Top 10 VPN Companies: Benefits vs Shortcomings
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With cybercrime on the rise with over 422.14 million people affected in the last years, Virtual private networks (VPNs) have become the need of the day. A virtual private network (VPN) establishes a secure, encrypted connection between a device and a network over the Internet. This encryption ensures the safe transmission of sensitive data, preventing unauthorized individuals from intercepting the traffic. Additionally, a VPN enables users to work remotely with enhanced security measures in place.
Today in this tech-savvy era there is already competition from VPN Companies to provide high-speed connectivity, enabling seamless streaming, gaming, downloading, and so on. With over 105 VPN services owned and operated by 24 companies that include both cross-platform and mobile-only VPN products, it’s a hard choice to make. Thus, keeping this in consideration we have come up with the top 10 companies with VPN static IP so you can make a better choice.
Top 10 Fastest VPN Static IP Provides In 2024
- Nord VPN (excels in security features)
- Surfshark (is recommended for those with multiple devices)
- TorGuard (VPN is tailored for advanced users)
- TunnelBear (is ideal for beginners)
- ProtonVPN (is the top choice for privacy-conscious users)
- me (is best suited for gaming and streaming )
- VPN Unlimited (is the go-to for unlocking geo-restricted content)
- CyberGhost (offers a user-friendly interface)
- Private Internet Access VPN (stands out for customization options)
- ExpressVPN (leads in global coverage)
The above are the leading companies that provide a stable static VPN IP that performs better in today’s market let us know to study them chronologically concerning their rank.
#1. NordVPN
Company Details
NordVPN, offered by Nordsec Ltd, is a VPN service based in Lithuania. It provides applications for various platforms, including Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and tvOS. Additionally, manual setup options are available for wireless routers, NAS devices, and other platforms. NordVPN s.a. is the entity associated with NordVPN. In the realm of VPN Companies, Nord VPN stands out for its excellence in security features.
Benefits
- Anonymous Web Browsing: Bolster Your Online Privacy with Anonymous Web Browsing.
- Encryption: Employ Powerful Encryption with Military-Grade Security Measures.
- Secure Public Wi-Fi Usage: Safeguard Your Connection on Unsecured Networks for Secure Public Wi-Fi Usage.
- No Log Policy: Adhere to a Strict No Log Policy for Added Privacy Assurance.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Leverage a Global Server Network for Enhanced Connectivity.
- Restricted Content: Access Restricted Content Across Geographical Borders.
- Security: Utilize Double VPN for an Extra Layer of Security. Employ CyberSec for Comprehensive Online Security Measures.
- Shortcomings: NordVPN has been observed to occasionally impact loading speeds, with certain servers experiencing congestion that can result in reduced browsing speed for specific IP addresses. While the connection is not consistently slow, these variations may affect the overall user experience when utilizing NordVPN.
#2. Surfshark
Company Details
Surfshark is a rapidly expanding cybersecurity firm dedicated to creating user-friendly privacy and security solutions, ensuring the protection of individuals' digital lives. Their flagship product ranks among the top three VPNs globally, earning the trust of millions of users worldwide. Surfshark, a prominent player among VPN Companies, is highly recommended for users with multiple devices.
Benefits
- Ensure Private Browsing: Encrypt your online activities to prevent tracking or unauthorized access to your data.
- Conceal Your Location: Change your IP address to hide your whereabouts, avoiding tracking efforts. Ad and Malware Defense: Utilize CleanWeb to block irritating ads and safeguard against malicious attacks.
- Secure Public Wi-Fi Usage: Safeguard your data and privacy when using untrusted Wi-Fi networks. Maintain Search Privacy: Prevent tracking and targeted ads with Surfshark Search.
- Authentic Search Results: Access unbiased, organic search results while exploring the web.
- Shortcomings: One limitation identified in Surfshark is the absence of a VPN router app. Unlike some competitors like ExpressVPN and VyprVPN, which provide dedicated apps compatible with certain routers and appropriate firmware, Surfshark does not offer a streamlined solution for easily setting up the VPN on routers.
#3. TorGuard
Company Details
Established in 2012, TorGuard VPN has been dedicated to providing an exceptional VPN experience for both consumers and businesses on a global scale. The extensive TorGuard VPN server and security network cover more than fifty countries, boasting a robust infrastructure of over 3000+ servers. For advanced users, TorGuard is a VPN Company that tailors its services to meet their specific needs.
Benefits
- OpenVPN obfuscation: Advertisement Blocking; Malware Blocking; Excellent Mobile Apps; Security-Focused Desktop Apps. TorGuard Anonymous VPN Service.
