A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection and masks your real location. In 2026, with increasing data breaches, ISP tracking, and geo-restrictions, a reliable VPN has become an essential tool for anyone who values online privacy.
We tested 23 VPN services over 3 months, measuring real-world speeds across 50+ servers, testing streaming access on 8 platforms, and evaluating security features. Here are our top picks.
Quick Comparison
| VPN | Monthly Price | Speed Score | Streaming | Devices | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | $3.39/mo (2yr) | 9.4/10 | All platforms | 10 | Best overall |
| Surfshark | $2.19/mo (2yr) | 9.0/10 | All platforms | Unlimited | Best budget |
| ExpressVPN | $6.67/mo (1yr) | 9.2/10 | All platforms | 8 | Easiest to use |
| Mullvad | $5.50/mo | 8.8/10 | Limited | 5 | Maximum privacy |
| Proton VPN | $4.49/mo (2yr) | 8.5/10 | Most platforms | 10 | Open source |
Our Top Picks Explained
NordVPN — Best Overall
NordVPN has held the top spot in our rankings for three consecutive years, and 2026 is no different. Their proprietary NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) consistently delivers the fastest speeds we’ve measured — averaging 890 Mbps on a 1 Gbps connection.
Beyond speed, NordVPN offers Threat Protection Pro, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the VPN level. This feature alone makes NordVPN worth considering even if you only use public Wi-Fi occasionally.
At $3.39/month on a 2-year plan, it’s competitively priced for the features offered. NordVPN operates under Panamanian jurisdiction, outside the 14 Eyes surveillance alliance, and has completed multiple independent security audits.
Surfshark — Best Budget Option
Surfshark offers remarkable value at $2.19/month. The standout feature is unlimited simultaneous connections — one subscription covers every device in your household. For families, this is a significant cost advantage.
Performance is excellent, with speeds averaging 830 Mbps in our tests. Surfshark reliably unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and most major streaming platforms across multiple countries.
The CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers effectively, though not quite as comprehensively as NordVPN’s Threat Protection. For the price difference, most users won’t notice.
ExpressVPN — Easiest to Use
ExpressVPN is the premium option with the most polished user experience across all platforms. If you want a VPN that “just works” with minimal configuration, ExpressVPN is hard to beat.
Their Lightway protocol offers speeds comparable to WireGuard, and the app design is intuitive enough for complete beginners. The one-tap connection and smart server selection mean you don’t need any technical knowledge.
At $6.67/month, it’s the most expensive on our list, which is why it ranks third despite excellent performance. The higher price is justified if you value ease of use and are willing to pay a premium for the best user experience.
How We Test VPNs
Our testing methodology covers four key areas. For speed, we test download and upload speeds on servers in 10 countries using standardized 1 Gbps connections. For streaming, we attempt to access Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu from 5 different virtual locations. For security, we verify encryption standards, check for DNS/IP leaks, and review the provider’s privacy policy and audit history. For usability, we evaluate the app experience across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux.
The Bottom Line
For most people, NordVPN or Surfshark will provide the best experience. If budget is your primary concern, Surfshark’s $2.19/month with unlimited devices is unbeatable. If you want the best performance and most features, NordVPN at $3.39/month is worth the small premium.
Avoid free VPNs — the security and privacy risks far outweigh the cost savings of a $2-3/month paid service.
Pricing as of February 2026. VPN testing conducted December 2025 - February 2026. We may earn affiliate commissions from some links, which helps fund our testing but never influences our rankings.