One of the most important use cases of a VPN is to grant you access to foreign locations, whether that's to bypass censorship in your home country or simply enjoy international content that may be blocked in your current place of stay. This is why it's important to choose the best VPN for server locations.
Also, having access to more VPN servers means you'll have more choice in which server you connect to. In turn, you're more likely to find a quick, stable connection. To help you pick the best VPN for your needs, our experts at Tom's Guide have put dozens of providers to the test.
In this guide, I've rounded up the top 5 VPNs with the most amount of servers. I've based my rankings not only on their network sizes but also their speeds, privacy and security, unblocking, and value for money.
How we’ve chosen the best VPN server providers
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The following five services provide what we think are the best combinations of VPN server locations alongside sheer strength in numbers. Ranking first is ExpressVPN which, while it doesn’t have the absolute maximum number of servers, has the widest network on the list with enough servers to populate them.
And, if we’re honest, after about 3,000 or so servers there’s little true increase in performance, and the quality of the service is more down to efficient server maintenance and excellent apps – both of which ExpressVPN has kept on top of for years, now.
However, if you want to look through the VPN server titans on the market today, just scroll down. You’ll read what we love about these behemoths, and why they might be a great fit for you.
The 3 best VPN server providers at a glance
The best VPN server providers
With millions of downloads and excellent ratings across the board, NordVPN is undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed VPNs out there. There are virtually no gaps in its service, as it offers a triple whammy of speed, unblocking, and privacy, combined with excellent value for money.
In our detailed NordVPN review, we found that its 7,100+ servers in over 140 locations worldwide mean that you'll always be able to find a fast and uncongested server nearby. Oh, and it's very fast. With top speeds of over 950 Mbps when using its proprietary NordLynx protocol, NordVPN is the fastest VPN in our testing, alongside the likes of Surfshark and Proton VPN.
For those looking for one of the best streaming VPNs, NordVPN is a great choice, as it can unblock pretty much every service around – from Netflix to BBC iPlayer and Hulu. And, if that's not enough, it's also got dedicated P2P servers for those looking to torrent.
When it comes to security, NordVPN is a complete package. In addition to VPN essentials such as a reliable kill switch, an independently audited no-logs policy, and excellent AES-256 encryption, you also get a built-in antivirus, password manager, secure cloud storage, data breach scanner, and even cyber insurance.
The only gripe I could see anyone having with the service is that its map-style interface is a bit awkward to use on the smaller screens of mobile phones. However, it works and feels sleek on bigger screens. Overall, though, NordVPN is one of the very best services on the market today, and we highly recommend it. You can take it for a test drive before committing thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Excellent desktop apps, but the ones on mobile can come across as slightly overwhelming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The map-based interface is cool, but not everybody's preference | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest VPN in my testing with speeds of over 950 Mbps | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks all Netflix regions and every other streaming site as well | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | All-in-one security package, including protection against malware, phishing, and ads | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 friendly and professional help, plus very helpful articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent overall value for the price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Proton VPN is not an underdog anymore, seeing as it has taken a few big leaps to now become a full-blown service capable of taking on the top dogs. The biggest improvement has been its continually expanding fleet of servers, which now has over 8,600 servers in 117 countries. That's a wider reach than even NordVPN.
Additionally, as discussed in our Proton VPN review, it has always been one of the most secure VPNs around, thanks to its Swiss lineage and the country's firm stance against surveillance and data sharing with other countries. Moreover, Switzerland is outside the EU and U.S. jurisdiction.
Other Proton VPN security offerings include its Secure Core technology, which routes your traffic through an ultra-secure server in Sweden, Switzerland, or Iceland before connecting you to your destination.
The huge amount of servers also make Proton VPN a force to reckon with for streaming. It chewed through the geo-blocks on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus, as well as other niche streaming services like the Aussie 9Now and 10 Play.
