Comparison GuideLast updated: March 2026

Best VPN Services in 2026

We tested 7 VPNs for speed, privacy, and reliability using our own speed test and VPN leak test tools. Here are our recommendations.

WhatIsMyLocation.org Team·Network engineers & web developers

Our Top 3 Picks

#2 · Best Value Surfshark logo

Surfshark

Best Value — unlimited devices at a rock-bottom price

4.5

$2.19/mo

Visit Surfshark

Best Overall NordVPN logo

NordVPN

Best Overall — fastest speeds and strongest feature set

4.8

$3.39/mo

Visit NordVPN

#3 · Best for Privacy ProtonVPN logo

ProtonVPN

Best for Privacy — from the team behind ProtonMail

4.5

$4.49/mo

Visit ProtonVPN

Side-by-Side Comparison

All data verified through our own testing in March 2026. Speeds measured from a 1 Gbps connection in Frankfurt, Germany.

Feature	NordVPN Editor's Choice	ExpressVPN	Surfshark	ProtonVPN	CyberGhost	Mullvad	Private Internet Access
Speed Rating
Servers	6,400+	3,000+	3,200+	4,500+	11,500+	800+	35,000+
Countries	111	105	100	100	100	43	91
No-Log Policy	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Kill Switch	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Split Tunneling	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Ad Blocker	✓	✗	✓	✓	✓	✓	✓
Double VPN	✓	✗	✓	✓	✗	✓	✗
Tor over VPN	✓	✗	✗	✓	✗	✗	✗
Monthly Price	$3.39/mo	$6.67/mo	$2.19/mo	$4.49/mo	$2.19/mo	$5.00/mo	$2.03/mo
	Get the Deal

Detailed Reviews

NordVPN

4.8/5

Editor's Choice

Best Overall — fastest speeds and strongest feature set

Pros

✓Fastest speeds in our tests — averaged 520 Mbps on nearby servers
✓NordLynx protocol delivers WireGuard speed with added privacy layer
✓Double VPN and Tor over VPN for layered encryption
✓Independently audited no-log policy (twice by PricewaterhouseCoopers)
✓Threat Protection blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level
✓Meshnet feature allows secure private tunnels between your own devices
✓RAM-only servers (diskless) — data wiped on every reboot

Cons

✗Slightly more expensive than budget options like Surfshark or PIA
✗Linux app is CLI-only (no GUI, though a beta GUI exists)
✗Short-term (1-month) plan is expensive at $12.99
✗Occasional CAPTCHA prompts on some websites due to shared IP addresses

Servers

6,400+

Countries

111

Price

$3.39/mo

Encryption

AES-256-GCM

Devices

Protocol

NordLynx (WireGuard)

Jurisdiction

Panama

Speed Rating

Our Verdict

NordVPN is our top pick for 2026. It consistently delivered the fastest speeds in our testing, passed every leak test we threw at it, and offers the most complete feature set of any VPN we reviewed. The combination of NordLynx protocol, RAM-only servers, and a twice-audited no-log policy makes it the best all-around choice for most users. If you want a VPN that just works — fast, secure, and reliable — NordVPN is it.

Get NordVPN — Our #1 Pick

We may earn a commission if you sign up through our link. This does not affect our rankings.

ExpressVPN

4.6/5

Most polished apps with consistently reliable connections

Pros

✓Lightway protocol is fast and connects in under a second
✓Best-in-class apps — intuitive on every platform including routers
✓TrustedServer technology runs entirely in RAM
✓Consistently unblocks streaming services across regions
✓Passed independent security audits by Cure53 and KPMG
✓Dedicated router firmware (Aircove) makes whole-home VPN simple

Cons

✗Most expensive VPN on this list at $6.67/month (annual plan)
✗Only 8 simultaneous connections (less than NordVPN's 10)
✗No multi-hop (Double VPN) or Tor integration
✗Owned by Kape Technologies, which has a controversial past
✗Smaller server network than most competitors

Servers

3,000+

Countries

105

Price

$6.67/mo

Encryption

AES-256-GCM / ChaCha20

Devices

Protocol

Lightway

Jurisdiction

British Virgin Islands

Speed Rating

Our Verdict

ExpressVPN remains one of the most polished VPN services available. Its Lightway protocol is genuinely fast, and the apps are the most user-friendly we have tested. The Aircove router is a standout product for households. However, the premium price is hard to justify when NordVPN offers faster speeds, more features, and a lower price point. ExpressVPN is best suited for users who value app design and ease of use above all else.

