Best VPN for multiple devices in 2024
We combine thorough research and in-house testing to select top VPN providers. We first hand-pick VPN providers that fulfill the needs of our readers based on technical specifications. Then, we perform hands-on testing to assess speeds, ease of use, geo unblocking capabilities, and other attributes.
Using in-depth analysis and first-hand experience, we help our readers make informed decisions.
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Nijolė Simaitienė
Content Operations Team Lead
Best VPNs for multiple devices - comparison
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Visit siteThe best VPN for multiple devices – NordVPNExpert review -
Visit siteThe best multi-device VPN with unlimited connections – SurfsharkExpert review
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Visit siteTop security-focused VPN for multiple users – Norton Secure VPNExpert review
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Learn moreGreat VPN for streaming with multiple devices – ExpressVPN
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Learn moreReliable VPN with huge server fleet – CyberGhost
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Learn moreFamily VPN for 10 devices at a time – PureVPN
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Learn moreLightning-fast VPN with unlimited parallel connections – IPVanish
As we use the internet more for work, socializing, shopping, and entertainment, the risk of cyber threats and data breaches increases. That's why a VPN is essential for protecting online activities.
I need a VPN for multiple devices to safeguard all my family’s tech gadgets. A VPN creates a secure "tunnel" that shields your online activity from cybercriminals and government surveillance. Whether you're traveling, staying home, or streaming, a VPN can conveniently protect all your household devices with one account.
Together with the research team, I reviewed and picked the best VPNs for multiple devices in 2024. Each of them allows you to secure more than five devices at once, offers top-notch security sets, and has intuitive apps compatible with all popular operating systems.
How we tested VPNs for multiple devices
Ranking VPN services is not easy. Teamed up with the research team, I reviewed 43 popular VPNs to filter out those with fewer than 5 simultaneous connections.
What is important, I had to test picked VPN's device compatibility to ensure they’re suitable for various OS and streaming services. Thus, with the research team, I mainly used devices like Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen2 (Windows 11), iPhone 13 (iOS 17.3.1), and Apple M2 Pro (Sonoma 14.2.1). Here are the main criteria and scores I followed when testing:
- Device compatibility (25%). I reviewed VPNs that allow more than five simultaneous connections. With the help of a research team, we tested connecting several devices at once to see if there were any slowdowns while browsing or streaming. We also checked if the VPN works on different platforms like MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, as well as on streaming services like Amazon Fire, Smart TVs, and routers.
- Privacy and security (20%). To evaluate VPNs, I reviewed their privacy features and policies to ensure they don't keep logs and checked independent audit reports to verify these claims. I also considered if the VPN is based in a privacy-friendly country and offers extra security features. With the research team, I focused on services using advanced encryption like AES-256, checked for modern tunneling protocols, and ensured there were no DNS or IP address leaks.
- Connection speeds (15%). With the research team, I tested the speeds of each VPN to ensure they stay consistent when multiple devices are connected. This is crucial for households that need high bandwidth for activities like streaming in HD quality or gaming, where good speeds are necessary to avoid lags or buffering.
- Server availability (10%). I checked each VPN's server availability to ensure it meets all the household needs. A big advantage if the VPN offers specialized servers, such as those optimized for streaming, torrenting, or gaming.
- Use cases (10%). A VPN must handle tasks like gaming and streaming. Many users want to access different streaming libraries and play games without lag or buffering. My research team and I tested each VPN to see if it could unblock specific streaming libraries and how well it performed when watching content on several devices at once. We also tested popular games to ensure the VPN provided smooth performance.
- User reviews (10%). I reviewed user feedback and insights on the App Store and Google Play for each VPN's app to see how people experience the mobile versions. I also checked Reddit and similar sites to understand any issues users might have with each VPN.
- Premium features and services (5%). To determine the value of a VPN, I looked at its premium features and services, especially those useful for households, like parental controls.
- Personal experience (5%). I checked if VPN apps for desktop and mobile were user-friendly and noted any confusing features. If one app lacked a feature present in another, I made a note of it in my review.
Can I use the same VPN on multiple devices?
Yes, you can use the same VPN on multiple devices. Most VPN providers allow you to connect to their service on several devices simultaneously. This means you can protect all your devices, such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, and more, with just one subscription. The exact number of devices you can use a VPN on varies depending on the VPN provider and your subscription plan.
Typically, VPNs allow you to connect to a certain number of devices simultaneously under one account. For example, some VPNs may allow you to connect up to 5, 10, or even unlimited devices at the same time, depending on the plan you choose. A great example is our top VPN providers. While NordVPN lets you connect simultaneously 10 devices, Surfshark allows unlimited connections.
