Most secure VPNs: The safest VPN services in 2024

Want a VPN that offers the highest level of privacy and security? In this article, we will discuss VPN privacy features and highlight the most secure VPNs currently available on the market.

The internet offers a wide range of VPN options, but their security levels are not equal. Some VPNs use weak encryption or lack essential privacy features like a kill switch. Others retain connection logs that could expose your browsing habits. So, how can you find the most secure VPN?

Whether you use it for remote work, public WiFi protection, overcoming VoIP blocks, evading ISP and government surveillance, or bypassing censorship, a truly secure VPN must prioritize user privacy above all else.

In this guide, we compared the market to identify the most secure VPNs. We examined encryption methods and sought out VPNs with DNS leak protection, a kill switch, obfuscation, diskless servers, fully audited apps, and a strict no-logging policy. We also considered the jurisdiction where the VPN is based – avoiding providers based in the US, the UK, and other surveillance-heavy countries.

At Bleeping Computer, we only recommend the best VPNs. Our recommendations are always trustworthy, regardless of which list you might read. For users who demand the highest level of data security – activists, lawyers, professionals, and other privacy-conscious individuals – we've compiled this list of the best VPNs for the job.

The list below gives you a quick look at the most secure VPNs of 2024. All our recommendations have a no-logs policy, and a choice of reliable VPN protocols to pick from. You can ‌pick any of them to gain watertight online privacy.

If you're looking for specific features such as port forwarding (which is useful for torrenting) or you simply want to learn more about each VPN's individual features, you can keep scrolling to read detailed summaries designed to help you choose between them.

The most secure VPNs:

1. NordVPN: The most secure VPN for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Reliable system-level kill switch. Obfuscated servers, DNS leak protection, and MultiHop connections. Ad blocking and malware filtering. Based in Panama and has a no-logs policy. Fully audited with diskless servers and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The most secure cheap VPN. Surfshark has diskless servers in 100+ countries. System-level kill switch is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. Provides DNS leak protection and obfuscation (Camouflage Mode). OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption. Ad blocking for added protection. Unlimited simultaneous connections. 
3. ExpressVPN: A secure all-rounder based in the British Virgin Islands. Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android come with OpenVPN with obfuscation by default. System-level kill switch, DNS leak protection, and reliable AES encryption. Solid no logging policy and apps have been fully audited.
4. ProtonVPN: Developed by the company behind ProtonMail in Switzerland. Solid no logging policy. Reliable apps for all popular platforms. Self-owned secure core servers for added security. Obfuscation for OpenVPN, DNS leak protection, MultiHop, and a kill switch. Split tunneling and port forwarding make it solid for torrenting, security-focused provider. 
5. Mullvad VPN: A highly advanced VPN based in Sweden. Watertight no logging policy. Obfuscation for OpenVPN. WireGuard can be routed over port 443. MultiHop connections and a system-level kill switch. Ad, tracker, and malware blocking. The split tunneling feature is still available, but port forwarding has now been discontinued. Extensive security features. 
6. PrivateVPN: A secure and reliable VPN that was launched by activists. Solid no logging policy and is based in Sweden. Port forwarding feature makes it great for torrenting. Reliable kill switch. Obfuscation is available for OpenVPN (Stealth VPN) and has DNS leak protection.

Summary Table

It can be hard to pick a reliable VPN. There are dozens of services available on the market, and they all provide different apps and security features. Unfortunately, some VPNs suffer from DNS leaks, have badly implemented encryption, or have features that don’t work properly; such as a badly implemented kill switch. Other VPNs have lousy privacy policies that let them track their users for profiling purposes. These VPNs may share that data with third parties and affiliates.

With so many problematic VPNs on the market, many of which provide false information about the level of service they provide, it is easy to subscribe to a substandard VPN. In this guide, we recommended only the most reliable VPNs with stringent security. Below, we have included some of the criteria we looked for.

