Secure VPN providers 2024: safe options for the best security and encryption

Hackers, data leaks, third-party snoopers: the internet is jam-packed with threats to your digital privacy. Fortunately, a VPN (or Virtual Private Network) can help you reclaim your security. That's because it is security software that both spoofs your location and encrypts your data in transit inside the VPN tunnel, adding an extra layer of protection to your browsing.

The very best VPN services keep your data hidden from the prying eyes of governments, ISPs, and malicious hackers, while helping you bypass online restrictions in just a few clicks. You'll even be able to enjoy a more secure online banking and shopping experience, torrent safely, and unlock foreign streaming catalogs to keep up with your favorite shows when traveling.

Unfortunately, not all VPNs have been designed with absolute security in mind. That's why our team of experts has spent hundreds of hours over the last 15 years thoroughly testing dozens and dozens of services, weeding out the services that don't make the cut. I've compared some of the industry's top services, and their security features, to curate this roundup of the 5 most secure VPNs in 2024.

The three most secure VPNs at a glance

In a hurry? No problem. Check out the three secure VPNs that lead the pack:

1. ExpressVPN: the best overall secure VPN

1. <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Foffer%2Frecommended-deal%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ExpressVPN: the best overall secure VPN
Tried-and-tested encryption protocols, a huge list of security features, and an audited no-logs policy make ExpressVPN the best, and most secure, VPN provider around. Plus, 24/7 customer support is on hand to help troubleshoot any issues.

Admittedly, ExpressVPN is a pricey provider, though you'll be able to sweeten the pot with 1 year of unlimited cloud storage and 3 extra months of protection if you opt for the 12-month subscription. A 30-day money-back guarantee gives you plenty of time to put the service to the test on your own devices, too.

2. Proton VPN: superb Swiss security standards

2. <a href="https://go.getproton.me/aff_c?offer_id=25&aff_id=1046&source=trd&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fprotonvpn.com%2F%3FvisitorId%3Dho-%7Btransaction_id%7D%26aid%3D%7Baffiliate_id%7D%26offer_id%3D%7Boffer_id%7D%26url_id%3D%7Boffer_url_id%7D%26utm_campaign%3Dww-all-2a-vpn-gro_aff-g_acq-partners_program%26utm_medium%3Dlink%26utm_source%3Daid-tune-%7Baffiliate_id%7D%26utm_content%3D%7Boffer_id%7D%26hfp%3Dfalse%26spl%3D%7Baffiliate_id%7D&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="protonvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Proton VPN: superb Swiss security standards
The Swiss provider has upped its game when it comes to safeguarding your privacy, with a clear no-logs policy and a long list of handy features. Users also get access to a ton of secure international servers and open-source apps that anyone can scour for vulnerabilities.

Proton VPN is one of the best free VPNs around, too, thanks to its unlimited free plan. To make the most of its toolkit, however, you'll want to check out its paid options—and rest assured that you're covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Mullvad: online anonymity at its best

3. <a href="https://mullvad.net/en/" data-link-merchant="mullvad.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mullvad: online anonymity at its best
Few VPNs take security as seriously as Mullvad—a longtime favorite of privacy advocates around the world. The service doesn't keep logs, has undertaken external audits, and won't even ask for your email when you sign up.

Mullvad's apps could use a little TLC, and it's not the cheapest provider, but its commitment to user security makes it a stand-out option. Take the service for a risk-free test drive with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Recent updates

The provider rankings remain the same since my last round of updates. If you'd like to see what's happening in the wider world of VPNs, though, check out our summary of the latest VPN test results.

The best secure VPN services in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Check out my analysis of the industry's most privacy-focused VPNs, how they compare with one another, and everything I liked (and didn't like) about each service. I'll also take a closer look at their roster of security features, performance, ease of use, and value for money.

The best secure VPN overall

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

1. ExpressVPN

Best all-round VPN for security, encryption, and everything else

Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 160 | Maximum devices supported: 8 | Refund period: 30 days | 24/7 customer support: Yes

Audited no-logs service
Ultra-reliable kill switch
Intuitive apps for all devices
Servers in more than 94 countries
Excellent 24/7 customer support
Above average prices
Not the fastest VPN
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN with proven privacy: ExpressVPN's no-logs policy is regularly audited, ensuring your sensitive information is always in safe hands.

✔️ You want to unblock global content: take your pick of more than 160 locations in 105 countries, and effortlessly sidestep pesky geo-restrictions.