When a VPN allows multiple devices to be connected simultaneously, the customer gets more value from the subscription. So, essentially, VPNs that offer multiple simultaneous connections are better than those that do not, even if, on paper, single-device VPNs are cheaper.
Naturally, reliable VPNs like Surfshark, which offer unlimited simultaneous connections, are definitely worth the money. However, when picking a VPN for myself, I prioritize features over connection limits because I don’t own many devices. NordVPN is an excellent example of a VPN that I would choose.
Best VPNs for multiple devices – detailed list
We’ve researched 43 VPN services to find the best VPN for multiple devices. We looked at how many devices they allow to connect at once and tested their features, speeds, and security measures. Continue reading to find our detailed reviews of the best multi-device VPNs:
NordVPN – best family VPN in 2024
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Device compatibility
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Privacy and security
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Connection speeds
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Server availability
NordVPN is the top choice for multiple devices. Based in privacy-friendly Panama, it uses strong encryption and the fast NordLynx protocol. It's compatible with popular operating systems like Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as routers and streaming devices. NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, perfect for a large household.
NordVPN is the best family VPN in 2024. It lets you connect up to 10 devices at once. Thus, you and your loved ones will enjoy excellent digital protection, easy access to geo-blocked content, and an impressive feature selection.
Device compatibility
NordVPN allows you to connect up to 10 devices at once, perfect for your entire household. Plus, it works on all the big platforms like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. There are even apps for Android TV, Raspberry Pi, and Fire Stick. These apps are super user-friendly and designed to fit each device perfectly. I particularly liked the map-based interface, which is easy to navigate on both desktop and mobile.
Privacy and security
NordVPN leads in privacy protection. It uses powerful AES-256 encryption, includes a kill switch and DNS leak protection for added security. With RAM-only servers, your data is wiped clean when the server shuts down. Plus, it offers dark web monitoring to alert you of any data leaks. Based in Panama, NordVPN benefits from no data retention laws. NordVPN has undergone four independent audits of its no-logs policy, the latest in January 2024, ensuring that it keeps customer data completely anonymous.
Bandwidth and connection speeds
In my testing, NordVPN always stands out as one of the speediest VPNs I've tried. On average, it keeps about 90% of the original internet speed. Unsurprisingly, in our tests, the VPN worked best with US servers. We got an average download speed of 481Mbps and an average upload speed of 391Mbps, compared to a baseline of 500Mbps. This is due to its NordLynx tunneling protocol, a modern version of WireGuard, and its large server network with top-notch infrastructure. NordVPN doesn't have any speed or bandwidth restrictions, and it stays fast even during peak times, making it ideal for large households.
Server availability
With over 6300 servers in 111 countries, you can use NordVPN to watch Japanese content on your smart TV and let your kid browse US content on their smartphone simultaneously. It has servers in all popular countries like the US, UK, India, China, and Australia. When reviewing NordVPN, we found it has specialized servers, like obfuscated ones to mask your VPN connection, P2P-optimized servers, and a Double VPN feature.
Use cases
With NordVPN, I could unblock almost any streaming service, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Max. I also tested it on devices that don't support VPN apps, like smart TVs and gaming consoles. Using Smart DNS technology, I enjoyed unrestricted streaming on multiple devices. In our VPN for gaming tests, NordVPN kept up to 90% of the initial connection speed when connected to a nearby server, with no lag or ping issues. It also had the lowest ping in a specific test location. When connected to a Swedish server, the ping was as low as 25 ms, which is excellent. No other VPN we tested maintained such high performance so consistently, making NordVPN the fastest VPN for multiple devices.
User reviews
NordVPN is highly rated on Google Play (4.5) and the App Store (4.7). Users find it easy to use and secure, especially praising the iPhone app. They also like the wide range of servers. One issue is the lack of a visible kill switch on iOS, but this feature is actually enabled by default and not listed separately in the settings.
Premium features and services
This VPN blocks ads and infected sites with its built-in Threat Protection ad blocker. It offers various server types, like obfuscated servers, and includes a SOCKS5 proxy for easy torrenting. You can even get a dedicated IP address from over 10 countries. NordVPN also provides advanced features like Meshnet, which allows you to access remote devices through encrypted tunnels anywhere in the world for free. In our review, it worked smoothly for sharing and accessing files remotely. Additionally, you can customize your app with the Presets feature or use the Onion over VPN servers, which route internet traffic through a VPN server and then through at least three Tor nodes. NordVPN offers a password manager called NordPass with its subscription. I think it's a useful tool, however, it requires you to log in and enter your master password every time you connect to the internet. This can happen multiple times a day, even while browsing, which might bug you occasionally.
