20 Best VPN Client Software in 2024

In the age of Big Data, online privacy is more important than ever. A VPN software (Virtual Private Network) is a powerful tool that allows you to browse the internet anonymously and securely.

By encrypting your traffic and hiding your IP address, a VPN protection software solution can help you to avoid online censorship and protect your personal data from hackers and government surveillance.

However, with so many VPNs on the market, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. In this article, we will discuss the best VPN software for 2025. We will compare and contrast their VPN benefits and features, and we will provide our recommendations for the best VPN for each use case. Whether you are looking for a VPN for security, privacy, or streaming, this article has you covered.

In recent years, cyberattacks have become an increasingly common problem for businesses of all sizes. While the motivations behind these attacks can vary, the end goal is typically to steal sensitive data or disrupt operations.

The impact of a cyberattack can be significant, ranging from minor financial losses to complete business shutdowns. According to Cybersecurity Ventures study, global cybercrime costs can reach up to $10.5 trillion yearly by 2025.

In some cases, attacks can also lead to reputational damage that takes years to recover from. Take for instance the case of Capital One. Its share price dipped by 6% immediately after a data breach involving 100 million of its customers.

As the threat of cyberattacks continues to grow, businesses must take steps to protect themselves. These include investing in security measures such as firewalls and malware protection, as well as developing a plan for how to respond in the event of an attack. Getting reliable VPN server software is a step forward for smaller businesses.

What is the impact of VPNs on internet connection speed?

Using a VPN often affects your internet connection speed, depending on several factors. Although VPNs offer security benefits, they can introduce latency, impact bandwidth, and even vary in speed based on the server’s location and load. Here’s how VPNs influence connection speed and how you can minimize any potential slowdowns:

• Server Location and Proximity
  The physical distance between you and the VPN server affects speed. Connecting to a distant server often results in slower speeds. Selecting a server closer to your location can help maintain a faster connection.
• Server Load and Traffic
  Popular servers experience high traffic, which can reduce connection speed. Many VPN providers offer load-balancing features or allow users to choose servers with lower occupancy, helping to improve speed.
• VPN Protocols Used
  VPN protocols, like OpenVPN, WireGuard, or IKEv2, differ in speed and security levels. WireGuard, for example, is generally faster than older protocols. Users can adjust protocol settings in the VPN app to optimize for speed or security.
• ISP Throttling
  Some ISPs intentionally slow down VPN traffic to manage bandwidth usage. Choosing a VPN that supports obfuscation techniques can mask VPN traffic, helping you avoid ISP throttling.
• Device and Network Limitations
  VPN performance can be affected by the device’s processing power and network quality. Devices with low processing capabilities may experience slower speeds. Upgrading to a modern device and a stable, high-speed internet connection can help.

Best VPN Client Software for 2025

1. Bright Data

Bright Data offers a variety of proxy services, including residential proxies, datacenter proxies, ISP proxies, and mobile proxies. Each type of proxy has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right proxy for your needs.

The proxy services are a part of the Bright Data cloud-based data management and analytics platform. It is designed to help organizations collect, organize, and analyze their data more effectively. The platform includes a number of powerful features, such as data visualization and machine learning tools.

You can use the Bright Data Proxy Manager, an open source interface, to manage all of your proxies in one place. Meanwhile, the Proxy Browser Extension makes it easy to use proxies directly in your web browser.

A key feature we find helpful is the Bright Data Web Unlocker. It allows you to quickly and easily unlock data or any website that is locked behind a paywall, making it accessible to everyone.

Bright Data proxy infrastructure is priced on a subscription basis, with plans starting at $500 per month. It is ideal for businesses of all sizes that need to better manage and understand their data. To know more about this service, you can head to our more detailed pros and cons of Bright Data.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is known for its strong security features, including military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy. The ideal NordVPN user is someone who values their privacy and security online, and who is willing to pay for a premium VPN service.

The VPN offers many features to its users, including meshnet support, threat protection, and a dark web monitor. The meshnet feature allows users to create a secure, private network without using a central server. This makes it ideal for users who want to avoid government surveillance or censorship.

On the other hand, the threat protection feature blocks known malicious websites and phishing attempts, while the dark web monitor scans the dark web for stolen data, such as passwords or credit card numbers.

