The best VPNs for multiple devices - Protect the whole family

The best VPNs aren't just compatible with most devices, but they also support multiple simultaneous connections, so you can protect your privacy on every device you own. 

In the fast-evolving landscape of online security and privacy, having a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become essential.  However, the ability to use your VPN seamlessly across all your devices can be a game-changer. Imagine protecting your smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more with a single VPN subscription. The VPNs in this guide are perfect for this, and some even let you use your subscription on an unlimited number of devices - perfect for larger families or people who want to share their VPN with friends.

Many VPN providers impose device limits, often restricting connections to just a handful of devices. This is fine for people who only own a smartphone, for example. The VPNs in this guide, however, make it easy to use the VPN at home, at work, and on public WiFi. And your family can use the VPN for gaming, watching Netflix, or any other purpose at the same time. Whether you need five, ten, or even unlimited simultaneous connections, we've found reliable, secure VPNs that are suitable for your needs. Keep scrolling to find the best VPNs for multiple connections.

Best VPNs for connecting multiple devices at the same time: 

1. NordVPN: Our top pick overall for connecting multiple devices. Up to six simultaneous connections, capable router apps, fast speeds, various worthwhile features, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Top budget provider. It can be used to connect to unlimited devices, has great streaming support, superb speeds, and extra features including MultiHop servers. 
3. ExpressVPN: Up to eight simultaneous device connections at the same time. Excellent streaming support, beginner-friendly apps, and unlimited bandwidth.
4. Mullvad: Privacy-focused provider, five simultaneous device connections, strong security features, WireGuard, MultiHop, and a zero-logs policy.
5. ProtonVPN: Fast speeds, great at accessing restricted content, up to 10 devices connected at the same time, and lots of privacy-boosting features. 
6. IPVanish: Another provider that can be used to connect with unlimited devices. WireGuard for improved speeds, secure encryption, and works with sites like Netflix.
7. CyberGhost: Up to seven devices per account. Thousands of servers to choose from, lots of additional features, and ideal for streaming international content. 

Summary Table

We used the following criteria to come up with this list of the best VPNs for connecting multiple devices:

• Simultaneous device connections: The most obvious place to start is the number of device connections that can be used with one account. We only recommend VPNs that allow five or more consecutive connections.
• Apps and usability: We look at the VPN apps on offer, as well as how easy they are to use.
• Speed: The provider needs to offer fast connection speeds.
• Security: We check out security, the logging policy, leak protection, and any additional features used to improve privacy.
• Streaming: What international streaming services is the provider able to access?
• Customer support: We check out the quality of customer support options.
• Value for money: Can you get the VPN for a fair price?

To make the top three we only accept VPNs that tick all of the following boxes:

• Providers who have consistently pushed VPN technology forward
• The VPN must not log identifying data on customers and must have had its logging policy audited by a reputable third party (such as PwC). This ensures that VPNs which claim to adhere to certain practices actually do so
• The VPN must have been through a technical security audit by a third party. As opposed to a logging policy audit, this tests the security of the VPN product itself
• The VPN provider must operate a 100% diskless server network

The best VPNs for connecting multiple devices

Here is a detailed overview of our top recommendations if you need a VPN for connecting multiple devices at the same time:

NordVPN is our top pick for connecting multiple devices. It offers everything from enhanced streaming support to superb connection speeds. It allows for up to six simultaneous device connections, which should be more than enough for the average user. Apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android are easy to use, and there’s also router support, along with a trio of browser versions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. 

The NordLynx protocol can be used with most operating systems and provides a boost to performance without compromising security or privacy. It’s relatively inexpensive, it works in China, and specialty services include double VPN, P2P, and dedicated IP addresses.

NordVPN benefits from a vast network with 5,200+ servers in 60+ countries. 

BEST VPN FOR MULTIPLE DEVICES: NordVPN is our top recommendation for multiple device connections. Apps are simple to use, packed with features, and it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark might be the ideal service to suit your needs, with unlimited simultaneous connections. A budget provider with lots to offer, it includes native app support for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. If you’d prefer to connect to all of your IoT devices, there are various guides for setting up Surfshark with a router available on its website. 

