VPN Comparison 2024 - In-Depth VPN Reviews and Side-by-Side Analysis

Which VPN service is the best in 2023?

To answer this question we’ve compared all of the major VPN services. We’ve meticulously gathered data on security practices & encryption standards, feature sets, platform compatibility, usability, server infrastructure and other criteria that improve the overall user experience when using the service.

How we evaluated the individual services?

We’ve grouped the offerings and criteria of all providers in groups such as: security, usability, pricing, reviews from elsewhere, features, payment methods and more. Every data-point is then weighted and evaluated by our ranking algorithm to determine the best VPN providers. To read more on our review criteria, scroll down for a more in-depth look at the individual rating criteria.

NordVPN - the best VPN in 2023

In our comprehensive assessment, NordVPN emerges as the leading VPN service for 2024. This distinction is attributed to its extensive array of features, catering to a wide spectrum of user needs. NordVPN's commitment to privacy is evident in its strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activities remain untracked and unrecorded. The service excels in providing dedicated servers optimized for various activities - from streaming popular video content and gaming to supporting P2P and torrenting, each tailored for high performance. Its compatibility is another strong suit, with well-designed and user-friendly applications for major platforms including iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge. While NordVPN may not be the most budget-friendly option, its rich feature set justifies the investment, positioning it as the top VPN service of the year. For an in-depth look at all of NordVPN's offerings, be sure to explore our detailed review on this standout VPN provider.

Runner-ups: Cyberghost & Surfshark

Both Cyberghost and Surfshark share the 2nd place in our rankings. 

Cyberghost

As a close runner-up in our 2024 VPN rankings, CyberGhost stands out with its impressive suite of features tailored for both privacy and convenience. This VPN service boasts an expansive server network, ensuring users can connect from almost anywhere in the world while maintaining high speeds. CyberGhost emphasizes user privacy with a stringent no-logs policy and robust encryption protocols. It's particularly favored for its user-friendly apps across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Specialized servers for streaming and torrenting enhance its appeal, making it a versatile choice for various online activities. CyberGhost strikes a balance between functionality and affordability, making it an attractive option for those seeking a reliable yet cost-effective VPN solution. Dive into our detailed CyberGhost review for a comprehensive understanding of what this VPN has to offer.

Surfshark

Surfshark secures its position as a top VPN choice in 2023, offering an exceptional blend of features and value. Notable for its unlimited device support, it allows users to protect all their devices with a single subscription. Surfshark's commitment to privacy and security is evident in its no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, and a suite of advanced features like CleanWeb for ad and malware blocking. It excels in bypassing geo-restrictions and provides dedicated servers for streaming, ensuring access to a wide array of content worldwide. The VPN service is compatible with a broad range of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and various browsers. Surfshark stands out for its affordable pricing, making it a top pick for users seeking a budget-friendly VPN without compromising on features or performance. For a full breakdown of Surfshark's capabilities, check out our in-depth review.

A great alternative at a lower cost: AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN doesn’t come with as many features as providers at the top of our rankings, it does offer a very solid product. A service owned by the Nord Group, you can be sure to receive great servers and speeds for everyday usage as a user with simpler requirements in a VPN. 

Review Criteria

Security Features

Encryption and Security Protocols: We scrutinized the encryption methods and security protocols used by each VPN. Services employing advanced protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard scored higher due to their proven balance of speed and security. The adoption of protocols like Hydra and IKEv2/IPsec also contributed to our evaluation, especially in terms of their performance in various network conditions.

Config Generators, Kill Switch, and Data Logging Policies: Customizability through config generators was a significant factor, as it speaks to the flexibility a VPN offers its users. The presence and effectiveness of a kill switch feature were critical in our assessment, as this ensures user data remains protected even if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Moreover, a strict no-logs policy was non-negotiable. VPNs asserting strong stances against data logging received higher marks, reflecting their commitment to user privacy.

Leak Protection and Advanced Security Features: DNS and IPv6 leak protections were tested rigorously. VPNs that effectively shielded these potential vulnerabilities ranked higher. Advanced features like Double VPN or multi-hop and Onion over VPN were also considered, particularly for users who prioritize an additional layer of security. Server obfuscation capabilities, especially relevant in regions with internet restrictions, were a key differentiator in our rankings.

Independent Security Audits: The credibility of each VPN's security claims, as validated by independent security audits, was a cornerstone in our evaluation. These audits helped confirm the integrity and reliability of the VPNs, influencing our final judgment and recommendations.

By weighing these comprehensive security features, we were able to discern which VPN services not only promise but also deliver robust security and privacy, ultimately guiding our decision in ranking the different VPN services. This thorough evaluation ensures that our readers receive well-informed advice for their digital security needs.

Functionality

Dedicated IP and Parental Controls: Dedicated IPs provide a unique address that's solely for your use, enhancing security and reducing the risk of blacklisting common with shared IPs. This was a key factor for users needing consistent online identity. Parental controls were also crucial, especially for families seeking to manage online content accessibility.

Split Tunneling and Device Compatibility: Split tunneling, allowing users to choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which accesses the internet directly, was pivotal for its flexibility in network management. We also assessed the number of devices supported by each VPN. More device compatibility meant a higher score, as it caters to households or individuals with multiple gadgets.

