With ever-increasing limitations from internet service providers (ISPs), throttling by cloud storage providers, and geo-restrictions on content libraries by streaming services, a fast and secure VPN is a must.
In this article, we list the fastest VPN service providers to choose from in 2024 for buffer-free streaming, online gaming, file transfer, and more without sabotaging your privacy.
Surfshark – Superb VPN with Unlimited Connections
NordVPN – Feature-rich VPN for Security and Privacy
PureVPN – Functional VPN With Cheap Add-Ons
ExpressVPN – Fast VPN With a Free Password Manager
ProtonVPN - Secure VPN With an Unlimited Free Plan
IvacyVPN - Very Affordable Long-Term VPN
CyberGhostVPN – Secure VPN With Various Dedicated Servers
PrivadoVPN - Secure VPN With Parental Control
TotalVPN - VPN Service With Top-Rated Antivirus Software
Private Internet Access – Robust VPN with Large Server Fleet
Fastest VPN Service Providers at a Glance
- Surfshark – Best for discreet and fast streaming
- NordVPN – Great for secure streaming and Tor browsing
- PureVPN – Top choice for high-speed torrenting
- ExpressVPN – Ideal for accessing additional security features
- ProtonVPN – Best for superfast gaming, streaming, and torrenting
- IvacyVPN – Best speedy VPN with affordable prices and ease of use
- CyberGhost – Great for ceaseless binging across diverse streaming platforms
- PrivadoVPN – Best for free streaming and torrenting
- TotalVPN – Speedy VPN with an antivirus functionality
- Private Internet Access – Largest VPN server fleet for optimized streaming
- Show Full Guide
Fastest VPN Providers Reviewed
Routing your internet connection through a high-speed VPN comes with many benefits. These benefits range from accessing geo-restricted content and services to encrypting your internet usage and masking your IP address to avoid advertiser tracking, avoiding ISP throttling, and reducing lag while gaming online.
Here is a collection of the fastest VPN service providers that will allow you to enjoy these benefits and more in 2024:
1. Surfshark – Best for Discreet and Fast Streaming
Average Speed Retention: | Download: 73.43% Upload: 79.82% |
---|---|
Server Fleet | 3,200 servers in 100+ countries |
Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited |
Starting Price | $2.19/month |
Pros
- Fast WireGuard protocol and minimal speed throttling
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Solid security and obfuscation features
- 3,200 servers across 100+ countries
Cons
- Dedicated IP and antivirus service cost extra
2. NordVPN – Fast and Secure VPN for Streaming and Tor Browsing
Average Speed Retention: | Download: 73.37% Upload: 73.39% |
---|---|
Server Fleet | 6,400 servers in 111+ countries |
Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
Starting Price | $3.39/month |
Pros
- Fast propriety NordLynx protocol
- 6,400 servers in 111+ countries
- Robust security features
- Malware protection
Cons
- No free version
- Router configuration is tricky
3. PureVPN – Top Choice for High-Speed Torrenting
Average Speed Retention: | Download: 78.93% Upload: 23.16% |
---|---|
Server Fleet | 6,500 servers in 60+ countries |
Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
Starting Price | $3.99/month |
Pros
- High download speeds
- Extensive VPN network with 6,500+ servers
- 35+ Dedicated P2P servers for torrenting
Cons
- Slow upload speed
- No multi-hop functionality
>4. ExpressVPN – Ideal for Accessing Additional Security Features
Average Speed Retention: | Download: 49.91% Upload: 52.55% |
---|---|
Server Fleet | 3,000 servers in 105 countries |
Simultaneous Connections | 8 |
Starting Price | $6.67/month |
Pros
- Extensive security features
- Fast Lightway protocol
- Free password manager
Cons
- Average speeds
- No dedicated VPN servers for torrenting
5. ProtonVPN – Best for Superfast Gaming, Streaming, and Torrenting
Average Speed Retention: | Download: >75% Upload: >65% |
---|---|
Server Fleet | 5,100 servers in 91 countries |
Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
Starting Price | $4.49/month |
Pros
- Free forever plan
- Tor network support
- Built-in ad and malware blocker
Cons
- Free plan is highly limited
- Premium pricing
6. Ivacy VPN – Best Value for Money and Ease of Use
Average Speed Retention: | Windows, Android, iOS: 50-65% Linux, macOS: 10% |
---|---|
Server Fleet | 5,700 servers in 70+ countries |
Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
Starting Price | $1.17/month |
Pros
- Dedicated “Streaming Mode”
- Cheap pricing
- Great device compatibility
Cons
- Free version is very limited
- Kill switch limited to Android and Windows
7. CyberGhost – Great for Ceaseless Binging Across Diverse Streaming Platforms
Average Speed Retention: | Download: 64.16% Upload: 32.15% |
