Most Secure VPN

10 Most Secure VPN in 2024 (Free & Paid)

Published on: April 29, 2023
Last Updated: April 29, 2023

10 Most Secure VPN in 2024 (Free & Paid)

Published on: April 29, 2023
Last Updated: April 29, 2023

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The most secure VPN service in 2024, as found in our independent testing, is NordVPN!


It’s amazing how the Internet has so effortlessly integrated into our lives.

Whether it’s work management or entertainment, we are engrossed in the online world at all times.

Extending far beyond simple communication and browsing, the Internet makes possible everything from watching movies to playing games to remotely operating our household appliances and even shopping.

However, all these uses and the convenience do not come without a price.

Numerous scammers and hackers are snooping around to seize control of your device and steal sensitive data.

To make it easy for you to stay safe online and protect yourself from any fraud or theft, we will guide you towards getting the most secure VPN in 2024.

Most Secure VPN in 2024

With such a huge VPN market, you are bound to weigh several factors before choosing the most suitable VPN for yourself.

You will most likely find yourself juggling between an attractive interface, robust security, subscription plans, extra features, etc.

Prioritizing your security in our evaluation, the following is a list we have come up with:

  1. NordVPN – 🏆 Winner!
  2. Surfshark
  3. Atlas VPN

1. NordVPN

NordVPN

NordVPN has been ranked as the most secure VPN in 2024 by many worldwide reviewers, and rightly so!

NordVPN is an excellent option for anyone who is looking for a secure, reliable, and feature-packed VPN.

Since it is headquartered in the pro-privacy jurisdiction of Panama, NordVPN’s no-logging policy already sounds quite convincing.

However, following the 2018 incident of NordVPN’s server hack, some people naturally started to doubt its claims.

It was indeed an alarming situation for the firm and its subscribers.

Since then, for rectifying the dreadful situation, the company has undertaken independent audits by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) on two different occasions, proving the reliability of its servers’ privacy and the veracity of its no-logging policy.

Aside from that, NordVPN being ranked as the best is also an outcome of the huge arsenal of security features it boasts.

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  • NordVPN is the industry leader (by a long way)
  • 30-day risk-free trial
  • Superfast speeds
  • 5,442+ servers in 60+ countries
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • Next-generation military-grade encryption
  • DoubleVPN, double privacy
  • 6 simultaneous device connections
  • Great for: Safety, security, anonymity & peace of mind
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad & iOS, Linux, routers, Apple TV, FireFox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and more

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Let’s start by examining its cryptography. Even the most powerful computer cannot penetrate the military-grade AES 256-bit encryption used by the service.

For an extra secure online experience, NordVPN also provides the DoubleVPN feature, adding another layer of encryption to users’ data.

Additionally, the encryption key is changed every time the VPN is launched to offer perfect forward secrecy.

It also offers various security protocols to choose from, including the OpenVPN and the IKEv2/IPSec protocols.

However, one of NordVPN’s most renowned features is its proprietary NordLynx protocol, built on the famous Wireguard standard but is more secure and claimed to be faster.

Making it the best VPN for security is also the amazing fact that NordVPN has two kill switches; the internet kill switch and the app kill switch.

These switches are a fantastic security feature as they let you decide whether you want to close any specific app or cut off the entire internet traffic if a VPN connection fails.

That’s not all. In all the sleek apps launched by NordVPN for various platforms, you will find fool-proof protection against IP address, DNS, or WebRTC leaks.

Alongside the security of your internet traffic, it also safeguards your device against malware and any malicious websites by blocking away all intrusive ads with an in-built threat protection feature.

Lastly, NordVPN maintains a large server network covering 60 countries worldwide.

All 5400 servers in its network are RAM-based, meaning even the encrypted data is not being stored long enough to get into any wrong hands.

With every reboot, the RAM-only servers are simply wiped clean.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Often appreciated for providing a great value for money, Surfshark is not only affordable but also very secure.

With its ability to support unlimited devices at once, and top-notch security features, Surfshark has become a staple for many small businesses and large households.

A solid AES 256-bit encryption, a reliable, perfect forward secrecy, and robust DNS leak protection are some noteworthy features that ensure the safety of your sensitive data online.

