The Best VPNs of 2026: Independently Tested and Editor-Approved

As of Aug 2026, NordVPN, Total VPN, and Surfshark are the best VPN services we've tested. NordVPN takes best overall for the third year running, Total VPN is the easiest place to start if you've never used a VPN, and Surfshark is the best value. The All About Cookies editorial team has evaluated over 50 VPNs and narrowed the list to the top 10 that actually earned a spot, tested across Windows, Mac, and mobile, with full retests done up to every quarter.

Most people know they should probably have a VPN. According to our VPN consumer research, only 39% actually do. If you're in the majority who's been putting it off, this is the guide for you. A VPN encrypts your traffic and masks your IP address, keeping your activity private from your ISP, advertisers, and anyone else on the network with you.

NordVPN wins best overall thanks to excellent value, specialty features, user experience, and speed, among other factors. If NordVPN sounds like more than you need, Total VPN is our pick for a first VPN, with a one-button app and the lowest starting price on this list. We also feel that quality VPNs like Surfshark, Proton VPN, and CyberGhost are at the top of their game. Our full list is below, along with what we liked, what we didn't, and what we think about where each VPN excels.

The 5 best VPNs at a glance

• NordVPN: Best overall. Fastest all-rounder with the deepest feature set. From $3.49/mo
• Total VPN: Best for beginners. One-click connect, plus our top-rated ad blocker included at no extra cost. From $1.59/mo
• Surfshark: Best value. Full security suite plus unlimited devices. From $2.49/mo
• Proton VPN: Best for privacy. Swiss-based, open-source, with a genuinely usable free tier. From $2.99/mo
• ExpressVPN: Best for speed. Proprietary Lightway protocol and a plug-and-play VPN router. From $4.99/mo

Five more picks (CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, Bitdefender VPN, Mullvad, and VeePN) are covered in full below.

The best VPNs of Aug 2026

NordVPN: Best overall VPN

NordVPN is a Panama-based VPN service from Nord Security, running 8,400+ servers servers in 160+ countries and built around its proprietary NordLynx and NordWhisper protocols. It's our top-rated VPN overall.

What I liked

Versatility: NordVPN is the best overall due to its versatility, and it’s no surprise that NordVPN typically takes the #1 spot in most roundups. While many VPNs offer a variety of features — such as a double VPN, the ability to unblock streaming, and tools like a dedicated IP — I found that NordVPN does the job better than all its competitors. Nord even offers its Meshnet feature for free to everyone, not just subscribers, which allows anyone to circumvent password bans.

Security: NordVPN utilizes the protocols OpenVPN, WireGuard (NordLynx), and NordWhisper for the most restrictive environments. All protocols have rules that determine the security of your connection, and Nord has built upon the most lightweight and powerful ones available to bring ultimate security. NordVPN has also rolled out post-quantum encryption across its apps, which is designed to protect your traffic against future decryption by quantum computers, a protection several major competitors still don't offer. Additionally, NordVPN boasts an ironclad no-logs policy that undergoes third-party audits annually, which is more frequent than its competitors.

Performance: NordVPN consistently outperforms the others in our quarterly tests. We’ve repeatedly tested over 50 VPNs, and NordVPN is the only provider to receive perfect scores across the board in performance, security, speed, geo-restricted streaming, and leak testing while actually improving our download speeds. Where other VPNs have had glitches or setbacks with features like a kill switch, NordVPN has worked effortlessly every time.

Also won best for:

• Streaming: Thanks to the proprietary NordLynx protocol, NordVPN boasts reliable speeds that kept us free from buffering. Plus, the unique Meshnet feature allows you to bypass password-sharing restrictions by connecting to your home IP address from anywhere. Finally, you get servers in all 50 U.S. states, which makes it easy for sport fans to bypass regional restrictions.
• Security: The NordLynx and NordWhisper proprietary protocols provide lightweight security and encryption, while advanced security features, including Threat Protection, double VPN, and obfuscated servers, ensure enhanced online privacy.
• Features: Proprietary features, such as SmartPlay for streaming and Meshnet for LAN, are combined with premium VPN features like Onion over VPN and private DNS, providing NordVPN with a comprehensive suite of valuable tools for all users.

