VPN Services

The Best VPN Software for 2024 (Top Rated VPNs)

If you're a business owner, you need to protect your company's data and information from hackers, scammers and other malicious actors. Most businesses use a VPN to give their remote employees secure access to the network, and business-level VPNs can also encrypt your sensitive data while it's in transit.

NordVPN

The best VPN service for online speed and Security. Has over 5,000 in 59 countries worldwide.

ExpressVPN logo Icon updated

ExpressVPN

Best for high speed when browsing with secure internet access on your PC and mobile devices.

Surfshark icon logo

SurfShark

Offers one of the fasted connections for VPN and automatically get you the fastest server to connect.

Atlas VPN Logo Icon

Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN comes with severs optimized for gaming and streaming for all your devices.

If you want to access blocked websites, unblock geo-restricted sites, and secure your data from hackers, then you should definitely consider using a VPN. In fact, the latest estimated number shows that of the 5 billion internet users around the world 1.2 billion of them use a VPN in 2022.

A virtual private network gives you online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network from a public Internet connection..

VPNs mask your internet protocol (IP) address so your online actions are virtually untraceable. Most important, VPN services establish secure and encrypted connections to provide greater privacy than even a secured Wi-Fi hotspot.

In this article we compare the best VPN services you can use to protect yourself online.

What is the Best Business VPN Services?

Lets look a the best VPN services for use in 2023:

  1. NordVPN
  2. ExpressVPN
  3. Surfshark
  4. Atlas VPN
  5. Private Internet Acess
  6. IPVanish
  7. CyberGhost
  8. Hotspot Shield
  9. ProtonVPN

1. NordVPN

Nord VPN Home page website

NordVPN is a household name and one of the most popular VPNs available, but that doesn't mean it's all bark and no bite. This VPN service provides over 5,200 servers in 59 countries worldwide. It also offers a double encryption feature for additional security.

NordVPN is a relatively simple virtual private network (VPN) service that prioritizes performance and security. This VPN offers a few unique features that are hard to find on most VPNs. For example, it includes the Meshnet feature, which allows you to connect up to five computers together into one large network.

In addition, it provides a dark web monitor, which helps you keep tabs on what people are searching for online. And finally, it offers multi-factor authentication, which adds another layer of security to your account.

The VPN also lets you use a dedicated IPv4 address, which makes it easier to access certain sites like Facebook and Twitter. You can even install the VPN onto your smartphone and tablet, so you're always protected while traveling.

NordVPN even offers a dedicated IP option for those who want it. NordVPN works on all major platforms including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome OS, and Firefox.

NordVPN Key Features

  • Next-generation encryption.
  • Strict no logs policy.
  • Automatic Kill Switch.
  • DNS leak protection.
  • Onion over VPN.
  • Streaming support (Uninterrupted Streaming)
  • Split tunneling support
  • Dedicated IP
  • Multi factor authentication
  • IP masking
  • Support I available 24/7

NordVPN Pricing

Nord VPN Pricing plans

Sure, it might not be the cheapest option out there at $11.99 per month, but if you sign up for its two-year plan, you'll pay just $78.96 upfront for the first 2 years - $3.29/month going forward. For a 1 year plan you still save about 58% and pay only $59.88 for the first year, and $4.99/month going forward.

2. ExpressVPN

Express VPN website

ExpressVPN is a top-rated service that's packed with features and has an excellent reputation, but it's not cheap.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, a territory with no data retention laws. The company doesn't log what websites you visit or the data you save on its servers. ExpressVPN also supports Bitcoin payments, which further safeguard your privacy.

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries around the world. Its apps feature a built-in speed test that lets you see whether or not the closest server is fast enough for your needs. The company also boasts that it reroutes its users around congestion on selected servers to ensure quality connections.

Privacy and security is important for ExpressVPN, which uses 256-bit AES encryption to keep your information safe when using public Wi-Fi networks or any other open wireless hotspot. It also offers DNS leak protection and a kill switch to block traffic if the connection drops unexpected.

ExpressVPN is a popular choice among PCMag staff and readers, thanks to its combination of strong security practices, fast speeds, and great-looking apps. But it's not without its downsides; the service is pricey and its features are limited compared with some of its competitors.

