the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing agreements.

Additionally, VyprVPN, the first publicly-audited VPN provider to back up its no-log policy, bolsters its commitment to privacy. Another benefit is VyprVPN’s money-back guarantee, which offers a refund within 30 days if you’re not completely satisfied.

  • Who is VyprVPN best for?
    VyprVPN is great for businesses and has a tailored product for each type of business user. We found that for small businesses looking for a VPN solution, VyprVPN is worth considering, as it offers two business-specific plans. However, small business owners should be prepared to pay a higher price than other VPN services.
  • Recent upgrades to VyprVPN
    VyprVPN rarely posts updates to its websites about regular pushes. About every six months, it releases a new version with a high-level overview of what the release entails but not too much detail. The latest release from January 2022 stated it no longer supports Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. Lastly, it also addresses performance bugs to improve the quality of the application.
  • VyprVPN pricing
    The company offers several different pricing terms and plans to fit any businesses needs. Business plans start at $299 per year and include three users. Each additional user is another $99 per year.

Reasons to choose VyprVPN

  • Located in a privacy-friendly nation
  • Easy management tools for businesses
  • Several business plans
  • Regular public audits
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Reasons to avoid

  • Business plans are annual
  • Only includes three users
  • Limited to five devices per user

The Bottom Line

VyprVPN is an excellent VPN service with reliable performance, a user-friendly interface, robust protocol support, good speeds, and reliable connectivity. However, it can sometimes be a pain to use and may be expensive. Also, their Android app can be a pain to use, and their limited number of nodes may be a downside for some.

Visit VyprVPN

CyberGhost logo

CyberGhost

Most Transparent Company

Features

  • Connect up to seven devices
  • Dedicated apps for different platforms
  • 115+ server locations

Lowest Price
$2.11 per month

Free Trial
24-hour trial

Unlimited Bandwidth
Yes

Ease of Cancellation
45-day guarantee

Read More

CyberGhost’s standard security features include 256-bit military-grade encryption, multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Wireguard, and a strict no-logs policy. It was also the first VPN service to publish a Transparency Report. Since 2011, the company has been transparent with consumers about how many Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) complaints, malware activity flags, and police requests it receives each year.

A simulated location connection in CyberGhost.

CyberGhost earns its title as the most transparent VPN solution for several reasons. Most important is its ability to routinely publish its DMCA and police reports to the public.

The company offers unlimited bandwidth, reliable high-speed connections, and a simplified system for unlocking nation-gated streaming content. CyberGhost makes accessing content easy: you can select the country of your choice from a list dedicated to streaming services. It then chooses the best server for your purposes.

CyberGhost allows you to connect up to seven devices simultaneously and supports the most popular operating systems and apps. You can try CyberGhost free for 24 hours.

  • Who is CyberGhost best for?
    CyberGhost is only compatible for individuals, the only demographic it advertises to, and is tailored to serving. Also, we found it offers wide support for operating systems, smart devices, and gaming systems. We recommend giving CyberGhost a try if you are a sole proprietor looking for personal or professional protection over your assets.
  • Recent upgrades to CyberGhost
    On top of addressing bugs and fixes promptly, CyberGhost posts monthly reports on its transparency efforts to the public. This practice instills trust in its customer base that it is doing the right thing regarding privacy. Also, earlier in 2022, it revamped its offering called CyberGhost 7.0 to include new features like One-click VPN, compact/extended view, and even smart rules for whitelisting.
  • CyberGhost pricing
    CyberGhost customers can choose from a monthly, six-month, one-year, two-year, or three-year subscription to the company’s VPN services. For as little as $2.11 per month, CyberGhost gives subscribers access to more than 7,200+ servers in over 100 countries. If you go with the three-year bundle, you’ll get the first three months free.

