A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is supposed to keep you safe online by protecting your data and privacy. Since not all VPNs are trustworthy, it is very important to check the safety and privacy policy of a VPN provider.
Luckily, we have already done this for more than 80 VPNs. Based on our extensive research we can recommend the most secure VPNs on the VPN market.
The Most Secure VPNs Tested in 2024
| Editor’s Pick | |||||
| VPN |  |  |  |  |  |
| Score | 9.3 | 9.0 | 8.3 | 8.8 | 8.8 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard | OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, Lightway |
| Logs | Zero logs | Zero logs | Zero logs | Zero logs | Zero logs |
| Operating systems | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Connections | 10 | Unlimited | 10 | 7 | 8 |
| Servers | 5000+ | 3000-5000 | 3000-5000 | 5000+ | Thousands |
| Compatibilities |        | | | | |
| Price | $ 3.39 | $ 2.19 | $ 3.59 | $ 2.19 | $ 6.67 |
| Visit NordVPN | Visit Surfshark | Visit Proton VPN | Visit CyberGhost | Visit ExpressVPN |
How Do I Choose a Secure VPN Provider?
A secure VPN-connection masks your real IP address and encrypts your internet traffic. Secure VPNs should do this at all times and should never reveal your data to third parties, such as authorities or marketeers.
To make sure a VPN is really secure, you should always check the following security features:
- No logs policy: a VPN service with a no logs policy does not log any data about your online activities. Consequently, secure VPN services have no data to share with others.
- Strong encryption: a secure VPN should use 256 bit AES or ChaCha20 encryption. These military grade encryption types can’t be compromised.
- Kill switch: a kill switch makes sure your real IP address stays hidden, even if the VPN connection fails. It is an essential feature to protect your privacy.
- DNS leak protection: if a VPN doesn’t use its own DNS servers, your DNS requests can be logged by whoever does run the DNS servers. For privacy, a VPN with DNS leak protection is indispensable.
- Safe VPN protocol: a secure VPN protocol creates a secure tunnel for your data. The most secure VPN protocols are OpenVPN and WireGuard.
- Audits: by letting a independent company perform an audit, a VPN provider can prove they stay true to their own privacy policy.
The Most Secure VPNs in 2024: Safety Feature Evaluation
We have evaluated and reviewed more than 80 different VPN providers. Based on our extensive research, the following VPNs are the best choice if you are looking for the most secure VPN.
1. NordVPN: The Most Secure VPN Right Now
Why NordVPN is the #1 secure VPN:
- No logs policy and diskless RAM servers to keep your data private.
- Additional Threat Protection against trackers and malware.
- Double VPN servers for an extra secure connection.
- Obfuscated servers for protection in regions with censorship.
- 10 simultaneous connections to keep your whole family safe.
Based in Panama, NordVPN offers one of the most secure and privacy friendly VPN connections. Since Panama isn’t part of the 5-, 9- or 14- eyes alliance, NordVPN isn’t obliged to share information with authorities. Moreover, NordVPN can’t even store any data about your online traffic due to the use of diskless servers.
NordVPN gets regular independent audits to prove that they are as safe and secure as they claim to be. During our test, NordVPN’s permanent kill switch worked perfectly to keep our IP address hidden, even if we switched servers ourselves. We also didn’t experience any DNS leaks during our extensive tests.
We are very impressed by NordVPN’s additional security features, such as the double VPN servers for extra security and the obfuscated servers who hide the fact that you use a VPN. With Threat Protection you are even protected against trackers and malware.
If you decide now and hit the orange button below you can get NordVPN with 72% discount. The provider offers a 30 day money back guarantee, so if you change your mind you can always cancel the subscription.
Are you not sure yet? You can find more information in our extensive NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark: Most Secure VPN for the Entire Family
Why Surfshark is the #2 secure VPN:
- No logs policy and RAM only servers to protect your internet traffic.
- Nexus-network to make sure you’re always connected.
- Perfect Forward Secrecy for strong encryption.
- Surfshark One and CleanWeb to protect you from trackers and malware.
- Unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
Surfshark is based in the Netherlands. Although this country is part of the 14-eyes alliance, your data is safe with Surfshark. This is because Surfshark has an audited no logs policy, which mean that they don’t store any information about your online activities. Surfshark uses RAM only servers, so they can’t store information permanently.
We are huge fans of Surfshark’s Nexus-network, which makes sure you’re always connected with Surfsharks network, even while switching servers. This prevents your IP address from being leaked. We also like the Perfect Forward Secrecy that Surfshark offers. This features changes the encryption keys constantly, making it basically impossible to hack the VPN tunnel.
For extra online safety, Surfshark offers Surfshark One to protect you from malware and viruses, and CleanWeb to protect you from trackers and online ad targeting. Moreover, the multihop features lets you use double VPN servers for extra safety. When it comes to online security, Surfshark has got you covered!
