We conducted our 2024 VPN speed tests in conjunction with CNET’s Labs team from various testing locations in Ohio, North Carolina and Kentucky. We tested each VPN’s OpenVPN and WireGuard (or the equivalent protocol) speeds on both MacOS and Windows computers. We tested ExpressVPN’s speeds through its proprietary Lightway protocol and NordVPN's speeds through its NordLynx protocol in lieu of WireGuard. Each VPN we tested underwent a minimum of 252 individual speed tests, consisting of three separate rounds of tests, each to six locations globally for each protocol on Mac and Windows devices.
Before each round of testing, we measured our non-VPN speeds three times to calculate the average speeds we were getting from our ISP. Then, we tested speeds three times each to VPN server locations in New York, the UK, Australia, France, Germany and Singapore. This way, we can get a good read on VPN speeds to popular locations across the globe. Once we completed the three rounds of testing at each location, we calculated our average VPN and non-VPN speeds to determine the percentage of speed lost overall through the VPN.
Calculating the percentage of speed lost through the VPN allows us to clearly represent how you can expect these VPNs to perform for you. Your base internet speeds may be a lot faster or slower than what we got through the internet connections we used during our testing. Saying that we achieved speeds of 341.5 Mbps with NordVPN doesn't paint the full picture without putting it into the proper context of how much of a speed drop that was in relation to our base speeds.
We conducted all of our tests through the Ookla speed-testing platform because it's user-friendly and among the most widely used speed-testing sites. It's also the tool that most VPN users will likely use to measure their own speeds.
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Based on our years of experience testing VPNs for privacy, usability and speed, these are the most important factors to consider when purchasing a fast VPN:
Speed
If you're looking for the fastest VPN, then speed will naturally be your top consideration. There are a lot of VPNs that struggle with speeds and can slow your internet by 50% or more. Look for a VPN that drops your speed by only about 20% or less.
Privacy
Privacy is a major consideration for any VPN, regardless of its speed performance. The VPNs we've highlighted above all deliver top-notch privacy paired with fast speeds, so you'll get the best of both worlds with any of our recommended options. Look for basic privacy protections like a kill switch, DNS leak protection and a no-logs policy (preferably audited and/or tested in the wild). Other privacy features to look out for include obfuscation, multi-hop connections and Tor over VPN.
Protocols
Some VPN protocols can deliver faster speeds than others. We recommend using the OpenVPN protocol for the best combination of speed and security. If you want to get the most speed out of your VPN, then you can use a lightweight protocol like WireGuard or your VPN provider's proprietary (usually WireGuard-based) VPN protocol.
Server network
You'll want a VPN service with a large network of servers worldwide. This will help ensure that you'll have access to fast, stable VPN connections wherever you may be located. Generally, around 75 server locations and above is a decent network. Some VPNs even have servers in 100 or more countries. The main thing you'll want in your VPN's network is servers located near where you are or where you plan on traveling. If a VPN only has servers in 50 countries, but covers all of the regions you plan on using, then its server network should suffice.
Cost
If you're on a budget, then the overall value of your VPN will be a major consideration. If you want the largest savings, opt for a yearly plan, which will generally afford you better value over time than going month-to-month. A budget-friendly VPN can cost about $40 to $60 per year, while a more expensive VPN can run you upwards of $100 per year.