- Dedicated IP: The TorGuard streaming bundle includes a standard subscription and two dedicated IP addresses for streaming.
- Servers: TorGuard's secure DNS servers and built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection add another level of security.
- Customer support: Quick and responsive customer support.
- Internal encrypted DNS: The Domain Name System (DNS) sends requests through your internet service provider (ISP) whenever you visit a website.
- Advertisement blocking: There's another option called Ad Blocking DNS, which I like. TorGuard DNS Options © 01net.com. As its name implies, it'll block ads and pop-ups
- Shortcomings: TorGuard exclusively offers the split tunneling feature for Android devices. Streaming is not supported on the Standard plan unless an additional fee is paid for a dedicated IP address. Additionally, the user interface of the VPN app is less intuitive compared to other VPN services.
#4. TunnelBear
Company Details
TunnelBear is a public VPN service based in Toronto, Canada. It was created by Daniel Kaldor and Ryan Dochuk in 2011. In March 2018, TunnelBear was acquired by McAfee. TunnelBear, among VPN Companies, is an ideal choice for beginners looking for user-friendly options.
Benefits
- User-Friendly Interface: TunnelBear provides user-friendly apps for both iOS and Android, making it an excellent choice for VPN beginners. The app's simplicity is complemented by a playful design featuring bears with lasers for added appeal.
- Transparency and Audits: TunnelBear stands out for its transparency, regularly sharing detailed reports on law enforcement inquiries and data disclosure. The company undergoes annual security audits from external agencies, underscoring its commitment to maintaining high service standards.
- Other Benefits: TunnelBear includes a kill switch feature, VigilantBear, ensuring data protection in case of connection disruptions. The GhostBear feature disguises your browsing to bypass censorship, although it may slow down your browsing speed and is recommended for selective use.
- Shortcomings: Accessing technical support with TunnelBear can be challenging as the service lacks a straightforward support system. Additionally, to secure the most favorable rates, users are required to make a substantial upfront commitment when opting for TunnelBear plans.
#5. Proton VPN
Company Details
Established in 2014, Proton VPN is a service offered by Proton AG, a Switzerland-based employee-owned company. The inception of Proton dates back to 2014 when a group of scientists, who initially met at CERN (the European Center for Nuclear Research), collaborated to create Proton Mail, recognized as the world's largest encrypted email service. ProtonVPN distinguishes itself in the VPN Companies arena as the top choice for privacy-conscious users.
Benefits
- Extensive Global Network: Select from a vast array of options with over 3,000 VPN servers spanning across 70 countries, ensuring a diverse and expansive network for users.
- Global Streaming Access: Enjoy seamless access to your preferred content on popular streaming services, regardless of your location, with Proton VPN's global streaming support.
- High-Speed Servers: Experience swift and reliable connections through Proton VPN's fast servers, optimizing your browsing and streaming activities.
- Multi-Device Compatibility: Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, providing flexibility and convenience for users with multiple devices.
- BitTorrent Support: Proton VPN facilitates secure and private BitTorrent usage, catering to users who engage in peer-to-peer file sharing.
- NetShield Ad-Blocker: Enhance your online experience by blocking intrusive ads with NetShield, contributing to a cleaner and more streamlined browsing environment.
- Secure Core VPN: Benefit from an added layer of security with Secure Core VPN, ensuring a fortified and protected connection for sensitive online activities.
- Open Source: Proton VPN embraces transparency and security by being open source, allowing users insight into the software's code and promoting trust in the service's integrity.
- Shortcomings: Proton VPN comes with some limitations. The free version provides access to only 65 servers, potentially leading to congestion and slower connections due to increased user load. Additionally, the service has received subpar customer ratings on various online platforms.
#6. me VPN
Company Details
Founded in 2012 by Sebastian Schaub, a former entrepreneur featured in Forbes, hide.me, now operating under the name eVenture Ltd. and headquartered in Malaysia, specializes in its sole product, hide.me VPN.
Benefits
- Internet Freedom: hide.me empowers users to bypass internet censorship, reclaiming the right to speak freely and securely access popular websites through encrypted VPN connections.
- WiFi Security: Ensure the security of your web browsing with hide.me, shielding your real IP address and encrypting your internet connection.
- Global IPTV Streaming: Experience uninterrupted streaming of global channels, including BBC, Youtube, and Vimeo, from anywhere in the world with hide.me.
- Advanced VPN Protocols: Supporting advanced protocols like IKEv2 IPsec, OpenVPN, WireGuard, SoftEther, and SSTP, hide.me ensures AES-256 encryption, setting it apart as the first professional VPN provider to support the new IKEv2 protocol.
