Anonymity and security are two of the most important things in the online world, especially since everyone from your internet service provider to the government to hackers can peek over your virtual shoulder. Using one of the most secure VPNs is the easiest and most effective way to ensure curious third parties can’t see or make sense of anything you do online.
However, how do you choose the best VPN for your needs? Luckily, at Tom’s Guide, we regularly put countless VPN providers to the test to ensure they deliver on their promises.
These secure VPNs are likely to be the best private VPNs, too, but the opposite might not be true – so how can you tell? The Tom’s Guide team regularly put VPNs through their paces, so join me below as I look into the 5 most secure VPNs in the industry today, complete with why they deserve their ranking.
Top 3 most secure VPNs at a glance
The latest update to this page saw me streamline the layout, as well as double-checking all the specs for our best secure VPNs to make sure all the info is as up-to-date as possible.
The most secure VPNs of 2024
NordVPN: the best VPN overall
Subscribe if:
✔️ You’re looking for an all-in-one service. With ad blocking and malware protection included, NordVPN doubles down on security.
✔️ You want streaming options. NordVPN is virtually unbeatable when it comes to accessing Netflix (and other platforms.)
✔️ You don’t want to break the bank. While it’s not the cheapest VPN, NordVPN plans are fairly priced.
Avoid if:
❌ You torrent regularly. Not all NordVPN servers are P2P-friendly, which can impact your downloads. Stick with PIA if you need a torrenting service.
❌ Simplicity is king. The NordVPN apps can feel a little cramped compared to the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
NordVPN is a solid all-rounder that doesn’t skimp on security – and even gets rid of ads and trackers. Try it for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
In our testing, NordVPN came out on top as the most secure VPN for anyone who wants to keep their data safe from cybercriminals and snoopers. This is simply because it does everything you want a VPN to do excellently.
It has consistently been ranked as the top-rated VPN because of its top-notch core VPN features, its great added extras, as well as its superb speeds.
Nord has undergone two independent audits, which means you can be sure its servers’ privacy are solid and its no-logging policy claims are true. Additionally, the standard toolkit is just as impressive, with features like Double VPN and Onion over VPN (which uses the Tor Onion network), as well as Meshnet, which is perfect for securing multiple devices for free.
With more than 950 Mbps recorded in our latest testing round, NordVPN is also among the fastest VPNs available, and its unblocking capabilities make it one of the best Netflix VPNs at the same time. It pretty much has a perfect 100% unblocking score, with apps for just about every device you own.
A big name often comes with notoriety, however, so let’s address the elephant in the room – 2018’s server hack and NordVPN’s response to it. A security company being hacked is a grim situation all around, and NordVPN was somewhat slow to react.
I’ll let you decide whether past events should color your current impression of the service, but it’s been six years without another incident and I think NordVPN has taken substantial steps to rectify what went wrong.
You’ll be able to install NordVPN on just about every device you own, thanks to a range of apps for every platform, and I’ve always found them incredibly easy to use. The only downside here is that they can feel cramped in comparison to the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark – and the interactive map, while fun at first, is often quite fiddly.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Some space issues, but generally good | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The interactive map can be tricky to navigate | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest VPN on the market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks most streaming platforms with ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Awesome features, including ad and tracker blocking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 support is just a click away | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Lots of value packed into low-cost plans | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: the best VPN user experience
Subscribe if:
✔️ You’re looking for simplicity. When it comes to security, ease of use, and unblocking power, ExpressVPN makes it easy.
✔️ You want proven privacy. ExpressVPN has undertaken numerous audits of its apps, logging policy, protocols, and more.
✔️ You need global coverage. Servers are dotted across 160 locations, allowing you to hop from continent to continent.
Avoid if:
❌ You’ve got a tight budget. ExpressVPN is undeniably pricey, which isn’t ideal in a cost-of-living crisis.
❌ You want a full suite of software. Unlike NordVPN, ExpressVPN hasn’t expanded its offering to include extra services.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
ExpressVPN does it all, putting user privacy first with frequent audits and tough encryption. Put it to the test with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Another excellent choice for protecting your data and browsing habits is ExpressVPN. Thanks to its fantastic scores in key areas like security, customer service, and unblocking power during our latest testing round, ExpressVPN is another superb choice for the security-conscious user.
Express happens to be one of only a handful of VPN providers that undergo regular independent security audits to prove its no-logs claims. More impressively, these audits have held up in practice – in 2017, a Turkish ExpressVPN server was seized by the authorities, but no data was either stored on the server or handed over by ExpressVPN itself. That’s what I call a good track record.
Unlike servers running on hard drives that can be difficult to fully erase (and, therefore, pose a threat to your security), Express uses TrustedServer – running all of its servers on RAM, and wiping all of the data after a reboot. This means that, by design, your information can’t be stored.
Ease of use is another benefit of using ExpressVPN, as it’s the most beginner-friendly choice available on this list and beyond. In terms of speed, it’s very fast – but not quite up there with the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark. The biggest issue for most will be the price – it’s more expensive than most other VPN providers. However, it packs a whole lot into one plan, so if you’ll use everything, it works out as very good value.
