The Most Secure VPN Services of 2024

The most secure VPN is the one that sticks out for its security features and privacy. By default, the meaning of a VPN is exactly that – privacy and security. However, as such services vary in price and possibilities, not every VPN can be called the most secure.

We know that some providers store logs and even sell your private data. Some, on the other hand, don’t provide strong enough encryption. In some cases, VPNs can leak your IP address and expose you to your Internet Provider and other annoying snoopers.

These providers won’t be our subject today. Instead, we’ll focus on the most secure VPNs whose features go far beyond the encryption and a kill switch. Today’s options aren’t numerous but we can guarantee their quality based on our first-hand tests.

The Most Secure VPN Features Explained

When we say things like a safe and secure VPN, we think about some of the most advanced features of such a service. Before discussing our favorite safe providers, let’s discuss which security features make them the safest options in 2024.

Modern Protocols & Encryption

When you connect to a server, a VPN protocol takes care of your connection and routes your traffic through the encrypted tunnel. It’s vital for a safe VPN service to use modern protocols, as they ensure not only security and privacy but also performance.

Some of the most secure options come with protocols like:

• NordLynx (NordVPN)
• Lightway (ExpressVPN)
• WireGuard
• OpenVPN
• IKEv2

These are considered the best around, especially because they use strong encryption that makes your traffic untraceable. We’re usually talking about 256-bit encryption, which then relies on advanced ciphers, such as ChaCha20, AES, and so on.

Luckily for us, almost every provider offers at least 256-bit encryption with OpenVPN and/or WireGuard. Some of them rely on 128-bit encryption, which, while very strong, still isn’t as good as 256-bit found in the most secure VPNs we’ll discuss later.

Kill Switch

We then have the kill switch, which is a MUST. It disables your internet access when the VPN connection breaks, preventing your IP address from going public. This feature is enabled right when the connection happens so that no leaks appear.

We found the kill switch particularly useful when visiting the dark web. This allowed us to always stay anonymous, even if the VPN connection started to go south.

IPv6 & DNS Leak Protection

IP and DNS leak protection is closely related to the kill switch. Both features will protect you from these leaks but “dedicated” IP/DNS leak protection does so at any moment, so as long as the connection is active, your IP and DNS addresses are fully concealed.

Some secure VPNs offer the option to enable or disable these. Most have IP/DNS leak protection built-in and are ready to work at any time. Besides, we don’t see the need to disable it, as it’s one of the most secure VPN features you can use.

Double VPN (or Multihop)

Not every provider has this feature but we think it’s extremely important for online safety. The most notable example is NordVPN. This provider has double VPN servers. They function by routing your traffic through two servers in different locations.

Enjoy top-tier security with NordVPN

As a result, they assign two IP addresses and double your encryption. This thick encryption layer makes you untraceable because no one can pinpoint the origin of the traffic. The trick is that your connection is a tad slower but that’s because of heavy encryption.

No-Log Policy

Do we need to elaborate on this feature? Logically, the most secure VPNs in 2024 should keep no logs and must be based in jurisdictions with strict privacy laws. Logging applies to things like your browsing history, location, traffic destination, IP address, and so forth.

We must proudly say that our selected providers don’t do that.

Not to mention their no-log policies are backed by real independent audits from other tech giants. Such tech companies are KPMG, Cure53, PwC, and plenty more. Find out everything about VPNs that keep no logs in a separate article on our site.

Obfuscation (Obfuscated Servers)

Obfuscation is extremely vital if you’re in censored regions. It masks your VPN connection and lets you bypass firewalls. Consequently, it’s paramount to beat censorship in China and avoid government surveillance that comes as a result.

Again, it’s one of the safest features that flagship VPNs must have. Some providers allow you to use the so-called obfuscated server while some have built-in obfuscation. Either way, its importance mustn’t be neglected.

RAM-Based Servers

Servers based on RAM add plenty to the overall security. They’re faster and easier to update but above all, privacy-friendly. RAM servers lose their data with each restart, so nothing lingers for too long. Such servers can’t be breached either.

