The days of people only using a single device to get online are in the past.
These days almost everyone has a smartphone and a computer at home. Many also have tablets and other connected devices, not to mention family members with their own devices too.
It therefore follows that, if you are going to sign up for the best VPN (Virtual Private Network) to protect your online security and privacy, you want to ensure all of your devices will be covered by it.
VPN providers are aware of this and almost all now offer multiple concurrent connections with every subscription. But some offer more simultaneous connections than others, which saves you from having to use a separate VPN on your other devices.
We know that you want to be able to connect multiple devices to your VPN.
But we also know that you don’t want to compromise other aspects of your VPN service. In this guide, we have identified the best VPNs for multiple devices simultaneously while still offering an excellent all-round service.
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Table of Contents
Top VPN for Multiple Devices
After hours of research, we have identified that the following services offer the most simultaneous connections and are best suited for individuals and households with multiple devices. You can use these services on the most devices at the same time.
Below we’ve rounded up some of the top features of each service. You can click on individual names above to go straight to that service’s round-up.
1. Surfshark
- Allows unlimited devices
- Apps for most devices
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Servers in 100 countries
- Unblocks most services
- Unaudited no log policy
- Fewer individual servers
Surfshark takes top spot in our list of the best VPN for multiple devices and it’s not without good reason.
They allow you to establish unlimited connections at the same time… yes, unlimited connections!
It’s impossible to beat unlimited simultaneous connections, and they were one of the very first services to offer no limitations. To be clear to anyone wondering how many devices you can connect to Surfshark, the answer is, as many as you like.
It also has unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream as much as you want on as many devices as you want. Surfshark is a relatively new provider but with over 4 years behind them they’ve become one of the most popular services on the market.
It works on all major operating systems, as well as smart TVs. And, as mentioned, there is no limit to how many devices you can protect. You can literally connect as many devices as you wish, thanks to the fact that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
Server locations are available in over 100 countries and they’ve got more than 3,200 individual VPN servers to connect to.
Couple that with their range of easy to use apps and you’ve got a service that not only functions well but also lets you connect every device you own without restrictions.
Surfshark also has an automatic kill switch, private DNS, it can access BBC iPlayer and most other streaming services, and is overall a top quality VPN. It is rightly top of our list of best VPNs for multiple devices.
#1 VPN for Multiple Devices
30-day money back guarantee
2. IPVanish
- Unlimited concurrent connections
- Apps for major devices
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Servers in most countries
- Time-proven service
- No crypto payments
The only VPN which comes close to challenging Surfshark for the best VPN for multiple devices is IPVanish. It now also offers unlimited connections. In other words, this is also an excellent choice that will let you protect as many devices as you want.
IPVanish have been one of our top rated VPNs for some time now thanks to their strong encryption, fast speeds, and vast VPN server network.
IPVanish also offers a wide selection of apps which means you can use their service on almost any device you can think of. If we are honest, these are now a little dated but still perfectly functional.
They have been embroiled in a bit of controversy over their strict no-logs policy claims a few years ago. However, they insist their no logs guarantee is cast-iron and from the evidence we have seen recently and their independent audits, we are now inclined to believe them.
Like many VPN providers, they also offer a kill switch on all devices connected. IPVanish is not the best VPN for streaming services but they are cost-effective. Their subscription prices are mid-range and they offer the all important money back guarantee for 30-days.
If you want a multiple devices VPN, IPVanish will certainly do you a good job.
3. VyprVPN
- Allows 30 concurrent connections
- Easy to use apps
- Owns all their infrastructure
- Registered in Switzerland
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Package prices confusing
- Not the fastest
VyprVPN has been around for some time now and forged a solid reputation and a loyal customer base, and it is our third choice on the list of virtual private networks (VPNs) for multiple devices connected.
While it doesn’t offer unlimited connections, it has now been rewarded with a massive 30 simultaneous connections available for every user, which is certainly more than most people could ever need when connecting multiple devices.
While this isn’t technically an unlimited number of connections, it is as good as. How many families honestly have more than 30 devices they are using online at the same time?
VyprVPN also comes with rock-solid encryption and they were also the first major VPN provider to get their no user logs promise independently verified. They have also added the WireGuard protocol to their offering too, and they have a kill switch that further protects you.
There are a great range of VyprVPN apps for most devices although one omission at the moment is Amazon Fire TV devices. Speeds are generally good and the performance of unblocking streaming platforms is not too shabby either.
Pricing is less confusing than it once was and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee across the board so you have plenty of time to try out their VPN deals before you commit.
