Regardless of why you use a VPN, you need it to be reliable at all times which is where the fastest VPN services come in. While some VPNs are known to cause network issues when connected, others offer reliable and decent speeds. However, looking through hundreds of VPN services can take a long time and a lot of effort, so we’re here to help.
In this guide, we look at the fastest VPNs, guaranteed to maintain your internet speed and never slow you down. We also look at other features and compare prices to ensure that every VPN we recommend is excellent value for money.
A large majority of people using a VPN do so to overcome geographical restrictions. Unfortunately, almost every streaming service like Netflix and Amazon Prime has limitations, meaning content can only be accessed in specific areas.
For example, Netflix US is only available to those located in The United States. We’ve all been there when trying to access certain content, and we’re all familiar with the ‘this content is not available in your location’ error message. With a VPN, you can overcome this problem by connecting to a server within a chosen area. This way, the streaming service will detect that you’re located in the right place and grant you access to the content you want.
There’s a catch, though. You need to be able to maintain a strong internet connection and speeds to stream HD video. Anything less will result in buffering, lag, or error messages. This is why only the fastest VPN will work for online streaming. So, if you plan on using your VPN for streaming, we recommend choosing one from our list.
A fast VPN isn’t just for streaming content, though. If you plan on file sharing, like using torrents, download speed will determine whether you wait a few minutes or a few hours for it to complete. Therefore, you will need an ISP with good internet speeds and fast VPN speeds without bandwidth limits. The same counts for gaming too, where your VPN speed can significantly impact the quality of your online gaming.
Don’t forget about the security and privacy provided, too; something that goes above and beyond what’s included with your ISP. These are just a few reasons why it’s essential to choose a fast VPN that doesn’t compromise on speed and prioritizes user safety.
There is a lot more to a fast VPN than just its speeds. It also needs to tick boxes in several different areas. Here are some of the criteria we use to review fast VPNs:
Now that we’ve explained the importance of a fast VPN and more details about our review criteria, it’s time to reveal the VPNs that ticked every box. Below is the list of the fastest VPN options in 2021:
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, Boxee Box, Chromecast, ChromeOS, FireOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Roku, Windows |
| Streaming: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouSee, DR TV, Disney+, Plex, Kodi, NBC, ESPN, BBC iPlayer, TV Player, HBO Go, HBO Max, Apple TV |
| Browser Extentions: | Firefox, Safari, Chrome |
Pros:
Fast connection
Zero-log policy
More than 5000 worldwide servers
Cons:
Few payment options
Split tunneling unavaible
6 Devices Maximum
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
NordVPN is one of the leading VPNs globally, providing fast speeds and the highest levels of security. It has over 5,200+ spread across over 60 countries, so overcoming geographical restrictions and obtaining a new IP address is never a problem. In addition, NordVPN has been tried and tested with popular streaming services like Netflix, and it works perfectly.
During our speed tests, NordVPN was one of the top performers. It doesn’t slow your internet connection and maintains impressive speeds even throughout downloading and gaming. The server coverage also means that there is no congestion, even during busy periods. Unlimited bandwidth comes as standard, so NordVPN will never restrict you.
The most impressive part of the NordVPN package is its security for users. Every server has 256-bit AES encryption, the highest level of encryption available. This helps to fight against phishing attempts or potential network hacks.
You can choose between several VPN protocol types, including Wireguard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, and a Network Lock kill switch is included. A kill switch will temporarily end your internet connection if the VPN drops so that not even a second of your activity is unprotected.
NordVPN works with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux and can also be installed on specific routers. One subscription allows for up to 6 simultaneous device connections. Live chat support is available 24/7, and the team is quick to respond and very helpful.
All of the above is available with NordVPN for just $11.95 per month, with further discounts for subscribing annually. A 30-day money-back guarantee gives you the chance to make your mind up.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Unblocks streaming services
Based in privacy-friendly country
Cons:
No phone support
No 12 month plan
Few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Surfshark is one of the most generous VPNs on the market, giving users so much more for their money than rival VPNs. It’s fast, reliable, and can be shared with the entire family. With over 3,200 servers to choose from, you will never find the network too busy or a server inaccessible. Surfshark has been tested on Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms and works perfectly every time.
Surfshark passed every stage of our speed tests, proving reliable even during HD streaming and hours of gaming. The impressive download speed also makes torrents and file sharing much faster.
As well as fantastic speeds, Surfshark has no bandwidth limits, and you can even enjoy unlimited simultaneous device connections. This means that you can protect every device you own, as well as every device in the household, all for one price.
Your internet traffic is entirely protected by 256-bit AES encryption and a network kill switch. There are no ads, trackers, or malware with Surfshark, and the company operates a strict no-logs policy. A no-logs policy means that the company doesn’t store any of your data, including browsing activity. This makes Surfshark not only one of the fastest VPNs but also one of the safest.
