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Best VPNs for multiple devices and simultaneous connections in 2023


A VPN for multiple devices is useful when you want to protect all of your or your family’s tech gadgets. This is not only convenient but helps you save money considering you pay for one account only.

And while most VPNs do support more than one simultaneous connection, not every service is a great fit. You should make sure that the VPN is compatible with the devices your household owns, offers enough simultaneous connections, and is a secure and reliable service in general.

In our testings, we have found the top 7 VPNs for multiple devices that allow you to secure over 5 devices at once, offer top-notch security sets, their apps are intuitive and compatible with all popular operating systems.

Best VPNs for multiple devices – at a glance

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Best VPNs for multiple devices and simultaneous connections:

We’ve researched dozens of VPN services and looked at how many devices they allow to connect at once. We’ve also tested their features, speeds, and security measures. Continue reading to find our detailed results of the best VPNs for multiple devices:

1. NordVPN – best VPN for multiple devices in 2023

NordVPN banner
Based in:Panama
Simultaneous connections:6
Platforms:
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal:
🔥 Get NordVPN with 68% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥

NordVPN is the best VPN for multiple devices. It allows you to protect up to 6 devices at a time, has applications for all popular platforms, works with non-VPN devices, and ensures unbreakable protection.

Applications: You can download it for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, and other smart TVs, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. The VPN perfectly works with devices that don’t initially support VPNs too. All you need to do is to enable the SmartPlay feature or set up NordVPN on a router and share a protected connection to your PlayStation, Alexa, or another gadget.

Features: NordVPN is one of a few VPNs that doesn’t exclude any features from different graphical apps, like from iOS. With it, you get essentials like the kill switch, Meshnet, Dark Web Monitoring, or split tunneling. There’s even the Threat Protection feature that blocks adware, malware, malicious sites, and protects you from trackers.

Servers: Overall, NordVPN has over 5,800 servers in 60 countries. Meaning, you can use the VPN to watch Japanese content on your Smart TV and let your kid browse US content on their smartphones simultaneously. The provider also has specialized servers like obfuscated servers that mask your VPN connection, Double VPN, and P2P optimized servers. Hence, this is also a great travel VPN or a tool to enjoy restricted content at your workplace.

Price: NordVPN starts off at $3.19/month and has a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial.

To know more about this provider, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – best VPN for unlimited simultaneous connections

Surfshark banner
Based in:The Netherlands
Simultaneous connections:Unlimited
Platforms:
Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal:🔥 Get 82% OFF Surfshark + 2 months FREE 🔥

Surfshark VPN is one of the most versatile VPNs on the market and it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. The provider offers user-friendly applications for public-beloved devices and works with gadgets that can’t have a VPN installed.

Applications: Surfshark has an app for practically everything, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, plus Firefox, Edge, and Chrome extensions. Smart DNS lets you enjoy VPN features on devices that don’t have native VPN support, such as smart TVs or game consoles. You can also install Surfshark directly to your router, with guides to help. This is a great way to connect to the network that automatically goes through the VPN.

Features: This VPN uses WireGuard, a VPN protocol that streamlines performance for faster and more secure usage. You will also find DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, a Bypasser feature, antivirus for an additional cost, and an ad blocker to prevent adware and its dangers.

Servers: Surfshark has over 3,200 fast servers in more than 100 countries around the world. It’s ideal for unlocking streaming content that might be blocked in your region, including Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Moreso, you don’t have to fight with your households over the movie you want to watch, as with Surfshark, you all don’t have to be connected to the same server location and can enjoy whatever region content you wish.

Price: To top it all off, Surfshark prices start off at $2.30/month, and you’ve got a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial. What's not to like?

For more information, check out our Surfshark review. Conversely, consider comparing Surfshark vs NordVPN to see what's lacking.

3. Norton VPN – user-friendly and secure VPN for up to 10 devices

norton vpn banner
Based in:United States
Simultaneous connections:10
Platforms:
Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS
Current deal: 🔥Get up to 56% OFF Norton VPN!🔥

Norton VPN is another excellent VPN for multiple devices, allowing you to connect up to 10 gadgets simultaneously. This is a user-friendly VPN suitable for ensuring high levels of online security as well as privacy.

