Best VPN Services in December 2024

CyberGhost is one of the most affordable and easy-to-use VPNs we’ve tested. Thanks to its simple configuration, setting up the app was quick and painless. You’ll also find CyberGhost has an impressive list of devices and platform it’s compatible with, including major gaming consoles like PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch.

Large server network optimized for streaming and P2P traffic

One CyberGhost account will protect up to 7 devices simultaneously and provides access to a high-performing network of over 6,000 servers in 88 countries around the world. If you’re one to watch Netflix in other countries or use torrent sites, CyberGhost is catered to users like you. 

CyberGhost puts a lot of effort into optimizing its network and labels servers specifically “for downloading” or “for streaming.” It even highlights which server locations are best for certain streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer or Netflix to help you find what you’re looking for. I connected to the “Netflix UK” server and was watching Peak Blinders season 6 without any issues in under a minute.

Strong logging practices & a privacy-focused jurisdiction

Yes, CyberGhost is great for streaming and torrenting, but what about its main function – privacy? I’m happy to report zero instances of logging or detected data leaks during our week of testing. As CyberGhost notes: “We have a strict No Logs policy and keep no data on [users].” It’s also headquartered in Bucharest, Romania – which is a jurisdiction with some of the most privacy-friendly laws.

In addition, CyberGhost runs industry-standard 256-bit encryption and an automatic kill switch for better security. A kill switch prevents any data from “leaking” from your device unencrypted if your internet or VPN connection were to drop suddenly.

45-day refund policy for you to try risk-free

CyberGhost backs new subscribers with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans and offers 24/7 customer support should you have any questions or need to request a refund before the first 45 days of signing up.

To learn more, read our in-depth CyberGhost VPN review where we provide the results from our speed tests and features analysis.

If you’re looking for a VPN with decent network coverage, Private Internet Access (PIA) is hard to beat. PIA has a network size of over 53,000 VPN and proxy servers worldwide, most supporting WireGuard and OpenVPN, which are industry-standard protocols for speed and security respectively. 

Extensive network coverage & improved speeds on some servers

We tested PIA for over a week, putting it through multiple speed tests on a range of VPN servers. Speed loss is common with VPNs due to the rerouting nature of the technology, but PIA turned out to be the exception to the rule. It was remarkably consistent during testing and showed actually to improve performance on some servers.

In regards to streaming or torrenting, its network speaks for itself. With over 53,000 servers to choose from, PIA offers users endless opportunities to connect outside their own country. If you find that a server is inundated with requests, there are dozens if not hundreds of nearby servers in any direction you can hop onto. And you won’t have to worry about either activity slowing down your internet with PIA blistering connections.

Customizable settings & extra security features included

While the app has an older user interface compared to some premium VPNs, it does come with friendly settings, and switching between connections never took longer than a few seconds. We tested PIA on macOS, iPhone, and Linux, but it comes with compatible VPN clients for all major devices and platforms.

You also find a few key security features like the WireGuard protocol that helps optimize speeds, advanced split tunneling for better obfuscation, and the option to use a dedicated IP address. These, coupled with strong AES encryption, make PIA a strong contender for users concerned about security.

While PIA lacks a recent audit and is based in the United States (Five Eyes), there are multiple court records to affirm that it follows a strict no-logs policy. They do not collect or record any identifying information on users.

Affordable plan & up to 10 device connections under one plan

Apart from offering unlimited connections, PIA has the best protection plan for premium VPNs. You can protect up to 10 devices simultaneously with a single subscription and test PIA risk-free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee. Requesting a refund is simple enough, but with a price tag under $3 per month, it’s one of the most affordable options available.

To get a comprehensive view of our PIA tests and rating, read our full Private Internet Access review.

ExpressVPN joins our list for a few key reasons – particularly its impressive performance.

Reliable connections & extensive network coverage

It offers fewer servers than a few providers on this list, but its coverage is nothing to scoff at. You’ll find server locations in over 160 cities across 94 countries and a “Smart Location” option that connects you to the fastest server nearby. We tested servers in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom to try and unblock Netflix. To our satisfaction, logging into all three posed no issues – although servers outside the US (where I’m located) did take a few noticeable seconds longer to load the Netflix UK homepage for me.

Modern user interface with a “set-and-forget” install

One subscription comes with just 5 simultaneous device connections, but if you know how to set up a VPN on a router, you’d essentially protect all devices connected to your home network and still have 4 additional connections to use outside the house at one time. ExpressVPN has one of the best VPN clients for routers and is also compatible with most major platforms and gaming consoles. Between its compatibility and user-friendly interface, it’s one of the nicest apps on the market from a usability standpoint.

Proprietary protocol & bonus security tools included

In addition to usability, ExpressVPN also provides useful tools within the app like a speed test, IP address checker, and multiple tests for data leaks so you can check in on your VPN connection anytime to put your mind at ease.

Rather than using WireGuard, ExpressVPN has its own proprietary protocol called Lightway, which helps ensure faster connection speeds without compromising on security. For this protocol, we tested multiple servers in the US, and UK and got similar results across both locations.

While its plans are pricier than average, ExpressVPN’s reputation precedes itself for a reason. You really do get what you pay for. Be it for usability, online security, or simply unblocking Netflix, ExpressVPN matched – or even exceeded – expectations during our tests.

You can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service out for yourself, or continue to our ExpressVPN review to get the full scoop on our review process for this VPN.

Topping our list, Surfshark is an impressive service. If you’re looking to save money, it’s the best affordable VPN solution that does it all. 

Packed with extras like unlimited connections & ample compatibility

Its service is highly secure and easy to use no matter which VPN client you choose to download. It’s also the only VPN on this list that offers unlimited simultaneous connections per subscription and robust browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome.

Gain access to a growing network with thousands of servers

Surfshark adds new servers to its network every month to cycle out IP addresses that may get flagged by streaming platforms and optimizes certain servers for obfuscation and torrenting. You get access to over 3,200 servers in 65 countries, with the newest locations including restricted countries such as Brunei, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mongolia, Nepal, and Laos.

Improves internet speeds & unblocks geo-restrictions

We tested several Surfshark servers to see how it performs and similar to PIA, Surfshark actually improved connection speeds on local servers. We had zero issues connecting on the fly and accessing our usual websites like Netflix and Facebook. Granted, speeds slumped slightly on distant servers, but that’s to be expected with any VPN.

Great for bypassing censorship & online tracking

You can tell Surfshark is a big proponent of internet freedom by the features it provides. The app includes multi-hop and split-tunneling (Bypasser). The former adds an extra layer of encryption and an additional server to your VPN connection. The latter lets you choose what websites or IP addresses you don’t want to connect to through your VPN proxy extension. (This is intended to boost your connection speeds when enabled.)

There are also obfuscation tools like Camouflage mode (which makes your connection look like regular browsing traffic), or NoBorders that helps users bypass geo-blocks in regions where VPNs are illegal or banned.

Surfshark is one of the most affordable options compared to other VPNs on this list and offers a free 7-day trial to test it out. If you want to read our full assessment before deciding, head over to our Surfshark VPN Review.