What I didn’t like

Price: NordVPN isn’t as budget-friendly as other top VPN providers, such as Surfshark, CyberGhost, or PIA. NordVPN’s basic plan also doesn’t include advanced security features like NordVPN Threat Protection or NordPass password manager. Comparatively, Surfshark’s Starter plan includes a VPN, Surfshark CleanWeb (an ad and tracker blocker like Threat Protection), and Alt ID (an online identity masker).

Test results

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Total VPN: Best for beginners

Total VPN is TotalAV's VPN service, running 1,800+ servers servers in 80+ countries. Every plan bundles it with TotalAV antivirus and Total Adblock, our top-rated ad blocker, and it's the simplest VPN on this list to set up and use.

Total VPN asks far less of you than NordVPN does, which is why it's our beginner pick. There's one screen, one button, and nothing to misconfigure, and the plan includes our top-rated ad blocker where NordVPN reserves Threat Protection for higher tiers. NordVPN wins on everything that shows up later: much better speeds on distant servers, an annually audited no-logs policy, and a feature list Total VPN doesn't attempt. Start with Total VPN if you just want protection running today, and go with NordVPN if you think you'll want more than the basics.

What I liked

Ease of use: Total VPN is the least intimidating VPN we tested. The dashboard is a giant connect button, your current server location, and an option to change it. There are no protocol menus to work out and nothing to get wrong, which is why Total VPN earned a perfect 5.0 on our experience score.

Plenty of people buy a VPN, find the settings confusing, and never switch it on again. Total VPN is built so that can't really happen, and the mobile app is nearly identical to the desktop one, so there's nothing new to learn when you move between devices.

Price: At $1.59/mo for the first year, Total VPN is the cheapest entry point in this guide, and that price covers three products rather than one. You get the VPN, TotalAV antivirus, and Total Adblock at no extra cost, with a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans. It also undercuts the other antivirus-brand VPNs we've tested, including Bitdefender VPN at $2.50/mo and Norton Secure VPN at $3.33/mo.

Total Adblock is included: This is the part that genuinely sets Total VPN apart from the rest of this list. Total Adblock is our top-rated ad blocker, and it comes with your Total VPN plan at no extra cost. It historically scores a perfect 100/100 on AdBlock Tester, passing every banner, interstitial, and tracker test, and it's the most reliable YouTube ad blocker we've tested, which is a platform most ad blockers fail on.

Other VPNs bundle ad and tracker blocking too, but Nord's Threat Protection and Surfshark's CleanWeb are features inside a VPN app rather than standalone products we rate at the top of their own category. If you were considering paying for an ad blocker separately, that cost effectively disappears here. Read our full Total Adblock review for the details.

Local speeds: On the nearest server, Total VPN cost us almost nothing. Our download speed dropped by less than 2%, upload speed actually improved, and latency fell from 27 ms to 17 ms. If you mainly want privacy while browsing from home, you won't feel it running.

Security basics: Total VPN uses AES-256 encryption and now supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, Hydra, and IPsec, where it once offered only OpenVPN and IKEv2. It includes a working kill switch plus split tunneling on Windows and Android, and it passed our DNS leak, WebRTC leak, and kill switch tests.

• Ad blocking: Total Adblock comes with every Total VPN plan, and it's our top-rated ad blocker on its own merits, including on YouTube.

What I didn’t like

Thin feature set and low device limit: There's no multi-hop, no obfuscated servers, and no dedicated IP option, and 5 simultaneous connections won't cover a family. There's also no support for routers, smart TVs, or gaming consoles, which is where Total VPN lost the most ground in our scoring.

Speed drops on distant servers: Total VPN cost us an average of 23% of our download speed across the regions we tested, reaching 33% on the Canadian server and 36% on the Australian one. On Android the average drop was 52%. That's fine for local browsing and workable for streaming, but it's well behind NordVPN or Surfshark on the same routes.

Test results

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Surfshark: Best value VPN

Surfshark is a VPN and security suite that bundles a VPN with antivirus, ad blocking, and identity protection tools, running 4,500+ servers servers in 100 countries. It's one of the only major providers allowing unlimited simultaneous device connections.

