How to Test VPN Speed: List of the Top 5 Fastest VPNs in 2024
As threats to online privacy and security continue to escalate around the world, choosing the right VPN has never been more challenging.
There are hundreds of VPNs available nowadays and each claim to offer the best service. Although security and privacy are the most important elements while choosing a VPN, speed is also equally important.
Generally, a VPN will slow down your internet connection. This because a VPN works by encrypting your traffic and routing it through a secure server located in a different region.
Thankfully, with a top VPN service provider, the change in speed is very subtle thereby allowing you to enjoy fast and consistent connections.
In order to help you out, we have tested hundreds of VPNs and created a list of the fastest VPNs that are available today. We will also go into detail about how to test the performance of an individual VPN service provider.
If you want to learn more, check VPNpro insights.
Table of Contents:
How to Choose the Fastest VPNs?
Not all VPNs are created equal. Different providers will have different speeds and with the right option, you can preserve both your privacy and speed.
While testing VPN speeds, there are a number of metrics that you should consider:
#1) Download speed:
This is a measure of the rate of data transfer from the internet to your computer. Needless to say, this should be your number one consideration. The higher the download Speed, the better will be your connection.
#2) Upload speed:
This is the rate at which data is transferred from your device to the internet. Usually, upload speeds are unlikely to give you any headaches. However, if you regularly upload videos, slow upload speeds can be frustrating.
#3) Latency:
This is the time which takes your device to send a data packet (ping) to a server and receive a response. It is also known as lag and the lower the latency, the better it is. If your VPN has high speeds and low latency, then data sent to the game server will be received quicker.
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Step by Step Guide for Testing VPN Speeds
In order to test the download speeds, all you have to do is use a speed test tool to get a snapshot of the percentage change with and without the VPN. While testing speed, I used the Ookla speed test as it covers all three important metrics.
There are also multiple other speed test tools available on the internet.
The VPN speed testing process is quite simple and can be completed within a matter of minutes. Follow the following steps.
Step #1: Log in to your VPN account and connect to a VPN server.
Step #2: Next visit speedtest.com
Step #3: Click Go and wait for the connection to be initialized.
Step 4: Read the speed test results.
Step #5: Now repeat the process without a VPN and note down the difference.
Note: The smaller the difference, the lower the effect the VPN has on your internet speed, and the faster the VPN.
Best VPN Download Speeds
We tested around 30 top VPNs and calculated the percentage difference for each. While some VPNs reduced speed by up to 90%, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, IPVanish, TorGuard, and Buffered performed admirably. Here is a quick illustration of the speed test results.
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Best VPN Latency
If a VPN has fast download and upload speeds, then latency won’t be much of an issue.
Nevertheless, there are a couple of VPNs in the market that can increase your ping time by over 500%. With such an increase, you can expect your gaming experience to be significantly affected. All the VPNs in this list had an acceptable effect on latency.
Top 5 Fastest VPNs For High Speed and Security
Enlisted below are the best fastest free VPN that is available in the market.
#1) NordVPN
NordVPN has been around for years now and is one of the best all-around VPNs that you can ever find. Currently, the VPN has 5200+ servers in 60 countries and boasts a 99% uptime reliability. It offers neck-breaking speeds across all servers and is great for streaming and other bandwidth-intensive applications.
In addition to its excellent connections, NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology makes the VPN a joy to use. The feature automatically selects the best server, thereby allowing you to geo-restricted sites within a single click.
Privacy & Security
NordVPN is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction. It stores neither activity nor connection logs. The VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and Double VPN which encrypts your traffic twice.
Additional features include DNS leak protection, Onion Over VPN, and an automatic kill switch.
NordVPN also offers dedicated IPs for smooth access to IP-restricted networks and a CyberSec feature that blocks ads and malware.
Compatibility
The VPN service provider has apps for Windows, Mac, MacOS, iOS, routers and smart TVs. However, the VPN lacks a GUI app for Linux distros. But to their credit, they do provide an autocomplete widget which makes typing commands much easier.
Pricing
NordVPN is reasonably priced and has an incredible 7-day free trial. Additionally, their pricing plans are backed by a strict 30-day money-back guarantee and with one NordVPN account, you can secure up to 6 devices at the same time.
Pros
- Superb speeds
- Military-grade encryption
- Over 5200 servers
- Unblocks Netflix and iPlayer
- Zero logs policy
- Free trial
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons: Smart plays automatic server selection can be unreliable.
#2) IPVanish
IPVanish does an excellent job streaming 4K videos. The VPN is also great for torrenting and maintains high speeds across all their 1300+ servers. The provider owns and operates all the servers, and you will be able to know that they don’t keep any logs. Live support chat can be contacted 24/7.
It is ideal for unblocking geo-restricted sites on the internet. I, however, experienced a few issues while unblocking BBC iPlayer from outside the UK. But on the Brightside, the VPN works smoothly with Netflix, Hulu, and other premium streaming services.