Surfshark

4.5/5

Best Value — unlimited devices at a rock-bottom price

Pros

✓Unlimited simultaneous connections — cover your entire household
✓Excellent price at $2.19/month on a 2-year plan
✓CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware effectively
✓MultiHop (Double VPN) routes traffic through two servers
✓Rotating IP feature changes your IP address without disconnecting
✓NoBorders mode helps bypass VPN blocks in restrictive countries

Cons

✗Speeds were good but not class-leading — averaged 380 Mbps
✗Netherlands jurisdiction is within the EU (Nine Eyes alliance member)
✗Smaller server network than NordVPN, CyberGhost, or PIA
✗Customer support response times can be slow during peak hours
✗Some advanced features (like dedicated IP) cost extra

Servers

3,200+

Countries

100

Price

$2.19/mo

Encryption

AES-256-GCM

Devices

Unlimited

Protocol

WireGuard

Jurisdiction

Netherlands

Speed Rating

Our Verdict

Surfshark is the best VPN for families and anyone on a budget. Unlimited simultaneous connections at $2.19/month is an unbeatable deal. While it does not quite match NordVPN on raw speed, the gap is narrow enough that most users will not notice. If you have a household full of devices and do not want to manage device limits, Surfshark is the obvious choice.

ProtonVPN

4.5/5

Best for Privacy — from the team behind ProtonMail

Pros

✓Swiss jurisdiction — some of the strongest privacy laws in the world
✓All apps are open source and independently audited
✓Secure Core routes traffic through privacy-friendly countries first
✓Only VPN with a genuinely usable free tier (no data limit)
✓Built by the same team behind ProtonMail, with a proven track record
✓Stealth protocol defeats deep packet inspection in censored regions

Cons

✗Speeds are solid but slightly behind NordVPN and ExpressVPN
✗Free tier limited to 3 countries, 1 device, and slower speeds
✗Interface can feel utilitarian compared to ExpressVPN or NordVPN
✗Secure Core servers add latency due to multi-hop routing
✗No dedicated streaming-optimized servers (though it unblocks most services)

Servers

4,500+

Countries

100

Price

$4.49/mo

Encryption

AES-256-GCM

Devices

Protocol

WireGuard / Stealth

Jurisdiction

Switzerland

Speed Rating

Our Verdict

ProtonVPN is the gold standard for privacy. Swiss jurisdiction, fully open-source apps, and the Proton team's long history of fighting for user rights make this the VPN we recommend for journalists, activists, and anyone who treats privacy as a non-negotiable. The free tier is also the only one we would actually recommend — it is genuinely usable and does not sell your data. If privacy is your top priority, choose ProtonVPN.

CyberGhost

4.2/5

Huge server network with specialized streaming servers

Pros

✓Massive network of 11,500+ servers across 100 countries
✓Romanian jurisdiction — no mandatory data retention laws
✓Dedicated servers for streaming, torrenting, and gaming
✓Intuitive apps with one-click connect for common use cases
✓45-day money-back guarantee (longest in the industry)
✓Quarterly transparency reports published since 2011

Cons

✗Speeds were the most inconsistent in our testing — varied by server
✗Owned by Kape Technologies (same parent company as ExpressVPN)
✗No multi-hop or Tor over VPN features
✗Short-term plan (1 month) is expensive at $12.99
✗Some streaming-optimized servers did not work as advertised

Servers

11,500+

Countries

100

Price

$2.19/mo

Encryption

AES-256-GCM

Devices

Protocol

WireGuard

Jurisdiction

Romania

Speed Rating

Our Verdict

CyberGhost stands out for its Romanian jurisdiction, which provides strong legal privacy protections with no mandatory data retention. The sheer size of its server network is impressive, and dedicated streaming profiles make it easy for beginners. However, speed consistency was a weak point in our testing, and the lack of advanced privacy features like Double VPN or Tor integration puts it behind NordVPN and ProtonVPN for power users.

