Choosing the best VPN depends on your priorities. NordVPN is our overall pick, Proton VPN is worth considering for privacy-focused use, ExpressVPN focuses on streaming and travel, Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous connections, and Private Internet Access (PIA) offers extensive settings for users who want more control.
Before subscribing, compare more than the advertised monthly price. Review the provider’s privacy policy, independent audit reports, supported devices, connection limits, and renewal terms. Speed and streaming access also vary with your location, device, server, and the service you want to use.
The table below summarizes the five providers and the details worth checking before you choose. Prices and features can change, so confirm the current offer and plan terms on each provider’s official website.
| Provider | Best For | Intro Price | Simultaneous Devices | Privacy and Audit Checks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Overall use | From $3.49/mo* | 10 | Review the latest independent privacy audit and its scope |
| Proton VPN | Privacy-focused use | Verify current plan price | 10 | Check the latest independent audit and privacy documentation |
| ExpressVPN | Streaming and travel | From $2.99/mo* | 10 on Basic | Check the latest VPN privacy audit and protocol security reports |
| Surfshark | Multiple devices and value | From $2.49/mo* | Unlimited | Verify the scope and date of independent security assessments |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | Customization and budget | Verify current plan price | Unlimited | Check the latest audit documentation and privacy-policy evidence |
Introductory prices apply to eligible subscription plans and may vary by region, promotion, and plan. Before subscribing, check the total upfront payment, subscription length, renewal price, and cancellation terms on the provider’s official website.
Privacy note: Independent audits vary in scope and date. Check each provider’s published audit report to see what was reviewed and whether the findings support its privacy claims. A privacy-policy review is not the same as a technical security audit of a VPN app or infrastructure.
NordVPN - Best Overall VPN for 2026
NordVPN is a strong choice for people who want a balance of speed, streaming support, and privacy features. Its NordLynx protocol is based on WireGuard, and independent testing by Tom’s Guide has recorded speeds above 1,249 Mbps. Actual performance varies with your internet connection, location, device, and VPN server.
NordVPN has also undergone independent reviews of its no-logs policy. According to its published documentation, Deloitte conducted its fifth no-logs assurance assessment in late 2024. NordVPN is based in Panama and offers specialty servers, including Double VPN and obfuscated servers. Double VPN routes traffic through two VPN servers, while obfuscated servers are designed to make VPN traffic less recognizable on networks that restrict VPN use.
The app includes a kill switch designed to help prevent internet traffic from continuing outside the VPN tunnel if the connection drops. Its exact behavior depends on the operating system and settings, so check the options available on your device.
For streaming, NordVPN supports services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer in testing by independent reviewers. Access can change as streaming services update their systems, and results may vary by country and server. A VPN does not guarantee access to every regional library.
Who should consider NordVPN? It is worth considering if you want fast connections, broad streaming support, and additional privacy features in one service.
Who might prefer another VPN? Budget-conscious users may find lower introductory prices elsewhere. Users who need a specific protocol or advanced network settings should compare performance and features against alternatives before subscribing. NordVPN’s advertised introductory price is not the same as its renewal price, so check the total cost and renewal terms before buying.
For current plan details, features, and a closer look at its strengths and limitations, read our full NordVPN review.
Proton VPN - Best for Privacy
Proton VPN is a strong option for people who put privacy first but still want fast connections. It publishes information about its security practices and offers features such as Secure Core, which routes traffic through multiple VPN servers, and Stealth, a protocol designed to make VPN connections harder to identify.
Proton VPN is based in Switzerland and publishes documentation about its no-logs policy and independent assessments. Its latest audit report, its scope, and the date of the assessment are worth checking before relying on any specific audit claim. An independent assessment provides evidence about what was reviewed, but it is not a guarantee against every possible privacy or security risk.
Speed is another strength. In Tom’s Guide’s published testing, Proton VPN reached 1,548 Mbps using WireGuard over a long-distance connection and 479 Mbps using its Stealth protocol. Its OpenVPN result was 449 Mbps, which was slower than some competitors in the same test. These are lab results rather than speeds every user should expect. Your results will depend on your internet connection, device, server location, and selected protocol. See our VPN speed tests for testing methodology and provider comparisons.
Proton VPN also has a free plan with unlimited data, no advertisements, and one connected device at a time. The free plan has fewer server choices and does not include all the features of the paid plan. If you want to compare free services before paying, see our best free VPN guide.
The paid plan adds access to the wider server network, support for up to 10 simultaneous devices, streaming features, and Secure Core. Check Proton VPN’s current pricing and plan details before subscribing, as offers and features can change.
Who should consider Proton VPN? It is worth considering if privacy features, independent security assessments, and strong WireGuard performance are priorities.
Where it falls short: OpenVPN performance was weaker in Tom’s Guide’s tests, and the paid service may cost more than some competing offers. If you need OpenVPN specifically, compare results for that protocol rather than relying only on peak WireGuard speeds.