If someone seizes the server, the provider can simply restart or shut it down, and boom – all data is lost. The point is that no data can be held on the server for long because, at some point, it must be restarted for maintenance and software updates.

Private DNS

Without a Virtual Private Network, you rely on a third-party DNS service to handle your DNS requests. These services are notorious for storing logs and monitoring your online activities. The safest VPN providers remedy this by implementing their own Private DNS.

Now, all DNS requests are handled by the VPN’s DNS service, which operates according to a no-log policy. All DNS requests are private, in return, and not even the provider can track your search queries, visited websites, and torrent downloads and uploads.

Malware/Tracker Protection

We want to touch on advanced protection features that you’ll find in many safe-to-use VPNs. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and a few more offer protection against ads, trackers, malicious sites, malware, and even viruses!

This makes the VPN incredibly safe and ensures far more than your run-of-the-mill privacy. With malware and virus protection, you can prevent malignant files from reaching your device. With tracker protection, you can stop data brokers from spying on you, as well.

Top 3 Most Secure VPNs of 2024 – Detailed List

We tested dozens of free and paid VPN providers to determine which ones are the most secure. We narrowed down our selection to just 3 that performed exceptionally well and stuck out from the pack. They include:

1. NordVPN – the most secure VPN in 2024
2. ExpressVPN – cutting-edge security and privacy
3. Private Internet Access – customizable encryption and secure proxies

For more info about our selection, read below. We reviewed each provider and explained what makes each one of the most secure VPNs in 2024.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN has been on the great run for years now. It packs powerful 256-bit CBC encryption with a unique NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard. This provider also includes a 2-level kill switch, with one to disable all traffic and another to kill the selected apps if you lose the VPN connection.

We love NordVPN for its advanced features you’ll find nowhere else. Threat Protection shields you from malware, ads, and trackers, while the double VPN feature encrypts your traffic twice. NordVPN also has RAM-only servers and packs 6,300+ of them worldwide!

As the most secure VPN, NordVPN comes with IP/DNS leak protection to prevent potential data leaks. Moreover, this service’s apps offer Meshnet, a proprietary feature for hosting secure LAN parties, streaming Netflix through traffic routing, and remote-accessing other devices.

Many users revere its Panamanian jurisdiction. It’s privacy-friendly, letting NordVPN nourish its no-log policy. Besides, it has plenty of audits by PwC and Deloitte on its no-log policy and apps. NordVPN also uses all of the aforementioned advanced features.

Its Obfuscated servers work in China and circumvent censorship. It’s no coincidence that this is the most popular VPN among internet users in China. NordVPN’s RAM-only servers ensure no long-term data retention. Its Private DNS service is excellent as well, as it’s affected by the no-log policy. Do we need to mention its optional add-ons?

One is Incogni which lets you wipe all data from dozens of data brokers worldwide at only $4/mo. We also have the Dark Web Monitor to safeguard you from email and password breaches. NordVPN’s Basic plan starts from above $3/mo, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a must-try.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a preferred secure VPN provider with plenty to like. While slightly more expensive, it offers a state-of-the-art Lightway protocol. Our tests showed that it is not only one of the fastest but also one of the most secure protocols, featuring 256-bit encryption.

This provider uses Network Lock, a kill switch that boosts your privacy significantly. Let’s also mention its Advanced Protection, allowing you to block ads, malicious sites, and trackers. ExpressVPN’s Parental Control makes this service a lot more versatile.

You can block porn sites and prevent access to PornHub, let’s say. ExpressVPN uses Perfect Forward Secrecy to assign unique encryption keys to each connection. This, in return, makes every encryption key immune to compromises by hackers and snoopers.

ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. It’s extremely good for privacy, with a no-log policy and at least 16 independent security audits. We love its TrustedServer technology based on RAM servers that ExpressVPN heavily advertises as industry-leading.