A single subscription to Surfshark costs $12.95 per month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not 100% satisfied, you can claim a no-hassle refund during this period. Customer support is contactable via live chat 24hrs per day.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Roku, Windows, Xbox 360 |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Located in privacy-friendly Romania
Accepts Bitcoin as a payment option
NoSpy server network
Cons:
Limited Netflix unblocking capability
No phone support
Uses virtual servers
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
CyberGhost is a VPN that is loved by streamers and gamers because of its breakneck connection speed. It complements any Internet Service Provider, provides seamless access to streaming services like Netflix, and supports file sharing and torrents.
With over 7,200 servers worldwide, CyberGhost has a more extensive selection than any of its competitors. This means that no matter how busy the network is, there’s always a server that can keep you connected. The geographical server coverage also means that you can obtain an IP address from every corner of the world.
If you’re looking for a fast VPN, CyberGhost is one of the best options. It scored top marks during our speed test process and tried HD streaming, gaming, and downloading.
As well as an impressive VPN speed, CyberGhost has completely unlimited bandwidth and promises to never throttle its users, even during busy periods. You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously, and CyberGhost has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The user-friendly apps are great for beginners, and getting connected takes just a few seconds.
Connection speeds are a real highlight of CyberGhost, but it also has some of the highest levels of security too. The VPN connection is protected by 256-bit AES encryption, and users can benefit from a dedicated IP address that they don’t have to share. A network kill switch is also included so that your browsing activity is never at risk. This is also complemented with a choice of security protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
A CyberGhost subscription costs $12.99 per month, making it a little more expensive than other VPNs on this list. However, with its number of servers and other features, it provides a lot of value. There is a 45-day money-back guarantee period.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, Android TV, Apple TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Free trial
Cheap 3-year plan
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons:
Confusing privacy policy
No split tunneling
Doesn't work in China
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
ZenMate earned its spot on our fastest VPN list because of its incredible speeds and reliability, especially with streaming. There are over 3,900 servers to choose from, spanning 79 different countries. There are specific servers for streaming or file sharing, and this VPN service never limits your data or slows down your speeds. Whether you need a VPN for Netflix, torrents, or gaming, ZenMate is an excellent option for all. It works with your home network and even protects you on public wi-fi.
ZenMate scored top marks in our speed test, proving to be reliable for every purpose. Many servers mean that it is never overloaded with users or bandwidth usage, making for a great VPN experience. VPN speed aside, ZenMate is far more than just the fastest VPN. It also provides high levels of security and privacy for its users, including a no-logs policy that promises never to store your internet activity. The 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and many security protocol options make for a very safe and reliable service.
There are apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS and detailed instructions on connecting to specific routers. ZenMate is one of the few VPNs on the market that allows unlimited device connections, allowing you to protect the entire family for one low price. The impressive speeds also mean that everybody streams their favorite TV shows and movies simultaneously without any interruptions.
ZenMate is a premium VPN with a fantastic price. A monthly subscription cost just $9.99 and includes access to all server locations and security features without limits. There are also substantial discounts when you commit to a longer subscription, including one-year and three-year options.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, ChromeOS, FireOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Unlimited simultaneous connections
24/7 customer support
Unblocks Netflix
Cons:
Based in US (Five Eyes)
Limited payment options
Doesn't unblock BBC iPlayer
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Despite having fewer servers than some of its competitors, IPVanish offers a lot to its users. There are still over 1,900 VPN servers to choose from worldwide, all with no data limit or speed throttling. As a result, you can get a new IP address in hundreds of locations around the globe in just a matter of seconds.
It’s marketed as a highly secure and private VPN service, but IPVanish is also a high-speed VPN, providing some of the best speeds on the market. It works incredibly well with Prime Video, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and most other popular streaming platforms. You can stream or game for hours with absolutely no interruptions or limits. The best part? You can also connect an unlimited number of devices on one subscription so that the entire family can benefit from IPVanish too. There are apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS.
As well as being a fast VPN, IPVanish is incredibly secure. Each VPN connection is protected by 256-bit AES encryption, combating cookies, hackers, and phishing attempts. There is a network kill switch for additional privacy and a strict no-logs policy to protect users. Your IP address, location, activity, and identity can never be traced back to you.
A subscription to IPVanish costs just $10.99 per month or as little as $44.99 per year. This makes it one of the best value VPNs on this list, despite including all premium features. There is a 30-day refund policy, but this only applies to the annual plan.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 10 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
Large server network
Support for torrenting on all servers
Bitcoin as payment option
Cons:
Limited features
Based in US (Five Eyes)
Netflix access issues
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
Private Internet Access (PIA) has server locations in 78 different countries, giving you an IP address wherever you need one. It has excellent VPN speeds with no limits and a complete selection of premium tools designed to protect your privacy. Because of its VPN connection speed, PIA is great for streaming, gaming, and file sharing. It works with BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Prime Video, and other services. It’s also a great option for everyday browsings like using social media or Google searches.
