The top 5 VPN services for May 2024.

A reliable and safe VPN is crucial when creating a digital security strategy. A trustworthy VPN will protect your online privacy. Moreover, many VPN providers offer additional security features such as encrypted data storage and password managers.

Public Wi-Fi networks can be insecure, but a VPN can help secure your connection and unblock your favorite streaming service. Gamers can also benefit from these services by protecting against cyber attacks and circumventing geographic limitations.

It can be challenging to determine which VPN to trust and choose from the numerous options available. To simplify the process, CNBC Select has categorized the top VPNs into several groups based on specific criteria. Our methodology explains how we selected the best VPNs for your needs.

Best for unlimited connections

For large households seeking an affordable VPN option, Surfshark is a suitable choice as it allows for unlimited device connections with a single subscription.

Surfshark allows an unlimited number of devices to be connected to the VPN service simultaneously, unlike most VPNs that limit the number of devices to 10 or fewer. This means you can connect all your smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other devices without worrying about running out of connections. With Surfshark, you can easily manage your devices and switch between them without any hassle or additional costs.

Best for platform and device support

If you're struggling to find a VPN that works with all your devices, ExpressVPN is worth considering.

A good VPN service should provide native apps for Windows, Apple devices (MacOS and iOS) and Android. ExpressVPN goes above and beyond by also supporting these platforms and more.

Linux
Chromebook
Amazon Fire tablet
Amazon Fire TV
Amazon Fire Stick
Apple TV
Chromecast
Android TV
LG Smart TV
Samsung Smart TV
Routers: ExpressVPN Aircove, Asus, Linksys, Netgear
Browser extensions: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Vivaldi, Chromium, Brave

If you're tech-savvy and comfortable manually installing a VPN, you'll have more options for ExpressVPN's service, including additional routers, gaming systems, Roku and Chromecast.

Best for server network

For those seeking a server network with extensive features and global connectivity, NordVPN is an excellent choice.

NordVPN's network of diskless (RAM-only) servers allows you to connect to locations in 111 countries. The features of NordVPN's network include obfuscated servers, which hide the VPN connection and allow you to circumvent VPN blockers, as well as the Double VPN feature for additional security. NordVPN's server network is also useful for file sharing, such as torrenting, because it has peer-to-peer (P2P) servers and an Onion Over VPN option, which allows for more secure internet access with a Tor browser.

Best free VPN

What is Proton VPN's target audience?

Proton VPN's free version offers many of the same security features as its paid version, including encrypted data cloud storage and secure email services. However, free members have access to a limited number of servers in five countries: Japan, Poland, Netherlands, U.S.A. and Romania. Unlike other free VPNs, Proton VPN does not have data limits or other restrictions, and it does not collect or sell user data. Additionally, it has substandard security.

Best for speed

If you prioritize the speed of your VPN connection, Hotspot Shield® is worth trying out.

When you use a VPN, your internet speeds may slow down due to the encryption process. However, the tradeoff varies among VPNs, and Hotspot Shield stood out in our tests for its speed performance. We tested our internet connection on multiple devices with and without VPN connections and found that Hotspot Shield decreased upload speeds by an average of 14% and download speeds by an average of 31%. However, it was the only VPN that improved speed compared to a non-VPN connection on more than one occasion.

Surfshark

Cost

The features of each subscription tier are as follows: Prices are subject to change based on various factors, and these costs were accurate at the time of publication. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

The Surfshark Starter package includes a VPN, ad and pop-up blockers, a masked email generator, and a personal detail generator.
Surfshark One+ includes all the features of Surfshark One, as well as personal data removal from marketing databases and people search sites in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and E.U.

Platform and device support

Windows
iOS
MacOS
Android
Linux
Fire TV
Browser extensions: Chrome, Edge, Firefox

Servers

Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries and uses RAM-only servers to ensure no data is stored permanently.

