Best VPN Service in 2026: 8 Services Compared

NordVPN is our all-round pick because it combines a large server network, fast speeds in most tests, and useful extras such as Threat Protection for malware and trackers, and Meshnet for private device connections. Its no-logs policy has been audited, and apps are polished across phone, desktop, and TV platforms.

The deal price is not the renewal price. Long-term plans start low, often around $3.49 per month on a deal, then renew at a higher annual rate, so set a calendar reminder before renewal. There is also no free tier and a 10-device limit, though that covers most households. NordVPN suits users who want a complete, reliable VPN.

Surfshark is the best value pick for households with many devices. One plan covers unlimited phones, laptops, tablets, and TVs, which beats the device limits of NordVPN and ExpressVPN. The deal price is also among the lowest here, and the no-logs policy has been audited.

Renewal prices rise after the first term, so check the checkout total before paying. Speeds also vary more by server than NordVPN in some tests. Surfshark suits families, shared households, and anyone with many devices who does not want to count connections.

ExpressVPN is the simplest premium VPN to use. Apps are clean, setup takes minutes, and the Lightway protocol gives fast, stable connections on most networks. Streaming support is strong, and the no-logs policy has been audited repeatedly. For non-technical users, that simplicity is worth paying for.

The price is higher than Surfshark on renewal, and the device limit is lower than unlimited plans. There is no free tier. ExpressVPN suits readers who want the easiest premium experience and do not mind paying more for it, especially for travel and streaming.

Proton VPN is the best privacy-first paid service here. It is based in Switzerland, publishes an audited no-logs policy, and offers open source apps that anyone can inspect. The free tier with unlimited data is genuinely useful, and Plus adds faster servers, streaming support, and more countries.

The free tier is limited to a few servers and one device, and paid speeds can vary at busy times. Proton VPN suits privacy-focused users who want a trustworthy free tier and a paid plan from the same company. If streaming is your main goal, test Plus servers for your services first.

Mullvad is the anonymity pick. It charges a flat 5 euros per month with no deal games, requires no email address, and accepts cash payment by post. That design, plus an audited no-logs policy, makes it the choice for readers who want to minimise personal data handed to a VPN company.

Mullvad is not built for streaming, with fewer servers optimised for that use, and there is no free tier. The server network is also smaller than NordVPN. Mullvad suits privacy purists who value a flat price and minimal account data over streaming extras.

CyberGhost suits beginners and streamers because its apps label servers by streaming service, so you can pick a server for a specific platform without guessing. Apps are easy to use, the deal price is low, and the no-logs policy has been audited. That labelling saves time for viewers.

The renewal price is higher than the deal price, and the device limit of seven is lower than Surfshark unlimited. Speeds also vary by server, so you may need to try a few. CyberGhost suits households that mainly want streaming and simple apps at a low deal price.

Private Internet Access suits power users who like control. Settings for encryption, protocols, split tunnelling, and port forwarding are extensive, apps are open source, and the no-logs policy has been audited and tested in court. Unlimited devices and a low deal price add value.

The interface can feel technical for beginners, and streaming support varies by server and service. Renewal prices also rise. Private Internet Access suits experienced users who want customisation and unlimited devices, and who are comfortable tweaking settings for the best result.

Windscribe is a good paid pick if you already like its free tier. Pro removes the data cap, adds more servers and faster speeds, and keeps built-in ad and tracker blocking. Flexible build-a-plan options let some users pay only for locations they need, though availability varies.

The standard monthly Pro price is higher than long-term deal prices from NordVPN or Surfshark, so Windscribe is best on a longer plan or a custom plan. Free speeds are limited. Windscribe suits users who want a trustworthy free tier to start with and a paid upgrade from the same company.