Personal experience
With NordVPN on all the time, I didn't notice any significant speed drops, even with multiple devices connected. My team and I were browsing the internet and watching YouTube without any issues – pages loaded quickly, and videos didn't buffer. I especially liked the mobile apps. They were easy to use, modern, and convenient for connecting to Wi-Fi. As someone who travels a lot, the quick connect option is essential for me. Occasionally, I encountered a bug where I had to turn NordVPN off and on again when switching Wi-Fi networks, but this was rare.
Surfshark – best unlimited devices VPN
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Device compatibility
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Privacy and security
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Connection speeds
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Server availability
Surfshark is the best VPN for families, offering unlimited simultaneous connections. It's based in the privacy-friendly Netherlands, has an audited no-logs policy, and uses strong encryption. Surfshark works with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. It also has browser extensions and apps for streaming devices like Firestick, and it can be set up on routers and gaming devices.
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for multiple devices, as it offers unlimited VPN connections. It means that all household devices – phones, tablets, computers – can be connected to a single account. So, Surfshark has an advantage over NordVPN and ExpressVPN, which limit their simultaneous connections to 10 and 8.
Device compatibility
Surfshark has an app for every major operating system, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. You can download apps for streaming devices like smart TVs and Amazon Fire Stick, or set it up on your gaming console or router. Compared to other top providers like NordVPN, Surfshark stands out with its mobile apps, boasting an excellent interface and functionality optimized for smooth performance on smaller screens. However, one thing to mention is that there is no Whitelister feature on Macs if you would like to manually filter trusted websites or apps.
Privacy and security
Surfshark adheres to the highest online security standards and provides all the features expected of a top-tier security tool. It is based in the privacy-friendly Netherlands, uses the market-standard AES-256 encryption, and has an audited no-logs policy. The last time it underwent an audit was in January 2023. Deloitte reassured Surfsharks claims for no-logs policy, and strong infrastructure related to servers. Surfshark's RAM-only servers automatically wipe data when turned off. Additionally, its Nexus network rotates your IP address every few minutes for enhanced privacy and helps prevent disconnection from VPN servers.
Bandwidth and connection speeds
I tested Surfshark's speeds with servers in Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US. The US servers were a bit slower, but overall, Surfshark remained stable and reliable. In our in-house tests, Surfshark had the fastest speeds with the UK server, reaching 477 Mbps for downloads and 451 Mbps for uploads. The slowest speeds were with the Australian server, around 400 Mbps for both downloads and uploads. Surfshark has no speed or bandwidth restrictions and remains fast even during peak times, making it perfect for large households. Plus, it supports unlimited simultaneous connections.
Server availability
Surfshark has over 3200 fast servers – fewer than NordVPN and CyberGhost, but more than Norton Secure VPN or ExpressVPN. However, compared to NordVPN, the servers are spread over almost the same number of countries (100), giving a wide coverage. Our Surfshark testing found it easily unblocks Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and more.
Use cases
I tested Surfshark on various devices with different servers and successfully unblocked not only Netflix and YouTube but also Max, Apple TV, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and other sports and event channels. I also accessed Hulu on my first try and streamed content in great quality. However, when I connected to a different server in Boston, I got an error message. Sometimes you get lucky, but other times you need to try different servers to access Hulu with Surfshark. For big-screen viewing, Surfshark's Smart DNS feature allows easy setup on any device. As for gaming, Surfshark's WireGuard speeds averaged around 86%. Although there was a slightly bigger drop in speed when playing Warzone, other games performed excellently. The average ping was 123.2 ms, second only to CyberGhost, making Surfshark a great low-ping VPN option.
User reviews
Surfshark has excellent ratings on Google Play (4.5) and the App Store (4.8). Users appreciate its cost-effectiveness and simple, attractive interface. Though as with other providers, there are occasional bugs, internet connection issues, or slowdowns with multiple devices, most customers are satisfied. It's also great that a representative often responds to user questions and issues.
Premium features and services
Surfshark's P2P-friendly servers make it great for torrenting. It offers server obfuscation, double VPN, malware blocking (CleanWeb), split tunneling, and GPS spoofing on Android. You can whitelist trusted IPs, software, or emails to bypass the VPN for specific tasks like accessing local services, optimizing gaming, or ensuring smooth video calls. It also has an ad-free search engine called Search, useful for those wanting a true incognito experience without logs. Surfshark lets you unlock a dedicated IP from seven countries. I especially liked Surfshark's new feature called an Alternative ID, which lets you create fake online identities and email addresses for added security.
Personal experience
Surfshark could easily be my daily VPN if not for NordVPN. I prefer Surfshark's simple interface and design. It has many of the same features as NordVPN and allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which is great for all my devices. I rely on Surfshark for Netflix when NordVPN occasionally struggles. It's fast and has plenty of servers, making it reliable for unblocking content and smooth streaming. Plus, I appreciate the extra security features, like Alternative ID for masking my email address.
