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I’ve spent the last two years testing VPNs across hundreds of videos on my YouTube channels, and after putting over 9 providers through their paces in 2026, I’m ready to give you my definitive list of the best VPNs you can buy right now.
Not all VPNs are created equal. Some are fast but leak your data. Others are cheap but useless for streaming. A few are simply overpriced for what they deliver. In this guide, I cut through the noise and tell you exactly what I found — pros, cons, and honest verdicts — so you can pick the right one for your needs.
The Best VPNs in 2026 — Quick Overview
| # | VPN | Best For | Speed Retention | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Surfshark | Best Overall Value | ~95% | $1.78/mo |
| 2 | IPVanish | Unlimited Devices + Budget | ~92% | $2.19/mo |
| 3 | Proton VPN | Best for Privacy | ~91% | $2.99/mo |
| 4 | NordVPN | Speed & Features | ~89% | $3.59/mo |
| 5 | ExpressVPN | Easiest to Use | ~91% | $2.79/mo |
| 6 | CyberGhost | 45-Day Guarantee + Streaming | ~88% | $1.75/mo |
| 7 | VeePN | Budget Streaming | ~88% | $1.99/mo |
| 8 | PrivadoVPN | Cheapest + Best Free VPN | ~85% | $1.11/mo |
| 9 | PIA | Unlimited Devices + Torrenting | ~85% | $1.59/mo |
How I Tested These VPNs
Every VPN on this list was tested personally by me across multiple devices — Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. I ran speed tests on both nearby and distant servers, checked for DNS and WebRTC leaks, tested streaming unblocking on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other platforms, and evaluated the apps for real-world usability. I’ve also reviewed each provider’s privacy policy, checked for independent no-log audits, and factored in overall value.
I didn’t just read spec sheets — I used these VPNs day in, day out. Here’s what I found.
1. Surfshark — Best Overall VPN in 2026
Best Overall Value
Surfshark — My #1 VPN Pick
Surfshark is the fastest VPN I’ve tested in 2026, with ~95% speed retention. The One plan bundles antivirus, breach alerts, and unlimited devices at a price that makes every competitor blush.
- Fastest VPN in my testing (~95% speed retention)
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Surfshark One adds antivirus + real-time breach alerts
- 7-day free trial on iOS, Android & macOS
- Audited no-logs policy (Deloitte)
- Based in the Netherlands (14 Eyes jurisdiction)
- Server count (4,500+) lower than some competitors
Surfshark is my top recommendation for 2026, and the plan I specifically recommend is Surfshark One. Here’s why it stands out from every other VPN I’ve tested.
In my speed tests, Surfshark consistently retained around 95% of my base connection — making it the fastest VPN I’ve used. Whether I was streaming 4K content, jumping on a video call, or just browsing, I never felt the VPN was slowing me down. It’s genuinely impressive.
What makes the One plan especially compelling is what you get beyond the VPN itself: a built-in antivirus, real-time alerts for email and credit card breaches, webcam protection, and Surfshark Search. That’s a full security suite for a fraction of what you’d pay piecing it together elsewhere. I think the quality-to-price ratio here is unmatched in the industry right now.
On privacy, Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte. Features like Camouflage Mode (obfuscation), MultiHop, and NoBorders mode round out a solid security package. One thing I’ll note honestly: Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, which is part of the 14 Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. If you’re in an extreme threat model, that’s worth knowing — but for the vast majority of users, it won’t matter.
Streaming performance has been excellent. Netflix US, UK, Japan, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer all worked reliably in my tests. The CleanWeb feature also does a great job blocking ads and trackers while you browse.
With unlimited device connections, you can install Surfshark on every device in your household under a single subscription — something that very few VPNs offer at this price point.