4. StrongVPN
- Allows 12 concurrent connections
- Easy to use apps
- 60,000 IP addresses
- Supports Wireguard
- No Crypto payments
- Not the fastest
StrongVPN has recently raised the bar when it comes to multiple concurrent connections. They now offer a huge twelve simultaneous connections with every account, which is more than enough for you to secure all of your own devices and those of your family too.
Apart from being one of the best VPNs for multiple devices, they have plenty more going for them as well.
StrongVPN has a big selection of excellent user-friendly apps for all my devices. Their encryption is up there with all the other main VPN providers on the market and they have a no user logs policy which can be trusted. That means you can get robust VPN protection on all your devices.
StrongVPN can unblock US Netflix and other geo-restricted streaming services, let you access online banking, and access content that is not available, all on different devices. And, while they are not the cheapest, they do offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Their speeds are not fantastic but will be sufficient for most users and while their VPN server network is not the biggest either, they do cover all of the most popular locations.
We don’t recommend StrongVPN as one of our best VPN services. But when it comes to connecting multiple devices, they are definitely an option worth considering.
5. CyberGhost VPN
- Allows 7 simultaneous connections
- Apps for every device
- 45-day money back guarantee
- Time proven service
- Owns VPN ‘review’ sites
- Need to de-register linked devices
CyberGhost VPN offers the next highest number of concurrent connections with seven simultaneous connections available for every user.
As such, it is another one of the best VPNs for multiple devices as most VPNs offer only five simultaneous connections. You can connect more devices if you so wish but will have to deregister one device before you register another, which is a little annoying.
CyberGhost offers a terrific all-round service especially if you are new to VPN services. They have a massive range of apps which are acceptably designed and easy to use. For beginners, this VPN features a single click function to help you choose the best server for what you are doing online.
They also offer a strong no user logs policy, good privacy protections, and strong encryption. What is more, CyberGhost VPN also proudly declares that it can unblock almost any streaming service including US Netflix.
Their VPN speeds could be a little faster but they are pretty reasonably priced, especially if you sign up for two or three years.
However, they do offer unlimited bandwidth, as well as a large number of compatible devices and many key features that make CyberGhost’s security quite advanced. Some examples include a strict no-logs policy, DNS leak protection, automatic kill switch, live chat VPN support, multiple security protocols, and more.
Finally, one of its biggest advantages is its extremely long, 45-day money-back guarantee, that lets you test it for a month and a half. Definitely one of the best VPNs around and with a good number of simultaneous VPN connections available too.
6. NordVPN
- Up to 6 devices at the same time
- Audited no log policy
- Registered off-shore
- 30-day money back guarantee
- No Paypal option
NordVPN is quite simply one of the very best VPNs for multiple devices on the market right now. The only reason they are not higher up this list is that they only offer six concurrent connections with every subscription.
Six simultaneous connections is still more than most VPN providers though and if it is enough for you then NordVPN is definitely worth some serious consideration.
Their encryption is strong plus they offer many other security features too. Their privacy provisions are among the very best around including a guaranteed audited no logs policy. Speaking of guarantees, they also have a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN has a large selection of multiple servers, can unblock just about any website or streaming service, including BBC iPlayer and Netflix to name but two. Recent investment means they also offer some of the fastest speeds around too.
It is a compelling all-round offer and one which comes at some of the most competitive prices you will find anywhere.
They may have fewer concurrent connections than others on this list, but they do offer the best all-round service and an excellent range of apps for just about every device as well as good browser extensions too.
7. VPN.ac
- Allows 6 connections
- Super fast download speeds
- Run by privacy professionals
- Fewer server locations
- 7-day money back guarantee
Like NordVPN, VPN.ac offers six concurrent connections to every user, which puts it among the best VPNs for multiple devices. And if it is speed and strong encryption you are after then they might be the provider for you.
Our recent review found that VPN.ac’s speeds were among the fastest we have seen this year. They also offer one of the highest levels of encryption of any suitable VPN provider in the VPN industry and have raised the bar for online security in a VPN.
VPN.ac offer a wide range of apps for all the main operating systems and boast that their service can unblock both US Netflix and the BBC iPlayer. They are paired-back apps on the whole, but key features like a kill switch are included as standard.
Their server network isn’t quite as big as some of their rivals and they do unfortunately keep some minor VPN connection logs, which is not ideal. But for speed and security as well as simultaneous connections, VPN.ac are among the very best.
But, if you decide that it doesn’t fit your needs, it has a 7-day money-back guarantee, which is a bit short, but still enough for you to test the VPN and see if it works well for you.
In our view, VPN.ac more than warrant a place on our list of the best VPNs for multiple simultaneous connections.
How to choose the best VPN for Multiple Devices
There are so many providers out there that choosing the best VPNs for multiple devices can feel like a daunting task.