Applications: Norton VPN includes apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. However, there’s no Linux app and you can’t set this VPN up on a router. So if you need a router VPN, take a look at NordVPN instead.

Features: Norton VPN offers a kill switch that secures you from accidental data leaks. Meanwhile, the ad blocker stops malicious threats from getting in through ads. Also, there’s the Wi-Fi Security feature that secures you on public hotspots.

Servers: With Norton VPN, you get numerous servers spread across 29 countries. This will be enough for both – hiding your IP address and data as well as unblocking some streaming platforms.

Price: Norton VPN prices start at $1.67/month when getting it standalone. If you get it with the Norton antivirus package, the prices start from $49.99/month and you get a free 7-day trial on top. Plus, you get a generous 60-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our Norton VPN review for more information.

4. ExpressVPN – lag-free streaming VPN for your household

ExpressVPN banner
Based in:British Virgin Islands
Simultaneous connections:8
Platforms:
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal:🔥 Get ExpressVPN, now 49% OFF the 1-year plan! 🔥

ExpressVPN makes it into our list of best VPNs for multiple devices by offering 8 simultaneous connections. Plus, the provider offers great security, speeds, and the ability to unblock numerous streaming services, so your family can enjoy safe browsing on all your devices.

Applications: This VPN comes pretty prepared for most devices. You can expect to find apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire. Plus, browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, Brave, and Firefox are included too. If you have non-VPN devices, ExpressVPN has the MediaStreamer feature that works as SmartDNS, allowing you to stream content on devices without a VPN. Moreso, the provider comes with a router applet, making it easy to share encrypted connections with your household.

Features: ExpressVPN comes with all security essentials. Including the kill switch feature, split tunneling for customizing your VPN connection, and even the Threat Manager that protects you from bogus websites and viruses. Finally, its in-house built Lightway tunneling protocol ensures fast connection speeds on all devices.

Servers: Now, in terms of server fleet, ExpressVPN doesn’t reveal the exact number of servers, but we sure do know it has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries all over the world. So if you wish to access geo-restricted content on streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more, you sure can.

Price: Lastly, ExpressVPN is a bit more premium, with prices starting at $6.67/month. However, to test it out, the provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for you to make use of.

For more information, check out our ExpressVPN review or compare it against the #1, NordVPN vs ExpressVPN.

5. CyberGhost – large server fleet for simultaneous connections

CyberGhost VPN banner
Based in:Romania
Simultaneous connections:7
Platforms:
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal:🔥 Get CyberGhost VPN, now 83% OFF + 2 months FREE 🔥

Undoubtedly, CyberGhost is a popular VPN among thousands of users for its massive server fleet and the opportunity to protect up to 7 devices at once. Additionally, the provider excels in unblocking streaming content and securing your household’s data for a low price.

Applications: CyberGhost offers a great variety of apps. The provider is easily compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick, as well as browsers like Chrome and Firefox. In case you have devices that can’t have a VPN installed directly, the router support will help you out, as you can share the protected connection with unlimited devices.

Features: Alike other reputable VPNs, CyberGhost too offers the functional kill switch and split tunneling features. Apart from them, you also get an ad blocker to avoid annoying pop-ups and other types of advertisement. The WireGuard tunnel ensures you enjoy good connection speeds without compromising your security.

Servers: Regarding server fleet, the provider comes with an impressive number of servers – 9,600+ in 91 countries. Plus, CyberGhost has dedicated streaming servers, meaning you won't have any issues accessing your favorite shows on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more. Even if the content is geo-restricted. Additionally, you get gaming and torrenting servers, not to mention NoSpy servers that don’t allow any third-party interference with your security.

Price: Lastly, CyberGhost prices start as low as $2.19/month. Additionally, there’s a 45-day money-back guarantee for you to test out the VPN.

Learn more about the service in our CyberGhost review.

6. PureVPN – privacy-focused VPN for 10 devices at a time

purevpn
Based in:British Virgin Islands
Simultaneous connections:10
Platforms:
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS
Current deal:🔥 Get PureVPN, now 83% OFF + 3 months FREE! 🔥

PureVPN is one of the most secure VPNs on the market that also offers up to 10 simultaneous connections. It’s the first VPN that has an always-on audit, meaning the service can be audited at any time without prior notice. Overall, it’s a great combo of security and online freedom for various devices.

