7 Best VPNs for Multiple Devices in 2023

Maybe you’ve found this page because you’re searching for an appropriate app to share with your family, household members, or friends. Perhaps you simply want a multi-device VPN so you can connect all of your personal devices. This is understandable, as many VPNs have a very low limit on how many devices you can connect. 

What’s more, even if a VPN allows you to connect a large number of devices it doesn’t actually mean it’s worth the money. Some multi-device VPNs limit your bandwidth or total data. Others simply don’t pack enough punch to go around geo-blocks and access restricted websites.

A good multi-device VPN can handle all performance requirements without any issues. So, if you’re in need of a quality multi-device VPN, you’ve come to the right place! We will go over the most important reasons for using a VPN for multiple devices, help you pick a suitable service for yourself, and share useful setup tips.

Best VPNs for Multiple Devices – shortlist:

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for multiple devices
2. Surfshark – Fast and affordable
3. Atlas VPN – Unlimited connections
4. PrivateVPN – Simple VPN for multiple devices
5. ExpressVPN – Premium security
6. Private Internet Access – Huge server base
7. CyberGhost – Well-balanced service

Why You Need a VPN on Multiple Devices

The days of VPNs being only used on computers are long gone. Nowadays, there are many reasons why you would need a VPN on all smart devices in your household. From your PC/laptop to your smartphone and even on your Smart TV, you should consider setting up a VPN on all of these devices. With this in mind, here are the biggest reasons why you need a multi-device VPN:

• Security and Privacy – The most notable feature of VPN services is that they keep you safe and private online. More specifically, by masking your real IP address and running all of your data through an encrypted tunnel, a VPN protects you from anyone trying to learn your true location or see what you’re doing online. So, with a multi-device VPN set up on every device, you don’t have to worry about hackers and other online threats.
• Performance – Apart from increasing your online privacy and security levels, a good VPN can also boost your network performance on multiple devices. If you’re experiencing lag when streaming or gaming, your IP might be throttling your bandwidth. In such cases, routing your network through an encrypted VPN tunnel will help you enjoy better network performance. 
• Unblocking Content – Lastly, if you and your household members frequently stream online content, a multi-device VPN can be a valuable tool. With the ability to switch between any region worldwide, you can access different content libraries in various countries. Plus, as you can bypass region restrictions, you can also open any site in the world, no matter your real geographic location.

Best VPNs for Simultaneous Use on Multiple Devices – our detailed list:

1. NordVPN

One NordVPN subscription account allows you to connect up to six devices simultaneously. It also provides you with access to over 5,300 of NordVPN’s ultra-fast servers spread across 60 countries. All but five of these servers support both the excellent WireGuard protocol and the company’s in-house NordLynx protocol. 

When it comes to the latter, NordLynx is the default protocol on all NordVPN apps and extensions. Speaking of NordVPN apps, you can pick from Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Linux apps. There are also available browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. 

NordVPN has a ton of superb and very valuable features. Some of the best ones include obfuscated servers, Onion Over VPN feature, and a Double VPN tool. There’s also a Threat Protection tool that protects you from malware, ads, and tracking attempts. Of course, you’ll also find standard features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and private DNS.

This industry-leading VPN service is based in Panama, a privacy-friendly nation that isn’t a part of any major international surveillance organization. It doesn’t keep any logs of your activities and even allows you to purchase a subscription using cryptocurrencies, meaning that you can use it freely leaving a minimal online footprint.

Additionally, if you opt for the Nord two-year plan, you can get the service for just under $4. This “NordVPN family plan” is the best VPN for family package you can get and the easiest way to protect your entire household with just one subscription. It’s super-fast, with robust security features, and still very affordable.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the only VPN service apart from Atlas VPN that we recommend on this page that offers an unlimited number of connections per one subscription plan. Considering that its long-term plans are also some of the most affordable ones on the market, Surfshark offers you incredible value for money. 

This fast and light VPN delivers an outstanding network of over 3,200 servers, with at least 1 Gbps port available on every server. Not only that, but it only uses RAM-based servers. If this isn’t enough to sway you, we should highlight that every Surfshark server also comes with private DNS protection and supports a number of protocols, including the WireGuard protocol.