- No Log VPN: hide.me is committed to privacy, with a strict no-log policy, ensuring that your online activities are not stored or linked back to you.
- High-Quality Servers: Offering hand-picked, top-tier servers from key global locations, hide.me restricts access for maximum privacy, eliminating the risk of slow or unreliable servers.
- Hidden IP Address: When connected to hide.me, you receive a new IP address, concealing your real one and providing increased anonymity.
- Versatile Device Support: Utilize hide.me across all your devices, including PC, Mac, Tablet, iPhone, or Android, with the ability to set up 10 different VPN connections.
- User-Friendly Setup: hide.me offers simple setup guides for various devices, ensuring that even non-technical users can quickly and easily establish a secure VPN connection.
- Customized Software for Maximum Performance: Unlike other VPN services, hide. me goes the extra mile by customizing hardware and software, delivering the world's best VPN service for maximum privacy and performance.
Shortcomings
- Data Usage Restrictions: For most users, the 10 GB monthly limit should be adequate, as mentioned earlier.
- Slower Connection Speeds: Hide imposes slower connection speeds, presenting a notable drawback for users seeking faster and more efficient VPN performance.
- Server Limitations: Another drawback with Hide involves limitations on available servers, potentially impacting the variety and quality of server options for users.
- Device Limitations: Hide also imposes restrictions on the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously, posing a constraint for users with multiple devices.
#7. VPN Unlimited
Company Details
Established in 2013, KeepSolid started as a software development company. It introduced VPN Unlimited on iOS with just two servers. The noteworthy achievement came in May 2016 when VPN Unlimited received the Editor's Choice Award from PCMag. In November 2018, a lite version of freemium apps for Android and iOS was released by VPN Unlimited.
Benefits
- Kill Switch: The Kill Switch feature in VPN Unlimited safeguards privacy by disconnecting the device's internet if there's a disruption in the VPN connection, preventing any potential leaks.
- VPN Protocol: VPN protocols, and essential technologies, establish secure and private connections between a user's device and the web within VPNs.
- Download VPN Unlimited: VPN Unlimited offers versatile download options, supporting a wide array of devices, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, MacOS, Windows Mobile, browsers, routers, and streaming devices like Apple TV and Amazon Fire.
- Dedicated IP: A Dedicated IP address in VPN Unlimited ensures uninterrupted access to certain sites, mitigating the risk of being blocked due to others' questionable activities on the shared IP.
- Encryption: Utilizing military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, VPN Unlimited provides robust security, offering a highly secure service against external hacking attempts.
- Split Tunneling: With Split Tunneling, VPN Unlimited allows users to select which apps connect through the VPN and which ones utilize regular internet access, providing flexibility and control over internet traffic routing.
- Shortcomings: Limitations include inconsistent speeds on servers located at a distance, the existence of two separate apps with distinct functionalities and features, the absence of live chat support, and restrictions on torrenting capabilities.
#8. Cyber Ghost
Company Details
Ranked jointly at number 8 in our 2024 list of the Best VPNs, CyberGhost originated in Bucharest, Romania, in 2011. It changed ownership in 2017 when it was acquired by Kape Technologies, the parent company responsible for managing ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, and ZenMate VPN.
Benefits
- Cost-Effective Subscription: Benefit from a budget-friendly subscription with a low monthly cost of just $2.19 for a two-year plan, providing affordability without compromising on quality.
- Extensive Server Network: Access a vast network of over 11,600 servers across more than 100 countries, ensuring a diverse range of connection options for users worldwide.
- Simultaneous Device Connections: Enjoy flexibility with the capability to connect up to seven devices simultaneously, allowing seamless integration across various devices for convenience.
- Unrestricted Streaming Access: Unlock regional streaming content effortlessly, expanding your entertainment options by bypassing geographical restrictions on streaming platforms.
- High-Speed VPN Performance: Experience fast VPN speeds, ensuring smooth and responsive connectivity for an optimal online experience.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Utilize user-friendly apps tailored for different operating systems and mobile devices, enhancing accessibility and ensuring compatibility across a variety of platforms.
- Stringent No-Logs Policy: Rest assured with a strict no-logs policy, prioritizing user privacy by ensuring that no sensitive information or online activities are stored, maintaining a commitment to confidentiality and security.
- Shortcomings: A significant drawback of CyberGhost is its comparatively slower performance when utilizing WireGuard, despite incorporating this cutting-edge protocol. Additionally, the Mac and iOS apps lack several features, rendering them a suboptimal choice for users of Apple devices.