Obfuscated servers: Yes (Camouflage mode)
Double VPN option: Yes (Multi-hop)
Peer-to-peer (P2P) support: Yes

Speed

Upload: 25% average decrease
Download: 33% average decrease

DNS leaks

Ipleak.com: No leaks
Dnsleaktest.com: No leaks

Simultaneous connections

Unlimited

Kill switch

Yes

VPN protocols

WireGuard
IKEv2
OpenVPN (TCP or UDP)

Customer service

Email or online submission: Yes
Live chat: Yes
Phone: No

Additional features

Surfshark maintains a no-logs policy and does not monitor users' online activities, which has been confirmed through independent verification. Additionally, Surfshark provides a dedicated IP address for an extra monthly fee. By utilizing a dedicated IP address, users can avoid the inconvenience of having to frequently complete CAPTCHAs to prove their humanity.

ExpressVPN

Cost

Monthly subscription: $12.95
6-month subscription: $9.99/mo ($59.95 upfront)
Annual subscription: $8.32/mo ($99.95 upfront)

Prices fluctuate frequently due to various factors, and the costs mentioned were accurate at the time of publication. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Platform and device support

Windows
Mac
Linux
Chromebook
Amazon Fire tablet
Android
iOS
Amazon Fire TV
Amazon Fire Stick
Apple TV
Chromecast
Android TV
LG Smart TV
Routers: ExpressVPN Aircove, Asus, Linksys, Netgear
Browser extensions: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Vivaldi, Chromium, Brave
Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, 4 and 5, Chromecast, Roku and other devices can be manually set up.

Servers

ExpressVPN has RAM-only servers in over 100 locations.

Obfuscated connection: Yes
Double VPN option: No
Peer-to-peer (P2P) servers: No

Speed

Upload: 14% average decrease
Download: 56% average decrease

DNS leaks

Ipleak.com: No leaks
Dnsleaktest.com: No leaks

Simultaneous connections

Kill switch

Yes

VPN protocols

Lightway (UDP and TCP)
OpenVPN (UDP and TCP)
IKEv2

Customer service

Email or online submission: Yes
Live chat: Yes
Phone: No

Additional features

ExpressVPN has a strict no-logging policy and doesn't keep records of users' activity or connections. Additionally, with an ExpressVPN subscription, you'll get access to ExpressVPN Keys, a password manager that allows you to store an unlimited number of passwords, generate secure passwords easily, and autofill your login credentials on websites and apps.

NordVPN

Cost

The prices are subject to change due to various factors, and they were accurate at the time of publication. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This is what's included:

Basic: VPN service
A VPN service, malware protection, password manager, data breach scanner, and tracker/ad blocker are all essential tools for online security.
The Ultimate membership includes everything from the Basic and Plus plans, one terabyte of encrypted cloud storage, $1 million in identity theft coverage, and $100,000 in cyber extortion protection (only available to eligible U.S.-based subscribers).

Platform and device support

Windows
MacOS
Android
iOS
Linux
Android TV
Apple TV
Browser extensions: Chrome, Edge, Firefox

Servers

NordVPN operates a network of over 6,300 RAM-only servers in 100+ countries.

Obfuscated servers: Yes
Double VPN option: Yes
Peer-to-peer (P2P) servers: Yes

Speed

Upload: 9% average decrease
Download: 41% average decrease

DNS leaks

Ipleak.com: No leaks
Dnsleaktest.com: No leaks

Simultaneous connections

Kill switch

Yes

VPN protocols

NordLynx
IKEv2
OpenVPN (UDP and TCP)

Customer service

Email or online submission: Yes
Live chat: Yes
Phone: No

Additional features

NordVPN provides additional features and optional add-ons with its bundled services. For an additional fee, you can get a dedicated IP, which eliminates the need for repeated verification and reduces the risk of having your IP address blocked from accessing certain sites. A NordVPN subscription includes NordLocker (encrypted storage) and NordPass (password manager), both of which have free and paid versions available.

This service is verified to have a no-logging policy, meaning it does not track or log your internet activity.

Proton VPN

Cost

The pricing of our plans fluctuates frequently due to various factors. At the time of publication, these costs were accurate. We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. Here's a summary of some of the features included in each pricing tier:

Unlimited data and one Proton secure email address are available for one device at a time, with access to servers in five countries.
Proton VPN Plus includes one secure email address through Proton, access to all Proton servers and VPN features (split tunneling, Double hop, P2P, etc.), an ad blocker, and malware protection.
Proton Unlimited offers VPN Plus services and additional features for Proton Calendar, Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass (password manager).

