Best VPNs for 2024: Expert Testing Results

What is the Best VPNs for 2024?

ExpressVPN is our top choice for the best overall VPN and holds the CNET Editors’ Choice Award. It’s a close race between our top three picks, but ExpressVPN stands out for its excellent privacy and usability, earning an 8.8/10 rating. It offers a clear, user-friendly privacy policy and uses Trusted Server technology, which ensures maximum protection of your browsing data.

ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol provides fast speeds and post-quantum protection, blending performance and security. It’s easy to use, unblocks streaming content effectively, and offers great security features with its Advanced Protection suite. Whether you’re new to VPNs or a seasoned user, ExpressVPN is intuitive and accessible

Top VPNs for 2024: Expert Recommendations

As the demand for online privacy and security grows, choosing the right VPN (Virtual Private Network) becomes increasingly important. In 2024, three VPNs stand out for their exceptional features and performance: ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN.

ExpressVPN: The Editors’ Choice

ExpressVPN has earned the CNET Editors’ Choice Award for the best overall VPN, thanks to its superior privacy and user-friendliness. With an impressive rating of 8.8/10, ExpressVPN provides unmatched transparency through its user-focused privacy policy and advanced Trusted Server technology. This technology enhances security by ensuring no data is stored on hard drives, offering users peace of mind when it comes to their browsing data.

ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol ensures consistently fast speeds and robust security. The service is easy to use and effectively unblocks streaming content, offering useful security features through its Advanced Protection suite. Whether you’re a VPN novice or an experienced user, ExpressVPN is intuitive and accessible.

Surfshark: Budget-Friendly Privacy

Surfshark is a top choice for those seeking budget-friendly privacy features. It delivers connection speeds and features comparable to ExpressVPN and NordVPN but at a significantly lower cost. For just $45 in the first year or $60 for the first two years, Surfshark offers excellent value compared to the $100 annual price of its competitors. Additionally, it supports unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it ideal for large families or users with many devices. Surfshark also provides apps for Apple TV and Linux, enhancing its usability for streaming and everyday use. However, it doesn’t quite match ExpressVPN’s level of privacy commitment, which may be a consideration for users with critical privacy needs.

NordVPN: Feature-Packed Performance

NordVPN is known for its comprehensive feature set and lightning-fast speeds. In 2024 testing, NordVPN recorded an impressive average internet download speed loss of just 11.1%. It offers advanced options like double VPN, Onion Over VPN for added encryption, and Meshnet for secure file sharing, in addition to standard features like split tunneling. These options cater to power users who require enhanced privacy protection. Overall, NordVPN is a high-performing service with excellent features for those seeking advanced privacy solutions.

Choosing the Right VPN

Each recommended VPN offers great value for different needs. Whether your privacy requirements are casual or critical, there’s a VPN service suited to your needs. Keep an eye on the best VPN deals from our top picks to maximize value.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN

Internet Speed Loss: VPNs can decrease internet speed because they route traffic through encrypted servers. The fastest VPNs have an average download speed loss of 25% or less, which is generally unnoticeable even for slower connections. For bandwidth-intensive activities like gaming or 4K streaming, choose a VPN with minimal speed loss.

Privacy Features: Look for a VPN with at least 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logging policy, and DNS leak protection. Regular third-party audits and transparency reports are also important for verifying privacy claims. Consider advanced features like obfuscation, Tor over VPN, and double VPN for maximum privacy.

Server Network: Evaluate the number of servers and their global distribution. A VPN with a wide range of country locations offers more international options. Some VPNs allow file sharing on all servers, while others have dedicated P2P options for torrenting. Specialty servers, like Tor over VPN and Double VPN, provide additional privacy.

Device Support: Ensure the VPN supports your devices. Most offer apps for major operating systems and platforms. Some VPNs provide unlimited connections, while others limit simultaneous connections to a certain number. Choose a service that fits your needs for device support and connections.