A collection of 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries is reasonably comprehensive and ensures a local option from almost anywhere in the world. Features include WireGuard support, double VPN, and the ability to block ads, trackers, and malware. 

Surfshark is great for streaming, accessing everything from 30 international Netflix libraries to services like BBC iPlayer, Disney+, ITV Hub, All 4, Hotstar, HBO, Sky, and more. 

BEST BUDGET OPTION: Surfshark is a viable budget provider with a selection of capable apps. Unlimited simultaneous device connections, streaming support, WireGuard, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is probably the best-known provider on the planet. It excels at unlocking streaming services, and you’ll  be able to use up to eight simultaneous devices per account. You’ll find apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and routers. Asus, D-Link, DD-WRT, Netduma, Sabai, Tomato, TP-Link, and Xiaomi models are supported. 

A VPN that focuses on quality rather than quantity, the Lightway protocol ensures high speeds and reliability. It’s especially beginner-friendly, and it can even be used to bypass China’s Great Firewall. Customer support is available 24/7, and it doesn’t log any user-identifying data. Servers are found in 105+ countries, and it offers split tunneling, AES 256-bit encryption, and dedicated IP addresses. 

However, ExpressVPN is more expensive than many of the others on this list, and it’s not the best choice for bigger households unless you install it on a WiFi router. It’s also owned by Kape Technologies, picked up for a cool $936 million in 2021. Kape is best known for rebranding from Crossrider, which was an ad-tech company. Kape now positions itself as a privacy software business. 

GREAT STREAMING SUPPORT: ExpressVPN is one of the best providers for accessing content and allows for five simultaneous connections. Server locations in 105 countries, Smart DNS feature. Capable apps and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN will be able to handle multiple devices at the same time. 10 simultaneous connections should be enough for most scenarios, while it has native apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The provider has partnered with InvizBox to create a router specifically for Proton VPN, and there are guides for various models available online. 

The team is best known for developing the popular ProtonMail service, and there’s a strong emphasis on security and privacy. It keeps no traffic logs, and there are roughly 2,000+ servers in 67+ countries worldwide. However, Proton made the news in 2021 after handing over user details to the authorities. The company quietly amended its privacy policy afterward.   

Additional features include split tunneling, double VPN, and Tor over VPN. It's great for accessing geo-restricted content, and it has some of the fastest speeds on the market. Proton VPN has servers specifically for streaming and torrenting, unblocking services in the US and the UK, including HBO Max, Hotstar, F1 TV, BBC iPlayer, and Peacock. 

LOTS OF DEVICE CONNECTIONS: Proton VPN is a privacy-conscious provider with solid streaming support, 10 simultaneous device connections, and lots of features. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Mullvad can be used on up to five devices, and comes with apps for every major operating system, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It offers support for various router models (pfSense, Asus Merlin, DD-WRT, and OpenWrt). There’s also a Firefox browser extension which is free for anyone to use, which is known as the Mullvad Privacy Companion.  

Security features are numerous, while the logging policy is unmatched. You get an account by randomly generating a number which is used as your identifier, and Mullvad collects no user information during sign-up. It makes good use of OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. Features include MultiHop, and it even works in China. It has roughly 900 servers in 40+ countries. It allows torrenting throughout its network and is port-forwarding compatible. As you'd expect, it comes with a strict no-logs policy.

Mullvad isn’t the best option for accessing streaming services, although we were able to access US Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Based in Sweden, this means it falls into 14 Eyes territory. However, robust local privacy laws and a lack of mandatory data retention directives make it a decent place (in the EU) for a no logs VPN to be based.

BEST VPN FOR PRIVACY: Mullvad has your back thanks to a watertight no-logs policy and capable apps for all major platforms. It could do with a few more simultaneous connections, but it’s unmatched if you’re aiming to improve privacy. Excellent speeds, unlimited bandwidth, 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous device connections and a decent selection of servers (2,000+) in 75+ different locations around the world. It’s a budget option that doesn’t scrimp on service, with high speeds and strong encryption. There are apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, alongside a Chrome browser version and router support for DD-WRT v2 and v3, Tomato, Asus-WRT, and Merlin models. 