For example, NordVPN keeps no logs at all, but costs less than half what ExpressVPN does. It also offers more simultaneous connections (six) and more server locations (5,400+ spread across 59 countries).

ExpressVPN Key Features

  • Split tunneling
  • Unlimited server switches
  • 99% uptime
  • Kill Switch
  • Best-in-class encryption
  • All major platforms supported
  • No activity logs
  • 145+ servers, 94 countries
  • OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, PPTP
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • 3 simultaneous connections
  • Zero-knowledge DNS

ExpressVPN Pricing

Express VPN pricing plans

Express VPN offers a 30 da money back guarantee on all their plans starting from $8.32 per month on a 12 month plan, $9.99 per month on a 6 month plan and $12.95 per month if you choose to go month to month.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark VPN

This VPN service is one of the very few that offers unlimited simultaneous connections which means it will work for almost anyone. And what’s more, unlike most other VPN services, Surfshark allows you to connect to an unlimited number of devices from one account.

Surfshark is also a great choice for users who need additional security and privacy features in their VPN as it comes with built-in ad/tracking blocker, malware blocker and a clean web feature. This is in addition to standard features such as AES 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection.

This VPN service offers high-quality apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Fire TV and Linux. It can unblock the most popular streaming platforms including Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and many more. The company also has a no-logs policy that protects your online privacy.

There are also no usage logs kept by this service so your browsing activities will remain private at all times. And if for some reason you run into any problems or just have questions about the service, there is 24/7 live chat support available to help you out.

Surfshark Key Features

  • Unlimited devices
  • No logs policy
  • All advanced security features
  • High-speed content delivery
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Malware and Ad-blocking (CleanWeb)
  • Killswitch, DNS leak protection, and Camouflaging
  • Accepts Bitcoin payments
  • 24/7 customer support

Surfshark Pricing

Surfshark VPN pricing

This service is available at a very affordable price with a 30-day money-back guarantee. To save up to 81% on your monthly subscription we recommend you choose the 24 month plan for $2.49 per month.

4. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN software

Atlas VPN is a new service, but it's already making a good impression. The company is based in the US, which might be enough to put some people off (we'll discuss why in the Privacy section), but this provider has plenty of other attractions: fast speeds, unblocked everything we tried, low prices, and a generous free plan.

There's work to do on the fine detail of its apps, features, and support, but this is already a capable VPN, and we think Atlas will only get better from here.

If you're in a hurry and just want our recommendation: yes, Atlas VPN is worth buying.

Atlas VPN has been around for about a year now - not long at all by VPN standards - but it's already made an impact.

This service is fast, versatile and very easy to use. It delivers consistently impressive download speeds (around 60Mbps-70Mbps on our 75Mbps test connection), can unblock US Netflix and many other streaming services (although not all), has servers across the world, supports up to unlimited simultaneous connections, allows P2P on some servers, and works with almost every platform you care to name.

Atlas VPN Key Features

  • SafeSwap Servers allow you access to internet from different IP addresses at a time to keep you anonymous.
  • Block Malware blocks websites that host malicious software like phishing, malware and virus distribution sites.
  • WireGuard® protocol is employed by Atlas VPN to secure and offer seamless streaming, gaming and browsing.
  • The SafeBrowse feature stops third-party trackers from collecting data about your online activities.
  • Split tunneling protects important data and ensures you don't lose access to local networks.
  • Multihop+ allows you to tunnel your connection through multiple rotating VPN locations to protect your online traffic by multiple layers of Encryption.

Atlas VPN Pricing

Atlas VPN pricing

Their pricing is backed with a 30day money back guarantee policy. its prices start from as little as $1.83/month when subscribe for a 3 year plan and you can 3 months extra.

5. Private Internet Access

Private internet access VPN website

Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the most popular VPNs on the market — mostly thanks to its low price tag (from just $2.69 per month).

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an awesome VPN service that is highly praised, especially for people who want to torrent anonymously or unlock region-restricted websites. PIA is also highly versatile, working on a number of platforms — up to five simultaneously.

It uses the gold standard AES-256 encryption and the new open source WireGuard protocol. This means its fast and offer the same level of security.

