The kill switch security feature is too valuable to pass up. Why many VPN providers forego its implementation, we can’t say. For the uninformed, it’s a feature built into the VPN apps that monitors the connection. And, whenever it drops, even for a split second, the feature will kill your Internet traffic and prevent it from sending or receiving packets so that your real IP address can’t leak and reveal your identity and location. What’s more, the kill switch will restore Internet traffic automatically once a VPN connection is secure. With that said, let’s get into the best VPN with a kill switch.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is our top VPN with a kill switch for Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. Based in Panama, the VPN service offers a zero-log policy and 5300+ servers in 59 countries. It can also bypass VPN block imposed by Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+, works in China, and protects your traffic with an AES-256-GCM encryption algorithm. Moreover, NordVPN offers specialized servers (P2P, Obfuscation, TOR over VPN) and has extensive security protocol support. Finally, it has a built-in Ad-blocker, comes with 24/7 Customer Support, and supports up to 6 simultaneous VPN connections.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another leading VPN provider with a kill switch, called “Network Lock”, for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and ExpressVPN for routers. The provider, based in the British Virgin Islands, unblocks the same streaming services NordVPN does, offers a no-log policy, and provides access to 3000+ servers in 94 countries. Furthermore, ExpressVPN’s servers run on RAM instead of regular storage, allows P2P traffic, and has apps for all major operating systems. Most importantly, the service uses 256-bit AES encryption, functions in China, and supports up to 5 devices at once.
3. Surfshark
Surfshark, based in the same country as ExpressVPN also operates RAM-based servers with P2P traffic support on them all. As for the kill switch, it works on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Moreover, the VPN service offers 3200+ servers in 65+ countries, protects traffic with AES-256-GCM encryption, and comes with CleanWeb, a built-in ad/tracker/malware blocker. Also, through Camouflage Mode/NoBorders features, Surfshark works in heavily censored countries. Finally, it offers an unlimited number of concurrent connections while being among the cheapest VPN services.
4. CyberGhost VPN
We reviewed CyberGhost VPN and placed it among the most affordable VPN providers. Based in Romania, the service offers a zero-log policy, 45-day money-back guarantee, and a kill switch functionality (Network Lock) on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. It also has 7300+ VPN servers in 91 countries, most of which allow P2P transfer and can circumvent anti-VPN measures by HBO Max, Disney+, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer. CyberGhost VPN, besides AES 256-bit encryption, also has a built-in ad/malware/tracker blocker and supports up-to-date security protocols, and up to 7 devices simultaneously.
5. HideMyAss
HideMyAss, besides being one of the oldest VPN providers is also known for having the largest network of servers. Although they only have 1070+, they’re spread out in 290+ locations and 210+ countries, many of which have 20+ Gbps bandwidth. The majority of those allow for safe torrenting, while 190 of those are optimized for full HD/4K streaming. The VPN provider offers a Smart kill switch feature on Windows, iOS, and Android, and comes with a no-logging policy, and features such as split tunneling, IP shuffle, AES-256-GCM encryption, and support for 5 concurrent devices.
6. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access took the middle place on our list of the dominant VPN with a kill switch for Windows, Mac, and iOS. The no-log VPN service has 29100+ servers in 78 countries. Furthermore, it has extensive VPN apps and can sustain up to 10 concurrent VPN connections. Perhaps intentionally, its price is in range with CyberGhost VPN and Surfshark while its kill switch supports the same operating systems. Finally, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, a built-in tracker/ad/malware blocker, runs many of its servers on RAM, and supports torrenting and modern VPN protocols on all servers.
7. IPVanish
We reviewed IPVanish, a VPN service with over 1,600 servers across 75 locations. They have an iron-clad zero-logging policy to bypass government rules and their kill switch works on Android, macOS, and Windows. Additionally, they offer 256-bit AES encryption, support torrenting on all servers, provide access for up to 10 devices at once. They even have an Onion Over VPN feature that combines TOR browser with VPN. Additionally, IPVanish supports modern security protocols such as IKEv2, OpenVPN, and SSTP. Finally, it unblocks major streaming services such as HBO Max, Disney Plus, and Netflix.
8. PureVPN
PureVPN stands out for having a network of 6500+ servers in 140+ countries and an audit-verified no-logging policy. We couldn’t increase its VPN speed and experienced connection losses often, which landed it where it is. Luckily, we suffered no IPv4, IPv6, or DNS leaks because its kill switch supports Android, Linux, Windows, and Mac. PureVPN also protects users’ traffic with 256-bit AES encryption, supports up to 10 VPN connections simultaneously, and more than enough VPN protocols: L2TP/IPSec, IKEv2/IPSec, PPTP, SSTP, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), and Stealth (Obfuscated OpenVPN). It also worked in China and blocked malware/trackers/ads.
9. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN, a Swiss VPN provider, topped our list of the best free VPN software, making it ideal for budget-oriented users who need a kill switch for macOS, Windows, and Android. On a Free plan, you can take advantage of the no-logging policy and connect to 3 servers on 1 device. You also won’t see ads, acquire sneaky trackers, or experience limits in VPN speed and data usage. The Paid version grants access to 1250+ servers in 55+ countries with up to 10 Gbit bandwidth, extensive app support, and a 30-day money refund. You can also unblock Netflix, DAZN, Disney+, ESPN+, Peacock, Spotify, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
10. VyprVPN
Don’t let the fact that VyprVPN “only” has 700+ VPN servers across 70+ countries trick you. Unlike other VPN services that rent, VyprVPN owns every chain in their infrastructure (so does IPVanish). This, combined with their zero-logging policy and regular public security audits ensures rigidly enforced security. As for speed, on top of security protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec, the VPN provider offers an in-house protocol named Chameleon. This not only provides iron-clad protection but also top speeds – ideal for full HD or 4K streaming. Unfortunately, their kill switch only works on Windows and Mac.