Platform and device support

Windows
MacOS
iOS
Android
Linux
Android TV
Chromebook
Browser extensions: Chrome, Firefox

Servers

Proton VPN has a network of over 4,400 servers in 90+ countries.

Obfuscated connection: Yes
Double VPN option: Yes (Secure Core)
Peer-to-peer (P2P) servers: Yes

Speed (paid version)

Upload: 21% average decrease
Download: 47% average decrease

DNS leaks

Ipleak.com: No leaks
Dnsleaktest.com: No leaks

Simultaneous connections

10 (one connection with a free account)

Kill switch

Yes

VPN protocols

WireGuard
OpenVPN (UDP and TCP)
Stealth

Customer service

Email or online submission: Yes
Live chat: Yes, with a paid subscription
Phone: No

Additional features

Proton VPN provides a comprehensive set of security features to safeguard your entire online presence. Besides its VPN service, it offers secure storage, email, calendar, and password management. Its no-logs policy ensures that it does not log your traffic, site visits, session lengths, or location information.

Hotspot Shield®

Cost

Monthly subscription: $12.99
Yearly subscription: $7.99/mo ($95.99 upfront)

The pricing of Hotspot Shield's VPN service fluctuates due to various factors, and the costs provided at the time of publication may no longer be accurate. Additionally, Hotspot Shield offers a free version of its VPN service. All plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Platform and device support

Windows
MacOS
iOS
Android
Linux
Android TV
Browser extensions: Chrome

Servers

Hotspot Shield's server network includes 3,200+ servers in 80+ countries.

Obfuscated servers: Yes
Double VPN option: No
Peer-to-peer (P2P) servers: Yes

Speed (paid version)

Upload: 14% average decrease
Download: 31% average decrease

DNS leaks

Ipleak.com: No leaks
Dnsleaktest.com: No leaks

Simultaneous connections

10 (one connection with the free version)

Kill switch

Yes

VPN protocols

Hydra
WireGuard
IKEv2

Customer service

Email or online submission: Yes
Live chat: Yes
Phone: No

Additional features

Hotspot Shield maintains that it does not log any information that links your account or identity to your VPN activity, and it does not keep track of the websites or apps you use while connected to its VPN. Nevertheless, it records the bandwidth used and the locations of the servers you connect to.

Bottom line

To enhance digital privacy and security, a VPN is necessary. However, the features and pricing of VPN services differ significantly, so it's crucial to evaluate what you require in a provider before selecting one.

Why trust CNBC Select?

Our mission at CNBC Select is to deliver top-notch service journalism and detailed consumer advice to our readers. All our content is based on thorough reporting by our team of writers and editors. Although CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content independently, without any input from our commercial team or external third parties. We uphold our journalistic standards and ethics at all times. For more information on how we select the best VPNs, please refer to our methodology.

Our methodology

Over a dozen VPN services were analyzed and compared by CNBC Select, with a focus on those suitable for individuals and small businesses. The VPNs were evaluated based on specific criteria.

We evaluated VPNs based on their monthly, yearly, or multi-year subscription options, as well as any free trial periods, limited free versions, or money-back guarantees. The prices listed are accurate at the time of publication. Some services may offer free trials through specific platforms, but we only considered publicly available offers.
We only examined VPNs accessible on four primary platforms: iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. Nevertheless, we took into account VPNs that are also offered on other platforms.
Measuring the impact of VPNs on upload and download speeds can be challenging. To establish a benchmark for each service's effect on speed, we compared the upload and download speeds of each VPN with a non-VPN connection and calculated the percentage reduction in speed for each product. We used Speedtest by Ookla to measure connection speeds.
We evaluated the VPN's network strength based on the number of servers and countries it offers for users to connect to.
All VPNs on our list have been tested for DNS leaks using DNS Leak Test and IPLeak, have a no logs policy, and a kill switch that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops. Additionally, we evaluated the VPN protocols offered by each service.
We evaluated various features and services that VPNs offer, including diskless servers, customer service options, simultaneous connections, and additional services such as secure email and password managers.

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