It implements various tunneling protocols, including ShadowSocks, OpenVPN, IKEv2(IPsec), and the industry’s front-line technology, WireGuard.

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  • Surfshark is the best budget VPN
  • 30-day risk-free trial
  • Strict no-logs policy
  • 3200+ servers in 95 countries
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Great for: private browsing on a budget
  • Compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone & iOS, Linux, FireFox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and more

Surfshark also features an automatic kill switch, making this service highly secure.

The kill switch automatically halts your internet traffic whenever the VPN connection unexpectedly drops, protecting your data from falling into the hands of cybercriminals.

Other incredible features for data and device security online include the Multihop feature, which adds an extra layer of encryption by routing user data through two servers for added security, and the Cleanweb feature, which keeps blocking ads for users’ convenience and safety from malicious websites.

It even has a built-in antivirus for malware prevention and a camouflage mode to obfuscate the use of VPN servers.

Considering the fact that it started operations no sooner than 2018, the size of Surfshark’s network is quite inspiring.

Even more impressive is that its entire fleet of 3200 servers (across 65 countries) is RAM-based, meaning all data is erased from the servers with every flick of a switch.

No data saved means there is no data for hackers to access.

Moreover, by conducting a detailed independent audit of its server infrastructure, Surfshark has also allayed another main concern and proven its claims of not logging any identifiable user data.

Audits are becoming increasingly crucial, and the fact that Surfshark dedicated time and efforts to go through such a process says a lot about its commitment to providing online security.

3. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN

The next name on our list is Atlas VPN. Since it was launched recently in 2019, this may come as a surprise to many readers.

However, rest assured that Atlas VPN is being endorsed as a highly secure VPN in 2024 by many researchers for many great reasons.

The safety a VPN provides is its most crucial feature. Your data traffic will be shielded from prying eyes only if the most secure protocols are implemented, and powerful encryption is used.

With industry-standard AES 256-bit encryption, Atlas VPN safeguards your data from all snoopers.

It also provides extremely secure WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols. You can easily choose the protocol you want to employ by simply going to its app’s settings.

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  • Atlas VPN is the best free VPN
  • Privacy Pro servers
  • 750 servers in 40+ locations
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Great for: people seeking a freemium VPN
  • Compatible with: Windows, MacOS, Android, iPhone & iOS, Android TV, Fire TV Stick

Every Atlas VPN client features a kill switch as well. If the VPN connection fails, this feature immediately “kills” your internet access.

This prevents your data from “leaking” across an unsafe connection and ensures your anonymity.

If these are not enough reasons to justify Atlas VPN being labeled as a free secure VPN, we have more.

Atlas VPN provides the SafeSwap, a unique function. It is essentially an IP rotation tool that provides a different IP each time you open a new webpage to ensure enhanced security.

Other privacy and security features it touts include SafeBrowse for blocking adverts and dubious websites and a remarkable tool for determining whether your data was exposed in any data breaches.

Atlas VPN’s zero-log policy has always been under scrutiny because of being based in the US.

However, after its acquisition by Nord Security last year, concerns regarding data retention have been alleviated to a great extent.

Since Nord Security is the parent company of the top-rated NordVPN too, users have gotten more confident about Atlas VPN’s no-log policy as well.

Moreover, the VPN also undertook an independent audit in the same year, further strengthening its no-logging claims.

Better yet, Atlas VPN has very liberally incorporated all these brilliant security features into a free version.

So, if you are concerned about your online safety and looking for a VPN with high security that offers its services for free, you cannot make a wiser choice than the freemium version of Atlas VPN.

Of course, like any other free VPN, this one has its limitations, too, but not in terms of security.

Instead, it limits the number of accessible server locations to only three (New York, Los Angeles, and Amsterdam).

In contrast, paying an affordable subscription lets you enjoy the same premium security features and 750 server locations to choose from (across 38 countries).

4. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN

Next up, we’re going to discuss the highly customizable and oft-rated as a VPN with huge security features, called ProtonVPN.

It is a reliable VPN with Swiss roots that places a high value on customer safety.

There is no better choice if you are in search of an honest and transparent service provider because ProtonVPN is one of the rare VPNs that releases its audit reports for the public to see.