Surfshark offers apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also provides great browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Additionally, the service packs a number of excellent and unique features. Its apps come with tools like Camouflage Mode, No Borders Mode, and CleanWeb. There are also standard safety tools like a kill switch and 256-bit encryption.

The service doesn’t collect any data logs on its users. In addition, it’s based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, which has very favorable online data retention laws.

3. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN delivers a well-balanced server network spanning over 750 servers in 39 locations. All of these servers support the WireGuard protocol, come with private DNS, and are P2P friendly. Not to mention that this VPN allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, making it one of the best multi-device VPNs.

Atlas VPN has created top-performing apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. It also offers dedicated apps for Android TV and Amazon TV. This, coupled with the fact that Atlas VPN offers streaming optimized servers, makes this service an excellent VPN for streaming. 

The service also possesses some awesome privacy and security features. Most notably, these include SafeSwap, MultiHop+, and Tracker Blocker. Its apps also come with a split tunneling feature and a kill switch. One potential deal-breaker for some users is that this VPN is based in the US. However, it has a very strong no-logs policy, so this shouldn’t worry you.

Atlas VPN is not only one of the best multi-device VPNs but also one of the cheapest ones. Plus, it’s also the best VPN to try out for free, as it allows you to sign up for a limited free subscription and use it for as long as you want. If you decide to purchase one of its plans, you can count on a 30-day money-back guarantee on all three subscription plans.

4. PrivateVPN

For users who don’t want a super-sophisticated VPN app but need a solid number of simultaneous supported connections, PrivateVPN is a top pick. With ten simultaneous connections available with each pricing plan, PrivateVPN can cover your entire household.

PrivateVPN numbers over 200 server locations across 63 countries worldwide. More impressive than its server network, this VPN offers an amazing 99.98% uptime. The service supports a number of protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and IKEv2. 

Although it is a fairly simple and streamlined VPN service, PrivateVPN also possesses great unblocking power. This VPN can unblock Netflix, Hulu, HBO, BBC iPlayer, and many more online streaming services.

In terms of security and privacy, PrivateVPN stays true to its name, as it’s very capable of protecting you while connected to one of its servers. It comes with robust 256-bit encryption, a kill switch and doesn’t record any data logs.

Lastly, you can count on a solid selection of supported apps. It is compatible with all commonly-used operating systems. With that in mind, you can choose from Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android apps. While it doesn’t currently offer router apps or browser extensions, PrivateVPN works well on both routers and browsers just through the app.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the top choice of many users who want a robust and stable VPN service. This VPN provider offers 3,000 servers in 90 countries, delivering super-fast speeds for streaming. And, as ExpressVPN is one of the most powerful VPNs in terms of unblocking sites, it works on just about any website and streaming service you can think of. It even works in restrictive countries like China and Russia.

You can connect up to 5 devices simultaneously, which is a bit fewer than what our other recommendations can provide. Still, ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, offering apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux users. 

It even has a “router app” as it allows you to download firmware for a number of supported router models. Naturally, as one of the best VPNs on the market, ExpressVPN also offers a handful of browser extensions. In this case, you can install a Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browser extension.

It is a bit more expensive than its competition, even on a longer subscription plan. That said, it is a premium VPN service well-worth the price. Nevertheless, you’re not really risking anything with this service if you try it, as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is one of the oldest VPNs still operating in the industry. Moreover, it’s also a VPN with the most impressive server network, numbering over 29,000 servers. It’s safe to say that, with this VPN service, you’ll never have a shortage of connection options. What’s more, you can even get a dedicated IP from PIA if you want an IP address only you and your housemates can use. The service allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. 

If these impressive server characteristics aren’t enough, Private Internet Access is one of the fastest VPNs around. It uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, as well as IPSec for its iOS apps. The WireGuard protocol is particularly interesting, as it allows faster and more reliable connections, running on a significantly smaller number of code lines.

The service offers around-the-clock customer support, so you can rely on help anytime if you encounter any issues. Another great thing about PIA is that it features open-source transparency, allowing users to freely inspect the service’s code. It’s safe to say that this level of openness isn’t something you can find in most VPNs.

