Article updated on June 13, 2024 at 1:30 PM PDT

Fastest VPN of 2024

Most VPNs will ruin your internet speeds. We tested VPNs to find the fastest on the market.

Our Experts

Written by 
Attila Tomaschek
Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement
Attila Tomaschek
Attila is a Staff Writer for CNET, covering software, apps and services with a focus on virtual private networks. He is an advocate for digital privacy and has been quoted in online publications like Computer Weekly, The Guardian, BBC News, HuffPost, Wired and TechRepublic. When not tapping away on his laptop, Attila enjoys spending time with his family, reading and collecting guitars.
Expertise Attila has nearly a decade's worth of experience with VPNs and has been covering them for CNET since 2021. As CNET's VPN expert, Attila rigorously tests VPNs and offers readers advice on how they can use the technology to protect their privacy online.
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VPNs Tested

We intensively test each VPN, making sure it meets our standards for privacy, speed and usability.

See Price at NordVPN

Best VPN for Speed

NordVPN

Perfect for power users

Pros
  • Blazing-fast internet speeds
  • Strong privacy and transparency
  • Great for streaming service unblocking
  • User-friendly apps
Cons
  • Inconsistent pricing structure
  • Not as transparent as other VPN rivals
Price $13 per month, $69 for the first year with an extra 3 months or $100 for the first two years with an extra 3 months (one- and two-year plans renew at $90 per year)
Latest tests No leaks detected, 11% speed loss in 2024 tests
Network 6,300-plus servers in 111 countries
Jurisdiction Panama

NordVPN remains a popular virtual private network option thanks to its fast connections, privacy-focused features and excellent geo-unblocking for streaming services. Its user-friendly design that doesn't compromise on settings makes it an outstanding choice for casual VPN newcomers and seasoned power users alike. 

In our 2024 speed tests, NordVPN solidified itself as the fastest VPN we tested, with an average internet download speed loss of just 11%. Our CNET Labs team clocked an average speed loss on its NordLynx VPN protocol of merely 3.2% with Windows and 12.6% on MacOS. With OpenVPN, NordVPN averaged a 10.1% speed loss on MacOS and 18.6% using Windows. We recommend using OpenVPN for privacy-critical use cases and bypassing firewalls, but otherwise you should be fine using the NordLynx protocol. With apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, browsers and even Apple TV, NordVPN runs on almost any platform you can think of.

We appreciate NordVPN's commitment to privacy and security. In addition to features like Onion over VPN (Tor) and a Double VPN, which deliver additional encryption, a 2023 audit by Deloitte backed up its no-log claims for improved transparency. While zero-logging policies are impossible to verify with absolute certainty, third-party audits provide peace of mind. On the entertainment side, we had no issues streaming US and UK Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus libraries on most devices. 

NordVPN’s global server network comprises more than 6,400 servers 111 countries, making it one of the largest server networks in the industry. At $13 monthly, $60 for the first year or $81 total for two years, NordVPN initially sets you back less than premium VPNrivals like ExpressVPN, but more than budget-oriented companies like Surfshark and PIA. However, subsequent price hikes on the annual and two-year plans drive the price to $100 per year, which aligns with many other VPN providers, including ExpressVPN. Overall, NordVPN sports advanced privacy features in an intuitive service.

See Price at Mullvad

Best Privacy VPN

Mullvad

Open-source VPN for privacy-focused users

Pros
  • Open-source and transparent
  • Straightforward pricing
  • Anonymous sign-up
Cons
  • Issues streaming content
  • Only five simultaneous connections
  • Relatively small server network
Price $5 per month
Latest tests No leaks, 13.5% speed loss in spring 2024 tests
Network 684 servers in 44 countries
Jurisdiction Sweden

Mullvad is a new addition to CNET’s fastest VPN list, thanks to the impressive 13% speed loss we benchmarked in our 2024 speed tests. Mullvad’s 13% speed loss is good for second place behind current frontrunner NordVPN’s 11%. If you’re looking for a fast VPN that delivers unique, forward-thinking privacy protections at a great price, Mullvad is a solid choice.