• Robust security: Our recommendations are the most secure VPNs available on the market. They have solid AES encryption, a choice of protocols, well-implemented apps, a kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks. This ensures comprehensive data security, regardless of where you connect to the internet.
• Privacy prioritized: For this guide, we exclusively recommended secure VPNs with a strict no-logs policy based in countries that lack invasive surveillance agencies and mandatory data retention directives.
• Fast speeds: Our selection of VPNs includes those equipped with multiple high-speed servers and reliable protocols designed for optimal performance. This ensures smooth streaming, gaming, torrenting, and video calls.
• Expansive server network: We've suggested VPNs with large server networks allowing you to get an IP address anywhere in the world. This versatility allows you to bypass restrictions and access region-locked services.
• Cross-platform compatibility: These VPNs have secure apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. Many of them also have apps for Linux, Firestick, and router compatibility.
• Reliable support: We have recommended VPNs with live chat, email assistance, setup guides, FAQs, and other resources to help you with setting up and using the VPN.

In addition to the features above, our top three providers were selected because they are fully audited and have diskless servers. This provides additional security and trust in the service. If you want to know more about how we tested secure VPNs for this guide, scroll down to the methodology section.

Most secure VPNs: Detailed reviews

In the section below, we have provided summaries of the features available with each of the most secure VPNs. Although all our recommendations offer the highest levels of security, each VPN differs slightly. Our summaries will point out unique attributes or features available with each VPN.

NordVPN is a highly reliable and advanced VPN headquartered in Panama, a favorable location due to its lack of mandatory data retention laws or intrusive intelligence agencies. The VPN has a solid no-logging policy that promises never to track what you do while connected to the VPN, and the company never retains your IP address or any connection logs either. Those policies and NordVPN’s infrastructure have been fully audited by an independent third party.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Firestick. You can also install the VPN manually on routers. The apps come with a choice of VPN protocols. This includes OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption, a system-level kill switch, MultiHop connections (Double VPN servers), DNS leak protection, and obfuscated servers. This makes NordVPN suitable for bypassing blocks in countries that have overreaching censorship, or circumventing blocks at work.

It comes with a free smart DNS service, Tor over VPN, split tunneling, ad blocking, and malware filtering, which makes it one of the most advanced VPNs on the market.

NordVPN’s entire network is made up of RAM-only servers. This improvement was rolled out following a vulnerability on a third-party server in Finland back in 2018. The company that Nord rented its server from caused the vulnerability. This resulted in NordVPN bringing much of its network in-house, and rolling out diskless servers.

Servers that run exclusively in RAM can be wiped remotely to erase all data passing through them. This provides additional protection for its users by allowing the VPN to shut down any server in an emergency.

NordVPN is fast thanks to its NordLynx protocol, and it works with popular streaming services like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, ESPN Plus, BBC iPlayer, and many more. Servers are located in 60+ countries, to help you bypass restrictions and access regional services located globally. These include social media blocks, or using VoIP like WhatsApp and Skype in countries where they are restricted. Live chat is available 24/7 to let you ask questions and get help, and you can test the VPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. 

MOST SECURE VPN: NordVPN is the most secure all-around VPN service available on the market. It offers watertight privacy features at an affordable price, and it works for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Obfuscation makes this VPN suitable for bypassing VoIP blocks in countries like the UAE, and this VPN works to bypass blocks in China. You can test the VPN risk-free for 30 days. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is not only one of the most secure VPNs available on the market, but is also extremely affordable. This makes it the best secure VPN for people who need to save a few bucks.

The VPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Firestick, and also Linux (GUI). It can also be installed manually on various routers, which makes it a fantastic all-rounder. The VPN apps come with a choice of protocols, including OpenVPN with AES-256 encryption, and a stealth VPN protocol called Camouflage to get around strict firewalls in countries like China.

A kill switch is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android and it is system-level, which makes it completely secure for torrenting privately. We checked the VPN for IP, DNS, and Web RTC leaks and found it to have a clean bill of health. None of your browsing habits ever leak to local networks or your ISP, which makes it safe for unblocking VoIP apps.

The VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which puts it well out of reach of invasive jurisdictions like the UK and the US. It has a rock-solid independently audited no-logs policy, so it never tracks what its users do or retains any records that could be used to identify subscribers.

