Improving your online privacy can be daunting, but using one of the best VPN services is an excellent place to start. By changing your IP address – and even your virtual location – you can distance yourself from your activity, and browse what you want without the fear of someone looking over your shoulder.
There are tons of VPNs out there, though, so how do you know which one to go for? Well, at Tom's Guide, my team and I spend every day writing about and reviewing VPNs, as well as testing them hands-on in real-world situations.
We focus on privacy first and foremost, but we also take into account other important areas like the ability to unblock streaming sites, ease of use, and, of course, value for money. I've laid out the specs of each of my shortlisted providers on this page so you can gauge for yourself which one will suit you the best.
If you just want to check out the three best VPN services of 2024, simply pick from NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark below – I rate them as the very best products available. However, If you want more in-depth info, keep scrolling for my rundown of the 10 top VPNs available today, and details on how I test VPNs at the bottom of the page.
The 3 best VPNs at a glance
Recent updates
While the order on this page has remained stable for some time, there are always fresh developments to take into account – for example, NordVPN's Threat Protection Pro, Surfshark's Alternative ID, even Proton VPN's credentialless login on Android. I've included all of these and more in my most recent update, as well as checking the facts and figures are still correct.
The best VPNs in 2024
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NordVPN: the best VPN overall
✔️ You want the very best VPN service on the market. NordVPN is quite simply the best VPN we've ever tested – it covers all the bases.
✔️ Netflix access is a priority. As my #1 ranked VPN for Netflix, NordVPN unblocks more locations than any other provider.
✔️ You want more than just a VPN. NordVPN also offers malware detection and ad-blocking on a standard plan, with even more features available on higher tiers.
❌ You like simple apps. Compared to the likes of ExpressVPN, Nord's map interface can be quite busy.
❌ You torrent often. Only some of Nord's servers are configured for P2P, and due to this I've found it can be somewhat slow to download torrented files.
NordVPN offers everything you could realistically want from a VPN: privacy, speed, streaming service unblocking and very reasonable prices. Those looking for very simple apps might want to consider ExpressVPN or Surfshark, but overall, Nord leads the pack. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out before committing.
NordVPN is undoubtedly the biggest name in the VPN industry, and in my full NordVPN review I found that it has absolutely earned that reputation – it's quite simply the very best VPN you can buy.
With over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, NordVPN practically guarantees a speedy server wherever you are. In fact, Nord has very recently upped the number of countries it's present in, which has addressed one of my few complaints about the service – it's now on par with its biggest rivals ExpressVPN and Surfshark in this area.
You'll likely be connecting to those servers with Nord's own NordLynx protocol, which is a reworked version of WireGuard. In short, it's modern, stable, and delivered searing connection speeds of over 950 Mbps – one of the fastest VPNs in my testing.
You'll get split tunneling, an effective kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and you'll even get some unusual options like Onion over VPN and Double VPN which are designed to keep you even safer when browsing the web. These are probably overkill for most people, but if you know you'll need them, they're there waiting to be used.
> NordVPN is my #1 VPN – get it from $3.39 a month
Nord's apps are powerful and pleasant to use, but while the map-based interface works well on larger screen such as PCs and tablets, on smartphones it can be more of a hindrance than a benefit – simpler interfaces like ExpressVPN's tend to work better here – but this is, of course, subjective.
Despite that, though, the apps are very capable, and you'll be able to install them on a huge range of devices.
One of Nord's most interesting features is Meshnet. This allows users to link devices anywhere around the world via encrypted NordVPN connections, creating its own secure network. This is perfect if you're looking to share files remotely with friends, family, or just between your own devices.
It can also route traffic from all your devices through just one, meaning you can, for example, use your home IP address when out and about on your smartphone. There's serious power here, and it's a big development unlike anything any other VPN offers. What's more, it's free to use, even if you don't have a NordVPN subscription.
When it comes to streaming, NordVPN really impresses. You'll be able to unblock tons of Netflix locations, iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more – and in recent months Nord and the related Surfshark have proved to be the most reliable streaming VPNs available.
On the basic plan you'll get unlimited access to the VPN, Threat Protection Lite – which blocks malware and phishing links – as well as Meshnet.