All of its apps are also open source.

The military-grade AES 256-bit encryption is one of the key measures it takes to safeguard your data against hackers.

The VPN additionally provides several tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, PPTP, and L2TP/IPSec.

However, ProtonVPN is also one of the rare VPN services to support the WireGuard protocol, which is much faster and more stable than its predecessors.

One of its most amazing security features is its heavily guarded server network, which is in addition to its top-class privacy features and stringent no-logs policy.

The VPN flaunts a Secure Core feature, which directs your traffic through Secure Core servers situated in a pro-privacy country like Switzerland.

As a result, your identity won’t be revealed by vulnerable or weak VPN IPs.

ProtonVPN has a perfect forward secrecy feature too.

By regularly changing the encryption key, it is intended to restrict access to your data or online activities.

Not to mention, it also offers DNS/IP leak protection, which helps to preserve your online privacy.

5. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

Swedish-based PrivateVPN is a service that truly lives up to its moniker. It is another cheap yet, very safe VPN.

Based on Sweden’s jurisdiction, it has no data retention laws to comply with. Therefore, PrivateVPN’s zero-log policy is deemed quite reliable.

The VPN includes top-notch apps for every platform that offers military-grade solid OpenVPN encryption and its safe implementation with a strong AES-256 cipher.

As a result, it is totally trustworthy in terms of the security and privacy of data.

Additionally, it contains a kill switch to make sure you never unintentionally reveal any personal data to your ISP.

Talking about leaks, it also provides rock-solid DNS and IP leak protection.

Other attractive features offered by PrivateVPN include obfuscation, which can be used to evade VPN blocks and other online limitations in countries with internet censorship, as well as Tor compatibility, which provides an additional degree of security when using the Tor network.

PrivateVPN supports port forwarding too, which makes it one of the few secure VPNs that is suitable for torrenting and other secure web hosting tasks.

This VPN has a small drawback in that it only has about 250 servers overall. This is less than any of our previous suggestions.

However, they are dispersed over 63 countries, providing you with excellent coverage.

6. VyprVPN

VyprVPN

One more Switzerland-based service provider that has secured a place on our list is VyprVPN.

To prove itself as being worthy of being one of the safest VPNs, the firm went through the trouble of inviting a third party to conduct a full-fledged security audit and prove the authenticity of its no-log claims and overall reliability.

For users who are too conscious of their online security, this may not be enough. VyprVPN has a wide array of other essential security features too.

The first and foremost requirement of such users is high-standard encryption. Therefore, VyprVPN ensures high-quality implementation of OpenVPN encryption with the help of a powerful cipher and Perfect Forward Secrecy.

Other cutting-edge security features include a solid kill switch, complete protection against DNS leaks, and a built-in blocker for ads and malware.

In order to get around VPN blocks, VyprVPN has developed the proprietary Chameleon protocol.

This protocol uses obfuscation to hide your VPN traffic and let you browse the internet freely.

These security features guarantee that the VPN is appropriate for carrying out delicate tasks like torrenting or unblocking content which has been restricted by the government.

It even provides a feature that allows automatic connection to protect against unsecured and unreliable public Wifi connections.

Taking it to new heights of success and proving it to be one of the safest VPNs in 2024 is also the fact that VyprVPN is a unique service that owns as well as maintains its entire server fleet.

This fact is known to instill a greater sense of security in its users because the hardware perimeter is made secure and impenetrable to outsiders.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (or PIA) has a well-established reputation in the industry for being a safe VPN, and it keeps getting better thanks to several updates, visual changes, and an ever-expanding server network.

Since it is headquartered in the United States, reading this name may raise a lot of questions in your head.

Luckily for you, the VPN provider does not keep records of any identifiable data, and its no-logging claims have been proven in court on more than one occasion.

Being one a highly secure VPN, PIA strongly focuses on providing its users with state-of-the-art security features.

For instance, PIA lets you choose between AES 128-bit and 256-bit encryption to adjust the encryption level.

This feature offering customizable encryption is rarely found in contrast to other VPNs on this list.

PIA is also greatly appreciated for the fact that it provides the famous WireGuard and powerful OpenVPN encryption even in its Mac client.

