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By
Lena Borelli
Lena Borelli
Contributor
Lena is a freelance contributor to Newsweek’s small business team. A business owner herself, today she advises on business owners of all kinds on proper management, software, and tools to maximize productivity and improve their exposure. She is based in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, and has been featured in leading publications such as TIME, Forbes, Bankrate, Digital Trends and Techopedia.
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Reviewed By
Kristy Snyder
Kristy Snyder
Contributor
Kristy is a freelance contributor to Newsweek’s personal finance team. As an editor, Kristy has worked with sites like Bankrate, JPMorgan Chase and NextAdvisor to craft and hone content on banking, credit cards and loans. She’s also written for publications such as Forbes Advisor and U.S. News and World. In her spare time, Kristy loves traveling, hitting up rail trails and reading.
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With just a quick connection, a virtual private network (VPN) can shield your online traffic and protect your personal information. It can help you bypass geo-restricted content and provide added security protection for your devices.
But what VPN has the fastest speeds? We conducted our own in-depth analysis, accounting not only for overall speeds but also other critical factors like performance, reliability and value. Based on these factors and more, these are the best choices for the fastest VPNs.
Our Methodology
Newsweek’s Tech team uses its exclusive methodology to evaluate and determine the fastest VPN service providers for your home and office. We analyze critical factors in addition to internet speed, such as server network, privacy, device compatibility, cost and personal experience. This allows us to obtain a fair and trustworthy portrait of each VPN service for your review.
Our Picks
- Fastest VPN Overall: NordVPN
- Fastest VPN for Customer Service: CyberGhost VPN
- Fastest VPN With Global Support: ExpressVPN
- Fastest VPN With Automatic Protection: IPVanish
- Fastest VPN With Unlimited Bandwidth: Private Internet Access
- Fastest VPN for Privacy: Proton VPN
- Fastest Multi-Hop VPN: Surfshark
Fastest VPNs of 2024
The fastest VPN may not always bring the best protection or features. These are the best VPNs with the fastest speeds.
Fastest VPN Overall
Starting Price
$3.39/month
Free Trial
30-day money-back guarantee
Servers
6,100+
Servers Locations
67
Simultaneous Connections
6
Why We Chose It
With its signature Meshnet service, NordVPN combines AES-256 encryption with DNS and IP leak protection to provide regular protection against malware. Choose from three available protocols—NordLynx, IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN—with your choice of obfuscated or double VPN servers.
Key Features
- Unlimited data
- DNS and IP protection
- Threat Protection
- Dark Web Monitor
- Cyber Extortion Protection
Pros
- Advanced security tools
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Price discounts
Cons
- Restricted torrenting
- Limited Linux support
- Not the cheapest
Fastest VPN for Customer Service
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN
Starting Price
$2.19/month
Free Trial
Windows/Mac: 24 hours; Android: 3 days; iOS: 7 days
Servers
10,000+
Servers Locations
100+
Simultaneous Connections
7
Why We Chose It
With 24/7 multilingual support, CyberGhost stands ready to help when you have a question or need support with your VPN access. CyberGhost VPN is also attractive because of its unlimited bandwidth to keep up with all of your online activity.
Key Features
- WireGuard protocol
- DNS and IP leak protection
- 20 Dedicated IP locations
- IP masking
- CyberGhost ID Guard Monitoring
Pros
- Enormous network
- Multilingual customer support
- No-logs policy
Cons
- No free plan
- Select payment methods
- Some Linux/Mac restrictions
Fastest VPN With Global Support
Starting Price
$8.32/month
Free Trial
30-day money-back guarantee
Servers
3,000+
Servers Locations
105
Simultaneous Connections
8
Why We Chose It
ExpressVPN has servers all over the world, so you can always find a connection when you need one. Parents are sure to delight in the included parental controls, which add content filtering with an adult-site blocker to your premium security tools.
Key Features
- Threat Manager
- Network Lock
- Superior DDoS protection
- Password manager
- Parental controls
Pros
- Global server network
- DNS and IPv6 leak protection
- Third-party auditing process
Cons
- No dedicated IP
- Lacks a free plan
- Pricey
Fastest VPN With Automatic Protection
Starting Price
$2.75/month
Free Trial
30-day money-back guarantee
Servers
2,400+
Servers Locations
90+
Simultaneous Connections
Unlimited
Why We Chose It
Start every session off right with IPVanish’s automatic startup feature that will automatically connect to your VPN the minute internet activity is detected. Its kill switch kicks in should you lose your connection. IPVanish is also the first major VPN provider to offer an app for Apple TV, an extra perk for Apple users.