Reasons to choose CyberGhost

  • OS compatibility
  • Large server presence
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
  • Transparency report

Reasons to avoid

  • Only up to seven devices
  • No business options
  • Not ideal for large enterprise

The Bottom Line

Cyberghost is an excellent VPN service that provides many security and privacy features and servers in different countries. Its speed is acceptable, but you will only find its best speeds on specific servers. The mobile version is limited compared to the desktop application. However, its speed can be slower than other VPNs we’ve tested.

Visit CyberGhost

ExpressVPN logo

ExpressVPN

Most Reliable VPN

Features

  • Strong 24/7 customer service
  • Intuitive, straightforward UI
  • Strict no-logs policy

Lowest Price
$8.32 per month

Free Trial
30 days

Unlimited Bandwidth
Yes

Ease of Cancellation
30-day guarantee

Read More

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction with strict privacy legislation. The company also offers a network lock kill switch that instantly blocks all internet traffic if your connection is lost.

Dashboard inside of ExpressVPN. Shows the ability to choose different protocols

ExpressVPN advanced security features include split tunneling, zero-knowledge Domain Name System (DNS), 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption, and Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS).

ExpressVPN assures customers are never far from a safe, secure VPN connection. While many VPN providers brag about a no-logs policy, Express VPN has a history to back this claim. In 2016, the Turkish government seized an ExpressVPN server in hopes of pulling conversation logs regarding the assassination of Russia’s ambassador, but their digging turned up nothing. So if privacy and anonymity are essential to you, ExpressVPN is a worthwhile option.

One selling point ExpressVPN hammers home is the ability to unlock nation-gated streaming content. The company boasts its capabilities to unlock content thanks to its large number of servers. So if you’re in the U.S. looking to open U.K.-locked content (or vice versa), ExpressVPN has you covered.

  • Who is ExpressVPN best for?
    ExpressVPN is great for individuals, families, and small businesses. There are a lot of features, and the UI is intuitive. We found that larger businesses tend to outgrow ExpressVPN as the experience is tailored towards that smaller family mindset, with the company only supporting up to five devices connected simultaneously.
  • Recent upgrades to ExpressVPN
    ExpressVPN is a reputable VPN solution that has taken the proactive approach of upgrading its entire server infrastructure to support the new 5G availability speeds. Most of its fleet (roughly 70%) has been upgraded to a minimum of 10GBps, while the rest have been prompted to a whopping 40GBps. With these upgrades, customers can expect a nearly 50% jump in overall speed and bandwidth.
  • ExpressVPN pricing
    ExpressVPN lets you subscribe for one month ($12.95), six months ($9.99), or 12 months ($8.32). You can connect up to five devices, and ExpressVPN is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices, smart home devices, and video game systems. The six and 12-month plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Reasons to choose ExpressVPN

  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Reliable connectivity
  • Smart home compatibility

Reasons to avoid

  • Limited number of connected devices
  • Higher than average price
  • No enterprise-level plans

The Bottom Line

ExpressVPN is an excellent VPN service that is easy to install and use. It is a little expensive but worth the cost for its increased security and privacy. It can be slow to connect to some far-flung locations, but overall it is an excellent service.

Visit ExpressVPN

NordVPN logo

NordVPN

Best for Gamers

Features

  • 99.9% uptime guarantee
  • Excellent customer service
  • Top-tier security & unlimited bandwidth

Lowest Price
$3.79 per month

Free Trial
30 days

Unlimited Bandwidth
Yes

Ease of Cancellation
30-day guarantee

Read More

NordVPN gives you almost everything you need to browse the internet or play games without compromising your privacy. To ensure encryption integrity, the company uses standard AES-256-CBC encryption coupled with Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), an automated process that frequently changes keys meant to encrypt and decrypt information. NordVPN offers online privacy and security, a fast connection, no limits on bandwidth, and stores no activity logs.

