Best VPN 2024: Surf the Internet with Maximized Security & Freedom

The world has been on a trend that everything is turning digital so that people have to exchange personal data over the Internet. To protect private information from falling into snoopers' hands and access the restricted content from anywhere, a VPN comes into play. VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is a service that creates a private and encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic to help you keep undetectable and anonymous online. VPN services are differentiated from one another in terms of security, features, prices, speed, servers, etc. 

Selecting the best VPN from hundreds of VPN products is like finding a needle in a haystack. After weeks of in-depth testing and comparing, our team come up with the 10 best VPNs in 2023 including the best VPN free services and best VPN services with a small additional cost. 

Let's walk you through our findings to get the best VPN for your needs!

If you need a quick answer, here are the 3 top VPN services according to our findings. 

1. NordVPN - the best overall VPN. This VPN is packed with more than 20 privacy and security features to ensure you a fast, safe, and anonymous web environment. 

2. ExpressVPN - the fastest VPN for streaming. This VPN excels in speed without a doubt. If you are using streaming services a lot, ExpressVPN can unblock region-only content without any hassle. 

3. iTop VPN - the best free VPN in 2023. This VPN scores in many areas with a kill switch, split tunneling, advanced encryption, and wide server options. It offers free VPN protection with a fast speed and unlimited bandwidth.

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Key Features of Top-Rated iTop VPN: Key Features of iTop VPN:

• Safe VPN for Windows, Mac, iOS
• Connect up to 5 devices simultaneously
• 1800+ VPN servers in 100+ locations
• Block ads, split tunneling, Kill Switch
• Dedicated servers for streaming, gaming, and social media

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There are hundreds, if not thousands, of VPN services in the market that claim they are the best VPNs. Some of them are not true VPNs but proxy servers that work in a different mechanism and provide less security. Some VPNs have limited features or might collect your personal data itself instead of protecting it. To find the best VPN for gaming, torrenting, and streaming with maximized security and privacy, we list some must-have features for the best VPN service. 

• Full-fledged privacy and security features. Besides advanced encryption protocols for a VPN connection, other features are important for solid security in case of any internet interruption or human errors. These features include ad blocking, a kill switch, browsing history deletion, a strict no-log policy, and dynamic/static IPs. 

• Support torrenting. Torrenting means uploading files from a user's own device for other users to download and, conversely, the user is downloading files directly from other users' devices through the BitTorrent network. Because all files don't go through a central server, the file-sharing speed is fast, which makes it a popular way to share large files online. The best VPN and safest VPN should support torrenting files on the device instead of blocking the torrenting data.

• Fast connection speed. It is common that a VPN somewhat slows down the internet connection because the VPN encrypts the data sent and received on the device. The best VPN should mitigate the impact on the speed to the minimum extent. The best speed VPN even should boost the network speed by connecting to ultra-fast lines for 4K streaming and multi-player online games.

• Full access to streaming/gaming services. A VPN reroutes your traffic to a virtual server where popular streaming, gaming, and socializing platforms are available. As a top VPN service, it should provide a great number of servers globally to allow users to access Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Paramount+, BBC iPlayer, TikTok, Amazon Prime, Fortnite, League of Legends, Warzone, Minecraft, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. 

• Full compatibility with different types of devices. People use different devices for surfing the internet so it is essential that the best VPN service has dedicated apps for computers(VPN for Windows, VPN for Mac), mobile phones(VPN for Android, VPN for iOS), tablets, smart TV, or even game consoles. 

• Simultaneous connections. A VPN should always allow you to connect from more than one device using one account. It is handy to keep all your web traffic safe and bypass the geo-restrictions on different devices to provide access to UAE, India, Italy, the US, and worldwide no matter where you are. The best VPNs on average provide 3 - 5 simultaneous connections.

• Price. Even though completely free VPNs can help you stay anonymous online and unblock certain content, they have a lot of limitations. For example, they offer limited data every day. Besides, they usually lack advanced security features and can't unblock mainstream streaming content for you. Professional VPN services have a small subscription fee but offer a lot more useful VPN solutions. 