Applications: Naturally, 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, like Apple TV or Android TV, and you can set it up on a router to share an encrypted Wi-Fi connection to as many devices as you wish. Unlike NordVPN or Surfshark, PureVPN doesn’t have the SmartDNS feature.

Features: With the app, you get the kill switch feature that protects your IP when a VPN connection drops, there’s also split tunneling, and port forwarding. If you want to step up your security level, you may get a password manager (PureKeep) for a single dollar per month.

Servers: The server count of PureVPN is something that the provider can be proud of. It has 6,500+ servers in 78 countries, and even though a big part of those servers are virtual, these are still pretty impressive numbers. Combining the latter with the ability to unblock Netflix US and UK libraries, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube, makes this VPN a good choice for either elders or young families.

Price: PureVPN’s pricing starts at $2.08/month. There is also a 31-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking the service.

To further explore this provider’s features, visit our PureVPN review.

7. IPVanish – lightning-fast VPN with unlimited parallel connections

IPVanish banner
Based in:United States
Simultaneous connections:Unlimited
Platforms:
Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
Current deal:🔥Get 75% OFF IPVanish!🔥

IPVanish is an extremely fast VPN that also lets you connect unlimited devices to one account. Apart from that, the provider ensures unbreakable protection and can unblock multiple streaming services effortlessly.

Applications: Although less fashionable than others, IPVanish offers excellent applications for Windows PC, Macs, Android, and iOS devices. Linux users can use the service via the terminal. Meanwhile, smart TV enthusiasts are also lucky, as IPVanish 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.

Features: IPVanish offers top-notch protection with AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and an array of other security-focused features, such as split tunneling, traffic obfuscation, and auto-connection options. Together with all the mentioned goodness, IPVanish will also throw in SugarSync. It is encrypted file storage, making this VPN an all-around security solution for your browsing, streaming, and personal files.

Servers: With 2,200+ servers in 52 countries, you will easily find a spacious server for you or your children to enjoy content on multiple Netflix libraries, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Price: IPVanish's pricing starts at $2.99/month, and there's a 30-day money-back guarantee for the annual plans, too. However, the price increases after a year of subscribing, which is not something to forget.

If you’d like to know more, check out the IPVanish review.

How we selected the best VPNs for multiple devices

Security features:Kill switch
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, smart TVs, router, gaming consoles
Simultaneous connections:Minimum 5
Streaming:Unblocks various Netflix libraries

To thoroughly test the VPN service for multiple devices, we had to concentrate on the several main aspects that help determine the most reliable VPN for the case:

  • Numerous simultaneous connections. If you’re looking to connect multiple devices, you need a VPN that doesn’t restrict you. The VPN features in this list range from 5 to unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • App quality. Having an app for various platforms (Windows, Mac, Linux, etc) is vital, but it’s also important to check the quality of different apps. Do they all work the same? In general, we evaluate whether the interface is clean, intuitive, and includes all main features and functionalities. All the options on this list have solid apps for all devices.
  • Speed. If you’re logging on with multiple devices for activities like streaming and gaming, you don’t want a loss in speed. Therefore, we tested the general internet connection speed while with the VPN and without it. Overall, all the VPNs on this list have fast connections often bolstered by fast tunneling protocols like WireGuard.
  • Streaming abilities. Logging on to geo-restricted streaming sites is one of the most popular uses of a VPN. These top featured VPNs will get you connected to all the major content providers and allow you to successfully get content from all over the world.
  • Smart DNS and router compatibility. Smart DNS and router compatibility can spread the reach of your VPN even further and give even more of your devices VPN benefits. We ensured all our selected VPNs would support various router models.
  • Price. You want a fair price. All our choice VPNs are reasonably priced and offer money-back guarantees (or a free version), so you and your family can try out the service.
  • Security. It’s really important to stay safe online and protect yourself from hacks and prying eyes. The top VPNs all offer a robust suite of security features, such as heavy-duty encryption.

