Best VPN Services of 2024

Specs

• Number of Devices Up to 10
• OS Compatibility Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
• Encryption Level AES-256
• Split Tunneling Yes (Windows and Android)
• Kill Switch Yes (Windows and Android)
• Added Security Features Yes
• 24/7 Chat Line Yes
• Free Trial 7 days

Summary

Norton has reigned as one of the leading security and antivirus security software providers for decades, but it recently added Norton Secure VPN to its services. Already, this VPN stands out from the crowd.

It has all the essential features, like bank-grade encryption, no-log policy, split tunneling, and insecure connection alerts. What sets it apart, though, is the customizable subscription approach. All other services on this list determine the prices based on the plan length (i.e., one month, one year, etc.).

Norton keeps it simple and offers only one-year subscriptions but changes the price based on the number of devices. In other words, you only pay for what you need. You can choose a simple, one-device plan or a subscription that supports 10 device connections—more than most other VPNs.

You also have the option of bundled subscriptions that include the VPN service plus other Norton products. For example, the Norton 360 Deluxe includes device protection, parental controls, and a VPN on five devices for just about $4.00—the same price other services charge for much less. You can even add identity theft protection for the entire family with the Select + LifeLock plan.

Promotional Pricing

Get up to 50% off by paying annually for Norton Secure VPN. Norton sets its VPN prices based on the number of devices covered. Here are the prices for the first year:

• 1 device $2.50/month paid annually ($4.99/month paid monthly)
• 5 devices $3.33/month paid annually ($7.99/month paid monthly)
• 10 devices $5.00/month paid annually ($9.99/month paid monthly)

Note that these prices include only the VPN. If you want to add other features like antivirus, dark web monitoring, parental controls, and identity theft protection, Norton offers several comprehensive plans starting at $39.99 per year.

Bottom Line

Norton’s adaptability and customization are hard to beat. It’s the only option that bases price on device coverage and offers comprehensive bundled security subscriptions. At 50% off to get started, it’s by far the best option with a combination of great services and pricing.

Specs

• Number of Devices 10
• OS Compatibility Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
• Encryption Level AES-256
• Split Tunneling Yes (Android)
• Kill Switch Yes (Android)
• Added Security Features Yes
• 24/7 Chat Line No
• Free Trial 7 days (mobile) or 60 days (computer)

Summary

Avast might be well-known for its free antivirus, but it offers many other security, privacy, and performance services—including an impressive VPN. The Avast SecureLine VPN features bank-grade encryption and hundreds of servers for a combination of security and speed. Users can also implement the Smart VPN option, which automatically selects the best server for optimal connection.

Basic VPN subscriptions support 10 simultaneous device connections, which is quite impressive. That said, the individual and family plans have some limitations. A few essential features like split tunneling and a kill switch are only available on Androids—no other operating system. Users also don’t have access to 24/7 live chat support if they lose connectivity.

Another concern arises with the cost variances. The pricing page on the webpage lists only three plans, all just over $4.00. However, you can get different prices and plans if you download the VPN free trial on your phone or computer. Even the free trial lengths vary based on what device you use.

Where Avast falls short with household subscriptions, it makes up for it with business plans. Small businesses and channel partners can choose from several scalable multi-layered security service packages with customizable pricing.

Pricing

All of Avast’s payment options include up to 10 devices. The only pricing difference depends on the plan’s length. Here’s a quick look at the amounts for the first billing cycle:

• 1 Year $4.59/month
• 2 Years $4.39/month
• 3 Years $4.39/month

While these are the costs that Avast advertises on its website, we’re unsure if they’re the true prices. When you download a free trial on a personal computer, the prices are advertised as low as $2.79/month for three years. On an Android, however, the prices range from $3.33 to $8.99/month for shorter terms.

Each option advertises the same perks and up to 10 devices, so the reason for the price discrepancies is unclear.

Pricing issues aside, you can purchase extra security and privacy items like Premium Security and Secure Identity. These prices start at $4.19 and $6.99 per month, respectively. The all-in-one package (VPN plus identity protection and privacy services) starts at $50.28 for just one person.

Bottom Line

Avast SecureLine VPN has several perks for families—namely, the 10 device connections. However, it seems to offer a much more professional and comprehensive approach for business and partner clients.

Specs

• Number of Devices 7
• OS Compatibility Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
• Encryption Level AES-256
• Split Tunneling Yes
• Kill Switch Yes
• Added Security Features Only the security suite for Windows
• 24/7 Chat Line Yes
• Free Trial 60 days

Summary

Founded in 2011, CyberGhost brings over a decade of experience helping people secure internet anonymity. It now serves over 38 million customers with the promise of ultra-fast speeds and access to 9,000+ servers in over 90 countries.