Norton Secure VPN – user-friendly and secure VPN for up to 10 devices
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Device compatibility
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Privacy and security
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Connection speeds
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Server availability
Norton Secure VPN is a great choice for families with support for 10 simultaneous connections. It's based in the United States, part of the 14-Eyes alliance known for data collection. However, it implements advanced security measures, uses AES-256 encryption, and has a no-logging policy. Additionally, it’s one of the providers that offers an extended 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the service.
Norton Secure VPN is another excellent VPN for multiple devices. It allows you to connect up to 10 gadgets simultaneously. This user-friendly VPN is suitable for ensuring high levels of online security and privacy.
Device compatibility
Norton Secure VPN works on all popular platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. However, it lacks a Linux app, while other services like NordVPN or Surfshark do have it. You also can’t set it up on a router, so if you need a router VPN, take a look at NordVPN instead. On the other hand, the Norton Secure VPN app has a user-friendly interface across all devices, making it easy to switch between them without needing to learn a new layout. During tests, installation was quick and simple. I just downloaded it from the official website and followed the on-screen instructions.
Privacy and security
I appreciated Norton VPN's use of AES-256 encryption and no-logging policy. However, it lacks the WireGuard tunneling protocol, and the kill switch is only on Windows and Android apps. Additionally, I was unable to find any independent audit regarding Norton’s privacy policy. As for security, Norton VPN offers online data protection with Wi-Fi security and an ad blocker. Yet, being based in the US, it's part of the 14-Eyes alliance known for collecting users' data.
Bandwidth and connection speeds
Norton VPN uses OpenVPN on Windows and Android, and L2TP/IPSec on macOS and iOS. When testing with OpenVPN, speeds were good, letting me browse safely online without major issues. In our Norton Secure VPN review, the average download speed was about 74%. I found that the closer I was to a server, the faster the speeds. However, since Norton VPN doesn't use the WireGuard protocol, I experienced some lag and buffering while streaming.
Server availability
Norton VPN has servers in 28 countries, including Singapore, the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, among others. However, the exact number of servers isn't disclosed by the developer. It's worth mentioning that Norton VPN doesn't let you manually choose specific servers. It automatically connects you to the fastest one. So, knowing the exact number of servers isn't essential. However, you can still choose the server location you want to connect to. Alternatively, there's an auto-connect feature that picks the location with the fastest speed at the time.
Use cases
In my tests, Norton VPN successfully unblocked YouTube TV, the US library of Max, and the UK library of BBC iPlayer without any issues – access was instant. But there were occasionally lags and buffering. And it couldn't unblock Netflix or Hulu. For gaming, Norton Secure VPN works well as long as there's a server nearby.
User reviews
Norton Secure VPN has the same rating on both the App Store and Google Play, averaging 4.4 stars. Some users love it for its simplicity, essential servers, and reliable performance. However, others have reported bugs after updates. One customer mentioned that it frequently locks up, both on mobile and desktop. Fortunately, when testing I haven't experienced these issues. Recently, most reviews have been positive.
Premium features and services
This service provides a basic set of features to safeguard your identity, activities, and sensitive information while browsing online. While it may not have all the fancy extras like other top VPNs, it gets the job done if you need fundamental protection. Its Wi-Fi security feature (available on Android and iOS) automatically connects to Norton VPN when it detects an insecure network. The split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps don't connect to the VPN. Lastly, its ad blocker can block different ads and malicious websites.
Personal experience
The best thing about Norton VPN is that the interface looks the same on both desktop and mobile apps. This means you won't have to adapt to changes if you have devices with different operating systems. It's so easy to use because it has a simple set of features. For instance, users don't need to choose which connection protocol to use as it's fixed. If you want a more feature-rich VPN, the Norton standard VPN plan isn't the best choice. Instead, the Norton 360 suite might suit your needs, as it includes a VPN, password manager, dark web monitoring, and malware protection.
ExpressVPN – lag-free multi-device VPN for your household
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Device compatibility
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Privacy and security
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Connection speeds
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Server availability
ExpressVPN is a fast VPN for multiple devices, supporting 8 simultaneous connections. It's based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands and has a no-logs policy verified by independent audits. Instead of WireGuard, it uses Lightway for decent speeds suitable for streaming and gaming. ExpressVPN supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It also includes MediaStreamer for streaming on non-VPN devices.
ExpressVPN makes our list of best VPNs for multiple users and devices by offering 8 simultaneous connections. This premium VPN also offers great security, speeds, and the ability to unblock numerous streaming services, so your family can enjoy safe browsing on all your devices.