Comparison of VPN supported devices

To help you see if your device is compatible with a potential VPN quickly, we have gathered a table where you can see all device types that our selected providers support:

NordVPNSurfsharkNorton VPNExpressVPNCyberGhostPureVPNIPVanish
Simultaneous connections6Unlimited108710Unlimited
MacOS✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Windows✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
iOS✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Android✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Linux✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Amazon Fire✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Router support✅ Yes✅ Yes❌ No✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes✅ Yes
Smart TVAndroid TV, Apple TV, LG, Samsung, Roku, etc.Android TV, Apple TV, LG, Samsung, Roku, etc.Android TV, Apple TV, LG, Samsung, Roku, etc.Android TV, Apple TV, LG, Samsung, Roku, etc.Android TV, Apple TV, Amazon Fire StickAndroid TV, Apple TV, LG, Samsung, Toshiba, Panasonic, Now TV Box, etc.Android TV, GoogleTV, Kodi, Apple TV, etc.

You can hardly find a household where a single operating system dominates. After all, even Apple products have different OS, and the apps for them differentiate. Likewise, VPN applications differ from platform to platform, offering particular functionality and features.

With that in mind, it’s rather crucial for a VPN not only to allow multiple simultaneous connections but also to offer device-personalized apps that wouldn’t worsen your browsing experience

Why do I need a VPN for multiple devices?

VPNs aren’t just for desktop computers - they’re useful for all your devices from your Smart TV to your smartphone. VPNs offer a range of features including:

  • Security – VPNs keep you safe from hackers through encryption and malware blockers.
  • Privacy – VPNs enable you to hide your online activity from your ISP, and they can change your IP address so any website you’re visiting won’t be able to see your true location.
  • Unlocking content – most of the big streaming services have different content libraries in different regions, and they’re usually geo-restricted which means you can’t access them from other countries. With a VPN, you can completely bypass this by connecting to a server in the country, where the site you want to visit is based.
  • Share encrypted connection with the family. A VPN with multiple simultaneous connections allows you to share the connection among multiple devices. Hence, any of your close ones will be able to stay protected with a VPN too.

Aside from these features, you might also want to share a VPN subscription with family, friends, or work colleagues. The more simultaneous connections your VPN offers the more people can use it – it’s like having a VPN family plan.

Use cases of a VPN for multiple devices: family example

The Internet is an endless place where everyone has different intentions, including your family members too. What are the cases where a VPN may step in for each family member? See some of them below:

Family membersInternet usage habitsBenefits of a VPN
ParentsWFH, shopping, streaming, social mediaEnsures safe connection to workspace, allows semi-anonymous payment, unblocks geo-blocked content, protects data while browsing, etc.
TeensChatting, streaming, gaming, social networksPrevent DDoS attacks when gaming, protect privacy, prevent malicious websites
KidsVideo gaming, streamingAd blocking feature of a VPN to prevent kids from being exposed to inappropriate ads
SeniorsSocial networks, casual browsing, online shoppingAd blocking, prevention from infected sites and data breaches

Now every person, no matter their stage of life spends around 3 hours on average online each day. Indeed, the devices they use differ. For instance, nearly 48% of teenagers admit their favorite smart device to be a smartphone, whether it’s an iPhone or Android. On the contrary, the smart speaker is the most popular device among adults and seniors. But what makes those devices alike is their need for an extra security layer.

Tablets, smartwatches, smart speakers, regular laptops – with each of them, you leave active and passive digital footprints. Therefore, a VPN is essential to mask your data online and prevent identity theft. But which VPN cover all devices? Well, all our listed VPNs simultaneously protect various operating systems, and yet, NordVPN is the one that effortlessly works with various smart devices and IoT gadgets.

Video review: Best VPNs for multiple devices

How do I set up a VPN on multiple devices?

Setting up a VPN on multiple devices is easy, you just need to sign up, download the specific app, and install it on your device. But if you don’t want to go through the process of setting the VPN on different devices, there’s another option – installing the VPN on your router.

By setting up your VPN directly on your router, all your devices that go through the router will automatically benefit from the VPN’s features – it’s a way of getting unlimited connections from just one.

However, installing a VPN onto a router can be a bit tricky, and it won’t work on every router. Here’s a quick overview of what you may need to do:

  1. Firstly, check if your router is compatible on the DD-WRT database. This is really important because you could brick your router if it’s not compatible. We recommend checking out the official VPN provider’s websites for this information. If it’s not compatible, then installing a new firmware will help.
  2. Once you’ve matched up your router on the database, you can download a specific firmware file.
  3. Then, you’ll need to access your router’s configuration page. You can do this by opening up your browser and typing the router’s IP address into the URL bar and enter the login credentials (usually, these are factory defaults you can find online). You’ll then get access to the router’s admin console, find the firmware update section, which is usually in the administration settings. From there on, you can upload the new firmware file and you should be ready to add a VPN.