All in all, ExpressVPN is an easy and effective way of keeping yourself secure online. It’s a pricey option, but your subscription gives you access to tools like robust AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and secure DNS – which is a pretty sensible investment.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fresh and sleek UI that’s easy on the eyes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | VPN newbies will have no trouble securing their devices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Solid speeds, but not chart-topping | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Coverage in 160 locations gives you access to content from around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Regular audits, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Friendly, expert advice available 24/7 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Not a budget option, but packed with quality | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best VPN for Linux
Subscribe if:
✔️ You want proven privacy: PIA has proven its no-logs policy in court on two separate occasions.
✔️ You need US server coverage: with servers in every US state, PIA can help you get around the most stubborn blocks, blackouts, and restrictions.
✔️ You’re a Linux user: PIA is one of a handful of VPNs to offer a native GUI, making it a long-standing favorite in the Linux world.
Avoid if:
❌ You want a speedy service: while PIA doesn’t move at a snail’s pace, speeds of 360 Mbps aren’t as quick as those offered by NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
❌ You’re a VPN newbie: PIA is jam-packed with options, features, and tools that could be overwhelming to new users. Stick with ExpressVPN if you need simplicity.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Private Internet Access is a veteran of the VPN world with a long list of security tools and a proven zero-logs policy. It’s also a great pick for torrenting and streaming thanks to dedicated servers.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is very aptly names, considering its wide array of features designed to keep your digital privacy under lock and key. Advanced users will enjoy the deep level of customization available, but don’t worry if you’re new to VPNs – PIA’s apps are incredibly easy to use, no matter which platform you’re on.
I’m constantly impressed by PIA’s no-logs policy. It’s clear-cut and jargon-free, which can’t be said for all VPNs out there. Additionally, PIA’s no-logs policy has been proven in court twice – when pressured for information by the American authorities, PIA had nothing to hand over – showing that it lives up to its privacy promises. Plus you get cool security features like an email breach scanner, and a Boxcryptor license that encrypts all of your cloud storage.
Despite the deep level of customization available that will cater to advanced users, Private Internet Access’ apps are also all open source. This speaks volumes in terms of transparency, as anyone can check the source code for vulnerabilities. Basically, the service isn’t trying to keep secrets from its users, which is just what I like to see.
The one area where Private Internet Access doesn’t measure up to the rest of its competitors on this list is speed. Our latest round of testing revealed PIA’s speeds go up to 436 Mbps. Although this is up from its previous speed test results of 330 Mbps (and are more than enough for 4K streaming), is still the lowest on this list.
PIA manages to stuff a ton of functionality into prices that are incredibly budget-friendly. Unlimited simultaneous connections and servers in 84 countries send the value of a PIA plan skyrocketing, and you can try the service yourself, in your own time, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean design that’s somewhat cluttered by features | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Advanced users will love the amount of functionality | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | WireGuard speeds are pretty average, but still great for streaming | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | More than 20,000 servers makes unblocking content a breeze | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Tough encryption and a no-logs policy that’s been proven in court | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of guides to sift through and an expert team on standby | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A budget-friendly service that won’t break the bank | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other quality VPNs I’ve tested
Subscribe if:
✔️ Privacy is your priority. Proton VPN goes the extra mile, allowing you to pay in Bitcoin or cash.
✔️ You’re looking for an unlimited free service. The service offers one of the best free VPNs that doesn’t cap your data.
✔️ You’re a Linux user. Proton VPN provides a Linux GUI for both free and paid users.
Avoid if:
❌ You want the quickest VPN around. Unfortunately, Proton VPN can’t quite keep up with the likes of NordVPN.
❌ You’re a bargain hunter. Compared to NordVPN and Surfshark, Proton VPN is pretty pricey.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It’s great to see Proton VPN commit to improving its service, and the recent rebrand and refresh makes the provider well worth checking out. Plus, its free plan is one of the best around.
If you check out our Proton VPN review, you’ll see that this Swiss-based security powerhouse is also the team behind the anonymous email service ProtonMail.
All subscriptions now feature access to the ProtonVPN Secure Core servers, including the superbly effective Netshield (perfect for blocking malware and trackers).
Its dedicated Deutsche Welle servers underscore the service’s commitment to digital privacy, as these ultra-secure, underground servers are hosted in Sweden, Switzerland and Iceland – countries known for good data privacy laws.
If you use them, your traffic will be routed through one of Proton’s Secure Core servers first before heading to your destination. This is kind of like NordVPN’s Double Hop, and a big draw for the most security-conscious users.
Beyond this, Proton is one of the best streaming VPNs available today. With speeds above 950 Mbps, Proton is an excellent choice for hardcore streamers.
Aside from its excellent speeds, our latest testing round proved ProtonVPN can access Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix without any hiccups (although many of these functionalities aren’t available on the free plan). So, with Proton VPN, you don’t have worry about sacrificing fun and games for total security.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | An awesome dark mode and dynamic design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | A handful of features are potentially too technical for VPN newbies | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Not a speedster, but decent | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | A paid plan will unblock most platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Impresses with Swiss law protection and audits | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Plenty of guides to browse through | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Free plan is robust, but paid plans are pricey | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Subscribe if:
✔️ Speed is everything. Surfshark is a lightning-fast provider – ideal for HD streaming.