If you click on the orange button below, you can get Surfshark with a discount of 86%. Just give Surfshark a try! If you are not satisfied, you can get your money back by using the 30 day money back guarantee.
Do you want to know more about Surfshark? Check out our extensive Surfshark review.
3. Proton VPN: Most Secure Open Source VPN
Why Proton VPN is the #3 secure VPN:
- No logs policy to make sure you are the only one who knows what you are doing online.
- Based in Switzerland, which is a good location when it comes to privacy laws.
- Permanent kill switch to keep your IP address private at all times.
- Secure core servers create extra safety with a double tunnel.
- Open source apps so privacy and safety can be tested by everyone.
Proton VPN is part of the Swiss company Proton, which also offers Proton Pass, Proton Drive and Proton Mail. All of their services focus on privacy and safety. For example, Proton Mail is one of the few secure email providers.
Proton VPN has a strict no logs policy. This VPN service uses military grade encryption and secure VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard. Perfect Forward Secrecy adds to this safety by generating a new encryption key for each session. Even if hackers crack the key, it will be useless to them.
Proton VPN has regular audits to confirm the safety of the apps and Proton’s technology. Moreover, Proton’s technology is completely open source, which means everyone can see for themselves that Proton VPN is a safe as it claims to be.
Proton is now available with a 64% discount. Click on the button below to subscribe to Proton VPN immediately with this amazing deal.
Are you interested in knowing more about this provider? Check out our Proton VPN review.
4. CyberGhost: Most Secure VPN for Microsoft Users
Why CyberGhost is the #4 secure VPN:
- No logs policy and RAM only servers to keep your data private.
- Privacy Guard for additional privacy.
- Security Suite to protect you from malware and viruses.
- Regular audits and transparency reports.
- 45 days money back guarantee.
CyberGhost is a no log VPN that uses OpenVPN and WireGuard as VPN protocols. The provider has regular audits and publishes a monthly transparency report to prove it never shares information about customers.
CyberGhost has advanced security features to keep your data safe, such as solid DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch. Most noteworthy is the CyberGhost Security Suite, which offers Antivirus and a Security Updater for Windows. With the Security Suite you can make sure your devices are up-to-date and protected against malware.
Moreover, CyberGhost offers a feature called ‘Privacy Guard’. With Privacy Guard you can decide which information you want to share with Windows programs, such as Edge, Windows Defender and apps in the Microsoft Store. This makes CyberGhost the perfect secure VPN for Windows users.
With the button below you can immediately subscribe to CyberGhost. The provider offers a 45 day money back guarantee, giving you the opportunity to try CyberGhost six weeks for free.
Do you still have doubts? Check out our CyberGhost review for more information about this provider.
5. ExpressVPN: Secure VPN With Their Own Audited Protocol
Why ExpressVPN is the #5 secure VPN:
- No logs policy and Trusted Server Technology to protect your internet traffic.
- Blocks harmful trackers with Threat manager.
- Offers OpenVPN and Lightway, ExpressVPN’s own version of WireGuard.
- Kill switch to make sure your IP address is always hidden.
- Regular audits prove security and privacy.
ExpressVPN is a excellent choice when it comes to online security. With 256 bit AES encryption, a kill switch and Trusted Server Technolgy, we can state that ExpressVPN offers everything you need to protect your data online. The Trusted Servers ensure your data can’t be stored by ExpressVPN.
Besides OpenVPN and IKEv2, ExpressVPN offers their own VPN protocol: Lightway. Lightway uses the strong ChaCha20 encryption and can be compared with WireGuard when it comes to speed and safety. LightWay is open source and has been audited several times.
ExpressVPN includes the Threat Manager feature, that blocks harmful trackers by filtering DNS requests. This feature prevents apps and websites from connecting with third parties who track your activities. Although Threat Manager is a useful feature, it is not as extensive as NordVPN Threat Protection or Surfshark One.
Do you want to give ExpressVPN a try? Use the 30 day money back guarantee to try this VPN provider for free. If you decide now, we can offer you a discount of 49%.
Do you want to know more first? Read our extensive ExpressVPN review.
How We Evaluate VPN Security
When we test and evaluate VPN security, we are interested in the privacy policy, but also in security features and the way they function. Consequently, we check:
- The privacy policy to know which information a VPN provider stores.
- If the VPN-provider has a no logs policy.
- If the VPN has regular independent audits to test security features.
- If the software is open source and whether or not there is a bug bounty program.
- Which VPN protocol and encryption the provider uses.
- If the kill switch works properly.
- If there are no IP leaks or DNS leaks.
- If the provider offers additional security features, such as Perfect Forward Secrecy, double VPN’s and malware protection.
- If these additional security features work properly.
If you want to know more about the safety of the VPN’s we have tested, check out our article about the best VPN services.
