Top 10 Paid VPNs of 2024 – The Ultimate Guide

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In my blog, I conducted an extensive test and reviewed ALL the best paid VPNs for work and beyond. My subjective-objective ranking will help choose a VPN suitable for solving most basic tasks for 99% of regular users.

Therefore, I first recommend that ordinary users who need a VPN simply to access blocked resources familiarize themselves with my article. Perhaps for professional, specific tasks, other services may perform better.

Previously, the use of paid VPNs was more popular among IT professionals, but in recent years, the popularity of VPN services has grown among regular users as well.

During the research, 50 VPN applications (including free ones) were tested, reviewed, and evaluated. The services that made it to the TOP showed the best results in our tests, considering the current market situation overall. More details about my comparison methodology and rating criteria are described in the relevant section of the article.

CHOOSING THE BEST PAID VPNs

VPN services should collectively solve several tasks: encrypt your web traffic, hide your IP address, unblock and provide high-speed access to websites and applications with geographical restrictions. Additionally, it is essential to consider the peculiarities of using VPNs in different countries.

ALTVPN – Best Choice

ALTVPN is a multi-platform VPN service, ideal for users looking to buy VPN service that offers reliability and comprehensive features. It provides a free trial version for testing its capabilities, with servers located in more than 50 countries. I personally use this service.

Advantages:

  • No-logs Security Policy: Ensures your browsing history and data are not stored, maintaining your privacy.
  • Over 500 Servers: A large number of servers provides better connection options and speeds.
  • Free Version Available: Allows users to test the service before committing to a purchase.
  • Advanced Level Encryption: Protects your data with top-tier encryption standards.
  • Multi-platform Support: Compatible with various devices, making it versatile for different user needs.

Disadvantages:

  • Free Version Limited to 24 Hours: The trial period is relatively short, which may not be enough for some users to fully evaluate the service.
  • No iOS App: Lacks support for iOS devices, which can be a drawback for Apple users.

For those looking to buy a VPN service that balances security, performance, and user-friendliness, ALTVPN is an excellent choice.

Hot VPN – Service to bypass censorship and blockages

Advantages:

  • Intuitive interface
  • Wide choice of servers
  • No log history
  • Modern encryption standards

Disadvantages:

  • High subscription cost
  • Unstable server performance

Atlas VPN – Best Choice for Abroad and Travel

An American VPN service provider offers a no-logs service with quite good functionality and capabilities, even in the free version.

Advantages:

  • Powerful free version capabilities
  • Wide choice of servers
  • No log history
  • Modern encryption standards

Disadvantages:

  • No killswitch option

SurfShark

One of the most stable services currently available in terms of meeting user expectations.

Advantages:

  • Handles geo-blocks worldwide
  • Extensive server selection
  • Stable performance with streaming services

Disadvantages:

  • Not all servers provide good speeds for P2P
  • Relatively small server selection compared to competitors

NordVPN

The service offers extremely high speeds for accessing global resources and advanced features for organizing your work.

Advantages:

  • High-speed access to any resources
  • Over 500 servers in 60 countries
  • Optimized for P2P services
  • No data leaks
  • 24/7 support
  • Option to connect additional features

Disadvantages:

  • Limited protocol options on Windows and Android
  • Unstable performance in some applications
  • The service does not work in China

ExpressVPN

Excellent for fast and secure online work, streaming services, and torrent use.

Advantages:

  • High-speed access to local and international resources
  • Unblocked access to region-restricted streaming services
  • Encryption
  • Registration without the need to provide personal data
  • 3000 servers in over 90 countries
  • User-friendly applications for gadgets and desktop devices

Disadvantages:

  • More expensive than desired
  • Non-disabling VPN on iOS
  • No Linux support

CyberGhost

This Romanian VPN provider combines all the features to be considered one of the best on the market: modern encryption, a no-logs policy, and a vast number of servers worldwide.

Advantages:

  • Over 6000 servers
  • Technologies used eliminate data leaks
  • No user data is stored
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Disadvantages:

  • Not the highest speed (relative to competitors)
  • Incomplete functionality in mobile applications
  • Does not work in China, UAE, and Turkey
  • Not a very user-friendly interface

HotspotShield

The service stands out for its high speed and stable access to most popular streaming platforms.

Advantages:

  • Intuitive interface
  • All current features for maintaining confidentiality
  • Access to popular streaming platforms

Disadvantages:

  • Logs history is kept
  • Not suitable for torrent use in the US

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is known for its strong commitment to security and privacy, offering a no-logs policy and high-speed servers in multiple countries. It’s a popular choice for users looking to access geo-blocked content and secure their internet activities.

Advantages:

  • Strong Security and Privacy
  • High-Speed Servers
  • Access to Geo-Blocked Content
  • Multi-Platform Support
  • Free Version Available.

Disadvantages:

  • Limited Free Version
  • Occasional Speed Variability
  • Higher Cost: Premium plans are more expensive than some other VPN services.

METHOD FOR CHOOSING THE BEST VPN SERVICE IN OUR RATING

Let’s break down and summarize the parameters by which a particular VPN provider can be considered the best. First and foremost, we tested services from the perspective of the average user, so this ranking will be most useful for most ordinary users.

SECURITY

Practically all services promise security, but in reality, only premium solutions should be trusted, so when choosing the best, I immediately eliminated all existing free solutions. They often not only fail to guarantee this notorious security but are also a potential and real threat to your data.

Working in coworking spaces, web cafes, or ordinary cafes exposes you to additional risks, as your traffic is not protected. Hackers or network owners (who can also be hackers) can connect to the same Wi-Fi network and intercept your traffic. To protect yourself, you simply need to use a secure and verified VPN service.

ADAPTABILITY TO USER NEEDS

In this regard, I must once again praise ALT VPN. The service is not only simple and easy to use but also very considerate of its users. 

BASIC CRITERIA

Naturally, we also considered the basic criteria that are relevant not only for most US users but also for any users, including those living in other countries and using VPNs for professional tasks.

  • Are there data leaks?
  • How fast is the VPN?
  • Does the service allow torrenting?
  • How many servers does the provider have?
  • In which countries are the servers located?
  • How many simultaneous connections can be used?
  • Is there a Kill Switch option?