PIA has sleek apps for all platforms, each having a set of multiple security features.

For instance, it provides solid protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IP leaks.

To maintain your anonymity, it also features a kill switch that will stop your internet activity if the VPN connection suddenly drops.

Last but not least, it offers the MACE functionality for its users to protect them from malware and intrusive adverts of all sorts.

8. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Another great candidate is ExpressVPN.

Those who have heard about it would most likely remember it for the ultra-fast connection speeds that it offers to its users for HD streaming and gaming etc.

However, ExpressVPN has made a mark on the security front as well.

First of all, it has validated its no-logging assertations by undergoing a security audit conducted by a third party.

The fact that it held up in reality as well is perhaps even more impressive.

In 2017, when Turkish authorities confiscated an ExpressVPN server, no data was either saved on the server or provided to the authorities by ExpressVPN.

This is probably why the service provider is known to have a solid track record. Another great tool in ExpressVPN’s security toolbox is the TrustedServer.

This basically means that RAM, rather than conventional hard drives, is used to power all of its servers.

Every time the system reboots, all data is erased, and it is not possible to store any data in the long run.

Since it can be challenging to wipe clean servers that are powered by hard drives, they present a greater security risk.

Being a true industry veteran, it has provided dedicated apps for all popular devices and incorporated all essential security features within each one of those.

For instance, the AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, obfuscation technology, and an internet kill switch can be easily found, among many others.

Additionally, this VPN offers features for anti-tracking and blocking away malicious websites to further enhance your safety as you browse the web.

Additionally, with ExpressVPN, users can choose from a variety of VPN protocols too.

If security is your top priority, I’d advise sticking with OpenVPN (because it’s been extensively audited and is open-source).

However, ExpressVPN’s very own unique protocol, Lightway, is certainly worth a try if you’re searching for something a little faster.

Lightway, as suggested by its name, is a lightweight choice that works well for streaming as well as online play.

Although ExpressVPN offers a great combination of security and speed for enjoying the internet to its fullest, the only problem is that it is far more expensive than other alternatives available.

9. PureVPN

PureVPN

Based within the privacy-friendly jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, PureVPN has a no-logging policy that seems fairly reliable.

However, earning the status of a safe and secure VPN is not pertinent to that alone.

It has earned a spot on our list because it is one of the first to feature quantum-safe encryption and is continually audited for compliance with privacy and security standards.

This depicts the devotion of this service provider to delivering the most secure experience on the internet.

That is not all. The VPN service also incorporates the AES-256 encryption into its apps, which is the industry standard for optimal security.

It also offers the Open VPN and IKEv2 protocols and the world-renowned Wireguard, but only for Android and Windows.

Completing its set of security features is also comprehensive leak protection and a highly dependable kill switch to prevent data leaks in case of an unexpected connection failure.

The only front on which PureVPN lags a little is the lack of obfuscation servers, which is why it may not be ideal for use in countries where the internet is heavily censored.

10. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Often associated with ease of use, Cyberghost is also on this list, and is a VPN that one can rely upon.

It is for all the VPN novices who would like to have peace of mind without having to fiddle with the settings of their chosen VPN.

Being headquartered in Romania and not maintaining any significant logs is one of the huge draws.

Although some statistics may be saved, there is no privacy risk because no timestamps or IPs are stored.

Although it is a rather straightforward VPN, it includes all the capabilities you require to be entirely secure online.

All of the apps it provides (for various platforms) offer strong AES-256 encryption, well-liked OpenVPN protocol, solid protection against DNS leaks, and a reliable kill-switch.

Additionally, you receive a content filter that disables DNS domain names in order to stop trackers, malware, and advertisements.

This feature performs a great job at preventing you from visiting harmful websites and preventing websites from tracking your internet activity.

How to Ensure Your Data Is Secure Online

Using a secure VPN is the most straightforward approach to preserving your online security and privacy.

A VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, is software for internet privacy that protects users against online tracking.

When using a VPN, your internet connection is encrypted, and your data is tunneled to a remote server managed by the VPN.

This makes it impossible for local networks, ISPs, and governmental organizations to monitor your online activities.

Even when you connect to public wifi, it safeguards your connection and data against hackers.