The general settings inside of NordVPN. Options for CyberSec, auto connect, and start NordVPN on startup

With NordVPN, you won’t need to sacrifice speed for security, as the ultra-fast connection allows you to stream whatever you want, including games, uninterrupted. NordVPN is made for users new to VPN services and offers an easy-to-use product. The flip side of simple products at a low price is the limitations put on NordVPN users, such as the six-device limit.

  • Who is NordVPN best for?
    NordVPN is great for beginners. We found that with Nord’s fantastic customer service, users can quickly walk through the setup to ease the overall burden of onboarding. NordVPN’s administrative dashboard system is dynamic and easy to use.

    The overall ease of use make it great for gamers who just want to play in peace.
  • Recent upgrades to NordVPN
    NordVPN recently added tracking parameters to its threat protection stack. This feature removes the extended URL bits, thus limiting URLs and making them cleaner for enhanced privacy and convenience. On top of this significant enhancement, NordVPN constantly addresses the performance fixes around its product to improve speeds.
  • NordVPN pricing
    NordVPN’s pricing plans are on par with the other leading competitors like ExpressVPN and IPVanish, and NordVPN is not the cheapest. With NordVPN, you get the most premium features within an intuitive VPN solution. The Standard plan starts at $3.79 per month for the first two years, the Plus plan is $4.79 per month, and the Complete plan is $5.79 per month, all with a two-year agreement.

Reasons to choose NordVPN

  • Next-gen encryption
  • Fast speeds
  • 24/7 support
  • Enhanced security

Reasons to avoid

  • Limited to six devices
  • No torrenting

The Bottom Line

NordVPN is an excellent VPN with many features, fast servers, and a user-friendly interface. Overall, NordVPN is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a VPN with lots of features and a great price. However, there are a few downsides, such as the occasional need to reconnect and the rare slow speed. NordVPN could improve its customer service, and a few tweaks are required to use the VPN, but once you do them, it works great.

Visit NordVPN

IPVanish logo

IPVanish

Best Customer Service

Features

  • Unlimited device connections
  • Servers in more than 75 countries
  • Support for multiple protocols

Lowest Price
$2.49 per month

Free Trial
For iOS only

Unlimited Bandwidth
Yes

Ease of Cancellation
30-day guarantee

Read More

IPVanish provides its users unlimited bandwidth, zero traffic logs, 256-bit AES encryption, and multiple VPN connection protocols (IKEv2, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec). The company also gives its customers the perk of 250GB of encrypted storage and backup with SugarSync.

Shows a connected device inside of IPVanish. Shows time connected, protocol, server, data up, and data down

IPVanish is the best in customer support for a fundamental reason, leading its competitors with robust customer service support, available via 24/7 live chat, email, and phone. You can also access information about updates, server statuses, and incidents via IPVanish’s System Status log.

Subscription plans are available for one month, three months, and one year. IPVanish supports all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, and offers VPN support for routers to connect non-native Internet of Things (IoT) devices to the internet. It has more than 1,500 servers in over 75 countries, so customers can feel confident about having a safe, fast, and reliable Internet connection no matter where they are.

IPVanish is based in the U.S., a country that is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing agreement. The agreement means that IPVanish could be forced to hand over weblogs to the government if requested. Always keep in mind where your VPN provider is based and check the laws associated with that nation.

  • Who is IPVanish best for?
    IPVanish is great for families. If you are just starting, you will find that IPVanish is likely compatible with your operating system of choice. Still, the only browser extension it currently supports is Google Chrome. We also found that most people enjoy that IPVanish offers an unlimited number of connected devices per plan. IPVanish’s administrative dashboard system is fully optimized for usability.
  • Recent upgrades to IPVanish
    IPVanish recently added support for the latest VPN protocol, WireGuard. It also updated the overall look and feel of the application’s performance. IPVanish posts major monthly updates to its community websites, but don’t expect many details or up-and-coming features.
  • IPVanish pricing
    IPVanish currently has three different plans: monthly for $12.99, yearly for $2.99 per month, and two years for $2.49 per month. Be mindful that it often changes pricing discounts or only offers advertised pricing for the first contract term. IPVanish also offers a 30-day risk-free guarantee.