Mullvad is an independently owned open-source VPN provider from Sweden that puts user privacy at the forefront of everything it does. It’s the only provider on this list that requires zero personal information at signup. To get started with Mullvad, you create a randomly generated 16-digit account number used to manage your account, eliminating the need to provide your name, email address or any other personal data. The provider even did away with subscriptions entirely to collect as little data as possible. Mullvad costs a flat fee of $5 per month, regardless of whether you use it for a month, a year or a decade. You can top up your account with as many months as you’d like at any time. 

In addition to an always-on kill switch, double hop connections, obfuscation and a RAM-only server infrastructure, Mullvad is rolling out some impressive features aimed at addressing privacy concerns of the future. The VPN’s Quantum-resistant tunnel helps protect against potential threats from quantum computers and its Defense against AI-guided Traffic Analysis, orDAITA, helps protect against AI-driven traffic analysis that could potentially use artificial intelligence to determine what sites you’re visiting even if your traffic is encrypted.


Mullvad’s relatively small server network spans just 44 countries, but it still delivers impressive speeds. And while the VPN doesn’t have an app for Apple TV, you can download the app directly from the Google Play store for Android TV devices or use the Android .apk for Amazon Fire TV devices if you want to stream content on your TV. In our tests, we were able to access content on Netflix, Hulu and Disney Plus, but were blocked from viewing content on Amazon Prime Video because the site detected the VPN. So, if you’re looking for optimal streaming performance, I’d recommend going with either NordVPN, Surfshark or ExpressVPN.

See Price at Surfshark

Best Cheap VPN

Surfshark

Extensive features at a great price

Savings $2.19/mo + 3 months free, 86% off (2 year plan)
Pros
  • Lots of unique security features
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • RAM-only server network
Cons
  • Inconsistent speed performance
  • 14 Eyes jurisdiction (Netherlands)
  • No transparency reports
Price $11 per month, $48 for the first year (or $59.54 for 2yrs)
Latest Tests No leaks detected, 17% speed loss in 2023 tests
Network 3,200-plus servers in 100 countries
Jurisdiction Netherlands

Surfshark briefly dropped off our fastest VPN list with a disappointing showing in our previous speed tests, slashing our internet speeds by an average of 40%. At the time, Surfshark’s speeds were wildly inconsistent, especially through OpenVPN on Windows, where it cut our speeds by 77%. Surfshark promised to fix its OpenVPN speeds on Windows, and we were impressed with the improvement in performance after re-testing the VPN’s speeds. During our most recent tests, we recorded an overall average speed loss of 17%, with OpenVPN speeds on Windows cutting our speeds by an average of 28% (a marked improvement from the previously recorded 77%).  

  

We were also pleased with the overall consistency of Surfshark’s speed performance across the board. In our latest benchmarks, Surfshark’s speeds were generally fastest through WireGuard and server locations closest to our testing locations. Speeds through Surfshark’s New York and UK servers were the fastest, but speeds to France and Germany weren’t far behind. As expected, speeds to distant server locations like Singapore and Australia were generally a bit slower, but still fast enough for just about any online activity, including streaming. 


Surfshark is the only VPN at the top of this list that offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so it’s an excellent option if you havemany devices or if you live in a large household. It’s also by far the most budget-friendly of the top three if you opt for a yearly plan. Surfshark’s monthly plan is expensive at $15.45 per month, but you’ll see considerable savings with its yearly plan at $42 for the first year (then $60 annually) or $60 for the first two years combined (then $60 annually). We don’t recommend signing on with any VPN provider for more than a year at a time, given how quickly things tend to shift in the VPN industry.