It has 10 simultaneous connections and a robust suite of security features that keeps your browsing safe despite its low prices.

Its 29,650+ servers are located in 70 countries around the world. PIA is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices; you can also set

Private Internet Access Key Features

  • It has a massive server network
  • Offers dedicated IP add on for an extra $5
  • It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections
  • No logs.
  • Unlimited bandwidth.
  • High-speed global server network.
  • Dedicated apps.
  • Powerful encryption.
  • Block ads.
  • 24/7 live support.
  • Open source.

Private Internet Access Pricing

Private internet acceess VPN pricing plans

Their pricing is backed with a 30day money back guarantee policy. its prices start from as little as $2.03/month

6. IPVanish

IPVanish home page

IPVanish is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service provider and it was founded in 2012 in the USA. IPvanish is a great VPN for torrenting because it is secure and doesn’t log your activity. It is also perfect for Kodi users because it doesn’t limit its use on specific devices.

The app is available on multiple platforms such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV, Windows Phone, Chromebook and routers.

The VPN offers unlimited bandwidth and has high speeds on many servers. The VPN is also compatible with a variety of devices such as routers and video game consoles. Also, it allows its customers to connect up to five devices simultaneously using one account for security purposes.

IPVanish makes it easy to stay safe online. The software provides all of the benefits of a secure internet connection. With IPVanish, you get:

  • The power of PUBLIC WIFI without the risk
  • Complete peace of mind while web browsing on any public Wi-Fi connection.
  • Online security when using public hotspots
  • Encrypts your internet traffic so hackers and thieves cannot steal your data.

If a user wants to access Netflix US content from outside the US, he would need to use a VPN like IPVanish as Netflix has started blocking VPNs.

IPVanish offers an internet kill switch feature which prevents any data leaks if your connection to the VPN server unexpectedly drops. This feature is present in its latest version of apps for Windows and Mac systems but not in its mobile apps.

It uses 256-bit AES encryption and supports IKEv2, OpenVPN TCP/UDP and L2TP/IPSec protocols.

IPVanish Key Features

  • It provides 24/7 live chat support through its website free of cost.
  • It offers unlimited bandwidth and no restrictions on P2P or torrent networks that make it a great VPN for streaming.
  • IPVanish offers an internet kill switch feature which prevents any data leaks if your connection to the VPN server unexpectedly drops.
  • This feature is present in its latest version of apps for Windows and Mac systems but not in its mobile apps.

IPVanish Pricing

IPVanish website

IPVanish VPN pricing start from $3.99/month when you choose a year plan to save 63%, quarterly, pricing starts from $5.32/month every quarter, and $10.99/month on the monthly plan.

7. CyberGhost

Cyberghost website

CyberGhost VPN is a service that offers privacy protection and anonymity on the Internet. To ensure this, data traffic is encrypted, and this is achieved by making a connection through the company’s network of servers located all over the world.

It is used as a security measure to create a barrier of protection between users and the online world. CyberGhost does this by creating an encrypted tunnel for all data passing to and from computers. This means that any information sent over the Internet, whether it's an email or financial information, is encoded so only the intended recipient can see it.

A multi-platform Virtual Private Network (VPN) solution, CyberGhost offers small businesses with a reliable security system for safeguarding privacy and data transmissions. Through CyberGhost, you can launch virtual activities, transact, and access VPN connections and secure content access at a snap.

Online or offline, businesses can protect their transactions, communication lines, and virtually any forms of correspondence through the World Wide Web, anywhere.

With CyberGhost VPN’s secure servers across the globe, users can enjoy a fast internet connection with zero disruptions and top-of-the-line security features that are designed to protect one’s identity and privacy across platforms.

CyberGhost VPN is a fast, simple and efficient way to protect your online privacy, surf anonymously and access blocked or censored content. It offers top-notch security and anonymity without being complicated to use or slowing down your internet connection.

CyberGhost VPN has almost every feature and usability option that you need for basic protection, privacy, fast and reliable internet connections, surfing capabilities, and so on. Its software is easy-to-use while also being fully customizable.

It uses very strong encryption, and 7 simultaneous connections are permitted. This VPN offers excellent customer support and strict no logging policies.