✔️ You need easy-to-use apps: all of ExpressVPN's apps have a fresh and fun design that's easy to navigate—no matter what device you're using.

Don't subscribe if:

You're a bargain hunter: ExpressVPN subscriptions aren't cheap, but the premium price tag does bag you a premium product.

You need a full security suite: while ExpressVPN is the best VPN service on the block, it isn't an all-in-one solution with built-in antivirus capabilities.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 ExpressVPN is the perfect blend of security and useability, with an impressive array of tools designed to keep your browsing sessions private. Put ExpressVPN to the test in your own time, without risking a penny, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more?

Visit our ExpressVPN review to see why this service tops our overall VPN rankings.

ExpressVPN is the total package, and includes every ounce of security you'd expect from an industry leader. The provider uses robust AES 256-bit encryption, almost exclusively, together with the OpenVPN protocol. If you're looking for something a little speedier, but don't want to compromise on security, the WireGuard-inspired, proprietary Lightway protocol is a fantastic alternative.

Put ExpressVPN under the microscope, and you'll see that it also uses an RSA-4096 handshake (a form of connection negotiation between your device and a VPN server) and SHA-512 hash message authentication code (HMAC), along with PFS (Perfect Forward Secrecy). That's a solid setup that'll keep you, and your devices, secure whether you're at home or on the go.

Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

The provider rounds off its offering with a reliable kill switch that'll cut your internet connection if the VPN happens to drop. The kill switch (and ExpressVPN's WebRTC and DNS leak prevention) ensures that none of your sensitive information ends up in the clutches of snoopers and cybercriminals. I'm also impressed by the fact that the VPN uses its own private, zero-knowledge 256-bit encrypted DNS on each server.

On the subject of servers, ExpressVPN has a massive network spanning 105 countries—which is great news if you're looking for a reliable streaming VPN. During my most recent tests, ExpressVPN had no trouble unblocking the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime, and you'll also be able to take advantage of its wide array of servers to bypass restrictions and blocks that'd otherwise keep you away from regional news sites and social media platforms.

ExpressVPN, admittedly, isn't the quickest VPN I've put to the test. That doesn't mean it's a slouch, however, and is still more than capable of handling online games and P2P traffic. If you are on the hunt for a torrenting VPN, you'll be glad to learn that ExpressVPN is an audited no-logs provider that just isn't interested in keeping tabs on what you get up to online.

I'd also like to see ExpressVPN increase its simultaneous connections from 8 to something more generous. Other (cheaper) providers give you more, after all, and 8 may not be enough to keep all of your favorite gadgets secure. ExpressVPN is undeniably pricey, too, though you have plenty of time to see whether its security features and easy-to-use apps are worth the investment.

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ExpressVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA stylish design that looks great on desktop and mobile⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useAn auto-connect feature makes it easy to get up and running⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceOther services are quicker, but it's still a speedy option⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingUnblocks popular platforms, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyMilitary-grade protection and an audited no-logs policy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 live chat is always on hand to help troubleshoot⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceMore expensive than some of my other picks, but packed with features⭐⭐⭐

The best free secure VPN

Proton VPN interface for various platforms

(Image credit: Proton VPN)

2. Proton VPN

A privacy-focused provider that you can try for free

Number of servers: 3,000+ | Server locations: 85+ | Maximum devices supported: 10 | Refund period: 30 days—free version available | 24/7 customer support: No

Open-source, audited, and top-quality apps 
Free plan with unlimited bandwidth
No significant logging of any kind  
Improved network coverage (also for free plan)
Offers a Linux GUI
Somewhat pricey
Customer support needs improvement
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a totally unlimited free VPN: unlike other free services, Proton VPN doesn't hold you back with data caps and bandwidth limits.

✔️ You're a Linux loyalist: Proton VPN is one of only a handful of services to offer full GUI and Linux support.

✔️ You want a VPN that champions digital privacy: Proton VPN launched the VPN Observatory tool to pinpoint spikes in censorship around the world.

Don't subscribe if:

Speed is your priority: Proton VPN has seen some improvement on the performance front, but NordVPN is still a quicker option.

You need servers everywhere: compared to the likes of ExpressVPN and Surfshark, Proton VPN's range of locations is somewhat limited.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Proton VPN has been a favorite of privacy purists and advocates for years, now, and is an active participant in the fight for digital privacy. Check it out for free, or subscribe, and take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more?

