The Best VPN Services You Should Be Using in 2024
Are you looking for best VPN services that allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet.
VPN or Virtual Private Network have become extremely popular in recent years as more people have become involved in web browsing and frequent internet use. What started as a simple way to connect two computers using an internet connection has evolved into an entirely new concept that helps businesses, consumers, and individuals maintain a secure connection no matter where they are?
With the recent turmoil in internet news, privacy, and freedom, it is no wonder why many users are looking to find the best VPN provider. With its many advantages and powerful features, the perfect VPN solution will help users feel secure online.
However, when looking to find the best VPN, different things have to be considered, such as cost, reliability, and popularity, among other things. As a customer looking for the best, there are a few things that you should look for in any such provider. In this article, we shall take a closer look at the review of the top 12 VPNs.
What is a VPN?
A virtual private network or VPN refers to a private computer network that spans over a public network and allows users to transmit and receive data over a public or shared network privately. VPNs can be configured to function in a variety of ways.
Using a VPN makes it possible for you to maintain your privacy and ensure that your data remains safe and confidential no matter where you go online. VPNs can also be used to stream media from a location that does not support streaming media in order to provide a secure connection to the user’s computer.
A VPN can also allow you to use your favorite browser without exposing your private data to others. This is beneficial in many situations, especially when browsing the internet for confidential or personal information.
It can provide protection against malicious network activity such as DDoS attacks or hacker attacks. With a malicious network capable of sending itself and its application to hundreds of innocent IP addresses, your private data could be distributed all over the world. This threat can be eliminated with the help of a dedicated VPN server.
Another advantage of a VPN is that your IP address is hidden behind the VPN server. This makes it harder for hackers or others to track your movements across the internet because your data is mixed as well as hidden in with everyone else using the same VPN server.
Limitations of VPN Service
Like any service, there are some pros and cons associated with utilizing a VPN service.
- The most important consideration is how secure the service provider is. If the provider doesn’t have a good security record, then there are likely to be limitations in other aspects of the VPN.
- Using a VPN can’t help in the event that you unwisely download ransomware or if you are duped into giving up your data to a phishing attack. We strongly recommend that readers use local antivirus software, switch-on two-factor authentication wherever available, and utilize a password supervisor to create and keep unique, complex passwords for each website and service you use.
- There are also limits to how anonymous you could be while using a VPN. Advertisers use different tactics to collect data on you and track your movements. It is recommended to utilize a privacy-focused web browser like Firefox and installing tracker blockers such as the EFF’s Privacy Badger.
How to Choose a VPN Service to Keep Your Internet Safety?
VPN is a protocol that allows people to use their computers as anonymous proxies to connect to other computers anywhere in the world. They do so by establishing an internet connection through another computer, and that ends in your browser having a unique IP address, which cannot be traced back to you.
- The most recommended VPN providers are those which offer an encryption strength of 128-bit. You can verify this by going to the network configuration interface and checking the Encryption Strength option. Checking the value should give you a list of the different options which can be selected, and all of them should provide you with the same level of protection.
- Something else to consider when choosing an IPsec VPN provider is the availability of a remote backup. This helps you if something goes wrong with the primary server. This backup will occur at regular intervals, which you can log into from any location. Make sure you pick the best service that offers daily or weekly backup at a minimum. You can check this by looking for the backup options in the software itself.
- The security and encryption features provided by VPN programs are also one of the most important things to look for. In addition, there should also be no content restrictions or blocks on your connection. All VPN services offer strong encryption protocols, and this makes the data secure while traveling on the internet. You should verify if your company’s VPN server allows P2P and file compression.
- You should consider the cost of the service and the benefits of the same. You need to find out how much you are paying monthly and the benefits you can enjoy after getting a VPN.
With so many options available in the market today, choose your VPN wisely.
Top VPN Service 2023
Let’s see the top VPN services in 2023 in detail.
#1. NordVPN
NordVPN is a powerful virtual private network service provider. It offers desktop software for Linux, MAC, and Windows, mobile applications for Android and iOS, and an application for viewing free-to-air (FTA) television on TV channels worldwide. To gain full advantages of NordVPN, a private local network needs to be set up. Installation is quick and easy. It is ideal for small and medium business firms, which want to reduce their IT infrastructure costs.
