A VPN, or virtual private network, is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve online privacy and security. Whether you’re protecting yourself on public Wi-Fi, hiding your IP address from trackers, or accessing region-locked content while traveling, a VPN encrypts internet traffic and adds an important layer of protection. With hundreds of VPNs competing for attention, separating the genuinely good services from the mediocre ones can be overwhelming. Our hands-on testing has narrowed the field to the best options for 2026, covering overall performance, value, privacy, free use, and travel.
Key facts and top picks
- Best VPN overall: NordVPN
- Best VPN runner-up: ExpressVPN
- Best cheap VPN: Surfshark
- Best cheap VPN runner-up: Private Internet Access
- Best free VPN: Proton VPN
- Best VPN for privacy: Mullvad
- Best VPN for travelers: CyberGhost
When looking for the best VPN, look for trustworthy privacy practices, strong connection speeds, reliable streaming access, and a large, well-distributed server network. Every VPN featured below delivers on those essentials and adds something extra to stand out. Our reviewers have decades of experience testing security software and hardware, and we never recommend a product we would not use ourselves.
NordVPN – Best VPN overall
Price: Basic plan from $3.39 a month for 2 years. Usually $12.99 a month.
Pros
- Tons of VPN configuration options
- Outstanding speeds
- Included antivirus and password manager
Cons
- Expensive
Who should use NordVPN? NordVPN is a top choice for almost everyone. It combines strong privacy protections, fast speeds, and an extensive server network into an easy-to-use app. In speed testing, NordVPN averaged about 72 percent of the base internet speed across all servers, making it one of the fastest VPNs we have ever measured.
The service runs regularly on RAM-only diskless servers, which adds security and helps keep user data anonymous. Independent audits have also confirmed its no-log policy. For power users, NordVPN includes advanced features like Tor-over-VPN, multi-hop connections, Meshnet file sharing, ad and malware blocking, a password manager, and a link-checker safety tool. It also works with all major streaming services.
Further considerations: NordVPN’s main downside is cost. Even with long-term discounts, it can be pricier than many competitors. However, you get a complete security package, and the performance and feature set justify the expense for most users.
ExpressVPN – Best VPN runner-up
Price: Plans from $3.49 a month for 2 years plus 4 free months. Promotional pricing is sometimes available around $2.79 a month.
Pros
- Excellent speeds
- Unblocks all streaming services
- Great security and privacy practices
Cons
- More expensive than other VPNs
- Light on extra security features
Who should use ExpressVPN? ExpressVPN is a strong runner-up because it is simple for beginners while still offering advanced options such as split tunneling, protocol optimization, and a kill switch. It has one of the broadest device support networks we have seen, with up to 14 simultaneous device connections depending on your subscription tier.
Further considerations: ExpressVPN supports smart DNS for set-top boxes, consoles, and other devices. Its Lightway protocol has been upgraded with a Turbo mode that boosts speeds on many servers. The company has also added ad and tracker blocking and a password manager to its broader security offering. ExpressVPN has passed multiple third-party audits and has a strong privacy track record. While it is not the cheapest VPN, the overall value is excellent.
Surfshark – Best cheap VPN
Price: From $1.88 a month for 2 years plus 3 free months. Usually $15.45 a month.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Tons of extra features
- Low price on long-term plans
Cons
- Expensive month-to-month plans
- Large portion of global servers are virtual
Who should use Surfshark? Surfshark is one of the best all-around budget VPNs. It combines fast speeds, a rich feature set, and strong privacy credentials with independent audits of its no-log policy. A single subscription covers unlimited devices, and it includes customizable dynamic multi-hop connections, identity protection alerts, and antivirus features.
The two-year plan is an especially good value, often working out to just over $2 per month. That price is remarkably low for a premium VPN with this level of functionality. If you want to save money without giving up performance or tools, Surfshark is an excellent pick.
Further considerations: Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which has strong privacy laws but is a member of the 14 Eyes data-sharing alliance. The company’s independently verified no-logs policy should protect user data, but privacy-conscious buyers may want to keep this in mind.
Private Internet Access – Best cheap VPN runner-up
Price: From $2.19 a month for 2 years plus 2 free months. Usually $11.99 a month.
Pros
- Multiple independently verified no-log audits
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Vast server network
Cons
- App is a little clunky
- Speeds are fairly pedestrian
Who should use Private Internet Access? Private Internet Access (PIA) has been around for years and continues to improve. It has repeatedly undergone independent audits confirming its no-log policy. PIA offers unlimited device connections and a server network that claims more than 35,000 servers, giving users plenty of options globally.
It is especially suited for users who want deep customization. The app allows a lot of tweaking, and the long-term pricing is among the most affordable in the industry. However, the interface can feel dated, and measured speeds are not as fast as some competitors.
Further considerations: Despite its huge server count, PIA covers fewer country locations than some rivals. But for the price, it is a strong choice for budget-conscious users who need flexible settings and unlimited connections.
Proton VPN – Best free VPN
Price: From $4.49 per month for 2 years. Free VPN available.
Pros
- Excellent privacy and transparency
- Strong catalog of security features
- Unrivaled free plan
- Good connection speeds
Cons
- Premium plans aren’t the cheapest
- Not all features available across apps
Who should use Proton VPN? Proton VPN’s free tier is the best free VPN option we have tested. It has no ads and comes with fewer restrictions than most free services. Free users get a one-device connection limit and access to ten servers around the world. Speeds are surprisingly good, and there are no monthly data limits on free servers.
Free users can stream video and browse securely without paying, though the free servers do not promise to work with Netflix. The paid version adds more servers, features, and device connections. Proton VPN also benefits from the broader Proton ecosystem, which includes a privacy-focused email service. Independent audits have confirmed the no-log policy for both paid and free plans.
