As 2024 winds down, it’s obvious that this year has been full of VPN options, with several providers standing out for torrenting, streaming, and privacy. Knowing which VPNs excelled in 2024 can make choosing or renewing your VPN service much simpler as we head into 2025.
If you’re like many people—including myself—still on a mission to find the best VPN, you’re in good company. VPNs have become essential in today’s privacy-focused world, whether for torrenting, streaming, or sidestepping those endless CAPTCHA screens. As someone who’s moderately tech-savvy, I spent a solid month testing four popular VPNs: NordVPN, Mullvad, ProtonVPN, and Private Internet Access (PIA). Here’s my verdict, and I hope it’s helpful to you as you choose your VPN for the coming year!
My VPN wish list was simple but specific:
- Support for Torrents (because who wants limits?)
- WireGuard Support on my UniFi Dream Machine SE (EDM SE), because OpenVPN speeds just don’t cut it.
- Global Server Options with solid coverage in Australia.
- Speed! I have a 1000/50 Mbps connection—let’s see those speeds!
- Security & Privacy (no data logs or sneaky sharing).
With that, let’s dive into the highs, lows, and unexpected quirks of each VPN on this list.
What Each VPN Brings to the Table
NordVPN
NordVPN is well-priced, known for a good security record, and—most importantly—fast. For those with ultra-high-speed internet (like my 1000/50 Mbps setup), NordVPN really maximizes throughput. With my setup, I clocked download speeds around 750 Mbps and upload speeds just shy of my full 50 Mbps cap.
Key Features of NordVPN
- Price: Mid-range, but solid value for speed and features.
- Speed: VPN on? Still flying at 750/48 Mbps!
- Support for Torrents: Yes, thankfully.
- WireGuard: Yes, with the option of NordLynx on the UDM SE.
- Server Locations: Australia (all major states) and worldwide.
- No Logs Policy: Proven and tested—your data’s not going anywhere.
If you need a VPN that gets the job done with speed and reliability, NordVPN tops the list. Setup was smooth on my router, the service refunded promptly when I initially canceled, and I didn’t run into any rude customer support. After all, who needs the hassle?
Mullvad
Mullvad is more expensive than most, costing about 3x what I paid for Nord and even more than Private Internet Access. But what it lacks in affordability, it makes up for in transparency and a rock-solid privacy policy. Mullvad sticks to its no-logs policy religiously, which is why it’s so highly recommended by privacy advocates. It’s open-source, transparent, and gives you an anonymous account number instead of asking for email.
Key Features of Mullvad
- Price: Premium, and it’s definitely on the high end.
- Speed: VPN 221/35 Mbps (OpenVPN might be the bottleneck).
- Support for Torrents: Yes, this one’s torrent-friendly.
- WireGuard: Limited—no luck with the UDM SE.
- Server Locations: Australia and globally.
- No Logs Policy: Exceptional; a leader in privacy.
If privacy is your top concern and you’re comfortable with the extra cost, Mullvad is worth it. But if speed is what you’re after, you might feel the difference—my UDM SE couldn’t handle WireGuard, so I was left with OpenVPN, which dragged the speeds down to around 221 Mbps.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN came in as a mid-priced choice with decent speeds and a strong reputation. Though I couldn’t get WireGuard working on my UDM SE, it wasn’t necessarily Proton’s fault. The desktop client on WireGuard was smooth, giving me download speeds of 385 Mbps, although OpenVPN slowed down significantly on the router.
Key Features of ProtonVPN
- Price: Mid-range, a reasonable choice for those balancing cost and features.
- Speed: Desktop client on WireGuard hit 385/46 Mbps; slower on OpenVPN.
- Support for Torrents: Yep, good for torrenting.
- WireGuard: Yes, though my UDM SE didn’t play nice with it.
- Server Locations: Australia and beyond.
- No Logs Policy: Strong reputation for privacy.
ProtonVPN feels like the jack-of-all-trades here. It delivers on performance (mostly), provides solid security, and has decent customer support. But if you’re eyeing extreme speeds and router compatibility, you might find yourself troubleshooting a bit.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA has one undeniable draw: it’s the cheapest of the bunch. But you get what you pay for, and in PIA’s case, that includes lackluster speeds and a somewhat frustrating customer support experience. WireGuard wasn’t available on my UDM SE, and the AU server coverage was a bit thin.
Key Features of Private Internet Access
- Price: Budget-friendly, by far the cheapest on the list.
- Speed: VPN speed maxed out at 107/28 Mbps—way below my expectations.
- Support for Torrents: Yes, but slower speeds can be an issue.
- WireGuard: No support on UDM SE, limiting its usefulness.
- Server Locations: Australia (limited) and internationally.
- No Logs Policy: Privacy claims are there, but customer service might leave you scratching your head.
While PIA is affordable, the slow speeds and rough customer service experience make it hard to recommend. They initially refused a refund despite their 30-day policy, which left a bad taste in my mouth.
Which VPN Should Choose
When it comes to finding the best VPN, your choice will depend on what you value most. Here’s a quick breakdown to help make your decision:
- For Speed and Usability: Go with NordVPN. It’s fast, easy to use, and reliable.
- For Privacy and Transparency: Mullvad is the clear winner. No logs and anonymous sign-up make it ideal for privacy-focused users.
- For a Balanced Approach: ProtonVPN delivers a middle-of-the-road experience that combines privacy with decent speed.
- For the Budget-Conscious: Private Internet Access (PIA) is a cheap option but be prepared for slower speeds and customer service hurdles.
FAQ
What’s the Best VPN in 2024?
If speed, ease of use, and reliability are key, NordVPN is a top contender. For privacy, Mullvad takes the lead, while ProtonVPN and PIA cater to different user needs.
Is There a Best VPN Free Option?
While free VPNs can be tempting, they often come with slower speeds, limited data, and privacy concerns. Some paid VPNs, like ProtonVPN, offer a free tier, but for full features and speed, it’s usually best to go with a paid option.
Can I Use a VPN for Torrenting?
Yes, all the VPNs reviewed here support torrenting, though speeds vary. NordVPN and Mullvad are the best choices if torrenting is a priority.
What About WireGuard Support?
WireGuard is the go-to protocol for speed, but not all VPNs support it on all devices. NordVPN offers it under the NordLynx label, while ProtonVPN supports it on desktop clients. Mullvad’s implementation is generally strong but limited on certain devices.
How Important Are Speeds in a VPN?
Speeds matter for streaming, torrenting, and general browsing. A VPN can slow your connection slightly, but with NordVPN or ProtonVPN, you won’t notice much difference.
Conclusion
Choosing the best VPN really comes down to finding the right mix of speed, security, and support. NordVPN stands out for speed and reliability, Mullvad is a top pick for privacy enthusiasts, and ProtonVPN offers a well-rounded experience. PIA is a great budget option but might leave some wanting a bit more.
Ultimately, the best VPN for you is the one that ticks all your boxes and lets you browse, stream, and download smoothly without getting in your way. So, dive in, surf securely, and may your browsing be CAPTCHA-free!
Got a different opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