It works with Netflix and comes with multiple secure protocols to choose from, including WireGuard and OpenVPN. Speeds are consistent across all regions, and apps have leak protection, a kill switch, and split tunneling. It comes with a SOCKS5 proxy, while top-notch security ensures improved online privacy. 

One drawback is that it’s based in the United States, which is far from ideal if you’re wary of the numerous intelligence-gathering agencies in the region. However, IPVanish is one of the few providers to own and operate all of its physical hardware. The US HQ also makes it adept at streaming content from the region while connected. 

Owned by J2 Global, the tech giant also runs StrongVPN, and Encrypt.me, as well as SaferVPN and OverPlay VPN. IPVanish comes with a 7-day free trial for mobile devices. 

UNLIMITED SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS: IPVanish is another strong pick if you’re looking for unlimited device connections. Over 2,000 servers, streaming support, strong encryption, and cheaper deals. 30-day money-back guarantee available for yearly/24-month plans.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

CyberGhost is a go-to provider if you’re looking for lots of servers and multiple device connections. You can use seven with a single account, ensuring coverage for most households. 10,000+ VPN servers located in 100+ countries including places like South Africa and Singapore is hard to beat, especially if you need a VPN for traveling. CyberGhost uses OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols to ensure connections are stable and secure.

There are intuitive apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You’ll also find Chrome and Firefox browser extensions, along with Smart TV apps, and guides to install CyberGhost manually on a variety of routers. CyberGhost has a range of affordable deals at any given time, with solid speeds and the ability to choose streaming servers for the likes of Netflix US, France, and Germany, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more. It allows torrenting throughout its network, but you don't get port forwarding so bear that in mind.

Optimized servers make it easy to access geo-restricted content, and it's comes with a Smart DNS feature for streaming via devices like games consoles and Smart TVs.CyberGhost was the first VPN snagged by Kape Technologies, back when it was still known as Crossrider. As well as CyberGhost, Kape owns ZenMate VPN, Private Internet Access (PIA), and ExpressVPN.

THOUSANDS OF SERVERS: CyberGhost is great for Netflix, with a massive network, streaming servers, and beginner-friendly apps. 14-day money-back guarantee available for one-month subscriptions. Six months or longer is covered by a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Testing methodology: Finding the best VPNs for multiple devices 

No two providers are the same. Everything from servers to speeds will differ depending on which VPN you’ve chosen. We used the following VPN assessment criteria to come up with this list of the best VPNs for multiple connections:

• Simultaneous device connections: Most importantly, we look at the number of device connections that can be used with one account at the same time. Unlimited simultaneous devices would be ideal, and the service must offer no lower than five.
• Apps and usability: We look at the VPN apps that are available, as there’s no point in offering simultaneous connections if you’re not able to connect to your smart devices. This includes router compatibility. (You can connect all of the devices in your home to a VPN with a router, using one device connection.)
• Speed: High connection speeds are a must for most online tasks, from streaming to gaming.
• Security: The VPN must have high security standards, including secure encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and leak protection. We also factor in any notable privacy features, including the logging policy.
• Streaming: Which streaming services is the provider able to access? Unblocking content is one of the more popular reasons for using a VPN service in the first place. The provider must have lots of server locations to choose from.
• Customer support: We check out the level of customer support, just in case you do happen to have any questions or issues.
• Value for money: Can you get the VPN for a fair price? As well as looking at any deals on offer, we check out the provider’s money-back guarantee.

