Top 10 Best VPN Services of 2026 (59 Tested Hands-On)

We tested 59 VPNs hands-on. Here are the best vpn services for 2026, ranked by privacy, speed, streaming and value.

ECWritten by Editor-in-Chief TRFact-checked by Technical Reviewer Updated October 1, 2026 59 VPNs tested Affiliate disclosure

Summary: Best VPN Services Rankings

ExpressVPN — Best VPN Overall. Best VPN overall — fastest and most reliable for streaming.
NordVPN — Runner-up. Runner-up — huge server network and strong security extras.
Proton VPN — Most Secure VPN. Most secure VPN — Swiss privacy and the best free plan.
Surfshark — Cheap VPN with Extras. Best cheap VPN — unlimited devices and lots of extras.
IPVanish — Best for Android TV & Firestick. Best for Android TV & Firestick — unlimited devices.
Private Internet Access — Best for Torrenting. Best for torrenting — port forwarding and huge network.
CyberGhost — Best Free Trial. Best free trial — 45-day money-back guarantee.
hide.me — Best All-Rounder. Best all-rounder with a generous free plan.
Windscribe — Best Free VPN for Streaming. Best free VPN for streaming — 10GB per month.
Mullvad — Most Innovative. Most innovative — anonymous accounts, flat €5 price.

VPNs Tested (dummy)

30,000+

Hours of Testing (dummy)

50+

Combined Years of Experience (dummy)

Best VPN Services Compared & Reviewed

Write an original, first-hand answer about how we chose the best vpn services here — lead with the direct answer in the first sentence. Back every claim with our own test data, a date and a source link; AI assistants and Google both reward specific, verifiable facts.

ExpressVPN: Best VPN Overall

Ranked #1 out of 59 VPN services

9.4

/ 10

Pros

Unblocks over 95% of streaming platforms worldwide
Verified no-logs servers and no data breaches
Very fast Lightway protocol
Works reliably in China

Cons

No multi-hop servers
Renews at a higher price
Fewer extras than rivals

Why we picked it

Write an original, first-hand answer about ExpressVPN as the best vpn overall here — lead with the direct answer in the first sentence. Back every claim with our own test data, a date and a source link; AI assistants and Google both reward specific, verifiable facts.

WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinuxFire TVAndroid TVApple TVRouterChrome

Privacy & Logging9.2

Streaming9.8

Speed9.7

Security9.0

Server Locations9.9

User Experience9.9

Torrenting9.5

Devices9.5

Extras6.4

Price	$14.99/mo · $2.99/mo over 28 months
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days
Free Trial	3 days (mobile)
Data Cap	Unlimited
Countries / Servers	113 / 13,360
Logging Policy	No Identifiable Data
Jurisdiction	British Virgin Islands (Privacy Haven)
Owner	Kape Technologies
Support	24/7 Live Chat
Simultaneous Connections	10
Works in China	Yes

Get ExpressVPN Full ExpressVPN Review Last tested: Sep 2026 (dummy)

NordVPN: Runner-up

Ranked #2 out of 59 VPN services

9.2

/ 10

Pros

Among the fastest VPNs we tested
Independently audited no-logs policy
Ad & malware blocker included
Large server network in 137 countries

Cons

Does not work in China
Renewal prices are high
Desktop app can feel cluttered

Why we picked it

Write an original, first-hand answer about NordVPN as the runner-up here — lead with the direct answer in the first sentence. Back every claim with our own test data, a date and a source link; AI assistants and Google both reward specific, verifiable facts.

WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinuxFire TVAndroid TVApple TVRouterChrome

Privacy & Logging8.8

Streaming9.4

Speed9.7

Security9.1

Server Locations9.9

User Experience9.3

Torrenting9.3

Devices8.9

Extras7.6

Price	$14.99/mo · $3.49/mo over 27 months
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days
Free Trial	7 days (Android)
Data Cap	Unlimited
Countries / Servers	137 / 9,000
Logging Policy	No Identifiable Data
Jurisdiction	Panama (Privacy Haven)
Owner	Nord Security
Support	24/7 Live Chat
Simultaneous Connections	10
Works in China	No

Get NordVPN Full NordVPN Review Last tested: Sep 2026 (dummy)

Proton VPN: Most Secure VPN

Ranked #3 out of 59 VPN services

9.0

/ 10

Pros

Audited no-logs policy
Open-source apps
Secure Core multi-hop servers
Best free plan with unlimited data

Cons

More expensive monthly plan
Free plan limited to 1 device

Why we picked it

Write an original, first-hand answer about Proton VPN as the most secure vpn here — lead with the direct answer in the first sentence. Back every claim with our own test data, a date and a source link; AI assistants and Google both reward specific, verifiable facts.

WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinuxFire TVAndroid TVApple TVRouterChrome

Privacy & Logging9.6

Streaming8.9

Speed9.0

Security9.4

Server Locations9.2

User Experience8.6

Torrenting9.0

Devices8.8

Extras7.9

Price	$9.99/mo · $2.99/mo over 24 months
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days
Free Trial	Free plan
Data Cap	Unlimited
Countries / Servers	120 / 13,000
Logging Policy	No Logs
Jurisdiction	Switzerland (Privacy Haven)
Owner	Proton AG
Support	Email & Live Chat
Simultaneous Connections	10
Works in China	Sometimes

Get Proton VPN Full Proton VPN Review Last tested: Sep 2026 (dummy)

Surfshark: Cheap VPN with Extras

Ranked #4 out of 59 VPN services

8.9

/ 10

Pros

Unlimited simultaneous connections
Very low long-term price
Unblocks all major streaming services

Cons

Monthly plan is expensive
Inconsistent in China

Why we picked it

Write an original, first-hand answer about Surfshark as the cheap vpn with extras here — lead with the direct answer in the first sentence. Back every claim with our own test data, a date and a source link; AI assistants and Google both reward specific, verifiable facts.

WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinuxFire TVAndroid TVApple TVRouterChrome

Privacy & Logging8.7

Streaming9.2

Speed9.3

Security8.9

Server Locations9.4

User Experience9.0

Torrenting8.9

Devices9.6

Extras8.4

Price	$16.45/mo · $2.49/mo over 27 months
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days
Free Trial	7 days (mobile)
Data Cap	Unlimited
Countries / Servers	100 / 4,500
Logging Policy	No Identifiable Data
Jurisdiction	Netherlands (EU Member)
Owner	Nord Security
Support	24/7 Live Chat
Simultaneous Connections	Unlimited
Works in China	Sometimes

Get Surfshark Full Surfshark Review Last tested: Sep 2026 (dummy)

IPVanish: Best for Android TV & Firestick

Ranked #5 out of 59 VPN services

8.8

/ 10

Pros

Excellent Firestick & Android TV apps
Unlimited devices
Fast WireGuard speeds

Cons

US jurisdiction
Does not work in China

Why we picked it

Write an original, first-hand answer about IPVanish as the best for android tv & firestick here — lead with the direct answer in the first sentence. Back every claim with our own test data, a date and a source link; AI assistants and Google both reward specific, verifiable facts.

WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinuxFire TVAndroid TVApple TVRouterChrome

Privacy & Logging8.4

Streaming8.9

Speed9.4

Security8.6

Server Locations8.7

User Experience8.8

Torrenting8.7

Devices9.5

Extras7.2

Price	$12.99/mo · $2.39/mo over 24 months
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days
Free Trial	None
Data Cap	Unlimited
Countries / Servers	60 / 2,400
Logging Policy	No Logs
Jurisdiction	United States (5 Eyes)
Owner	Ziff Davis
Support	24/7 Live Chat
Simultaneous Connections	Unlimited
Works in China	No

Get IPVanish Full IPVanish Review Last tested: Sep 2026 (dummy)

Private Internet Access: Best for Torrenting

Ranked #6 out of 59 VPN services

8.7

/ 10

Pros

Port forwarding for faster torrents
Proven no-logs in court
Highly customizable

Cons

US jurisdiction
Slower than the top 3

Why we picked it

Write an original, first-hand answer about Private Internet Access as the best for torrenting here — lead with the direct answer in the first sentence. Back every claim with our own test data, a date and a source link; AI assistants and Google both reward specific, verifiable facts.

WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinuxFire TVAndroid TVApple TVRouterChrome

Privacy & Logging9.0

Streaming8.5

Speed8.8

Security8.8

Server Locations9.1

User Experience8.3

Torrenting9.6

Devices9.2

Extras7.5

Price	$11.95/mo · $2.19/mo over 39 months
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days
Free Trial	7 days (mobile)
Data Cap	Unlimited
Countries / Servers	91 / 35,000
Logging Policy	No Logs
Jurisdiction	United States (5 Eyes)
Owner	Kape Technologies
Support	24/7 Live Chat
Simultaneous Connections	Unlimited
Works in China	No

Get Private Internet Access Full Private Internet Access Review Last tested: Sep 2026 (dummy)

CyberGhost: Best Free Trial

Ranked #7 out of 59 VPN services

8.3

/ 10

Pros

Longest money-back guarantee (45 days)
Beginner-friendly apps
Dedicated streaming servers

Cons

Slower long-distance speeds
Does not work in China

Why we picked it

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WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinuxFire TVAndroid TVApple TVRouterChrome

Privacy & Logging8.3

Streaming8.8

Speed8.4

Security8.4

Server Locations9.0

User Experience9.0

Torrenting8.5

Devices8.9

Extras6.9

Price	$12.99/mo · $2.19/mo over 28 months
Money-Back Guarantee	45 days
Free Trial	24 hours (no card)
Data Cap	Unlimited
Countries / Servers	100 / 9,500
Logging Policy	No Logs
Jurisdiction	Romania (EU Member)
Owner	Kape Technologies
Support	24/7 Live Chat
Simultaneous Connections	7
Works in China	No

Get CyberGhost Full CyberGhost Review Last tested: Sep 2026 (dummy)

hide.me: Best All-Rounder

Ranked #8 out of 59 VPN services

8.3

/ 10

Pros

Fast speeds
Free plan with no ads
Strong privacy jurisdiction

Cons

Weaker for streaming
Smaller server network

Why we picked it

Write an original, first-hand answer about hide.me as the best all-rounder here — lead with the direct answer in the first sentence. Back every claim with our own test data, a date and a source link; AI assistants and Google both reward specific, verifiable facts.

WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinuxFire TVAndroid TVApple TVRouterChrome

Privacy & Logging8.9

Streaming7.9

Speed9.1

Security8.6

Server Locations8.0

User Experience8.4

Torrenting8.6

Devices8.3

Extras7.0

Price	$9.95/mo · $2.69/mo over 26 months
Money-Back Guarantee	30 days
Free Trial	Free plan
Data Cap	Unlimited
Countries / Servers	91 / 2,600
Logging Policy	No Logs
Jurisdiction	Malaysia (Privacy Haven)
Owner	eVenture Ltd
Support	24/7 Live Chat
Simultaneous Connections	10
Works in China	No

Get hide.me Full hide.me Review Last tested: Sep 2026 (dummy)

Windscribe: Best Free VPN for Streaming

Ranked #9 out of 59 VPN services

8.3

/ 10

Pros

Generous free plan
Unblocks Netflix even on free servers
Pay-per-location pricing

Cons

Only 3-day refund window
Canada is a 5 Eyes country

Why we picked it

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WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinuxFire TVAndroid TVApple TVRouterChrome

Privacy & Logging8.8

Streaming8.6

Speed8.2

Security8.5

Server Locations8.4

User Experience8.3

Torrenting8.3

Devices8.7

Extras7.8

Price	$9.00/mo · $5.75/mo over 12 months
Money-Back Guarantee	3 days
Free Trial	Free plan
Data Cap	Unlimited
Countries / Servers	69 / 600
Logging Policy	No Logs
Jurisdiction	Canada (5 Eyes)
Owner	Windscribe Limited
Support	Email & Ticket
Simultaneous Connections	Unlimited
Works in China	Sometimes

Get Windscribe Full Windscribe Review Last tested: Sep 2026 (dummy)

#10

Mullvad: Most Innovative

Ranked #10 out of 59 VPN services

7.7

/ 10

Pros

No email needed to sign up
Flat price, no long-term lock-in
Diskless RAM-only servers

Cons

Poor for streaming
No live chat

Why we picked it

Write an original, first-hand answer about Mullvad as the most innovative here — lead with the direct answer in the first sentence. Back every claim with our own test data, a date and a source link; AI assistants and Google both reward specific, verifiable facts.

WindowsMaciOSAndroidLinuxRouter

Privacy & Logging9.8

Streaming6.4

Speed8.6

Security9.2

Server Locations7.4

User Experience7.6

Torrenting8.2

Devices7.8

Extras6.8

Price	$5.40/mo · $5.40/mo per month (flat)
Money-Back Guarantee	14 days
Free Trial	None
Data Cap	Unlimited
Countries / Servers	49 / 650
Logging Policy	No Logs
Jurisdiction	Sweden (14 Eyes)
Owner	Amagicom AB
Support	Email Only
Simultaneous Connections	5
Works in China	No

Get Mullvad Full Mullvad Review Last tested: Sep 2026 (dummy)

VPNs by Purpose & Device

What Makes a Great VPN?

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The Truth About Many VPN Review Websites

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Popular VPNs That Didn't Make Our List

Norton Secure VPN

Logs too much data and fails to unblock most streaming services.

Hotspot Shield

Very fast, but collects connection data we consider unnecessary.

Avast SecureLine

Owner has a history of selling browsing data.

TunnelBear

Easy to use, but too limited for streaming and torrenting.

How We Ranked the Best VPN Services

Every VPN is scored against the same weighted criteria. Full details: How we review VPNs.

Privacy & Logging20%

Streaming15%

Speed15%

Security15%

Server Locations10%

User Experience10%

Torrenting5%

Devices5%

Extras5%

FAQs

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Related Guides

Summary: Best VPN Services Rankings

Best VPN Services Compared & Reviewed

ExpressVPN: Best VPN Overall

Pros

Cons

Why we picked it

NordVPN: Runner-up

Pros

Cons

Why we picked it

Proton VPN: Most Secure VPN

Pros

Cons

Why we picked it

Surfshark: Cheap VPN with Extras

Pros

Cons

Why we picked it

IPVanish: Best for Android TV & Firestick

Pros

Cons

Why we picked it

Private Internet Access: Best for Torrenting

Pros

Cons

Why we picked it

CyberGhost: Best Free Trial

Pros

Cons

Why we picked it

hide.me: Best All-Rounder

Pros

Cons

Why we picked it

Windscribe: Best Free VPN for Streaming

Pros

Cons

Why we picked it

Mullvad: Most Innovative

Pros

Cons

Why we picked it

VPNs by Purpose & Device

Popular

By Location

By Device/OS

By Purpose

What Makes a Great VPN?

The Truth About Many VPN Review Websites

Popular VPNs That Didn't Make Our List

How We Ranked the Best VPN Services

FAQs

Related Guides