Even with those impressive claims, perhaps the biggest draw is CyberGhost’s advertised low prices. If you commit to over two years of service, you pay just over $2.00 monthly. While that sounds appealing, it’s also a bit misleading. A normal one-year plan costs over three times that, and if you want a dedicated IP address or the complete Windows security suite, you need to pay a few dollars extra each month.

Keep in mind that those two add-ons are the only options for additional privacy or security features. CyberGhost focuses primarily on fast, efficient VPN services rather than a complete security profile. As such, this service is ideal for people who do a lot of streaming, torrenting, gaming, or all of the above. It even includes servers optimized for such activities.

Pricing

CyberGhost offers three payment plans with prices that vary depending on the term length. All options support seven devices. The prices for the first billing cycle are as follows:

• 1 Month $12.99/month
• 6 Months $6.99/month
• 26 Months $2.19/month

If you would like to include the dedicated IP address, that’s an additional $2.50-$5.00 per month. It also appears that you can only get the Security Suite for Windows as an add-on, not a standalone option, for an additional $1.00-$4.50 monthly.

You could end up paying $5.69-$22.49 for all the security features, which is much more than advertised.

Bottom Line

With CyberGhost’s gaming and streaming-oriented servers, it’s best suited for entertainment lovers. If you’re looking for a more robust privacy or security package, this isn’t for you.

Specs

• Number of Devices 8
• OS Compatibility Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
• Encryption Level AES-256
• Split Tunneling Yes (but not on all versions of macOS)
• Kill Switch Yes
• Added Security Features No
• 24/7 Chat Line Yes
• Free Trial No

Summary

Since 2009, ExpressVPN has been setting an example of VPN excellence. It doesn’t provide top-notch encryption; it implements TrustedServer technology and private DNS to ensure that every connection has the maximum protection. The new Lightway protocol also ensures maximum speed while maintaining security.

These features work well for anyone needing a VPN but are especially useful for gamers. ExpressVPN even advertises its services as the “best VPN for gaming,” with unlimited bandwidth and the ability to bypass bandwidth throttling.

The downside is that all these features come at a premium price. At over $8.00 per month for a yearly plan, this is one of our more expensive options. However, that price might be well worth it for gamers and professionals.

It’s also important to note that ExpressVPN offers no extra security or privacy features. It only focuses on VPN services—and does so exceptionally well.

Pricing

ExpressVPN includes three plans with varying term lengths, all of which support eight devices. The prices are as follows:

• 1 Month $12.95/month
• 6 Months $9.99/month
• 12 Months $8.32/month

Bottom Line

ExpressVPN is great at what it does: offering superior VPN services. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive privacy plan or at least an antivirus, another option might be better—and cheaper.

Specs

• Number of Devices 6
• OS Compatibility Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
• Encryption Level AES-256
• Split Tunneling Yes
• Kill Switch Yes
• Added Security Features Yes
• 24/7 Chat Line Yes
• Free Trial 30 days

Summary

NordVPN, now part of Nord Security, was first launched in 2012. With over 10 years of expertise, NordVPN is one of the leading VPN services. It boasts over 5,800 servers for ultra-fast connections and enables users to create their personal private encrypted network for file sharing.

The VPN subscriptions include additional privacy and security options, like dark web monitoring, malware protection, a dedicated IP address, and an ad blocker. However, you need to purchase the top-tier plans to get anything beyond the VPN with dark web monitoring—and those are costly plans. The only way to get affordable options is to commit to a two-year plan.

Another concern with NordVPN is the rising connection inconsistency. Despite the thousands of servers available, users are still reporting connectivity issues. With NordVPN’s industry expertise, this is a bit concerning.

Plus, each subscription plan only supports six device connections, even though it runs on over nine platforms. That makes NordVPN the least flexible VPN service on our list, at least in terms of simultaneous connectivity.

Pricing

NordVPN provides several packages based on the service length and the included features. Note that all the plans listed below cover six devices, and most prices are for the first billing cycle (only the monthly plans remain constant).

Monthly Plans:

• Basic $12.99/month
• Standard $13.79/month
• Advanced $15.79/month

1-Year Plans:

• Basic $4.99/month
• Standard $5.79/month
• Advanced $7.79/month

2-Year Plans:

• Basic $3.19/month
• Standard $3.99/month
• Advanced $5.99/month

NordVPN plans already come with some added security features. You can add more, though, with NordPass and NordLocker for $0.80 and $1.20 per month, respectively.