NordVPN uses five types of servers for its VPNs-TCP/IP core, the WAN server, the browser-based app, the reverse proxy, the Nord VRP (Virtual Private Server), and the Nord brokers. It also has five gateway servers to connect to other servers. Each gateway serves a different purpose. They add authentication and security to the network. The servers are configured by running an installer or unattended desktop app. It can also be managed through a browser interface if you have an internet browser.
The biggest advantage of NordVPN over other VPN services is the superior streaming speed. It offers five times faster streaming speeds than OTT VoIP. Using NordVPN ensures that your company’s internal system and customer traffic are kept confidential. The following are reasons why NordVpn is considered an ideal VPN solution.
- Number of IP addresses: 5,000
- Number of servers: 5,200+
- Number of server locations: 80+
- Simultaneous Connections: 6
- Works on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux,
- Android TV, Chrome, Firefox
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- Countries: 59
- 24/7 live support: yes
- Trial period: 30 days
- 30 days money-back guarantee: Yes
#2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the next best VPN on our list. It helps you to enjoy the protection of your network from various threats. It works well on both windows and android platforms, providing a high level of security for all your android devices. Express VPN comes as an application that can be installed in minutes and works similarly to a dedicated VPN server.
It basically intercepts all the traffic going in and out of your system and checks it against a series of databases maintained by the developers. If the traffic comes from a threat spot, such as a malicious website, then it is blocked, and you are asked to logon to another VPN server.
It uses AES-256 encryption – just like the US government – and other protocols like IKEv2, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec to keep your information safe and secure. Its new Lightway protocol is here to increase speed and reliability even further.
- Number of IP addresses: 30,000
- Number of servers: 3,000+
- Number of simultaneous connections: 5
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Server locations: 160
- Countries: 94
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- Trial period: 30 days
- 30 days money-back guarantee
#3. Surfshark
Surfshark VPN is a new VPN service from provider Surfsec. It’s an interesting choice for a company looking for a way to protect its network from hackers, malware, and other cybercriminals. Surfshark claims to do almost everything that other VPN services claim to do. It offers free anonymous proxy servers, anonymous surfing on top of unthrottled Surfshark Internet access, and a variety of other cool features.
This VPN also offers antimalware, ad-blocking, and tracker-blocking features. And Surfshark is fast. It provides three special modes to get around restrictions and more carefully hide your online footsteps. Camouflage Mode is a feature that hides your VPN activity, so your ISP doesn’t know when you’re using a VPN.
- Number of servers: 3,200-plus
- Number of server locations: 65
- Simultaneous Connections: unlimited
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Countries: 65
- Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
- Trial period: 30 days
- 30 days money-back guarantee
#4. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a very popular alternative to the public VPN services (PPTP and L2TP/IPsec) on the internet. One of the things that make Proton VPN so great is the fact that all of their servers use the latest open-source protocols, making them one of the most secure forms of web security available. Proton VPN uses its own modified open-source Open VPN software that provides super-fast and efficient real-time protection.
They don’t have to rely on third-party networks to provide their network security, and this means that you will never need to worry about hackers getting into your computer and accessing sensitive information or causing a problem.
Proton VPN servers are based in Switzerland, which is one of the most secure countries in the world. This means that if you’re anywhere in the world, you can rest assured that you are covered in the event of a VPN or any other form of security breaches.
- Number of servers: 1,000+
- Number of server locations: 50+
- Simultaneous Connections: Depends on the plan
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- 24/7 support: No
- Countries: 50
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- 24/7 live support: No
- Trial period: 30 days
- 30 days money-back guarantee
#5. IPVanish VPN
IPVanish VPN is a popular commercial VPN service provider. The company offers several different types of commercial VPN services, including web, private network, and IP changing. With an IPVanish VPN, you can make secure connections over any wireless connection.
You can also use an unsecured Wi-Fi connection to surf the Internet or do other activities on your computer while using your mobile phone to connect to the Internet. Security is provided by an encrypted tunnel that passes through the Internet between you and the rest of the world.