Reasons to choose IPVanish

  • Unlimited devices
  • SugarSync storage with backups
  • Supports torrenting

Reasons to avoid

  • Free trial for IOS only
  • Only supports Chrome browser
  • No smart DNS
  • Resides in a Five Eyes territory (U.S.)

The Bottom Line

IPVanish is an excellent, fast, secure VPN service that’s easy to use. The price is a bit high, but the service is worth it. Its large selection of servers allows you to mask your IP address and surf the internet anonymously. Still, it can be a bit slow when streaming data. However, it is an excellent choice for those who need a VPN for security purposes.

Visit IPVanish

ProtonVPN logo

ProtonVPN

Best for Overall Privacy

Features

  • AES-256 encryption
  • Supports multiple protocols
  • Strict no-logs policy

Lowest Price
$4.99 per month

Free Trial
Free plan

Unlimited Bandwidth
Yes

Ease of Cancellation
30-day guarantee

Read More

Proton VPN creates online tools and services that empower people to take control of their data privacy. It is incorporated and headquartered in Switzerland, a no-logs nation. As for encryption, Proton VPN uses AES-256 as well as PFS to randomize and protect encryption/decryption keys.

Shows a connected device inside of ProtonVPN. Shows connected location, session traffic and duration, up volume, up speed, and down speed

Proton VPN is best for privacy based on its privacy-first approach, with no intrusive privacy ads and a strict no-logs policy. Also, it was founded by scientists from CERN and MIT, using the same approach applied to its research: analysis, peer review, and transparency. All Proton VPN apps are open source and audited so anyone can use, verify, and trust them.

Lastly, with more than 1,000 servers in over 50 countries on six continents, Proton VPN offers a fast, reliable, and secure VPN solution that supports all use cases.

The best features include P2P file sharing, media streaming, accessing geo-blocked content, and anonymous browsing. It also offers an entirely free version of its VPN service, initially developed for activists and journalists looking to protect themselves from the prying eyes of the government.

  • Who is Proton VPN best for?
    Proton VPN is popular amongst small legal firms or individuals that value privacy. We found that most users have utilized a password manager before and are considered more advanced clients seeking a tailored experience. Proton VPN’s sleek design provides optimal visibility options.
  • Recent upgrades to Proton VPN
    Proton VPN recently released new speeds for its P2P offering, which was targeted to help with download speeds on gaming platforms. Only users on a paid plan will get the upgrade. Outside of these latest releases, Proton VPN only prioritizes major feature releases once or twice a year.
  • Proton VPN pricing
    Proton VPN’s free plan may be sufficient for some individual users, but small businesses may need more resources and connections. The best deal is the two-year plan for $4.99 a month. Proton VPN offers yearly and monthly plans for $5.99 and $9.99, respectively.

Reasons to choose ProtonVPN

  • Open-source applications
  • Next-gen encryption
  • Free plan for one device
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Reasons to avoid

  • Customer support is limited to email
  • Difficult to configure
  • Limited to certain regions
  • Limited P2P functionality

The Bottom Line

ProtonVPN is an excellent VPN service with a free plan that offers fast connections, multiple server locations, and easy-to-use desktop and mobile clients. It’s also suitable for groups or families. However, it is limited in server locations.

Visit ProtonVPN

Windscribe logo

Windscribe

Highly Customizable Plans

Features

  • Supports unlimited devices
  • Built your own plan at $1/mo per location
  • Kill switch available

Lowest Price
$1 per month

Free Trial
Free plan

Unlimited Bandwidth
Yes

Ease of Cancellation
Paid up front, no refund

Read More

All Windscribe VPN plans include essential features such as unlimited data and devices, access to 610 servers in more than 60 countries, and split tunneling for choosing which apps work through the VPN. Windscribe also protects customers with 256-bit AES encryption, zero logs, port forwarding, and multiple VPN protocols.