Surfshark undercuts NordVPN on price and beats it on device limits, but NordVPN edges it on raw speed consistency and specialty server depth. Pick Surfshark if you're covering a whole household or want the bundled security tools; pick NordVPN if performance is the priority.

What I liked

Bundles: Surfshark offers more than just a VPN — it’s the best value full cybersecurity suite on the market today. The most basic plan includes CleanWeb, a content blocker that protects you online from invasive ads, cookies, and trackers.

As you move up Surfshark’s subscription tiers, you’ll also enjoy real-time antivirus protection, ID and data leak alerts, Surfshark secure browser, and more — all for less than NordVPN’s basic plan. The top tier includes Incogni data removal, and with the 2-year plan, you’re getting a full suite of protection services for less than the base price of VPN providers like Proton VPN.

Additionally, we’ve independently tested Surfshark Antivirus, Surfshark CleanWeb, and Incogni, and highly recommend these services.

Unlimited connections: Most VPNs have a limit on the number of devices that can be connected simultaneously, but not Surfshark. It’s one of the few VPNs offering unlimited simultaneous connections while keeping its services at a reasonable price.

Surfshark’s broad compatibility makes this feature even more valuable when you realize you can install it on computers and phones, as well as on routers, TVs, and even gaming consoles. While some competitors, such as PIA and IPVanish, offer unlimited connections, Surfshark has consistently outperformed them in our testing.

Unique features: Surfshark's camouflage mode, also known as its obfuscated servers, hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, digitally camouflaging your online activity. Android users can utilize GPS override, a feature that masks your location even from your phone’s internal GPS tracking of your location.

The VPN also offers thousands of servers in at least 100 countries, a feature found in competitors with premium prices, while Surfshark’s prices remain viable for any budget.

Also won best for:

• Families: Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections are particularly useful for large families, but so is the CleanWeb feature and antivirus, which help keep kids from accidentally downloading malware and viruses.

What I didn’t like

High monthly cost: If you want to pay monthly for Surfshark, you’ll run into subscription fees that exceed competitors like NordVPN. To get the best value, you have to sign up for a two-year commitment.

While I'm a firm believer in buying the most valuable option, such as a two-year subscription to Surfshark One+, I don’t think it should be the only option for consumers looking to save a little money.

Test results

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Proton VPN: Best for privacy

Proton VPN is a Swiss-based, open-source VPN service from the makers of Proton Mail, running 20,000+ servers servers in 145 countries. It's the only provider on this list with a free tier we actually recommend.

Proton VPN is the stronger choice on transparency when compared to NordPVN. It's open-source and Swiss-based, where NordVPN is not open-source. NordVPN wins on breadth: more servers, more specialty features, and better streaming reliability in our testing. Choose Proton VPN if verifiable privacy is your first priority.

What I liked

Privacy-focused: Proton VPN was built with security as its top priority. Headquartered in Switzerland, which has strong data privacy laws, it features open-source software (pros: transparency with clear user trust signals), a commitment to a strict no-logs policy, and results that are openly published online. Proton VPN even includes a free Proton Mail account, which helps keep your emails private with end-to-end encryption.

Secure Core: Proton VPN operates a secure network of Secure Core servers based in privacy-forward countries, including Switzerland, Iceland, and Sweden. These servers automatically route your internet traffic through two servers (also known as a double hop, double VPN, or multi-hop). This additional security measure is particularly beneficial for users in countries with a high risk of censorship, such as Russia, China, Turkey, and Iran.

It can also stop spying from countries like the U.S., the U.K., and others. Proton VPN owns its Secure Core servers and routes traffic through multiple channels to avoid server monitoring, which can compromise your VPN security.

Stealth protocol: Proton VPN’s Stealth protocol enables individuals in censored countries to access the internet on their own terms with enhanced obfuscation. Protecting what individuals do online can help bypass oppressive governments that seek to stop the flow of information by making VPNs illegal. The Stealth protocol conceals VPN usage, which can be detected by oppressive governments and used to prosecute individuals for attempting to protect their privacy.