Sign up to higher tiers, though, and you'll get access to a password manager, data breach scanning, the upgraded Threat Protection Pro, encrypted cloud storage and even cyber insurance.
Of course, I wish these were included in the base plan, but seeing as Nord starts at such a reasonable price, it's nice to be able to configure what you pay for rather than paying over the odds and never using half the features available
With a 30-day money-back guarantee and some attractive deals running throughout the year, NordVPN is an elite service that has well and truly earned itself the top spot on this guide. It's not perfect, but it's closer than any of its rivals.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Fun interface but might seem a little crowded for some users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Though simple to use, the map-like design might not work for everyone | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the fastest with an average speed of 950 Mbps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly unblocks most content streaming platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Strong encryption with additional features like Threat Protection for safe streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Reliable 24/7 customer support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Provides ample value for the price. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: the best VPN for ease of use
✔️ You're looking for a simple, streamlined experience. ExpressVPN is powerful, but has a super simple interface that makes getting protected a breeze for beginners and experts alike.
✔️ You want to stream global content. From Netflix to Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer, ExpressVPN is super reliable.
✔️ You value your privacy. Whether you're in the US, Europe, or even China, ExpressVPN's countless audits and history of protecting its users should inspire confidence.
❌ You're on a strict budget. ExpressVPN certainly isn't the cheapest on the market. Those looking for a better price may want to consider NordVPN or Surfshark.
❌ You want a fuller suite of software. Despite the introduction of the password manager Keys, other VPNs like NordVPN offer a wider range of additional features.
All things considered, ExpressVPN is one of the very best VPN I've tested. Its privacy features are excellent, it delivers good speeds, unblocks a whole host of global streaming sites, and is very accessible in terms of design and device support. If you're looking for a simpler alternative to NordVPN, it's your best choice – and you can try it out with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN puts up a very good fight against NordVPN, and impresses with its easy-to-use apps that take the complexity out of setting up a VPN, leaving the difficult stuff to the experts. My ExpressVPN review showed that it unblocked anything and everything I threw at it with ease, and its privacy features are rock-solid.
On paper, the numbers are reassuring: over 3,000 servers in 160 locations spread across 105 countries around the world, a kill switch, split tunneling, and obfuscated servers. While some providers like Proton VPN have more servers in total, very few have such a wide spread – meaning that wherever you're based, you'll get swift, reliable connections. It has an especially impressive range in Asia, which is often neglected by other providers.
All apps use AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard, paired with OpenVPN and Lightway protocols. Lightway is the standout here, and the in-house, open-source protocol delivers good speeds of around 410 Mbps – although this is an area where Express is outdone by Surfshark and NordVPN. However, unless you're using an ultra-fast connection you won't notice a difference.
ExpressVPN also uses its own TrustedServer technology, which ensures its RAM-only DNS servers retain no information about you or your activity. In short, ExpressVPN is fast and secure – and a recent update has added a well-needed kill switch to iOS.
> Tom's Guide readers get 3 months of ExpressVPN FREE
Its apps are pleasant to use and are very consistent across the board – once you've used one on any device, you've used them all – and the range of supported systems is huge. Not only can you cover your PC, Mac, iPhone, or Android, but your router, Chromebook, Linux PC, Fire TV Stick, and a ton more can also enjoy the same protection.
Thanks to an update in 2023, ExpressVPN can be used on 8 devices at once, up from the previous 5. This is great for those who have tons of devices, and definitely adds a little more value for money – although cheaper rivals Surfshark and PIA offer unlimited connections on a single plan.
One of the most common reasons to download a VPN is to access geo-blocked streaming content, and ExpressVPN is a great choice for this. In my testing, it reliably unblocked a number of Netflix locations, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and works impeccably for regional TV channels around the world. Only a few other providers like NordVPN and Surfshark can match this.
Of course, improvements can be made with any service, and the same is true here. For example, if you need a dedicated IP or port forwarding, a provider like PIA might be a better fit.
ExpressVPN also doesn't have quite the breadth of additional privacy tools compared to rivals like NordVPN. ExpressVPN's free password manager Keys is a nice addition, but when you consider NordVPN offers things like Meshnet, Threat Protection Pro – better than ExpressVPN's own Threat Manager – a data breach scanner and even cyber insurance, Express looks a little limited. That said, there are no extra charges for what you do get from Express.
