Best VPN Software in 2024 : What to choose for Privacy and Performance
Today VPNs are widely used to safeguard identities because of increasing cases of cyberattacks across the world. Here is the roundup of the top 10 VPN software service providers with an understanding of the highlight, advantage and disadvantage on each.
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is particularly valued for its outstanding usability and, therefore, is suitable for both newbies and experienced users. The service offers over 9000 servers in 90+ countries hence providing sufficient coverage for quality connections. This VPN has dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting which is why this VPN is used often by gamers and downloaders. This selected server list enables the user to choose servers for such tasks as streaming, gaming, and torrenting making CyberGhost provide the best experiences depending on the selection. Encryption consist of AES-256-bit that is believed to be used in military to protect your internet activities from being monitored. This is as clear as it can be, by reading their privacy policy, the firm adheres to a no logs policy, a fact that will go a long way in satisfying users, who are mostly out to hide their identity. Other features of the service are built-in kill switch and DNS leak to guarantee the safety even if the connection is lost suddenly. This proxy is also cross platform and permits up to 7 connections at a time; a feature that is preferable where there are many devices in a single house. If you require a dependable server with no fuss and targets exclusively set on providing better speeds for streaming and torrent sharing, then you should consider giving CyberGhost a try.
ExpressVPN
As widely known, the ExpressVPN is well-known for its fast and reliable connection to the VPN servers, and good connections speed even in the distant places. Using more than 3 000 servers in 94 countries including 154 locations, ExpressVPN is fast, reliable and lets you to unblock geo-restricted content like Netflix, Hulu or BBC iPlayer without any problems. It works with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and routers and integrates a Custom Firmware for simplifying router settings. It has high-speed Lightway and OpenVPN protocols, thus improving both the connection’s speed and the level of its protection. ExpressVPN has an excellent emphasis on privacy policy that includes no-logs policy audited by third-party organizations, which inspires the users who are worried about their data. Some of the security measures include: 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak, protection, automatic kill switch and split tunneling where a user gets an option to select an app to use the VPN while the other will not. ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive VPN services out there, but if you’re willing to pay you will get a fast and secure VPN service with an extensive number of servers.
Hotspot Shield VPN
Hotspot Shield VPN is most popular because of its fast connection speed and the VPN is able to deliver it through the innovative Catapult Hydra protocol. Hotspot Shield claims to have more than 1800 servers in 80 countries and it works well with sites such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. To offer its clients maximum security and protection against potentially malicious users, Hotspot Shield uses AES-256 encryption. RawTherapee is compatible with all current OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, and can handle up to 5 connected devices at the same time. Despite this, Hotspot Shield has been precedent to some criticism with respect to its privacy policies specifically data collecting activities. Despite the fact, it does not store identification details, prospective users might wish to scrutinise it much more. Overall, Hotspot Shield’s high-speed capabilities and ability to unblock content make it a popular choice for users who prioritize streaming and performance.
IPVanish VPN
It’s a reliable and safe VPN service, which aimed at providing the highest level of privacy and allowing customers to change configuration settings whenever they want. IPVanish currently has a network of over 2,200 servers in more than 75 locations worldwide, which makes for strong connections overall; perfect for streaming, P2P downloading, and regular web use. The software uses AES-256 encryption means that all data remains private all the time and it also comes with a kill switch to avoid learner exposing data. Uniquely, IPVanish runs and owns all of its own servers, which provides it with greater confidence and security over the network. IPVanish has unlimited connections at the same time, which makes it very useful for large families or small companies. It officially supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and even has a router feature. However, it provides quite good protections for your privacy; however, its home country is the United States, which will be a drawback for those users who want to avoid jurisdictions with the data retention laws. In total, IPVanish is a flexible VPN that may very well be of interest to users that require the ability of a single account to span across multiple fits.
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the leaders among the VPN providers that have a very secure connection and high-speed server network. Starting from 5600+ registered servers in 60+ countries, with NordVPN you can easily enter any streaming service or access local websites safely. It supports such types of connections as OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, and its proprietary protocol, NordLynx, based on WireGuard but optimized for the fastest connection. In terms of security, you get AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch that is found in NordVPN’s service. It also provides additional settings, such as Double VPN, by which the connection passes through two servers at the same time, Onion over VPN to utilize the Onion Router with VPN connections. NordVPN is fully registered in the no-logs policy that was confirmed by the independent auditors for privacy. The software supports all leading OS and the program enables computer connections up to 6 at a time.