✔️ You’re working with a budget. Surfshark balances top-notch security with subscription prices that won’t break the bank.
✔️ You have lots of devices. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can secure a whole house of gadgets.
Avoid if:
❌ You rely on your kill switch. I was able to break the Surfshark kill switch during my testing (though this probably won’t happen in real life.)
❌ You’re wary of virtual servers. Some of Surfshark’s virtual servers are hosted far from their apparent locations.
Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A super-fast service that doesn’t disappoint on the security front; Surfshark is a great choice, and one you can bag for a bargain. Other providers offer more watertight security features, however.
Surfshark is a staple of many Tom’s Guide best-of articles and is also one of the most affordable secure VPNs available today. At less than $2 a month it’s incredible value, but in this case a low price does not equal low quality – you can check out our full Surfshark review for more details on how the provider manages to offer premium features for bargain prices, but here’s why it deserves a place on this list.
With multi-Hop (using two or more separate servers to further obfuscate your traffic), a kill switch, split tunneling, and ad blocking, Surfshark offers a feature combination you don’t often see lumped together, and especially not at this price point.
With speeds exceeding 950+ Mbps in our latest testing round, Surfshark is arguably one of the best Netflix VPNs and one of the best cheap VPNs to keep you secure.
If you run into trouble, or need help picking a server, the Surfshark customer service team is a click away via live chat. But don’t worry if you’d rather do your own troubleshooting – there are plenty of articles on the dedicated support site that cover everything from FAQs and tutorials, and in-depth techy guides.
Surfshark has also undergone multiple full independent audits of its server infrastructure. Audits are becoming more and more important (and a great way to signal to customers that a VPN takes their privacy seriously), and I’m glad that Surfshark has taken the time to go through the process.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean design that’s intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Ideal for VPN newbies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the fastest VPNs out there | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks virtually all streaming sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some kill switch issues but otherwise solid | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support is reliable and quick | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A budget provider packed with tools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How we test VPN services
When it comes to recommending a product that users will entrust with quite possibly every byte of their online life, I have to be absolutely sure that my choices are correct, and thoroughly tested.
Unlike some sites, we don’t simply reel off a spec sheet and declare the provider with most impressive claims the winner. Instead, we have a dedicated team in-house that gets hands-on with all the providers listed (and more).
Every 6 months, after scouring the website for new claimed features or changes in policy, we sign up to a plan and install it on a range of devices. The Windows app sees the most rigorous testing, and it’s here that we’ll try to break the kill switch, ensure any leak protection is working correctly, and measure connection speeds.
The other apps, including the Mac VPN, iPhone VPN, and Android VPN also see comprehensive testing, and we’ll check every available setting in every app to make sure it’s functioning as promised by the provider.
As we use the apps, if anything appears to be behaving strangely we’ll investigate that. We might dig into the source code, or view the contents of its RAM. This general usage stage is also how we make decisions on aesthetics and ease of use – although these are admittedly more subjective.
Then comes the streaming testing. We’ll test each VPN with all the big streaming sites from a number of locations to ensure it’s working as claimed. As Netflix is still hugely popular and somewhat troublesome when it comes to VPNs, we test the biggest providers every month to make sure my recommendations are still relevant.
Secure VPN FAQ
What makes the most secure VPN?
Let’s start with privacy. First up, you should make sure your VPN has a no-logging policy. If a provider doesn’t keep any logs, this means that whatever the situation – government investigation, server hack, data breach – your information will be safe because it was never stored in the first place.
When it comes to security, reliable encryption is a must. Look out for at least AES-256 encryption and a good range of protocols. WireGuard is now the industry standard, as it combines tight security and excellent speeds, but OpenVPN is still a good choice for most users, and some more advanced obfuscated technologies still rely on the old faithful protocol.
Perfect Forward Secrecy is a great addition if you want an extra layer of security. It changes your key on every login and at least each hour thereafter. A kill switch is another essential feature, too, seeing as it’ll prevent private information from leaking in the event of a VPN dropout by cutting your internet connection.
My top pick, NordVPN, does all of this and more, and it’s the VPN I use to protect my own data on a day-to-day basis. However, all the providers on this list are reputable choices I’m happy to recommend.
What is the most secure VPN?
I rate NordVPN as the most secure VPN on the market, thanks to its excellent encryption, wide protocol support, useful extra features, and overall reliability and ease of use.
Why do I need a secure VPN?
A secure VPN is the first step in protecting yourself from cyberattacks including DDOS and Man in the Middle. By encrypting all your traffic, even if a criminal gets hold of your traffic, they won’t be able to get any information out of it.
Even if you don’t think you’ll be at risk of this, by using a VPN you’ll have permanent peace of mind that no matter where you are – and what networks you connect to – you’ll be totally private, safe, and secure.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
