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Surfshark One is my best VPN overall for 2026. It was the fastest VPN in my tests, it covers unlimited devices, and it bundles antivirus and breach alerts with the VPN for $2.79/mo. It’s the first option I recommend to most people.
I’ve worked full time in cybersecurity and published 600+ VPN videos over the last three years on my AllThingsVPN and VPNR YouTube channels. This list comes from that hands-on testing, not from spec sheets.
Your best VPN might still be different. IPVanish is great for big households, Proton VPN leads on privacy, and PrivadoVPN is the cheapest paid option with the best free plan. If you already know what you want, my Best VPN Deals page lists every current offer.
Best VPNs in 2026 at a Glance
Surfshark One
Unlimited devices at an unbeatable price
- Unlimited devices
- No-logs policy
- Antivirus
- 4500+ servers
- CleanWeb
- 100+ countries
- 24/7 support
IPVanish
Lightning fast speeds with no-log policy
- Unlimited devices
- No-logs policy
- 3200+ servers
- 24/7 support
Proton VPN
Open-source, audited and trusted by privacy experts
- Open source
- Swiss privacy laws
- No-logs audited
- Free plan available
PrivadoVPN
The cheapest VPN with a generous free tier
- Iceland-based
- No-logs policy
- 200+ servers
- Free plan available
- 10 devices
NordVPN
One of the fastest VPNs I tested, at a higher price
- NordLynx protocol
- 10 devices
- Double VPN
- No-logs policy
VeePN
Affordable VPN with servers in 60+ countries
- 2500+ servers
- 60+ countries
- No-logs policy
- 10 devices
ExpressVPN
A simple app for people who just want to connect
- Lightway protocol
- TrustedServer
- 10 devices on Basic
- No-logs policy
CyberGhost
The longest refund window on my list
- 45-day money-back on longer plans
- Streaming servers
- 7 devices
- WireGuard
PIA
Open-source apps and unlimited connections at a low price
- Unlimited devices
- Open-source apps
- Customizable settings
- No-logs policy
PrivateVPN
A small Swedish VPN with port forwarding built in
- Port forwarding
- 10 devices
- No-logs policy
- 30-day money-back
Prices are introductory monthly equivalents on longer plans, billed upfront, as of October 2026. Taxes may apply, renewal prices are higher, and refund eligibility depends on the plan and where you buy it.
How I Test and Rank VPNs
Every VPN on this list goes through the same hands-on process on my own computers, phones and TV devices. Here’s what I check before a provider earns a spot:
- Speed: how much of my normal connection speed each VPN keeps on a nearby server.
- Privacy: the no-logs policy, the independent audits behind it, and what those audits actually covered.
- Apps: the kill switch, auto-connect, server picker and how each app behaves after sleep.
- Streaming: how reliably popular streaming apps load on several server locations.
- Value: the first bill, the bonus months and the renewal price.
🏆 1. Surfshark One: Best Overall VPN in 2026
Surfshark earns the top spot because it fits how most people actually use a VPN. One subscription covers your laptop, phone, tablet and TV with no device limit, so you never have to disconnect one device to protect another.
It was also the fastest VPN in my tests. Surfshark kept about 96% of my normal connection speed, ahead of IPVanish, Proton VPN and NordVPN. That headroom matters for 4K streaming, large downloads and video calls.
Its privacy claims are backed by evidence. Surfshark publishes its independent assessments, including Deloitte’s review of its no-logs commitments, in its trust center. CleanWeb, Dynamic MultiHop and NoBorders mode are easy to turn on without digging into advanced settings.
Why I recommend the Surfshark One plan
Surfshark One is the plan I recommend for its quality-price ratio. For $2.79/mo on the 2-year plan, you get the full VPN plus a cybersecurity bundle that would cost more if you bought each tool separately:
- The full Surfshark VPN with unlimited devices, CleanWeb, NoBorders, GPS override and Everlink.
- Surfshark Antivirus with real-time protection.
- Surfshark Alert, which warns you when your email or personal data shows up in a breach.
I go deeper into every tool in my Surfshark One review. If you want even more protection, my Surfshark One+ review covers the bigger bundle.
What I liked
- Fastest VPN in my tests, about 96% speed retention
- Unlimited devices on one subscription
- Antivirus and breach alerts included in the One plan
- Independently audited no-logs policy
What I didn’t like
- Some bundled security tools aren’t available on every platform
- The renewal price is higher than the first term
Best for: First-time VPN buyers, households with lots of devices, and anyone who wants a VPN and antivirus in one subscription.
Get Surfshark One for 85% OFF
+ 3 months free on the 2-year plan, just $2.79/mo. The fastest VPN in my tests, with antivirus included.
Read my full Surfshark review → · See the Surfshark coupon →
2. IPVanish: Unlimited Devices, Fast Speeds and Budget Friendly
IPVanish is my next pick if you want unlimited simultaneous connections at a low price. It kept about 93% of my connection speed, the second best result on this list, and the current deal brings it down to $2.39/mo.