VPN Services That Failed Our Test
Some VPN providers are safer than others. We expect a VPN to keep your data and IP address safe at all times. A VPN should on no account log or expose your data. Unfortunately, not all VPN providers are trustworthy. Some might even sell your data or install malware on your devices.
The following VPN providers have proven not to be trustworthy. We advice you to stay clear of these services:
| VPN provider | Reason |
|---|---|
| Hoxx VPN | Logs sensitive user information. |
| Secure VPN | Has DNS leaks and does not offer a kill switch. |
| Speedify | Logs your IP address and device ID and does not offer a kill switch. |
| iProVPN | Might contain a virus. |
| Tuxler VPN | Collects a lot of user data and doesn’t have a kill switch. |
| VPN Gate | Tracks everything you do via the VPN and logs your real IP address. |
| X-VPN | Keeps logs and is based in Hong Kong. This means your data might end up with the Chinese authorities. |
| HolaVPN | Logs all your data and lets others use your bandwidth. |
| UltraVPN | Leaks your IP address and has a malfunctioning kill switch. Moreover, UltraVPN gathers to much personal data. |
| Psiphon | Has IP leaks and does not offer a kill switch. Keeps logs for maximum 90 days. |
| BetterNet | Collects a lot of user data and sells the data from free users. |
Also be careful with cracked VPNs. Cracked VPNs are the pirated version of premium VPN software. Not only are they illegal, they can also be dangerous as the version might contain malware.
Security Over Convenience: Turn These Features On!
Some security features might seem bothersome. For example, a permanent kill switch switches off the internet while you switch servers. It could be inconvenient to be offline for a second. On the other hand, it might also be very inconvenient if your IP address is exposed.
We recommend to check the settings of your VPN and to turn on the following security features:
- Permanent kill switch, to protect your data even if you switch off the VPN yourself.
- DNS leak protection to prevent DNS leaks.
- Additional features to block trackers such as Surfshark’s CleanWeb.
- Additional features to block malware and viruses, such as NordVPN’s Threat Protection.
Keep them turned on for your own safety!
Help Your Secure VPN to Keep You Safe
A VPN helps you to stay safe online. However, to be secure on the internet, you need more than just a VPN. A VPN encrypts your online traffic, but it does not prevent all harm that could happen on the world wide web.
To make sure you are safe online, we recommend the following:
- Use 2FA on all your accounts to make sure hackers can’t get access to your email, bank account or other important accounts.
- Use a password manager to be able to create and remember strong and unique passwords for each account.
- Use antivirus to protect your device from malware and viruses. Some VPNs, such as NordVPN, offer antivirus as an add-on, but it is not a standard feature.
- Keep your email address private and use an email alias to create a new account. This can reduce the amount of spam you will get, which will reduce the risk of phishing.
- Don’t click on suspicious links to reduce the risk of accidentally sharing log in details with cyber criminals.
- Use a private browser such as Brave to avoid browser fingerprinting.
Recap: The Most Secure VPN
If you are looking for a secure and safe VPN you have multiple options, but according to our extensive testing and research, NordVPN is the most secure VPN.
This provider does not only offer military grade encryption and safe VPN protocol, but also has many additional security features, such as a double VPN-tunnel and Threat Protection. NordVPN is the best choice to protect your privacy and keep you safe online.
Do you have any questions about the most secure VPN? Read our FAQ to find the answers.
Trustworthy premium VPNs, such as NordVPN, will always encrypt your internet traffic and will never store logs about your online activities. That doesn’t mean that your data is 100% secure if you use a VPN. For example, your data might get into the hands of hackers by phishing. Therefore, it is always important to be careful with your online activities, even if you use a VPN.
A VPN is definitely more secure than a proxy. While a proxy will hide your IP address, it will not encrypt your traffic the way a VPN does. If you want to protect your privacy and stay anonymous online, we recommend using a VPN instead of a proxy.
A VPN encrypts your online traffic. Which traffic is encrypted depends on the way you use it. For example, if you use a browser extension, the VPN wil only encrypt the traffic from the browser. Data sent by other apps will not be encrypted. We recommend using the VPN-app instead or installing the VPN on your router.
VPNs hide your IP address and send your online traffic through a secure and encrypted tunnel. In doing so, a VPN makes sure you are anonymous online. This means a VPN is a great option to protect your privacy. However, VPNs in general do not protect you from phishing, malware and others sorts of cybercrime.
The most secure VPN is NordVPN. This provider uses military-grade encryption and has a no logs policy. With the use of diskless servers, NordVPN ensures they cannot store data about their users. Moreover, NordVPN offers Threat Protection to protect your device from trackers and malware.
The least secure VPN is Betternet. This VPN service collects a lot of user data and even sells the data of free users. Besides Betternet, there are other VPNs that store and even sell user data. It is important to always check the privacy policy of a VPN and read some reviews to ensure the VPN of your choice is safe.