What I liked
- Fastest VPN I’ve tested — ~95% speed retention in my sessions
- Unlimited devices on one subscription — covers your whole home
- Surfshark One adds real antivirus and breach alerts, not just a VPN
- Alternative ID feature creates a masked identity for online forms
- 7-day free trial available on mobile and macOS
- Audited no-logs policy — independently verified by Deloitte
What I didn’t like
- Based in the Netherlands — part of the 14 Eyes alliance
- Server count is lower than rivals like NordVPN or Proton VPN
- Auto-renewal pricing can be steep if you’re not paying attention
Current deal: 88% OFF + 3 months free on the 2-year plan — starting at $1.78/mo (Starter) or $2.08/mo (One, recommended). Grab the deal here. You can also check my Surfshark coupon page for the latest discounts, or read my full Surfshark review.
2. IPVanish — Best for Unlimited Devices on a Budget
Unlimited Devices + Fast Speeds
IPVanish — Solid Budget Pick
IPVanish delivers fast speeds (~92% retention), unlimited device connections, and an independently audited no-logs policy — all at a genuinely affordable price.
- ~92% speed retention in my tests
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Independently audited no-logs policy
- Great for streaming: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video
- US-based (5 Eyes jurisdiction)
- No browser extensions or Smart DNS
IPVanish doesn’t get as much attention as the big names, but it punches well above its weight. In my testing, it retained around 92% of my base connection speed — making it one of the faster VPNs I’ve tested, and solidly ahead of NordVPN in day-to-day performance.
Like Surfshark, IPVanish offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which is a rare perk at this price point. If you’ve got a house full of devices or just want one subscription to cover everything, that matters. The WireGuard protocol kept speeds consistent whether I was on a nearby server or connecting internationally.
Streaming worked well across the board — Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Max, and Hulu all unblocked without issue in my tests. The apps are well-designed and straightforward to navigate, making IPVanish one of the easier VPNs to get up and running for less technical users.
The main caveat I have to be honest about: IPVanish is based in the United States, a founding member of the Five Eyes alliance. If privacy from government surveillance is your primary use case, that’s a real consideration. For most everyday users focused on streaming, public Wi-Fi protection, and general privacy, it’s fine — but it’s worth knowing.
What I liked
- Fast and consistent — ~92% speed retention across servers
- Unlimited device connections at an affordable price
- No-logs policy independently audited twice
- Reliable streaming unblocking across major platforms
What I didn’t like
- US jurisdiction — not ideal for privacy-first users
- No browser extensions or Smart DNS proxy
- Linux app lacks a GUI
Current deal: 83% OFF + 3 GB eSIM Data Gift — $2.19/mo on the 24-month Essential plan. Check my IPVanish coupon page or read the full IPVanish review.
3. Proton VPN — Best for Privacy
Best for Privacy
Proton VPN — Privacy-First Choice
Proton VPN is the go-to choice if privacy is your top priority — open-source apps, Secure Core servers, Swiss jurisdiction, and one of the best free plans available.
- Open-source apps — full transparency
- Based in Switzerland — strong privacy laws
- Secure Core double-hop servers for extra protection
- 20,000+ servers in 145 countries
- Genuinely usable free plan with no data cap
- No 24/7 live chat support
- Speeds can dip on high-traffic long-distance servers
If privacy is what you care about most, Proton VPN is in a category of its own. It’s headquartered in Switzerland — one of the most privacy-friendly jurisdictions in the world — and all of its apps are open-source, meaning anyone can inspect the code. That’s a level of transparency most VPN providers simply don’t offer.
Proton’s Secure Core feature routes your traffic through servers in privacy-forward countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Sweden) before connecting to the exit server. It’s a proper double-hop setup that adds a meaningful layer of protection — particularly valuable if you’re in a country with heavy surveillance or censorship.
In my speed tests, Proton VPN retained around 91% of my base connection — comparable to ExpressVPN and better than NordVPN in my sessions. The massive server network (20,000+ servers in 145 countries) means you’ll rarely struggle to find a fast connection, including in regions where other providers fall short, like parts of Africa and Asia.