The provider claims to have 5,000 servers spread across 59 countries, which surpass most of its competitors’ claiming to be  better NordVPN alternatives.

NordVPN has a starting price of $3.09 per month, which makes it one of the more expensive VPN providers on the market.

3. ZenMate

ZenMate is a VPN service that is known for its ease of use and its ability to unblock websites and services that are typically blocked in a user’s location. The ideal users of ZenMate are people who want to be able to access blocked content without having to worry about the technical details of how a VPN works.

ZenMate offers both anonymous browsing and streaming. With ZenMate, users can hide their IP addresses and access blocked content. ZenMate also encrypts user traffic, ensuring that their data is safe from interception.

In addition, ZenMate offers a variety of security features, including a kill switch and DNS leak protection. The provider boasts of 4,800 servers in over 81 countries.

The starting price for ZenMate is $1.51 per month billed at $59 over three years. It is one of the most affordable plans around.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is known for its speed and reliability, and it is one of the most popular VPNs on the market. ExpressVPN can be used to bypass online censorship and restrictions, to improve online privacy and security, and to access geo-restricted content.

Aside from its fast connection speeds, this VPN service features wide compatibility with different devices and operating systems. Whether you’re using a Windows PC, a Mac, an iPhone, an Android phone, or even a Linux-based Chromebook, ExpressVPN works. And because it’s compatible with so many devices, it’s easy to use ExpressVPN on all of your devices simultaneously.

Upon testing, ExpressVPN performed decent speed even when browsing the web and stream video at high speeds and with multiple devices without worrying about data loss or identity theft.

Its starting price is $8.32 per month billed annually, a bit more expensive than several other VPNs on this list.

5. Perimeter 81

Perimeter 81 is a fast-growing cybersecurity startup that offers a unique solution for businesses of all sizes. The company’s flagship product is a cloud-based security platform that provides instant deployment, 360-degree visibility, and granular control over your security infrastructure.

The vendor offers a VPN service, which provides a secure way for employees to access the private network through public networks and even share data remotely. The combination of data encryption and tunneling protocols means that all transmitted data, regardless of device or location, is completely secure. This makes Perimeter 81 an essential tool for any business that needs to provide its employees with remote access to sensitive data.

Furthermore, its DNS filtering service can be used to block internet access to certain website categories, such as gambling or pornography. This can be useful to businesses that want to restrict employee internet usage, or for parents who want to prevent their children from accessing harmful or inappropriate content.

Plans start at $8 per user/month for a minimum of 10 users.

6. Cisco AnyConnect

Cisco AnyConnect is a popular VPN service known for its high speeds and reliability. Its users include individuals and businesses who need a secure connection to the internet.

Cisco AnyConnect provides several features that can be useful for endpoint security. One is the ability to manage and deploy multiple endpoint security agents. This can be helpful in ensuring that all devices are properly protected. Meantime, a single-cloud management console allows you to see all of your security agents on one screen.

Additionally, Cisco AnyConnect can protect your users when they’re off the VPN. This can be helpful in ensuring that they’re always protected, even when they’re not using the VPN. Cisco AnyConnect also provides deep endpoint visibility, which helps in identifying potential issues and ensuring that all devices are properly protected.

Cisco AnyConnect plans are available on a by-quote basis.

7. Hide.me

Hide.me VPN is a reliable and affordable solution for those who are looking for a VPN service that is compatible with a variety of operations systems and browsers. It also has mobile apps for Android and iOS, lending you mobile browser security, as well as an app for Amazon Fire TV.

Hide.me VPN offers full IPv6 support and gives users the ability to choose from different protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, PPTP, and L2TP/IPsec.

You may want to take a closer look at Hide.me’s Bolt, its proprietary technology that promises to solve throttling and Windows issues while providing multi-gigabit speeds on commodity hardware. According to Hide.me, Bolt can reduce latency by up to 80% due to its reduced TCP connection setup RTT.

In addition, Bolt operates over TLS 1.3 connections, which means it won’t be throttled by ISPs.

Pricing starts from $4.99 per months billed annually.

8. Norton WiFi Privacy

Norton WiFi Privacy is a VPN service that helps to encrypt and secure your data when you are using public WiFi networks. It uses a 128-bit AES encryption to protect your data, and it also offers a variety of other security features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection.