See Price at Proton VPN

Best Open-Source VPN

Proton VPN

The only free plan we recommend

Savings 55% off with 24-mo plan
Pros
  • Highly transparent
  • Open-source
  • Unlimited free plan
Cons
  • No 24/7 live chat support
  • Split tunnelling only available on Android and Windows
Latest tests No leaks detected, 21% speed loss in 2024 tests
Network 4,800-plus servers in 91 countries
Jurisdiction Switzerland
Price $10 a month, $60 for a year, or $108 for two years

Proton VPN returned triumphantly to CNET’s Fastest VPN list after a rather dismal performance in our previous speed tests where its speeds fluctuated wildly, resulting in an unimpressive 36% speed loss in 2023. However, Proton VPN turned that around with a far more consistent performance en route to a much better average speed loss of 21% -- which is plenty fast enough for even the most data-heavy online activities like streaming, gaming, torrenting and videoconferencing. Proton VPN’s VPN Accelerator feature claims to be able to boost your speeds by up to 400%, we didn’t notice much difference in our speed readings whether we had enabled or disabled the feature. The VPN Accelerator feature makes the biggest impact on speeds on internet connections with high packet loss, like satellite internet or mobile networks, according to a Proton spokesperson.

Like Mullvad, Proton VPN’s apps are fully open-source, with its source code publicly available online for anyone to scrutinize. Proton VPN is also a solid choice for privacy-focused VPN users thanks to its Swiss jurisdiction -- which sits comfortably outside the 14-eyes data-sharing alliance. Its Secure Core servers deliver additional encryption by routing your connection through secure servers located in Switzerland, Iceland and Sweden before forwarding to your selected location. 

Although Proton VPN’s primary focus is on user privacy, it does a respectable job unblocking geo-restricitons on various streaming services. During our tests, we were able to access streaming content on popular services like Netflix, Hulu, Max and Peacock. Proton VPN has an impressive network of 4,500-plus servers across more than 90 countries, which covers almost as many countries as top VPNs like NordVPN (111 countries), ExpressVPN (105 countries) and Surfshark (100 countries). 

A monthly subscription costs $10 per month, the yearly plan costs $60 for the first year but jumps to $80 annually afterwards. If you opt for a two-year plan, you’ll pay $108 for the first two years combined, then $80 annually after the initial two-year term. But if you don’t want to pay for Proton at all, you’re in luck because Proton VPN offers the only free VPN plan that we recommend. On Proton VPN’s free tier, you can access servers in the US, Japan, Netherlands, Romania and Poland. While server location access is limited and streaming and torrenting aren’t supported on Proton VPN’s free plan, there aren’t any usage limitations or privacy pitfalls common with many free VPNs. Proton’s free plan delivers the same encryption standards, kill switch and DNS leak protection as its premium plans, making it a safe free VPN. If you want to get a taste of Proton VPN’s premium tier without fully committing, you can do so risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.    

Editors' choice
See Price at ExpressVPN

Best Overall VPN

ExpressVPN

Privacy protection and transparency

Savings 49% off with 12-mo plan (+3 free months)
Pros
  • Strong commitment to privacy and transparency
  • Forward-thinking security enhancements
  • Excellent for streaming
  • Streamlined, easy-to-use app across platforms
  • Privacy-friendly jurisdiction (British Virgin Islands)
Cons
  • DNS leaks detected (but immediately addressed)
  • Expensive
  • Only eight simultaneous connections
  • Apple TV app needs work
Latest Tests DNS leaks detected, 25% speed loss in 2024 tests
Network 3,000 plus servers in 105 countries
Jurisdiction British Virgin Islands

ExpressVPN is currently CNET’s pick for the best VPN overall, scoring an 8.8/10 on our VPN rating scale. It’s a veteran VPN provider that consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to privacy and transparency. It’s also excellent for streaming and the easiest VPN app to use on any platform.