For plan comparisons, privacy features, and a more detailed assessment, read our full Proton VPN review.
ExpressVPN - Best for Streaming and Travel
ExpressVPN: Best for Streaming and Travel
ExpressVPN is worth considering if you stream video across different devices or frequently switch between home, public Wi-Fi, and mobile networks. It offers apps for major operating systems and features designed to make connections easier to manage while travelling.
ExpressVPN publishes information about independent assessments of its apps, privacy practices, and infrastructure. Reports from firms such as KPMG and Cure53 cover different products and areas, so check each report’s date and scope rather than treating every assessment as the same type of audit. ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands. As with any VPN, review its privacy policy and the limits of its published assurances before choosing a provider.
Streaming is one of ExpressVPN’s main strengths. Its MediaStreamer feature is a Smart DNS service that can help compatible devices access certain streaming services without installing a VPN app. Unlike a VPN connection, Smart DNS does not encrypt all your internet traffic. Streaming availability also changes by service, country, and server, so no provider can guarantee access to every regional library.
If accessing Netflix libraries in different countries is your main priority, read our best VPN for Netflix guide for a more focused comparison.
ExpressVPN offers its Lightway protocol, designed for fast, reliable connections and quick network transitions. Its Windows app also offers Lightway Turbo on supported configurations. In Tom’s Guide’s published testing, Lightway Turbo reached 1,177 Mbps and OpenVPN with DCO reached 1,038 Mbps. These are results from a particular test setup, not speeds every subscriber should expect. Performance varies with your device, network, server, and protocol.
Who should consider ExpressVPN? It is a good candidate for people who value a straightforward app, streaming support, and a VPN they can use while travelling between networks.
Where it falls short: ExpressVPN may not be the cheapest choice, and its fastest results can depend on the platform and protocol used. Compare the current plan prices, renewal terms, device limits, and performance on your own devices before subscribing.
For a closer look at its plans, privacy documentation, features, and limitations, read our full ExpressVPN review.
Surfshark - Best Value
Surfshark: Best Value
Surfshark is a strong option for households and people with multiple devices. Its main advantage is unlimited simultaneous connections, so one subscription can cover phones, laptops, tablets, and compatible smart TVs without a fixed device limit. This can make it good value for families or users who want to protect several devices under one account.
Surfshark supports the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols and includes features such as CleanWeb, which helps block ads, trackers, and known malicious URLs, and MultiHop, which routes traffic through two VPN servers. The availability of specific features can depend on the plan and app version, so check the current plan details before subscribing.
Performance is competitive, but results depend on the test. Tom’s Guide reported WireGuard speeds of 1,021 Mbps and OpenVPN with DCO speeds of 851 Mbps in its testing. These are results from a particular test setup, not guaranteed speeds for every user. Your performance will vary with your internet connection, device, server location, and protocol. For comparisons focused on Windows, see our best VPN for Windows guide.
Surfshark has published independent assessments of its privacy practices, including a no-logs audit by Cure53. Check the latest report for its publication date and scope before relying on a specific audit claim. An audit provides evidence about what was examined, but it does not guarantee that every aspect of a service is risk-free.
Who should consider Surfshark? It is worth considering if you need to connect many devices, want features such as MultiHop and CleanWeb, or are comparing lower-cost long-term subscriptions.
Where it falls short: Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, which is part of the EU and a member of the Nine Eyes intelligence-sharing arrangement. This may matter to users with specific privacy or threat-model concerns, although jurisdiction alone does not determine how well a VPN protects your data. Also compare the introductory price with the renewal rate, because long-term subscription costs can increase after the first term.
For a closer look at its plans, privacy documentation, features, and limitations, read our full Surfshark review.
Private Internet Access - Best for Unlimited Devices on a Budget
Private Internet Access (PIA) is worth considering if you want a VPN that supports unlimited simultaneous connections and offers detailed settings for users who like to customize their setup. One subscription can cover multiple personal devices, making it a practical option for households and users with several computers, phones, and tablets.
PIA supports WireGuard and OpenVPN and offers customizable apps with features such as split tunneling, which lets you choose which apps use the VPN connection. Its open-source apps also allow the public to inspect the client code. However, publicly available source code and independent audits provide different kinds of evidence, so neither should be treated as a guarantee that a service has no security or privacy risks.
Performance and customization are key strengths. WireGuard is designed for fast connections, while OpenVPN gives users another protocol option. Actual speeds depend on your device, internet connection, server location, and chosen settings. For gaming, server distance and latency can matter as much as peak download speed. Our best VPN for gaming guide explains what to compare when choosing a VPN for online games.
PIA has published information about independent assessments of its no-logs policy. It is also based in the United States, which may be an important consideration for people with specific privacy requirements. Review the provider’s privacy policy and the scope of its published audit reports rather than relying on jurisdiction or an audit claim alone.
Who should consider PIA? It is a candidate for budget-conscious users who want unlimited device connections, configurable apps, and support for multiple VPN protocols.
