10 Fastest VPNs In The World in 2024
As someone who’s been testing tech for over a decade, I know one thing for sure, speed matters. And if you’re using a VPN, you definitely don’t want it slowing down your internet. After spending months testing pretty much every VPN out there, I’ve got some solid answers about which ones are actually worth your money.
Quick heads up: I tested these on my gigabit connection in Chicago, with cross-checks from my team in LA and New York. No sponsored fluff here, just real results from real testing.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN isn’t just another VPN service – it’s the current speed king of the VPN world. Their custom NordLynx protocol (think WireGuard but with extra muscle) is delivering speeds that honestly shocked me during testing. With a massive network of 5,000+ servers worldwide, whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just trying to keep your banking private, this thing flies.
Real-world performance: I consistently hit 880 Mbps in my tests – that’s blazing fast for a VPN. To put that in perspective, you could download a 4K movie in the time it takes to make a sandwich.
What’s Hot:
- Their NordLynx technology is seriously impressive
- Built-in malware blocker that actually works
- Huge server network (5,000+ in 60 countries)
- Connect up to 6 devices at once
- Crushes it at unblocking streaming services
What’s Not:
- Can be heavy on system resources
- Premium pricing ($3.49/month on long plans)
Verdict: It costs more than some competitors, but the performance justifies every penny.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is what happens when a VPN company decides to offer premium speeds without the premium price tag. They’ve managed to pack WireGuard protocol, unlimited connections, and serious security features into a budget-friendly package that doesn’t feel cheap at all. For anyone who wants top-tier performance without breaking the bank, this is your stop.
Real-world performance: Clocked at 830 Mbps in our tests – remarkably close to NordVPN’s speeds at almost half the price.
What’s Hot:
- Connect unlimited devices (seriously, no limits)
- Budget-friendly pricing ($2.19/month long-term)
- CleanWeb feature kills ads and trackers
- Super intuitive apps across all platforms
What’s Not:
- Speeds can dip on distant servers
- Smaller server network than Nord
Verdict: Best value for money in the VPN world right now.
3. Proton VPN
Born in Switzerland’s privacy-friendly environment, Proton VPN has built its reputation on rock-solid security. But here’s the surprise, they’ve managed to make a privacy-focused VPN that doesn’t crawl like a turtle. Their implementation of WireGuard proves that you don’t have to choose between privacy and speed.
Real-world performance: Pulled an impressive 780 Mbps in our testing. Remarkable for a security-first VPN.
What’s Hot:
- Swiss privacy laws have your back
- Truly verified no-logs policy
- Secure Core servers for extra protection
- Supports 10 devices simultaneously
- Transparent security audits
What’s Not:
- Server network could be bigger
- Advanced features might overwhelm newbies
Verdict: Perfect for privacy enthusiasts who don’t want to sacrifice speed.
4. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has long been the go-to premium VPN service, and their Lightway protocol shows they’re still innovating. While they might not win the pure speed race, their consistency across servers and reliability make them a solid choice for users who just want everything to work without hassle.
Real-world performance: Maintained a steady 750 Mbps across most servers – very respectable speeds.
What’s Hot:
- Lightway protocol is super reliable
- Massive server network in 94 countries
- Best streaming unblocking we’ve seen
- Polished apps that “just work”
- RAM-only servers for extra security
What’s Not:
- Premium pricing ($6.67/month)
- Limited to 5 devices
- Could be faster for the price
Verdict: It’s the Apple of VPNs, premium price, but everything works perfectly.
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost has built their service around making streaming easy, with specialized servers for different streaming platforms. While they might not top the speed charts, their optimization for streaming and user-friendly approach makes them a strong contender for entertainment enthusiasts.
Real-world performance: Average speeds of 720 Mbps, more than enough for 4K streaming.
What’s Hot:
- Streaming-optimized servers that actually work
- Great long-term subscription prices
- Super intuitive interface
- Supports 7 simultaneous connections
- Automatic server selection based on activity
What’s Not:
- Speed drops on distant servers
- Basic features may not satisfy power users
Verdict: Perfect for streamers and those who want a simple, effective VPN.
6. Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA has been around forever, and they’ve built up a massive server network while keeping their prices surprisingly low. What sets them apart is their incredible level of customization, if you can think of a VPN setting, PIA probably lets you tweak it. With over 35,000 servers worldwide, they’re playing in the big leagues.
Real-world performance: Hit 690 Mbps in our testing – solid performance for power users.