It’s called Private Internet Access, so as you might expect, this VPN has some of the best security and privacy features for its uses. Every connection has its own dedicated IP address and protection against DNS leaks or hacking attempts. The 256-bit AES encryption is the highest level of VPN security, and a no-logs policy means that this service doesn’t obtain any of your data.
Private Internet Access also supports split tunneling, so you can choose which apps bypass the VPN connection and which don’t.
The entire family can benefit from the incredible speeds. In addition, each account benefits from up to 10 simultaneous VPN connections, and there are apps for most devices and operating systems. This includes Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You can also install PIA on selected routers by following the user guides provided on their website.
Private Internet Access is available for $11.95 per price, which is excellent value for what’s included and the overall VPN experience. There is a 30-day refund policy that can be easily claimed by contacting customer support.
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
|---|---|
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
| Streaming: | |
| Browser Extentions: |
Pros:
No log policy
Unlimited bandwith
Free version available
Cons:
No dedicated IPs
Limited features on free plan
Very few payment methods
Capabilities:
Unlimited Bandwidth
Kill Switch
Split Tunneling
Zero Data Logging
Free Version / Trial
Mobile App
Browser Extention
Netflix Approved
Firestick Compatible
ProtonVPN is relatively new compared to some of the other services on this list. For this reason, it also has a lower number of servers, currently standing at around 1,300. Despite this, the server total is constantly growing and already has pretty impressive geographical coverage. A subscription comes with plenty of great features, including breakneck speeds and no data limitations.
ProtonVPN isn’t just a fast VPN; it’s one of the fastest. During speed tests, it was able to reach and maintain up to 10gbps. This speed means uninterrupted streaming, gaming, downloading, or general web browsing, all of which come effortlessly to ProtonVPN’s impressive servers. There are apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, and a paid subscription user can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
A fast VPN is one thing, but it also needs to be safe and secure. ProtonVPN ticks both boxes, as it includes all of the premium security features you could ever need. From 256-bit AES encryption to a network kill switch and dedicated IP addresses, your connection will be free from cookies, targeted ads, or any phishing attempts. This means utterly private internet access while still benefiting from fantastic connection speed.
ProtonVPN has four different subscription levels, including a minimal free plan. Premium subscriptions are basic, plus, and visionary. The prices range from $0 per month to $15, and with each plan comes additional features. A 30-day money-back guarantee gives you the chance to try the VPN before you commit.
Each of the services on this list has passed all of the speed checks needed to be considered one of the fastest VPNs on the market. So, how do you decide where to subscribe? First, you should consider what you plan on using the VPN for. Some are better for gaming than others, and some have compatibility with more devices. You should choose the VPN that best suits your needs.
There are free VPNs out there, but they are constrained. You will only be given a handful of servers to connect to, all of which will be busy and restricted on both speed and data. Although this may work for general browsing, it’s not an option for other activities like streaming or gaming. Your VPN connection will be unstable and unreliable, and the speed will be a fraction of that provided by a premium VPN.
If speed and having the fastest VPN are vital to you, a free subscription will not cut it. Not to mention the fact that free VPNs also do not provide much security. Because of this, we recommend choosing one of the VPN services from our list – NordVPN is our number one recommendation.
No, it is not illegal to use a VPN. As long as your internet activity stays on the side of the law, you will have no issues. However, your ISP may not particularly like that you’re using a VPN and may even reduce your speeds if it violates the terms of service. Because of this, we recommend using a VPN that is capable of staying undetected. These private and secure VPN services ensure that your ISP doesn’t know you’re on a VPN connection, and neither do streaming services like Prime Video.
There are several factors involved when it comes to connection speed. You will need to use one of the services on our list of the fastest VPNs for the best chance of success. That said, your Internet Service Provider also plays a big part. If you have a slow or limited internet package, the VPN can only do so much and can’t significantly affect your connection speed. The perfect combination is a great ISP and a great VPN.
If, for whatever reason, you’re not 100% satisfied with your VPN, the ones on this list all provide a money-back guarantee. This can be claimed quickly and easily by contacting live chat support during the guarantee period. You will then receive a hassle-free refund with no questions asked or aggressive sales pitches.
The VPNs on this list have been tried and tested with some of the most bandwidth-draining activities, such as gaming and streaming. However, if you plan to use social media or browse the same list of VPNs are still great options. This is because each also includes excellent encryption and security to keep your browsing safe. It also means that videos and images will load faster, and you can browse your favorite websites without any delay. A VPN can help with your internet speed, which is a good thing regardless of activity.
Hi, I'm Cliff. I'm based in Cleveland, Ohio, with my wife and two kids.
I have a keen interest in cybersecurity and have been writing about it for around a decade now. Due to my background in computer science, I am familiar ...
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