Head on over to our Proton VPN review to learn more about this industry staple.

Same provider behind popular encrypted email service, ProtonMail, Proton VPN has tons to show off when it comes to privacy. Last year, the provider collaborated with the Tor Project to build a more secure internet and an improved user experience when connecting to its apps over Tor. It even launched its very own privacy-first and censorship-resistant CAPTCHA last September.

However, the Swiss provider prefers concrete proof over mere promises and blind truth. You can pay anonymously using Bitcoin, for example, and its strict no-logs policy guarantees your sensitive data cannot be leaked in any way. All of Proton VPN's apps are independently audited and open-source, too, meaning that anyone can check the code for bugs. I also took a look at the Proton VPN site, and its Android app, in search of trackers, but couldn't find a single one.

Try Proton VPN's unlimited free plan.

Proton VPN doesn't disappoint when you dig deeper into its security offerings, either. Strong encryption across the best protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2) is integrated with a MultiHop VPN function, which adds an extra layer of protection to your browsing sessions. An effective kill switch will also ensure you're not compromised if the VPN drops.

The service has been through something of a transformation, recently, and has upped its network coverage. Its unlimited free VPN can now access 100 servers, rather than just 29, and folks with premium subscriptions have over 3,000 to choose from. If you really want to shore up your security, the 104 Secure Core servers route your traffic through networks across Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden—known privacy havens.

I was pleasantly surprised by just how many streaming services Proton VPN can unblock, too. I was able to browse through various Netflix libraries (including the UK and US), Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, to name a few. Proton VPN itself advises against using the Secure Core servers when streaming, however, claiming that the additional security measure can cause poor video quality.

It's also worth noting that you'll need to sign up for a paid plan to take advantage of Proton VPN's streaming and torrenting support, which is a little disappointing. I also noticed that its WireGuard speeds have dropped slightly from my last test—from 510 Mbps to 460 Mbps—though this is still more than you'll need for smooth 4K streaming. The good news is that the free plan is well and truly unlimited, with no sneaky caps, so you can get a taste of Proton VPN's apps and features without forking over any cash.

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Proton VPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignThe dark mode interface looks particularly awesome⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useMobile apps are intuitive, while the desktop can be more complex⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceA decent performer that doesn't top our charts⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingPaid users have access to the most popular streaming platforms⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyTons of security features, and extra add-ons, avaialble⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportAgents aren't always available, though there are plenty of support articles⭐⭐⭐
PriceAn unlimited free plan, but paid counterparts are relatively pricey⭐⭐⭐⭐

The best anonymous VPN

Mullvad VPN working on a laptop

(Image credit: Mullvad)

3. Mullvad

Leave no trace with a truly anonymous service

Number of servers: 650 | Server locations: 71 | Maximum devices supported: 5 | Refund period: 30 days | 24/7 customer support: No

Reliable kill switch and leak protection
Speedy performance
App and infrastructure audits
No personal details required to sign up
Blocks ads and malicious domains
Very limited unblocking power
Small device allowance
Subscribe if:

✔️ Anonymity is your main priority: there's no need to hand over any information at all when creating your zero-knowledge Mullvad account.

✔️ You want to pay with cash: Mullvad lives up to its promises of total anonymity by allowing users to pay for plans with cash or Bitcoin.

✔️ You need a transparent VPN: Mullvad is committed to regular security audits of its entire infrastructure—servers, websites, and apps included.

Don't subscribe if:

You're sticking to a budget: all of Mullvad's plans cost the same amount, and you'll find other providers are cheaper.

You're an avid streamer: because Mullvad puts its focus on its security offering, it's not as reliable when it comes to unblocking in-demand services.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

🔒 Mullvad is a powerful and security-oriented provider that is well and truly anonymous. You don't even need an email to get started. Try it for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more?

Visit our in-depth Mullvad review for more insight into this transparent provider.

Mullvad is a well-known provider and a name that goes hand-in-hand with online anonymity. You won't have to hand over a single personal detail when creating an account, and the provider has even axed recurring subscriptions to retain less information about its customers. Mullvad is also a transparent no-logs provider, and proved it after being hit by an inconclusive police raid. Finally, it's great to see that Mullvad is a well-engineered service, with high-quality encryption and audited open-source apps.

Following my most recent round of tests, Mullvad earned even more points on the security front with a DNS server audit and excellent blocking of malicious URLs. I couldn't find any trackers on the Mullvad site (or Android apps) when I had a closer look, either, which is another sign that the provider takes its users' privacy seriously. 