CyberGhost VPN Key Features

Let’s take a look at some of CyberGhost’s main features:

Anonymous browsing: CyberGhost provides secure online anonymity by hiding one’s IP address when using the internet. Users are able to surf anonymously without having to worry about being tracked by hackers or government agencies.

Unblock sites: Users can access websites that are blocked in their location due to regional restrictions or censorship. By encrypting all traffic between your computer and the internet, users are able to browse freely without restrictions.

Keep personal data safe: All information is protected from unauthorized access by securing all data transmissions with 256 bit AES encryption.

  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Automatic Kill Switch
  • High-speed VPN
  • Unlimited bandwidth & traffic
  • Ad/malicious content blocking
  • Over 3,700 global servers
  • DNS & IP Leak Protection
  • Streaming
  • P2P sharing
  • Supports up to 7 devices
  • OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec & PPTP protocols

CyberGhost VPN Pricing

CyberGhost pricing

It's not free and unlimited like some VPN providers claim to be, but it does offer a free 24-hour trial and paid packages start at $4.99 per month.

8. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot shield

Hotspot Shield is a popular VPN service with over 650 million users and multiple servers in 110+ countries.

While Hotspot Shield is praised for its fast speeds, ease of use and strong encryption, it has come under fire in the last few years for a number of reasons.

For example, in 2017, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission over Hotspot Shield's data-sharing practices.

Hotspot Shield was found to be leaking DNS requests when the VPN was turned on, but not when the VPN was turned off. Instead of routing these requests through their own DNS servers like a normal VPN would do, Hotspot Shield routed these DNS requests from users to AnchorFree's partner Omniture.

This meant that when users connected to Hotspot Shield, they were unknowingly sharing information about their location and internet habits with Omniture. To make matters worse, it was discovered that when users disconnect from Hotspot Shield, their web browsing history continues to be shared with Omniture for an additional 30 days.

After this incident, AnchorFree changed the privacy policy to prevent further sharing of user data with third parties. In addition, they promised that all user data will now be deleted every 30 days instead of being shared indefinitely as before.

Hotspot Shield Key Features

  • Premium VPN Servers.
  • Private Browsing.
  • Unlimited Content Access.
  • Malware Protection.
  • Ad-Free.
  • Unlimited Bandwidth.
  • Personal Data Security.
  • Wi-Fi Security.

Hotspot Shield Pricing

Hotspot shield pricing

HotspotShield offers different pricing depending on the length of your subscription.

  • 1 Month: $12.99/month
  • 6 Months: $8.99/month
  • 1 Year: $5.99/month
  • Unlimited: $119.99/month

9. ProtonVPN

proton VPN website

ProtonVPN is a very well-known name in the VPN industry. It's the sister company of ProtonMail, the world's largest secure email service.

This company has solid values and a reputation for security. ProtonVPN is based in Switzerland, so it's not subject to any of the mandatory data retention laws that other countries have. Also, this country has some very strong privacy laws.

ProtonVPN is a great choice if you need a secure VPN compatible with most devices. Being based in Switzerland and utilizing the powerful encryption technology behind ProtonMail make this a very safe option.

However, it will still have to make some improvements to compete with the top VPNs available today. The company is based in Switzerland and has a zero-logging policy for all its services. This means no one can track what you're doing online when using its network.

ProtonVPN works well on almost any device, including Android, iOS, MacOS and Windows computers. There are also Linux clients available for some of its plans. Unfortunately, ProtonVPN doesn't offer browser extensions or router apps at this time.

ProtonVPN Key Features

  • VPN connections.
  • Available countries.
  • Speeds of up up to 10 Gbps.
  • Strict no-logs policy.
  • Access blocked content.
  • P2P/BitTorrent support.
  • Adblocker (NetShield)
  • Streaming service support.

ProtonVPN Pricing

Proton VPN pricing

Free, Basic and Plus. The free plan includes access to only three servers and limits your connection speed to 2Mbps. It's great if you want to test out the service before committing any money, but it's not recommended as your primary VPN solution.

What Is a VPN?

A virtual private network (VPN) provides an extra layer of privacy to its users, enables you to access foreign websites, and can even provide secure connections for transferring sensitive business information.