Also won best for:

• Free: Proton VPN's free tier is the only one we recommend without hesitation. It has no data cap, no ads, and no data selling — the three things that make most free VPNs a bad trade. The free tier is limited to a handful of server locations and one device, but it's a genuinely safe way to try a VPN before paying for one.
• Internet freedom: With enhanced privacy features like Stealth Mode and Secure Core, Proton VPN provides users with the freedom to browse the internet from anywhere in the world, without worrying about government censorship and surveillance.
• Torrenting: Since Proton VPN is fast (it actually improves our internet speeds during testing several times), it can be used for quick, uninterrupted downloads when torrenting.

What I didn’t like

Buying an anonymous subscription can be tricky: Other privacy-focused VPNs, like Mullvad, allow you to sign up completely anonymously and purchase a VPN subscription with cash or cryptocurrency. With Proton VPN, you need to sign up for a free account before you can “upgrade” to a premium plan using Proton credits. Proton users can purchase Proton credits with Bitcoin, but the process is somewhat convoluted.

Test results

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ExpressVPN: Best for speed

ExpressVPN is a British Virgin Islands-based VPN service owned by Kape Technologies, running Unlisted servers in 113 countries. It's known for its proprietary Lightway protocol and its own preconfigured VPN router.

ExpressVPN's device setup support is the best in the category. But NordVPN currently includes more in its base plan, and isn't owned by a company that also owns three of its competitors. ExpressVPN makes the most sense if you want the Aircove router or the broadest smart-device support.

What I liked

Proprietary features: ExpressVPN has developed its own protocol, Lightway, which is not only secure but also exceptionally fast. It also created its own router, the high-speed Aircove that comes with its VPN service already installed. You’ll still need a subscription, but you won’t have to worry about configuring your router to cover all the devices in your home.

Performance: Not all VPNs are created equal, and most slow down your connection with the very protocols and protections meant to encrypt your traffic. ExpressVPN, with its Lightway protocol, consistently demonstrated its reliability through our multi-year testing.

During our quarterly in-house testing, speed and performance remained consistent, regardless of the device, operating system, region tested, or any other factors we threw at it. Whether inside or outside the U.S., we’ve seen peak performance from ExpressVPN.

MediaStreamer: ExpressVPN is a solid choice for entertainment-focused users who want to watch their favorite shows or compete in online gaming tournaments without worrying about lag or loading issues. It boasts MediaStreamer, a simple solution for connecting devices that aren’t compatible with VPNs.

ExpressVPN also offers setup and troubleshooting support for every device, including smart devices like Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, and Android TV, as well as gaming consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Also won best for:

• Gaming and streaming: Consistent performance coupled with fast speeds and broad compatibility make ExpressVPN excellent for streaming and gaming, and it’s the top VPN of choice for professional Twitch streamers.
• VPN installed router: The Aircove router was created by security experts to be fast, secure, and to integrate ExpressVPN, so it blankets your home or office with effortless protection.

What I didn’t like

Performance drop: Recently, during testing, we’ve observed performance issues with the new Lightway Turbo protocol. We did note lower speed scores, which is unusual since ExpressVPN has historically improved speeds. I'm hoping this is a sign of growing pains, as ExpressVPN continues to innovate with proprietary features, but felt it was worth noting.

Price: ExpressVPN has launched three plan tiers, which has brought its entry price in line with the rest of the market — you can now get ExpressVPN Basic for only $2.99/mo. The catch is that the Basic tier strips away features that used to be included with every subscription, like its password manager and tracker blocking. ExpressVPN Basic also covers 10 simultaneous connections, while the ExpressVPN Pro tier covers up to 14.

Test results

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CyberGhost: Best for Apple users

CyberGhost is a Romania-based VPN service owned by Kape Technologies, running Unlisted servers in 100 countries, with streaming-optimized servers and RAM-only infrastructure. It has the deepest macOS and iOS support of any VPN we tested.

CyberGhost is cheaper than NordVPN and better tailored to Apple hardware, including support for older macOS versions NordVPN has dropped. NordVPN is faster, has a stronger audit record, and offers split tunneling on more platforms. Go with CyberGhost if you're an all-Apple household on a budget.