It's worth noting, however, that we don't recommend Proton VPN’s free plan if you're looking for a good selection of servers. Although even the best free VPNs admittedly offer just a handful of servers to begin with, Proton VPN Free only gives you five locations. Rivals like Privado VPN Free offer up to 13 server locations, for instance.
Probably the only reason Proton VPN missed out on the top spot in this list is its slightly pricier packages; NordVPN is cheaper. However, Proton VPN is a comprehensive package with rock-solid privacy and security, servers everywhere, and excellent speeds, which make it well worth the splurge. Also, you don't have to dive in headfirst, as you can try it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Gorgeous and intuitive dark mode | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Mobile apps are easier to use than their desktop counterparts | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the fastest services right now | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly unblocks most sites, but that's only for paid users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Strong Swiss privacy, open-source apps, and a handful of unique features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of helpful guides and support agents reply fairly quickly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Not as cheap as the others, but there's a handy free plan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Private Internet Access (PIA) is part of the old guard and has been running for a decade since 2010. It's worth noting that PIA doesn't disclose the number of servers it has, but the number is around 20,000, meaning its network size is close to three times the size of NordVPN. It's also the only VPN to have a server in each US state, making it the best US VPN.
Ideal for torrenters, every PIA server is P2P-ready, and strong encryption will keep you safe while you're connected, too. It also boasts a clear-cut no-logs policy, which, interestingly, has been proven in court twice. What's more, you get robust security features such as an email breach scanner and a Boxcryptor license that encrypts all of your cloud storage.
All PIA apps are open source, meaning anyone is free to verify its claims at a time of their choosing. Speaking of apps, PIA is incredibly easy to use, and while there are tons of customizable options, you do have the option to stick to the basics without having to dive too deep. With that said, we believe ExpressVPN is still the best VPN for beginners.
PIA is great for streaming, too, seeing as it can easily sidestep the restrictions on sites like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. Although you'll hardly notice a difference in real life, PIA is a little slower than the competition. It topped out at around 430 Mbps in my testing, whereas NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN aced the test with 950+ Mbps.
PIA's unlimited simultaneous connections is generous, and considering the bargain price that can be had on its longer contracts, it offers excellent value for money. To conclude, if you're looking for airtight privacy and the absolute maximum number of servers, PIA is a great choice. Lastly, a 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to try the service without risking a single penny.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Tons of options make it come across as cluttered | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Simple enough for beginners, but it's certainly meant for the tech-savvy | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Not slow by any means, but its rivals are much faster | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | More than 20,000 servers makes unblocking content a breeze | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Top-notch encryption with a proven no-log policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Support agents are easy and quick to speak to, and lots of guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Budget-friendly, almost on par with Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark offers a huge number of servers, although its network is considerably narrower than the likes of NordVPN and Proton VPN. However, that should hardly be an issue, seeing as the servers are nicely spread out across 160 locations in 100+ countries. Still, if you’re someone in a farther-flung location, it'll be worth checking if you have access to a decent server nearby.
Surfshark’s party piece, however, is its ridiculous value for money. Don't let its cheap prices fool you – it's a full-fledged VPN service that has only gotten better over the last few months. As the best cheap VPN in our rankings, Surfshark offers a brilliant mix of world-class privacy, unblocking, speed, and, of course, pocket-friendly prices.
In addition to fixing a long-drawn kill switch issue, Surfshark has continued to dominate our speed test charts with eye-watering peak speeds of over 950 Mbps. That’s on par with NordVPN as the speediest service out there.
One of the highlights of the service is unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you can install the VPN app on every single one of your devices, and feel free to share it with other devices in your household, too. The only other VPN on this list that matches Surfshark in this regard is Private Internet Access.
As mentioned earlier, the comparatively narrow server size isn’t a problem, seeing as Surfshark can effortlessly unblock all the popular streaming channels, including Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. Even better, Surfshark unblocked all these services on the first try.