#9. Private Internet Access
Company Details
Established in 2010, Private Internet Access (PIA) was created under the umbrella of the parent company London Trust Media, spearheaded by entrepreneur Andrew Lee. The inception of the company stemmed from Lee's commitment to making privacy more accessible to the general public. PIA's overarching goal is to pioneer the development of the “next VPN,” a mission underscored by their decision to open-source their client software code, inviting widespread use.
Benefits
- Stringent No Logs Policy: PIA adheres to a robust no-logs policy, ensuring that your browsing data is never tracked, stored, recorded, or sold, providing complete digital privacy.
- Unlimited Device Connections: Secure your entire network with PIA's unlimited VPN connections, allowing protection across laptops, PCs, smartphones, and various other devices.
- Responsive Customer Support: Access assistance promptly through live chat or email, ensuring reliable customer support and eliminating the need to navigate issues independently as often encountered with free VPNs.
- Ad Blocking Across Devices: Enjoy ad blocking on every device with dedicated apps for major platforms, and the flexibility to connect an unlimited number of devices under a single PIA VPN subscription.
- Anonymous Payments: For enhanced anonymity, PIA enables users to subscribe without disclosing email addresses or financial information, prioritizing user privacy.
- IP Masking: PIA offers IP masking, a crucial feature that conceals your device's unique identifier, ensuring a secure connection to the internet.
- Open-Source Transparency: Setting itself apart, PIA is among the few top VPNs that provide 100% open-source VPN apps, emphasizing transparency and user trust.
- Shortcomings: The drawbacks of VPNs vary based on their configuration and how well they align with your requirements. Common issues include reduced internet speeds due to data encryption, restrictions in specific countries, compatibility issues with certain devices, subscription costs for premium services, and the risk of privacy invasion associated with free VPNs.
#10. ExpressVPN
Company Details
Founded in 2009 by Wharton School alumni Peter Burckhardt and Dan Pomerantz, ExpressVPN's parent company, Express VPN International Ltd, operates under the business name ExpressVPN. The founders, both serial entrepreneurs, established the company to provide VPN services.
Benefits
- DNS Protection: ExpressVPN prioritizes user security by utilizing a private DNS that conducts encrypted DNS queries, safeguarding against third-party interference and improving internet speeds.
- Unblocking Sites and Services: By concealing users' IP addresses and encrypting network data with AES-256 encryption, ExpressVPN enables seamless streaming, downloading, and accessing content across various platforms, overcoming geographical restrictions.
- Defeating Censorship: Employing RAM-only servers that don't retain activity or connection logs, ExpressVPN facilitates access to blocked websites and services for users in countries like India. The service allows users to connect to IP addresses in 94 countries, bypassing censorship and firewalls.
- VPN for Gaming: ExpressVPN caters to gamers by reducing latency, minimizing lag, and granting access to blocked games like PUBG for Indian users. It offers protection against potential DDoS attacks by masking users' IP addresses.
- Kill Switch: ExpressVPN features a kill switch, known as Network Lock, which automatically blocks internet access for connected devices in case of connection interruptions, protecting users' IP addresses and sensitive information.
- Split Tunneling: For users in India accessing banking accounts, ExpressVPN's split tunneling allows them to select which devices require VPN connections, ensuring seamless access to restricted content.
- Aircove Router: ExpressVPN's Aircove Wi-Fi router extends VPN protection to all connected devices, covering computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, streaming boxes, and IoT devices. With WPA3 encryption and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 technology, Aircove offers secure and efficient connectivity over a large area, allowing users to connect to five locations simultaneously.
- Shortcomings: ExpressVPN does not support the creation of a multi-hop connection, which involves routing traffic through two VPN servers for added privacy, even if one server is compromised. The features of accessing Tor, multi-hop connections, and split tunneling are exclusively offered by NordVPN and Proton VPN.
VPN Speed Comparison
(Source: forbes.com)
When considering a VPN service, it's essential to weigh the specific features and capabilities that align with your privacy and security preferences. Each VPN provider has its strengths and limitations, catering to different user needs. While ExpressVPN stands out for its robust security measures and user-friendly features, it's important to acknowledge specific functionalities it may lack compared to other providers, such as the ability to create a multi-hop connection. Users should carefully evaluate their priorities, considering factors like server locations, logging policies, and additional features, to select the VPN service that best meets their requirements.
Barry is a lover of everything technology. Figuring out how the software works and creating content to shed more light on the value it offers users is his favorite pastime. When not evaluating apps or programs, he's busy trying out new healthy recipes, doing yoga, meditating, or taking nature walks with his little one.