If you are looking for one which can protect all of your devices, you might think the one that offers the most concurrent connections will automatically be the best.
But you don’t want to run the risk of signing up for a sub-standard VPN merely because they allow you to connect more devices.
So, when making your choice, there are a few key features you should look out for:
- Multiple concurrent connections – You should, of course, ensure that the VPN you choose offers enough simultaneous connections to use on all of your devices and those of your family if needs be. A few VPNs even offer unlimited simultaneous connections, as we have already seen.
- Range of apps – If you are going to protect all of your devices, you want to opt for a VPN service that can support VPN apps on as many different devices as possible. The minimum you should find is apps for Mac and Windows PC and common mobile devices. If needs be, look for ones that offer browser extensions too.
- Strong encryption – There is no point using a VPN if it doesn’t offer strong encryption to keep your online data secure.
- Robust privacy policies and a no logs guarantee – If you want to ensure your online privacy, make sure that your VPN has a dependable no logs policy and good privacy rules built into their service as standard.
- Fast connection speeds – It is essential to choose a VPN which has minimal impact on your connection speeds, especially if using it on mobile devices. Also makes sure it offers no internet bandwidth restrictions too.
What does ‘multiple devices’ mean?
When we talk about a VPN that supports multiple devices, we are referring to a VPN which lets you connect several different gadgets to their service at the same time.
For example, you may own an Android Smartphone, a Windows laptop, a Samsung Smart TV and an Apple iPad.
Apps should cover all of your devices.
The chances are you go online with all of these devices and you should, therefore, be using a VPN with all of them to protect your online privacy and security.
Some people have more devices than this, while others like to use their VPN to protect the devices of family or friends too. A VPN which supports multiple devices enables you to do just that.
We have used other phrases in this article such as ‘concurrent connections,‘ ‘unlimited device connections’ or ‘simultaneous connections‘.
These are referring to the same feature; the number of devices you can use a VPN’s service on at the same time.
However, not every VPN can protect unlimited devices simultaneously. In fact, only a few offer that feature, so it is in your interest to use a VPN for multiple devices – as many as possible.
Why are multiple devices beneficial?
For most people, the advantage of being able to connect unlimited devices simultaneously to a VPN is that they can protect all of their devices. These days we all have several internet-enabled devices and it’s imperative they be protected by a VPN.
Being able to connect multiple devices to a single VPN account saves money and means you can enjoy a complete service from your provider.
But there are other benefits too. If you want to make sure your partner or children’s devices are secure and their online privacy protected, multiple concurrent connections lets you do so.
It also has the additional benefit of letting poorer customers in developing countries share an account. This makes a premium VPN service affordable to all and doesn’t leave those in emerging countries forced to rely on insecure free VPN services that will likely do their online security and privacy more harm than good.
How to use a VPN on more than one device
This might sound like it could be a difficult process but actually it couldn’t be more easy once you have chosen your provider.
Lets start by showing you how to get your VPN up and running using our top recommended VPN, Surfshark as an example:
- Sign up for Surfshark VPN by clicking a link in this guide, choosing your preferred subscription package, and then following the simple onscreen instructions to sign up.
- Download the Surfshark app onto your device. Be sure to do this from either the Surfshark website or your official app store.
- Open the app and log into your account using the details given to you at the end of step one.
- Click on the quick connect button or otherwise choose your preferred server location and then click connect.
- Wait a few moments for your connection to be established and then start to use your device online as usual.
Once you have Surfshark up and running on one device, all your have to do is repeat steps 2-5 on all the devices you want to protect.
You can even connect them to the same VPN server. Use the same account details as Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
If you choose a provider which does have limited simultaneous connections, you will still be able to download the app onto more than their limit, but you might find some devices automatically log-off if you have connected to the VPN on too many other devices.
You will just need to disconnect one device in order to be able to reconnect another, so it shouldn’t be a huge inconvenience.
How can I increase the concurrent connections on any VPN?
If you have chosen VPN software that has multiple device connections, but you find the number of simultaneous connections too limited, and you need more, there are two main options open to you.
One is to switch provider to one that offers an unlimited number such as Surfshark or IPVanish. The other is to invest in a VPN router.
A VPN router allows you to install a VPN directly onto your Wi-Fi router. This means that your entire Wi-Fi network is protected by the VPN and all devices that connect to that network are also connected to the VPN.
Our top recommended VPN-enabled router is the Invizbox 2. This lightweight and neatly designed router is dual-band and offers some very competitive speeds.
Note
VPNCompare’s parent company owns a small shareholding in Invizbox, the creators of the Invizbox 2.
You can buy it together with a subscription to Windscribe VPN or without a subscription. It is also compatible with ExpressVPN, NordVPN, IPVanish, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, VPNCity, Windscribe and StreamVPN.
