A Virtual Private Network (VPN) has become an essential tool for many internet users who want to protect their privacy and security online. With cybercrimes on the rise, using a VPN is one of the best ways to keep your data safe when browsing the internet.
In this post, we will discuss what a VPN is, the benefits of using one, common myths about VPNs, and provide an overview of the 5 Best VPN Apps we recommend to use in 2024. We’ll highlight the key features and pros/cons of each service to help you determine which is the best VPN app for your needs.
What is a VPN?
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, hiding your IP address and online activity from your internet service provider, the websites you visit, and anyone else snooping on your connection. This allows you to browse the web anonymously and access content restricted to certain regions.
Some key benefits of using a VPN include:
- Enhanced privacy and anonymity online
- Ability to access restricted content and websites
- Protection from hackers on public WiFi networks
- Bypasses internet censorship and surveillance
- Encrypts your internet traffic to keep data secure
There are a lot of myths out there about VPNs too. VPNs do not make you completely anonymous online nor do they protect you from all cyberattacks. But they are an important tool for enhancing your privacy and security.
The 5 Best VPN Apps to Use in 2024
Now let’s dive into the 5 Best VPN Apps we recommend for 2024:
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN providers, known for its speed, security, and privacy features. It offers over 5,200 servers across 60 countries. Some key features include:
- Strict no-logs policy
- Uses AES 256-bit encryption
- Allows P2P traffic
- Has specialty servers for streaming like Netflix
- Supports up to 6 devices simultaneously
- Apps for all major platforms
The pros of NordVPN are its large server network, fast speeds, and reliability. Downsides are that it’s more expensive than some competitors and the apps can be tricky to navigate.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a fast, secure, and easy-to-use VPN service. It offers 3,000+ servers in 160 locations across 94 countries. Highlights include:
- Uses trusted 256-bit encryption
- Unlimited bandwidth and speed
- Allows torrenting & Netflix access
- Has split-tunneling and kill switch features
- Supports up to 5 devices simultaneously
- User-friendly apps
The pros are its excellent speeds, range of server locations, and intuitive apps. Cons are the higher pricing and lack of advanced configuration options.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a newer VPN known for providing affordable plans packed with features. It has over 3,200 servers in 65 countries. Notable aspects include:
- Uses AES-256 encryption
- Allows unlimited device connections
- Includes ad, tracker and malware blocking
- Has multihop & whitelisting options
- Apps available for all platforms
- Comes with a 30-day money back guarantee
The pros are the low pricing, unlimited connections, and good speeds. Potential downsides are its small server network and lack of live chat support.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost is focused on anonymity and unblocking streaming sites like Netflix. It has over 7,400 servers worldwide. Key features:
- Uses AES 256-bit encryption
- Has servers optimized for streaming
- Allows torrenting and P2P traffic
- Includes ad blocking and anti-tracking
- Apps available for all major platforms
- 45-day money back guarantee
Top advantages are its ability to unblock streaming sites, extensive server network, and competitive pricing. Drawbacks are slower speeds and clunky desktop apps.
Windscribe
Windscribe is a free VPN that also offers affordable premium plans. It has servers in over 60 countries worldwide. Key features include:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- Allows P2P traffic
- Browser extensions available
- Offers a free plan with 10GB/month
- No activity logs are kept
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
The pros of Windscribe are its free tier, P2P support, and no-logs policy. Downsides are inconsistent speeds, limited features on the free plan, and a smaller server network compared to premium VPNs.
Comparison Chart
| VPN | Speed | Pricing | Server Locations | Simultaneous Connections | Unique Features |
| NordVPN | Very Fast | $3.29/month for 2-year plan | 60+ countries | 6 devices | Double VPN, Obfuscated servers |
| ExpressVPN | Extremely Fast | $8.32/month for 6-month plan | 94 countries | 5 devices | Split-tunneling, TrustedServer technology |
| Surfshark | Fast | $2.21/month for 2-year plan | 65 countries | Unlimited devices | Whitelister, MultiHop |
| CyberGhost | Average | $2.25/month for 3-year plan | 90+ countries | 7 devices | Dedicated streaming servers |
| Windscribe | Average | $2.19/month for 2-year plan | 60 countries | 10 devices | Free tier, P2P support, and no-logs policy |
Verdict
While no VPN service is completely bulletproof, using one of these top-rated VPNs for 2024 can provide you with a significant level of online privacy, security, and anonymity. Make sure to select one that aligns with your budget, required features, and device needs.
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We recommend giving NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark a try first since they have proven speed, security, and reliability. But be sure to take advantage of the money-back guarantees many VPNs offer so you can easily switch if you’re not satisfied.
The bottom line is that utilizing a trusted VPN like the ones mentioned above will help keep you and your devices protected in 2024 and beyond as cybersecurity threats continue to evolve.