The free plan is also legitimately worth mentioning. Unlike most free VPNs that throttle speeds or sell your data, Proton VPN’s free tier has no data cap and no logging. It’s limited in servers and won’t unblock streaming, but for basic private browsing, it’s the most honest free VPN out there.
My honest criticism: the lack of 24/7 live chat support is a gap that other VPNs at this price have closed. Support is only available during Swiss business hours, which is frustrating if you’re in the US or Australia and run into an issue.
What I liked
- Open-source apps — independently verified and transparent
- Swiss jurisdiction — outside 5/9/14 Eyes alliances
- Secure Core double-hop for extra layers of protection
- Enormous server network: 20,000+ servers, 145 countries
- Free plan with no data cap — genuinely one of the best
- Stealth protocol to bypass VPN detection in restricted regions
What I didn’t like
- No 24/7 live chat — support limited to Swiss business hours
- Speeds can dip on busy or long-distance servers
- Streaming unblocking is good but not as consistent as Surfshark
Current deal: 70% OFF — $2.99/mo on the 2-year plan. See my Proton VPN coupon page or read the full Proton VPN review.
4. NordVPN — Fast, Feature-Rich, but Pricier
Speed & Advanced Features
NordVPN — Fast and Feature-Packed
NordVPN is one of the fastest and most feature-rich VPNs available — but in my own speed tests, Surfshark consistently outperformed it, and NordVPN comes in at a higher price.
- ~89% speed retention — fast, but Surfshark is faster in my tests
- 9,300+ servers in 130+ countries
- Threat Protection Pro (ad/malware blocker)
- 6x audited no-logs policy
- More expensive than Surfshark — starts at $3.59/mo (Plus)
- Limited to 10 simultaneous connections
NordVPN is an excellent VPN — I won’t pretend otherwise. It has a massive server network, best-in-class security features, and a no-logs policy that has been audited six times, including by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte. If you’re looking for a premium, well-established provider, NordVPN delivers.
That said, I have to be straight with you: in my own testing, Surfshark consistently outran NordVPN on speed. NordVPN retained around 89% of my base connection, which is good — but Surfshark’s ~95% was noticeably better in real-world use. Combined with NordVPN’s higher price, that’s why it sits at #4 on my list rather than #1.
Where NordVPN really shines is its feature set. Threat Protection Pro (available on the Plus plan) is one of the best built-in ad and malware blockers I’ve tested. Double VPN, Onion over VPN, obfuscated servers, and its proprietary NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard make it a genuinely powerful tool for both privacy and streaming. The server map is huge — 9,300+ servers in 130+ countries — and I’ve rarely had trouble finding a fast connection.
The one thing I’ll flag: NordVPN limits you to 10 simultaneous connections, compared to Surfshark’s unlimited. If you’ve got a large household or lots of devices, that gap matters.
What I liked
- Large, well-distributed server network — 9,300+ servers in 130+ countries
- Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- No-logs policy audited 6 times — among the most verified in the industry
- Panama jurisdiction — outside intelligence-sharing alliances
- Strong streaming unblocking across Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer and more
What I didn’t like
- More expensive than Surfshark — and Surfshark was faster in my tests
- Limited to 10 simultaneous connections
- Auto-renewal pricing is steep — turn it off after subscribing
Current deal: 76% OFF + 3 months free — $3.59/mo on the Plus plan (2-year). See my NordVPN coupon page, read the full NordVPN review, or check out my Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison.
5. ExpressVPN — Easiest VPN to Use
Easiest to Use
ExpressVPN — Polished and Simple
ExpressVPN has the most polished, beginner-friendly apps I’ve tested. Fast speeds, great streaming performance, and 23+ independent security audits make it a reliable choice — though it’s not the best value for money.
