Free VPN Services - Rating of 2024

Test result (average):

• Download Speed: 55 Mbps
• Upload Speed: 35 Mbps
• Ping: 50 ms
• Test Distance: 3000 km

Recommended for: iPhone users who require a VPN for daily activities like browsing, social media, and streaming on platforms like YouTube. The 12 GB free data is ample for moderate use, and the iOS optimization ensures a smooth experience. Not Recommended for: Users looking for extensive multi-platform support, heavy torrenting, or extensive Netflix streaming. The focus on iOS means limited functionality on other devices or operating systems. The pricing, while competitive, may be considered high for a single-device subscription.

Test result (average):

• Download Speed: 50.1 Mbps
• Upload Speed: 31.6 Mbps
• Ping: 59 ms
• Distance: 3050 km

Recommended if: You spend a lot of time on Instagram and a few hours watching YouTube videos, as 10 GB of free traffic per month will suffice. High download speeds on Android (dependent on the internet and device). Not recommended: The app is unavailable on the Apple store, extensions, and Windows, meaning it's completely inaccessible on PCs. We found the price of 149 rubles to be excessive for a single device.

Test result (average):

• SPEED: Using a 100Mbps internet connection, reflective of common household speeds, we connected to ExpressVPN servers on six separate continents. Test result (average): - Download Speed: 90 Mbps - Upload Speed: 89 Mbps - Ping: 99 ms - Distance: 3,500mi Our findings highlighted that connections to proximate servers resulted in a marginal 3% dip in download speeds. This suggests that consistently swift speeds can be expected when connecting to servers in your vicinity.

Consider ExpressVPN if: Unlocking geo-blocked streaming content is crucial for you. VPNTYPE excels in granting access to numerous platforms such as HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and up to 10 distinct Netflix libraries. You want an all-around performer. Whether it's privacy, security, speed, streaming proficiency, or user experience, ExpressVPN consistently outperforms many of its peers in multiple tests. ExpressVPN might not align with your needs if: You're on a strict budget. ExpressVPN's most affordable plan is priced at $2.99 monthly for a 12-month duration, which can be pricier than some other options available.

Test result (average):

• SPEED: "We linked up with ExpressVPN servers across six distinct continents using a 100Mbps internet connection, akin to the standard speed you might have at home. Test result (average): - Download Speed: 95 Mbps - Upload Speed: 88 Mbps - Ping: 74ms - Distance: 3,500mi The results indicate that when connecting to a local server, our download speed was minimally affected, experiencing only a 3% decrease. No matter where you are, you can anticipate comparable fast speeds when connecting to servers close to you."

Turn to ExpressVPN when: Accessing geo-restricted streaming services is your priority. ExpressVPN effortlessly clears the path to a plethora of media platforms like HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and even 10 different Netflix libraries. You're in search of a VPN that stands out in all respects. Be it privacy, security, speed, streaming capabilities, or user-friendliness, ExpressVPN tends to outshine the competition in various test scenarios. However, ExpressVPN might not be your cup of tea if: You're working with a tight budget. The least expensive subscription for ExpressVPN stands at $6.67 per month, stretching over a period of 15 months, which is a bit steep compared to other players in the market. You’re an avid Linux user. Despite its compatibility with Linux, ExpressVPN's client lacks a user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate.

Test result (average):

• SPEED: Leveraging the NordLynx protocol, we noted swift connection rates across all NordVPN servers we tested. With a baseline connection of 100Mbps, we observed a commendable average download speed of 95Mbps on local servers and speeds reaching up to 90Mbps on international connections. Test result (average): - Download Speed: 93 Mbps - Upload Speed: 50 Mbps - Ping: 98ms - Distance: 4,000mi The superior speed performance of NordVPN is maintained because it boasts a larger server count than many other VPNs. Furthermore, it smartly routes users to less crowded servers, ensuring smooth performance without any server overloads or speed reductions.

You're seeking a remarkably fast VPN. NordVPN emerges as one of the quickest VPNs we've evaluated, demonstrating minimal speed reductions over short distances. You're looking for a budget-friendly alternative to ExpressVPN. NordVPN's performance is nearly on par with ExpressVPN, but it comes at a significantly lower cost for the initial subscription duration. NordVPN might not be your ideal pick if: You require a VPN for Fire TV. NordVPN does have a Fire TV app, but it proves to be more challenging to use with Netflix and other streaming apps compared to ExpressVPN. You're an Android aficionado. While NordVPN's Android app is commendable, setting up the kill switch can be somewhat complex.

Test result (average):

• SPEED: From our testing location in New York, US, we linked up with PIA servers spanning six diverse continents. Our testing utilized a 100Mbps internet connection, akin to a typical home baseline speed. Test result (average): - Download Speed: 83 Mbps - Upload Speed: 50 Mbps - Ping: 98ms - Distance: 4,000mi The primary challenge we encountered during our speed tests with PIA was its inconsistency compared to some of its swifter competitors. The variations in speed can be significant from one week to the next, which slightly hampers its overall performance.

