Best for Families on a Budget

4.9

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On Surfshark's website

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Surfshark

• VPN technology offering stability and speed
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

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Best for Streamers and Gamers

4.4

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On IPVanish's website

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IPVanish

• Unlimited devices for each plan
• Works with popular streaming services like Netflix
• Kill switch feature not available on iOS

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Best for Torrenting

5.0

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On Private Internet Access's website

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Private Internet Access

• VPN offering fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
• Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
• Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra

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Suppose you live in a small to large household with family members or housemates who browse the web, download torrents, stream content, and engage in online gaming. In that case, you're likely looking for a virtual private network (VPN) that works on all of your devices. 

Thankfully, there are good VPN apps out there that protect your online activities and your family’s privacy, without charging you an arm and a leg for extra device coverage. Surfshark is one of the best, offering excellent privacy and security options for an unlimited number of devices and a low monthly cost. IPVanish also covers as many devices as you need and protects gamers in the family from DDoS attacks. And Private Internet Access (PIA) protects unlimited devices at one of the lowest monthly costs we've seen yet. (Plus, PIA's SOCKS5 proxy and 10 Gbps server network makes it a gem for torrenting.)

Let's examine these best VPNs for multiple devices and go over their standout features and pricing plans to help you pick the best one for your home.

The best VPNs for multiple devices 2024

We tested several VPNs to determine our top picks by evaluating their speed, connection reliability, security, and privacy features, as well as their ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. We’ll also share our least favorite options and explain our decisions.

The three best VPNs for multiple devices are:

• Surfshark: Best for families on a budget
• IPVanish: Best for sports streamers and online gamers
• Private Internet Access: Best for torrenting

Top 3 VPN services for multiple devices compared

VPN	Surfshark	IPVanish	Private Internet Access
Starting price	$1.99/mo	$2.99/mo	$2.03/mo
Free version
# of simultaneous connections	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Streaming support	Yes: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, Hotstar, YLE Areena, and AbemaTV	Yes: Kodi, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, and more	Yes: Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and more
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish Review	Get PIA Read PIA Review

Surfshark: Best for families on a budget

4.9

Surfshark is Best for Thrifty Families

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On Surfshark's website

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Surfshark

• VPN technology offering stability and speed
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

Who it’s best for

Surfshark is an affordable VPN that is an ideal choice for families on a tight budget who regularly use social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. It also seamlessly streams content on YouTube and Twitch, whether on a home or mobile device.

Surfshark VPN also uses AES-256 VPN encryption, fast and secure tunneling protocols such as open-source WireGuard, reliable high-speed servers, and many other features that help protect your family’s privacy and personal information. For instance, its CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, is also excellent for preventing social media apps from tracking you and your online activities.

What we liked

We gave Surfshark a shot and were impressed by its plethora of security and privacy-related VPN features, which is excellent for families who can’t afford a fancy VPN but want to protect their privacy online while surfing the web. Also, it can be used for streaming content from the comfort of your home on a Fire TV, an Apple TV, as well as other smart TVs. Families can use it for multiplayer online gaming on their Xbox or Playstation as well.

Surfshark works on an unlimited number of devices, which is an advantage for families. It is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, including mobile devices running on Android or iOS. Surfshark also works on Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera, Safari, and Samsung browsers, as well as on routers.

It offers powerful features for less than a cup of coffee at a starting price of $2.39 per month. Here is a non-exhaustive list of Surfshark VPN’s powerful features:

• Private DNS: Prevents DNS leaks and keeps user information private
• Kill switch: Automatically cuts off internet access once it detects your VPN connection is lost.
• Bypasser: Allows you to choose which data passes through the VPN connection and which does not
• Camouflage Mode: Makes it difficult for your internet service provider and other third parties to identify and block your VPN connections.
• NoBorders Mode: Lets you bypass censorship and geo-restrictions
  

We also liked Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop feature, which adds another layer of security by enabling you to route traffic through multiple servers, which makes it harder for anyone to snoop on your family’s online activities.

What we didn’t like

A potential drawback of Surfshark VPN is that its CleanWeb 2.0 feature — which blocks ads, trackers, and malware in apps — doesn't block YouTube ads. This may be a nuisance for families who love to stream content on YouTube.

Nonetheless, Surfshark still makes an excellent choice for families on a budget who are seeking an affordable VPN with multi-device compatibility and powerful features that enhance privacy and security online.

