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Our team analysed 16 VPN providers with 33 factors such as transparent pricing, number of server locations, the number of devices it can cover, access to customer support and customer ratings to organise this list of the fastest VPN services. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
How do VPN providers stack up?
The below table shows the results of our tests among some of the leading VPN providers. Find more about how we carried out the tests and what they entailed, below.
| Company | Average Download Speed | Average Upload Speed | Download Latency | Upload Latency | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | LEARN MORE | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No VPN | 130mbps | 33.1mbps | 36.2ms | 42.7ms | N/A | |||||||||
| NordVPN | 126mbps | 30mbps | 42.2ms | 35.1ms | Learn More | On NordVPN’s Website | ||||||||
| Surfshark | 127mbps | 28.6mbps | 51.5ms | 37.5ms | Learn More | On Surfshark’s Website | ||||||||
| Private Internet Access | 96.7mbps | 29.7mbps | 53.9ms | 42.8ms | Learn More | On Privateinternetaccess.com’s Website | ||||||||
| CyberGhost | 98.3mbps | 26.2mbps | 59.8ms | 29.1ms | Learn More | On CyberGhost’s Website | ||||||||
| ExpressVPN | 117mbps | 28.2mbps | 60.9ms | 40.9ms | Learn More | On ExpressVPN’s Website | ||||||||
| ProtonVPN | 100mbps | 30.32mbps | 45.2ms | 38.5ms | Learn More | On ProtonVPN’s Website | ||||||||
| Torguard VPN | 95.2mbps | 30mbps | 90ms | 49.9ms | View More | |||||||||
| TunnelBear | 94.4mbps | 28.2mbps | 70ms | 48.9ms | View More | |||||||||
| hide.me | 91mbps | 26.9mbps | 28.6ms | 28.7ms | View More | |||||||||
| VPN Unlimited | 95.3mbps | 27.6mbps | 44.2ms | 28.7ms | View More | |||||||||
| Methodology: Our VPN speed comparison is tested on a Windows 11 machine using Cloudflare’s publicly available speed test. VPN services are connected to the nearest possible server. Speeds are updated weekly (last updated August 28, 2023 at 10:30 UTC). | ||||||||||||||
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Best for Security Features
NordVPN
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
No; Panama
On NordVPN's Website
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
No; Panama
Why We Picked It
In our search for the fastest VPNs, NordVPN’s performance stood out from the crowd. Its consistent high-speed performance was impressive, making it ideal for everything from streaming to large file downloads. It’s not just the speed that impressed us, but the host of security features that comes with it. The inclusion of a kill switch, which disconnects your internet should the VPN connection drop, is a testament to NordVPN’s commitment to user security.
The user-friendly interface was another highlight of our experience with NordVPN. Adding users was a breeze, allowing even those with minimal technical experience to manage their VPN connections with ease.
However, even though NordVPN offers exceptional speed and an array of impressive features, there are a few points that might give potential users pause. The complexity of the service, while beneficial for those seeking advanced features, may be overwhelming for beginners. Although we found the interface to be user-friendly, the multitude of settings and features may require a learning curve for some users. NordVPN, while offering good value for the range of features it provides, may not be the most budget-friendly option on the market.
Learn more: Read our full NordVPN review.
Who should use it:
NordVPN is ideal for anyone seeking a speedy and secure VPN service. It’s particularly suitable for individuals who prioritise privacy and security, thanks to its kill switch feature and non-Five Eyes jurisdiction.
Pros & Cons
- High-speed performance, ideal for streaming and large file downloads
- Kill switch and split tunnelling features for enhanced security and flexibility
- Quick to set up, both initially and with each login
- Can establish presets for quick launching
- There are more budget-friendly options
- Some of its settings have a bit of a learning curve
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Best for Multi-Device Users
Surfshark
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
No; Netherlands (which is part of Nine and Fourteen Eyes)
Via Surfshark's Secure Website
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
No; Netherlands (which is part of Nine and Fourteen Eyes)
Why We Picked It
One of Surfshark’s standout features is its support for unlimited devices. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-device users and large households where several devices need VPN protection simultaneously. With servers in over 100 countries, Surfshark also offers extensive geographical coverage, allowing users to bypass geo-restrictions with ease.
