A VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become an essential tool for protecting your privacy and security online. With so many VPN services available, it can be tricky to determine which ones are truly the best. That‘s why I‘ve created this VPN tier list for 2024, ranking the top VPN providers into different tiers based on key criteria like speed, security, pricing, and more.
Contents
VPN Tier Rankings
Here is a quick overview of the VPN tiers:
God Tier – The absolute best VPNs with top-notch performance across the board.
Good Tier – Reliable and fast VPNs that offer a great overall experience.
Okay Tier – Decent VPN options that get the job done but have some limitations.
Bad Tier – VPNs that are slow, buggy or have concerning privacy practices.
Awful Tier – VPNs with serious security flaws or dishonest marketing tactics.
Now let‘s dive into the specifics of each tier and the top VPNs that belong in each one.
1. God VPN Tier
The God Tier represents the cream of the crop – VPN services that excel in nearly every category. These VPNs have ultra-fast speeds, strict no logging policies, large and diverse server networks, and offer robust security features. The few minor downsides they may have are heavily outweighed by their strengths.
NordVPN
NordVPN is my top choice overall for a VPN in 2024. It offers lightning-fast speeds that are perfect for streaming or torrenting, with over 5,500 servers located in 60 countries worldwide. NordVPN operates under the jurisdiction of Panama, with a strict no logging policy protecting your privacy. Some key features include:
- Fastest VPN speeds I‘ve tested
- Highly advanced security with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and more.
- Ability to connect 6 devices simultaneously
- Great selection of specialty servers like double VPN, P2P, and obfuscated servers to bypass firewalls
- User-friendly apps for all major platforms and routers
- 24/7 live chat customer support
The only negatives are that NordVPN is a bit pricier than some competitors, and Split Tunneling is only available on mobile apps, not desktop. But the blazing speeds, robust security protections, and reliable connections on NordVPN make it well worth the price and earn it the top spot on my list.
Surfshark
Surfshark is a close second for the best VPN available today. It offers many of NordVPN‘s benefits, including ultra-fast speeds, a large server network, and great security tools. The key advantages of Surfshark are:
- Truly unlimited device connections on a single subscription
- The lowest priced premium VPN at only $2.49/month for 2 years
- Strong no logging and no data leak guarantees
- CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers and malware
- Camouflage Mode hides the fact you‘re using a VPN
- 3200+ servers located in 100+ countries
The main limitation of Surfshark is the small company size – they don‘t have as long of a track record as some competitors. But Surfshark has proven itself reliable and high-performing in the years it has been operating. With the unlimited connections and low pricing, Surfshark provides tremendous value.
AtlasVPN
AtlasVPN is a rising star that offers an impressive free VPN version as well as inexpensive paid plans starting at just $1.99/month. AtlasVPN has some great features including:
- 750+ servers in 40+ locations worldwide
- Unlimited data usage and connection speeds
- Strong AES-256 encryption
- Ad blockers and tracker blocking
- Easy-to-use apps with a quick connect feature
The downsides are fewer server locations compared to top competitors, and no split tunneling feature. But AtlasVPN‘s high-security standards, fast performance, and free or low-cost plans make it a great choice.
2. Good VPN Tier
The Good VPN Tier contains excellent VPN services that offer fast speeds, good security, and reliability. They may be missing 1-2 advanced features or have slightly slower speeds than the God Tier, but are still great choices overall for a VPN.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has been a top choice for many years thanks to consistently fast speeds and reliable connections. Some benefits of ExpressVPN:
- 160 server locations across 94 different countries
- Fast VPN servers deliver great speeds for streaming, browsing, and torrenting
- 256-bit AES encryption and protocols like Lightway provide secure connections
- No activity or connection logging ensures privacy
- Allows for up to 5 simultaneous connections
Downsides are that ExpressVPN is on the pricey side at $8.32/month for 12 months, and they don‘t offer a free trial period. But the reliable performance and great selection of server locations make ExpressVPN a great choice still.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a highly regarded VPN known for speed and security. Key advantages include:
- 35,000+ servers located in 78 countries for many connection options
- 10 simultaneous device connections allowed
- Leading encryption, protocols, and other security features
- Strict zero traffic logging policy
- Supports port forwarding for optimized P2P sharing
Negatives are that it lacks some of the advanced features like split tunneling found on other VPNs. But PIA‘s reliable connections, fast speeds, and low pricing starting at $2.19/month make it a great choice.