What I liked

Compatibility: Apple users know that macOS and iOS often receive the short end of the stick when it comes to software features and usability, but CyberGhost doesn’t do that. First, it offers a free 24-hour Mac trial, allowing you to experience its seamless connection. Once you commit, you’ll find a VPN with optimized servers and uninterrupted internet browsing.

While other software companies are eliminating support for older versions of macOS, CyberGhost remains compatible all the way back to High Sierra (10.13).

Server network: Regardless of where you use your MacBook or iPhone, I was impressed with the large server network comprising thousands of virtual servers, as well as primarily physical servers located in the countries they serve. The RAM-only servers reboot daily, wiping the data from them each time. If the data is physically stolen, it will be deleted and unrecoverable.

Additionally, CyberGhost optimizes servers for streaming and gaming, so you don’t have to worry about letting your team down because your internet connection glitched.

Travel: If you’re in a country that doesn’t speak your language, it can be comforting to connect to your streaming services to watch your favorite shows. When traveling internationally, I found CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers deliver lag-free quality and clean streaming.

In addition to streaming, CyberGhost operates its own NoSpy server network within its headquarters in Romania, a privacy-friendly country where the government can’t demand that data be handed over. Like the steel crown of Romania, CyberGhost’s global protection is solid.

Also won best for:

• Public Wi-Fi: Effortlessly activates when you connect to an unrecognized network, automatically protecting you from a shared public internet that can expose you to hackers and cybercriminals.

What I didn’t like

Split tunneling availability: CyberGhost’s split tunneling feature isn’t available on Apple devices. Split tunneling allows you to route some traffic through a VPN while keeping other internet traffic unencrypted, which is handy for websites like online banking that don’t trust VPNs.

Currently, split tunneling is offered only on Android, with a workaround for Windows. This isn’t a deal breaker, but given the service's otherwise broad compatibility, I wish this were included on every device.

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Private Internet Access: Best for sports streaming and betting

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a U.S.-based VPN service owned by Kape Technologies, running Unlisted servers in 90 countries. It's one of the only providers with servers in all 50 U.S. states, plus unlimited simultaneous connections.

PIA is significantly cheaper than NordVPN and matches it on U.S. state coverage, which is what makes it our sports pick. NordVPN wins on jurisdiction — Panama sits outside the Five Eyes alliance, where PIA's U.S. headquarters does not — and on overall speed. Choose PIA if regional U.S. content is the whole reason you're buying.

What I liked

U.S. servers: PIA is one of the only VPN providers that offers servers in all 50 U.S. states. This expansive U.S. server network enables sports fans of the NFL, NBA, MLB, and other leagues to bypass network restrictions and access regional sports content. For example, if you’re a Cleveland Browns fan visiting your kids in California, PIA ensures you can still catch a game.

Unlimited connections: Keeping your family secure, especially if you have a large household and multiple devices, requires a VPN with a high number of simultaneous connections, which PIA offers. You can watch the Dallas Cowboys while vacationing in Europe and not miss your betting deadlines before the game, while the rest of the fam surfs on encrypted connections.

Mobile experience: If you’re going to be on DraftKings, you want to make sure your financial information is protected while placing bets. I tested PIA on both desktop and mobile and found both offered a good experience. The mobile speed test performances were actually slightly faster than PIA's desktop performance. Coupled with servers in every state, this makes PIA an optimal choice for taking your content wherever you go.

Also won best for:

• U.S. internet freedom: Some U.S. states have restrictions on certain websites, including sports betting and adult content. U.S. users can easily switch their connection to a different state to access this type of content, as PIA offers servers in every state.
• Port forwarding: An affordable option for dynamic port forwarding. It's compatible with multiple operating systems and offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

What I didn’t like

Headquartered in the U.S.: PIA is headquartered in the U.S., which means the company falls under Five Eyes Alliance surveillance. Since the U.S. is well known for spying on its own citizens, having your privacy software located within its borders isn’t ideal.

Privacy software in privacy-lax countries usually includes no-log and privacy-focused policies, but we still don’t love it.