In 2024, we measured a 25% average speed loss with ExpressVPN. This is fast, considering that many VPNs can slash your internet speeds by 50% or more. However, we saw substantially better speeds from NordVPN (11% speed loss), Mullvad (13% speed loss) and Surfshark (17% speed loss). Still, ExpressVPN’s speeds were largely consistent and aligned with our expectations across protocols and server locations. Overall, we registered the fastest speeds through ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol on MacOS (7% speed loss). On the other end of the spectrum, the slowest speeds we measured were through OpenVPN on Windows, at a 62.5% speed loss. Speeds were generally faster to relatively closer server locations like New York City and the UK, and slower to distant locations like Australia and Singapore. Either way, ExpressVPN’s speeds are still plenty fast enough for general browsing as well as for more data-intensive activities like streaming, gaming and videoconferencing -- especially if you use Lightway.     

When we most recently evaluated ExpressVPN for privacy and security, we uncovered an alarming bug in its Windows app that sent our DNS requests to our ISP instead of to ExpressVPN’s dedicated DNS servers when we had the split tunneling feature enabled. This meant that our true IP address, general location and the websites we visited were exposed. We notified ExpressVPN, which immediately disabled split tunneling from its Windows app as a temporary solution while engineers got to work on a permanent fix. We were also impressed by the transparency with which the company acknowledged the situation -- it promptly published a blog post and a comprehensive troubleshooting guide before fixing the problem a couple of weeks later. ExpressVPN’s privacy protections are top-notch and forward-thinking. The provider recently upgraded its proprietary open-source Lightway VPN protocol with Quantum Protection to help guard against future threats from quantum computers, along with encryption enhancements to better protect against threats like eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. And ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology elevates the protections of the traditional RAM-only server architecture by reinstalling the entire software stack with every reboot.   

In addition to offering excellent privacy protections, ExpressVPN delivers the most consistent and streamlined VPN app experiences across platforms. Its minimalist interface is simple to use, whether you’re an advanced VPN user or have never used one before. The app settings are easy to navigate, and finding a server location is straightforward. We like how the app always connects in a snap, which isn’t necessarily the case with other VPNs -- like Surfshark -- which often struggle to connect immediately on the first attempt. If you want the best for streaming, ExpressVPN is a good bet because it effortlessly unblocks all sorts of streaming content, including Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. 

But for the best, you’ll need to pay a premium -- ExpressVPN is one of the most expensive VPN providers currently on the market. The service costs $13 per month, $60 every six months or $100 per year, which is considerably more expensive than the $40 per year you’d pay for PIA or even the $60 per year thatSurfshark charges.If you aren't satisfied with the service, you can request your money back within 30 days of your purchase.

The fastest VPN in 2024

If you're using a virtual private network for data-heavy online activities, including streaming, gaming, video conferencing or torrenting, your VPN speeds will be a major consideration. Even if your internet is fast, remember that many VPNs can cut your speeds in half, which can be a drag on your overall online experience. A fast VPN ensures that your streams are smooth, your games are lag-free, your calls are stable and your downloads are quick.

Determining the fastest VPN is a time-intensive, imperfect process. CNET's VPN experts have spent years testing and reviewing dozens of VPNs and have developed a speed-testing methodology to mirror what the typical VPN user would experience as closely as possible. This way, our analysis of the fastest VPNs can provide the most practical value to VPN consumers. Keep in mind that this is a list of the fastest VPNs as we measured them in 2024, and it should be referenced as a general guide to how you may expect these VPNs to perform. Your results may vary depending on a variety of factors, including what platform you're using, your location and the level of service you're receiving from your internet service provider.

VPN service on a laptop

With a fast VPN, your speed loss will be virtually unnoticeable.

Sarah Tew/CNET

VPN speeds compared


2020 tested speed loss*2022 tested speed loss*2023 tested speed loss*2024 tested speed loss*Net change from previous test
NordVPN 53%13%10%11%Same in 2024 tests
Mullvad N/A23%N/A13%Faster in 2024 tests
Surfshark 17%19%17%17%Same in 2024 tests
Proton VPN 9%17%36%21%Faster in 2024 tests
ExpressVPN 51%2%18%25%Slower in 2024 tests
IPVanish 65%58%26%44%Slower in 2024 tests
PIA N/AN/A24%49%Slower in 2024 tests

*Lower number is better.