Bonus points

As well as the criteria above, we also award bonus points to VPN companies that provide any of the following (all of our top three providers in the list provide the below):

• Providers who have consistently pushed VPN technology forward: Rather than opting to do just enough to provide an acceptable service, the VPNs that make up our top three have consistently improved at any opportunity. For example, NordVPN and ExpressVPN bucked industry trends by creating their own unique connection protocols, while Surfshark was one of the first (along with CyberGhost) to offer tools like antivirus software and ad-blocking directly in its apps.
• Based in countries not part of any known intelligence alliance: Various murky intelligence alliances exist. The best known-such alliance is The 14 Eyes (officially called SIGINT Seniors Europe, or SSEUR) which includes the UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain, and nine others, though other alliances (such as Maximator and the Afghanistan SiGINT Coalition) also exist, and it’s likely there are more partnerships that we are not aware of. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are all based in Panama or the British Virgin Islands, clear of any known treaties. 
• Regular application and server audits from a respected third party: A server audit examines things like whether the VPN’s infrastructure inadvertently collects data that would disprove no-logging claims. Application audits check the apps that a user runs on their device and look for exploits that can be used to unmask your activity or otherwise compromise your hardware. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark have had both types of audit performed, so you won’t have to take their claims at face value.
• Diskless infrastructure: While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, there is still a chance it could be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers, and it is wiped on shutdown. Plus, it can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN with multiple devices

If you’ve never used a VPN before, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to take you through the process. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to get started once you’ve signed up with a provider. 

How to use a VPN with multiple devices:

1. Choose a VPN service, and sign up. (NordVPN is our top recommendation overall).
2. Download and install the relevant VPN app for all of your devices. 
3. Sign in, and choose a VPN server to connect to. (For example, you could use a UK server to access BBC iPlayer.)
4. Repeat the process for every device. You can connect to different locations with each device if you’d prefer. 

That’s it. Each of your devices should now be protected by the VPN, and they will have been assigned a new IP address.

Connect unlimited devices to a VPN with a WiFi router

The VPNs listed above can be used to connect multiple devices with a single account, which is great if you’re sharing between a family or smaller office space. However, smart devices quickly begin to add up, and caps can be reached easily.  

A simpler solution is to set up a VPN on your home or office WiFi router instead of each individual device. All of the traffic routed via the router will be secured by the VPN tunnel. This works with as many devices as the router (or VPN server) can handle. This method also helps with smart devices that don’t have traditional VPN support, including game consoles, TVs, and home appliances. 

However, you may need a dedicated VPN router for the best results, and the process will vary depending on your router’s firmware and the VPN you’re using. 

The best VPNs for families: Multiple connections for ultimate convenience

When it comes to safeguarding the online privacy and security of your entire family, VPNs with multiple connections are just the ticket. The VPNs in this guide offer a generous number of simultaneous connections, which means you'll never have to hear anybody moaning about who is using the VPN.

If your family has never used a VPN before, you may be wondering why you even need one. Perhaps your child has asked for one and that is why you are reading. If that is the case, we have covered the advantages of having a family VPN below:

1. Comprehensive coverage: These VPNs not only let you use their service on multiple devices but also have apps for all popular devices. That means you can use the VPN on laptops, smartphones, desktop computers, and tablets. Some allow for unlimited connections, so the entire family can benefit from the VPN. 
2. Peace of mind: With a VPN your family can browse the internet, stream content, and communicate with friends and colleagues without worrying about online threats or data surveillance. This makes using the internet safer and helps to prevent cyberattacks. 
3. Enhanced Privacy:  Whether you are at home, using public Wi-Fi in a local coffee shop, or are on vacation with your family, a VPN massively improves your privacy and security by preventing local networks and data snoops from monitoring what you do online. This makes it safer to use public WiFi and to access personal accounts or financial services without fear of hackers. 

Below we have included some cool things your family can use a VPN for:  

• Secure online shopping: Protect your financial information and personal details while shopping online, whether it's booking flights for a family getaway or buying school supplies.
• Unblock streaming services: With a VPN, you can access region-locked content on streaming platforms, ensuring your family can always access your streaming platforms even when abroad.
• Bypass censorship: Ensure your family gets freedom of access to services, VoIP apps, and news no matter what the government decides to blocks. 
• Online learning: Ensure that your kids also have unlimited resources by giving them access to a wealth of international services and platforms.
• Family Video Calls: Stay connected with relatives through free VoIP calls and social media sites no matter where you go in the world.