The service’s MultiHop feature, which routes traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy, and the CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads, trackers and malware, are noteworthy for improving online experiences. Surfshark’s acceptance of crypto payments and RAM-only servers for faster connections reflect its commitment to privacy and performance.
However, potential users should note that Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliances. While Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy, its location might be a concern for users seeking the highest level of privacy. Furthermore, while Surfshark’s interface is generally user-friendly, its multitude of features might seem overwhelming to beginners.
Learn more: Read our full Surfshark review.
Who should use it:
Surfshark is an excellent choice for multi-device users and those who require VPN protection across several devices simultaneously.
Pros & Cons
- Support for unlimited devices
- Servers in over 100 countries
- Has RAM-only servers for fast speeds
- HQ in a country that’s part of Nine and Fourteen Eyes alliance
- Advanced features might be confusing for beginners
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Best for Customisation
Private Internet Access
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
Yes; United States
On Privateinternetaccess.com's Website
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
Yes; United States
Why We Picked It
Private Internet Access (PIA) impressed us with its extensive customisation options and unique features. With the addition of a dedicated IP and advanced split tunnelling, users have a high degree of control over their online experience. PIA’s support for the WireGuard protocol, renowned for its speed and security, is another major plus.
Users can scrutinise and verify its source code, ensuring there are no hidden elements that can compromise security. PIA also accepts anonymous payments through cryptocurrency and third-party gift cards, further emphasising its commitment to user privacy.
However, as feature-rich as PIA is, there are a few points of concern. The service is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes alliance, which might be a concern for users seeking the highest level of privacy. Moreover, while the range of features and customisation options is a boon for advanced users, beginners might find PIA’s interface a bit complex to navigate.
Learn more: Read our full Private Internet Access review.
Who should use it:
Private Internet Access is a great choice for users seeking a high level of customisation in their VPN service.
Editor’s Note: It is worth mentioning that, despite their competitive prices and robust features, some in the cybersecurity community have reservations about CyberGhost, ExpressVPN and PIA, which are all owned by Kape Technologies. Formerly known as “Crossrider,” the company gained infamy for creating and operating a platform that was used for injecting adware. Kape Technologies has repeatedly stood by the integrity of its VPNs, but consumers should keep this information in mind if they are especially wary of privacy.
Pros & Cons
- Dedicated IP
- Advanced split tunnelling
- Pay with cryptocurrency and gift cards
- Located in a Five Eyes country
- Some users may experience inconsistent speeds depending on their location and server selection
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Best for User-Friendly Interface
CyberGhost
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
No; Romania, though it may be subject to NATO surveillance
On CyberGhost's Secure Website
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
No; Romania, though it may be subject to NATO surveillance
Why We Picked It
CyberGhost has a clear and simple interface, allowing even the less tech-savvy to navigate with ease. Being headquartered in Romania, a country outside the Five Eyes alliance, it provides an added layer of privacy assurance. CyberGhost does not compromise on speed, offering swift connections vital for streaming, gaming or handling large data transfers.
It maintains a high server count spread across the globe, improving the likelihood of achieving high-speed connections close to a user’s location. Furthermore, CyberGhost adheres to a strict no-logs policy, adding another pillar to its privacy-focused framework.
Learn more: Read our full CyberGhost review.
Who should use it:
Those seeking a fast and efficient VPN experience that balances ease of use with strong privacy measures.
Editor’s Note: It is worth mentioning that, despite their competitive prices and robust features, some in the cybersecurity community have reservations about CyberGhost, ExpressVPN and PIA, which are all owned by Kape Technologies. Formerly known as “Crossrider,” the company gained infamy for creating and operating a platform that was used for injecting adware. Kape Technologies has repeatedly stood by the integrity of its VPNs, but consumers should keep this information in mind if they are especially wary of privacy.
