The Fastest VPNs 2024

As we move further into 2024, having a fast and reliable VPN is more important than ever for protecting your online privacy and accessing content from around the world. Whether you‘re streaming HD video, gaming online, or sharing files over BitTorrent, a VPN‘s connection speed can make or break your experience.

That‘s why I put six of the most popular VPNs to the test, comparing their download and upload speeds, latency, and overall performance across different server locations. After comprehensive testing, here are my top 3 picks for the fastest VPNs in 2024:

1. Surfshark – Best for Gaming and Streaming

With consistently high speeds across the board, Surfshark is an excellent choice for data-heavy activities like online gaming and HD streaming. My tests clocked Surfshark‘s download speed at an impressive 205 Mbps on nearby servers, with latency as low as 29ms. That‘s more than fast enough for seamless online gameplay, even in fast-paced shooters and fighting games.

Surfshark also unblocked a wide range of popular streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Across a dozen server locations, I was able to stream in high definition without any noticeable buffering or lag.

In addition to its fast performance, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to protect every device in your household with just one subscription. It also boasts an extensive network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, so you can always find a fast, uncrowded server near your location.

2. NordVPN – Powerful Combination of Speed & Security

A very close runner-up, NordVPN delivers outstanding speeds thanks to its cutting-edge NordLynx protocol. Based on the WireGuard protocol, NordLynx offers the perfect balance of lightning-fast performance and robust security. In my tests, NordVPN averaged download speeds of 190 Mbps, making it more than capable of buffer-free streaming and quick torrent downloads.

Where NordVPN really shines is its advanced security and privacy features. In addition to AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logs policy, NordVPN offers specialty servers for double VPN encryption, Onion over VPN, and obfuscated connections. It‘s an ideal choice for users who want the best possible protection without sacrificing speed.

NordVPN is also a great pick for streaming fans, with the ability to reliably access over a dozen Netflix libraries, Hulu, HBO Max, and more. And if you‘re a heavy torrenter, NordVPN allows P2P traffic on all 5,500+ of its servers.

3. Private Internet Access – Budget-Friendly & Fast

Rounding out my top 3 is Private Internet Access (PIA), a highly affordable VPN that doesn‘t skimp on performance. With plans starting at just $2.03/month, PIA is one of the most budget-friendly options on the market. And in my tests, it held its own against pricier competitors, with download speeds up to 175 Mbps.

PIA‘s huge network of 35,000+ servers in 84 countries is a big point in its favor, ensuring that you can always find a fast, low-latency connection. It‘s a solid choice for torrenting, with all servers allowing P2P traffic and port forwarding support for optimizing speeds.

On the security front, PIA offers must-have features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and strong encryption. It also has a proven no-logs policy, having had its zero-logging claims verified in court on multiple occasions. One downside is that PIA is based in the US, a Five Eyes surveillance country – but its no-logs policy helps mitigate this concern.

How I Tested These VPNs

To find the fastest VPNs, I conducted a series of speed tests on Windows and Mac devices from my location in the US. First, I tested my base connection speed without a VPN active, which came in at 250 Mbps down, 25 Mbps up, with 20ms latency.

Next, I installed each VPN and connected to servers in the US, UK, and Australia. For each location, I measured my download speed, upload speed, and latency (ping) using the Ookla Speed Test tool. I also ran real-world tests like streaming HD video, playing online games, and downloading torrents to assess each VPN‘s practical performance.

What Impacts VPN Speed?

It‘s important to note that a variety of factors can affect a VPN‘s speed, and your individual results may vary. Generally, you can expect some slowdown compared to your normal internet speeds, since a VPN must encrypt your traffic and route it through an intermediary server. However, a good VPN will minimize this slowdown to provide a smooth, responsive experience.

Some key factors that influence VPN speed include:

• Server location – Connecting to a distant server (like Australia from the US) will usually result in slower speeds and higher latency than a nearby server.

• Server load – If too many users are connected to the same VPN server, you may experience slower speeds due to the congested bandwidth.

• VPN protocol – Lightweight, efficient protocols like WireGuard and IKEv2 generally offer better performance than resource-intensive options like OpenVPN.

• Encryption strength – While strong encryption (like AES-256) is crucial for security, it can slightly reduce speeds compared to weaker encryption.