The instructions for setting up a VPN with your router can differ depending on the VPN brand. Thankfully, most VPNs will have a step-by-step guide you can refer to.

Which VPNs offer the most simultaneous connections?

Surfshark and IPVanish are two of the top VPNs offering unlimited simultaneous connections.

With multiple simultaneous connections, users can protect multiple devices under a single VPN subscription. This is especially useful in households or small businesses where several devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs, need VPN protection.

While it’s not quite unlimited, Hide.me, PureVPN, and Ivacy VPN all offer 10 simultaneous connections, which should be enough to cover all your devices.

Can I use a free VPN on all of my devices?

Yes, you can use free VPNs on your devices, but before you pick one in favour of a paid VPN, there are a few things you should be aware of.

Completely free VPNs are usually a lot less efficient than those that require a paid subscription. They’ll likely have fewer servers, slower speeds, and won't be as good at connecting to streaming websites. Also, since the VPN is free, you can expect annoying ads in their apps, and they may even sell your personal data to earn the money they don’t get from subscriptions.

Alternatively, you could opt for a freemium VPN, which is a free version of a paid VPN. However you won’t get the full set of features and will probably have restrictions like data caps.

If you’d like to try out the premium version features for free, you can always opt out for its free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee and see if it fits your needs. We recommend NordVPN or Surfshark for that.

Get NordVPN for multiple devices
NordVPN is a highly secure and reliable VPN that is ideal for multiple devices – it offers up to 6 simultaneous connections, a 7-day free trial, and a standard 30-day money-back guarantee. Opt for the next-gen encryption and stay secure online!
cybernews® score
4.9 /5

Conclusion

As a whole, if you’re looking for a VPN that could secure all your personal devices or act as a family VPN, you’re in luck. Simply look for a VPN with numerous simultaneous connections.

To help you out with the choice, we’ve shortlisted 7 most reliable VPNs for multiple devices. While all options on this list are great for the job, some of the most notable ones were NordVPN and Surfshark. They both offer top-notch protection for your household with intuitive apps and market-leading pricing.

4.9 /5
Special deal
-68% OFF
4.7 /5
Special deal
-82% OFF
4.3 /5
Special deal
-49% OFF

More VPN guides from Cybernews:


FAQ

Comments

Danie
prefix 1 year ago
I need to connect about 80 devices to my VPN network but OpenVPN is extremely expensive. Any recommendations?

Needs to be good quality as the devices transfers VoIP
CyberNews Team
prefix 1 year ago
Hello! As OpenVPN is open-source, it should actually be free. For so many devices, I advise you to set up your own OpenVPN server.
Alfie-James
prefix 2 years ago
They are all not really suited for Linux. What would you recommend for vpns that allow multiple devices (over 5) with good Linux interface?
CyberNews Team
prefix 2 years ago
Mullvad (5), PIA (10), TorGuard (8) each have GUI and support five or more simultaneous connections for Linux.
.yaroslav
prefix 2 years ago
do i need a separate vpn app for each device if i already have a vpn setup on router at home?
CyberNews Team
prefix 2 years ago
No, if you’ve already set up a VPN on your router, you don’t have to install the apps on your devices separately. Though it’s not a bad idea to have an app just for the cases when you want to use a VPN, and you’re away from home.
Michelle
prefix 2 years ago
WOW! Surfshark seems like such a good choice if you have multiple devices because I don’t want to put vpn on a router. I do have a Mac though and even if I don’t really care about the whitelister since you can always turn off your vpn and I actually prefer it that way but what is Shadowsocks? I can see they don’t offer it for Surfshark but maybe it’s not really something I need? I’m kinda rooting for this service to work out for me.
CyberNews Team
prefix 2 years ago
Shadowsocks is a tunneling protocol that doesn’t have any traits associated with VPN usage. This means that you won’t be detected as a VPN user, which can be necessary to bypass restrictions in censorship-heavy countries.
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