• Ease of use. The best VPN should be easy to download, install, and set up. This requires a very user-friendly interface and as few settings as possible for the user to manipulate. 

• 24/7 customer support. Although a VPN is a very simple tool, there will inevitably be some difficulties in the process of installation and use. In these situations, 24/7 and high-quality customer service is crucial. The best VPNs are sure to provide users with detailed online tutorials, live chat, and support email addresses that are always accessible.

Best VPN for Gaming - iTop VPN

• Lignting-fast speed to play games lag-free
• Dedicated servers for gaming with low ping
• Strict no-logs policy and strong encryption
• Available on Windows, macOS, iOS

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We picked and tested 15 top-rated VPN services to compare their speed, features, interfaces, subscription plans, compatibility with different operating systems, and support for torrenting and streaming. After the intensive tests, we believe the reviews of the 10 best VPNs below are trustworthy and objective.

• First, we prepared a Windows PC running Windows 10 and created 14 clones of each operating system, eliminating any factors on the device that may influence the performance of a VPN. 

• Next, we installed the Windows version of the desktop app of each VPN. We tried out all claimed features to see if they worked as advertised and went through every corner of each VPN's interface to have an idea about the friendliness and usability.

• Then, Ookla Speedtest was used to test the download and upload speed before and after a VPN connection was established. Then we used an online tool called DNS Leak Test to check the internet connection integrity and protection level. 

• At last, different server locations including New York, Los Angeles, London, Cairo, Italy, and Tokyo were connected to test how the performance was affected. Meanwhile, we streamed on popular streaming sites like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu to see check the accessibility of each VPN connection. 

Review summary: 

After the rigorous tests, we present our findings in the table below for your fast takeaways. 

Unfortunately, snoopers are everywhere, ranging from systematic government surveillance to individual cyber criminals. There is no easy solution to prevent your personal and confidential information from being collected, misused, and sold. Using a VPN can help you build a shield to safeguard your identity and privacy. We reviewed the best VPNs in 2023 and, hopefully, you can find your best VPN quickly.

1. NordVPN 

Nord VPN is one of the most popular VPNs in the market and there is no surprise that it tops the list as the best VPN in 2023. It provides immense features to help you stay safe and protect your data. It keeps impressing users with the recent new updates including its own custom version of WireGuard protocol called NordLynx, Meshnet, and Threat Protection.

What we like:

• Best overall VPN

• Fast connection speed and high security with NordLynx

• A massive number of servers worldwide

• Unblock popular streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime

• Support a wide range of devices, routers, and browsers

• Tor connections are supported

• Unique Meshnet feature

What we don't like: 

• Above-average renewal prices

• Occasional UI issues

• Not support torrenting

• No free trial

2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another VPN service that enjoys enormous popularity. It is one of the safest, fastest VPNs around packed with lots of powerful privacy and security features. 

What we like:

• lag-free connection speed for streaming and gaming

• Vast server network worldwide

• Work on almost any device and platform even including Chromebook and Kindle fire

• Unique ExpressVPN Keys feature to manage your passwords securely

What we don't like:

• More expensive than most VPNs

• No free trial

• No ad blocker

3. iTop VPN 

iTop VPN is a full-featured VPN service that is best for online security and privacy with its military-grade VPN encryption protocols. It has a clean and friendly user interface for users to easily manipulate VPN settings and start a VPN connection on their devices. 

What we like:

• Consistently fast servers around the world

• The great capability of unblocking most streaming and gaming sites

• Exclusive Security Reinforce features to defend your device against data leakage

• Automatically clean up browsing traces in browsers

• Support P2P torrenting 

• Best VPN free app - 700MB per day

What we don't like: 

• Fewer supported devices

Best Streaming VPN - iTop VPN

• 1800+ servers in 100+ locations in the world
• Dedicated servers for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc.
• Unlimited bandwidth for 1080p videos streaming
• Military-grade encryption to stay safe online

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4. Surfshark 

Surfshark is a rising VPN service in the market that offers great value. It comes with a collection of privacy and security tools including anti-malware, ad-blocking, and tracker-blocking functions. This best VPN is impressive because it offers the cheapest subscription price for a 2-year plan and unlimited simultaneous connections.