With Norton WiFi Privacy, you can browse the web, check email, and stream video without worry. The service offers unlimited data and bandwidth, so you can use it as much as you like

Chief among the features we find important with this VPN is the use of bank-grade encryption to keep your data safe from prying eyes. While this is not unique, combined with the Norton brand, security for this VPN earns it a huge trust rating from many users.

Additionally, Norton WiFi Privacy has a no-log policy, which means that your activities are not tracked or monitored. The service also includes ad tracker removal to help keep your browsing habits private.

Norton WiFi Privacy offers a 60-day money back guarantee, one of the most generous offers you will have out there.

9. Speedify

Speedify is a VPN service that offers several key features, including the ability to bond multiple Internet connections and AES 256-bit encryption. It is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux.

Speedify can be used for a variety of purposes, such as accessing region-locked content, bypassing censorship filters, and improving online privacy. The service offers both a free app and paid subscriptions.

The free subscription has some limitations, such as a data limit of 5 GB per month and slower speeds than the paid subscriptions. The paid subscriptions give you more features such as unlimited usage, premium server access and improved video conferencing.

We find Speedify practical for livestreaming and video conferencing, as it uses a combination of multiple signal sources to keep your connection stable and reliable, even in areas with poor internet coverage. As a result, you can enjoy streaming content without fear of interruptions or buffering.

Moreover, the performance test feature allows you to determine whether your internet connection is suitable for livestreaming before you start broadcasting. This ensures that you can provide quality content for your audience without any technical issues.

10. CyberGhost

CyberGhost provides VPN services to protect users’ privacy and security when using the internet. It can hide users’ IP addresses, encrypt all traffic and provide a strict no-logs policy, which are standard features for the best VPN client software products.

What caught our attention, however, is its more than 6,000 server locations worldwide. That’s one of the largest, if not the largest, server fleet on this list. While having the most number of server locations doesn’t automatically translate to better performance, just knowing you have more choices should be a factor when getting a VPN service.

In addition, CyberGhost offers a variety of other features such as ad-blocking and malware protection. It also allows you to connect up to seven devices simultaneously.

11. Avast SecureLine

Avast offers a range of products for different platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. The product line includes a free antivirus program, a premium security suite for protection against all internet threats and an ultimate plan that includes additional features such as a firewall and password manager.

In addition to these products, the company also offers a range of privacy-related services such as malware removal and online privacy protection. These include an Avast SecureLine VPN client to encrypt your internet traffic, an anti-tracker extension to block online tracking, and a BreachGuard feature to protect your personal information in the event of a data breach.

In addition, Avast SecureLine offers a secure browser extension for Chrome and Firefox that helps to protect your privacy while browsing the web.

Starting price for Avast SecureLine is at $4.39 per month billed for two years.

12. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is a popular VPN provider that offers a number of standard features that make it a good choice for many users. One feature is its open source VPN client, which is available for all major platforms. This makes it easy to set up and use, and ensures that your data is kept private.

Another feature is its no logs policy, which means that your data will never be stored or shared with third parties. In addition, Private Internet Access offers a dedicated IP address, which helps to hide your location and improve your online security. Likewise, the company also offers a VPN router, which makes it easy to connect all your devices to the VPN.

Another key feature is WireGuard, which is a next-generation VPN protocol that is known for its speed and security. The VPN also offers split tunneling, which can be useful for accessing region-locked content or ensuring that sensitive data is always encrypted.

Private Internet Access also includes an antivirus program, which can be used to scan incoming traffic for malware and other threats. Lastly, the provider offers a corporate VPN service, which can be used to connect employees to a company’s internal network.

With everything being standard, Private Internet Access perhaps can leverage its pricing as the main come-on. Pricing starts at $2.03 per month billed for a three-year lockout, one of the lowest on the market.

13. Avira Phantom VPN Pro

There are many reasons to choose Avira Phantom VPN. For starters, it is one of the most user-friendly VPNs on the market. The simple interface makes it easy to connect to a VPN server and start browsing anonymously.

Additionally, Avira Phantom VPN offers a generous free plan that includes 500MB of data per month. And for those who need more data, the paid plans are very affordable.