---|---|
Server Fleet | 11,500+ servers in 100+ countries |
Simultaneous Connections | 7 |
Starting Price | $2.03/month |
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Large server fleet
- Speedy dedicated servers
Cons
- Average speeds
- Only seven simultaneous connections
8. PrivadoVPN – Ideal for Free Streaming and Torrenting
Average Speed Retention: | Download: 68.90% Upload: 81.65% |
---|---|
Server Fleet | 322 servers in 47 countries |
Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
Starting Price | $1.99/month |
Pros
- Good performance an server fleet on the free plan
- Servers suited for casual gaming and torrenting
- Parental control
Cons
- Fewer servers in limited locations
- Less consistent streaming support
- No browser extensions
9. TotalVPN – Fast VPN Service With an Antivirus Package
Average Speed Retention: | Download: >70% Upload: 70-80% |
---|---|
Server Fleet | 50 servers in 30+ locations |
Simultaneous Connections | Up to 8 |
Starting Price | $29.00/year |
Pros
- Good speeds from nearby servers
- Ad-blocker and antivirus included
- P2P servers for torrenting
Cons
- Small server fleet
- Kill switch only for Windows
- No dedicated IPs or split tunneling
10. Private Internet Access VPN – Largest VPN Server Fleet for Optimized Streaming
Average Speed Retention: | Download: 27.14% Upload: 41.97% |
Server Fleet | 35,000+ servers in 90+ countries |
Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
Starting Price | $2.03/month |
Pros
- Largest server fleet
- Kill switch on all platforms
- Multi-hop
Cons
- Laggard speeds
- Headquartered in the US (Five Eyes Alliance)
- Basic security features
Fastest VPN Service Providers Compared
Here is a brief overview of the fastest VPN providers we tested, their speed retention, the platforms they support, the server network, and their pricing.
Surfshark | PureVPN | ExpressVPN | NordVPN | ProtonVPN | Ivacy VPN | CyberGhost | PrivadoVPN | TotalVPN | PIA | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Speed Retention | 74% | 79% | 50% | 73% | 90% | 50% | 64% | 69% | 70% | 27% |
Simultaneous Connection | Unlimited | 10 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 10 | Up to 8 | 10 |
Server Fleet | 3,200 servers in 100+ countries | 6,500 servers in 75+ countries | 3,000 servers in 105 countries | 6,ė00 servers in 110+ countries | 3,000 servers in 68 countries | 5,700 servers in 69 countries | 11,500+ servers in 100+ countries | 322 servers in 47 countries | 50 servers in 30+ locations | 35,000+ servers in 90+ countries |
Kill Switch | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, Windows and Android only | Yes, Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS only | Yes | Yes, Windows only | Yes |
Free trial | Yes, 7 days | No | Yes, 7 days, Android and iOS only | Yes, 7 days | No
Free-forever plan |
Yes, 7 days | macOS: 24-hour Android:3-day iOS: 7-day |
No
Free-forever plan |
No
Free-forever plan |
No |
Starting Price | $2.19/month | $3.99/month | $6.67/month | $3.39/month | $4.49/month | $1.17/month | $2.03/month | $1.99/month | $29.00/year | $2.03/month |
How We Review and Test VPN Services
20 VPNS TESTED
25 DATA POINTS MEASURED
300+ HOURS TESTING
500+ USER REVIEWS READ
To provide our readers with accurate and well informed recommendations, we tested 20 leading VPN services to find the best in the market. Our methodology consists of the following criteria:
- Security Features: We made sure that the provider uses standard security features and a secure tunneling protocol.
- Privacy Policies: We looked for VPNs that come with a no-logs policy, and verify the extend to which user privacy is upheld.
- Speed: We run speed tests three times a day and draw an average of the result to see how much of the original broadband speed is retained.
- Compatibility: We ensure the VPN provider offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with the most popular operating systems.
- Geo-unblocking: We test whether the VPN service can unlock different libraries (content available in different countries) on the most popular streaming platforms.
- Customer Experience: When researching products and services, we read real user experiences and test out their customer support channels ourselves.
- Price and Value for Money: We set out to recommend reasonably priced products that offer value for money.
Why Do I Need a Fast VPN?
A fast VPN is essential for numerous reasons. It can enhance your online experience with faster internet speeds, improved connection stability, and heightened privacy and security.
A reliable, high-speed VPN can help you circumvent geographical restrictions, unlock streaming services, and ensure your online privacy –this is precisely why most people invest in a VPN for personal use.