The VPN has a network of servers in 100+ countries, allowing for international connections. It’s fantastic for bypassing online restrictions. And thanks to its robust security, you can use it to bypass restrictions in countries like the UAE, China, Egypt, Iran, etc. Its servers are diskless, so it can instantly erase them in an emergency. This protects it against the potential for any server to be raided by the authorities. Obfuscation (Camouflage Mode) will provide an extra security layer while in use. 

Despite being one of the cheapest secure VPNs on the market, you can install and use Surfshark on an unlimited number of devices. This allows you to share your account with friends and family. The VPN works with popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube TV, making it even more versatile. It even throws in a free Smart DNS service to access US streaming services on additional devices.

Live chat support is available on its website 24/7, and you can test it using its 30-day money-back guarantee. 

BEST CHEAP SECURE VPN: Surfshark has strong encryption, a system-level kill switch, DNS leak protection, obfuscation, diskless servers, and a fully audited no-logs policy. Fast WireGuard connections are great for streaming Netflix and other popular platforms. Unlimited simultaneous connections make it amazing value. It also works in China. Secure VPN connections, 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test it on any device. 

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is a market-leading service that was first launched in 2009. Since that time it has maintained an impeccable record of providing privacy for its users. Like Surfshark, it is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is a fantastic place for a privacy service to be based. It boasts a watertight no-logs policy that promises never to retain browsing habits, IP addresses, or any other personally identifiable data. Plus, it never shares any data with third parties.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. They all come with a solid system-level kill switch that works alongside an auto-connect feature to keep your traffic locked inside the encrypted tunnel at all times. A choice of protocols is available, including OpenVPN with obfuscation and AES-256 encryption. This makes it a highly secure VPN that is safe to use in any country.

DNS leak protection ensures that none of your traffic ever escapes the VPN tunnel. The VPN servers exist exclusively in RAM for added security. ExpressVPN is one of the few VPNs that has undergone a full third-party audit of its apps, servers, and policies. You don't have to take any of its claims on faith alone.

A proprietary protocol called Lightway gives you super-fast speeds for streaming and gaming. Express allows torrenting throughout its network. The only slight drawback is that it doesn’t have port forwarding, so if you want to seed regularly, you may prefer a secure alternative.

The plus side of this secure VPN is that it works with over a dozen Netflix regions, BBC iPlayer, ESPN Plus, Hulu, and just about every other international streaming service you can think of. It is a touch more expensive than our other recommendations, but if a highly secure VPN with RAM-only servers in 105+ countries is what you need, it is still worth testing using its 30-day money-back guarantee. You can ask questions at any time of day using its live chat support.

FANTASTIC ALL-ROUNDER: ExpressVPN is secure and works to stream Netflix, HBO Max, Peacock, Sling TV, FOX, NBC, ABC, iPlayer, and many other popular platforms. The system-level kill switch includes an auto-connect feature. Zero-logs policy and obfuscation for OpenVPN make it safe to use anywhere, for any purpose. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

ProtonVPN is one of the most advanced and secure VPNs that money can buy, and it is the best secure VPN for torrenting thanks to its split tunneling and port forwarding features. The service was developed by the makers of ProtonMail, which gives it incredibly good provenance. If that isn't enough to convince you, it has been fully security audited to ensure it has no vulnerabilities.

Apps are available for all popular platforms and they come with a reliable system-level kill switch. It comes with an “always on” VPN feature that reconnects you to the VPN and disengages the kill switch to keep your traffic inside the VPN tunnel at all times.

OpenVPN connections with AES-256 are available in the apps, or you can connect to WireGuard over port 443 using Proton VPN's custom TCP implementation of the protocol. This provides obfuscation and makes your traffic look like regular HTTPS. 

MultiHop is available for added privacy, and you can connect to ProtonVPN’s Secure Core servers in various countries to gain additional security. While these are self-owned and self-controlled, they aren’t diskless. But they are carefully located in countries that have strong data protection laws to mitigate any concerns about government raids. Secure Core servers are a viable solution if you'd like top-notch protection with your VPN connection. 

ProtonVPN’s base in Switzerland means strong data protection laws protect it, and the VPN does not have to comply with any mandatory data retention directives. This allows it to maintain a watertight no logging policy. DNS-based ad blocking and malware filtering are now included with every subscription. It's dedicated to improving digital privacy, and it's a great VPN for security. 