Surfshark specs

IPVanish: Best for streamers and gamers

4.4

IPVanish is the Go-To for Hardcore Sports Fans and Online Gamers

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On IPVanish's website

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IPVanish

• Unlimited devices for each plan
• Works with popular streaming services like Netflix
• Kill switch feature not available on iOS

Who it’s best for

IPVanish is the go-to choice for hardcore sports fans and online gamers. Whether you're streaming American sports from abroad, or playing your favorite games on the fly, IPVanish has you covered. With features like protection from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, fast and secure modern protocols such as WireGuard, and a global network of high-speed servers with low latency, IPVanish can keep your online activity private and secure.

Additionally, it supports streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Kodi on multiple devices and smart TVs, among many others, which makes it an ideal VPN for those who love to stream on the go.

What we liked

We liked that IPVanish offers a wide range of features that make it the best choice for sports streamers and online gamers. It provides security and lets users protect their online identity and privacy with strong AES 256-bit encryption, fast and secure modern tunneling protocols such as the open-source WireGuard and IKEv2/IPsec, as well as the standard OpenVPN. Additionally, it offers a kill switch, split tunneling, a SOCKS5 proxy, and DNS leak protection.

If you want to cover multiple types of devices, IPVanish offers support for unlimited device connections on various platforms:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux (Debian or RedHat-based distros)
• Android
• iOS
• Android TV
• Fire TV
• Smart TVs
• Routers, such as DD-WRT v2 and v3, Tomato, Asus-WRT, Merlin

IPVanish also provides access to a global network of high-speed, reliable servers around the world that have low latency. This allows you to stream your favorite sports games, shows, and games from the comfort of your home, or even a hotel or Airbnb for frequent travelers. IPVanish is the perfect choice to keep your online activity private and secure virtually anywhere you go.

What we didn’t like

One downside of IPVanish is that it is headquartered in the U.S., which makes it part of the Five Eyes alliance. This may be viewed as a potential risk or concern regarding privacy for users. However, its no-logs policy was last audited and verified in April 2022 by a cybersecurity firm, Leviathan Security Group, and shows IPVanish does not collect and share your data and online activities.

Although IPVanish offers features that are great for security and privacy, it does not have many additional VPN features that other VPN services like PIA offer, such as ad and tracker blockers or malware protection. Finally, the lack of a kill switch on iOS and Linux devices is a drawback for those who want an all-encompassing VPN experience.

IPVanish specs

Private Internet Access: Best for torrenting

5.0

PIA is Best for the Privacy-Conscious Torrenters

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On Private Internet Access's website

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Private Internet Access

• VPN offering fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
• Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
• Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra

Who it’s best for

If you're a privacy-conscious torrenter who wants to remain anonymous, then Private Internet Access may be the best VPN for you. It offers strong encryption and a number of advanced features, such as secure tunneling protocols, that are designed to protect your privacy and keep your online activities safe from prying eyes.

Furthermore, PIA has a no-logs policy that ensures your personal information and torrenting history are not collected. It has a SOCKS5 proxy, sometimes referred to as Tor SOCKS5 proxy, which is an internet protocol used by Tor. A Tor SOCKS5 proxy provides an added layer of anonymity and protection for avid torrenters. It does this by sending traffic through the Tor network instead of from your local IP address into the open network.

What we liked

We liked that PIA VPN has a high-speed 10 Gbps network with servers in 84 countries around the world, as well as strong privacy and security features. It has port-forwarding support and a SOCKS5 proxy that allows for fast and secure torrenting without compromising your privacy. PIA also offers AES-128-GCM and AES-256-GCM for strong encryption.

Its security and privacy features include a firewall-based kill switch, advanced split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and auto-connect. It also includes a feature called MACE, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware on websites at the DNS level. Think of it as pepper spray that “maces” pesky unwanted content.

We also like that PIA has a strict no-logs policy that was previously audited and verified by Deloitte on June 30, 2022. PIA also collaborated with BugCrowd to work with its security researchers for its vulnerability disclosure program (VDP). Customers can submit bugs, too. This helps PIA remain secure and ensures it’s free from bugs or security vulnerabilities that can be exploited.