Shows a device connected to a server in Canada inside of Windscribe

Windscribe VPN has earned its reputation as the best customizable plan based on customers seeking a VPN service with more flexibility than a monthly or yearly subscription. The company offers a Build-A-Plan option that lets customers access its features for $1 per location per month. The customizable plan can help optimize costs and only provide VPN services where required or needed.

On top of this feature, Desktop users can create a proxy gateway. Customers using its browser extension apps can take advantage of unique features like TimeWarp, which changes the timestamp, so it appears to be in the country through which they are connected. Windscribe VPN also offers R.O.B.E.R.T., a proprietary tool that blocks malware and pop-up ads on mobile devices.

  • Who is Windscribe VPN best for?
    Our testing showed that Windscribe VPN is best for individuals and small businesses. Windscribe VPN offers a tailored experience with its pro plans and a centralized billing and admin management interface. We recommend that if you plan on using Windscribe VPN, you have some experience with configuring a VPN beforehand, as it does not have 24/7 support to assist with implementation. With that said, the debug feature allows for advanced troubleshooting.
  • Recent upgrades to Windscribe VPN
    In its most recent release, Windscribe VPN updated its servers to 10GBps to support 5G speeds. The company also added Wireguard NT support, including some Wireguard fixes. Lastly, it patched a handful of lingering security vulnerabilities in relation to privilege escalation. Ultimately, Windscribe VPN does a great job advertising every change or fix that is added to the platform.
  • Windscribe VPN pricing
    Windscribe VPN offers several standardized plans, such as a monthly plan for $9 and a yearly plan for $5.75. But its best price is its build-a-plan feature, which allows you to create a tailored plan for as little as $1 a month. It also occasionally releases promo codes to provide even better discounts and offers a limited free version.

Reasons to choose Windscribe

  • Team accounts available
  • Free version
  • Strong encryption
  • Supports torrenting

Reasons to avoid

  • Based in a Five Eyes Alliance country
  • No 24/7 support
  • Speeds slower at peak times

The Bottom Line

Windscribe is an excellent VPN service that provides good security and privacy features, has a generous free plan and works well on multiple platforms. It’s also simple to use, connects quickly, and does not get in the way. However, it can be expensive, and some locations can be slow or unreliable.

Visit Windscribe

Norton logo

NortonSecure

Best Security Bundle

Features

  • Full anti-virus & security solution
  • Complete password manager
  • 24/7 technical support

Lowest Price
$39.99 per year

Free Trial
30-day trial

Unlimited Bandwidth
Yes

Ease of Cancellation
60-day guarantee

Read More

NortonSecure VPN is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. With more than 2,000 servers in 31 countries, NortonSecure VPN customers will have peace of mind knowing that a secure VPN connection is always available. NortonSecure VPN also protects its customers with a no-logs policy, ad blocking, and more.

Two phone screenshots. Left one shows a secured connection inside of NortonSecure. Right one shows virtual locations to choose from

NortonSecure is the best security-bundled VPN because of its related tools. The Norton 360 with LifeLock Ultimate Plus plan allows users to connect unlimited devices, which may make it a viable option for businesses, especially those that expect to grow.

Norton LifeLock offers customers more than just a VPN service. Its comprehensive cybersecurity packages are ideal for those seeking solutions to various internet safety concerns.

This company lacks a few critical features found with other VPN services. NortonSecure VPN doesn’t have OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, a kill switch for the desktop client, support for Linux operating systems, or P2P sharing or torrenting. Just keep those in mind when making your decision.

  • Who is NortonSecure best for?
    NortonSecure is best for users looking for an all-encompassing solution and willing to pay a little more.
  • Recent upgrades to NortonSecure
    Norton recently released the Norton Family Companion App for IOS to best support its services on Apple mobile devices. It also announced a partnership with LifeLock and the ability to merge LifeLock and Norton accounts if you have both. These were the most notable additions outside of the normal bug fixes.
  • NortonSecure pricing
    NortonSecure is offered in several different security bundles, each providing you with a different subset of features. Bundle prices start at $39.99 per year. You can also try Norton Secure for 30 days free to see which bundle suits your needs best.