During our tests, Proton could access Netflix US. It's a decent option for bypassing streaming blocks – so check it with your favourite streaming platforms using its 30-day money-back guarantee. Live chat support is available on its website, but it is for members only. Premium accounts allow for up to 10 simultaneous connections. 

HIGHLY ADVANCED: Proton VPN has a free plan that lets you connect to servers in three locations. Apps come with AES encryption, a kill switch, MultiHop, obfuscation, and DNS leak protection. Port forwarding makes it ideal for torrenting. Works with many streaming platforms, good approach to user privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Mullvad is a highly secure VPN that is based in Sweden, a country that lacks mandatory data retention directives. The VPN has an excellent no-logs policy, which means it never retains any records of what its users do while connected to the VPN. You can pay for an account using cryptocurrency, or even by sending cash through the post for added privacy. This allows you to get an account without leaving a payment trail.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux (GUI). Those apps are highly advanced and come with a system-level kill switch, DNS leak protection, a choice of protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard, obfuscation for added privacy, and bypassing strict firewalls. Bridge mode automatically decides whether to use obfuscation on-the-fly, based on your location.

You can connect to the WireGuard protocol over port 443, which can help to get you connected on networks that block the ports used by VPNs. It lets you select a port for your VPN connection manually, which again can help get you connected when ports are blocked.

Servers are available in 41+ countries, which are fewer than you get with many competitors. Although Mullvad is fast, it does not work with many popular streaming services. It is primarily designed to provide online privacy and security, rather than unblocking. You can get added privacy by using its MultiHop servers.

Mullvad has decided to remove its port forwarding feature. This makes it less suitable for torrenting than it used to be. It is also a touch expensive compared to some of the other services we have recommended. However, it does offer high levels of security for your data. You can compare it to any of our other recommendations using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

STRONG PROTECTION: Mullvad has apps for all platforms that come with robust encryption, a kill switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, MultiHop connections, port selection, and a solid no-logs policy. Fast WireGuard VPN connections. Doesn’t work with some popular streaming services, so you should test it with yours using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

PrivateVPN is a service that was launched in 2009 with the backing of hacktivists who support consumer privacy rights. True to its name, the VPN has a no-logs policy that promises never to retain any records of what its users do while connected to its servers. It controls its entire server network in 63+ countries, which helps to increase security for users.

The VPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Firestick devices. Those apps provide DNS leak protection, the OpenVPN protocol, strong AES-256 encryption, and a Stealth VPN option that obfuscates connections. The VPN allows port forwarding, which makes it a suitable option for torrenting. A SOCKS5 and HTTP proxy provide users with enhanced versatility for routing their online traffic and accessing content.

PrivateVPN isn’t as fast as our other recommendations, but it works to stream around a dozen different Netflix regions. We didn't have any trouble with buffering when we used it. It works with most international streaming services. Live chat support is available on its website 24/7.

PrivateVPN has not yet implemented the WireGuard protocol in its apps. You can connect using WireGuard if you don’t mind using the third-party client, and hopefully, it will add WireGuard to its main client soon. The best thing about PrivateVPN is that it lets you forward most ports. It is also very cheap, considering what you get. You can try it using its 30-day money-back guarantee, and it allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections.

STRONG NO LOGS POLICY: PrivateVPN is a reliable VPN based in Sweden. It has a no-logs policy, apps for all devices, and servers in 63+ countries. Port forwarding feature makes it great for torrenting. Kill switch is system-level, and the VPN boasts strong AES encryption. Advanced features, test it for yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Most secure VPN – testing methodology

In our quest to find the most secure VPNs, our focus was trustworthy no-logs VPNs that offer strong privacy features and reliable applications. Our recommendations can be used to safely bypass strict government blocks, work remotely, or get around restrictions at work without being tracked.

To find suitable providers, we used a carefully crafted VPN-testing methodology. During our tests, we checked for leaks, analyzed the encryption implementation, and looked for important features like a kill switch and obfuscation.

Our critical review process allowed us to pinpoint VPN services that offer the best selection of security features. Below, we've outlined the main things we searched for when recommending the most secure VPNs.