This VPN supports unlimited simultaneous connections for the following operating systems, browsers, and devices:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• iOS
• Android
• PlayStation
• Xbox
• Nintendo Switch
• Chrome, Firefox, Opera, and Safari
• Smart TVs (e.g., Apple TV, Samsung TV, Fire TV, and more)

What we didn’t like

We didn’t like that PIA, like IPVanish, is headquartered in the U.S., which is part of the Five Eyes alliance. On the other hand, PIA is adamant about adhering to a strict no-logs policy. Thus, to show its commitment to transparency and maintain the trust of its users, it allows independent audits of its no-logs policy.

Additionally, some of PIA’s features, such as its antivirus software and its dedicated IP feature, come with extra costs as add-ons. This may not be preferable for those on a budget. Lastly, PIA has not disclosed the exact number of servers it has, which may raise users’ concerns regarding the extent and reliability of its server infrastructure.

Private Internet Access specs

Honorable mentions

We tested several services to determine the best VPNs for multiple devices. A few VPNs worth mentioning that didn’t make it to the top three are CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is based in Romania, a privacy-friendly country, and offers a variety of advanced privacy and security features. These features include AES-256 encryption, an automatic kill switch, Wi-Fi protection, DNS leak prevention, and URL-based split tunneling. Additionally, it has a no-logs policy that was recently audited and verified by Deloitte, which was announced in early March 2023.

Despite its many features, we didn't include CyberGhost in the top three because it supports a maximum of seven devices at once. Additionally, it has inconsistent speeds and shoddy connections from time to time.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN, a veteran in the VPN market since 2009, boasts a range of excellent features for privacy and security. It has high-speed servers in 94 countries and advanced VPN features like strong encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and many more. It also supports connections for up to five devices, making it ideal for small households.

Despite these benefits, we didn't choose ExpressVPN as the best VPN for multiple devices because the number of devices it supports is too low. Also, its price is relatively high, with a price range of $6.67–$12.95/mo compared to the top VPNs, which have a starting price of a little under $5 per month.

NordVPN

NordVPN has also been in the VPN game for more than a decade, since 2012, and has a massive network of 5,559 ultra-fast servers in 60 countries. Additionally, it has advanced VPN features for security and privacy, such as AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, a double VPN, smart DNS, a dedicated IP, threat protection, and more. This makes it perfect for households with six or fewer devices that need simultaneous connections.

Unfortunately, a maximum of six devices has its limitations because it may not be enough to support large households or enterprises, for example. Also, its monthly plan has a starting price of $12.99/mo to $14.99/mo, depending on which features you want. If you want to save money on your NordVPN subscription, opt for a one- or two-year plan instead.

Best VPNs for multiple devices FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for multiple devices

After putting several VPNs to the test, we have determined that the three best VPNs for multiple devices are Surfshark, IPVanish, and Private Internet Access. Our top choice, Surfshark, lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously and has a lot of security and privacy features for a low price, such as its CleanWeb 2.0 feature, which makes it a great choice for families on a budget who browse the web, stream, and game online.

Our second-best pick, IPVanish, also supports an unlimited number of devices, has great security features such as DDoS protection, and supports a wide range of streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, and Kodi. It also provides optimal performance speeds for streaming and gaming by using modern protocols like WireGuard. Finally, PIA is a great choice for torrenting with its strong AES-128 and AES-256 encryption, SOCKS5 proxy, and port-forwarding support.

3 best VPNs for multiple devices 2024

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
Surfshark	$1.99/mo	Best for families on a budget	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review
IPVanish	$2.99/mo	Best for streamers and gamers	Get IPVanish Read IPVanish Review
Private Internet Access	$2.03/mo	Best for torrenters	Get PIA Read PIA Review

How we tested the best VPNs for multiple devices

We tested our chosen VPN providers for multi-devices based on their privacy and security features, as well as their performance. We checked the number of simultaneous connections they supported, compatibility with multiple platforms, speed, and whether they had reliable connections.

The selected VPNs all offered additional features such as split tunneling, kill switch, ad-blockers, and many more. Although some didn’t make our final cut, nearly all of the six VPNs we selected for our testing offered reliable and secure connections for multiple devices, which makes them ideal for families or even small businesses.

4.9

Limited-time offer: 82% off + 4 months free

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On Surfshark's website

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Surfshark

• VPN technology offering stability and speed
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Works with Netflix and other streaming services
• Headquarters in Nine Eyes Alliance

Author Details

Mars Groves

About the Author

Mars is a cybersecurity professional and writer based in California. He serves as an Advisory Board Member for WEBGAP, specializing in browser isolation.