In addition to providing security, IPVanish VPN provides excellent privacy protection as well. When you configure your IPVanish VPN, you can choose various levels of privacy, starting with the most basic (no restrictions at all). One of the major benefits of using IPVanish VPN for your home or work computer is that you experience real-time internet speed. There is no more waiting for pages to load.
- Number of IP addresses: 40,000-plus
- Number of servers: 1,600+
- Number of server locations: 75
- Simultaneous connections: 10
- Platform: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Hulu
24/7 support: Yes - Countries: 52
- Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
- Trial period: 30 days
- 30 days money-back guarantee
#6. Hotspot Shield VPN
Hotspot Shield VPN is today the most popular VPN around, with more than 650 million daily downloads. Unlike other VPN providers who have a limited user base, Hotspot Shield has an extremely strong and active user base.
The fact that it supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, UNIX, and also Apple OS X, as well as multiple bandwidth types, further diversifies its offerings.
- Number of IP addresses: 50,000
- Number of servers: 3,200
- Number of server countries: 110+
- Works on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Router, TV
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Countries: 80+
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- Trial period: 45 days
- 45 days money-back guarantee: Yes (Plus limited free version)
#7. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN works in conjunction with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to create a secure tunnel for your browsing activities while surfing online. When using CyberGhost, you will be directed through a series of proxy servers in order to maintain your privacy. Each time you log onto the internet, your identity is kept safe from prying eyes and hackers by the use of a unique web IP address.
The main features that make CyberGhost one of the most popular cybersecurity tools are its anonymous surfing mode and its double tunnel technology. In anonymous surfing, your data is kept confidential and protected from any possible threat. It is possible to surf the net anonymously, even while keeping an IP address and changing it frequently. By hiding your data in a virtual proxy server, hackers will have a hard time tracking you down.
- Number of servers: 7,100 +
- Number of server locations: 112
- Simultaneous connections: 7
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Countries: 88+
- Maximum devices supported: 7
- Trial period: 45 days
- 45 days money-back guarantee
#8. Strong VPN
This VPN is perfect for bypassing region locks. It also offers some unique extra benefits, like you can have 12 devices running on this VPN at once, which is more than enough to cover all of your devices. But, you have to pay a high price for even an annual subscription in comparison to other VPNs.
If you are trying to protect yourself from hackers, unauthorized downloads, or other attacks from the outside world, then you definitely need to use a Strong VPN connection. It is able to provide strong encryption, which makes it very difficult for an unauthorized individual to access. The strength of the encryption is usually up to 128 bits, and this is why it is considered to be quite secure and reliable as well.
- Number of IP addresses: 59,500
- Number of servers: 950+
- Number of server locations: 59
- Simultaneous Connections: 12
- Works on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, Synology, Kindle, Kodi, and routers
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Hulu
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Countries: 30+
- Maximum devices supported: 12
- Trial period: 30 days
- 30 days money-back guarantee: Yes
#9. IVPN
IVPN stands for Internet Virtual Private Network. It allows individuals and organizations to create their own private local area networks. This innovative technology offers several advantages over more traditional IP networking, including cost savings and ease of deployment.
IVPN can be used in conjunction with the more traditional types of networking such as FTTN and LSRP. There are many uses for an IVPN, including private network testing and research, secure VPN, private branch exchange (PBX), remote access to the corporate server, and much more.
- Number of servers: 950+
- Number of server locations: 45
- Simultaneous Connections: 5+
- Works on: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Hulu
- 24/7 support: No
- Countries: 32
- Maximum devices supported: 7
- Trial period: N/A
- 30 days money-back guarantee: Yes
#10. Windscribe
Windscribe, a leading provider in the Canadian region, offers good value for money. With access to thousands of servers across the country and around the world, they offer fast, reliable, and secure VPN servers. Windscribe VPN server locations include Canada, the US, UK, Netherlands, Hong Kong, and Australia.
It is an excellent option if you need strong encryption at affordable costs. You can use it to protect sensitive business data from being compromised. Moreover, you can use the same program to protect the privacy of your mobile phone while sharing the same Wi-Fi connection. Some of the apps available for this purpose include Blzo Discover Mobile, WiFox for iPhone and iPad, BlzoHTTPS, WiRevealed for iPhone, and Free2Spam.