What Does It Take to Be the A Highly-Secure VPN?

First of all, making sure that a VPN has a proven no-log policy is of utmost importance.

If a VPN doesn’t retain any identifiable logs of its users’ data, you can be reasonably certain that your information will be protected.

Whether it’s a server hack, government inquiry, or an unfortunate data breach, you can sigh relief because your data was not saved in the first place!

All the top services are expected to provide a good selection of protocols and at least AES-256 encryption.

Due to its strict security and fast speeds, WireGuard is quickly taking over the business.

Better yet, some providers, like NordVPN, have created their proprietary protocols.

However, many customers still support OpenVPN because of its track record of dependability.

Perfect forward secrecy also has a substantial role; even if you feel your current session is compromised, the key will soon change, and you’ll be safe once more.

The key is changed on every login and at least once an hour after that.

Similarly, a kill switch is also an essential feature contributing to the overall online security of users.

If a VPN fulfills all of the provided criteria, you can rest assured it has earned its reputation as a secure VPN provider.

You can download and install it on your device to reinvigorate your experience with the internet.

FAQs

Why Do I Require a Secure VPN?

A secure VPN is the first line of defense against cyberattacks like DDOS and identity theft.

Encryption of your online traffic ensures that no information can be extracted from it, even if a cybercriminal manages to intercept it.

Even if you believe you are not too vulnerable, using a VPN will provide you with perpetual peace of mind that your online activities will always be completely private and secure regardless of your location or the network you are connected to.

Do VPNs Truly Provide Online Security?

VPN services truly are secure, yes.

You should, however, be aware that premium services are far more secure than those that are offered for free.

Additionally, be sure to turn on all security options in your VPN client before beginning to use the internet, including the kill switch, malicious website block, leak protection, etc.

Is It Safe to Use a VPN for Online Banking?

Yes, a VPN is an excellent tool to protect your connections, especially when utilizing public Wi-Fi to access your online bank.

To avoid the bank from blocking your account, however, we recommend you use a local VPN server instead of a distant one.

Is a VPN Secure Enough to Be Used for Business Purposes?

Yes.

You can choose a VPN from the list to be able to feel safe even when connecting to a public wifi hotspot.

By using any of the listed alternatives, especially NordVPN, you can conduct online activities for your business, like research, without worrying that your ISP would monitor everything you do.

You can work without worrying that any of your sensitive data will be compromised or communication intercepted.

Can I Use a VPN to Secure My Mobile Phone?

Most VPNs offer dedicated apps for Android and iOS to safeguard your online privacy.

Similar to how the VPN provider protects other platforms, these apps protect your smartphones and tablets.

When connected to public Wi-Fi networks, using a VPN app on your mobile phone is a great method to safeguard your online privacy.

Can Free VPNs Be Trusted for Security?

Yes.

Despite the popular belief that free VPNs retain user data and sell it to third parties to generate income, there are free versions of premium VPNs available (called ‘freemiums’) that are as secure as their paid counterparts.

Atlas VPN, for instance, offers such a freemium VPN.

It’s crucial to remember that free VPN services usually have constraints, such as bandwidth restrictions, data limits, a smaller number of server locations, and a smaller range of features.

In Summary, the best VPNs in 2024 are;

Conclusion

It is evident that using a top 10 VPN is the easiest way to make your online activities more secure. They comprise tons of features devoted to privacy and security.

Primarily, they consist of the highest level of encryption, a kill switch, safeguards against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and other features for secure browsing.

After carefully evaluating them for all such features, we have provided a list of the safest VPNs from which you can easily pick your favorite.

In our opinion, NordVPN is the best secure VPN in 2024, with top-level encryption and a plethora of highly desired security-oriented features.

It is not heavy on the pocket either. Surfshark remains a close runner-up with all the essential features.

Whereas, we found Atlas VPN also worth a try with some one-of-a-kind features.

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Written by Trevor Cooke

Trevor Cooke is an accomplished technology writer with a particular focus on privacy and security. He specializes in topics such as VPNs, encryption, and online anonymity. His articles have been published in a variety of respected technology publications, and he is known for his ability to explain complex technical concepts in a clear and accessible manner.

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