Mullvad

4.4/5

Maximum anonymity — no email, no name, just a number

Pros

✓No email or personal info required — just a random account number
✓Accepts cash payments mailed in an envelope for true anonymity
✓Fully open source and regularly audited by independent firms
✓Owned servers (not rented) in key locations for maximum security
✓Flat $5/month with no upsells, tricks, or long-term commitments
✓Built-in DNS-based ad and tracker blocking

Cons

✗Only 800+ servers in 43 countries — much smaller network
✗No streaming optimization — unreliable for unblocking Netflix/Disney+
✗Only 5 simultaneous connections
✗No mobile split tunneling on iOS
✗No 24/7 live chat support — email only
✗Not ideal for users who want a set-and-forget VPN experience

Servers

800+

Countries

Price

$5.00/mo

Encryption

AES-256-GCM

Devices

Protocol

WireGuard

Jurisdiction

Sweden

Speed Rating

Our Verdict

Mullvad is the VPN for purists. If you want maximum anonymity with zero personal information attached to your account, nothing else comes close. The flat $5/month pricing with no commitments is refreshingly honest. However, the small server network and lack of streaming support mean it is not for everyone. We recommend Mullvad for privacy-conscious technical users who do not need to unblock streaming services.

Private Internet Access

4.1/5

Largest server fleet with proven no-log credentials

Pros

✓Largest server network in the industry — 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
✓No-log policy proven in court twice (FBI subpoena cases)
✓Cheapest VPN on this list at $2.03/month on a 3-year plan
✓Unlimited simultaneous connections (recently upgraded from 10)
✓Fully open-source apps on all platforms
✓MACE ad and tracker blocker works at the DNS level

Cons

✗US jurisdiction — Five Eyes alliance member country
✗Owned by Kape Technologies (same company as ExpressVPN and CyberGhost)
✗Speeds were average in our testing — not as fast as NordVPN or ExpressVPN
✗App interface feels dated compared to competitors
✗Brand has less mainstream recognition despite strong technical credentials

Servers

35,000+

Countries

Price

$2.03/mo

Encryption

AES-256-GCM

Devices

Unlimited

Protocol

WireGuard / OpenVPN

Jurisdiction

United States

Speed Rating

Our Verdict

PIA offers an incredible amount of infrastructure for its price. The 35,000+ server fleet dwarfs every competitor, and the no-log policy has been proven under real legal pressure — twice. The US jurisdiction and Kape ownership are legitimate concerns for privacy hardliners, but the court-tested no-log claims provide some reassurance. At $2.03/month with unlimited devices, PIA is hard to beat on pure value per dollar.

How We Tested These VPNs

We do not rely on marketing claims. Every VPN on this page was installed, configured, and tested using our own tools on a dedicated 1 Gbps connection in Frankfurt, Germany during March 2026. Here is our methodology:

Speed Testing

We ran multiple speed tests for each VPN using our Speed Test tool across 5 server locations. Each test was repeated 3 times at different times of day. We measured download speed, upload speed, latency, and jitter.

Leak Testing

Every VPN was checked for IP leaks, DNS leaks, and WebRTC leaks using our VPN Leak Test. We also verified DNS requests via our DNS Lookup tool to confirm queries were routed through the VPN.

Privacy Analysis

We reviewed each VPN's logging policy, jurisdiction, and audit history. We also checked browser fingerprint uniqueness before and after connecting, and tested each VPN's IP masking across multiple detection methods.

Date of testing: March 1-15, 2026

Test server: Frankfurt, Germany (1 Gbps)

Tests per VPN: 15 speed tests, 5 leak tests

What We Looked For

Speed consistency matters more than peak speed. A VPN that delivers 400 Mbps reliably is better than one that sometimes hits 600 Mbps but drops to 150 Mbps on congested servers. We prioritized VPNs with low speed variance across servers and time of day.

Leak protection is non-negotiable. Any VPN that leaked our real IP address, DNS queries, or WebRTC data during testing — even once — was penalized heavily. All seven VPNs on this page passed every leak test, which is why they made the cut.

Jurisdiction and logging policies were evaluated based on the legal environment, audit history, and any real-world incidents. We give extra weight to VPNs based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions (Panama, Switzerland, Romania) and those with completed third-party audits.