Where it falls short: Some users may prefer a provider based in a different jurisdiction or one with a simpler set of settings. Introductory subscription prices can also differ from renewal rates, so check the total upfront cost, subscription length, and renewal terms before purchasing.
How to Choose the Right VPN
Choosing the right VPN starts with understanding what you need it to do. Before subscribing, compare four important factors: independent privacy audits, the provider’s jurisdiction, kill switch protection, and subscription renewal costs.
1. Check independent audits. Look for a named auditing firm, the date of the assessment, and a publicly available report. Read what the auditor actually examined. A review of a privacy policy is not the same as a technical audit of an app or server infrastructure, and an audit cannot guarantee that a service will never expose data.
2. Understand the provider’s jurisdiction. A VPN company’s country of registration can affect which laws and legal requests apply to it. Some users may prefer providers based in jurisdictions with stronger privacy protections, but location alone does not prove how securely a company handles data. Consider the provider’s logging policy, transparency, and independent assessment alongside its jurisdiction.
3. Check the kill switch and VPN protocol. A kill switch is designed to block internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, helping reduce the risk of exposing your regular IP address. Its behavior can vary by operating system and app, so check how it works on your devices. Protocol choice also affects performance and compatibility. WireGuard often delivers strong speeds, while OpenVPN offers configuration options that can be useful on some networks. OpenVPN’s TCP mode may help when UDP traffic is blocked, although it does not guarantee that a VPN will bypass every firewall. Read our WireGuard vs. OpenVPN comparison for a closer look at the differences.
4. Compare the full subscription cost. Advertised monthly prices often apply only to an introductory term or a specific long-term plan. Before paying, check the total amount charged upfront, how long the subscription lasts, the renewal price, and the cancellation policy. Renewal increases vary by provider, plan, region, and promotion, so check the actual terms rather than assuming a standard increase. Do not rely on being able to cancel and resubscribe at the same promotional price.
These checks help you compare VPN providers beyond their headline prices and marketing claims. For a more detailed checklist covering features, privacy, performance, and cost, read our VPN buying guide.
How These Picks Were Evaluated
Each VPN was assessed using five criteria: independent no-logs audits, registration jurisdiction, kill switch protection, protocol support, and streaming performance.
Privacy and audits: We looked for a named auditing firm and a publicly available report describing what was assessed. We also considered each provider’s registration jurisdiction and relevant data-retention laws. Audit dates and scopes can differ, so an audit should be treated as evidence about the areas reviewed, not a guarantee of complete privacy.
Security features: We considered kill switch behavior, including whether it can block traffic if a VPN connection drops, and support for WireGuard or a WireGuard-based protocol. Features can work differently across operating systems, so readers should check support for their own devices.
Streaming and performance: Streaming support was considered alongside published speed-test results. Speed figures in this article are attributed to Tom’s Guide’s April 2026 testing, which compared VPN protocols and connections between the eastern United States, local servers, and the United Kingdom. These results reflect that test setup and should not be treated as speeds every user will experience.
Pricing: Prices were checked against provider checkout pages in Oct 2026 where records were available. Advertised introductory rates generally apply to the first subscription term, and renewal prices may differ. Prices are in US dollars unless otherwise stated and can vary by region, plan, and promotion.
Provider feature lists, legal documentation, and published audit reports were used to assess privacy claims and service features. Readers should consult the latest provider documentation before subscribing because prices, features, and audit records can change.
VPNs to Skip
Be cautious with VPN providers that make strong privacy promises but do not publish enough evidence to support them. Before subscribing, look for a named independent auditor, a publicly available report, and a clear explanation of what the assessment covered. If a provider does not publish this information, treat its privacy claims as unverified rather than assuming the service is unsafe.
Free VPNs also deserve careful review. Check how each service is funded, what information it collects, whether it shares data with third parties, and whether its privacy policy clearly explains these practices. A free plan is not automatically unsafe, just as a paid subscription does not guarantee strong privacy.
Pay particular attention to how a VPN handles your internet traffic. Hola VPN has been associated with a peer-to-peer network model in which users' devices can act as exit nodes for other users' traffic. Before using any service with this design, understand how your connection may be used and review the provider’s current terms and technical documentation.
Jurisdiction can also matter, but a provider’s country alone does not determine whether it protects your data. Consider its logging policy, transparency, security features, and available independent assessments together.
For a broader checklist of warning signs, privacy checks, and questions to ask before choosing a provider, read our VPN buying guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VPN?
Are VPNs legal?
Does a VPN slow down internet speed?
What is the best free VPN?
Do VPNs work with Netflix?
Explore our related VPN guides for more specific advice. Our best VPN for Windows guide compares Windows features and performance, while our best VPN for gaming guide focuses on latency and server location. To choose a protocol, read our WireGuard vs. OpenVPN comparison. You can also use our VPN speed tests guide to understand download speed, latency, and jitter, and why results vary between home connections and laboratory tests.