PIA also supports a wide range of devices and platforms. This includes the four major platforms, Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, as well as the slightly less popular Linux operating system. Not only that, but PIA holds the distinction of opening browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is an excellent all-around multi-device VPN suitable for most general users. It allows you to set up seven simultaneous connections, enough for most households to cover all devices. It also offers a huge network of over 7,500 servers in 113 locations across 91 countries. More than just this, a big percentage of this server number features torrenting-optimized servers. 

CyberGhost is also a very good choice for streamers, as it unblocks a long list of streaming sites across many countries worldwide . Some of the most notable sites CyberGhost can regularly unblock include the US, UK, and German Netflix versions, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Security-wise, CyberGhost doesn’t leave much to be desired.  It uses 256-bit encryption and has an automatic kill switch that prevents any data leaks. It’s also one of the few premium VPNs that offer a free trial. In this case, it’s a very limited service with less than 20 serves to choose from.

It’s also very transparent in terms of which of its servers are virtual and which are actually physically based in the location. This is a great feature for privacy-conscious users who want to avoid virtual VPN servers. Like all top-quality VPNs, CyberGhost also maintains a strict no-logs policy.

When it comes to app support, CyberGhost covers all popular options. You can download an app for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. It even includes a Chrome and Firefox browser extension. 

How to Pick The Most Suitable VPN For All Devices

There are more VPNs out there than ever before. Choosing one VPN over the other can be challenging, as you primarily need a service that will meet all of your needs and requirements. Considering that, let’s take a closer look at the most important things to pay attention to when picking a multi-device VPN service:

• Security Tools – Security is always one of the top aspects to look for when choosing a VPN for any purpose, not just a suitable multi-device service. Some of the essential security tools every VPN should have include strong encryption, a kill switch, and data leak protection, among many others. 
• Privacy Features – In line with the previous feature, a good multi-device VPN should also have solid privacy characteristics. By this, we primarily mean an air-tight privacy policy and a no-logs rule for all user data.
• Server Network – The number of servers the multi-device VPN offers primarily matters in the context of convenience. If you want to have the option of connecting to every corner of the world and choosing from many regional locations, you need a VPN with a large server network.
• Connection Speed – Whether you’re planning on using the VPN on your PC, mobile, or any other smart device, fast connections are one of the most important factors. From this perspective, the seven VPNs we’ve recommended on this page all record above-average connection speed numbers.
• Simultaneous Connections Allowed – While this is the main point of this guide, the number of connections is arguably not as important as the previous factors. Still, if you’re looking for a good multi-device VPN service, you should only consider services that allow five or more simultaneous connections per subscription plan.
• App Quality – Having the option of a huge number of simultaneous connections won’t do you any good if the VPN doesn’t offer you any apps or subpar apps for some devices. So, a top-quality multi-device VPN should support major software platforms and ideally offer browser extensions, TV apps, and even router apps.
• Server Optimization – Apart from offering a good selection of fast servers, a multi-device VPN should ideally also provide a handful of optimized servers for specific activities. For example, streaming and P2P-file sharing optimized servers ensure top performance for these types of online activities.
• Customer Support – Finally, you want to ensure that your multi-device VPN offers reliable customer support. This might not seem as important as the above aspects, but if you have any issues with the VPN down the line, a good customer support service is worth its weight in gold.

How to Set Up a VPN on Multiple Devices

If you’re never set up a VPN service on your device, you might think it’s challenging to do so across all smart gadgets in your household. However, the setup process is very similar across all devices that support VPN services. And, to make sure you know how to set up a VPN on multiple devices, we’ve got just the right step-by-step guide for you. In this regard, here’s how you can set up a VPN on multiple devices:

1. Pick a suitable VPN service
2. Download the appropriate app for the device you want to set it up on
3. Follow the app installation steps when prompted
4. Open up the app and log in
5. Pick a server you want to connect to.