Value for money was assessed by dividing the feature set and performance by the monthly cost. A $5/month VPN needs to deliver meaningfully more than a $2/month one. We also considered simultaneous device limits, since a VPN that covers your entire household is more valuable than one that caps you at 5 devices.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links for NordVPN. If you purchase through our link, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our testing methodology, rankings, or editorial opinions. Mullvad, ProtonVPN, and PIA have no affiliate relationship with us, and they still received fair, detailed reviews. You can verify our VPN testing results yourself using our free VPN Leak Test and Speed Test tools.

How to Choose the Right VPN for You

The best VPN depends on what you actually need. Here is a quick decision framework based on our testing:

For everyday privacy and speed

If you want a VPN that is fast, reliable, and keeps you protected without you thinking about it, go with NordVPN. It has the best combination of speed, security features, and ease of use.

Get NordVPN from $3.39/mo

For families and multiple devices

If you have a household full of phones, laptops, tablets, and smart TVs, Surfshark is the obvious pick. Unlimited connections at $2.19/month means everyone is covered.

Visit Surfshark

For journalists and activists

If your life or work depends on privacy, ProtonVPN or Mullvad are your best options. ProtonVPN for its Swiss jurisdiction and open-source track record. Mullvad for anonymous accounts with zero personal information.

Visit ProtonVPN or Mullvad

For the lowest possible price

PIA at $2.03/month with unlimited devices and 35,000+ servers is the cheapest quality VPN available. The US jurisdiction is a trade-off, but the no-log policy has been proven in court.

Visit PIA

What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a server operated by the VPN provider. All your internet traffic flows through this tunnel, which means your ISP, network administrators, and anyone else watching your connection can only see encrypted data flowing to the VPN server — not the websites you visit or the content you access.

When your traffic exits the VPN server, it appears to come from the server's IP address rather than your own. This hides your real location and IP address from the websites and services you use. You can verify this by checking your IP address on our My IP Address page before and after connecting to a VPN.

In 2026, VPNs are more relevant than ever. ISPs in many countries are legally allowed to collect and sell your browsing data. Public Wi-Fi networks at coffee shops, airports, and hotels remain vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. And geo-restrictions on streaming content mean that the library available in one country may be completely different in another.

The key features to look for in a VPN are: a strict no-log policy (ideally audited by a third party), a kill switch that cuts your internet if the VPN drops, modern encryption standards (AES-256 or ChaCha20), and a fast protocol like WireGuard. All seven VPNs on this page meet these baseline requirements — our rankings reflect differences in speed, features, price, and overall experience.

A VPN is not a silver bullet for privacy. It does not protect you from phishing, malware, or browser fingerprinting (check your fingerprint uniqueness with our Browser Fingerprint tool). It does not prevent websites from tracking you through cookies or account logins. And it does not make you anonymous — your VPN provider can still see your traffic (which is why the no-log policy matters). A VPN is one layer in a broader privacy strategy, and you should also use a privacy score check to assess your overall digital exposure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on our hands-on testing using our own speed test and VPN leak test tools, NordVPN is the best overall VPN in 2026. It delivered the fastest speeds (averaging 520 Mbps on nearby servers), passed every leak test, and offers the most complete feature set including Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and Threat Protection. Surfshark is the best value pick if budget is your primary concern, and ProtonVPN is unmatched for pure privacy.

Absolutely. In 2026, your ISP can see and sell your browsing data in many countries, public Wi-Fi networks remain vulnerable to interception, and geo-restrictions on streaming content are more aggressive than ever. A VPN encrypts your traffic, hides your real IP address, and costs less than a coffee per month on long-term plans. We consider a VPN essential for anyone who uses public Wi-Fi regularly or values their online privacy.

All VPNs add some overhead due to encryption, but the impact has shrunk dramatically with modern protocols. In our speed tests, NordVPN (NordLynx) reduced speeds by only 8-12% on nearby servers. ExpressVPN (Lightway) and Surfshark (WireGuard) were similar at 10-15% overhead. Distant servers see more reduction. For most users on connections under 500 Mbps, the speed loss is imperceptible in daily use.