It doesn’t matter how many simultaneous connections you have if using the Invizbox 2 as it will only use one connection for the router but still protect all your devices.
Learn more
Check out our detailed Invizbox 2 review where we put the device through its paces.
There are a few downsides to using a VPN router. There is an additional cost involved to buy the router and once you have connected to your VPN, if you want to change server location it will be more complicated than using a simple VPN app.
Obviously, if you use your VPN away from your home, you will need to make sure you have enough simultaneous connections to protect everything. But even the industry standard of up to five devices should be enough for most people working on the go.
But if multiple simultaneous connections are needed, a VPN-enabled router is another good option.
What to look for in a VPN for Multiple Devices?
The number of simultaneous connections is just one feature that you should be looking for when choosing a VPN for multiple devices. Some of the others worth considering include:
Running simultaneous devices on a single VPN is likely to impact your connection speeds.
But if you choose a VPN which offers consistently fast speeds, the impact should be minimal as long as your internet connection is up to the job.
Speed is definitely worth consideration if you are planning to do data-intensive tasks like streaming, online gaming, or downloading, which include high amounts of internet traffic.
Sometimes, however, you may find that the speed is not as good as you had expected. If this is a deal-breaker for you, simply request a refund while you are still in a period covered by the 30-day money-back guarantee that most premium VPNs offer.
Sometimes, a VPN can even improve your speeds by protecting you from throttling done by your internet service provider, which often secretly engage in such practices if you tend to frequent streaming sites or download content.
If you are going to use your VPN on multiple devices, you need a provider that can offer VPN apps on as many of your devices as possible.
Some VPN providers only offer apps for the key popular devices. But a lot offer a huge range of apps for almost every device you can think of.
These days, you might well want to install a VPN on your desktop devices, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV device, the list goes on and on. These apps are rich with security features that will keep you safe on whatever device you use.
Check to make sure your chosen provider has apps for all your devices. If not, look for a manual installation guide and check that you are comfortable using it before signing up.
Most people want a VPN to protect their online privacy and ensure that they have private internet access, so if you are using multiple devices, this is even more important.
Just take a moment to consider what you are using each of these devices for and the type of information that you are making available about yourself if you are not protected by a VPN. You may find that some devices do not need private internet access, while others depend on it.
Make sure your VPN has a rock-solid no user logs policy. Ideally, this should be independently verified to prove that the VPN provider is not just saying what you want to hear.
Finally, in your pursuit to secure private internet access, think too about what connection data your provider logs and also where they are located, which dictates what local privacy laws they have to adhere to.
Most people these days don’t follow the Radio Times but access their media though online streaming platforms. They are more convenient for modern lifestyles and they are also where much of the best content can be found.
But if your family is like most others, you probably all want to watch different things and this is something to think about when choosing a VPN.
Make sure that your favoured online streaming platforms work with your chosen VPN. Some don’t unblock many at all while others focus on Netflix but don’t think so hard about the likes of Amazon Prime Video or the BBC iPlayer.
Think about speeds too. Streaming can be data-intensive so make sure your VPN has the speeds to cope with your household all wanting to watch different things on Smart TVs, phones, computers, and other devices, all at the same time.
Can I use a free VPN with multiple devices?
No. Just about every free provider we are aware of limits the number of devices you can attach with each VPN account. Theoretically, you could set up multiple accounts but this is a lot of hassle to go to in order to save a couple of dollars a month.
Our advice to all readers is to avoid free providers anyway. They come with multiple issues including being bundled together with malware, harvesting your internet data and selling it, and service restrictions such as data caps and speed throttling.
If you want to connect multiple devices and keep them secure and private online, you need to opt for one of the VPN providers we have recommended above.
All offer excellent value for money, offer big discounts if you sign up for a year or more, and come with good money-back guarantees. Free services are just not worth the risk.
Summary
There are many reasons why VPN users around the world should look out for a provider which allows them to connect multiple devices. Some are after security features, while other seek to access streaming services, hide their personal data, or more.
Whether you want to connect all of your own devices, those of your family, or make a premium VPN affordable, more concurrent connections means a better service for you.
In this article, we have highlighted the VPNs which offer the most simultaneous connections with a single account. We have also given an insight into the all-round service that our recommended VPNs provide to enable you to make an informed choice of the right VPN for you.
One thing to note is that there is no best free VPN for this kind of thing. Free VPNs are unreliable, and using them can be damaging to your privacy and overall experience. Avid free VPNs like the plague.
Surfshark offers the most concurrent connections at the moment with an unlimited number available to each user. But read through our recommendations carefully, because, for your requirements, you might find another on our list is the right one for you.
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