Test results

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Bitdefender VPN: Best antivirus VPN

Bitdefender VPN is the VPN arm of Romanian antivirus maker Bitdefender, running 3,000+ servers servers in 100+ countries. It can be bought standalone or bundled with Bitdefender's antivirus software, and it's the rare antivirus-brand VPN that performs like a dedicated one.

Bitdefender VPN exists to solve a different problem than NordVPN — it's for people who want one vendor handling both antivirus and VPN. On VPN capability alone, NordVPN is well ahead: more servers, more specialty features, no data caps at any tier, and a longer public audit history. Buy Bitdefender VPN as part of the antivirus bundle, not as a standalone VPN.

What I liked

Best standalone VPN from an antivirus provider: It’s rare to find a top-notch antivirus provider offering a standout VPN service. Most antivirus software bundles treat the VPN as an afterthought, and its performance usually doesn’t match that of other premium VPN providers. Bitdefender VPN outshines antivirus competitors like Norton Secure VPN and Avast SecureLine in usability, performance, and price.

Performance: In the past, Bitdefender VPN has decreased our internet speeds by as little as 1.63% when connected to a U.S. server. It’s typical for any premium VPN service to decrease download speeds by about 18%, especially VPNs included in antivirus bundles. Comparable VPNs also struggle to unblock streaming platforms consistently, but Bitdefender VPN offers a seamless streaming experience.

Bundle with Bitdefender Antivirus: Bitdefender VPN can be purchased as a standalone subscription or as a bundle with Bitdefender Antivirus. Other premium VPN services boast antivirus protection, but Bitdefender is the cream of the crop when it comes to real-time malware protection.

Bitdefender received perfect scores in independent, third-party testing for usability, performance, and protection for Windows, Android, and macOS. It also boasts an overall malware protection score of 99.97%, which is exceptionally high.

What I didn’t like

VPN data caps with antivirus bundle: Unfortunately, Bitdefender’s standalone antivirus plan, as well as the mid-tier Bitdefender Total Security, includes a 200 MB per day data cap on Bitdefender VPN. For unlimited traffic encryption (which is necessary for streaming and gaming), you must pay the upcharge for Bitdefender Premium VPN.

Test results

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Mullvad: Best for true anonymity

Mullvad is a Sweden-based, open-source VPN service running 570+ servers servers in 50 countries. It's built for anonymity above all else: no email address is required to sign up, and it charges one flat rate regardless of subscription length.

Mullvad is the more private option in a strict sense. You can use it without ever giving it your name or email, which NordVPN doesn't allow. NordVPN beats it on nearly everything else: speed, server count, streaming, and specialty features. Mullvad is for people whose threat model justifies giving those up.

What I liked

True anonymity: Mullvad stands apart from nearly every VPN on this list by decoupling your account from your identity entirely. No email address is required to sign up, and you can pay with cash, vouchers, or cryptocurrency. Mullvad is a genuinely anonymous VPN option for privacy-enthusiasts.

High privacy standards: Like Proton VPN, Mullvad is open-source and has a strict no-logs policy that's been independently audited. Plus, its headquarters in Sweden means it operates under some of Europe's strongest data privacy laws. For users who want to go a step further, Mullvad's Lockdown Mode functions as an advanced kill switch, cutting your connection entirely if the VPN drops rather than allowing any unencrypted traffic through.

Locked pricing: Unlike most VPNs, Mullvad charges the same flat rate regardless of subscription length, so no pressure to commit to a two-year plan to get a reasonable price. Even though it is priced higher than the top competitors, you know you'll never face a price hike. 

What I didn’t like

Limited extras and a smaller network: Mullvad keeps things lean by design, but that means no streaming-optimized servers, no double VPN, and a server network that's smaller than several top competitors. If you need a VPN that does it all, you'll likely want to look toward NordVPN or Surfshark.

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VeePN: Best hidden gem

VeePN is a lesser-known VPN service running 2,600+ servers servers in 85 countries, sold as a tiered security bundle that adds antivirus, breach alerts, and identity masking at higher plan levels. It's the least-known provider on this list and the one that most exceeded our expectations.