- Number of IP addresses: N/A
- Number of servers: 400+
- Number of server locations: 110
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu
- 24/7 support: No
- Countries: 63
- Maximum devices supported: Unlimited
- Trial period: N/A
- 30 days money-back guarantee: No
#11. Private Internet Access VPN
Private Internet Access has consistently been on top of the list of the most effective VPN services available. It provides a solid list of technical features, a sleek interface, more than 3,000 servers, and ten simultaneous connections.
Private internet access is a virtual private network that gives you access to the web privately from any location. It routes your request for website information through another server, so you get the information you want, but your information remains anonymous. In order to gain access to the sites you want, you simply connect to the public internet and make your request.
- Number of IP addresses: N/A
- Number of servers: 22,000
- Number of server locations: 95+
- Simultaneous connections: 10
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Countries: 77
- Maximum devices supported: 10
- Trial period: 30 days
- 30 days money-back guarantee: Yes
#12. HideMyAss HMA VPN
Started in 2005 by Jack Cator, HideMyAss has become a stalwart of the VPN industry. It has the widest network of VPN mentioned on this list. HMA was one of the first VPNs, which was developed for both mobile and desktop computers. It can be used to secure websites, connect to wireless networks and protect against internet threats including hacking, spoofing, malicious scripts, and security holes.
- Number of servers: 1,100+
- Number of server locations: 290+
- Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
- Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube
- 24/7 support: Yes
- Countries: 190+
- Maximum devices supported: 5
- Trial period: 30 days
- 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes
FAQ’s VPN Services
Do I Need A VPN?
People who use the internet will benefit from VPN usage. There are tons of reasons why you may require a VPN. Among the most crucial ones is information protection, particularly whenever you’re using public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are not secure; however, using a VPN that you can be certain that nobody is eavesdropping if you do your online banking or send the boss your top-secret world domination strategies.
What Is The Best Free VPN?
None of them. There are many free security and privacy apps; VPN is not among them. Safe VPNs cost companies money to operate, and free ones are almost always malware and cannot be trusted.
What Is The Best VPN For Gaming?
If you want a VPN to play a game in another country, speed is everything. According to us, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are the best VPN for gaming.
What Is The Best VPN For Working From Home?
If you’re working from home, you will be sharing your internet connection with multiple devices. Choose a VPN that lets you use one subscription on as many devices as possible with good speed. Surfshark is best for this purpose.
Should I Pay For A VPN?
Free VPN is sufficient for simple needs like protecting your laptop’s wireless hotspot traffic. In case you’re looking for anything more advanced, you should pay for a VPN.
Can You Trust Your VPN Service?
If you are using an agency to track all of your traffic through its servers, then you need to be able to trust the service. It is a lot easier to trust businesses that have been around more since their standing is very likely to be known.
What is Remote Access VPN?
Remote access VPN allows company employees to use their work computer or network of servers to access online resources and services from a different location. With many businesses expanding into the cloud world of the internet, remote access VPN is a highly useful feature for any business that wants to take advantage of new technologies and increase its security. It uses public infrastructure like the internet to provide remote users secure access to their network.
What is Site to Site VPN?
Site to site VPN gives the user the freedom to have complete control over his/her privacy. In a nutshell, we can define private networks as those networks that do not allow any other organization or network to access it. On the other hand, public networks do not allow any other organization or group of organizations or individuals to have access to it. This is exactly where site-to-site VPN comes into play. Since the VPN enables you to have complete control over your traffic, you can say that you are in a private network. The majority of site-to-site VPNs that connect over the internet use IPsec.
What is Mobile VPN?
It is a network configuration in which mobile devices get access to the virtual private network. Mobile VPN generally has a smaller memory footprint and require less processing power than desktop VPNs, so they run faster and save more battery.
Are VPNs illegal?
Short answer – no. It is perfectly legal to want to protect your data online. Having one and using it regularly in pursuit of web security and privacy is in no way unlawful. But some countries have banned VPNs entirely or place quite severe restrictions on their usage. Those bans are more pertinent to the people who reside there than to individuals who travel.