With a fast, trusted VPN at your disposal, you can enjoy all the advantages of an unrestricted online life. Of course, you might also be interested in looking at the best VPNs overall.
Factors to Consider When Picking the Fastest VPN
In addition to our comparison among the fastest VPN service providers, there are certain common points to remember when choosing a high-speed VPN provider:
- Wide VPN server selection: This ensures you have multiple options to connect to within one country or location to avoid overcrowded VPN servers with bandwidth issues.
- Fast tunneling protocols: VPN protocols such as WireGuard or IKEv2 are more advanced and faster than OpenVPN, allowing for better safety, faster speeds, and lower latency.
- Dedicated servers for P2P transfers: Instead of routing the traffic through a centralized hub to mask your IP and encrypt data, P2P servers connect directly and, thus, are faster for file sharing and torrenting.
- Servers optimized for streaming: Certain VPN providers automatically choose the best servers and locations depending on the service.
- Strong encryption algorithm: Strong encryption ciphers such as AES-256 and ChaCha20 are nearly impossible to crack, making your private data inaccessible to third parties.
- Ad and tracker-blocking abilities: Ads and third-party trackers may block some of your internet bandwidth or identify your precise location despite the VPN. So, choosing a VPN service that blocks ads and trackers speeds up your network and strengthens online privacy.
- Safeguard against IP and DNS leaks: A good VPN must guarantee that your IP and DNS are not stored on their servers and do not get leaked in case of an abrupt disconnection. A kill switch mechanism immediately terminates the entire internet connection if the VPN connection drops.
- Located outside of surveilled jurisdictions: Data laws in various countries may require VPN companies to collect and share your private data with the government and law enforcement on demand. Choosing a VPN service based in a privacy-friendly location ensures the safety of your data.
- Obfuscation feature: This ensures your ISPs or media streaming platforms do not notice when you are using a VPN, which may otherwise lead to service blocking or even legal action in countries such as Russia and China, where using a VPN is illegal.
What Factors Influence Internet Speed While Using a VPN?
Even the fastest VPNs in the market will slow down your internet connection. Here are a few reasons as to why:
- Far-off Servers – If the server is geographically far from your present location, you will experience slower speed due to the longer time required for data to travel.
- Multi-Hop – Routing your data through more than one VPN server is beneficial for your privacy, but it slows down your connection considerably due to the additional time needed to encode and decode the data.
- Older Protocols – VPNs using older tunneling protocols, such as OpenVPN, will be considerably slower than the new ones, such as WireGuard or IKEv2.
- Device-Specific Limitations – Certain protocols favor particular devices and may slow down others. For instance, IKEv2 is generally faster on Apple devices.
- Server Hardware – Faster CPU and RAM at the server side result in faster encryption and decryption, making your VPN connection speedier. Some VPN providers, such as ProtonVPN, use parallel CPU threads to process data faster.
- Server Bandwidth – Even if all VPN servers deployed by a provider are equally capable, some might witness more footfall than others, resulting in slower data transfer to and from the server. This can be fixed by changing the server.
How to Speed up Your VPN Connection?
Besides choosing one of the fastest VPN services, there are some quick fixes every VPN user can try to speed up their VPN connection:
- Connect to a Nearby Server – Reduced physical distance from a server increases the VPN’s speeds.
- Split Tunneling – The technique allows users to selectively choose apps or web pages that will be routed through the VPN while others won’t. This reduced the burden on the VPN’s bandwidth.
- Switch to Faster VPN Protocols – Avoid OpenVPN and older tunneling protocols such as SSTP, PPTP, and L2TP. Instead, use WireGuard or IKEv2, which are faster and more secure.
- Switch to a Wired Connection – The simplest way to speed up a connection over a VPN is to remove latency caused by a wireless connection. Instead, a wired connection can eliminate the delay caused due to physical obstructions such as walls or doors.
What Is the Fastest Free VPN?
In our testing, PrivadoVPN emerged as the fastest free VPN. Despite being less popular, PrivadoVPN offers a larger number of servers and locations and more control than ProtonVPN, which also offers a free plan.
Unlike ProtonVPN, PrivadoVPN does not throttle speed when using the free version. However, the free plan comes with only 10GB of data per month, while ProtonVPN’s free tier gives access to unlimited data but does not allow you to choose server locations.
Besides the specific limitations, free VPNs often lack the same level of privacy protection as paid versions. VPN providers might store personal data to offset some of the costs. Free VPNs might also lack crucial features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, which risk exposing your data to the ISP and, eventually, authorities. Lastly, using a free version of a VPN also eliminates your chances of getting customer support, especially in cases where your data might have inadvertently leaked.