Key Features
- Unlimited bandwidth
- WireGuard protocol
- Identity theft protection
- Fire TV VPN Kill Switch App
- No-logs policy
Pros
- Apple TV VPN app
- Advanced kill switch
- Owns its own network
Cons
- Higher renewal prices
- Passable customer service
- No free plan
Fastest VPN With Unlimited Bandwidth
Starting Price
$2.03/month
Free Trial
30-day money-back guarantee
Servers
64,000+
Servers Locations
91
Simultaneous Connections
Unlimited
Why We Chose It
With available open-source OpenVPN and WireGuard® protocols, Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a 10 Gbps server network with unlimited bandwidth for reliable streaming and gaming. There are unlimited connections, and compatibility is excellent, offering your typical Windows, Mac and Linux VPN connections, plus support for smartphones, web browsers, smart TVs, game consoles and routers.
Key Features
- Unlimited bandwidth
- WireGuard protocol
- MultiHop
- Obfuscated servers
- pCloud/ Washing Machine License
Pros
- WireGuard
- Unlimited bandwidth
- No-logs policy
Cons
- Slightly outdated app
- Limited premium features
- No free plan
Fastest VPN for Privacy
Starting Price
$0
Free Trial
30-day money-back guarantee
Servers
3,600+
Servers Locations
85+
Simultaneous Connections
10
Why We Chose It
As one of the best free VPNs, Proton VPN allows you to remain undetected while you surf the web. It prevents government censorship by pushing your traffic through its Secure Core network, which includes more privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland. A strict no-logs policy tops off your security features.
Key Features
- Stealth feature
- Perfect Forward Secrecy
- Netshield Ad-blocker
- Proton Mail
- No-logs policy
Pros
- Free plan
- Unlimited bandwidth
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Slow customer support
- No dedicated IP option
- ChromeOS extension could use some work
Fastest Multi-Hop VPN
Starting Price
$2.39/month
Free Trial
7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee
Servers
3,200+
Servers Locations
100
Simultaneous Connections
Unlimited
Why We Chose It
Surfshark uses its Nexus technology to provide Dynamic MultiHop servers, or you can use the IP Rotator tool to switch IPs every 10 minutes. The auto-connect feature gets you logged on that much quicker, with both split tunneling and a dedicated IP available.
Key Features
- Dynamic MultiHop
- Split-tunneling
- Automatic kill switch
- CleanWeb feature
- Bypasser tool
Pros
- Auto-connect feature
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 7-day free trial
Cons
- Some iOS kinks
- No router app
- No free plan
Vault’s Viewpoint: Compare the Fastest VPNs of 2024
| Starting Price | Free Trial | Servers | Server Locations | Simultaneous Connections | |
| NordVPN | $3.39/month | 30-day money-back guarantee | 6,100+ | 67 | 6 |
| CyberGhost VPN | $2.19/month | Windows/Mac: 24 hoursAndroid: 3 daysiOS: 7 days | 10,000+ | 100+ | 7 |
| ExpressVPN | $8.32/month | 30-day money-back guarantee | 3,000+ | 105 | 8 |
| IPVanish | $2.75/month | 30-day money-back guarantee | 2,400+ | 90+ | Unlimited |
| Private Internet Access | $2.03/month | 30-day money-back guarantee | 64,000+ | 91 | Unlimited |
| Proton VPN | $0 | 30-day money-back guarantee | 3,600+ | 85+ | 10 |
| Surfshark | $2.39/month | 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee | 3,200+ | 100 | Unlimited |
Learn More About VPNs
If you are unfamiliar with VPNs, they can be a little confusing at first. This is what a VPN is and how it works.
What Is a VPN?
A virtual private network, or VPN, is an online service that provides a private connection for your devices when accessing the internet. You can either download or remotely access this connection to encrypt all online traffic from connected devices, such as your computer, phone or gaming system. This means total secrecy online because you are using the VPN to connect to the internet rather than your internet service provider.
How Do VPNs Work?
A VPN creates a private, secure connection between your device and the internet. When you connect to the VPN, it encrypts all of your data, allowing your information to instead pass through the VPN connection. This VPN connection can be based on any server located in any number of places around the world. Your actual IP address remains hidden, allowing you anonymous access to the remote server. Most VPNs can be accessed via multiple devices, such as your computers, phones, tablets and gaming systems.
Who Are VPNs Best For?
There are many reasons why you should get a VPN. VPNs are helpful to both individuals and businesses seeking privacy when accessing the internet. If you handle a lot of sensitive information, a VPN acts as an extra layer of protection against hackers and malware.
In addition to hiding your activity, a VPN can also protect your online identity by shielding your personal data. By hiding your location, a VPN prevents your internet service provider from tracking your activity and throttling, or deliberately slowing, your internet connection. Some users may be unable to access content due to their location, but when you use a VPN, you can connect to a server in another country, thereby passing any geo-restrictions.
Types of VPNs
There are several types of VPNs you can use to access the internet.