We explained in our ExpressVPN test that it supports Onion Over VPN connections. Again, that’s handy for dark web visitors. ExpressVPN’s plans include Keys, a reliable password manager to aid password creation and storage. It lacks Double VPN servers, however.

After using it for over 10 years now, our experts can agree that ExpressVPN is still among the most secure VPN options. It works on all devices and provides 8 simultaneous connections, too. Check its annual plan with a 49% discount thanks to 3 free months below.

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3. Private Internet Access

PIA made it to the list of the VPNs with the best security easily. Its US jurisdiction isn’t the best but also doesn’t influence it negatively. This is a prevalent no-log service proven in court multiple times and with a third-party audit from a tech juggernaut Deloitte.

This provider’s GCM encryption is mighty, with the option to pick from 128-bit and 256-bit versions. In addition, PIA offers customizable WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols where you can choose your transport protocol and other configurations.

Private Internet Access offers a kill switch and MACE, an ad blocker that also keeps trackers at bay. We love its inclusion of secure proxies. For example, there’s Shadowsocks that adds obfuscation and works in China occasionally. Even SOCKS5 is there – a rare sight!

PIA holds nothing back with its Multi-Hop servers that you can customize by selecting entry and exit locations. The VPN uses its PIA DNS server, which doesn’t store logs or track your DNS requests. Port Forwarding is another curiosity, albeit, not much for VPN security.

We like PIA’s antivirus, which can be bought for around a dollar on top. It tremendously wipes viruses and malware, keeping your PC clean. Private Internet Access uses RAM-only servers and offers 91 countries to pick from, making it one of the largest secure VPNs.

The service offers unlimited simultaneous connections but lacks a Firestick app. However, that’s not a deal breaker if you’re focused on secure VPN features. Might we add that it’s also the most pocket-friendly VPN here? It costs just above $2/mo. A steal deal.

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What Are the Most Secure VPN Protocols?

A newbie in the cybersecurity world likely has no clues about all the protocols that VPNs use. Tunneling protocols allow the VPN to encrypt your traffic and “move” the data from your network to the VPN server. However, they’re far from being the same.

The most secure VPN protocols are:

• NordLynx. A WireGuard-based option that encapsulates security, speed, and privacy. NordVPN took WireGuard and improved its then-valid privacy problems to craft one of the top VPN protocols you can use – both fast and incredibly secure.
• Lightway. It’s ExpressVPN’s protocol that shows similar performance to NordLynx. Its state-of-the-art encryption and strong privacy make it great for all purposes. It uses UDP and TCP transfer protocols based on your needs.
• WireGuard. Easily one of the fastest protocols. It’s secure and works with different encryption standards. WireGuard is lightweight and has a few lines of code for easier maintenance. Some speculate that WireGuard can be used with post-quantum encryption to deter quantum computer attacks in the future.
• OpenVPN. Old but gold. A protocol developed to be safe and secure, with slightly slower speeds than WireGuard. It’s resource-heavy and harder to improve and maintain than WireGuard. On the flip side, its UDP mode is faster, while its TCP mode is still used in many VPNs (NordVPN for example) to bypass censorship in China.
• IKEv2. An ideal OpenVPN replacement with just as good security, privacy, and speed. The protocol uses AES-256-GCM encryption and is a tad faster than OpenVPN in some cases. It’s often combined with IPSec, which serves as an authenticator.

Protocols like L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and SSTP are rarely found in the most secure VPN providers. These aren’t particularly secure, especially PPTP that’s very easy to breach. For this reason, most services really on OpenVPN and WireGuard (including WireGuard-based protocols).

How Did We Test the Most Secure VPNs?

It’s not about which features a secure VPN offers but how and IF they work properly. Our team tested all services on desktop and mobile devices across pretty much all of their server locations. One thing we looked for is IP/DNS leaks.

Having no leaks is a clear indicator that we’re discussing a secure VPN. Another VERY important thing is a kill switch. We connected to a VPN server, intentionally shut down the internet connection, and waited for the kill switch’s response.

