BestSoftwarePicks

Best VPN Services of 2026

We tested and compared the top VPN services on speed, security, streaming access, privacy, and value. Here are our picks for the best VPNs you can buy right now.

Tested March 2026

Quick Comparison

#1 NordVPN
9.4
6 400 servers 10 devices $3.09/mo
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#2 ExpressVPN
9.2
3 000 servers 8 devices $6.67/mo
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#3 Surfshark
9
3 200 servers Unlimited devices $2.19/mo
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#4 Proton VPN
8.8
4 600 servers 10 devices $3.59/mo
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#5 CyberGhost
8.5
11 500 servers 7 devices $2.19/mo
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Our Top VPN Picks

1

NordVPN

Panama · Since 2012

9.4
/ 10

Best overall VPN with the strongest security features and fastest speeds.

Servers 6 400+
Countries 111
Devices 10
Best price $3.09/mo
  • Fastest speeds in our tests
  • Massive server network (6,400+ servers in 111 countries)
  • Independently audited no-logs policy
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2

ExpressVPN

British Virgin Islands · Since 2009

9.2
/ 10

Premium VPN with excellent speeds and the widest device compatibility.

Servers 3 000+
Countries 105
Devices 8
Best price $6.67/mo
  • Consistently fast speeds across all locations
  • Lightway protocol (proprietary, fast, and secure)
  • RAM-only servers (TrustedServer technology)
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3

Surfshark

Netherlands · Since 2018

9
/ 10

Best value VPN with unlimited devices and strong privacy features.

Servers 3 200+
Countries 100
Devices Unlimited
Best price $2.19/mo
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Very affordable long-term plans
  • CleanWeb ad and malware blocker
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4

Proton VPN

Switzerland · Since 2017

8.8
/ 10

Best VPN for privacy with a generous free plan and Swiss jurisdiction.

Servers 4 600+
Countries 91
Devices 10
Best price $3.59/mo
  • Best free VPN plan (no data limits, no ads)
  • Based in Switzerland (strong privacy laws)
  • Fully open-source and independently audited
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5

CyberGhost

Romania · Since 2011

8.5
/ 10

User-friendly VPN with dedicated streaming and gaming servers.

Servers 11 500+
Countries 100
Devices 7
Best price $2.19/mo
  • Dedicated streaming and gaming servers
  • Huge server network (11,500+ servers)
  • 45-day money-back guarantee (longest in the industry)
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How We Chose the Best VPNs

We evaluated each VPN across seven categories: speed, security, streaming access, ease of use, server network, value for money, and customer support. Each category is weighted based on its importance to most users, with security and speed carrying the most weight.

All VPNs were tested on the same hardware and internet connection to ensure fair comparisons. We ran multiple tests over several weeks to account for performance variations. For our full testing process, see our testing methodology.

What to Look for in a VPN

Not all VPNs are created equal. Here are the key factors to consider:

  • Speed: A good VPN should have minimal impact on your connection speed. Look for VPNs that support modern protocols like WireGuard.
  • Security: At minimum, your VPN should use AES-256 encryption, have a kill switch, and protect against DNS leaks. An independently audited no-logs policy is a strong trust signal.
  • Server network: More servers in more countries means better performance and more options for bypassing geo-restrictions.
  • Streaming: If you want to access content from other countries, make sure the VPN reliably works with Netflix, Disney+, and other services.
  • Price: Long-term plans (1-2 years) offer significantly better value than monthly billing. Most premium VPNs cost $3-7/month on annual plans.
  • Device support: Check how many simultaneous connections are allowed and which platforms are supported.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best VPN in 2026?
Based on our testing, NordVPN is the best overall VPN in 2026. It offers the fastest speeds, a massive server network of 6,400+ servers in 111 countries, and strong security features including an independently audited no-logs policy. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are excellent alternatives.
Is a VPN worth paying for?
Yes. A paid VPN provides significantly better speeds, security, and privacy compared to free alternatives. Free VPNs often have data limits, fewer servers, and may log your activity or show ads. A premium VPN like NordVPN costs around $3/month on a 2-year plan, which is a small price for online privacy.
Are VPNs legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries, including the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Japan. However, some countries restrict or ban VPN use, including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Always check the laws in your country before using a VPN.
Do VPNs slow down your internet?
All VPNs add some overhead due to encryption, but the best VPNs minimize this impact. In our tests, NordVPN slowed speeds by only 5-10% on nearby servers. Modern protocols like WireGuard and NordLynx have dramatically improved VPN speeds compared to older protocols.
Can a VPN be hacked?
While no technology is 100% unhackable, reputable VPNs use military-grade AES-256 encryption that is practically unbreakable with current technology. The bigger concern is the VPN provider itself. Choose VPNs that have been independently audited and have a verified no-logs policy.
Which VPN works best for streaming Netflix?
NordVPN and ExpressVPN are the most reliable VPNs for streaming Netflix. Both consistently unblock Netflix US, UK, and other regional libraries. They also work with Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. CyberGhost also offers dedicated streaming-optimized servers.

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