VeePN delivers a surprising amount of the NordVPN feature list — double VPN, streaming servers, obfuscation — at a lower price. What it doesn't deliver is reliability: NordVPN worked on the first try every time in our testing, and VeePN didn't. It's a good value if you're willing to troubleshoot occasionally.

What I liked

Surprisingly full-featured: VeePN has quietly grown into a full cybersecurity bundle that starts at just $2.49/mo on a two-year plan. The Basic plan covers VPN plus an ad blocker, while the Pro and Max tiers add antivirus, breach alerts for email and credit cards, and identity masking tools. For a VPN that doesn't get much attention, it's packing a lot.

Specialty servers that punch above their price: VeePN offers both streaming-optimized servers and double VPN functionality, which most VPNs don't. The streaming servers are built to reduce lag and bypass geo-restrictions, while double VPN routes your traffic through two servers instead of one for an extra layer of security. It also supports Shadowsocks, a protocol designed to disguise VPN traffic as regular browsing — useful for anyone dealing with heavy network restrictions or censorship.

Strong performance: In our most recent testing, VeePN held up well. Its impact on download speeds came in better than the average VPN, and it actually improved our upload speeds on most servers. For a lesser-known VPN provider, VeePN offers fast, consistent speeds and the ability to unblock geo-restricted Netflix content. 

What I didn’t like

Inconsistent server reliability: VeePN's biggest weakness is that some streaming servers didn't work on the first try, Netflix occasionally required protocol changes or server switches, and the overall experience demanded more tinkering than you'd expect from a top-tier provider. VeePN definitely works, but it requires more finesse than other top providers.

Test results

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VPN speed tests

To measure a VPN's speed impact, we start by using SpeedTest.net to record a baseline download speed without any VPN active. Then, we compare it to speeds when connected to servers in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. A positive percentage means the VPN actually improved our speeds, while a negative percentage means it slowed things down.

The fastest VPNs we've tested are NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. Speed matters because a sluggish VPN can interrupt streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing, but the best options should have almost no impact on your connection at all.

The table below shows our most recent test results across servers alongside a historical average drawn from up to seven rounds of testing conducted since May 2024.

	Speed impact with US server	Speed impact with CA server	Speed impact with UK server	Speed impact with AU server	Historical speed impact average
	-1.65% slower	-4.42% slower	+0.63% faster	-13.51% slower	2% slower
	-1.80% slower	-32.98% slower	-21.02% slower	-35.64% slower	30% slower
	+15.33% faster	+0.60% faster	+6.33% faster	-25.92% slower	8% slower
	+5.44% faster	+4.65% faster	+5.39% faster	-14.83% slower	14% slower
	+15.51% faster	+7.69% faster	-0.18% slower	-23.70% slower	12% slower
	+1.64% faster	-26.73% slower	-11.16% slower	-34.45% slower	34% slower
	-33.59% slower	-51.03% slower	-65.48% slower	-48.61% slower	39% slower
	-22.14% slower	-36.36% slower	-49.31% slower	-12.36% slower	31% slower
	+2.90% faster	-6.62% slower	+1.92% faster	-4.92% slower	18% slower
	-16.81% slower	-29.72% slower	-23.76% slower	-29.29% slower	37% slower

VPN advanced security and privacy features

Encryption protocols	NordLynx (WireGuard), NordWhisper, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec	WireGuard, OpenVPN, Hydra, IPsec	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2	Stealth, OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2	Lightway, Lightway Turbo, OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	OpenVPN, WireGuard IKEv2	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPsec	OpenVPN (UDP & TCP), IPSec, Hydra	OpenVPN, WireGuard	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, Shadowsocks
Torrenting (P2P servers)
Onion over VPN (Tor over VPN)
Port forwarding
Double VPN (multi-hop)
Obfuscated servers
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Total VPN Read Total VPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review	Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get CyberGhost Read CyberGhost Review	Get PIA Read PIA Review	Get Bitdefender VPN Read Bitdefender VPN Review	Get Mullvad Read Mullvad Review	Get VeePN Read VeePN Review

Who owns the major VPN providers?

The VPN industry is more consolidated than it looks. Several brands that appear to compete with each other share a parent company, which is worth knowing when you're comparing "independent" options.