• Privacy and security: We only recommended VPNs with a no-logs policy, strong AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation. Extra points for features that improve online security, such as MultiHop connections, Tor over VPN, diskless servers, and independent audits. Ideally, the VPN will offer additional security benefits including RAM-only servers, protection against IP leaks, and more. 
• Fast speeds: Our VPN recommendations have lightning-fast servers across the globe, and fast protocols that offer high levels of security for torrenting, streaming, and other data-intensive tasks that require privacy. Excellent speeds make it easy for VPN users to access streaming platforms with no lag.
• World-class support: All our recommendations have excellent customer support via email assistance, live chat, and user-friendly setup guides. This ensures that even VPN beginners can get help with using the VPN.
• Unrestricted access: We recommended VPNs that work to securely bypass censorship and blocks on local WiFi networks. You can use these VPNs to bypass region locks on vacation and to prevent censorship in heavily-restricted countries like China and the UAE.
• Value for money: We have found reliable, secure VPNs that offer their service at a reasonable cost. You should be able to get watertight security for your internet connection, even if you have limited funds.
• Third-party audits: Our top three recommendations have all had full audits of their apps and policies. You don't have to trust the VPN's logging claims – they have been verified.
• Diskless servers: The VPN can delete all data passing through its server by pulling the plug, which helps to improve the security of those servers.

Most secure VPNs – FAQs

Can I get a secure VPN for free?

We have recommended one VPN in this guide that has a limited free plan. Although the free plan is basic (it only lets you connect to servers in three countries) it still provides the same level of data privacy as the paid plan. You can rely on the free version to gain data privacy and online security, whether you are at home, at work, or on public WiFi.

ProtonVPN’s free tier complies with its no logging policy, uses strong encryption, and has a reliable kill switch, but it does permit port forwarding. You will need to pay for a premium account if you need this feature – or want to access its entire server network. The free plan does not work to access Netflix or other streaming services.

Although you may be able to find free VPNs on popular app stores, these are not secure. Studies have revealed that free VPNs have invasive privacy policies that let them track your data for profiling purposes. These VPNs will sell your data to third parties to create a revenue stream.

To make things even worse, many free VPNs have been found to lack encryption, suffer from IP and DNS leaks, have app and server vulnerabilities, and even conceal spyware in their apps. The vast majority of free VPNs pose a huge risk to your data privacy and the health of your devices. Stick to our recommended secure free VPN, if you can’t afford a premium service.

Why do I need a secure VPN?

Every time you connect to the internet, local WiFi networks and Internet Service Providers can monitor your web traffic. This allows WiFi providers and ISPs to track each website that you visit. It also allows ISPs to comply with mandatory data retention directives. This can result in your communications metadata and browsing history being shared with government snoops.

Besides online surveillance and tracking, you are also at risk of hackers whenever you use public WiFi. When connecting to random hotspots, you could inadvertently connect to an insecure network that puts your data at risk. This could allow another user to piggyback on your sessions.

You could also connect to an Evil Twin hotspot set up by hackers. This type of malicious hotspot, allows hackers to intercept your data – putting you at risk of fraud and malware infections. A VPN’s encryption prevents attackers from being able to read any data they intercept.

The encryption provided by a secure VPN ensures your data is safely locked up before it travels over the local network, and onto the internet. This allows you to use the internet on any WiFi network without worrying that your personal information could be at risk

A reliable VPN lets you use the internet at home without your ISP tracking every website you visit – and without sharing your browsing habits with government agencies. This is important if you want to bypass blocks to use VoIP, or access censored news content, or social media services, for example.

Many VPNs advertised on app stores may be able to provide you with an IP address abroad, which means that they may work to bypass censorship and regain access to blocked services. However, those VPNs often lack reliable security features, which means that local networks, your ISP, and government agencies may be able to find out what you are doing.

In some countries, accessing restricted services could result in repercussions. This is why it is important to use a highly secure VPN that does not suffer from any vulnerabilities or have any leaks.

What is a no-logs policy?

When you connect to a VPN server, all your data passes through that location on its way to the website or service you are using. This prevents local networks, ISPs, and government agencies from tracking you. It also stops websites from detecting your real IP address.