Bottom Line

NordVPN is a highly respected industry leader that provides several hard-to-beat VPN features, like the ability to create a personal private encrypted network. Nevertheless, with the limited device coverage and connectivity issues, we recommend this for individuals or couples, not large families with 2+ devices per person.

Specs

• Number of Devices 10
• OS Compatibility Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
• Encryption Level AES-256
• Split Tunneling Yes (Android)
• Kill Switch Yes
• Added Security Features Yes
• 24/7 Chat Line Yes (but not easily accessible or advertised)
• Free Trial 7 days (mobile) or 60 days (computer)

Summary

AVG forms part of the Avast security family and shares many of the same features. For example, every plan allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections and includes must-have VPN features like bank-grade encryption and a kill switch. You can also get additional security products, like a free antivirus.

However, that’s where the advantages end. The VPN features are fairly generic, and AVG only offers 50 server locations. With such few options, there are often too many users connecting to one server, making the connection slow.

On top of that, the plans are slightly confusing. Instead of having one VPN product that works for all operating systems, you need to choose a different web page for Windows, Mac, or mobile devices.

The prices also differ depending on where you purchase a plan. For example, if you sign up for a subscription on the website, you’ll end up paying the highest monthly prices for long-term plans. Downloading the VPN for a free trial on your computer or mobile device results in much cheaper options and shorter subscriptions. Overall, the inconsistencies don’t inspire confidence.

Pricing

AVG’s plans all cover 10 devices. The only difference between the three levels is the term length. The first payment information is as follows:

• 1 Year $4.49/month
• 2 Years $4.39/month
• 3 Years $4.39/month

Like Avast, AVG has several pricing discrepancies depending on where you purchase your subscription. These prices are advertised on the main webpage. However, if you access AVG through Android, the plan options range from 1-12 months. The prices also drop to $1.50-$3.99 per month. On a computer, though, the plan options stay at 1-3 years. The prices decrease to $2.79-$2.99 per month.

AVG offers additional privacy and security products for PCs, Macs, and mobile devices. The most comprehensive is AVG Ultimate, which includes a VPN plus internet security and anti-tracking services. Prices start at $6.67 per month.

Bottom Line

AVG is a decent VPN service for basic use and multiple devices. However, people who do a lot of streaming or need top-notch security should consider another provider—especially considering the confusing layout and prices.

Specs

• Number of Devices Unlimited
• OS Compatibility Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
• Encryption Level AES-256
• Split Tunneling Yes
• Kill Switch Yes
• Added Security Features No
• 24/7 Chat Line Yes
• Free Trial 7 days (not for Windows)

Summary

Surfshark is a new VPN company that started in 2018, but it has quickly become a leader in the VPN industry. In 2022, it merged with Nord Security (the company behind NordVPN). So if you see some similarities in the features and packages, that’s why.

The main differentiator for Surfshark—even from its sister company, NordVPN—is that it supports unlimited simultaneous device connections on nine platforms. Thanks to this versatility, you can connect every device in your household. Even if your kids are off at college or on the other side of the country, they can use the same login and enjoy continual privacy.

Another selling point is that Surfshark offers a comprehensive membership plan that includes a VPN plus identity protection, antivirus, and anti-tracking services. However, that plan is on the expensive side, especially for shorter plans. You must commit to two full years of service to get a reasonable price—and even that’s higher than other options on this list.

Although Surfshark advertises a free trial, it’s only available for certain operating systems. The only way to get a “free” trial on Windows is to purchase a plan and then request a refund within 30 days.

Pricing

Surfshark offers three membership tiers for its VPN plans, each with more privacy and security features. The prices vary by tier and by payment term. Here are the prices for the first billing cycles:

1 Month:

• Surfshark Starter $12.95/month
• Surfshark One $17.95/month
• Surfshark One+ $22.95/month

12 Months:

• Surfshark Starter $3.99/month
• Surfshark One $4.99/month
• Surfshark One+ $8.29/month

24 Months:

• Surfshark Starter $2.39/month
• Surfshark One $3.35/month
• Surfshark One+ $6.23/month

If you would like to add a dedicated IP to one of the plans, that’s an additional $3.75 per month. Surfshark also offers antivirus, anti-tracking services, and identity theft alerts, but not as separate products. They are included in the Surfshark One+ packages.

Bottom Line

Surfshark grabs your attention with its unlimited simultaneous device connections and comprehensive premium plans. Before buying, make sure it’s definitely the VPN you want before purchasing since the short-term plans can get pricey, and there’s no free trial for Windows.