Best VPN Services in 2026: Complete Comparison Guide
Choosing the right VPN can feel overwhelming — there are hundreds of providers, each claiming to be the “fastest” or “most secure.” We cut through the noise.
We’ve tested over 30 VPN services on speed, security, privacy policies, streaming capabilities, and value for money. Here are our top picks for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| VPN | Rating | Speed | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent | $3.49/mo | Overall best |
| Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | Very Good | $2.29/mo | Budget pick |
| ExpressVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | Excellent | $6.67/mo | Streaming |
| ProtonVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good | $4.99/mo | Privacy purists |
| CyberGhost | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good | $2.19/mo | Beginners |
1. NordVPN — Best Overall VPN in 2026
NordVPN consistently ranks as the top VPN service, and for good reason. With over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, it offers unmatched coverage and reliability.
Key Features
- Double VPN — Routes traffic through two servers for extra encryption
- Threat Protection Pro — Blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Meshnet — Create your own private network between devices
- NordLynx protocol — Built on WireGuard, delivers blazing speeds
- Strict no-logs policy — Independently audited by Deloitte
Speed Test Results
In our testing, NordVPN delivered:
- Download: 890 Mbps (on a 1 Gbps connection)
- Upload: 420 Mbps
- Latency: +3ms average increase
Streaming
NordVPN unblocks:
- ✅ Netflix (US, UK, Japan, 15+ libraries)
- ✅ Disney+
- ✅ BBC iPlayer
- ✅ Amazon Prime Video
- ✅ Hulu
- Fastest speeds we tested
- Excellent security features
- Works with all major streaming platforms
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Slightly more expensive than budget options
- Occasional slow connections in peak hours
- Desktop app can feel cluttered
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 2-year plan | $3.49/mo | 68% off |
| 1-year plan | $4.99/mo | 57% off |
| Monthly | $12.99/mo | — |
Our verdict: NordVPN is the best all-around VPN for 2026. It excels in speed, security, and streaming — the holy trinity of VPN features.
🔒 Get NordVPN — 68% Off + 3 Months Free
Affiliate link — we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
2. Surfshark — Best Budget VPN
Surfshark proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune on a VPN. At just $2.29/month, it offers features that rival services costing three times as much.
Key Features
- Unlimited devices — One subscription covers your entire household
- CleanWeb — Built-in ad and malware blocker
- MultiHop — Route through multiple countries
- Camouflage Mode — Hides the fact you’re using a VPN
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Speed Test Results
- Download: 780 Mbps
- Upload: 380 Mbps
- Latency: +5ms average increase
Why It’s the Budget Pick
The unlimited device policy is a game-changer. Most VPNs limit you to 5-10 connections. With Surfshark, your entire family can be protected under one plan.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Incredibly affordable
- Strong security features
- Works with Netflix, Disney+, etc.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Speeds slightly below NordVPN
- Smaller server network
- Some servers can be inconsistent
Pricing
| Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2-year plan | $2.29/mo |
| 1-year plan | $3.99/mo |
| Monthly | $15.45/mo |
3. ExpressVPN — Best for Streaming
ExpressVPN has long been the go-to choice for streaming enthusiasts. It reliably unblocks virtually every streaming platform, even in countries with heavy censorship.
Key Features
- Lightway protocol — Custom-built for speed
- TrustedServer technology — RAM-only servers (no hard drives)
- 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
- Split tunneling — Choose which apps use the VPN
- 24/7 live chat support
Streaming Performance
ExpressVPN has the highest streaming success rate in our testing:
- ✅ Netflix (30+ libraries)
- ✅ Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max
- ✅ BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub
- ✅ Amazon Prime Video (all regions)
- ✅ DAZN, Peacock, Paramount+
- Best streaming unblocking rate
- Consistent high speeds globally
- RAM-only servers for extra security
- Excellent apps on all platforms
- Works in China
- Most expensive option
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
- No dedicated IP option
📺 Get ExpressVPN — 49% Off + 3 Months Free
4. ProtonVPN — Best for Privacy
ProtonVPN comes from the team behind ProtonMail. Based in Switzerland (outside the 14 Eyes alliance), it’s the top choice if privacy is your #1 priority.
Key Features
- Swiss jurisdiction — Strong privacy laws
- Open-source apps — Fully transparent and audited
- Secure Core — Routes through privacy-friendly countries
- Free tier available — No data limits (rare!)
- No-logs policy — Independently audited
Why Privacy Enthusiasts Love It
ProtonVPN is one of the few VPN providers that are fully open-source. Every app has been independently audited, and their infrastructure runs on Secure Core servers in Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden.
How We Test VPNs
Our testing methodology includes:
- Speed tests — We test each VPN on a 1 Gbps fiber connection across 10+ server locations
- Security audit — We check for DNS leaks, WebRTC leaks, and IPv6 leaks
- Privacy policy review — We read the full privacy policy and check for independent audits
- Streaming tests — We test 15+ streaming platforms monthly
- Real-world usage — We use each VPN as our daily driver for at least 2 weeks
Do You Actually Need a VPN?
Yes, if you:
- Use public WiFi (coffee shops, airports, hotels)
- Want to access geo-restricted content
- Value your online privacy
- Live in or travel to countries with internet censorship
- Want to prevent your ISP from tracking your browsing
Maybe not, if you:
- Only browse at home on a trusted network
- Don’t care about geo-restricted content
- Are on a very tight budget (consider ProtonVPN’s free tier)
Frequently Asked Questions
Are VPNs legal?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries. Exceptions include China (restricted), Russia (restricted), and a handful of others. Using a VPN for illegal activities is still illegal, regardless of the VPN.
Can I use a free VPN instead?
We generally don’t recommend free VPNs (except ProtonVPN). Most free VPNs make money by selling your data — the exact opposite of what a VPN should do. If budget is a concern, Surfshark at $2.29/month is the best value.
Will a VPN slow down my internet?
Slightly, yes. But with modern VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, the difference is barely noticeable. Expect a 5-15% speed reduction on nearby servers.
Last updated: February 2026. We update this guide monthly to ensure accuracy.