Best VPN Services 2026

NordVPN remains the VPN to beat in 2026. In our speed tests across 50 server locations, NordVPN delivered an average speed loss of just 6% on the NordLynx protocol, making it the fastest VPN we have ever tested. Their post-quantum encryption (already deployed across the full network) future-proofs your privacy against quantum computing threats that other providers are only beginning to address.

Threat Protection Pro, Nord's built-in ad and malware blocker, has matured into a genuinely useful security layer that works even when the VPN tunnel is disconnected. NordVPN unblocked every streaming platform we tested, including Netflix (15 regions), Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Multiple independent audits by Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers confirm the no-logs policy.

Surfshark offers something no other top-tier VPN does: unlimited simultaneous device connections at the lowest price in the premium tier. At $1.99/mo on a 2-year plan, you can protect every device in your household without worrying about connection limits. This alone makes Surfshark the best value VPN on the market.

Performance is strong, with speeds averaging 12% loss in our tests. The CleanWeb ad blocker effectively strips ads and trackers from your browsing. Surfshark's MultiHop feature routes traffic through two VPN servers for extra privacy, and their Camouflage Mode disguises VPN traffic to work in restrictive networks. Streaming unblocking is reliable across Netflix, Disney+, and most major platforms.

Proton VPN is built by the team behind ProtonMail and operates under Swiss privacy law, widely considered the strongest in the world. Every Proton VPN app is fully open-source and has undergone independent security audits. Their Secure Core feature routes traffic through hardened servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before exiting, providing protection even if an exit server is compromised.

The Stealth protocol, designed to bypass VPN blocking in countries like China and Iran, has proven effective in our testing. Proton VPN also boasts the largest server network on this list at 16,900+ servers across 112 countries. Their free tier is genuinely usable with no data limits, no ads, and no logs, making it the best free VPN available. The paid plans add streaming support, P2P, Secure Core, and the full server network.

ExpressVPN is the premium option on this list, and the polish shows. The apps are beautifully designed across every platform, with one-tap connection, smart location selection, and the fastest live chat support in the VPN industry (average response: 28 seconds). ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol is fast and efficient, and they have deployed post-quantum protection across their network.

Where ExpressVPN truly excels is streaming consistency. In our six months of testing, ExpressVPN was the only VPN that unblocked every streaming platform in every test, with zero failures across Netflix (20+ regions), Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and more. It also works reliably in China, Turkey, and the UAE. The higher price is the main drawback, but for users who prioritize a seamless experience, ExpressVPN delivers.

PIA has proven its no-logs policy in court not once but twice, when subpoenaed by the FBI and the US government for user data and having nothing to hand over. For torrent users this is the ultimate reassurance. PIA supports port forwarding on every server, which dramatically improves torrent speeds, and offers the largest server network of any VPN at 18,600+ servers across 91 countries.

The apps are highly customizable, letting advanced users tweak encryption levels, protocols, DNS settings, and kill switch behavior. PIA now offers unlimited simultaneous connections, matching Surfshark's generosity. The trade-off is a less intuitive interface that can overwhelm beginners, and streaming unblocking is less consistent than the top four picks.

CyberGhost is the most beginner-friendly VPN we tested. The app organizes servers into clear categories: "For Streaming" (with specific platform labels like "Netflix US" or "BBC iPlayer"), "For Torrenting," and "For Gaming." This removes the guesswork that trips up first-time VPN users. The interface is clean and one-click simple.

With 11,500+ servers in 100 countries, CyberGhost has excellent geographic coverage. Their 45-day money-back guarantee is the longest of any major VPN, giving you nearly seven weeks to test. The NoSpy servers, located in CyberGhost's own Romanian data center, provide extra security for the privacy-conscious. Speeds are good on nearby servers but can be inconsistent on distant connections.

IPVanish owns and operates its entire server network rather than renting, giving it full control over infrastructure security. This makes it a favorite among Kodi and Fire TV Stick users, with a dedicated app that is among the best on those platforms. IPVanish excels at unblocking sports streaming services and offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Speeds are solid on US servers but less impressive internationally. The interface has improved significantly in 2025-2026 but still trails the top-tier providers in polish.

Mullvad is the privacy purist's VPN. You can sign up without providing an email address, and they accept cash payments mailed in an envelope. The flat €5/month price with no long-term discounts keeps the model simple and honest. Mullvad was among the first VPNs to adopt WireGuard and has deployed post-quantum tunneling on its network. The apps are open-source, independently audited, and stripped of unnecessary features. The trade-off is a small server network (700+), no streaming optimization, and no mobile-first design. Mullvad is built for privacy, not convenience.

Windscribe's R.O.B.E.R.T. feature is the most comprehensive ad, tracker, and malware blocker built into any VPN. It lets you create custom blocklists, block specific categories (ads, malware, social trackers, gambling, etc.), and works at the DNS level for system-wide protection. The Build-A-Plan pricing model lets you pay only for the server locations you need at $1 each. Windscribe's free tier offers 10 GB/month across 10 countries. Speeds and streaming unblocking are adequate but not class-leading, and the smaller server network limits options for distant connections.

Hide.me offers one of the most generous free VPN tiers available: 10 GB/month, no ads, no logs, and access to 8 server locations. The paid plans expand to 2,400+ servers in 82 countries with unlimited bandwidth and 10 simultaneous connections. Based in Malaysia (no data retention laws), Hide.me has been independently audited and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Performance is middle-of-the-road, and streaming unblocking is hit-or-miss. Hide.me is a solid, trustworthy option that punches above its weight, particularly on the free tier.