While they are typically used by individuals, dedicated business VPNs offer the ability to manage multiple user accounts, block certain types of content and keep your data safe from prying eyes.

How Does a VPN Work?

VPNs work by routing traffic through an unsecured tunnel that anyone can use. That's why it's important to look for tools that will protect you not only when you're on the go, but also when you're on a desktop or mobile device.

The best VPNs for business will also let you block websites that may contain malware or phishing attempts.

Why you should use a VPN

Even if you're inclined to trust your fellow humans (which I do not recommend), you still shouldn't trust your internet service provider.

In its infinite wisdom, the united states Congress has decided that your ISP is allowed to sell your browsing history. While it's not up to them to decide what a cookie is used for, they can choose to install adware or other malicious software at any time. There are no laws that prevent unfair and deceptive practices by ISPs.

When Should I Use a Business VPN?

If your company handles any type of sensitive data — whether it's customer credit card numbers or employee records — then using a business VPN is recommended. That way, if there is ever a breach in your network's firewall, hackers won't be able to access any of this information.

There are many reasons to consider VPN services for your business. Here are some of the most common use cases:

  • Business travel — If you travel for work, you can use a VPN to access your company's network and services from anywhere. This allows you to stay connected with your colleagues and clients, no matter where you are.
  • Secure remote working — If your employees work from home or other locations outside of the office, a VPN provides a secure connection to the company network that keeps sensitive information confidential. This enables them to access files, programs and email securely wherever they are.
  • International offices — If your company has offices in different parts of the world, a VPN makes it easy for employees to communicate with each other as if they were in the same location. For example, two offices in different countries can easily share files without having to send physical drives back and forth.

Choosing a VPN Service Provider

For most people, the cost of a VPN is prohibitive. Even if you don't have anything to hide, you probably don't want anyone snooping on what you do on the internet.

The good news is there are several high-quality virtual private networks (VPNs) available for very reasonable prices.

Choosing a VPN isn't always easy, though. Some services give users more freedom and flexibility than others do.

Some make it harder to pick what servers you want to connect with and what sites are accessible through the VPN network. And some are just plain faster than others.

It's also important to note that leading VPN providers offer stronger security features to ensure you're digitally safe.

When selecting a paid VPN service, always be sure to check which countries it operates servers in.

In Summary: The Best VPN Services

The best VPN services encrypt all your internet traffic and pass it through a private tunnel to their own secure servers so that no one can see what you're reading or downloading - not the government, not your ISP, not even the VPN service itself.

To pick the best VPN for your needs, whether it's to watch the FIFA World Cup or to remain private online, you should plan to test multiple options of VPNs with free subscriptions. Ideally, a VPN company should say that they do not collect any logs on user activity.

Make note of where the company is located, too, as location can dictate data retention laws. If you want to hide your browsing activity for a bit more privacy, you can connect to a VPN. The local network will only see a single, secure VPN connection.

All the other traffic will travel over the VPN connection. While this can be used to bypass connection-monitoring by your Internet service provider, bear in mind that VPN providers may opt to log the traffic on their ends.

Frequently Asked Questions: VPN Software

What is the Number 1 best VPN?

NordVPN is the the number one VPN software in the market today. It offers the most servers and is an incredibly strong and secure VPN.

How are VPNs used in business?

A VPN is used by companies to encrypt their employees' web traffic and hide their IP address from the outside world. A VPN is a tool for companies to protect their employees from snooping by hackers.

Do I need a VPN for my small business?

If your staff members work from locations outside of your office, and/or if your office's internal networking system isn't secure, then a VPN is necessary for your small business. If you don't want to risk hacking and potential security breaches by using public Wi-Fi networks, then you should use VPNs instead.

How do I set up a VPN for my small business?

First choose a subscription plan and then enter your payment details, creating a user name and a login/passcode. Now, download the VPN app onto all of the computers/tablets/phones you use for your small business, then log into your account. You can then connect to the VPN.

Can I leave my VPN on all the time?

Keeping a VPN server running at all times does not cause any harm. It is recommended.


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Nonofo Joel

Passionate blogger with expertise in Branding, Website Design, Content Marketing and SEO. Engaging content, unique perspective, and over a decade of experience. Join me on Global Tech Stack for captivating insights, reviews and inspiration.

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