- Best-in-class app design — easiest to use of any VPN I’ve tested
- ~91% speed retention with Lightway protocol
- 23+ independent security audits
- BVI jurisdiction — privacy-friendly
- Owned by Kape Technologies — worth disclosing
- Fewer extra features than Surfshark or NordVPN
If you want the VPN that’s the easiest to set up and use from day one, ExpressVPN is the answer. The interface is clean, minimal, and genuinely hard to mess up — you pick a server, hit connect, and you’re done. I’d recommend it without hesitation to someone who’s less tech-savvy or just wants something that works without fiddling with settings.
In terms of performance, ExpressVPN retained around 91% of my connection speed — on par with Proton VPN and ahead of NordVPN in my tests. The proprietary Lightway protocol is fast and lightweight, especially on mobile, and streaming unblocking across Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer has been solid.
ExpressVPN has been independently audited more than 23 times — more than any other VPN I’ve reviewed. Its TrustedServer technology (RAM-only servers) means no data is ever written to disk. The British Virgin Islands jurisdiction keeps it well outside major intelligence-sharing alliances.
I do need to be transparent about one thing: ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a company that also owns CyberGhost and PIA. Kape has a somewhat controversial history in the industry, and while there’s been no evidence it has impacted ExpressVPN’s privacy practices, it’s something I think you should know before subscribing.
What I liked
- The most polished, user-friendly apps of any VPN I’ve tested
- Fast and consistent — ~91% speed retention in my sessions
- 23+ independent security audits — industry-leading transparency
- BVI jurisdiction — strong privacy protections
- Excellent streaming unblocking across all major platforms
What I didn’t like
- Owned by Kape Technologies — worth being aware of
- Fewer extra features compared to Surfshark or NordVPN
- The Basic plan has stripped some previously standard features
Current deal: 78% OFF + 4 months free — $2.79/mo on the 2-year plan. See my ExpressVPN coupon page or read the full ExpressVPN review.
6. CyberGhost — Best Guarantee + Streaming Servers
45-Day Guarantee + Streaming
CyberGhost — Great for Beginners & Streamers
CyberGhost is one of the most beginner-friendly VPNs out there, with dedicated streaming and gaming servers, a 45-day money-back guarantee, and a very affordable long-term price.
- 45-day money-back guarantee — longest on this list
- Dedicated streaming and gaming servers
- Romania-based — privacy-friendly jurisdiction
- RAM-only servers — no persistent data storage
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- Only 7 simultaneous connections
CyberGhost stands out for two things: its generous 45-day money-back guarantee (the longest on this list) and its dedicated servers for streaming and gaming. If you want to test a VPN properly before committing, 45 days gives you real-world time to do that.
The streaming-optimized servers are a legitimate differentiator. Rather than just throwing any server at Netflix, CyberGhost maintains specific servers labeled for individual streaming platforms, which means less guesswork and more consistent results. In my tests, major services including Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu worked well, though I did encounter occasional issues with Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.
CyberGhost is based in Romania, which is outside major intelligence-sharing alliances, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited by Deloitte. RAM-only servers mean nothing is written to disk, which is a solid privacy practice.
I have to be transparent again here: like ExpressVPN and PIA, CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies. The product itself has maintained its privacy standards, but I think it’s important context when you’re evaluating a privacy tool.
What I liked
- 45-day money-back guarantee — the most generous on this list
- Dedicated streaming servers — less guesswork, more reliability
- Romania jurisdiction — outside 5/9/14 Eyes alliances
- RAM-only servers and audited no-logs policy
- Very affordable at $1.75/mo on a long-term plan
What I didn’t like
- Owned by Kape Technologies — worth knowing
- Only 7 simultaneous connections — one of the lowest on this list
- Some streaming servers (BBC iPlayer, Disney+) were inconsistent in my tests
Current deal: 87% OFF + 2 months free — $1.75/mo on the 2-year plan. See my CyberGhost coupon page or read the full CyberGhost review.
7. VeePN — Best Budget Streaming VPN
Budget Streaming Pick
VeePN — Underrated Value
VeePN is a hidden gem that delivers solid streaming performance, double VPN, and Shadowsocks protocol support — all at one of the lowest price points on this list.