What we like:

• Unlimited device connections at the same time

• One of the fastest VPNs for a lag-free web experience

• Attractive price for a long-time subscription plan

• Multi-hop VPN servers

What we don't like:

• The user interface looks complicated 

• High monthly price

• No free trial

5. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is a Switzerland-based VPN provider that is super reliable for security because Switzerland is not a Five Eye country and will never compromise to hand over your personal data. Even though this VPN is weak in server count and other fancy features, we give Proton VPN our credit to rank the 5th for its strict no-log policy and generous simultaneous connection of 10 devices.

What we like:

• The logging policies are clear about never collecting any user data or logs

• Built-in ad blocker

• Unlimited bandwidth with both free and paid plans

What we don't like:

• Customer support needs improvement

• mid-range network connection speed

• Fewer server options

6. TunnelBear

TunnelBear is one of the best VPN free services that provides a number of features, unblocks streaming websites, and secures sensitive and confidential information. As one of the best free VPNs, TunnelBear offers 500MB of free data for users to complete some web browsing activities that are not data-intensive. 

What we like:

• Affordable for everyone

• Extremely easy to use

• Server obfuscation

• Free data every month

What we don't like:

• Lack of advanced VPN features

• The capability of unblocking is weak 

• No WireGuard

• A lot fewer server locations

7. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost has a clean and cute user interface for people who are new to a VPN service. As its name implies, this tool specializes in hiding your true identity and making you a "ghost" in the cyber world by offering you an above-average number of virtual servers. 

What we like:

• Largest server network

• Very easy to use

• Cheap price for a 2-year subscription

• A better refund policy with a 45-day money-back guarantee

What we don't like:

• No free trial

• Weak unblocking capability

8. IPVanish 

IPVanish is a US-based VPN service dedicated to online anonymity and safeguarding your web traffic and web browsing data against ISP, advertisers, trackers, data-collecting companies, and governments. It shines among the other competitors because it is highly configurable and customizable for individuals. 

What we like:

• Connect unlimited devices simultaneously

• Built-in DNS leak protection

• Independently audited log

What we don't like:

• Relatively fewer options for servers

• No free trial

• Slower internet speed 

9. Hide.me 

Hide.me VPN is a Maylasia-based best VPN free service that generously offers a free plan with 10GB of limited data. It contains basic yet powerful features to help you stay safe and private and avoid tracking and censorship. 

What we like:

• 10GB/month of free data

• Unblocks Netflix US, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and other mainstream streaming websites

• Multiple and safe VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard

• IP leak protection

What we don't like:

• Desktop apps look complicated

• Occasional crashes

• Mid-range number of servers and internet speed

10. Norton Secure VPN

Norton is a big brand name in internet security that provides comprehensive protection with device security. The company possesses several security solutions, but the Norton Secure VPN can't compete with the other best VPNs listed above. It still ranks in the 10 best VPNs here considering its overall value with the cheap price.

What we like:

• A 60-day money-back guarantee

• Employs advanced VPN encryptions

• Very straightforward to use

• Cheap monthly pay

What we don't like:

• Slow connection speed on both local and international servers

• Blocked by Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, etc. 

The Bottom Line

Using a VPN is a simple way to enjoy maximized freedom beyond borders and protect online privacy for security-cautious people. However, it is never a simple task to select the best VPN. The VPNs reviewed above are the best available for Windows PCs, Apple Macs, smartphones, streaming devices, routers, and even game consoles. The truth is none of them are perfect, but there will be surely times when you will find one of them useful. 

For iOS, Andriod, Windows, and macOS devices that commonly use a VPN service for work or entertainment, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and iTop VPN are our best picks, in terms of overall value.