Servers and Server Locations: The quantity and geographical diversity of servers directly impact the performance and reliability of a VPN. More servers in varied locations offer better speed and access options, crucial for activities like streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions.

P2P Support, Ad and Malware Blocking: We evaluated P2P support for users interested in torrenting, ensuring that VPNs provide both speed and security. Integrated ad and malware blocking features scored extra points for enhancing the overall online experience by providing additional security layers.

Bandwidth Limits and Data Caps: VPNs with no bandwidth limits or data caps were preferred, as they allow uninterrupted, high-quality streaming and browsing. This was a significant consideration for users who consume large amounts of data.

Customer Service: The availability and quality of customer service, especially live chat support, played a major role in our rankings. Prompt, knowledgeable customer support is crucial for troubleshooting and enhances user experience.

Connection Speed and Network Reliability: Lastly, we rigorously tested connection speeds across various servers and network reliability. Consistent high speeds and uptime are essential for a seamless online experience, whether for streaming, gaming, or browsing.

These features collectively shaped the outcome of our review. VPNs excelling in these areas were ranked higher, as they offer a more rounded, feature-rich service catering to a wide range of user needs and preferences.

Platforms

The compatibility of VPN services with various platforms was a significant factor in our review, impacting the rankings of services like NordVPN, Cyberghost, and Surfshark. We assessed each VPN's performance and user experience across different operating systems and browsers to ensure broad accessibility and seamless integration.

Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux: The availability and optimization of VPNs for major operating systems — Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux — were critical in our evaluation. We examined the ease of installation, user interface, and feature parity across these platforms. VPNs providing a consistent and intuitive experience across all these operating systems scored higher, as they cater to a diverse user base with different device preferences.

Browser Extensions: The availability and functionality of browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge were also key criteria. We looked at how well these extensions integrated with the browser, the ease of use, and whether they offered the same level of security and features as their desktop counterparts. VPNs that provided robust and user-friendly extensions for these popular browsers gained an edge, as they allow users to enjoy VPN benefits directly in their web browsing experience.

In summary, a VPN's adaptability and performance across various platforms and browsers were essential in our comprehensive review. VPNs that demonstrated broad compatibility, ease of use, and maintained a high standard of features and security across all these platforms were ranked higher. This ensured that our top picks cater to users regardless of their preferred devices or browsers, providing a versatile and reliable VPN experience.

Covering common use-cases

In our evaluation of VPN services for 2024, we paid special attention to how well they covered common use-cases, particularly in areas of streaming, Netflix compatibility, and overcoming geo-blocking. These factors greatly influenced the rankings of NordVPN, Cyberghost, and Surfshark.

Streaming Compatibility: We closely examined each VPN's ability to stream content seamlessly. This involved testing various streaming platforms beyond just Netflix, like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. VPNs that provided smooth, buffer-free streaming experiences, and could consistently bypass streaming service VPN blocks, were rated highly. This is crucial for users who rely on VPNs to access a broader range of content from different regions.

Netflix Accessibility: Given Netflix's popularity and stringent VPN detection algorithms, a VPN's ability to reliably unblock Netflix libraries from different countries was a key part of our review. We tested each VPN's effectiveness in accessing various Netflix regions and assessed the streaming quality, including resolution and buffering times. VPNs that consistently unblocked Netflix and provided a high-quality streaming experience ranked favorably in our evaluation.

Geo-Blocking Capabilities: Lastly, the ability of VPNs to overcome geo-blocking in various scenarios was thoroughly tested. This included accessing geo-restricted websites, services, and content across different regions. VPNs that demonstrated a high success rate in bypassing geo-blocks, thereby offering users unrestricted access to global content and services, were given higher scores.

Overall, the capacity of VPN services to cater to these common use-cases - especially in the realms of streaming, Netflix accessibility, and bypassing geo-restrictions - was pivotal in shaping our final rankings. VPNs excelling in these areas were deemed more versatile and valuable to users, influencing their position as top contenders in our 2024 review.

Jurisdiction

In our comprehensive review of the best VPN services in 2024, we also considered the jurisdiction of each VPN provider, an aspect that significantly influenced our rankings. Jurisdiction plays a vital role in understanding the privacy and data protection laws that a VPN service is subject to, which in turn affects user privacy.

Service Location and Data Sharing Agreements: We examined where each VPN service is headquartered, as this determines the legal framework governing its operations. The key concern here is whether the service is located in a country that is part of any international data-sharing agreements, such as the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, or Fourteen Eyes alliances. These alliances between countries can obligate companies to share user data with government agencies, potentially compromising user privacy.

VPNs based in countries that are not part of these alliances are often seen as more favorable in terms of privacy, as they are under no obligation to retain or hand over user data. We assessed each VPN's stated policies and the legal obligations imposed by their jurisdiction to understand the potential risks to user data.

In conclusion, the jurisdiction under which a VPN operates is a critical factor in evaluating its commitment to user privacy and security. VPNs located in more privacy-friendly jurisdictions, and those outside of extensive data-sharing agreements, were rated higher in our review. This aspect is crucial for users who prioritize anonymity and want to minimize their exposure to government surveillance and data requests.