VPN

VPN stands for 'virtual private network' and is a piece of software that  that helps to make you more anonymous online, encrypts your internet  use, and lets you effectively trick your laptop or mobile device into  thinking it's in another location. Here our are top picks for 2024.

ProtonVPN

Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu

24/7 support: No

Number of servers: 1,000+

Server locations: 50+

Countries: 50

Maximum devices supported: 5 

• Loads of features
• Free plan with unlimited bandwidth
• Improving all the time
• Not as fast as most
• No live chat support available

Express VPN

Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux 

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu 

24/7 support: Yes 

Number of servers: 3,000+ 

Server locations: 160 

Countries: 94

Maximum devices supported: 5 

• Top marks across the board
• Easy to run on almost any platform
• Enterprise-level encryption
• Speedy VPN servers in 90+ countries 
• Superb 24/7 live customer support 
• Fewer simultaneous connections than some

Nord VPN

Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu

24/7 support: Yes

Number of servers: 5,600+

Server locations: 80+

Countries: 59

Maximum devices supported: 6 

• NordLynx protocol is a game changer
• Quality mobile and desktop clients
• Brilliant at unblocking
• Some great value subscription options
• User experience could still be improved

Surfshark

Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu

24/7 support: Yes

Number of servers: 3,200

Server locations: 100+

Countries: 65

Maximum devices supported: Unlimited 

• Unbeatable on price
• Unlimited devices covered
• A dream to use
• Excellent unblocking
• Lacks the speeds of the top two
• Some functionality missing

Hotspot Shield

Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu

24/7 support: Yes

Number of servers: 1,800+

Server locations: 110+

Countries: 80+

Maximum devices supported: 5 

• Astonishing connection speeds
• Super-easy to use
• Reasonably priced
• Mobile apps could be improved

IPVanish

Works on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

Streaming sites unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Hulu

24/7 support: Yes

Number of servers: 1,600+

Server locations: 75+

Countries: 50+

Maximum devices supported: Unlimited 

• Owns and manages its own servers
• Powerful, configurable apps
• Above average performance
• No iPlayer or Amazon unblocking
• New protocols required