Best VPN Services of 2026

Privacy, speed, streaming — we tested 30+ VPNs to find the best.

How We Test VPN Services

•Speed & Performance — Download/upload speeds across servers in North America, Europe, and Asia
•Privacy & Security — Encryption standards, no-logs policies, and independent audit reports
•Streaming & Unblocking — Access to Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime
•Ease of Use — Apps on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android evaluated
#1
📦
Best Overall

NordVPN

Best overall VPN for privacy and streaming

Pros
  • ✓6,300+ servers in 111 countries — largest network available
  • ✓NordLynx protocol delivers industry-leading speeds
  • ✓Threat Protection blocks malware, ads, and trackers
Cons
  • ✗No free version available
  • ✗Higher renewal price after first subscription term
  • ✗Linux app lacks some features found in Windows/Mac versions
Server Count: 6,300+Countries: 111Simultaneous Connections: 10Protocols: NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
9.7/10Overall Rating
From $3.99/mo
#2
📦
Runner Up

ExpressVPN

Best premium VPN with excellent streaming support

Pros
  • ✓Lightway protocol delivers excellent speed and battery efficiency
  • ✓Works with every major streaming service, zero blocks in testing
  • ✓Verified no-logs policy with multiple independent audits
Cons
  • ✗More expensive than competitors with similar features
  • ✗Fewer simultaneous connections (8) than NordVPN or Surfshark
  • ✗No dedicated IP option included in base plan
Server Count: 3,000+Countries: 105Simultaneous Connections: 8Protocols: Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2
9.5/10Overall Rating
From $6.67/mo
#3
📦
Also Great

Surfshark

Best value VPN with unlimited device connections

Pros
  • ✓Unlimited simultaneous device connections — protect every device
  • ✓Best bang-for-your-buck at $2.49/month with feature-rich plans
  • ✓CleanWeb 2.0 blocks ads, malware, and phishing at DNS level
Cons
  • ✗Speed inconsistency on some less popular server locations
  • ✗Based in the Netherlands (Nine Eyes alliance country)
  • ✗No dedicated IP option available yet
Server Count: 3,200+Countries: 100Simultaneous Connections: UnlimitedProtocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2
9.2/10Overall Rating
From $2.49/mo