There’s no dearth of security features, either, with both its desktop VPN and mobile VPN apps laced with unique offerings such as MultiHop, Alternative ID, Alternative Number, and Incogni. MultiHop, for instance, works similarly to NordVPN’s Double VPN, and Alternative ID allows you to create a completely new online persona for temporary use.
Last but not least, with a price tag of less than $2.50 per month, Surfshark is easily our top recommendation for anyone on a tight budget. Be sure to make the most of its 30-day money-back guarantee and try before you buy.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Clean and intuitive design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Incredibly simple and a good VPN for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Up there with NordVPN as the fastest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Easily unblocks most streaming services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Robust features and independent audits ensure peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Great 24/7 availability and tons of help articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Super cheap, offers value that can't be beat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
If you're looking for a super-reliable VPN server network spread all over the world, ExpressVPN should be one of your top choices. While it may not have as many servers as, say, NordVPN or Proton VPN, you'll be able to get protected and browse on a quick, safe connection irrespective of whether you're in Boston, Birmingham, or Beijing.
Also, the quality of ExpressVPN's servers is class-leading. The company prefers quality over quantity, as it has a small selection of powerful servers rather than a lot of cheap ones. Additionally, I was also impressed by the fact that it has a decent fleet of servers in the Asia-Pacific region, unlike its competitors.
ExpressVPN's high-quality server network isn't the only reason it's in this list, though. It's also the perfect tool for those who are looking to stream or torrent, and no matter what you're doing, you'll be covered by its stringent and audited privacy policy. Moreover, it comes with a rock-solid kill switch, split tunneling, and obfuscated servers to hide your VPN usage from authorities. Also, you'll be protected by Perfect Forward Secrecy, which uses a new key every time you log on and each hour thereafter.
Speeds are comparable to the fastest services in the industry, as our testing saw ExpressVPN top out at 900 Mbps when using its proprietary WireGuard-based Lightway protocol.
ExpressVPN's biggest selling point, though, is its ease of use. As the best VPN for newbies, it offers simple and similar apps across all devices, and getting connected is as simple as tapping the big on/off button on its home screen.
If we had any complaint about ExpressVPN, it'd be that the limit of eight simultaneous connections isn't the most generous, but that's not a huge limitation. Still, if you want the ability to protect every single device in your household, consider getting Surfshark or Private Internet Access instead, as both of them offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
Overall, if you're ready to shell out a little more for simplicity, ExpressVPN is your best choice. Its server network, although small, is comprehensive, and combined with excellent privacy, speeds, and unblocking, it's one of the best there is. Try it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee and see for yourself.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Clean design with everything exactly where it's supposed to be | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Quick enough for everything but not the fastest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Consistently unblocks all popular platforms and regions | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Excellent encryption and regular audits will protect your data at all times | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 expert assistance and tons of in-depth guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Worth the splurge, but cheaper options are available | ⭐⭐⭐ |
VPN server locations FAQ
Which provider has the most VPN servers?
Out of any VPN service, Private Internet Access has the most VPN servers, with over 19,000. However, this is an interesting case in point, as we wouldn't recommend it as our top pick.
Instead, we'd recommend either ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Both have far fewer servers than PIA – 3,000+ and 5,000+ respectively – but in practice that's more than enough, and we'd suggest you make your decision on other factors like connection speed, streaming support, overall privacy and security, and general usability.
Why does the amount of VPN servers matter?
The number of VPN servers a provider has can have a huge effect on how the service works overall.
Having a large number of servers means that each one will have fewer users, ensuring better speeds, and the wider the variety of IP addresses, the more likely it is that you'll be able to watch Netflix successfully.
Also, the number of VPN server locations is useful, too. With more locations, no matter where you are in the world, you'll be able to connect to a closer server, ensuring better speeds.
However, you'll want a happy medium – just a few servers spread over tons of locations will result in poor speeds, and thousands of servers in just a few countries will be limiting in terms of content available.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