Reasons to choose NortonSecure

  • 30-day free trial
  • Live 24/7 chat support
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • Supports torrenting

Reasons to avoid

  • Limited to 5 devices per plan
  • No totally free version
  • More expensive

The Bottom Line

NortonSecure VPN is a great, affordable option for those who need a reliable, user-friendly VPN from a reputable provider. However, it does have some downsides, such as a lack of server locations and occasional slow speeds. It’s also a bit more expensive than other VPNs.

Visit NortonSecure

Features

  • Free plan + 45-day guarantee
  • Servers in over 80 countries
  • Easy to use

Lowest Price
$7.99 per year

Free Trial
Free plan

Unlimited Bandwidth
Yes

Ease of Cancellation
45-day guarantee

Read More

Hotspot Shield protects its customers with military-grade AES-256 encryption, malware blocking, and no browsing activity logs. It also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, one of the best customer satisfaction guarantees in the industry. Although Hotspot Shield offers a limited Basic plan for free, customers will have to subscribe to its Premium plan to access advanced features and connections to virtual locations in over 80 countries.

The Premium plan also includes perks like free access to 1Password, Robo Shield, and Identity Guard.

Shows a connected device with downloaded, uploaded, browsing from, and a virtual IP address

A fast VPN connection is essential to many customers, and speed is one of the areas where Hotspot Shield shines. It was named the World’s Fastest VPN in the 2019 Ookla Speedtest Awards, and many other leading reviewers rank Hotspot Shield among the fastest VPN services.

In April of 2021, VPN Mentor found a few security leaks with the Chrome plug-in, including the potential for traffic hijacking, DNS leaks, and IP leaks. Since then, Hotspot ShieldVPN has claimed to have fixed these issues.

Additionally, Hotspot Shield had two previous scandals. In 2017, there was a Federal Trade Commission complaint regarding privacy violations when serving ads to users, and in 2018 the company was caught unintentionally leaking its users’ Wi-Fi network information. Both of these issues were addressed and fixed by the provider.

  • Who is Hotspot Shield best for?
    Hotspot Shield is great for novices. We found that you won’t go wrong signing up for a Hotspot Shield plan if you’re just starting. The free plan allows you to test drive Hotspot Shield to determine if it is the right fit for your personal life or business; if you purchase a plan and grow tired of it, you have 45 days to get your money back.
  • Recent upgrades to Hotspot Shield
    Hotspot Shield recently patched CVE-2018-6460 by effectively removing the internal web server. On top of this patch, it addressed some minor bugs as well as a flaw within the interface. Release notes are posted periodically on its website.
  • Hotspot Shield pricing
    The free version of Hotspot Shield is a great way to get the basic VPN features and give them a test run. It also offers a $7.99 premium monthly bundle and a $12.99 premium family bundle. Family plans cover up to five members that are aged 13 and up, and these plans have a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Reasons to choose Hotspot Shield

  • Lighting-fast speeds
  • Free plan for basic
  • Unlimited data for paid plans
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Reasons to avoid

  • No torrenting
  • No free trial of premium
  • Lack of release notes

The Bottom Line

Hotspot Shield is the perfect solution for people who want to keep their privacy and identity safe while surfing the internet. It is easy to use and fast. The downsides are the ads (but they’re not too intrusive), and the free version is sometimes interrupted because of the limited space. Also, it doesn’t always work well on Android devices and can be unstable in some countries with internet restrictions.