Privacy & Security
When it comes to security, IPVanish rivals the best. The VPN uses best-in-class 256-bit AES encryption with PPTP, IPsec, L2TP, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. IPVanish also comes with SOCKS5 web proxy which masks your IP address when you make P2P and VoIP connections.
SOCKS5 web proxy is not encrypted but significantly improves the speed for faster downloads. While IPVanish has an automatic kill switch on its Windows and Mac clients, the feature is missing on Android and iOS apps.
Compatibility
IPVanish software is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Linux, Fire TV, routers. If you are using Linux, you should know that only Ubuntu is supported. IPVanish is easy to set up, and their customer support is always available to help with the installation process.
Pricing
The only major downside with IPVanish is on the pricing front. Their pricing plans are costly, and the provider offers a short 7-day money-back guarantee. But to their credit, they do allow an incredible 10 simultaneous connections.
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Pros
- Excellent speeds
- Military-grade encryption
- Unblocks Netflix
- Zero logs policy
- 10 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Short 7-day money-back guarantee.
#3) ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is known for its incredibly fast connections and it consistently tops our speed scores. It surprises no one that ExpressVPN makes this list. It allows you to make the most out of your high-speed internet and you can smoothly stream UHD and 4K videos.
It has extensive server coverage with over 3000 servers in 94 countries across the globe. It reliably unblocks geo-restricted sites, including premium streaming services like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and HBO.
I was quite impressed by their split tunneling feature which allows you to selectively route the specific traffic that you need encrypted and increase your connection speeds.
Privacy & Security
Security-wise, the provider leaves no loopholes unsealed.
ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption with Zero-Knowledge DNS and a firewall kill switch. Tunneling protocols featured include PPTP, L2TP/IPsec and OpenVPN with TCP/UDP. If you are a privacy-oriented user, you’ll be thrilled to know that the provider does not keep any logs.
Compatibility
It is compatible with a wide range of devices. The service does well in the mobile category, with great apps for Android and iOS. Desktop users aren’t left behind either, and there are simple, intuitive clients for Windows, Linux, and Mac too.
The provider also has custom firmware for routers thereby allowing you to connect devices that do not come with inbuilt VPN compatibility.
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Pricing
It is not cheap. However, when you consider the overall quality of their service, the price can be felt justified. All ExpressVPN subscriptions are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, and a single account covers up to 3 devices at the same time.
Pros
- Ultra-fast speeds
- Excellent security
- Works with Netflix and iPlayer
- Zero logs policy
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons
- Expensive for monthly subscribers.
- Only 3 simultaneous connections.
#4) Free Planet VPN
Free Planet VPN makes it to my list because of its massive network of worldwide servers. Premium users of Free Planet VPN get access to over 1200 servers spread across 60 different countries worldwide. In a few easy steps, you’ll need to connect to any one of these servers and enjoy super-fast internet connectivity while enjoy complete online anonymity.
Free Planet VPN can also be used for free. You’ll only be able to connect to 5 server locations but the result is quite effective. Plus, the tool adheres to a zero-logs policy. It does not log user-activity, thus assuring optimal user data privacy and security.
Privacy and Security
Free Planet VPN features robust OpenVPN and IKEv2 security protocols. Along with the 256-bit encryption that the tool providers, you can rest easy knowing both you and your data is safe when using this VPN.
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Compatibility
Free Planet VPN works well with Mac, Windows, Linux, and mobile devices that operate on iOS and Android systems. You also get browser extension from chrome as well which comes with smart filters that can be used to block specific sites on the web.
Price: Free Planet VPN can be used for free with limited capabilities. To leverage its full potential, you’ll need to subscribe to any of three plans:
- $9.99/month
- $3.99/month for annual plan
- $1.99/month for 3 +1 year promotional plan.
Pros:
- No Logs
- Free plan available
- No registration required
- Quick set-up
- 1260 ultra-fast servers
- Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
Cons:
- No dedicated customer support
#5) Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access does everything you’d expect from some of the best VPN services out there. You get to choose from multiple world-class servers located in 93 countries to effectively conceal your IP address. Private Internet Access also benefits immensely from being open-source, which means you can check for yourself what it does to secure your identity online.
Private Internet Access also boasts some advanced features. We are particularly impressed by its split tunnelling and multi-hop feature. Thanks to the multi-hop feature, you’ll be able to chain your connection to two VPN servers, which proves helpful when bypassing geo-restricted content online.
On the other hand, the tool’s split tunnelling feature will help you create automated settings and choose which apps and domains get to sidestep your VPN tunnel.
Security
Private Internet Access uses some of the strongest encryption protocols out there. It gives you the option to choose between military grade cipher, 256 bit AES and 128 bit AES encryption ciphers. The software also goes above and beyond to ensure your privacy online. It adheres to a strict no-logs policy.
Compatibility
Private Internet Access offers Windows and Linux apps for PCs, a macOS app for Macs as well as an app for iOS and Android operated mobile devices. Besides the application, Private Internet Access also offers browser extensions for Opera, Chrome, and Firefox.
