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The Best VPN Services of 2026

Our top pick, NordVPN, had less than a 5 percent impact on our internet speed with a network of over 8,000 servers covering 127 countries (and counting!).

Aliza Vigderman
Aliza Vigderman, Senior Editor, Industry Analyst
&
Gabe Turner
Gabe Turner, Chief Editor

Last Updated on Feb 27, 2026

About our Methodology and Testing

Our team, with the help of six cybersecurity experts acting as consultants, devised an unbiased methodology for testing and assessing VPNs. It takes into consideration 30 different criteria, with the most important being security, privacy, device performance, speed, usability, and overall value. We used these factors to rate the 50+ VPNs we tested on our Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux devices, as well as smart TVs.

2,500+research hours
50+VPNs reviewed
300speed tests
6experts consulted
3VPNs recommended
NordVPN-Best VPN for Security & Privacy
NordVPN

Security Score:

9.7/10

Best Features

  • Uses state-of-the-art, post-quantum encryption to secure your data
  • Offers malware protection, ad blocker, password manager, and identity theft protection on higher tiers
  • NordVPN’s independently audited no-logs policy provides peace of mind that your browsing activity is private
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Surfshark-Best VPN for Budget & Features
Surfshark

Security Score:

9.5/10

Best Features

  • Prices start at $1.99 per month for a two-year subscription
  • Premium plans include antivirus software, breach alerts, and data removal
  • Offers built-in features that boost VPN speeds (split-tunneling and VPN Accelerator)
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Proton VPN-Best VPN for Speed
Proton VPN

Security Score:

9.3/10

Best Features

  • Provides very fast download and upload speeds
  • Secure Core servers offer excellent privacy and security
  • Offers built-in tools to boost your VPN speeds
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Choosing the best VPNs is challenging when there are so many excellent options out there. We start by researching VPNs, looking into security features, privacy measures, and logging policies. Our team also reviews the number of servers, assesses location coverage, and runs multiple speed tests to find ones that have minimal impact.

Our cybersecurity experts tested over 50 VPNs to narrow down the top VPNs of 2026. NordVPN's state-of-the-art security and privacy features earned the number one spot. We also recommend checking out Surfshark and Proton VPN.

Hot Deal: VPNs cost about $10 per month, but with NordVPN's current two-year deal, you can get our top-pick VPN for only $3.39 per month.

The Best VPN Services of 2026

  1. 1. NordVPN - Best VPN for Security & Privacy
  2. 2. Surfshark - Best VPN for Budget & Features
  3. 3. Proton VPN - Best VPN for Speed

Expert Take

From Subbu Sthanu, Chief Commercial Officer of IPVanish

"A recent survey we conducted shows that there's a significant misunderstanding about what a VPN actually does. Nearly 75 percent expect it to block ads and trackers. In reality, a VPN shields your internet traffic from ISPs and network operators, and it conceals your real IP address from websites."

Comparison of the Best VPNs

System
NordVPNNordVPN
SurfsharkSurfshark
Proton VPNProton VPN
Ranking1st2nd3rd
Ratings9.7/10

Best VPN for Security & Privacy

9.5/10

Best VPN for Budget & Features

9.3/10

Best VPN for Speed

Best Monthly Price$3.09/mo$1.99$4.49
Maximum Monthly Cost$17.99$20.65$12.99
Simultaneous Connections10Unlimited10
Server Locations126 countries100 countries122 countries
Download Speed Loss5.78%7.76%8.18%
Upload Speed Loss4.11%49.98%4.08%
Audited Privacy Policy
Open Source Apps
VPN ProtocolsOpenVPN, WireGuard, NordWhisperOpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2
Read ReviewNordVPN ReviewSurfshark ReviewProton VPN Review

*All the VPNs we tested caused our internet speed to drop, but the fastest VPNs limited the loss to below 10 percent.

The Best VPN Services of 2026

  1. 1

    NordVPN - Best VPN for Security & Privacy

    NordVPN

    Security Score:

    9.7/10

    View Plans

    Product Specs

    Server locations:126 countries
    Average Speed Loss:6% download & 4% upload
    Apps:Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, tvOS
    Best Monthly Rate:$3.09/mo
    Money-Back Guarantee:30 days full refund

    NordVPN Privacy

    Excellent

    Features a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict independently audited no-logs policy. Double VPN servers route your data through two servers for enhanced privacy. Higher tiers include a password manager and identity theft protection.

