Best VPN
We tested and ranked the top vpn of 2026. A VPN should be fast, private and audited — not just cheap. We test speeds, verify no-logs claims and track every renewal-price trick so you can choose a VPN with confidence and lock in the best deal.
At a glance
| # | Product | Rating | From | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NordVPN | 4.7 /5 Rated 4.7 out of 5 | from $3.39/mo | Excellent speeds | Deal |
| 2 | ExpressVPN | 4.6 /5 Rated 4.6 out of 5 | from $4.99/mo | Rock-solid reliability | Deal |
| 3 | Surfshark | 4.5 /5 Rated 4.5 out of 5 | from $2.19/mo | Unbeatable value | Deal |
| 4 | Proton VPN | 4.5 /5 Rated 4.5 out of 5 | from $4.49/mo | Strong privacy reputation | Visit |
| 5 | Mullvad VPN | 4.4 /5 Rated 4.4 out of 5 | from $5.5/mo | Maximum anonymity | Visit |
| 6 | CyberGhost | 4.2 /5 Rated 4.2 out of 5 | from $2.03/mo | Easy for first-timers | Deal |
| 7 | Private Internet Access | 4.1 /5 Rated 4.1 out of 5 | from $2.03/mo | Court-tested privacy | Visit |
| 8 | Windscribe | 4.1 /5 Rated 4.1 out of 5 | from $5.75/mo | Great free plan | Visit |
| 9 | IPVanish | 4.0 /5 Rated 4.0 out of 5 | from $2.19/mo | Good speeds | Visit |
The 9 best, reviewed
Fast, audited VPN with a huge server network and extra security tools.
Pros
- +Excellent speeds
- +Independently audited
- +Great app UX
Cons
- –Price jumps on renewal
- –Desktop app can be heavy
Premium VPN praised for reliability, speed and easy apps.
Pros
- +Rock-solid reliability
- +Unblocks most streaming
- +Best-in-class support
Cons
- –More expensive
- –Fewer simultaneous devices
Budget-friendly VPN with unlimited device connections.
Pros
- +Unbeatable value
- +Unlimited connections
Cons
- –Speeds vary by server
Privacy-first VPN from the makers of Proton Mail, with a free tier.
Pros
- +Strong privacy reputation
- +Genuinely usable free plan
Cons
- –Smaller server network
Anonymous, flat-rate VPN you can pay for without an account.
Pros
- +Maximum anonymity
- +No tiered pricing games
Cons
- –No streaming focus
- –No discounts
Beginner-friendly VPN with streaming-optimized servers.
Pros
- +Easy for first-timers
- +Long refund window
Cons
- –Mixed long-distance speeds
Highly configurable VPN with a proven no-logs court record.
Pros
- +Court-tested privacy
- +Deep customization
Cons
- –US jurisdiction
- –Dated UI
Flexible VPN with a generous free tier and a build-a-plan option.
Pros
- +Great free plan
- +Pay only for what you need
Cons
- –Smaller network
- –Inconsistent streaming
Speed-oriented VPN with unlimited connections and SOCKS5 proxy.
Pros
- +Good speeds
- +Unlimited connections
Cons
- –US-based jurisdiction
Best VPN FAQ
What is the best vpn overall?
NordVPN tops our list with a 4.7/5 rating thanks to excellent speeds. The runner-up is ExpressVPN (4.6/5).
How did you rank these vpn?
We score each product on features, performance, value and support based on hands-on testing, then rank by overall rating. The list is refreshed as products and pricing change.
Are there free options on this list?
Most options here are paid, though several offer trials. Check each review for current trial terms.