It supports WireGuard, OpenVPN and IKEv2, so you can pick modern speed or wider compatibility. For most people, the app’s recommended settings are the right place to start.
The current offer adds a 3 GB eSIM data gift, which is handy if you travel. Before you commit, test the app on the devices you use most, especially your TV, since that’s where VPN apps differ the most.
What I liked
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Second fastest VPN in my tests, about 93% speed retention
- Low price with a 3 GB eSIM data gift
What I didn’t like
- The Essential plan has no antivirus or breach alerts, unlike Surfshark One
- Monthly plans don’t carry the 30-day refund guarantee
Best for: Big households and anyone covering lots of devices on a budget.
Get IPVanish for 84% OFF
+ 3 GB eSIM data gift on the 24-month Essential plan, $2.39/mo with unlimited devices.
Read my full IPVanish review → · See the IPVanish coupon →
3. Proton VPN: Best for Privacy
Proton VPN is the provider I recommend when privacy matters more than the lowest price. Its apps are open source, it’s based in Switzerland, and it publishes the results of independent audits of its no-logs policy.
Paid plans add Secure Core, which routes your traffic through an extra hardened server before it exits. You also get NetShield filtering and the Stealth protocol, all listed on Proton’s features page. It kept about 92% of my speed in normal mode.
Proton VPN Free has no monthly data cap, which makes it a solid free alternative if you browse a lot. The free plan still limits server choice and features, so check the paid plan if you need specific countries.
What I liked
- Open-source apps and independent audits
- Secure Core, NetShield and Stealth protocol
- Free plan with unlimited data
What I didn’t like
- Pricier than Surfshark One, with no antivirus included
- Secure Core adds latency, so it’s not ideal for every task
Best for: Privacy-focused users, journalists and anyone who wants inspectable software.
Get Proton VPN for 70% OFF
$2.99/mo on the 2-year plan, with open-source apps and Secure Core included.
Read my full Proton VPN review → · See the Proton VPN coupon →
4. PrivadoVPN: Cheapest VPN and Best Free VPN
PrivadoVPN is the cheapest paid VPN on my list at $1.11/mo, and it also has the best free plan I’ve tested. It’s based in Iceland, outside the Five Eyes alliance.
The free plan includes 10GB of full-speed data per month. That’s enough for browsing and light use, but regular streaming and big downloads will burn through it quickly.
Premium removes the data cap and covers ten simultaneous connections. It kept about 85% of my speed, which is fine for HD streaming but slower than my top picks.
What I liked
- Cheapest paid VPN on my list
- Generous 10GB free plan
- Iceland-based with a no-logs policy
What I didn’t like
- Slower than my top picks, about 85% speed retention
- Smaller server network than Surfshark or IPVanish
Best for: Occasional users who want a free VPN and budget buyers who want the lowest price.
Get PrivadoVPN for 90% OFF
+ 3 months free on the 2-year plan, only $1.11/mo for unlimited data and 10 devices.
Read my full PrivadoVPN review → · See the PrivadoVPN coupon →
5. NordVPN: One of the Fastest VPNs, but Pricier
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs I’ve tested. Its NordLynx protocol is built on WireGuard and kept about 91% of my connection speed.
Surfshark still beat it in my tests, at about 96%, and Surfshark One costs less while covering unlimited devices. NordVPN’s Plus plan is $3.59/mo, and its plan comparison lists ten simultaneous connections.
Security extras differ between NordVPN’s tiers. Check which plan includes the tools you want, rather than assuming every feature on its website comes with the cheapest option.
What I liked
- Fast NordLynx protocol
- Large feature set, including Double VPN
- Polished apps on every major platform
What I didn’t like
- Slower and more expensive than Surfshark One in my tests
- Limited to 10 devices
Best for: People who want a fast, feature-rich VPN and don’t mind paying a bit more. Read my Surfshark vs NordVPN comparison for the full head-to-head.
Get NordVPN for 75% OFF
+ 3 extra months free on the Plus plan, $3.59/mo.
Read my full NordVPN review → · See the NordVPN coupon →
6. VeePN: Best Budget VPN for Streaming
VeePN is worth a look if you want a low-cost VPN for everyday browsing and streaming. The current deal is $1.99/mo with four extra months, and it covers ten devices.
It kept about 88% of my speed, enough for HD streaming on most connections. Check the app for your device before buying, because a browser extension only protects browser traffic, not your other apps.
VeePN has published a Cure53 assessment of its browser extensions. That’s useful evidence, but it covers the extensions, not the logging practices of the whole VPN service.
What I liked
- Low price with four bonus months
- Servers in 60+ countries
- 10 devices on one plan
What I didn’t like
- No full independent audit of its no-logs policy yet
- Slower than my top picks, about 88% speed retention
Best for: Budget buyers who mainly want a VPN for streaming.
Get VeePN for 83% OFF
+ 4 extra months free on the 2-year plan, $1.99/mo for 10 devices.
