Based on years of experience testing VPNs for privacy, usability, and speed, here are the most important factors to consider when buying a fast VPN.
speed
If you’re looking for the fastest VPN, speed will naturally be your top consideration. There are many VPNs that have speed issues that slow down your internet speed by 50% or more. Look for a VPN that reduces speeds by about 20% or less.
seclusion
Privacy is a key consideration for any VPN, regardless of speed performance. The VPNs highlighted above offer top-notch privacy along with fast speeds, so our recommended options give you the best of both worlds. Look for basic privacy features like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy (preferably with auditing and/or real-world testing). Other privacy features to watch out for include obfuscation, multihop connections, and Tor over VPN.
protocol
Some VPN protocols may offer faster speeds than others. We recommend using the OpenVPN protocol for the best combination of speed and security. To get the most out of VPN speeds, you can use a lightweight protocol like WireGuard or your VPN provider’s proprietary (usually WireGuard-based) VPN protocol.
server network
You need a VPN service with a large network of servers worldwide. This will give you access to a fast and reliable VPN connection wherever you are. Typically around 75 or more server locations is a good network. Some VPNs have servers in more than 100 countries. The most important thing about a VPN network is servers located close to where you are or where you plan to travel. If your VPN only has servers in 50 countries, but covers all the regions you want to use, its server network will be sufficient.
expense
If you’re on a tight budget, the overall value of the VPN will be your main consideration. If you want the biggest savings, choose the annual plan. Annual plans typically offer better value over time than monthly plans. A budget-friendly VPN can cost around $40 to $60 per year, while a more expensive VPN could cost you $100 or more per year.