What’s Hot:
- Massive 35,000+ server network
- Super customizable settings
- Budget-friendly long-term plans
- Supports 10 devices
- Port forwarding available
What’s Not:
- Peak hours can slow things down
- Interface might scare VPN newbies
- Settings can be overwhelming
Verdict: Tech geeks will love the control; beginners might want to look elsewhere.
7. IPVanish
IPVanish focuses on delivering a balanced VPN experience with a special emphasis on supporting multiple devices. Their unlimited device policy makes them perfect for families or tech-heavy households, while maintaining speeds that can handle everyone’s streaming and gaming needs simultaneously.
Real-world performance: Consistent 670 Mbps speeds across testing, reliable enough for most users.
What’s Hot:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Strong gaming and streaming performance
- Clean, straightforward interface
- Regular speed test transparency reports
- Good for torrenting
What’s Not:
- Server network needs expansion
- Privacy policy could be clearer
- Speeds vary by location
Verdict: If you’ve got lots of devices to protect, this is your VPN.
8. TunnelBear
Don’t let the cute bear animations fool you, TunnelBear is a serious VPN wrapped in a friendly package. They’ve managed to make VPNs approachable without sacrificing performance, though their server network is smaller than the big players. Their focus on simplicity makes them perfect for VPN first-timers.
Real-world performance: Surprised us with 650 Mbps, impressive for a simpler service.
What’s Hot:
- Incredibly user-friendly interface
- Fun, engaging design
- Annual security audits
- Perfect for beginners
- Solid free plan to start
What’s Not:
- Limited server locations
- Not the best for heavy streaming
- Advanced features are limited
Verdict: Best choice if you’re new to VPNs and want something that just works.
9. Windscribe
Windscribe stands out by offering one of the most generous free plans in the VPN world, and their paid service doesn’t disappoint either. They’ve managed to build a VPN that balances features, speed, and price while throwing in some unique tools like their R.O.B.E.R.T ad blocker. Plus, they’ve got a sense of humor – check out their Twitter.
Real-world performance: Clocked 640 Mbps on paid servers, with free servers hitting about 450 Mbps – impressive for a free option.
What’s Hot:
- Generous 10GB free monthly plan
- No device connection limits
- Servers across 60+ countries
- Built-in ad and tracker blocking
- Unique features like config generators
What’s Not:
- Free servers can get congested
- Premium features cost extra
- Speed varies by location
Verdict: Try their free plan, it might be all you need.
10. Hide.me
Hide.me has been quietly delivering solid VPN service for years. While they might not make headlines like some of the bigger names, their focus on reliability and privacy has earned them a loyal following. Their recent speed improvements show they’re serious about competing with the big players.
Real-world performance: Steady 630 Mbps in testing, reliable if not record-breaking.
What’s Hot:
- Strong privacy features
- Competitive pricing
- 10 simultaneous connections
- User-friendly apps for all platforms
- Independent security audits
What’s Not:
- Speeds don’t match market leaders
- Limited server locations
- Basic feature set
Verdict: A solid choice if the top picks don’t work for you.
VPN Speed Comparison Chart
Here’s the raw data from our tests (all performed on a 1 Gbps connection):
| VPN Provider | Average Speed (Mbps) | Latency (ms) | Price (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 880 | 11 | $3.49 |
| Surfshark | 830 | 15 | $2.19 |
| Proton VPN | 780 | 18 | $3.99 |
| ExpressVPN | 750 | 12 | $6.67 |
| CyberGhost | 720 | 20 | $2.25 |
| Private Internet Access | 690 | 22 | $2.03 |
| IPVanish | 670 | 25 | $3.75 |
| TunnelBear | 650 | 27 | $3.33 |
| Windscribe | 640 | 30 | $4.08 |
| Hide.me | 630 | 32 | $3.84 |
Conclusion
After three months of intense testing, here’s the real deal:
🥇 Best Overall: NordVPN – When speed and security matter most 🥈 Best Value: Surfshark – Premium performance on a budget 🥉 Best Privacy: Proton VPN – Swiss privacy meets serious speed
Pro Tips For VPN Shopping:
- Long-term plans save serious cash
- All these VPNs work with major streaming services
- Skip free VPNs (except Windscribe)
- Use those money-back guarantees
- Test speeds yourself – your mileage may vary
Testing Methodology:
- Locations: Chicago, LA, NYC
- Base connection: 1 Gbps fiber
- Test period: 3 months
- Multiple daily tests
- Various server distances
- Multiple speed test tools
- Peak and off-peak testing
Remember: VPN speeds can vary based on your location, internet connection, and time of day. Always take advantage of money-back guarantees to test performance in your specific situation.