Best VPN Services (2026)

Compare the best VPN services for privacy, streaming, and security — expert-tested with real speed data.

5 tools tested | Updated monthly | Independent reviews

Buyer's Guide

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and hides your IP address, protecting your privacy online. The best VPNs combine strong encryption with fast speeds, wide server networks, and reliable streaming access. Key factors: speed performance, security protocols (WireGuard vs OpenVPN), no-logs policy (independently audited), streaming compatibility, simultaneous device limits, and jurisdiction.

All VPN Services Reviewed

NordVPN

Rating: 4.7/5 | Editor's Choice | Pricing: From $3.39/mo

Premium VPN with double encryption, Threat Protection, and 6,400+ servers in 111 countries.

  • Double-audited no-logs policy (PwC & Deloitte)
  • 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
  • Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malware

Surfshark

Rating: 4.5/5 | Editor's Choice | Pricing: From $2.19/mo

Best budget VPN with unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocking, and strong streaming access.

  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Lowest price among top-rated VPNs
  • CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware

ExpressVPN

Rating: 4.6/5 | Pricing: From $6.67/mo

Premium high-speed VPN with Lightway protocol, 105 countries coverage, and router support.

  • Fastest speeds in testing via Lightway protocol
  • Servers in 105 countries
  • Excellent native router app (Aircove)

ProtonVPN

Rating: 4.4/5 | Pricing: Free – $9.99/mo

Swiss privacy-first VPN with free tier, open-source clients, and Secure Core architecture.

  • Best free VPN tier (no data limits, no ads)
  • Swiss jurisdiction — strongest privacy laws
  • Open-source clients (publicly auditable)

CyberGhost

Rating: 4.3/5 | Pricing: From $2.19/mo

User-friendly VPN with streaming-optimized servers, 45-day money-back guarantee, and 11,500+ servers.

  • 11,500+ servers — largest VPN network
  • Streaming-optimized servers labeled by service
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Popular Comparisons

Our Testing Methodology

We test VPNs by measuring real-world speeds from 10+ global locations, testing streaming access across Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+, verifying kill switch reliability, running DNS leak tests, and analyzing privacy policies and independent audit reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best vpn services in 2026?

Based on our testing, NordVPN is our top pick with a rating of 4.7/5.

How do we evaluate vpn services?

We test VPNs by measuring real-world speeds from 10+ global locations, testing streaming access across Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+, verifying kill switch reliability, running DNS leak tests, and analyzing privacy policies and independent audit reports.

Are your vpn services reviews independent?

Yes. While we may earn affiliate commissions, our editorial team tests every product independently. Ratings are never influenced by commercial relationships.

How often are reviews updated?

We re-test and update our vpn services reviews at least quarterly to ensure accuracy.

How does NordVPN compare to Surfshark?

NordVPN (4.7/5) and Surfshark (4.5/5) are both top-rated. Read our detailed comparison for a side-by-side breakdown.