- Personal VPN: A personal VPN is used by individual consumers rather than businesses. It provides a secure connection for your home network, allowing you to connect all of your devices, like your computer and printer.
- Remote Access VPN: A remote access VPN allows users to connect to a private, secure server accessed remotely through the internet. This connection can then be used to access network applications and files from anywhere.
- Cloud VPN: A cloud VPN uses a cloud-based connection to allow access to a private network. Popular examples of cloud VPNs are Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.
- Site-to-Site VPN: Also known as a router-to-router VPN, a site-to-site VPN connects multiple locations or branches to a single secure network. This type of VPN is generally used to connect larger companies and organizations that are spread out over different offices or locations. It allows users in all locations to access the same secure connection that protects their data and blocks unauthorized access.
- Mobile VPN: With a mobile VPN, users can use their mobile device to connect to a private local network, like a cellular network. This protects both the data on your device and your current online activity.
How To Choose a VPN
When choosing the fastest VPN, there is more to consider than just speed. These are some of the factors that helped us curate this list of the best fast VPNs for your internet activity.
Privacy
A VPN should provide security features to protect your information while you use the internet. Look for at least 256-bit encryption for your VPN with a no-logging policy that won’t store your data. It is also important to find a VPN with a kill switch that will automatically sever internet access until the VPN is restored. This prevents your data from being left vulnerable should your connection drop for any reason.
Network
A VPN should have a large enough network to support and maintain your internet connection. Consider not just how many servers a VPN service provider offers but also the number of locations to ensure there is always a connection available where and when you need it.
Devices
Each VPN service varies in the number of devices that are included with its plans. For example, while Surfshark offers unlimited connections, NordVPN only offers six. If you have a lot of devices or users in your home, consider a VPN service plan with multiple or even unlimited simultaneous connections so all of your devices can benefit from the same heightened security.
Cost
Every VPN service offers different plans for its service. You may be able to choose from different tiers, such as a basic and a premium plan or varying contract lengths, whether it is a monthly arrangement or a two-year commitment. Don’t forget to check if there is a free trial available to allow you a test drive of the service before you commit.
Other VPN Alternatives
hide.me
hide.me is one of the best VPNs for gaming and streaming thanks to its fast speeds and exclusive Bolt technology. With WireGuard support, it features full IPv6 support with split tunneling. StealthGuard works with an automatic kill switch to guarantee your privacy, and a password generator tool helps you create safer passwords to protect against hackers.
If you want to be proactive about your security, there are leak tests to ensure that your connection is still secure. You can connect up to 10 devices at a time, and hide.me is compatible with your computer, phone and tablet, in addition to your browser and smart TV.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is the best VPN for beginners with a user-friendly design. It offers more than 5,000 servers in 47 countries with WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols for a comprehensive VPN service with strong security considerations.
With a no-log policy, GhostBear keeps your activity private, while VigilantBear keeps an eye on your connection, deploying the kill switch when needed. Split tunneling is available via the SplitBear feature. With P2P support, you can connect all of the devices you want without limitation. Start off with the free plan and then upgrade for greater features.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a free VPN service that skips the virtual servers and instead bases its RAM-disk servers in over 69 countries, offering the added option for faster 10 Gbps servers in many locations.
The “Best Location” feature automatically connects you to the fastest server available. From there, its DNS-powered R.O.B.E.R.T. tool takes over, blocking ads, trackers, infections and other threats that can attack your device and slow your speeds. You can also customize your privacy settings by editing blocklists and creating custom rules. Windscribe also has a no-logs policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN Has the Fastest Speeds?
NordVPN is the fastest VPN service provider you can use for consistent performance. With an impressive network and three protocols, you can enjoy fast speeds combined with leading security and privacy features.
What Is the Best Free VPN?
Proton VPN is the best free VPN with a reasonable server network and up to 10 simultaneous connections. Paid plans begin at $4.99 per month with a two-year commitment.
Are VPNs Legal?
VPNs are legal to use in the U.S. and many other countries. However, not all countries allow the use of a VPN. Some examples of countries that ban or have outlawed VPNs include China, Russia, Iran and Belarus. Even if you live in a country where VPNs are legal, you should still refrain from illegal activity while using a VPN service.
Related Articles
- Best Free VPNs
- Best VPNs
- Best Cheap VPNs
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post. We may earn a commission from partner links on Newsweek, but commissions do not affect our editors’ opinions or evaluations.
Lena Borelli
Contributor
Lena is a freelance contributor to Newsweek’s small business team. A business owner herself, today she advises on business owners of all kinds on proper management, software, and tools to maximize productivity and improve their exposure. She is based in sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, and has been featured in leading publications such as TIME, Forbes, Bankrate, Digital Trends and Techopedia.
Read more articles by Lena Borelli