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What's the fastest VPN right now?

NordVPN is currently the fastest VPN, based on our latest speed tests. Out of the VPNs we speed tested, NordVPN's speeds were the most consistently fast across the board. NordVPN averaged just an 11% speed loss overall, Mullvad came in second place with a 13% average speed loss, Surfshark followed with a 17% overall speed loss. Proton VPN and ExpressVPN rounded out the list with a 21% speed loss and a 25% speed loss, respectively.

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Other VPNs we tested

PIA

The speeds we measured through Private Internet Access (PIA) were underwhelming, with a middling 49% average internet download speed loss. Although that's fine for casual users with fast connections -- think fiber, not satellite internet -- it falls well below a 20% average, which we expect from the fastest VPNs. ExpressVPN clocked 24.8%, Surfshark 17%, Mullvad 13% and NordVPN 11%, leaving PIA in the dust. If you're unconcerned with speed loss but looking for an OG VPN provider that's cheap, delivers excellent privacy and offers unlimited simultaneous connections, then PIA is a good choice. Subscriptions cost $12 per month, $40 per year or $80 every three years, which makes PIA one of the most budget-friendly VPNs in the industry. 

IPVanish

In our 2024 speed tests, we calculated an average 44% download speed loss with IPVanish, making it one of the slowest VPNs we tested. We registered the fastest speeds through WireGuard on MacOS, with an average speed loss of 17%, which is decent but not competitive with other VPNs’ WireGuard speeds. IPVanish’s abysmal OpenVPN speeds on both MacOS (58% speed loss) and Windows (67% speed loss) are what ultimately dragged it down and out of the running for CNET’s Fastest VPN. Speeds that bad will have a noticeable effect, regardless of how fast your base internet speeds are. We had issues while attempting to stream content through IPVanish’s UK servers. If you’re looking for a fast VPN, look elsewhere.

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How we test the fastest VPNs

We conducted our 2024 VPN speed tests in conjunction with CNET’s Labs team from various testing locations in Ohio, North Carolina and Kentucky. We tested each VPN’s OpenVPN and WireGuard (or the equivalent protocol) speeds on both MacOS and Windows computers. We tested ExpressVPN’s speeds through its proprietary Lightway protocol and NordVPN's speeds through its NordLynx protocol in lieu of WireGuard. Each VPN we tested underwent a minimum of 252 individual speed tests, consisting of three separate rounds of tests, each to six locations globally for each protocol on Mac and Windows devices.

Before each round of testing, we measured our non-VPN speeds three times to calculate the average speeds we were getting from our ISP. Then, we tested speeds three times each to VPN server locations in New York, the UK, Australia, France, Germany and Singapore. This way, we can get a good read on VPN speeds to popular locations across the globe. Once we completed the three rounds of testing at each location, we calculated our average VPN and non-VPN speeds to determine the percentage of speed lost overall through the VPN. 

Calculating the percentage of speed lost through the VPN allows us to clearly represent how you can expect these VPNs to perform for you. Your base internet speeds may be a lot faster or slower than what we got through the internet connections we used during our testing. Saying that we achieved speeds of 341.5 Mbps with NordVPN doesn't paint the full picture without putting it into the proper context of how much of a speed drop that was in relation to our base speeds.

We conducted all of our tests through the Ookla speed-testing platform because it's user-friendly and among the most widely used speed-testing sites. It's also the tool that most VPN users will likely use to measure their own speeds.

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Factors to consider in a fast VPN

Based on our years of experience testing VPNs for privacy, usability and speed, these are the most important factors to consider when purchasing a fast VPN:

Speed

If you're looking for the fastest VPN, then speed will naturally be your top consideration. There are a lot of VPNs that struggle with speeds and can slow your internet by 50% or more. Look for a VPN that drops your speed by only about 20% or less.