As for features, Phantom VPN provides the usual tools to expect from a reliable VPN service. It

encrypts all of your internet traffic, ensuring that your data is safe from hackers and other third parties.

The software includes a kill switch, which automatically disconnects you from the internet if the VPN connection is lost, preventing your data from being exposed. Likewise, a DNS leak protection comes with the package. Interestingly, the software provides unlimited data and supports unlimited devices, so you can use it on all of your devices without worrying about exceeding data limits.

Overall, Avira Phantom VPN is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable and user-friendly VPN solution.

14. HMA VPN

HMA VPN is a good choice for people looking for a reliable VPN service. The company has been in business since 2005 and has a solid reputation. HMA VPN offers a variety of features that make it a good choice for many people.

It provides unlimited bandwidth and data, as well as access to servers in over 290 locations. HMA VPN also offers a money-back guarantee, which is rare for VPN services. In addition, the service has a strict no-logs policy, which means that your data will not be stored or monitored.

HMA VPN apps are available for desktop, mobile and other devices like routers, smart TV and game consoles. These apps connect you to the internet with a secure and private line. With HMA VPN apps, you can access blocked websites and content, and surf the web anonymously.

15. SurfEasy

SurfEasy offers a number of reliable features that make it a good option for privacy-conscious users.  As expected, it encrypts your internet connection and masks your location. This makes it difficult for ISPs, government agencies, and hackers to track your online activity.

A nice-to-have feature, the one-click IP masking allows you to instantly change your IP address, making it difficult for trackers to follow your online activity. Likewise, over 2,000 ultra fast servers in 31 countries provide a high level of security and allow you to access blocked content from around the world.

Meanwhile, an enhanced tracker blocker blocks cookies, web beacons, and other tracking technologies that are often used to collect data about your online activity.

Other features recommended from this VPN include an unlimited simultaneous use on five devices means you can protect all of your devices with a single account, AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

16. Ivacy VPN

Ivacy VPN is a good choice for online security and privacy, fast streaming and internet freedom. It has a feature-rich VPN service that offers public wi-fi security, purpose selection, defeat ISP throttling, and advanced security features.

Its high level of security, with 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy, means that your data will be safe from hackers and government surveillance.

Ivacy VPN is also one of the fastest VPNs on the market, so you can stream content without buffering or lag. Likewise, Ivacy VPN gives you access to a global network of servers, so you can unblock geo-restricted content and browse the internet freely.

Ivacy VPN is a good choice for those who are looking for a comprehensive VPN solution.

17. PandaVPN

PandaVPN is a good choice for a VPN provider for reasons that other leading VPN services also offer. The provider doesn’t keep any logs of your activity, and it has a kill switch and DNS leak protection. It also offers a variety of pricing plans to suit your needs. In addition, the terms and conditions are clear and concise, making it easy to understand what you’re agreeing to.

PandaVPN is also compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS and Android TV. It has ultra-fast IPLC servers, 3,000 and counting, in 170 VPN server locations in 80 countries. The servers use secure ECC encryption technology.

Plans start at $2.49 per month with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

18. OEM VPN Unlimited

OEM VPN is an ideal solution for those who want to offer a VPN service to their customers without having to manage the infrastructure themselves. It provides you with a white label solution that provides a ready-to-use VPN service. 24/7 support, server network implementation and maintenance are likewise included. The provider also manages app updates according to your requirements.

Specifically, OEM VPN’s VPN unlimited SDK includes support for a wide range of protocols, including IKEv2, OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, and more. In addition, the SDK provides access to a wide variety of servers located around the world, allowing developers to choose the best location for their users.

OEM VPN also offers a variety of features designed to make integrating a VPN solution into an existing product or service easy, including pre-configured options and an easy-to-use API.

Pricing is on a by-quote basis.

19. Hotspot Shield

Another typical but leading VPN service, Hotspot Shield helps protect your identity and surf the internet anonymously. The service encrypts your data with military-grade encryption, making it unreadable to anyone who might intercept it. And because Hotspot Shield uses a point-to-point connection, your data is never stored on its servers, so you can be sure that your information is always safe.

Hotspot Shield also allows you to access websites and streaming content from around the world, including Netflix, YouTube, Prime, Disney+, and more. With over 115+ virtual locations, Hotspot Shield lets you choose from a wide variety of global IP addresses.