    NordVPN Speed

    Very Good

    Average download speed loss was only 5.78% and upload speed loss was 4.11%. 4K YouTube videos loaded instantly on distant servers, and a 15 GB file downloaded in about seven minutes.

    NordVPN Security

    Excellent

    Threat Protection Pro blocks malware downloads even when the VPN is off. Provides access to OpenVPN and NordLynx protocols. NordLynx (built on WireGuard) is about 20% faster than OpenVPN in our tests.

    Why We Picked NordVPN

    NordVPN takes the top spot for its privacy-focused approach, overall speed and reliability, and ease of use. Subscriptions offer more than just a VPN, with ad blocking, tracker blocking, and malware protection included in higher tiers.

    What We Like
    • Uses state-of-the-art, post-quantum encryption to secure your data
    • Offers malware protection, ad blocker, password manager, and identity theft protection on higher tiers
    • NordVPN’s independently audited no-logs policy provides peace of mind that your browsing activity is private
    • Can access blocked websites and streaming content
    • User-friendly apps
    What We Don't Like
    • Steeper prices than the competition
    • Manual setup required in restrictive countries
    • Antimalware protection not available with the cheapest subscription
    Who It's Best For

    Users who are looking to improve their overall digital security, especially with mid-tier or top-tier plans that include Threat Protection Pro, password manager, and bonus privacy features.

  2. 2

    Surfshark - Best VPN for Budget & Features

    Surfshark

    Security Score:

    9.5/10

    View Plans

    Product Specs

    Server locations:100 countries
    Average Speed Loss:8% download & 50% upload
    Apps:Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge
    Best Monthly Rate:$1.99
    Money-Back Guarantee:30 days full refund

    Surfshark Privacy

    Good

    Strict independently audited no-logs policy with RAM-based servers that wipe all data on reboot. Includes a kill switch, double VPN support, and Alternative ID for generating disposable email addresses.

    Surfshark Speed

    Good

    Fast download speeds with about 8% speed loss, though upload speeds dropped by as much as 80% in some tests, averaging around 50% across 10 tests.

    Surfshark Security

    Excellent

    Camouflage Mode hides VPN traffic to look like normal traffic. CleanWeb ad blocker stopped 90% of ads in our tests and blocked unsafe HTTP sites.

    Why We Picked Surfshark

    Competitively priced plans packed with top-of-the-line security features like Camouflage Mode and CleanWeb. The Surfshark One bundle includes antivirus software, and higher tiers add a data removal service.

    What We Like
    • Prices start at $1.99 per month for a two-year subscription
    • Premium plans include antivirus software, breach alerts, and data removal
    • Offers built-in features that boost VPN speeds (split-tunneling and VPN Accelerator)
    • 30-day money-back guarantee
    What We Don't Like
    • Slow upload speeds
    • Not guaranteed to work in restrictive countries
    • Month-to-month price is pretty expensive
    Who It's Best For

    An affordable but well-stacked VPN for day-to-day use. The Surfshark One subscription is particularly handy for those looking for a VPN and antivirus in one package.

  3. 3

    Proton VPN - Best VPN for Speed

    Proton VPN

    Security Score:

    9.3/10

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    Product Specs

    Server locations:122 countries
    Average Speed Loss:8% download & 4% upload
    Apps:Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Android TV, tvOS, Firestick
    Best Monthly Rate:$4.49
    Money-Back Guarantee:30 days prorated refund

    Proton VPN Privacy

    Excellent

    Doesn't store user IPs or browsing data with an independently audited no-logs policy. Secure Core servers route data through two VPN servers in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland, Sweden, or Iceland. All apps are open-source and externally audited.

    Proton VPN Speed

    Very Good

    Nearly rivals NordVPN with about 8% download speed loss and only 4% upload speed loss. Split-tunneling and VPN Accelerator provide speed boosts of up to 50% for distant servers.

    Proton VPN Security

    Very Good

    Secure Core servers add an additional layer of encryption. NetShield blocks over 90% of ads and stops access to unsafe links. Uses full-disk encryption instead of RAM-only servers.

    Why We Picked Proton VPN

    Placed first overall in upload speed during our tests with only an 8% decrease in download speed. Features like a huge server network, split-tunneling, and VPN Accelerator make it easy to optimize connections.