• Network interfaces – Newer technologies like 10 Gbps servers and WireGuard can help VPNs provide faster speeds than older infrastructure.

Why Use a Fast VPN?

There are many reasons to opt for a high-speed VPN, beyond just getting the smoothest possible streaming and gaming experience. A fast VPN can also help you:

• Bypass ISP throttling – Some internet providers intentionally slow down certain types of traffic, like torrents or streaming video. A good VPN prevents your ISP from monitoring your activity, stopping them from throttling your speeds.

• Access geoblocked content – Many streaming platforms limit their content to certain countries. With a fast VPN, you can connect to a server in the right location to unlock your favorite shows and movies.

• Reduce buffering – There‘s nothing more frustrating than long load times and constant buffering. A speedy VPN minimizes interruptions so you can enjoy your content without delay.

• Download torrents quickly and securely – Torrenting without a VPN is highly risky, exposing your IP address to anyone in the torrent swarm. A fast VPN keeps you safe while ensuring quick download and upload speeds.

Other Key Features to Look For

While speed is undoubtedly important, it‘s far from the only factor to consider when choosing a VPN. To get the most value out of your subscription, you should also look for key security and privacy features like:

• No-logs policy – A VPN that doesn‘t log your traffic or personally identifiable info ensures your sensitive data won‘t fall into the wrong hands.

• Leak protection – DNS and WebRTC leak protection prevent your true IP address from being exposed outside the encrypted VPN tunnel.

• Kill switch – This feature automatically blocks internet access if your VPN connection drops, preventing accidental exposure of your data.

• Obfuscation – Obfuscated or "stealth" servers hide the fact that you‘re using a VPN, helping you bypass VPN blocks and deep packet inspection (DPI).

• Encryption – Industry-standard AES encryption with 256-bit keys is ideal for keeping your data safe from hackers and snoopers.

How the Top VPNs Compare

While Surfshark, NordVPN, and Private Internet Access topped my speed tests, they also scored highly in other key areas. Here‘s a quick breakdown of how they stack up:

Surfshark offers the best value for large households or users with many devices, since one subscription covers unlimited connections. It‘s also the only one of the three providers to offer a free trial (7 days on Android/iOS).

NordVPN has the advantage of being based in privacy-friendly Panama. Like Surfshark, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out risk-free.

PIA has the largest server network and lowest monthly price of the three, making it a great budget option. It also allows 10 simultaneous connections – more than most competitors.

Other Fast VPNs

While these three VPNs took the top spots in my speed tests and evaluations, there are a few other providers worth mentioning:

• ExpressVPN – With its proprietary Lightway protocol and huge network of 3,000+ servers, ExpressVPN is another great pick for speed. However, it‘s pricier than competitors at $6.67/month.

• CyberGhost – This beginner-friendly VPN offers good speeds and a large network of 7,900+ servers in 91 countries. It also has dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting.

• IPVanish – While it didn‘t make the top three, IPVanish still delivered solid speeds in my tests. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections and 40,000+ shared IP addresses.

Tips to Maximize VPN Speed

Even with a fast VPN, there are steps you can take to ensure you‘re getting the best possible speeds:

1. Connect to the nearest VPN server to minimize latency. The further the server, the slower your connection will be.

2. If possible, use a wired ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi for faster, more stable speeds.

3. Try switching between different VPN protocols like WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN to see which works best with your network.

4. Make sure your VPN app and device drivers are up to date. Outdated software can negatively impact performance.

5. Use split tunneling (if available) to route only sensitive traffic through the VPN. This reduces the load on the VPN server and can improve speeds.

The Bottom Line

After putting these VPNs through their paces, I‘m confident in recommending Surfshark as the best option for users who prioritize speed. Its stellar performance, unlimited connections, and expansive server network give it an edge over the close competition.

But you can‘t go wrong with either NordVPN or Private Internet Access, both of which deliver fast, secure connections at a reasonable price. Ultimately, the "best" VPN for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.

Whichever VPN you choose, you‘ll be able to browse, stream, torrent, and game at high speeds without compromising your privacy and security. And with money-back guarantees available, you can test out a VPN risk-free to see if its performance lives up to the hype.