- Streaming-optimized servers for reliable unblocking
- Double VPN (multi-hop) included
- Shadowsocks protocol for bypassing censorship
- Panama-based — outside Eyes alliances
- Smaller server network than top-tier VPNs
- Sometimes requires switching servers for streaming
VeePN doesn’t get much coverage in the mainstream VPN press, but it’s earned a spot on my list. For the price — starting at $1.99/mo — it delivers features that bigger-name VPNs charge significantly more for, including double VPN, streaming-optimized servers, and Shadowsocks protocol support for bypassing heavy network restrictions.
In my tests, VeePN retained around 88% of my base connection speed, which is consistent with CyberGhost. Streaming worked well for Netflix US, UK, and other major platforms, though I did occasionally need to switch servers to get a clean connection. It’s not quite as plug-and-play as Surfshark or IPVanish, but for the price, the performance is genuinely solid.
VeePN is headquartered in Panama, outside major intelligence-sharing alliances, and maintains a no-logs policy. It supports up to 20 simultaneous connections — well above most competitors at this tier.
What I liked
- Double VPN and Shadowsocks at a budget price point
- Streaming-optimized servers that work well in practice
- Panama jurisdiction — privacy-friendly
- Up to 20 simultaneous connections
What I didn’t like
- Smaller server network than top-tier options
- Occasional server switching needed for reliable streaming
- Less brand recognition means less third-party scrutiny
Current deal: 83% OFF + 4 months free — $1.99/mo on the 2-year plan. See my VeePN coupon page or read the full VeePN review.
8. PrivadoVPN — Cheapest Paid VPN + Best Free Plan
Cheapest + Best Free VPN
PrivadoVPN — Best Value for the Budget-Conscious
PrivadoVPN is the cheapest paid VPN on my list at $1.11/mo, and it offers the most capable free plan I’ve tested — with surprisingly fast speeds and no data selling.
- Cheapest paid VPN on this list — $1.11/mo
- Free plan with 10GB/month and no data selling
- Fast speeds for a budget VPN (~85% retention)
- Strict no-logs policy
- No independent audit of the no-logs policy
- Free plan limited to 13 server locations and 10 GB/month
PrivadoVPN earns its place on this list for two reasons: it’s the cheapest paid VPN I recommend at $1.11/mo, and it has the most genuinely useful free plan I’ve come across.
Most free VPNs are either dangerously insecure, throttled to the point of uselessness, or funded by selling your data. PrivadoVPN’s free tier is different — it gives you 10 GB per month across 13 server locations, without monetizing your activity. It’s not built for heavy streaming or torrenting, but for occasional private browsing or testing whether a VPN is right for you, it’s hard to beat at zero cost.
The paid plan is equally impressive for what you pay. Speed retention sits around 85% in my tests — not the fastest on this list, but perfectly adequate for everyday use. Streaming works well on the paid tier, and the apps are clean and easy to navigate across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Fire TV.
The one thing I have to flag: PrivadoVPN’s no-logs policy has not been independently audited. For a provider at this price point, that’s not unusual, but if third-party verification is important to you, Surfshark, IPVanish, or Proton VPN are better options.
What I liked
- The cheapest paid VPN on my recommended list
- Free plan is legitimate — no data selling, no hidden catches
- Clean apps on all major platforms including Fire TV
- Strict no-logs policy — trustworthy even without an audit at this price
What I didn’t like
- No independent audit of the no-logs policy
- Free plan capped at 10 GB/month — not suitable for streaming or heavy use
- Smaller server network than higher-ranked options
Current deal: 90% OFF + 3 months free — $1.11/mo on the 2-year plan. See my PrivadoVPN coupon page or read the full PrivadoVPN review.
9. PIA (Private Internet Access) — Best for Torrenting + Unlimited Devices
Unlimited Devices + Torrenting
PIA — Power User’s Budget Pick
Private Internet Access offers unlimited connections, one of the largest server networks available, and a no-logs policy proven in court — at one of the lowest prices on the market.