Try Mullvad with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

I was glad to see that Mullvad's kill switch was rock solid and more than capable of preventing damaging leaks in the event of a VPN dropout. DNS and IPv6 leak protection come in handy, too, and there's even a handful of stealth features designed to bypass VPN blocks.

650 servers in 71 locations is decent, but doesn't quite match up with its competitors' network infrastructures. However, Mullvad is surprisingly quick and boasts top WireGuard speeds of 770 Mbps. That's faster than ExpressVPN and Proton, but be warned if you're looking to do any P2P file sharing, because Mullvad recently announced that it would be removing its port-forwarding functionality on security grounds.

Mullvad isn't a standout when it comes to unblocking streaming services, unfortunately, making it a somewhat unviable option for everyday users. It doesn't claim to be an unbeatable Netflix VPN, however. The reason why became obvious right away during my testing—I couldn't unblock a single library, overseas or otherwise.

Its range of apps, for all devices, is quite basic—which could be disappointing if you're looking for a service with tons of customizability and a stacked roster of advanced features. The good news is that they're well-designed and easy to navigate, especially if you're new to the world of VPNs and wary of a steep learning curve. Still, if privacy is your focus, and you don't need all the bells and whistles, Mullvad has you covered.

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Mullvad test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignLacks some basic features, but well-designed⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useA straightforward design across all devices⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceSolid and reliable speeds with WireGuard and OpenVPN⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingA privacy-oriented service that struggles to unblock any platform in any region
Security and privacyOpen-source apps and regular audits, and you can sign up without handing over any info⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportThe lack of live chat is disappointing, but email responses are quick⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceMore expensive than other options, but prices don't soar upon renewal⭐⭐⭐

The best of the rest

4. NordVPN

An all-in-one security suite

Number of servers: 6,000+ | Server locations: 60+ | Maximum devices supported: 6 | Refund period: 30 days | 24/7 customer support: Yes

Double data encryption
Lightning-fast speeds
Audited apps, no logging claims, IOxT certification of Android app
New Meshnet feature to securely link devices
Modest prices
Some user interface shortcomings
Basic browser extensions
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a speedy service: NordVPN sits at the top of our quickest VPN rankings, making it ideal for streaming in HD.

✔️ You need an all-in-one solution: if you want ad-blocking, malware protection, and more, then NordVPN has you covered.

✔️ You're looking for real value: NordVPN plans are fairly priced and customizable, so you only pay for what you need.

Don't subscribe if:

You need simple apps: despite looking great, NordVPN's map-based interface can feel a little cumbersome.

You want to unblock content everywhere: NordVPN has servers across 61 countries, which is decent, but some of my other top picks have broader networks.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 NordVPN is the ultimate all-rounder, combining tough encryption and security tools with easy-to-use apps and plenty of customization. Plus, you can take the service for a spin with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Want to know more?

Check out our NordVPN review to see why the provider is an enduringly popular choice.

This Panama-based provider has some real strengths security-wise, most notably Double VPN technology which routes your connection through two separate VPN servers (instead of just one) for an additional layer of security. As for privacy, NordVPN has backed up its claims with independent audits of all its apps, no logging claims (fourth times now), and IOxT certification of its Android apps.

With NordVPN, you'll also be able to use the Onion network over VPN, and the combination of two kill switches, leak protection, and the automatic blocking of suspicious websites and ads means that your browsing sessions will be well and truly airtight. 256-bit AES encryption is on hand, too, while the IKEv2/IPsec security protocol has been adopted as the default in NordVPN’s apps for iOS and macOS, with OpenVPN being the choice for Windows and Android.

Try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

NordVPN recently made its Meshnet feature free to use for all users—which is seriously awesome value for money. Meshnet lets you connect your device to others via encrypted NordVPN connections, to create your own secure network. This makes online activities, like sharing files or checking on your desktop while you’re on the move, even more secure, and goes some way to making up for the rather stingy limit of 6 simultaneous connections.

It's hard to overstate just how quick NordVPN is. In fact, it currently sits at the top of my fastest VPN rankings, having maxed out my connection with peak WireGuard-based NordLynx speeds of 950 Mbps. So, if you're looking for a service that won't slow you down when you're torrenting, gaming, or hopping into video calls, NordVPN is an outstanding choice.

