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Be safer and surf easier online with the best VPN service^*.

Includes Threat Protection and Meshnet features.
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^*Information related to "Best VPN" is supported by multiple sources (unless specific ones are mentioned), including, but not limited to, editorially independent evaluations and insights, as well as statements from media articles, some of which were published through paid partnerships.

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What is a VPN app?

A diagram illustrating how users connect to the internet through a VPN server acting as an intermediary.

A VPN app is a software application that automates many VPN processes to make online security and privacy easier for everyday internet users. If you expand upon the basic VPN definition, you will see that a VPN app serves as a middleman, applying the required encryption or decryption protocols, authenticating the VPN client, and routing online traffic through a secure, encrypted tunnel. In doing so, it also changes your IP address and virtual location.

VPN apps allow you to use a VPN connection on various devices, including Windows PC, MacOS, Linux, Android or iOS phones, tablets, and even smart TVs.

What are the benefits of using a VPN app?

Using a dedicated VPN app lets you experience the full benefits of a VPN service, greatly boosting your online security and privacy.

Access home content abroad

Catch up on paid services from your home country anywhere, even when travelling. Using a VPN on your device gives you more online freedom while protecting your online traffic.

Change your IP address

Connect to a VPN server in your chosen location, and it’ll look like you’re browsing from there. Protect your virtual location from snoopers and enjoy more online privacy.

Protect your device

Boost the security of your device when using public Wi-Fi. A VPN secures your internet connection with encryption and blocks many online threats.

How to download and use a VPN app

Securing your connection with a VPN app is as simple as 1, 2, 3.

A sample visual showing different VPN subscription plans.

1. Get a VPN subscription

Choose a VPN plan based on your needs and create a Nord Account.

2. Download the VPN app

Get the NordVPN app or browser extension for your device, then set up the VPN by following the instructions.

A VPN connection screen showing a server location in the United States.

3. Connect to a VPN server

How to choose the best VPN app

There is no single “best” VPN app — only the best VPN app for you. When choosing your VPN service, you need to consider how it fits the needs of your online lifestyle, taking into account such factors as VPN cost, speed, security, and ease-of-use.

VPN cost

Premium VPNs can attract a premium price tag. Avoid risking your data with free VPNs — instead, look for special offers or wait for holiday deals.

Connection speed

A slow VPN is a VPN that will interfere with your online habits. Ultra-fast VPNs like NordVPN have very little impact on your connection.

Device compatibility

Not all VPNs have apps for every operating system. On the other hand, some may support manual setup, such as being able to install NordVPN on your router.

Server numbers

A wide VPN server network means plenty of virtual locations to choose from and a smoother, more stable VPN connection during peak hours.

Extra features

The best VPN apps offer more than just VPNs. For example, NordVPN comes with anti-malware, ad-blocking, and dark web monitoring functionality.

Encryption protocols

The best VPNs support WireGuard® — the fastest VPN protocol available today. NordVPN has its own take on WireGuard called NordLynx.

Protocol switching

Some protocols perform better in certain situations. The best VPN apps support multiple VPN protocols and let you switch between them on the fly.

Kill switch

Without a kill switch, your online traffic may end up exposed if you unexpectedly lose connection to your VPN server.

DNS leak protection

The mishandling of DNS queries may reveal your online activity to others. NordVPN operates its own secure DNS servers to prevent DNS leaks.

IPv6 leak protection

IPv6 leaks reveal your actual IP address to the websites you visit. The best VPNs implement various measures (like disabling IPv6) to protect users against this risk.

No-logs policy

A VPN should not keep your online activity data. The best VPNs can provide logging transparency reports to verify their no-logs policy.

Why choose NordVPN?

NordVPN covers all the bases when it comes to what you expect from a leading VPN — it’s fast, it’s secure, and it comes with high-value extra features to improve your digital life. The NordVPN app is also a strong contender for the best VPN app to use, thanks to its intuitive interface, wide choice of protocols and specialty servers, and 24/7 customer support channels.

Security	Strong AES-256 encryption
Covered locations	178
Protocols	NordLynx, NordWhisper, IKEv2/IPSec (requires manual setup), OpenVPN
Specialty servers	Obfuscated, Double VPN, Onion Over VPN
Devices	10
VPN bandwidth	Unlimited
Leak prevention	DNS and IP
Money-back guarantee	30 days
Customer support	24/7 by email or live chat
Advanced features	Threat Protection Pro™, Dark Web Monitor

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Advanced features offered by NordVPN

Like all top VPN services, NordVPN offers more than just the basic VPN features. From Threat Protection Pro™ guarding your every click to Dark Web Monitor keeping an eye out for stolen credentials, NordVPN apps come with useful tools to make online life safer and easier.