- 18,000+ servers — one of the largest networks available
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- No-logs policy proven in court (twice)
- MACE ad blocker built in
- US-based — 5 Eyes jurisdiction
- Owned by Kape Technologies
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN for power users who want a huge server network, unlimited connections, and a battle-tested no-logs policy — all at a rock-bottom price. At $1.59/mo on the 3-year plan, it’s one of the most affordable fully-featured VPNs available.
PIA’s no-logs policy is particularly notable: it’s been proven in court on two separate occasions. When the US government subpoenaed PIA’s records, there was nothing to hand over. That’s about as real-world verified as a no-logs policy gets.
The server network is enormous — 18,000+ servers across 90+ countries, including servers in all 50 US states, which is useful for bypassing regional restrictions on sports and betting content. MACE, PIA’s built-in ad and tracker blocker, is genuinely effective and blocked around 90% of ads and trackers in my tests.
I’ll be transparent: PIA is also owned by Kape Technologies (like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost), and it’s headquartered in the United States — a 5 Eyes country. The court-proven no-logs policy mitigates much of the jurisdiction concern, but it’s context you should have. The interface can also feel complex for new VPN users — there’s a lot of customization available, which is great if you know what you’re doing, but can be overwhelming otherwise.
What I liked
- No-logs policy proven in court twice — rare real-world verification
- 18,000+ servers — one of the largest networks of any VPN
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- MACE blocks ~90% of ads and trackers
- Cheapest 3-year plan at $1.59/mo
What I didn’t like
- US-based — 5 Eyes jurisdiction
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- Interface is dense and can overwhelm beginners
Current deal: 87% OFF + 3 months free — $1.59/mo on the 3-year plan. See my PIA coupon page or read the full PIA review.
What to Look for in a VPN — Buying Guide
With so many VPNs on the market, it helps to know exactly what matters before you spend your money. Here’s how I evaluate every VPN I test.
Privacy and Security
The foundation of any good VPN. Look for AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch, DNS and WebRTC leak protection, and a verified no-logs policy. A no-logs policy that’s been independently audited by a firm like Deloitte or PricewaterhouseCoopers carries far more weight than a self-declared claim. Jurisdiction matters too — VPNs based in privacy-friendly countries like Switzerland or Panama are generally safer choices than those based in 5 or 14 Eyes nations.
Speed
A VPN that tanks your connection defeats the purpose for most real-world uses. I measure speed retention — how much of your base connection the VPN preserves — on nearby and distant servers. Anything above 85–90% is solid. Below 80% and you’ll start to feel it during streaming, gaming, or large downloads.
Streaming
Not all VPNs can reliably unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video. I test each provider against all major platforms and look for consistency — a VPN that works once isn’t the same as one that works every time. For streaming recommendations, see my guides on the best VPN for Amazon Prime Video and best VPN for Firestick.
Device Connections
Most VPNs limit you to 5–10 simultaneous connections. If you’ve got multiple devices or a household to cover, unlimited connections (Surfshark, IPVanish, PIA) are a significant advantage.
Value
Anything under $2.50/mo on a long-term plan is cheap. $2.50–$4.50/mo is about average. Above that, you’re in premium territory and should expect premium features to match. Always factor in what’s included — a VPN that bundles antivirus, breach monitoring, and an ad blocker may be cheaper overall than buying those separately.
Free VPNs — Worth It?
In most cases, no. Most free VPNs monetize your data, throttle speeds, limit servers, or all of the above. The only free VPN I genuinely recommend is PrivadoVPN’s free plan — limited to 10 GB/month, but it doesn’t sell your data and the speeds are decent. For anything beyond casual browsing, a paid plan starting at $1.11/mo is a smarter investment.