NordVPN also managed to unblock each and every streaming service that I threw at it—from Netflix and BBC iPlayer to smaller regional services like 9Now and ITVX. That's great news for anyone who wants to make the most of their streaming subscriptions and check out content that might otherwise be locked behind geo-restrictions.

It is worth noting that the NordVPN apps could use a little TLC. They have a unique and fresh design, but some of the popups and reminders can get annoying, and the map-based interface (while entertaining) loses its charm on devices with smaller screens. These are relatively small complaints in the grand scheme of things, however, and most users won't have an issue navigating through NordVPN's vast array of servers and features.

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NordVPN test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignPacked with features, though it can feel cluttered⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of usePerfect for VPN newbies, although the map-based interface isn't as intuitive on mobile⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceThe fastest VPN on the market right now⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingUnblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, and more⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyDoesn't collect logs, blocks ads and trackers, and boasts tough encryption⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer support24/7 customer service can tackle even the most techy questions⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceBudget-friendly prices⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Image credit: Future)

5. Surfshark

Great value for a secure VPN that scores well in every area

Number of servers: 3,200+ | Server locations: 110+ | Maximum device supported : Unlimited | Refund period: 30 days | 24/7 customer support: Yes

Improved WireGuard speeds
Unlimited simultaneous connections
A dream to use
Excellent unblocking capabilities
Pause VPN feature
No notification if your VPN drops
Some Windows kill switch issues in extreme situations
Subscribe if:

✔️ You're on a budget: Surfshark manages to pack a ton of features, awesome unblocking power, and reliable speeds into bargain prices.

✔️ You want a full security suite: just like NordVPN, Surfshark comes with its own array of privacy-enhancing tools.

✔️ You want to unblock international content: Surfshark is the perfect Netflix companion, able to unblock a long list of foreign content libraries.

Don't subscribe if:

You rely on your kill switch: I spotted issues with Surfshark's Windows kill switch during testing, so stick with Proton VPN if you can't afford a leak.

You want more server locations: Surfshark has 143 locations to choose from, though the likes of ExpressVPN offer even more.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

🔒 Surfshark proves that you don't have to pay an arm and a leg for robust security—and you'll even get unlimited simultaneous connections to play with. Want to try before you buy? Simply put the 30-day money-back guarantee to good use.

Want to know more?

Visit our Surfshark review to see just how much functionality it packs into budget-friendly plans.

Rounding out my shortlist is Surfshark, a great quality VPN that can be yours for an absolute bargain. It's the best cheap VPN in the business, and even comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, which will come in handy if you want to keep all of your devices, and your friends and family, secure online.

You'll also get a ton of hefty security features. Surfshark's obfuscation technology can help bypass VPN blocks and free up otherwise restricted corners of the internet, and the No Borders feature automatically connects you to the servers performing the best under strict network restrictions. DNS protection, split tunneling, Double VPN hop, and more extras powered by its own Nexus technology make Surfshark an incredibly accessible privacy-focused service.

Try Surfshark with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The most worrying downside, and the reason Surfshark isn't higher in my rankings, is its problematic Windows kill switch. Even though I only noticed these issues during my testing, when I pushed the kill switch to its limits, any possible leak is cause for concern. Fortunately, this isn't something to worry about if you're using Surfshark on mobile or as a reliable Mac VPN.

Similar to NordVPN, Surfshark is a complete security package, and is able to block ads, prevent trackers from following you across the web, and can even alert you if your information is involved in a data breach. The new Incogni feature is pretty impressive, too, and will automatically request the deletion of any personal data stored by data brokers—you'll need to pay a separate subscription for enjoying this protection, though.

I'm always impressed by Surfshark's unblocking power, and I'm glad to see that users can now get their hands on a dedicated IP for an additional charge. The combination of lightning-fast speeds and reliable access to the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime make Surfshark a fantastic choice for streaming, and an awesome gaming VPN that won't slow you down.

Some VPNs neglect their Linux users, but if you're looking to secure your Linux device, you'll be glad to learn that Surfshark is one of only a handful of providers to offer a dedicated GUI for the most common distros. This highlights Surfshark's dedication to its user base, and it's always good to see VPNs offering more than just a command-line interface.