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Compare VPN Services

VPN Service

Best Features

Lowest Price

Surfshark logo

Surfshark

Best Overall

  • Double hop feature
  • Kill switch & no-log policy
  • Cheapest plan on our list

$1.99 per month

VyprVPN logo

VyperVPN

Best for Businesses

  • Streamlined user management
  • Dedicated account manager
  • Apps for nearly all platforms

$299 per year

CyberGhost logo

CyberGhost

Most Transparent Company

  • Connect up to seven devices
  • Dedicated apps for different platforms
  • 115+ server locations

$2.11 per month

ExpressVPN logo

ExpressVPN

Most Reliable VPN

  • Strong 24/7 customer service
  • Intuitive, straightforward UI
  • Strict no-logs policy

$8.32 per month

NordVPN logo

NordVPN

Best for Gamers

  • 99.9% uptime guarantee
  • Excellent customer service
  • Top-tier security & unlimited bandwidth

$3.79 per month

IPVanish logo

IPVanish

Best Customer Service

  • Unlimited device connections
  • Servers in more than 75 countries
  • Support for multiple protocols

$2.49 per month

ProtonVPN logo

ProtonVPN

Best for Overall Privacy

  • AES-256 encryption
  • Supports multiple protocols
  • Strict no-logs policy

$4.99 per month

Windscribe logo

Windscribe

Highly Customizable Plans

  • Supports unlimited devices
  • Built your own plan at $1/mo per location
  • Kill switch available

$1 per month

Norton logo

NortonSecure

Best Security Bundle

  • Full anti-virus & security solution
  • Complete password manager
  • 24/7 technical support

$39.99 per year

Hotspot Shield logo

Hotspot Shield

Fastest VPN

  • Free plan + 45-day guarantee
  • Servers in over 80 countries
  • Easy to use

$7.99 per month

What You Need to Know

What does a VPN do?

A VPN connection establishes a secure connection between you and the internet. All your data traffic is routed through an encrypted virtual tunnel via the VPN. This disguises your IP address when you use the internet, making its location invisible to everyone. A VPN connection is also secure against external attacks.

Is it really necessary to have a VPN?

VPN use is important for online privacy when you’re logging into the internet from a public spot because cyber snoops could track your online activity when using public Wi-Fi, whether on your computer or your mobile device.

Is it okay to leave a VPN on all the time?

If you’re using a VPN for privacy reasons or to keep yourself anonymous online, you should always keep it on. Since your VPN is your best protection against hackers and helps keep your information private, it’s best to leave your VPN on whenever you’re on the internet.

Is there a downside to using a VPN?

Some VPNs may slow your connection speed, and you could experience connection drops. You could be blocked from using particular services or websites, like Netflix. VPNs are illegal in a few countries and could give you a false sense of legal impunity.

Can a VPN be hacked?

VPN services can be hacked, but it’s extremely difficult to do so. Most premium VPNs use OpenVPN or WireGuard protocols in combination with AES or ChaCha encryption, a combination almost impossible to decrypt using brute force attacks.

Can a VPN service see my information?

The VPN encrypts your internet traffic before it leaves your computer. The encrypted traffic passes through your router and ISP, but because it’s encrypted, neither of them can see its content.

How We Review VPN Services

When we considered the best-rated VPN service providers, we focused on five core concepts that we believe are essential to a great VPN product. A VPN must be cost-effective, including strong security and privacy features, fast speed/bandwidth, intuitive self-service options, and a free trial or demo.

I signed up for a plan with each VPN service to test:

  • Security and privacy: What are the services’ security/privacy features and how valuable are they to the user?
  • Speed and bandwidth: How can it support the bandwidth of devices from different locations, and how quickly can it express a VPN tunnel?
  • Self-service options: Does the VPN service empower customers to help themselves without contacting your customer service desk? Self-service features may include knowledge bases, how to set up the VPN, and help centers, where customers find static information and answers to frequently asked questions.
  • Demo or free trial: Does the service offer a demo or free trial?
  • Costs and ease of cancellation: How much does the service cost and how easy is cancellation?

Learn more about our review methodology.

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