With one account, users can secure up to five devices, making it a great option for families or small businesses. Hotspot Shield is also available on a variety of different platforms, including Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Smart TVs. In addition, the service can be used with routers to provide an extra layer of protection.

20. VPN Proxy Master

VPN Proxy Master provides strong encryption to secure data online. It has over 6,000 global servers in 50+ countries and offers ultra-fast and stable speeds. It can protect up to 6 devices at the same time.

The service is easy to use and has a seven-day money-back guarantee. It is available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. VPN Proxy Master offers a free trial and has four subscription plans: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually.

VPN Proxy Master also offers enterprise solutions for businesses.

Choosing the Right VPN for You

The best VPN services are those that offer a balance of features, speed, and security. Bright Data is a great option if you’re looking for fast speeds and strong security, while NordVPN is a good choice if you’re more concerned about privacy.

However, there is no one-size-fits-all VPN service. For instance, new companies may do well to pick one from the best VPN solutions for startups. So be sure to consider your needs before choosing a provider. Whichever service you choose, make sure to read the terms of service carefully and look for independent reviews to get an idea of what others think of the provider. With so many great options available, there’s no reason not to use a VPN.

Key Insights

• Security and Privacy: The primary benefit of using a VPN is to ensure security and privacy online. VPNs encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, protecting your data from hackers and government surveillance.
• Variety of Options: There are many VPN services available, each with unique features. Top providers like Bright Data, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN offer a range of options tailored to different needs, such as security, privacy, and streaming.
• Special Features: Many VPNs come with special features. For example, NordVPN offers a dark web monitor, and Speedify uses channel bonding technology for stable connections. Bright Data provides a web unlocker for accessing content behind paywalls.
• Device Compatibility: VPN services vary in their compatibility with devices and operating systems. ExpressVPN is notable for its wide compatibility across devices like Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, and even game consoles and smart TVs.
• Pricing and Plans: VPN pricing varies widely. Bright Data is one of the more expensive options with plans starting at $500 per month, while ZenMate offers one of the most affordable plans at $1.51 per month billed over three years.
• Server Locations and Speed: The number of server locations and connection speed are important factors. CyberGhost boasts over 6,000 server locations, and ExpressVPN is known for its ultra-fast servers in 94 countries.
• Business Solutions: Some VPNs, like Perimeter 81 and OEM VPN Unlimited, cater specifically to businesses, offering features like dedicated VPN servers, DNS filtering, and comprehensive endpoint security.

FAQ

1. What is the best VPN for streaming? The best VPN for streaming is ExpressVPN. It offers fast connection speeds, wide compatibility with various devices, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions on popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+.
2. How does a VPN protect my data? A VPN protects your data by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address. This prevents hackers, ISPs, and government agencies from intercepting and monitoring your online activities.
3. Can I use a VPN on multiple devices? Yes, most VPN services allow you to use a single account on multiple devices. For example, CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous connections, while Hotspot Shield supports up to five devices with one account.
4. Are there VPNs with no-log policies? Yes, many VPNs have strict no-log policies, ensuring that your online activities are not tracked or recorded. Some examples include NordVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access.
5. What is the difference between a VPN and a proxy service? A VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic and hides your IP address, providing comprehensive online privacy and security. A proxy service, on the other hand, only routes specific types of traffic (like web browser traffic) through a proxy server, and may not offer the same level of encryption or privacy as a VPN.
6. Is it legal to use a VPN? Yes, it is legal to use a VPN in most countries. However, some countries have restrictions or bans on VPN usage. It is important to check the laws and regulations in your country before using a VPN.
7. What should I look for when choosing a VPN? When choosing a VPN, consider factors such as security features (encryption, no-log policy), speed, server locations, compatibility with your devices, customer support, and pricing. Reading independent reviews and comparing different VPN services can help you make an informed decision.

By Jenny Chang

Jenny Chang is a senior writer specializing in SaaS and B2B software solutions. Her decision to focus on these two industries was spurred by their explosive growth in the last decade, much of it she attributes to the emergence of disruptive technologies and the quick adoption by businesses that were quick to recognize their values to their organizations. She has covered all the major developments in SaaS and B2B software solutions, from the introduction of massive ERPs to small business platforms to help startups on their way to success.