Price: Private Internet Access is quite flexible with its subscription plans. You have the option to choose from the monthly plan that costs $9.95, the annual plan that costs $$39.95, or go with the 3 year plan that costs $75. You can request money back within 30 days of purchasing your subscription plan.
Pros:
- Open source
- Flexible pricing
- Servers available worldwide
- Compatible with all devices.
- High-grade encryption
- Zero-logs policy
Cons:
- The sheer amount customization options might overwhelm some users.
#6) TorGuard
TorGuard is another VPN that provides fast speeds. The VPN has over 3000+ servers in 50 countries making it a perfect choice for bypassing geo-restrictions and censorships. With TorGuard, viewing US Netflix is not an issue, nor is it accessing Hulu, HBO, and iPlayer.
The provider’s servers are optimized for high-speed connections and boast a 99% guaranteed uptime. With TorGuard, the users can expect a robust performance and user-friendly native clients for all platforms.
Privacy & Security
TorGuard’s security is top-notch, and the company does not store or log any traffic or use of its VPN.
The provider offers 256-bit AES encryption with SHA-512 alongside protocols like OpenVPN, SSTP, L2TP, and IPsec. Some of the other notable security features include WebRTC leak blocking, IP leak protection, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and MITM attack prevention.
Compatibility
TorGuard VPN can be installed on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS devices. The Linux client features a graphical user interface thereby making it quite easy to use for beginners and seasoned users alike. It also provides router setup tools for Tomato and DD-WRT.
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Pricing
TorGuard has some of the best pricing plans in the market. They also offer a great 7-day free trial thereby allowing you to try their service at a free of charge. After the trial period expires, you can either opt for a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual pricing plan.
A single TorGuard subscription can cover up to 5 devices at the same time, but you can also connect additional devices at $1.00 per device.
Pros
- Fast connections
- 256-bit AES encryption
- Zero logs policy
- Over 3000 servers
- 5 simultaneous connections
- Free trial
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons: Applies extra charge for streaming.
#7) Buffered
Buffered is a relatively newer VPN that is punching above its weight class. I was impressed by the speed of their connections as well as the server network on offer. It has servers in 37 countries across the world including the UK and the US.
I was able to enjoy buffering-free streaming and lag-free gaming with this VPN. Speed aside, Buffered has 99% guaranteed uptime availability and unlimited bandwidth.
Privacy & Security
Buffered VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption with NAT firewall and Perfect Forward Secrecy. Their software also features an automatic kill switch which leaves no room for privacy leaks. Buffered is GDPR compliant and the provider does not store the usage logs.
Compatibility
Buffered can be installed on different platforms. There are apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The VPN is also compatible with routers. I recommend using DD-WRT or Tomato routers to get the best out of the VPN.
Pricing
Buffered is among the most expensive VPNs on this list. However, if you are looking for a simple VPN with fast speeds and watertight security, this VPN is a great option. Buffered has three pricing plans and payment options which include Credit card, PayPal and Bitcoin.
Pros
- Fast speed
- Strong encryption
- Zero logs policy
- Simple interface
- 5 simultaneous connections.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Cons: Costly monthly subscription
#8) Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN basically extends your digital reach by offering you access to over 750 servers located in various parts of the world. The VPN service is brimming with features. One of the things that instantly grabbed our attention was Atlas VPN’s zero logs policy.
Atlas VPN promises to not collect data, DNS queries, or details of their user activity. Atlas also comes with a network kill switch to prevent DNS or IP leaks. All online activities are automatically halted the moment the VPN connection becomes unstable.
Privacy
Atlas VPN scours the internet to make sure none of your data was leaked online. It alerts if an instance indicated data breach is found. It also adheres to a pretty solid zero logs policy. Moreover, Atlas employs ChaCha20 and AES-256 for data encryption. It also crafts tunnels with WireGuard and IPSec/IKEv2.
Compatibility
Atlas VPN is compatible with almost all platforms and is capable of protecting all sorts of devices. It works well on a Mac, Windows, and Linux OS. It can also protect both Android and iOS devices.
Price
Atlas VPN will cost you $10.99 if you go for the monthly plan. The plan becomes cheaper if you opt for plan that’s billed annually. For instance, Atlas VPN is only $3.29/month if you go with the annual plan or $1.82 for the 2 year plan.
Pros
- Zero-Logs
- Network Kill Switch
- Data Breach Monitoring
- Malware Blocking
Cons
- Plans only cheaper if you subscribe to the service for a whole year or 2.
Conclusion
Whether security and privacy are your primary considerations or not, speed is very much essential. You would hate to spend your money on a high-speed internet package only to have your VPN slow it down.
While using your VPN, remember to choose the servers closest to your location and those that have a lower server load. Choosing a speedier protocol can also further improve the speed.
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I would recommend PPTP, which is generally the fastest, but it may not be the best for a security-minded user. However, if you are only using your VPN to bypass geo-blocks, then you should go ahead give the protocol a try.
Hope this article would help you to test VPN speed and choose the Fastest VPN!!