Threat Protection Pro™

Block annoying ads, intrusive trackers, and unsafe sites.

Dark Web Monitor

Receive instant alerts if your credentials are found on the dark web.

Kill Switch

Stop your data from being exposed if your VPN connection drops.

Split tunneling

Choose which apps need VPN protection and which don’t.

SmartPlay

Access your legal content from home anywhere you go.

Double VPN

Encrypt your connection twice for extra protection.

Onion Over VPN

Enjoy extra VPN security when accessing the Onion network.

Obfuscated servers

Use NordVPN on restrictive networks that try to censor VPN use.

Dedicated IP

Order an exclusive IP address that’s for your personal use only.

What should you consider before installing a free VPN app?

When checking out a free VPN app, always consider how it will impact your online life. The “free VPN vs paid VPN” debate always boils down to this — is the money you save on a subscription worth the added inconvenience and potential security risks of a free VPN? Keep in mind that premium VPN plans can cost as little as a cup of coffee per month.

NordVPN app displaying features not available in free VPN apps.

As a general rule, free VPNs offer less VPN servers in fewer locations around the world. This can disqualify certain options from the outset — if you want to change your virtual location to the US and the VPN provider offers no servers there, that’s a wrap. But the number and quality of VPN servers also greatly impacts your connection speed: first, by increasing the likelihood of finding a server nearby, and second, by being able to balance server loads during peak hours.

An encrypted VPN tunnel shields your online traffic from prying eyes — but free VPNs may reveal more than you realize. Without sufficiently investing into their server infrastructure and security, VPN services can leave gaps in the tunnel walls — for example, a free VPN that does not operate secure private DNS servers puts you at risk of a DNS leak, which could reveal your online activity to outside observers.

If your VPN slows your connection to a crawl, you’ll likely be tempted to switch it off — and free VPNs might lack the infrastructure and technical know-how to provide the best speeds. Sometimes it’s as simple as not having enough servers to handle demand, leading to intermittent shutdowns as the hardware gives out from the stress. Other times, the issue lies with deliberate bandwidth throttling implemented by the VPN provider to save costs.

The best way to see the difference between paid VPNs and free VPNs is to test both out for yourself. Many top VPN providers offer robust money-back guarantee schemes, refunding your subscription within a certain timeframe if you’re unsatisfied. Use this opportunity to experience a better version of the internet with a reputable paid VPN like NordVPN — and if you don’t think it’s worth it, there’s no risk to your wallet.

Download the best VPN app today

NordVPN offers user-friendly VPN software for all major operating systems.

Windows

Mac

Linux

Android

iOS

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Chromebook

Kindle

Raspberry Pi

Meta Quest 2, 3

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But don't just take our word for it

Is NordVPN the best VPN service on the market? According to many tech experts, online personalities, and millions of satisfied users — yes, it is.

Laurie Mercer

@NoMeNoMy

Using @NordVPN for 6 months across the UK, Germany, the usa, Switzerland and now Spain 5g and hotel wifis. Using for WhatsApp calls, video calls and work email with no noticeable performance loss. Recommend.

Nathan Corliss

@MrNathanCorliss

This is completely unsolicited praise, @NordVPN, is very helpful as an advertiser testing search ads, and as a work-anywhere person who needs to ensure I have a safe internet connection. Great value. So easy to use, I actually use it. Keep up the good work.

Pedro

@PedroTheKiwi

I’ve been using NordVPN and their other products for the last 4 years. Absolutely outstanding product and service

What is a VPN app?

What are the benefits of using a VPN app?

How to download and use a VPN app

How to choose the best VPN app

Why choose NordVPN?

Advanced features offered by NordVPN

What should you consider before installing a free VPN app?

Download the best VPN app today

But don't just take our word for it

Frequently asked questions

Can I download a VPN for free?

Is it legal to download a VPN?

How do I get a VPN?

Is it safe to download VPN apps from third-party sites?

Are there any drawbacks to using VPN software?

Are there any differences between VPN apps on mobile and desktop?