Opt for PIA if: Your priority is secure torrenting. PIA's swift P2P servers, port forwarding capability, and proven zero-logs policy make it an excellent choice for anonymous file-sharing. You need to circumvent US sports blackouts. PIA boasts the most extensive server coverage in America, providing access to US IP addresses from all 50 states. However, PIA might not be the best fit if: You're a VPN novice. Despite its solid security features, PIA's advanced options and customization settings might be a bit daunting for those new to VPNs. You predominantly use macOS or Firestick. PIA's Mac app has been found to be slow to launch and challenging to navigate. Moreover, in our testing, we discovered that 75% of PIA's US servers fail to unblock Netflix on Fire TV.

Test result (average):

• SPEED: For an in-depth analysis, we linked to Surfshark servers spread across six different continents and monitored our internet speeds before and after the connection. Our testing was done using a 100Mbps internet connection, akin to what you might typically have at home. Test result (average): - Download Speed: 88 Mbps - Upload Speed: 44 Mbps - Ping: 98ms - Distance: 4,000mi When connecting to more distant countries, our speed reduction was minimal. A VPN connection from the UK to the US, spanning more than 3,000 miles, led to a 42% speed drop.

You're seeking a budget-friendly yet secure VPN. Surfshark offers a two-year plan at only $2.30 a month, presenting remarkable value. You require the ability to connect multiple devices. Surfshark stands out because a single subscription lets you connect an infinite number of devices simultaneously. You might want to reconsider Surfshark if: You rely on a VPN to bypass rigorous internet censorship. Surfshark's 'NoBorders' mode isn't always effective in China. You frequently torrent. While Surfshark supports P2P traffic, it lacks port forwarding and IPv6 security features. Plus, its kill switch isn't automatically activated.

Test result (average):

• SPEED: For an impartial speed assessment, we connected to PrivateVPN servers globally and recorded our internet speeds both pre and post-connection. This process was repeated over several days to compute an average figure. Test result (average): - Download Speed: 90 Mbps - Upload Speed: 92Mbps - Ping: 84ms - Distance: 4,000mi In terms of handling server congestion, other mentioned VPNs are equipped with 10Gbps servers in additional locations and possess more expansive server networks compared to PrivateVPN. We hope to see improvements in these areas in PrivateVPN's subsequent releases.

Consider choosing PrivateVPN if: You're seeking a cost-effective VPN for public WiFi. With the robust AES-256 encryption, PrivateVPN offers a rate of $2.00/month for its 3-year package. You are unfamiliar with VPNs. Beyond its competitive pricing, PrivateVPN provides user-friendly applications that are perfect for those new to VPN services. You might want to look elsewhere if: You're after an extensive server network. PrivateVPN’s collection of 200 servers is notably smaller compared to many of its rivals. You often link to remote servers. Our evaluations showed that connecting to distant PrivateVPN servers can lead to reduced speeds.

Test result (average):

• SPEED: To gauge IPVanish's speed metrics, we monitored the connectivity speeds between our local site and IPVanish's global VPN servers. Test result (average): - Download Speed: 82 Mbps - Upload Speed: 93Mbps - Ping: 84ms - Distance: 4,000mi Previously, our average speeds with IPVanish were impacted as it relied on the older and slower OpenVPN protocol. However, with the integration of WireGuard, IPVanish has now ascended to the ranks of the swiftest VPNs available in the market.

Consider using IPVanish if: You require a VPN solution for your Fire TV Stick or Kodi. IPVanish seamlessly integrates with Android-based Kodi systems and offers a top-notch app specifically for Fire TV Stick. You're interested in employing a SOCKS5 proxy. Apart from its swift main VPN servers, IPVanish grants access to a SOCKS5 proxy server suitable for torrenting. However, you might want to rethink using IPVanish if: You wish to switch VPN servers straight from your web browser. Unfortunately, IPVanish doesn't provide VPN extensions for browsers like Chrome or Firefox. You're aiming to overcome severe internet restrictions. IPVanish isn't successful in bypassing intense online censorship, especially in nations such as China.

Test result (average):

• SPEED: To gauge CyberGhost's efficiency, we linked up to servers across six continents, recording both upload and download speeds before and after the connection. Our test utilized a 100Mbps internet connection, mirroring a typical household internet speed. Test result (average): - Download Speed: 85 Mbps - Upload Speed: 78 Mbps - Ping: 88 ms - Distance: 4,000mi With only a 6% dip in local download speed, CyberGhost stands toe-to-toe with other leading VPNs such as ExpressVPN and IPVanish in terms of velocity.

Consider using CyberGhost if: You're seeking a free trial without the need for payment details. CyberGhost provides free trials for 24-hour, three-day, and seven-day durations across various devices. You desire a vast array of server options. CyberGhost boasts a network of 9,769 servers across 90 countries. However, CyberGhost might not be the best choice if: High-speed connections are essential to you. Lately, CyberGhost has shown variability in its speeds, particularly on long-distance connections. You mainly operate on macOS or Chromebook. CyberGhost doesn't support Chromebooks and lacks critical features on macOS, such as the OpenVPN protocol.