    What We Like
    • Provides very fast download and upload speeds
    • Secure Core servers offer excellent privacy and security
    • Offers built-in tools to boost your VPN speeds
    What We Don't Like
    • Its starting price is somewhat steep
    • Has a 30-day refund policy, but it is prorated
    Who It's Best For

    Users who want a lot of control over VPN speeds. Its huge server network and speed-boosting features make it very easy to optimize connections for the best speeds.

Our Methodology for Testing and Ranking VPNs

To give you objective and honest recommendations, we personally tested more than 50 VPNs over a span of six months. We assessed each VPN across multiple platforms, including desktops, smartphones, and smart TVs. We also ran dozens of speed tests and IP address leak tests.

We looked at a number of key factors to rate, rank, and compare VPNs. Here are the main areas we considered:

Security

We check that the VPN uses industry-standard encryption ciphers (AES or ChaCha20) and secure protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec.

Privacy

We review privacy policies to confirm no logging of user data. We also verify third-party security audits and test for IP and DNS leaks.

Speeds

We test each VPN's speeds on nearby and distant servers, recommending only those that maintain fast speeds for browsing, streaming, gaming, and calls.

Streaming & Torrenting

We check if the VPN can access popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and Max, and verify torrenting support.

User Experience

We install and use all VPN apps on personal devices, noting how easy it is to navigate, find settings, and connect to servers.

Overall Value

We check pricing options for affordability, free versions, free trials, and money-back guarantees to ensure good value for money.

Our team at Metristra has a combined 95+ years of experience researching and testing digital security technology. In addition to producing over 600 product reviews, our experts have conducted research that has been cited by major technology publications and news outlets.

What Does a VPN Do?

VPNs create a secure tunnel to encrypt all your internet traffic. They are far more secure than Incognito mode or private browsers. VPNs make your traffic completely unreadable so nobody can spy on it. That includes ISPs, hackers, and governments. VPNs also hide users' IP addresses. When you are accessing websites through a VPN, only the VPN's IP address is visible.

The top VPNs offer tried and tested encryption standards. They also don't log your IP address or which sites you browse.

How to Choose a VPN

Here are the key aspects we consider when testing and ranking VPNs:

Speed

You don't have to sacrifice speed for privacy. All VPNs will slow traffic, but a great VPN will have minimal impact on your internet speed.

Security

VPNs deliver security through features like the kill switch, encryption, obfuscation, and browsing protection. Look for these when choosing a VPN.

Servers

Don't just look at how many servers a VPN has; consider where those servers are located. A good VPN should have at least 3,000 servers in 100+ countries.

Privacy

A VPN should have a no-logs privacy policy. That's non-negotiable. Depending on your needs, you might also want double VPN (multihop) support.

Price

VPN prices vary widely. Look for VPNs that give value for money. Sometimes a pricier VPN with stronger features is better than a cheap, limited one.

Features

VPNs today offer many bonus features. Look for ones that provide the specific features you need, like malicious website blocking.

Ease of Use

You shouldn't need a degree to operate VPN apps. They should fit seamlessly into everyday routines while being simple to customize.

The Fastest VPNs We Tested

When we test VPN speeds, we use the Ookla Speedtest tool to measure three important metrics: download speed, upload speed, and latency (or ping). We test each VPN 10 times, average the results, and compare them to our speeds when not connected to a VPN. The lower the impact on our baseline speed, the better.

VPNAvg Download Speed (Mbps)Download Speed LossAvg Upload Speed (Mbps)Upload Speed LossAvg Ping (ms)Latency Loss
NordVPN89.115.78%90.724.11%78.32510%
Surfshark87.257.78%47.3249.98%135.84427%
Proton VPN86.078.18%90.664.08%782.50%

In our latest speed tests, NordVPN's download and upload speeds never slowed by more than six percent, even when testing distant servers. Proton VPN also performed well, decreasing download speeds by eight percent and upload speeds by only four percent.

Bottom Line

There are several reasons to use a VPN. We use them to keep our data secure and protect our privacy. You can also use them for streaming, online gaming, and downloading torrents.

Every VPN offers a different experience. NordVPN is the best option for security and privacy, but Surfshark is cheaper and has some impressive features. Proton VPN is one of the fastest we tested. Before you sign up, make sure you are choosing the right VPN for your needs.

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