Best VPNs for browsing the web privately 2024

We’re always watching out for your privacy – but when it comes to the internet, it’s really hard to have any privacy. That is – unless you use a VPN.

A VPN is a Virtual Private Network and they’re becoming more commonly used than ever. VPNs are helpful for both advanced and novice tech users.

 

Best VPNs in 2024

ExpressVPN – Best VPN Overall

Express VPN has everything to offer. It uses AES-256 encryption to protect your online privacy. It is also the fastest VPN we’ve tested and has servers in over 105 countries.

 

See full review ⬇

 

Surfshark – Best Inexpensive VPN

Surfshark offers unbeatable value with top-notch security features and blazing-fast speeds. With over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, an audited no-logs policy, and coverage for unlimited devices, it’s perfect for streaming, privacy, and more. Plus,

 

See full review ⬇

 

NordVPN

See full review ⬇

 

Why do you need a VPN?

If you’re using your laptop or mobile device to browse online at a coffee shop, you’re putting your personal information in jeopardy. A VPN can ensure that your connection is safe and your data is encrypted. Secure connections in public places are only guaranteed these days by using a VPN.

For the more technically savvy, using a VPN can help you bypass geographical restrictions. That means you can watch Italian Netflix while living in the U.S., or access your remote work while in a different country.

 

 

 

6 Reasons to Use a VPN

A VPN can help you remain anonymous online by masking your IP address and location.
VPNs add a layer of enhanced security by scrambling your internet traffic to prevent your personal data from falling into the hands of hackers, advertisers, or other third parties.
VPNs prevent Internet service providers from monitoring your online activity.
VPNs offer a way around geo-fencing blocks. That’s the technology that can tell where you are located geographically when not protected by a VPN. Some websites, especially streaming providers like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc only offer certain programming in certain countries based on licensing agreements. In case you are wondering how to unblock Netflix in your location, VPN is the answer. In other words, you can watch programming and streaming services anywhere on the internet away from home with a VPN that connects back to your home region. Many people use VPN to watch TV shows and movies that are not available in their country.
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Some ISPs may throttle your internet connection if they detect that you are using certain types of services or applications. A VPN can help prevent this by encrypting your traffic and making it difficult for your ISP to detect what you are doing online. They can help increase your connection speeds, especially if your Internet provider decides to throttle down your speed at times when it’s busy online. Interesting fact: some countries, such as China, Russia, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Turkey, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Belarus, and North Korea forbid their usage altogether. Some ISPs may also throttle your bandwidth if you use too much data. A VPN can help prevent this by encrypting your traffic and making it difficult for your ISP to detect how much data you are using.

 

 

Our Top VPN Picks

Here are our top picks for VPN software:

 

ExpressVPN – Best VPN Overall

Fast. Secure. Reliable. ExpressVPN has everything you need to enhance your online anonymity and privacy. Not only that, with ExpressVPN you can beat the geo-fencing blocks and access sites and content otherwise unavailable in your country, including other countries’ Netflix libraries. Come take a look at all the reasons why we rate ExpressVPN #1.

Right now, CyberGuy readers can get 49% off on their annual plan.  All plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Click here to save 49%!

PROS

  • The fastest and most reliable VPN
  • Quick and simple set up – takes less than 2 minutes
  • Ultra-fast servers in 105 countries
  • Available on every device including iOS, Mac, Android, Windows, router, Linux, web browser and more
  • Connect 8 devices simultaneously
  • P2P support
  • Top-notch privacy setting with “no log” policy
    • Doesn’t collect user data including your activity or connection data;
    • Won’t log your IP address, browsing history, traffic destination or metadata, or DNS queries.
    • All servers run only on RAM so your data is never stored on a hard drive
  • Full money-back guarantee within 30 days
  • Excellent customer service – 24/7 live chat with real person

CONS

  • Price – but you get what you paid for!

 

Express VPN’s industry-first TrustedServer technology allows their servers to run on RAM only. This guarantees all software and data on a server is wiped on reboot, significantly minimizing any risk of servers could containing sensitive user information. Its in-house next-generation VPN protocol, Lightway gives you a faster, more reliable, and more secure VPN experience. The core codebase of Lightway has been open-sourced and is available on GitHub.

ExpressVPN is constantly going above and beyond to protect its users. And we’ve got an example of this.  When the massive Log4J vulnerability shook the internet, ExpressVPN was the first VPN to deploy a wide-scale consumer mitigation tool for the Log4J bug.

 

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Surfshark – Best Inexpensive VPN

Surfshark stands out as one of the most versatile VPNs available today. It delivers top-notch performance, strong security features, an audited no-logs policy, and a range of premium options, all at an affordable price. This makes it an easy choice for the best value-for-money VPN on the market.

PROS

  • The fastest VPN around
  • Audited no-logs policy
  • 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
  • Unlimited device coverage
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Perfect streaming scores

CONS

  • No forever-free version
  • No password manager included

COVERAGE

  • Covers unlimited devices
  • Available for Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, and more

CYBERGUY DEALS

 

 

 

 

NordVPN – Best VPN for fast browsing

PROS

  • Offers CyberSec which preventatively blocks ads and malicious websites, and looks out for phishing scams
  • Has over 6,300 servers
  • You can share your VPN with someone as you actively use it
  • Has kill switch

CONS

  • No free trial
  • Priced higher than other VPN packages

COVERAGE

  • You can set up Nord VPN on up to 6 simultaneous connections at a time.
  • Available for iOS, Windows, Mac, and Android

CYBERGUY DEAL

Save 74% and pay $3.59 a month for 2 years + 3 months FREE.

 

 

Be sure to check out my picks for Best Antivirus Software in 2024 including, TotalAV, our winning Antivirus protection pick.

 

 

 

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