Device compatibility
ExpressVPN works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It also offers browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge for lightweight browsing. For non-VPN devices, ExpressVPN has the MediaStreamer feature, allowing you to stream on devices incompatible with a VPN. Moreso, it comes with a router applet, making it easy to share encrypted connections with your household. Besides being compatible with many devices, ExpressVPN is user-friendly. The apps are well-designed, easy to navigate, and have a modern look that makes them enjoyable to use.
Privacy and security
ExpressVPN uses top-notch AES-256 encryption, and if you choose its Lightway protocol, it switches to ChaCha20/Poly1305 encryption. ExpressVPN also assures no logs or activity are collected, keeping your online actions private. This claim is backed by an independent audit from Cure53, KPMG, and PwC confirming your online activities stay confidential. The latest audit by KPMG in December 2023 found no issues with any of the controls tested, including preventing the logging of user activity.
Bandwidth and connection speeds
Users can choose from OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2 security protocols, but I tested ExpressVPN's speed with its Lightway protocol. It impressed me by retaining about 77% of the original speed. While not as fast as NordVPN, the current speed leader, it's still quite good. In my hands-on testing, ExpressVPN showed top download speeds when connected to UK servers, similar to Surfshark. Starting with a baseline of 500Mbps, ExpressVPN averaged 460Mbps during downloads, maintaining 92% of the original speed. It was fastest at uploading when connected to Canadian servers, achieving 474Mbps, which is 94.8% of the original speed.
Server availability
ExpressVPN has servers across 105 countries – one of the widest country coverage compared to other VPNs on our list. Although the number of servers does not go near some of the providers’, especially CyberGhost’s. But you sure can access geo-restricted content on services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and more – we tested ExpressVPN and I found it works really well.
Use cases
ExpressVPN excels at unblocking streaming services, making it easy to bypass geo-restrictions for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Max, Disney+, and Apple TV. It consistently meets expectations in this area, setting a high standard for other VPNs. For gaming, ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is its fastest, maintaining 77% of initial connection speeds. It also boasts the lowest average ping at 117.7 ms among tested providers, making it ideal for gaming on various devices. ExpressVPN offers a range of features, including the MediaStreamer Smart DNS tool, which lets you switch locations on PlayStation or Xbox to access restricted games or content. It also has a reliable kill switch and a strict no-logs policy.
User reviews
ExpressVPN has great ratings, with 4.7 in the App Store and 4.4 on Google Play. Many users are happy with the service, apps, and connection performance. However, some report issues during political events in China, where the service can go down for days or even weeks. Despite this, customer service is generally helpful and responsive, even addressing issues in reviews.
Premium features and services
ExpressVPN provides features like split tunneling, MediaStreamer, stealth servers, Threat Manager, Network Lock, and a router applet. These optional tools enhance your VPN experience. Split tunneling allows access to local devices while protecting other traffic. MediaStreamer is ideal for streaming devices, and stealth servers help bypass VPN blocks. However, I didn't like that there's no kill switch on Android and iOS. There is a setting called network protection you can enable, but ExpressVPN states it may not provide complete leak protection, especially with split tunneling configurations.
Personal experience
I find ExpressVPN’s app a bit too minimalistic. Most settings are hidden in separate menus, requiring a lot of clicking to change anything. The main screen only has the on button and server selection menu, which opens another tab if you want to change servers. You then choose from recommended locations or click “All locations,” pick a continent, and finally select a country. This feels like too many steps to change my location. To change other settings, you need to click the hamburger button, which opens another window with various options. While everything is clearly laid out there, the overall look of the app doesn't impress me.
CyberGhost – large server fleet for simultaneous connections
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Device compatibility
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Privacy and security
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Connection speeds
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Server availability
CyberGhost is a popular VPN for multiple devices. It secures up to 7 devices simultaneously, supports all popular iOS devices, and offers handy browser extensions. For devices unable to run a VPN directly, CyberGhost supports routers to protect unlimited devices. It uses AES-256 encryption, has an independently audited no-logs policy, and is based in privacy-friendly Romania for secure data protection.
CyberGhost is a popular VPN for its massive server fleet and the opportunity to protect up to 7 devices at once. It excels in unblocking streaming content and securing your household’s data for a low price.
Device compatibility
CyberGhost has apps for popular operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can also set up browser extensions on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Opera. Fire Stick. In case you have devices that can’t have a VPN installed directly, the router support will help you share the protected connection with unlimited devices. While the apps are user-friendly and functional, some lack features. For instance, the iOS app doesn't have split tunneling or a kill switch, which can be disappointing if you primarily use a mobile phone. In that case, NordVPN might be a better choice.
Privacy and security
CyberGhost, like other top VPNs, uses AES-256 encryption to keep your data safe. It has an independently audited no-logs policy and is based in privacy-friendly Romania, ensuring your data remains secure. In September 2022, CyberGhost VPN had an independent audit by Deloitte, confirming its no-logs claims. Additionally, CyberGhost offers RAM-only and NoSpy servers, managed by them, for enhanced online privacy. They also support P2P connections, making it ideal for torrenting fans.