Best VPN for Your Specific Needs
| Use Case | My Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Surfshark One | Fastest speeds, unlimited devices, best value bundle |
| Best for Privacy | Proton VPN | Swiss jurisdiction, open-source, Secure Core |
| Best for Beginners | ExpressVPN | Simplest apps, one-click connect, excellent support |
| Best on a Budget | PrivadoVPN | $1.11/mo — cheapest reliable paid VPN |
| Best Free VPN | PrivadoVPN Free | 10 GB/month, no data selling, decent speeds |
| Best for Unlimited Devices | Surfshark / IPVanish | Both offer truly unlimited simultaneous connections |
| Best for Torrenting | PIA | Court-proven no-logs, P2P on all servers, port forwarding |
| Best Streaming Guarantee | CyberGhost | 45-day refund window, dedicated streaming servers |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VPN in 2026?
Based on my testing, Surfshark — specifically the Surfshark One plan — is the best VPN in 2026 for most people. It’s the fastest VPN I’ve tested (~95% speed retention), offers unlimited device connections, includes a built-in antivirus and breach monitoring, and costs just $2.08/mo on the 2-year plan. It hits the right balance of speed, security, features, and value better than any competitor I’ve reviewed.
Are VPNs legal to use?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries, including the US, UK, and all EU member states. There are a small number of countries where VPN use is restricted or banned — including North Korea, Belarus, and Turkmenistan. In countries like China, Russia, and the UAE, only government-approved VPNs are permitted. Always check your local laws before using a VPN if you’re traveling to or living in a region with restrictions.
Will a VPN slow down my internet?
A good VPN will have minimal impact on your speeds. In my testing, Surfshark retained around 95% of my base connection — barely noticeable in day-to-day use. Lower-quality VPNs can reduce your speed by 20–50% or more. As a general rule: any VPN retaining above 85% of your speed is fine for streaming, browsing, and most everyday tasks.
Can a VPN be traced?
When you’re connected to a reputable VPN with a verified no-logs policy, your ISP and most third parties cannot see what you’re doing online — your traffic is encrypted and your real IP address is hidden. However, a VPN is not a magic shield: your activity can still be traced if the VPN keeps logs, if there’s a DNS or WebRTC leak, or if you log into personal accounts while connected. Always use a VPN with an independently audited no-logs policy for the strongest protection.
How much should I pay for a VPN?
You can get a solid, reliable VPN for as little as $1.11/mo (PrivadoVPN) to $2.08/mo (Surfshark One) on a 2-year plan. I consider anything under $2.50/mo to be genuinely cheap, $2.50–$4.50/mo to be average, and above $5/mo to be premium. Monthly plans are always more expensive and rarely the best value — long-term plans are where the real savings are. Most come with 30-day money-back guarantees so you can try before fully committing.
What does Kape Technologies own?
Kape Technologies is an Israel-based cybersecurity company that owns ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Private Internet Access (PIA). Kape has a controversial history — it was previously known as Crossrider and was associated with adware distribution. There is no evidence that this has impacted the privacy practices of the VPNs it now owns, all of which maintain independently audited no-logs policies. That said, I believe it’s important context when choosing a privacy tool, which is why I disclose it for each of these providers.
Which VPN is best for streaming Netflix?
In my tests, Surfshark is the most consistent VPN for streaming Netflix across multiple libraries (US, UK, Japan, and more). IPVanish, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN also performed well. For a dedicated breakdown, see my guide to the best VPNs for streaming.
Is a free VPN good enough?
For most use cases, no. The majority of free VPNs are either slow, capped on data, unsecured, or monetized through your data. The one exception I recommend is PrivadoVPN Free — it gives you 10 GB/month across 13 server locations without selling your data. For anything beyond occasional private browsing, a paid plan starting at $1.11/mo is a smarter and safer investment.
88% OFF
Surfshark One — Editor’s Choice
The fastest VPN I’ve tested — unlimited devices, antivirus, breach alerts, and an audited no-logs policy in one package.
~95% Speed Retention
Built-in Antivirus
Audited No-Logs
7-Day Free Trial