Pros & Cons
- High server count for improved connection speed and proximity
- Simple to set up and manage, enhancing overall user experience
- Strict no-logs policy fortifies user privacy
- Limited advanced setting options could deter some power users
- Lacks specialised server options compared to competitors
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Best for Global Coverage
ExpressVPN
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
Yes, British Virgin Islands
On ExpressVPN's Secure Website
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
Yes, British Virgin Islands
Why We Picked It
ExpressVPN offers great global coverage because of its substantial server locations across 94 countries. This coverage allows users to access region-specific content with little hindrance. Unique to many VPN provider, ExpressVPN’s Aircove router is the first Wi-Fi 6 router with built-in VPN protection. It not only secures conventional devices but also smart home appliances and gaming consoles. This router’s Wi-Fi range can cover an entire home, accommodating multiple devices without a compromise on performance.
Aircove is designed for simplified setup, allowing any device to gain VPN protection merely by connecting to the Wi-Fi. The router facilitates connection to multiple VPN locations simultaneously, catering to varying requirements of different devices. Advanced protection features such as threat management, ad-blocking and parental controls provide added layers of security.
Learn more: Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Who should use it:
Tech-savvy individuals looking for broad global coverage and advanced security features for multiple devices.
Editor’s Note: It is worth mentioning that, despite their competitive prices and robust features, some in the cybersecurity community have reservations about CyberGhost, ExpressVPN and PIA, which are all owned by Kape Technologies. Formerly known as “Crossrider,” the company gained infamy for creating and operating a platform that was used for injecting adware. Kape Technologies has repeatedly stood by the integrity of its VPNs, but consumers should keep this information in mind if they are especially wary of privacy.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive global coverage with server locations in 94 countries
- Innovative Aircove router offers built-in VPN for a multitude of devices
- Advanced security features including threat management, ad-blocking, and parental controls
- If buying an Aircove, an active subscription is required for VPN features
- Multiple VPN connections could potentially impact bandwidth
- Located in a Five Eyes country
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Best for Privacy-Conscious Users
Proton VPN
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
No, Switzerland
On ProtonVPN's Secure Website
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
No, Switzerland
Why We Picked It
Proton VPN emerged as our top pick for users prioritising privacy and security. Its location in Switzerland, a country known for its strong privacy laws and outside of the Five Eyes jurisdiction, is a significant advantage. Additionally, Proton VPN’s strict no-logs policy reassures users that their online activities are not tracked or recorded.
With servers in over 60 countries, Proton VPN provides wide geographical coverage, offering flexibility and ease for users who want to bypass geo-restrictions. Notable features including Tor over VPN, DNS leak protection and forward secrecy further enhance user security, making Proton VPN a robust choice for those seeking comprehensive online protection.
Proton VPN also offers unique features such as the NetShield ad blocker and alternative routing. NetShield blocks ads, trackers and malware across the entire internet connection, while alternative routing is a method used to bypass network censorship.
However, potential users should note that while Proton VPN’s focus on security and privacy is commendable, it could come at the cost of speed if you’re using a lot of bandwidth. Heavy streaming and gaming might not be as smooth as with some other VPN services. Also, while the service offers a host of advanced features, beginners may find its interface a bit complex to navigate initially.
Learn more: Read our full Proton VPN review.
Who should use it:
Proton VPN is an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users and those who require robust security features. Its strong privacy protocols and advanced security features make it a strong contender for users seeking secure internet access.
Pros & Cons
- Has servers in over 60 countries
- Strict privacy policies
- Tor over VPN
- Offers alternative routing
- Not as user-friendly
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Best for Advanced Users
TorGuard VPN
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
Yes; United States
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
Yes; United States
Why We Picked It
TorGuard VPN caught our attention with its feature-rich offering and emphasis on customisation. The service boasts unlimited speeds and unlimited bandwidth, a standout feature that ensures a seamless, uninterrupted online experience. In addition, TorGuard offers a choice between OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2, allowing users to pick the protocol that best suits their needs.
With over 3,000 servers, TorGuard ensures a reliable, global connection. This extensive network can help users bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy a smooth connection almost anywhere in the world. However, it’s worth noting that streaming is only available with the Pro version, a limitation that might be a deal-breaker for some.
Despite TorGuard’s remarkable features, potential users should consider a few caveats. For starters, the service is based in the United States, a Five Eyes country, which could potentially impact user privacy. Furthermore, while the service is feature-rich, its interface might be overwhelming for VPN novices. TorGuard is designed with advanced users in mind, and beginners might find its array of options and settings challenging to navigate.
Who should use it:
TorGuard VPN is an excellent choice for advanced users seeking a VPN service with a multitude of options and a high degree of customisation. Its unlimited speeds and bandwidth make it suitable for heavy internet users, while its wide range of protocols caters to various security needs.
Pros & Cons
- Offers unlimited speeds and unlimited bandwidth
- Supports multiple protocols
- More than 3,000 servers
- Located in a Five Eyes country
- Can only stream with Pro version or higher
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Best for Beginners
TunnelBear
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
Yes; Canada
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
Yes; Canada
Why We Picked It
TunnelBear stood out in our review for its simplicity and user-friendly design, making it an excellent choice for VPN novices. The service features a fun, bear-themed interface that is both intuitive and visually appealing. Its easy setup process and straightforward features make it a great option for those new to VPNs.
The inclusion of a kill switch and split tunnelling features is a testament to TunnelBear’s commitment to security. The kill switch ensures it cuts your internet connection off if the VPN connection drops, providing an additional layer of security. The split tunnelling feature, on the other hand, allows you to control which apps use the VPN connection and which do not. This provides flexibility and control over your internet usage.
However, despite its ease of use and robust security features, TunnelBear does have a few drawbacks to consider. The most significant of these is that TunnelBear is based in Canada, a Five Eyes country. This means that the company may be required to share user data with government agencies. While TunnelBear has a strong privacy policy stating it doesn’t log user activity, this may still be a concern for users seeking the highest level of privacy.
Who should use it:
TunnelBear is a great choice for beginners or anyone seeking a user-friendly VPN service. Its simple interface and straightforward features make it easy to navigate, even for those with no prior VPN experience.
Pros & Cons
- User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners
- Easy setup process, making it simple to add users and manage settings
- Servers in 47 countries
- Located in a Five Eyes country
- While the interface is intuitive, it might be overly simplistic for advanced users seeking more control over their VPN settings
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Best for Gaming and Streaming
hide.me
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
No, Malaysia
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
No, Malaysia
Why We Picked It
The hide.me VPN caught our attention with its impressive suite of features geared towards improving online gaming and streaming experiences. With support for WireGuard, a protocol known for its superior speed and security, hide.me ensures a fast and reliable connection that’s essential for these high-bandwidth activities.
The service’s MultiHop feature, which routes traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy and security, and its ability to avoid ISP throttling by bypassing UDP for TCP traffic (available for Windows users) contribute to a smooth and uninterrupted online experience. This, combined with features such as IP leak protection, IPv6 support and uncensored DNS, makes hide.me a comprehensive choice for privacy and security.
The Stealth Guard feature from hide.me, which allows specific apps to only work when connected to the VPN, further enhances user security. Being based in Malaysia, a country outside the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes alliance, adds an extra layer of privacy assurance.
Despite its robust feature set, hide.me might not be for everyone. While it is excellent for gaming and streaming, users primarily seeking a VPN for other purposes might find other services more tailored to their needs. Additionally, while the service is feature-rich, beginners might find its interface a bit complex to navigate.
Who should use it:
For gamers and streamers, hide.me is an excellent choice. Its high-speed connections, ISP throttling avoidance and robust security features ensure a smooth and secure online experience.
Pros & Cons
- Supports WireGuard protocol
- Has MultiHop and Stealth Guard
- Based in Malaysia, outside of Five Eyes jurisdiction
- A little more of a learning curve than other VPNs
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Best for Unlocking Geo-Restricted Content
VPN Unlimited/KeepSolid
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
Yes; United States
Kill Switch
Yes
Split Tunnelling
Yes
Five Eyes Country
Yes; United States
Why We Picked It
VPN Unlimited stands out with its extensive server coverage across the globe. With more than 3,000 high-speed servers in over 80 locations, the service provides impressive geographic diversity. VPN Unlimited is a great option for people who need to access content from different parts of the world because it allows them to easily bypass geo-restrictions.
The ability to choose a preferred location for optimal performance is another strong selling point. This feature not only enhances connection speeds but also provides a more tailored VPN experience. The service’s user interface is intuitive, making it simple to switch between servers and settings.
However, despite its impressive server coverage and user-friendly interface, VPN Unlimited is based in the United States, a Five Eyes country. While the service maintains a strict no-logs policy, the jurisdiction might be a concern for users seeking the highest level of privacy.
Who should use it:
VPN Unlimited is a solid choice for users who value geographic diversity and need to bypass geo-restrictions frequently. Its extensive server coverage and the ability to choose preferred locations make it particularly suited for users who require a high degree of flexibility in their VPN usage.
Pros & Cons
- Over 3,000 high-speed servers across 80-plus locations
- The ability to choose a preferred location for optimal performance and access to geo-restricted content
- User-friendly interface that makes server switching and setting adjustments easy
- Located in a Five Eyes country
- Some advanced features found in other VPNs might be missing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do VPNs slow my internet down?
VPNs can slow down your internet speed due to the process they use to secure your data. When you connect to a VPN, your data is encrypted and sent through a secure tunnel to the VPN server, which can add latency and decrease speed. The impact on speed can also depend on the distance to the VPN server – the further the server, the slower the connection.
Does a VPN change my IP address?
Yes, a VPN does change your IP address. When you connect to a VPN, it routes your internet traffic through a server in a location of your choice. This server provides you with a new IP address, which will appear to websites and online services as the source of your traffic. This can help mask your actual location and make your online activity more private.
Can I be tracked if I use a VPN?
Using a VPN significantly increases your online privacy, but it doesn’t make you entirely anonymous. While a VPN can conceal your IP address and scramble your online activity, making it difficult for anyone to view your online activities, other means, such as browser cookies or VPN provider logs, can still track you. Always use a reputable, no-log VPN for the best privacy protection, and remember that if you’re conducting illegal activity via a VPN, you can still be found.
Is a fast VPN safe?
A VPN can be both fast and safe, but strong encryption can increase latency, which is the time between your computer making a request and the web browser delivering on that request.
On the other hand, a VPN could speed your connection if your internet service provider (ISP) were, for whatever reason, throttling down your speed.
Most major VPNs use AES-256 encryption, which is the standard trusted by security experts and used by national security organisations.
While there is a trade-off between speed and security, many major VPN providers promise fast and safe web browsing.
What causes certain VPNs to be slow?
Assuming your internet connection without using a VPN isn’t slow, there are many technical reasons why some VPNs are slower than others.
A major factor in the speed of your connection when using a VPN is the physical distance between your computer and the VPN server you’re using to connect to the website you’re visiting. Choosing a server in France, for example, is likely to be faster than one in Turkey.
There’s also the amount of traffic going through your chosen server. Overcrowded servers tend to result in slower connections. VPN providers with higher numbers of servers are therefore less likely to experience overcrowding.
Encryption standards can also affect speed. An AES-128 encrypted connection can be faster than an AES-256 encrypted connection, but there’s an obvious trade-off between speed and security here, as the former is less secure.
VPN providers sometimes use different VPN protocols, some of which are faster than others. The UDP (OpenVPN) protocol, for example, is almost always quicker than the TCP (OpenVPN) protocol.
How do I speed up my VPN connection?
If your broadband connection isn’t fast enough to begin with, you might consider switching to a provider or tariff with faster speeds. After that, you might want to connect over a wired, Ethernet connection rather than a wireless wifi connection.
Assuming you’re already happy with your broadband speed, you could try one or more of the following steps:
- Connect to a server that is physically closer to the UK
- Choose a VPN with less robust encryption (while being aware this could compromise security)
- Choose a VPN that uses the UDP (OpenVPN) protocol
- Consider split-tunnelling, which selectively routes some traffic through your VPN but all of it.