This simple five-step setup process works on any device. In most cases, you won’t have any issues accessing the Internet after completing this setup process. However, if the VPN is still having problems establishing the connection in your browser, try clearing your cookies and cache. After that, refresh the page, and everything should work without a hitch.

Setting up a Multi-Device VPN on a Router

Alternatively, you can set up a VPN directly on your router. That way, all devices connected to the Internet through the same router will automatically enjoy the benefits of a VPN connection. The main advantage of this is that you’re using up just one connection slot to cover your entire network. In other words, you’ve already secured your network and still have enough connections to separately set up VPN apps on other devices.

Having said that, it’s also key to consider the disadvantages of setting up a multi-device VPN on your router. Of course, the most significant disadvantage is that all of the devices connected to that router are tied to the same VPN server as the router. In other words, you can’t access your local content if connected to an abroad server or content in any other region which restricts the VPN location.

Keeping in mind both the pros and cons of setting up a VPN on your router, we should also provide you with proper setup steps on how to do so. Accordingly, here’s how to set up a multi-device VPN on your router:

1. Sign up with a trusted VPN service (We recommend NordVPN)
2. Open up your preferred browser and log in to your router
3. Navigate to the router’s Network tab
4. Fill in all of the details when prompted
5. Connect the device to your router’s network
6. Enjoy a safe and unrestricted Internet across all devices!

All things considered, setting up a VPN on your router is a good option if you don’t mind the lack of flexibility that marks this setup. Otherwise, it’s simply better to pick a VPN that supports unlimited simultaneous connections and just set it up on whichever device you want to use it.

Free VPNs to Use/Avoid on Multiple Devices

The topic of free VPN services is generally a very disputed one. Many people don’t mind using free VPNs. On the other hand, security experts advise users to stay away from free VPN services. The reason for this is that free VPNs are often limited in many key areas you’d want uncompromising features.

Plus, when you’re not paying for a product with money, you’re most likely paying for it with another valuable thing. In the case of free VPNs, this can include many different elements. At best, you’ll be constantly plastered with annoying ads. At worst, your online security might be in danger, as the free VPN might abuse your personal information or sell it to any third party that bids enough for it. 

That said, some premium VPNs offer free plans that are a great way to test out the service or use it indefinitely, in a limited capacity. In our opinion, the only free VPN worth your time and attention is AtlasVPN. Its free subscription covers many of the service’s key features. The only major downside worth keeping in mind is that you’ll have only three servers to pick from and will have to watch for data and bandwidth limits. 

Multi-Device VPN FAQs

Can I share a VPN plan with my family?

Yes, you’re entirely free to share your VPN with anyone you want to. It’s one of the main benefits of multi-device VPNs. Essentially, one subscription acts like a VPN family plan you can share with your household. So, when you have a VPN with unlimited connections, you don’t ever have to worry about reaching a limit.

On how many devices can I use a VPN?

The number of devices you can use your VPN on depends on how many simultaneous connections the VPN you pick offers. For example, if you pick a VPN that offers unlimited devices, you can use that VPN on how many devices you wish. So, if you have a big household, we recommend going with a VPN unlimited devices offer.

What VPNs allow the most users?

AtlasVPN and Surfshark are two VPNs from our list that support unlimited simultaneous connections. So, if you’re looking for a VPN for multiple connections, these two services are hard to beat. 

Do I have to connect all my devices to the same VPN server?

No, you don’t have to connect all of your devices to the same VPN server. As you’ll be using the VPN app separately on each device, you can connect to servers in different parts of the world on each of them. The only case in which all devices will be on the same VPN server is when you set up a VPN through your router. 

Conclusion

VPN services that provide many simultaneous connections and offer apps for the most popular devices and platforms in the industry deliver great convenience and security coverage. Of course, it’s also important to choose the right multi-device VPN service. Hopefully, the detailed information we’ve shared on this page will help you pick the right multi-device VPN for yourself.

To leave you off, we want to mention that we’ve thoroughly tested and reviewed these VPNs before recommending them. So, if you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy VPN for multiple users, you won’t go wrong by going with any of our seven recommendations. That said, keeping in mind everything that we’ve discussed on this page, NordVPN is our top pick as the best multi-device VPN service currently available.