All 3 providers immediately shut down our internet traffic, preserving our data in the process. We also tested other features like a double VPN feature, ad blocker, malware protection, and so forth. All services displayed splendid results.

For example, double VPN servers in NordVPN were amazing thanks to their mighty two-layer encryption. Another vital thing is the performance and stability. The most secure VPNs in 2024 must perform well, without frequent disconnects and slowdowns.

Besides, frequent disconnects increase the risk of leaking your data if the kill switch isn’t ON. However, after testing our favorite most secure VPNs, we concluded they’re not only fast but stable and reliable as well. Regardless of which one you choose, you won’t go wrong.

Some Tips to Stay Safe at All Times

There are always ways to additionally improve your VPN connection and make it more secure. Here are a few tips to have in mind if you’re a privacy-aware user and want to keep your online presence ghostly.

• Use VPNs with a great reputation. Our favorite secure VPNs are amazing in this regard. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and PIA are all exceptionally secure, with bleeding-edge protocols, rock-solid encryption, and RAM-only servers in hundreds of countries.
• Enable the kill switch. The importance of a kill switch in a secure VPN cannot be overstated. With its ability to protect your private data in the case of a VPN connection loss, it’s paramount to your safety. Make sure it’s always ON.
• Use the safest protocol in the app. Our providers offer NordLynx, Lightway, and WireGuard as the safest protocols. You can enable them manually but they’re frequently used as default options either way.
• Avoid third-party DNS. With Private DNS, there’s no reason to use a third-party solution like Cloudflare, Google DNS, and others.
• Enable obfuscation (optional). If you’re in a censored country, enable obfuscation to mask your traffic and prevent the authorities from discovering your connection.
• Use the double VPN feature (optional). Two encryption layers are better than one. If you don’t mind slightly slower VPN speeds at the cost of extreme protection, enable this feature. You’ll find it on NordVPN and PIA (MultiHop servers).
• Check for IP and DNS leaks. This is easily done through IP-checker websites. You can use any site you find online. We prefer ipleak.net or browserleaks.com.

Non-Secure VPN Providers to Avoid in 2024

Some providers have promises that usher in false hope in their potential users. Little do they know, these VPNs use security and privacy promises as a facade for logging, selling their private information, and so on. Some providers are better left untouched and they are:

• Hola VPN. One of the WORST options to pick right now. Logging, data selling, and a false sense of security are one of its “strengths”. Hola is a free provider and uses P2P, which means you’re sharing your idle resources with other Hola users. As a result, you’re not connecting to a server, instead, getting IPs from other users in the network. These users can also use your IP address to go online and do whatever they want.
• Betternet. A US-based free VPN with intrusive logging. Its security features are “okay” but everything else is just subpar. It’s also slow, limited in bandwidth, and with apps only for a few desktop and mobile platforms.
• Urban VPN. Unlimited traffic for free – sounds like a dream! Well, not until you read its logging practices and are shocked at how scammy it sounds. It logs everything, from your IP to browsing history and DNS requests. In our tests, it also leaked our IP and DNS addresses more than a few times.
• Mobile-only free VPNs. They’re the worst kind out there. These providers are usually found only on Google Play or the App Store. They’re strictly free but display tons of ads, track your online activities, and store/sell logs of your sensitive information. Use the best Android VPNs instead or opt for some of our favorite VPNs for iPhones.

Conclusion

Features like bank-grade encryption, a functional kill switch, protection against IP/DNS leaks, and others are only some of the features of the best and most secure VPNs in 2024. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access indeed fit the bill.

These providers have all you need to go online without fear of ISP monitoring, spying, and other malignancies. With third-party security audits and plenty of advanced protection options, these three should be your go-to choices in 2024.

We prefer NordVPN, as in our tests, it displayed exceptional results, especially with features like Double VPN and Threat Protection. However, feel free to pick any you like. All offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you find your pick insufficient, you can easily swap it for another.

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