Multiple device VPNs: FAQs

Does your IP address change when you use a VPN?

Yes. Your IP address will change each time you connect to a new VPN server. This is how you’ll be able to use geo-spoofing to bypass website blocks, as IP addresses are used to determine where the user is located.

Can I use a free VPN to get multiple device connections?

There are numerous free providers on the market, but the majority limit the user to a single device connection. There are also additional limitations to consider. For example, speeds, bandwidth, and servers are likely to be capped, and streaming support will be non-existent. 

Another drawback to consider is a lack of privacy and security. Free VPNs have to make money somehow, often serving up multiple adverts or selling user data to third parties in more extreme cases.  

Many also fall short when it comes to encryption. For example, in 2019, one in five apps from the top 150 free VPN Android apps in Google's Play Store was flagged as a potential source of malware, while a quarter of them had user privacy-breaking bugs such as DNS leaks.

Should smart devices also be connected to a VPN?

It always makes sense to connect smart devices to a VPN. Any IoT device, such as Amazon Echo (Alexa) or Google Home, would benefit from being connected to a VPN, especially if it lacks secure encryption. A VPN will work to secure all of your devices, so they will be less vulnerable to internet-based attacks.

What are the benefits of using a VPN?

There are numerous benefits to consider. You’ll be able to access various geo-blocked services with a VPN, including banking apps and streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and US Netflix. All you need to do is connect to a corresponding server location. 

Users can torrent in peace, while you won’t have to worry about your ISP (or anyone else) keeping tabs on what you’re up to. Instead, they will only be able to see that you’re connected to the VPN servers. It’s also an easy way to bypass internet throttling. 

Do I have to connect all my devices to the same VPN server?

Not if you’re connecting to the VPN with an app for each device. For example, you can connect to two different servers on a desktop and mobile device. You can even connect to two different countries if you’d prefer. However, the same isn’t true for any devices connected to the VPN via a WiFi router. 

Can multiple people use the same VPN account?

Yes. You’ll be free to share with other members in your household or elsewhere as long as you don’t exceed the maximum number of device connections. Make sure to use a unique password that isn’t found elsewhere, just in case. 

How do I connect to two VPN connections at the same time?

If you’d like to double up, you’ll be able to do so by signing up with two VPN services. Choose which provider to use first, and connect to a server. Sign in to the second provider, and select a server. Alternatively, a MultiHop VPN adds an additional server to your normal VPN connection.

Can I watch various streaming services with a VPN?

Yes. The VPNs we have recommended allow five or more simultaneous connections. This means that you can theoretically connect to a UK server to watch iPlayer on your smartphone, connect to a US server to watch Netflix on your laptop, and connect to a server in Spain to watch Atres Player on your tablet. The options are almost limitless because our recommendations have server networks that stretch right across the world.

Of course, the example above was just random. You will probably want to connect to a server in your home country to watch your usual TV services and streaming platforms. The good news is that by using our recommendations, your entire family can connect to a VPN server back home to watch different TV services consecutively; no stress and no worrying about who controls the remote control!

Should I connect all my devices to a VPN?

This really depends on your threat model and what you use your devices for. However, as a general rule of thumb, we recommend that you consider using a VPN on all of your devices – or that you set up a VPN connection on your router to automatically protect all the devices in your home.

Without a VPN, you are exposing all your browsing habits to local networks, ISPs, and government snoops. This means that everything you do online is being monitored. In addition, all the websites you visit are able to track your IP address, which means that they know each time you return to their site, which pages you choose to visit, and how you engage with their services.

This data can be used for profiling purposes, and companies may even follow you around the web thanks to third-party agreements and trackers – meaning that they can build a detailed picture of who you are, what you like, and where you visit. This kind of tracking is extremely invasive, which is why it is advisable to protect all of your device's privacy with a VPN.

The encryption provided by a VPN also prevents eavesdroppers and hackers from being able to intercept your data, which makes it much safer to use public WiFi. This is another reason to ensure that a VPN protects any devices you use on public hotspots.