Finally, a word on customer support. If anything doesn't work as it should – perhaps you're having issues unblocking UK Netflix from the US, for example – the 24/7 live chat support is always on hand. In my experience, they have been quick and knowledgeable and in general much better than most other VPN providers' live chat teams. Plus, the on-site help articles are excellent, too.
When everything is tallied up, it all comes together to make an excellent package that's well suited to experts and newbies alike – and I think that premium price is well worth what you get.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, navigable design that’s easy on your eyes and straightforward to understand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly, little to no expertise needed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Reliable and very fast, although some others deliver higher peak speeds. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Servers in 160 locations and 90 countries ensure limitless content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Top-notch security with 256-bit AES encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Expert assistance is available 24/7 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Slightly more expensive than other options | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark: the best cheap VPN
✔️ You're looking for quality on a budget. Surfshark is an absolute bargain, and I'm consistently amazed that it can offer such a good product for the price.
✔️ You have a need for speed. Surfshark is as quick as NordVPN, topping out at 950 Mbps.
✔️ You have tons of devices. Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections policy means you can use one plans on as many devices as you like.
❌ You truly rely on your kill switch. While it's very unlikely to happen in real life, my testing was able break Surfshark's kill switch. This didn't happen to ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
❌ You're a hardcore torrenter. Surfshark is more than capable of torrenting effectively, but if your main use case is sharing P2P, try ExpressVPN or PIA.
Surfshark is one of those rare examples of a product combining genuinely premium features with an incredibly low price. While it's not quite as powerful as the leading two providers, it's super secure, can be installed on unlimited devices, and also offers a 30-day refund period.
If you're looking for a cheap VPN that outperforms products twice its price, look no further than Surfshark. The services in this guide are ranked by quality, not price, so to see a VPN that's so affordable sitting at #3 is seriously impressive.
In my Surfshark review, I found its apps great to use, and offer all the privacy and security essentials such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and the super-fast WireGuard protocol.
In my most recent testing, connection speeds rose considerably, and on our 1 Gbps connection, it maxed out at a staggering 950 Mbps. That makes Surfshark one of the fastest providers I've ever tested – beating out the likes of ExpressVPN, PIA, and CyberGhost. Plus, it's currently proving to be very reliable for streaming. I've had some issues before, but almost every provider has at some point.
However, when we put Surfshark's kill switch through my rigorous testing procedure, we did manage to catch it out and get it to reveal our true IP address briefly. However, the situation that caused this is unlikely to happen in the real world.
Surfshark has been hard at work on extra features like MultiHop, and Nexus. According to the company, "connecting to Nexus means that your traffic gets routed through a whole network of servers rather than a single VPN tunnel." Decentralizing your connection is a very interesting innovation, and it's great that Surfshark is exploring new ways to improve VPNs as a whole.
Currently, Nexus offers an IP Rotator – your IP address will be changed every 15 minutes or so – and an IP Randomizer feature is coming soon. This will change your IP address every time you visit a new website
If you're a hardware hoarder, Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections policy may put it above my #1 and #2 picks. You can install one plan on any number of devices – great for complete protection, or even sharing with those in your home. And, as a Linux VPN, Surfshark is one of the few providers to offer a full GUI – most others are limited to the command line. Very impressive for a VPN that costs well under $2.50 a month.
One of Surfshark's most interesting new developments is its Alternative ID feature. Built in to the apps, it can create spoof email addresses that will forward mail to your real address, and can be deleted at any time. This is great for signing up to newsletters for discounts, or even listing online when selling a product. It can also create spoof identities, which make it easy to autofill fake details when signing up to websites.
A fresh addition to Alternative ID is Alternative Number, which allows you to create a spoof phone number to protect your own from spam. This is perfect for using when advertising online, and while there are still a few limitations with it, it's an excellent addition that's not available from any other VPN.
Overall, Surfshark is an excellent budget option, and when you consider its price, what small sacrifices you may need to make seem really quite insignificant.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Minimalistic, clean, and intuitive design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly and easy to understand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Seriously quick and almost on par with NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Great at unblocking streaming apps and getting around censorship | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Kill switch isn’t the best, but everything else is excellent | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Decent 24/7 customer support and tons of help articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Cheap VPN with excellent value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |