Fastest VPN of 2024
Based on our years of experience testing VPNs for privacy, usability, and speed, these are the most important factors to consider when purchasing a fast VPN:
Speed
If you’re looking for the fastest VPN, speed is obviously your most important consideration. There are many VPNs that struggle with speeds and can slow down your internet by 50% or more. Look for a VPN that only slows down your speed by 20% or less.
Privacy
Privacy is a key consideration for any VPN, regardless of speed performance. The VPNs we’ve highlighted above all deliver top-notch privacy combined with fast speeds, so you get the best of both worlds with any of our recommended options. Look for basic privacy protections like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy (preferably audited and/or tested in the wild). Other privacy features to look out for include obfuscation, multi-hop connections, and Tor over VPN.
Protocols
Some VPN protocols can deliver faster speeds than others. We recommend using the OpenVPN protocol for the best combination of speed and security. If you want to get the most speed out of your VPN, you can use a lightweight protocol like WireGuard or your VPN provider’s own (usually WireGuard-based) VPN protocol.
Server network
You want a VPN service that has a large network of servers worldwide. This will help ensure that you have access to fast, stable VPN connections no matter where you are. Generally speaking, around 75 server locations and up is a decent network. Some VPNs even have servers in 100 or more countries. The most important thing you want in your VPN’s network is servers that are located close to where you are or where you plan to travel. If a VPN only has servers in 50 countries, but covers all the regions you plan to use, then its server network should be sufficient.
Cost
If you’re on a budget, the overall value of your VPN is an important consideration. If you want the biggest savings, opt for an annual plan, which will generally give you more bang for your buck in the long run than a monthly subscription. A budget-friendly VPN can cost around $40 to $60 per year, while a more expensive VPN can cost you over $100 per year.