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN is versatile, user-friendly VPN service with top security features and good privacy policies. Headquartered in the United States, with server network as over 30, 000 servers in 84 countries; PIA offers a steadfast connection with numerous IP addresses. PIA offers its users less information about traffic encryption than most VPN services, yet it provides an opportunity to switch between AES-128 and AES-256 encryption. While, this form of customization is of particular interest to users who want a faster and much more secure system in operation depending on its functionality. PIA currently has two protocols that are WireGuard; OpenVPN is fast and secure. Headquartered in the United States, PIA has a clear no logging policy that they revise from time to time to comport to the current provisions on privacy. Other extras are also present in this VPN kill switch, split tunneling, and malware blocking. Fractional and plural character of PIA’s server park, as well as highly developed options for protecting privacy, make the service suitable for users who prefer individual settings and require a VPN for various activities on the Internet.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a security-oriented VPN created by the same people behind popular email service ProtonMail and with an emphasis on privacy. Proton VPN is one of the largest VPN providers, currently having over 1,800 servers in 66 different countries providing a great balance between privacy and utility. Unlike many VPN services out there, Proton VPN offers a totally free version for users who do not need much traffic. Its forte includes the AES-256 encryption, a no logs policy, DNS leak security and a kill all feature. Secure Core is also supported by Proton VPN since it is one of the only VPNs that reroutes traffic through several countries to enhance privacy. This added security layer makes it even better for users who want privacy, journalists, and activist to use the Proton VPN. Proton VPN’s has an intuitive design and can be installed on various devices and lets up to 10 connections at once. Although it is free, and profoundly slower with limited server selection, there are paid options that are high-speed and allow streaming.
Surfshark VPN
Due to its affordability, and the wide range of features it presents to its customers, Surfshark is ideal for any user on a tight budget. Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, which guarantees stable connection to content from all over the world and fast connection for streaming, browsing and torrenting. Other features include the unlimited connections where the client can protect all their devices at once. This protocol includes basic security features such as AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, the possibility of the automatic kill switch, and exceptions added by the provider, such as CleanWeb, adblocker, tracker blocker, and malware blocker. MultiHop feature of Surfshark allows users to double hop or triple hop to make it even more secure as they can use it for a military grade security. It supports different platforms and works with routers. All in all, Surfshark has a great performance and many options for a very low price which makes it a good choice for families and, possibly, small businesses.
VyprVPN
This makes VyprVPN an ideal choice for those users who value or require high levels of security for the services they use since the company owns and manages the entire network of more than 700 servers in over 70 different countries. Such ownership helps VyprVPN to manage all the network requirements and avert threats than can affect the network hence offering users a better security and privacy. VyprVPN has its own Chameleon protocol which gets around limited networks and is very hard for a censor to block. This makes it especially useful in the areas that are characterized by high internet censorship. Encryption is through AES 256 technology, there is a kill switch, and the application has a feature of DNS leak protection. There is a possibility to use 10 connections at the same time, and the service works with all popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Thus, it has a no-logs policy that has been confirmed by third parties, which means that users’ data is not stored. Although VyprVPN does not have server coverage as large as other VPN service providers, thanks to its special technology and focus on security issues, it is a reliable VPN service for users.
Windscribe VPN
Windscribe VPN is a very good VPN that stands out because of powerful features and free plans, which should be intriguing for lots of users. While Windscribe has more than 110 servers in 60+ locations, the service offers fairly good worldwide availability. It has a free version, which lets the user avail 10 GB data and 10 servers per month, which is one of the most useful free VPN applications. Windscribe has support for AES-256 bit encryption while providing DNS leak protection and a kill switch. R.O.B.E.R.T. tool is one of the most useful features of Windscribe that helps block ads and trackers, so the users’ anonymity and Internet speed are significantly boosted. It’s compatible with protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv, and WireGuard protocols. Unlimited device connection is allowed by Windscribe, this is quite unique to VPNs especially for multi-device users. Although it has some limitations in its free version, the paid plans of Windscribe are pretty fast and have strong protection for the best price.
What Is The Best VPN Software To Choose ?
From the comparison made above, it is clear that there is no bad VPN software, but every software we choose depends on our priorities on needs such as privacy, streaming or your pocket. ExpressVPN is an excellent option for high speed, stable streaming and connecting to a server in any country in the world and for this reason it is a little more expensive. For users who are interested in top level protection and enhanced privacy, both NordVPN and Proton VPN should be mentioned, that offers features such as Double VPN and Secure Core servers.
For the same, if budget is a constraint then the feature set as large device connectivity and ad blocking is available at optimum prices and thus, Surfshark is best suited for families and small working groups. CyberGhost and IPVanish are go to for streaming and torrenting since they have good UI and have dedicated P2P servers. VyprVPN is especially good for people from areas where they are jailed because it has the Chameleon protocol that helps get around censorship.