• Kape Technologies owns ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and ZenMate.
• Nord Security owns NordVPN and Surfshark, which merged in 2022 while continuing to operate as separate brands.
• Proton AG owns Proton VPN alongside Proton Mail and the rest of the Proton suite.
• Mullvad is owned by Amagicom AB and has stayed independent.
• Bitdefender VPN is owned by the antivirus company Bitdefender.

None of this makes a VPN untrustworthy on its own. But if you're choosing a backup provider or want to avoid putting all your traffic with one corporate parent, it's worth checking who actually owns what. We rate every VPN on its own performance regardless of ownership, and we disclose it here so you can factor it in yourself.

How to choose the best VPN

Consider these questions to choose the best VPN for you:

• How much does it cost? Look for a VPN that costs around $5, or use it as a good starting point for an affordable service.
• Does it keep logs of user data? Make sure a VPN has a strict no-logs policy you can review online and that an independent audit by a trusted company has been conducted.
• Does it offer a large number of servers? Check to see if there are enough servers to support loads of users. Around 2,000 or more in at least 50 countries is roughly the average.
• How secure is it? Verify whether the VPN uses AES-256 encryption or an equivalent and secure VPN protocol, such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, or a similar protocol.
• Does it slow down your internet speed? Run speed tests during free trials or if you have a 30-day money-back guarantee. A slight decrease in speed is expected with VPNs, but anything that significantly impacts your everyday online activities is likely excessive. Keep in mind that more distant servers typically slow down your speeds more.

Free vs. paid VPNs: Which is better?

Proton VPN has the best free VPN tier, and it's the only one we recommend. It has no data cap, no ads, and no data selling. Beyond that, trying a free VPN might seem like a money-saving idea, but it often leads to slow, unreliable connections and a higher risk of data leaks. Even the best free VPNs can't match the quality and security of paid ones, which offer faster speeds and better protection for your online activities.

Also, paid VPNs are more likely to unblock streaming services like Netflix, making them a safer and more reliable choice in the long run. Lastly, free VPNs are notorious for capturing your data and selling it to advertisers or even injecting spyware into your activity. If you value privacy and your personal data being left alone, the majority of free VPNs aren’t going to cut it. Learn more about free VPN risks.

Thankfully, there are ways to save money on VPN services. From choosing a low-cost VPN app with lots of value, like Surfshark, to waiting for holiday deals, there are multiple hacks to fit a VPN’s extra security into your budget.

Watch: The five best VPNs

Bottom line: The best VPNs tested by our experts

As of Aug 2026, NordVPN is the best VPN overall, due to its exceptional performance, comprehensive features, and robust security, among other standout features. Surfshark, Total VPN, Proton VPN, and CyberGhost are among the other top contenders, but each VPN on this list has something special worth noting, including Mullvad for true anonymity and VeePN as a hidden gem with useful specialty servers and broad compatibility.

In our increasingly unsecured world, a VPN provides the security you need to browse safely online. Based on our VPN survey, 88% of VPN users connect weekly or more, underscoring the need for a reliable VPN service. Public Wi-Fi, travel, streaming, gaming, and other online activities each have their own challenges. There’s a VPN out there that can meet your unique needs so you’re always secure, and our VPN Award winners are the best of the best.

Advice from digital security experts and more

There are many benefits and reasons to use a VPN, which is why we asked for expert opinions on how a VPN works as well as the best times to use one.

How does using a VPN protect privacy online? Are they effective?

Are there times when it makes more sense to use a VPN than others?

Why do some streaming platforms only show media to subscribers from specific countries?

How can consumers benefit from changing their ISP location using a VPN?

Why do some streaming platforms only show media to subscribers from specific countries?

^{Some responses may have been slightly edited for clarity and brevity.}

FAQs

August 2026 update: Retested all 10 VPNs across Windows, Mac, and mobile. Added post-quantum encryption status for every provider. Added a new section on VPNs that didn't make our list. Updated ExpressVPN's plan tiers and pricing. Expanded our FAQ. Added Total VPN as new top option for beginners after its improvements in our recent round of testing.