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Surfshark test results:
AttributesNotesRating
DesignWhether you're on desktop or mobile, all apps are intuitive⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useIt only takes a moment to get connected to a speedy server⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceA super-fast provider that's perfect for streaming and gaming⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingHas no problem unblocking the most popular streaming apps⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyA reliable no-logs provider despite its kill switch issues⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportCustomer support is quick to respond and friendly⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceThe best value VPN on the block⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How to pick a secure VPN

Before you consider using any security software, you should carefully read through its privacy policy to ensure that the provider employs a transparent no-logging approach. This means that, besides some necessary information, the VPN never retains any logs on its users. So, there's simply no information to hand over if a data breach or government investigation occurs.

Another important aspect to look out for is strong encryption (I suggest at least AES-256) together with reliable VPN protocols. WireGuard has become the industry standard, as it strikes a fantastic balance between speed and security, and some providers, like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, have even developed their own proprietary protocols based on it. OpenVPN is still the most tried-and-tested protocol offered by most services, however, and privacy purists might prefer to stick with it.

You'll also which additional security features are on offer. A kill switch makes sure that none of your data will leak if the VPN connection drops, perfect forward secrecy boosts the protection of each of your sessions, and double encryption adds an extra layer of security when you need it most.

How does VPN encryption work?

Encryption can only go so far. If the authorities demand logs or other details on users from a VPN firm, encryption won’t stop the provider from handing said details over—which is why you should always be on the lookout for a firm that has a super-solid ‘no logs’ policy. That’s because while encryption might keep your data private and unreadable to your ISP, it’s still visible to the VPN itself.

That’s a common misconception about VPN security and encryption in regard to online privacy. Further misunderstandings can stem from the mishmash of jargon that surrounds talk of encryption, which is all likely to be meaningless to the casual VPN user. Terms like 128-bit, 256-bit, and AES are likely to confuse, so a bit of explanation is in order.

Encryption relies on advanced mathematical formulae to work its magic. Some types of encryption are stronger than others, and that’s where the terms 128-bit and 256-bit enter the picture—the latter is stronger than the former.

AES stands for Advanced Encryption Standard and is the computer cipher or the actual algorithm used to perform the encryption.

Want to learn more?

We cover all of the key concepts, without the techy jargon, in our guide to encryption.

Blowfish and AES are by far the most common ciphers found in daily VPN usage, and you’ll most commonly see VPN providers offering AES 256-bit encryption. The latter is something of a worldwide standard for solid security, with 256-bit encryption producing a staggering 1.1579 x 10 to the power of 77 possible keys.

Given that, even if you were using the combined power of all the world’s most powerful supercomputers, it’s not possible to pull off a brute-force attack to crack a symmetric 256-bit key (not before the death of the universe rolled around, anyway.)

Also, worth mentioning is Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS), a system of private encryption keys generated for each new session—this basically ensures that even if the current particular key in use is somehow compromised, the encryption of past sessions can’t be cracked (because they all use a different key).

The best secure VPN FAQs

What is the most secure VPN in 2023?

Currently leading the pack when it comes to security is ExpressVPN—an incredibly polished and feature-packed service. The combination of military-grade encryption, leak protection, an audited no-logs policy, and a kill switch ensure that your most sensitive details don't end up in the hands of dodgy hackers, cybercriminals, or even nosy third parties.

Which VPN protocol should I use?

Ultimately, that's up to you. Different protocols have different strengths, however, and WireGuard is a good pick for folks who want to unblock content and shore up their security.

If you're living in a country that restricts VPN usage, and where it's a bad idea to be caught using one, I'd suggest using OpenVPN with obfuscation (VPN cloaking) to mask your VPN usage. WireGuard can't be obfuscated like this—yet. So, while OpenVPN isn't as speedy, it's still the most battle-tested and secure protocol on offer.

Should I use a free VPN?

If you're serious about your digital security, I'd strongly recommend avoiding free VPN services. Why? Well, for a start, they're usually riddled with limitations. Some free services cap your bandwidth, have stingy monthly data allowances, and only allow access to a handful of servers (that typically fail to unblock streaming platforms.) Even Proton VPN's free plan has its restrictions.

More importantly, a lot of free services will sell your information on to third parties without batting an eyelid. It costs money to keep a VPN running, after all, and if you're not paying for the product, you can usually assume that you are the product.

Disclaimer

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.

River Hart
Tech Software Editor

River is a Tech Software Editor and VPN expert at TechRadar. They’re on-hand to keep VPN and cybersecurity content up-to-date and accurate. When they’re not helping readers find the best VPNs around (and the best deals), River can be found in close proximity to their PS5 or being pushed about the countryside by the lovely Welsh weather. 

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