Bandwidth and connection speeds
When using CyberGhost, you can connect to VPN servers using WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols. WireGuard is known for being the fastest, so it was used in our in-depth review. The test showed CyberGhost maintains about 86% of the initial download speed, which is impressive. However, specific locations didn't perform as well. Speeds never went over 440Mbps, unlike other VPNs tested. The best results – 430Mbps for downloads and 438Mbps for uploads – were seen with a UK server, retaining 86% and 87.6% of the speed respectively. On the downside, when connected to a US server, speeds dropped to 394Mbps for downloads and 352Mbps for uploads, retaining 78.8% and 70.4% of the speed respectively. This was the slowest among the US servers tested.
Server availability
The provider comes with an impressive number of servers – 11500 in 100 countries. Plus, CyberGhost has dedicated streaming servers, allowing you to access popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more. Additionally, you get gaming and torrenting servers, not to mention NoSpy servers that don’t allow any third-party interference.
Use cases
CyberGhost is a dependable streaming VPN. In my tests, it effortlessly unblocked popular sites like Netflix, Hulu, and more. While there were no errors, I had to switch to a streaming server optimized for BBC iPlayer and geo-blocked YouTube content. Although streaming quality was excellent with these servers, our detailed tests uncovered some buffering issues when streaming HD video. On the other hand, CyberGhost stands out as a low-ping gaming VPN with its WireGuard protocol and gaming-optimized servers, making it ideal for games like Modern Warfare 3. In-house CyberGhost tests found that the VPN maintains 86% of its original connection speeds, which is decent for gaming with minimal buffering. With an average ping of 125.8 ms, CyberGhost proves to be an excellent choice for low-ping gaming.
User reviews
CyberGhost has a decent average rating of 4.2 on both the App Store and Google Play. While some users are satisfied, I found that it's mainly reliable for everyday browsing or basic online tasks. However, users have reported issues with streaming, mentioning freezing and loading screens, particularly on the App Store. Additionally, there have been reports of app bugs on Android, such as the app stopping during configuration.
Premium features and services
CyberGhost offers specialized servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, along with an automated kill switch for data protection. You can also opt for a dedicated IP, an ad blocker, or customize smart rules similar to split tunneling, among other features. One unique feature, Smart Rules, lets you customize VPN actions, like automatically connecting to a specific server when opening an app. Using these features was intuitive and helped me find what I needed quickly and easily.
Personal experience
I've always had a soft spot for CyberGhost because of its adorable Ghostie mascot, which has been a key part of the brand's identity for as long as I can remember. This speaks volumes about the service's consistency. The desktop app is quite good and customizable. You can stick with the default small window, which only shows the on button and server selection, similar to ExpressVPN's interface. Alternatively, you can expand the app to have everything fully displayed, which I prefer. Everything is clearly labeled, making it easy for anyone to make the most of this service without much effort. However, I would love CyberGhost to be better for streaming.
PureVPN – family VPN for 10 devices at a time
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Device compatibility
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Privacy and security
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Connection speeds
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Server availability
PureVPN is a secure VPN for multiple devices, allowing up to 10 connections at once. It's the first VPN with an always-on audit for continuous scrutiny. PureVPN uses 256-bit encryption and supports AES-256 encryption across all protocols, with WireGuard recommended for optimal performance. Based in the British Virgin Islands since late 2021, PureVPN upholds privacy-friendly policies.
PureVPN is one of the most secure VPNs on the market. It offers up to 10 simultaneous connections and is the first VPN with an always-on audit, meaning the service can be audited at any time without prior notice. Overall, it’s a great combination of security and online freedom for various devices.
Device compatibility
PureVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. You can also use the service for Linux, but only via the command line. The VPN is compatible with smart TVs, and you can set it up on a router. Unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, PureVPN doesn’t have the SmartDNS feature.
Privacy and security
PureVPN is a secure VPN service with 256-bit encryption and regular reliability audits. All supported tunneling protocols offer AES-256 encryption, with WireGuard recommended for optimal performance. Based in the British Virgin Islands since late 2021, PureVPN benefits from privacy-friendly policies. Recent doubts regarding China's pressure on Hong Kong have diminished with this jurisdiction change. PureVPN's privacy policy has been audited by Altius IT and KPMG. It is the first VPN, which became an always-on-audit VPN.
Bandwidth and connection speeds
PureVPN now offers WireGuard, a fast protocol, which boosts speeds. However, it's only available on Windows and Android apps and lacks compatibility with some features. With WireGuard, PureVPN averages 200Mbps download speed and 210Mbps upload speed, compared to a baseline of 300Mbps.
