The Most Secure VPNs 2024 (2024)

Choosing a secure virtual private network (VPN) is critical for protecting your online privacy. NordVPN is the top leader due to its exceptional encryption protocols, overall reliability, and premium security features.

NordVPN is closely followed by Private Internet Access (PIA), which may be a suitable option if you're on a budget. Meanwhile, Proton VPN provides a path to privacy by not having your identity connected to your account at all.

Read on to learn more about the best VPN services available.

The most secure VPNs

• NordVPN: Best for premium security
• Proton VPN: Best for ultimate privacy
• Private Internet Access: Best for affordable security

Top 3 most secure VPNs compared

NordVPN: Best for premium security

Who it’s best for

NordVPN is best for people looking for an ultra-secure VPN that’s equipped with numerous security features designed to protect your data and devices. It offers high speeds without compromising your encrypted internet connection.

What we liked

NordVPN has everything you need in a secure VPN — including strong protocols, an independently verified no-logs policy, and a stellar reputation. NordVPN offers several other tools to protect your digital life. Some of these tools include:

• Malware protection
• Tracker and ad blocker
• Password manager
• Dark web scanning
• Encrypted cloud storage
• Identity theft recovery
• Cyber extortion protection

Additionally, NordVPN passed all of our tests for speed, security, and unblocking Netflix, making NordVPN a rock-solid choice for anyone looking for a secure VPN.

What we didn’t like

NordVPN covers up to only six devices, which may make it unsuitable for large households. Another consideration is that there are many plans available, each offering different security features. We love variety, but it can get a little overwhelming to find the right one for you.

NordVPN specs

Proton VPN: Best for ultimate privacy

Who it’s best for

Proton VPN is best for people who prioritize their privacy. This VPN provider is Swiss-based and has strict data privacy laws. It's also easy to use and offers a free version (with limited server access). However, some people may find Proton VPN a bit pricey.

What we liked

You can purchase and use ProtonVPN while never providing your email address or payment information, which can be linked back to you. This is ideal for people looking to avoid putting their identity on the internet.

To sign up anonymously, you'll need to create a Proton Mail account or a Proton Pass email alias. Then you can use bitcoin (which can't be traced back to you) to get Proton credits to buy the Proton VPN service.

In addition to its privacy-focused user experience, Proton VPN offers several secure features, such as strong protocols, an audited no-logs policy, and support for both torrenting and port forwarding.

We can also recommend the free Proton VPN. Oftentimes, free VPNs are actually collecting and selling your data to make money. However, Proton VPN uses its sales to support the free version, and there are no ads while using it. The free version offers only a limited number of servers, so you may want to upgrade to get the full experience.

What we didn’t like

Surprisingly, Proton VPN is the most expensive VPN on this list. Even still, the privacy-focused VPN may be worth its value to you.

Proton VPN specs

Private Internet Access (PIA): Best for affordable security

Who it’s best for

Private Internet Access (PIA) is best for security-minded individuals looking to save money on a VPN. PIA has all the security features you need in a secure VPN, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and torrenting support. Did we mention that you can connect an unlimited number of devices with no bandwidth restrictions?

What we liked

PIA checks our list of important security tools that protect your data. It has a kill switch, multi-hop, and split tunneling features to customize the encrypted protection of your online browsing. PIA also uses strong protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN for strong encryption and can successfully hide your IP address.

Beyond its strong security features, PIA is also a good option for torrenting. Every server can handle P2P file sharing, and you can also enable port forwarding. For the technically inclined, PIA is a good option for privacy and security.

PIA provides all of these features at an affordable price. If you’re budget-conscious, PIA may be a good choice to protect your internet connection.

What we didn’t like

PIA is headquartered in the United States, a partner of the Five Eyes Alliance, a group involved in mass surveillance. But VPNs are legal, and PIA has a clear privacy policy that outlines how it handles your data and an independently verified no-logs policy.

PIA specs

Honorable mentions

It was a tight race to determine the top three secure VPNs, but there are others that may be a better fit considering your budget, number of household devices, and security needs. Based on our research and testing, we’d also recommend any of the following secure VPNs:

• Surfshark: Surfshark is an affordable VPN with premium security features. With 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, you can connect to pretty much anywhere in the world. However, despite having P2P servers, it doesn't provide much torrenting guidance.

  Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

• ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN passes our speed and security tests for a secure VPN. It uses OpenVPN and its own Lightway protocols for security and reliability. However, it's often the most expensive VPN option and may not be a fit for your budget.

  Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

• CyberGhost: CyberGhost has all the core features of a secure VPN, including a kill switch, a verified no-logs policy, and high-quality protocols. It's an affordable option with a 45-day money-back guarantee. However, it didn't quite make our list since split tunneling is available only on Android.

  Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

How we tested the best VPNs for the Most Secure VPNs

There were a number of factors we considered when choosing the VPNs that were the most secure. Beyond our essential speed and security testing, we also evaluated each VPN for the following:

• Kill switch: A kill switch will automatically stop your internet connection if your VPN stops working. It prevents the accidental exposure of your data. We made sure our recommended VPNs had a kill switch included.
• Independently verified no-logs policy: It's one thing to say you don't store customer information, it's another thing to let a third party verify that claim. Our recommended VPNs have their no-logs policy independently verified.
• Strong encryption and protocols: Military-grade encryption and secure VPN protocols are must-haves.
• Torrenting support: We prioritized VPNs that allow P2P sharing and torrenting and provided guides on how to set it up. These are essential features for privacy-focused individuals. Bonus points if the VPN allows port forwarding.
• Transparent privacy policy: VPNs need a clear privacy policy regarding what data they collect and how it is used and stored.
• Commitment to user privacy: We ensured VPN providers were dedicated to ensuring user privacy and had clear data policies and third-party audits.

The most secure VPNs FAQs

Bottom line: The most secure VPNs

NordVPN is one of the best VPN services on the market. It provides premium security features and safely encrypts your internet connection with its advanced specialty servers. Beyond VPN protection, Nord is a trusted name in cybersecurity, offering several other security products to protect your digital life.

For the ultimate privacy, consider Proton VPN. You don't even need to share your email address to create an account. You can also use Bitcoin to anonymously purchase Proton VPN. Meanwhile, PIA is a budget-friendly VPN without compromising on high-quality encryption standards.

3 most secure VPNs 2024