Privacy

Privacy is a major consideration for any VPN, regardless of its speed performance. The VPNs we've highlighted above all deliver top-notch privacy paired with fast speeds, so you'll get the best of both worlds with any of our recommended options. Look for basic privacy protections like a kill switch, DNS leak protection and a no-logs policy (preferably audited and/or tested in the wild). Other privacy features to look out for include obfuscation, multi-hop connections and Tor over VPN.

Protocols

Some VPN protocols can deliver faster speeds than others. We recommend using the OpenVPN protocol for the best combination of speed and security. If you want to get the most speed out of your VPN, then you can use a lightweight protocol like WireGuard or your VPN provider's proprietary (usually WireGuard-based) VPN protocol.

Server network

You'll want a VPN service with a large network of servers worldwide. This will help ensure that you'll have access to fast, stable VPN connections wherever you may be located. Generally, around 75 server locations and above is a decent network. Some VPNs even have servers in 100 or more countries. The main thing you'll want in your VPN's network is servers located near where you are or where you plan on traveling. If a VPN only has servers in 50 countries, but covers all of the regions you plan on using, then its server network should suffice. 

Cost

If you're on a budget, then the overall value of your VPN will be a major consideration. If you want the largest savings, opt for a yearly plan, which will generally afford you better value over time than going month-to-month. A budget-friendly VPN can cost about $40 to $60 per year, while a more expensive VPN can run you upwards of $100 per year.  

Fastest VPN FAQ

How do I speed up my VPN connection?

There are a few things you can try if you want to speed up your VPN connection. In theory, WireGuard and newer proprietary VPN protocols that more providers offer should offer faster speeds than OpenVPN. You can try one of these protocols to boost your speeds if gaining maximum speed is your primary objective and you’re not getting what you want out of your OpenVPN connection. 

If location is not a concern, you’ll want to connect to the server location closest to your physical location. This will cut down on the physical distance your data travels and, in turn, will deliver faster speeds.  

Connecting to a server overloaded with users can result in slower speeds. Many VPN apps include information regarding server load, so try to look for a server indicating a light load for optimum speeds.

Will a VPN slow down my internet speeds?

Generally, yes, due to factors including the distance between you and the VPN server you’re connecting to, the encryption used by the VPN and the overall load on the server you’re using.

Can a VPN speed up my internet?

In certain cases, your VPN can actually help increase your internet speeds. If your internet service provider is deliberately throttling your internet connection, a VPN can help because it hides your activity from your ISP.

Do I need a VPN?

You need a VPN if you want to maintain your privacy online and hide your internet activity from your ISP, government entities and other snoops. If you want to evade online censorship or unblock geographically restricted content, you need a VPN. VPNs can also be beneficial for gaming, torrenting, finding deals online and speeding up your internet connection if your ISP is deliberately throttling your speeds. Anyone who uses the internet can benefit from a VPN in one way or another.

How can I test my VPN speeds?

You can test your own VPN speeds using an online speed testing tool like the one provided by Ookla. First, test your base internet speeds with the VPN disengaged and make a note of your non-VPN speeds. Then, connect to a server through your VPN app, run a new speed test and note the speed change. It's a good idea to run multiple tests both with and without the VPN turned on to get a fuller picture of the VPN's speed performance. Most VPNs also offer a money-back guarantee, so it's a good idea to test your VPN speeds during that trial period. If you're not getting acceptable speeds even after trying different server locations and VPN protocols, you may want to give another VPN a try before the trial period ends. 

What's the best free VPN?

If you need to use a free VPN, we recommend using Proton VPN's free version. It's the only free VPN worth using because it's secure, comparatively fast and doesn't impose usage or data caps. Otherwise, we don't recommend using most free VPNs because the majority of them are essentially useless, if not downright dangerous. Free VPNs typically impose data and usage limits, employ weaker encryption and offer fewer server locations than their paid counterparts. Free VPNs also need to make money somehow, so you can expect them to sell your data to third-party advertisers. Some have even been known to contain malware.

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