Server availability
PureVPN boasts an impressive server count of 6500 across 65 countries, putting it in competition with major players like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. However, many of PureVPN's servers are virtual, meaning they're located in a different country than they appear. For instance, a Bulgarian server might actually be in Greece, but you'll still get a Bulgarian IP address. This setup can affect performance compared to physical servers. What is worth mentioning, in PureVPN's Android app, you can filter servers based on your needs with four modes: Stream, Internet Freedom, Security/Privacy, and File Sharing. If you can't find a server in your desired country, you can request one from support.
Use cases
PureVPN has potential for improvement compared to top streaming VPNs. However, in our tests, it easily unblocked popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Max, and Amazon Prime Video. Moreover, PureVPN offers a dedicated app for Apple TV, which is a major advantage. For users prioritizing streaming speed over security, PureVPN provides a Proxy Control feature. This allows access to geo-restricted sites without encryption, potentially improving speeds at the expense of security.
User reviews
PureVPN is rated 4.3 in the App Store, and only 3.9 in Google Play. PureVPN had a mixed reception on the App Store and Google Play. While some users praised its features and performance, others reported issues with connection stability, speed, and customer support. For instance, users have reported that sometimes the app requires force stopping and restarting to function properly.
Premium features and services
You get the kill switch feature that protects your IP when a VPN connection drops, there’s also split tunneling and port forwarding. Additionally, PureVPN now has an obfuscation feature, helpful for users in heavily censored countries or where VPNs are restricted. However, if you prioritize fast connection speeds, we don't recommend using it. To step up your security level, you may also get a password manager for a single dollar per month.
Personal experience
Your PureVPN experience can vary depending on your operating system. I struggled getting used to it, cause every apps has different features. Windows and macOS users generally have the best experience, but Android and iOS users also find the corresponding apps easy to use. For example, Android app is the most feature-rich. It offers different server modes (Stream, Internet Freedom, Security/Privacy, and File Sharing), split tunneling, network type selection (NAT or non-NAT), and Dark and Light themes.
IPVanish – lightning-fast VPN with unlimited parallel connections
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Device compatibility
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Privacy and security
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Connection speeds
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Server availability
IPVanish is a fast VPN that allows unlimited device connections. It offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Using AES-256 encryption and SHA-512 hash functions, it ensures security with a verified no-logs policy and a kill switch. Despite being US-based and part of the 5-Eyes alliance, it proved reliable in testing and during independent audits.
IPVanish is a fast VPN that lets you connect unlimited devices to one account – only VPN together with Surfshark, not to limit connections. Apart from that, the provider ensures unbreakable protection and can unblock multiple streaming services effortlessly.
Device compatibility
IPVanish offers excellent apps for Windows PCs, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. Linux users can use the service via the terminal. IPVanish also works with Amazon Fire TV just perfectly, not to mention Android TV, among others. There’s no SmartDNS, but you can set up the VPN on a router and continue having a safe connection on non-VPN devices.
Privacy and security
Like other top VPNs, IPVanish employs AES-256 encryption with SHA-512 hash functions for security. It adheres to an audited no-logs policy and includes a kill switch to prevent data leaks if your connection drops. Despite being based in the US and part of the 5-Eyes alliance, it proved reliable in my extensive testing. IPVanish was last independently audited by Leviathan Security Group in April 2022, ensuring provider transparency and trust initiatives.
Bandwidth and connection speeds
IPVanish offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, and PPTP tunneling protocols for users to choose from. In my tests, WireGuard consistently delivered the fastest speeds, retaining around 80% of the initial connection speed on average. While this is decent, it could be better compared to Surfshark or NordVPN. However, the speed can vary depending on the server location. For example, when connected to a UK server, I experienced 90% download and 96.6% upload speeds, which are the fastest upload speeds among all tests. Against our 500Mbps baseline, the VPN maintained 450Mbps download speed and 486Mbps upload speed.
Server availability
IPVanish has 2400 servers in 55 countries, which is good but less compared to other providers. This smaller server network could lead to slower speeds in certain cases. For instance, users in some countries may not have nearby servers for the best connections. Additionally, a high concentration of users on a few servers can also cause slower speeds.
Use cases
IPVanish successfully unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. However, it might struggle with other streaming services, so consider this if you're a heavy streamer. NordVPN or Surfshark could be better options for streaming. As for gaming, during our tests, IPVanish retained up to 80% of the initial connection speeds using WireGuard. While not as fast as NordVPN's 90% speed retention, it's still stable. We tested speed while playing CS:GO, Overwatch 2, and League of Legends, and had uninterrupted gaming with fairly low ping – averaging 136.7 ms.