3. Okay VPN Tier
VPN services in the Okay Tier get the basic job done but have some more noticeable limitations in certain areas like speed or number of server locations available. They can serve as good options for basic tasks like securely accessing public WiFi hotspots.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear is known for its fun branding and easy-to-use interface. Benefits include:
- 20+ countries to choose a server location from
- Affordable pricing starting at $3.33/month for 1 year
- Allows for unlimited data usage each month
- Beginner-friendly apps with graphical server selection
Downsides are below-average speeds, a small number of server locations, and limited configuration options. But TunnelBear can be a solid basic VPN option if you don‘t need advanced capabilities.
Windscribe
Windscribe is another decent choice that offers a free VPN tier as well as affordable paid packages starting at $2/month. Some pros:
- 400+ servers located across 63 countries
- Allows for simultaneous connections on unlimited devices
- Strong AES-256 encryption and protocols
- Good selection of specialty servers for streaming, P2P etc.
Cons are underwhelming speeds and an interface that could use some polish and streamlining. Windscribe isn‘t near the top options overall, but can be useful for basic privacy protection.
4. Bad VPN Tier
I recommend avoiding the VPNs in the Bad Tier if possible. They suffer from issues like slow speeds, privacy concerns, buggy apps, or lack of customer support. You can likely find a better option in one of the higher tiers.
5. Awful VPN Tier
The VPN services in the awful tier should be avoided at all costs. They have serious problems like major security vulnerabilities, shady marketing practices, or dishonest claims about logging policies. Don‘t risk your privacy and security with these options.
Instead go with a trustworthy premium VPN in the God or Good Tiers for the best experience. Or if you need a basic free VPN, check out AtlasVPN or TunnelBear‘s free tiers which are decent options.
Top 10 Criteria for the Best VPN in 2024
To determine which VPN providers belong in each tier, I carefully evaluate them across these 10 essential criteria:
1. Proven Reliable Track Record
It‘s vital to choose an established VPN service that has consistently provided excellent service and security over an extended time period. New or fly-by-night VPN companies should be avoided.
2. Strict No Logging Policy
A true no logging policy that undergoes regular audits provides assurance your activity won‘t be tracked. VPNs that do log can expose your private data.
3. Leak Protection
Preventing IP, DNS, and other types of data leaks ensures your identity and activities remain hidden while using the VPN.
4. Cutting-Edge Encryption
Robust encryption like AES-256, 4096-bit RSA, and other standards keeps your connection secure from hacking and surveillance.
5. Worldwide Server Network
More server locations across more countries provides you reliable access and allows circumventing restrictive networks.
6. Fast Connection Speeds
A VPN needs excellent speeds to avoid buffering and latency issues when streaming or browsing. Slow VPNs ruin the experience.
7. Allows P2P/Torrenting
VPN services that permit P2P file-sharing and torrenting provide greater privacy and avoid throttling from your ISP.
8. Works in Restricted Networks
Countries like China, Russia, Iran etc impose censorship and restrict VPN usage – having obfuscated servers helps avoid blocks.
9. Allows Multiple Device Connections
Connecting 5+ devices to one VPN account provides flexibility and protection across all your gadgets.
10. 24/7 Customer Support
Quick and knowledgeable customer service by live chat or phone is vital for resolving any issues that arise.
Using those 10 criteria as a framework for comparing VPN services, I‘m able to accurately assess the true best options and sort them into tiers. No VPN will be perfect in every category, but the ones in the top tiers come closest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a VPN?
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server run by the VPN provider. All your internet traffic flows through the encrypted VPN tunnel rather than through your ISP or public WiFi network. This hides your IP address and online activities from prying eyes.
Why should I use a VPN?
Using a VPN provides several key benefits:
- Hide your IP address and physical location
- Encrypt your internet connection to protect from spying
- Access blocked or restricted websites and apps
- Prevent throttling when torrenting or streaming HD video
- Securely access public WiFi hotspots
- Bypass internet censorship imposed by work or school networks
Can I trust free VPNs?
Free VPN services often have concerning privacy practices or security problems, so I don‘t recommend them. Instead choose a high quality premium VPN that offers a free trial so you can test it risk-free. Many of the top tier VPNs on my list have free trial options.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your online privacy and security has never been more important. By using a top-rated premium VPN from the God or Good tiers on my VPN list, you can browse, stream, and download freely and safely.
My current top recommendation is NordVPN for its unmatched combination of ultra-fast speeds, strict no logging policy, robust encryption, and helpful customer service. It fully meets all 10 of my criteria for an elite VPN.
But services like Surfshark, ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and others on this VPN tier list are all excellent choices that will securely encrypt your connection and unlock internet freedom. Don‘t settle for an inferior VPN option when there are reliable premium providers that offer free trials – give them a test drive and see the difference for yourself!