Further considerations: Premium pricing is on the higher side, so it is worth trying the free version first. The free plan is excellent for light use, but frequent travelers or users needing maximum device coverage should consider the paid tiers.
Mullvad – Best VPN for privacy
Price: $5.26 a month (€5) flat fee, regardless of commitment length.
Pros
- Exceptional privacy protections
- Strong security features
- Fast connection speeds
- Transparent and trustworthy company practices
Cons
- Weak streaming support
- Relatively small server network
- Lacks extra features
Who should use Mullvad? Mullvad is the best VPN for privacy-focused users. It does not ask for your email address or name. Instead, it assigns a random account number to identify you. Payments can be made by credit card, PayPal, or anonymous cash sent through the mail. Mullvad has a strict no-logs policy and does not collect identifying metadata, all confirmed by multiple independent audits.
Mullvad is built around one goal: protecting user privacy. It also ranks among the top five VPNs for speed in our tests. The flat monthly fee makes it affordable for short-term use, but long-term value is lower than services that offer substantial multiyear discounts.
Further considerations: Streaming support is weak compared with other top VPNs, and the server network is smaller than rivals. If bypassing geo-restrictions is critical, you may prefer another option. If privacy is the priority, Mullvad is unmatched.
CyberGhost – Best VPN for travelers
Price: $2.19 a month for 2 years plus 2 free months. Usually $12.99 a month.
Pros
- Enormous global server network
- Independently verified no-log policy
- Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Server speeds can be hit-or-miss
- Lacks extra security features offered by competitors
Who should use CyberGhost? Travelers will appreciate CyberGhost’s massive network of more than 11,500 servers across 100+ countries. The service offers optimized server profiles for gaming, streaming, and torrenting, as well as secure physical “NoSpy” servers located in its home offices in Romania. This broad coverage makes it easier to find a nearby server almost anywhere in the world.
CyberGhost has a well-designed Windows app that is easy to navigate. It does not include power-user features like multi-hop or IP rotation, but most users will not need them. In testing, European servers delivered excellent speeds, while some Asian servers were slower. The service is upgrading its network to 10Gbps, so speeds should improve.
Further considerations: The 45-day money-back guarantee is generous and gives travelers time to test the service. For anyone who needs diverse server locations and reliable connections while abroad, CyberGhost is a solid choice.
Other VPNs we liked
Several other VPNs are worth considering if the top picks do not fit your needs.
- PrivadoVPN: A strong overall service with a standout free plan that is second only to Proton VPN. The server network is smaller, and it has fewer extra features.
- Windscribe Pro: Great security, with a Windows client and browser extension that work together to block ads and protect privacy. It also has a decent free version, but the interface can be confusing and the server network is limited.
- Hide.me: A well-rounded service with many configurable settings for power users. Latest speed tests show inconsistent results, and the Windows app can be tricky for newcomers.
- IPVanish: This US-based VPN covers the basics well, with decent speeds, a large server network, and independent audits. However, streaming unblocking is not its strongest area, and the monthly price is high.
- Norton VPN: A simple and effective VPN from a trusted security company. It has an easy-to-use interface and recent upgrades to its features and privacy commitments, but only yearly pricing is offered and the server network is still small.
How to choose the best VPN
Start with the server network. A VPN with at least 1,000 servers and 30 or more country locations will generally provide good coverage. Next, consider speed. Look for reviews that give relative average speeds rather than raw Mbps numbers, since raw numbers can be misleading.
Privacy is also critical. Check whether the VPN has a no-logs policy, has undergone independent audits, and is located in a country with favorable privacy laws. Finally, compare pricing. Some VPNs are expensive month-to-month but become very affordable with long-term plans. Look for deals around major shopping events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday.
VPN features you should care about
Not every extra feature is essential. These are the ones that matter most.
Kill switch
A kill switch automatically blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops, preventing your online activity from being exposed.
Split tunneling
Split tunneling lets you choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which goes directly to the internet, so activities like gaming are not slowed down by encryption.
Multi-hop
Multi-hop routes your traffic through two or more VPN servers, adding an extra layer of privacy. It is useful on public Wi-Fi or when you need extra anonymity.
Protocols
The VPN protocol determines how traffic moves between your device and the VPN server. OpenVPN and WireGuard are the most common options. WireGuard is generally the best choice for most users because it is fast, secure, and open source.
Best VPN FAQ
What is the best VPN?
NordVPN is our pick for the best VPN. It offers fast speeds, a large server network, and the most features of any service we have tested. No other VPN currently provides as much value.
What is the best cheap VPN?
Surfshark is our pick for the best cheap VPN. It has great speeds, strong privacy protections, and a robust feature set. Long-term plans deliver all of that for just over $2 per month.
What is a VPN?
A VPN creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet. Your web traffic is routed through a remote server, making it appear as though you are browsing from that server’s location. This protects your activity from your internet service provider and other third parties.
Can I be tracked with a VPN?
A VPN reduces tracking and hides your traffic from your ISP, but it does not make you completely anonymous. Websites can still track you through cookies, and logging into accounts reveals your identity. VPNs are one privacy tool, not a complete solution.
Will a VPN protect me on public Wi-Fi?
Yes. A VPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address, making it much harder for hackers to intercept your traffic on public Wi-Fi. It is especially effective against man-in-the-middle attacks. However, you should still use strong passwords and two-factor authentication.
Will a VPN slow down my internet?
Yes, most VPNs will cause a moderate speed decrease due to encryption and rerouting. The impact is larger when you connect to a server far away. Modern VPNs with high-performance networks, like the ones on this list, generally provide fast and reliable connections with little noticeable slowdown.
Source: PCWorld News