User reviews
Rewrite, make it simple and readable, no plagiarism: IPVanish has decent score on App Store (4.5) and Google Play (4.3). While some praise its great connectivity and reliable performance, others say that they have problems cancelling subscriptions. Also some people found IP leaks as they were using the service. On the other hand, when I tested IPVanish, I didn’t encountered such security problems.
Premium features and services
IPVanish offers split tunneling, allowing you to select which applications use the VPN tunnel. You also get a free SOCKS5 proxy for fast torrenting. Like Surfshark and NordVPN, IPVanish provides obfuscated servers, which enable safe VPN use in monitored or blocked VPN environments. Additionally, IPVanish has introduced its Threat Protection feature, enhancing security by blocking malicious ads and trackers.
Personal experience
Initially, IPVanish's app interface didn't wow me. It seemed bland and uninspired, yet it had similarities to Surfshark. However, the addition of a world map made it reminiscent of NordVPN. It seems like IPVanish is trying to blend the best features from top VPNs, which I appreciate. Over time, the app grew on me. It runs smoothly, launches quickly, and has a user-friendly interface. Plus, it's quite customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences.
Is there a free VPN for multiple devices?
Yes, there are free VPNs for multiple devices, but it's essential to be aware of their limitations. Windscribe is one such option, offering a free VPN service that can be used on unlimited devices. However, it comes with a data cap of 2 GB per month, which may not be sufficient even for basic browsing needs.
For those looking for more robust options, consider free-trial VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark. These VPN providers offer free trials that allow you to test their services on multiple devices before committing to a subscription. NordVPN and Surfshark offer reliable performance and extensive server networks, ensuring affordable prices without compromising security.
Conclusion
A robust family VPN must be secure, easy to use, and protect multiple devices simultaneously. Additionally, it must meet the needs of the whole household for different online activities, like streaming, gaming, or even torrenting.
If you’re looking for a VPN that can safeguard all your personal devices, my recommendation is NordVPN. It offers top-notch protection with AES-256 encryption and modern tunneling protocols. Plus, its easy-to-use apps are great for the elderly, and the built-in Threat Protection system keeps kids safe by blocking harmful websites while they browse.
Best VPNs for multiple devices
| Brand | Rating | Description | Simultaneous connections | Supported devices |
| NordVPN | The best VPN for multiple devices in 2024 | 10 | ✅ MacOS ✅ Windows ✅ iOS ✅ Android ✅ Linux ✅ Amazon Fire ✅ Router ✅ Smart TV | |
| Surfshark | The best multi-device VPN with unlimited device connections | Unlimited | ✅ MacOS ✅ Windows ✅ iOS ✅ Android ✅ Linux ✅ Amazon Fire ✅ Router ✅ Smart TV | |
| Norton Secure VPN | Top security-focused VPN for multiple users | 10 | ✅ MacOS ✅ Windows ✅ iOS ✅ Android ❌ Linux ❌Amazon Fire ❌ Router ❌ Smart TV | |
| ExpressVPN | Great VPN for streaming with multiple devices | 8 | ✅ MacOS ✅ Windows ✅ iOS ✅ Android ✅ Linux ✅ Amazon Fire ✅ Router ✅ Smart TV | |
| CyberGhost | Reliable multi-device VPN with huge server fleet | 7 | ✅ MacOS ✅ Windows ✅ iOS ✅ Android ✅ Linux ✅ Amazon Fire ✅ Router ✅ Smart TV |
FAQ
What is the best VPN for multiple devices?
The best VPN for multiple devices is NordVPN. It allows 10 simultaneous connections while safeguarding your online activities with robust encryption and strict privacy measures. Additionally, it’s very easy to use even for non-tech-savvy users.
Can I use a VPN on multiple devices that don't support VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN on multiple devices that don't support VPN connections by installing it on a compatible router. This way, the VPN will protect all devices connected to your private home network, such as smart TVs, game consoles, and other internet-connected devices.
Can I use NordVPN across multiple devices?
Yes, you can use NordVPN on multiple devices. A single NordVPN account can protect up to 10 devices at once, including those on different platforms like Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Can I use ProtonVPN on multiple devices?
Yes, Proton VPN's Plus plan allows you to connect up to 10 devices at once. This includes Android, iPhone, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, and Android TV devices. Proton VPN also has native apps for all these platforms.
Does a VPN need to be installed on every device?
No, you don't need to install a VPN on every device if you set it up on your router. Once the VPN is on your router, any device connected to your network will automatically use the VPN service.
Can 2 households share a VPN?
Yes, two households can share a VPN. Most VPN providers allow multiple simultaneous connections under one subscription, so both households can enjoy secure browsing and privacy. Just ensure the provider supports enough connections for all devices.
Comments
Needs to be good quality as the devices transfers VoIP
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