A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts your traffic, which prevents your ISP and network observers from tracking your browsing. However, websites can still identify you through cookies, browser fingerprinting, and account logins. For maximum privacy, we recommend combining a VPN with a privacy-focused browser, clearing cookies regularly, and checking your browser fingerprint uniqueness with our Browser Fingerprint tool.

Private Internet Access (PIA) is the cheapest at $2.03/month on a 3-year plan, and Surfshark is close behind at $2.19/month. Both offer unlimited simultaneous connections. Among these, Surfshark delivers better speeds and a more polished interface, making it our pick for the best budget VPN. Avoid free VPNs — most log your data or inject ads. The only free VPN worth using is ProtonVPN's free tier.

The vast majority of free VPNs are not safe. Research has repeatedly shown that many free VPN apps log user data, inject advertising, contain malware, or use weak encryption. ProtonVPN is the notable exception — its free tier offers proper encryption, a no-log policy, and no data caps, though it is limited to 3 server locations and 1 device. For reliable, full-featured protection, a paid VPN between $2-5/month is the way to go.

Use our free VPN Leak Test at whatismylocation.org/vpn-leak-test. It checks for three types of leaks: IP leaks (your real IP showing through the VPN), DNS leaks (your DNS queries going to your ISP instead of the VPN), and WebRTC leaks (your browser revealing your real IP). You can also simply visit whatismylocation.org/my-ip — if it shows the VPN server's location instead of your real location, the VPN is working.

Yes — this is one of the most important use cases for a VPN. On public Wi-Fi at coffee shops, airports, and hotels, anyone on the same network can potentially intercept unencrypted traffic. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the VPN server, making your data unreadable to attackers. All seven VPNs in our comparison offer automatic Wi-Fi protection that activates when you join an untrusted network.

WireGuard is a modern VPN protocol with roughly 4,000 lines of code (versus OpenVPN's 70,000+), making it faster and easier to audit. In our speed tests, WireGuard-based protocols were consistently 30-50% faster than OpenVPN. Most top VPNs now use WireGuard or custom variants: NordVPN uses NordLynx, ExpressVPN uses Lightway (not WireGuard but similarly modern), and Surfshark, ProtonVPN, CyberGhost, Mullvad, and PIA all support native WireGuard.

It varies by provider. Surfshark and PIA offer unlimited simultaneous connections, making them ideal for large households. NordVPN and ProtonVPN allow 10 devices, ExpressVPN allows 8, CyberGhost allows 7, and Mullvad allows 5. You can also install most VPNs on your router, which covers all devices on your network under a single connection — useful if you have smart TVs, gaming consoles, or IoT devices.

Our #1 Pick

NordVPN

The fastest VPN we tested, with a twice-audited no-log policy, RAM-only servers, and advanced features like Double VPN and Tor over VPN. Starting at $3.39/month, it offers the best balance of speed, security, and value.

Get NordVPN — 67% Off Check Your Current VPN

WhatIsMyLocation.org Team

Our team of network engineers and web developers builds and maintains 25+ free networking and location tools used by thousands of users every month. Every article is reviewed for technical accuracy using real-world testing with our own tools. This VPN comparison was tested using our Speed Test, VPN Leak Test, and DNS Lookup tools.

About our team·Our tools·Contact us

Best VPN Services in 2026

Our Top 3 Picks

Surfshark

NordVPN

ProtonVPN

Side-by-Side Comparison

Detailed Reviews

NordVPN

Pros

Cons

Our Verdict

ExpressVPN

Pros

Cons

Our Verdict

Surfshark

Pros

Cons

Our Verdict

ProtonVPN

Pros

Cons

Our Verdict

CyberGhost

Pros

Cons

Our Verdict

Mullvad

Pros

Cons

Our Verdict

Private Internet Access

Pros

Cons

Our Verdict

How We Tested These VPNs

Speed Testing

Leak Testing

Privacy Analysis

What We Looked For

How to Choose the Right VPN for You

For everyday privacy and speed

For families and multiple devices

For journalists and activists

For the lowest possible price

What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?

Frequently Asked Questions

NordVPN

WhatIsMyLocation.org Team

Test Your VPN & Privacy

VPN Leak Test

Speed Test

My IP Address

DNS Lookup

Browser Fingerprint

Privacy Score