Although using a VPN can provide enormous privacy and security benefits, it is also important to recognize that you are exposing your data to the VPN provider. Secure VPNs completely remove this risk by implementing a no-logging policy.

A no-logs policy is a type of VPN privacy policy that promises never to monitor what users do while connected to the VPN server. A no-logs policy ensures that the VPN deletes all the information on its servers at the end of each session and that it never keeps your IP address, records of the VPN servers you use, communications metadata, or details of your browsing habits on file.

The benefit of a no-logs VPN is that it never has any details to provide third parties, even if it is approached. It could be served a government warrant that asks it for information and it would not be able to comply. The VPN would only have a minimal amount of data (such as the user’s name and payment details) which is needed to provide its services.

Not all VPNs have a no-logs policy. Some VPNs keep connection logs, store IP addresses, and even monitor their user's browsing habits (usage logs). These VPNs know what you are doing online and may share this data with third parties.

The secure VPNs recommended in this guide all have a reliable no-logging policy. They are dedicated to user privacy and never collect, use, or share any of your data. 

Can I get a secure VPN for Android and iOS?

Yes. If you want a secure VPN for mobile devices, all of our recommendations have you covered. We have been careful only to recommend VPNs that include apps for all popular platforms. You can use the VPN to gain online privacy and security on any smartphone or tablet.

All the secure VPNs for mobile devices we have recommended in this guide have a solid no-logging policy, strong AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. This makes them completely secure for the vast majority of use cases.

Mobile VPN apps are often more basic than their desktop counterparts. They may lack some of the more advanced features available in the Windows or Mac apps. Check what features are available in the mobile app before you subscribe.

VPN protocols in mobile apps may also be different from the desktop versions. Specifically, you may find that the iOS app provides the IKEv2 protocol instead of OpenVPN. Both protocols are secure.

What is IP and DNS leak protection?

When a VPN safeguards your online privacy, it accomplishes two things. It encrypts your data and tunnels it to a proxy server in a remote location. This hides your internet traffic from local networks, ISPs, government agencies, and other eavesdroppers.

To provide these advantages, the VPN must proxy your DNS requests to its own servers. This allows you to communicate with websites, while also preventing your ISP from knowing which domains you are visiting.

Unfortunately, some VPNs suffer from DNS leaks. This is a very serious problem because it allows your DNS requests to escape the VPN tunnel, which means that your ISP will regain the ability to monitor your browsing habits.

To prevent this from happening, we have tested every one of our VPN recommendations for DNS leaks, and we have been careful only to provide VPNs that include DNS leak protection for their users.

Thanks to this feature, you can rest assured that your ISP won't catch even a glimpse of your online activities, providing you with complete peace of mind.

Do I need a VPN kill switch to stay secure?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN server, your internet connection is protected with a strong layer of encryption. This allows you to bypass government censorship, torrent, surf the web, stream, play games, and do any other online activity with complete privacy.

If you accidentally lose the connection to the VPN, then you would be left unprotected. If your WiFi drops out for a moment, for example, the VPN application will disconnect from the VPN server. There could also be a problem on the server side, or you could move out of range of the wireless signal you are using.

Under these circumstances, when you regain access to the internet, you will no longer be protected until you also reconnect to the VPN – but what if you don’t notice that the VPN is no longer active?

A VPN kill switch is a simple, but effective security feature that completely mitigates this issue. It works by completely blocking your internet if the VPN connection fails. No matter what the reason might be, you will not be able to access the internet unless you are also connected to the VPN.

All the VPNs recommended in this guide have this fail-safe, which means you never need to worry about leaking your browsing habits or metadata to local networks, ISPs, or government agencies. 

What are the most secure VPN protocols?

The most secure VPN protocols currently available are OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec. These protocols offer robust encryption that prevents eavesdroppers and hackers from intercepting your data. 

OpenVPN and IKEv2 both rely on watertight AES-256 encryption, whereas WireGuard uses a modern encryption cipher called ChaCha20. Both of these encryption methods are extremely robust and are considered future-proof, so they will protect your data now and for the foreseeable future.

If you want to know more about which VPN protocol is best, then check out our full guide to VPN protocols.