Read my full VeePN review → · See the VeePN coupon →
7. ExpressVPN: Easiest VPN to Use
ExpressVPN is my pick for someone who wants to choose a location, connect and get on with their day. Its apps are the simplest I’ve tested, and it kept about 91% of my speed thanks to the Lightway protocol.
It now sells Basic, Advanced and Pro tiers. According to its device limit guidance, they cover 10, 12 and 14 simultaneous connections, so compare the tier you’ll actually buy.
The current deal is $2.79/mo with four extra months. That’s the same price as Surfshark One, which adds unlimited devices and antivirus, so ExpressVPN makes most sense if ease of use is your top priority.
What I liked
- The simplest apps on this list
- Fast Lightway protocol
- TrustedServer architecture runs on RAM only
What I didn’t like
- Same price as Surfshark One with fewer devices and no antivirus
- Owned by Kape Technologies
Best for: Beginners who value a straightforward app over advanced settings.
Get ExpressVPN for 78% OFF
+ 4 extra months free on the 2-year plan, $2.79/mo.
Read my full ExpressVPN review → · See the ExpressVPN coupon →
8. CyberGhost: Best 45-Day Money-Back Guarantee
CyberGhost gives you the longest refund window on my list. Its published guarantee is 45 days on six-month and longer plans, compared with 14 days on the monthly plan.
That extra time lets you test it across all your devices and your normal weekly routine. Its streaming-labeled servers also make it easy to find a starting point for your favorite services.
The current deal is $1.75/mo on the 2-year plan with two extra months. Watch the renewal term: the first bill covers 26 months, but the renewal may bill yearly, which raises the effective monthly cost.
What I liked
- 45-day money-back guarantee on longer plans
- Streaming-labeled servers
- Low introductory price
What I didn’t like
- Only 7 simultaneous devices
- Slower than my top picks, about 86% speed retention
Best for: Buyers who want more time to evaluate a VPN before committing.
Get CyberGhost for 87% OFF
+ 2 extra months on the 2-year plan, $1.75/mo with a 45-day refund window.
Read my full CyberGhost review → · See the CyberGhost coupon →
9. Private Internet Access: Unlimited Devices and Custom Settings
Private Internet Access, usually shortened to PIA, covers unlimited simultaneous devices with open-source apps. It’s the VPN I’d pick if you enjoy tweaking encryption, protocol and network settings yourself.
If you prefer a minimal setup, Surfshark or ExpressVPN will feel simpler. If you want control over how the software works, PIA deserves a closer look.
The current deal is $1.59/mo on the 3-year plan with three extra months. Three years is a long commitment, so check that the features you need work on your operating system first.
What I liked
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Open-source apps
- Deep customization options
What I didn’t like
- Slowest VPN on my list, about 84% speed retention
- The best price requires a 3-year commitment
Best for: Hands-on users who want unlimited devices and full control over their settings.
Get PIA for 87% OFF
+ 3 extra months on the 3-year plan, $1.59/mo with unlimited devices.
Read my full PIA review → · See the PIA coupon →
10. PrivateVPN: Best for Port Forwarding
PrivateVPN is a small Swedish provider, and port forwarding is its standout feature. That helps if you torrent, host a game server or need remote access to devices at home.
It kept about 86% of my connection speed and covers ten devices. The server network is much smaller than the big names, so check that it has a location near you.
The current deal is 85% OFF on the 3-year plan. It’s a niche pick, but if port forwarding is a must, it’s one of the simplest ways to get it.
What I liked
- Port forwarding built in
- 10 simultaneous devices
- Simple, lightweight apps
What I didn’t like
- Small server network
- The best price requires a 3-year commitment
Best for: Torrent users and anyone who needs port forwarding.
Get PrivateVPN for 85% OFF
Save 85% on the 3-year plan, with port forwarding and 10 devices included.
Read my full PrivateVPN review → · See the PrivateVPN coupon →
Side-by-Side Comparison: Price, Speed and Devices
Here’s how all ten VPNs compare on the numbers I care about most. Speed retention is the share of my normal connection speed each VPN kept on a nearby server in my tests.
| VPN | Best for | Deal price | Speed retention | Devices | Money-back |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark One | Best overall, fastest | $2.79/mo | ~96% | Unlimited | 30 days |
| IPVanish | Unlimited devices, budget | $2.39/mo | ~93% | Unlimited | 30 days, eligible plans |
| Proton VPN | Privacy | $2.99/mo | ~92% | 10 | 30 days |
| PrivadoVPN | Cheapest, best free VPN | $1.11/mo | ~85% | 10 | 30 days, eligible plans |
| NordVPN | Fast, feature-rich | $3.59/mo | ~91% | 10 | 30 days |
| VeePN | Budget streaming | $1.99/mo | ~88% | 10 | 30 days |
| ExpressVPN | Easiest to use | $2.79/mo | ~91% | 10 on Basic | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | 45-day guarantee | $1.75/mo | ~86% | 7 | 45 days, 6+ month plans |
| PIA | Unlimited devices, customization | $1.59/mo (3 years) | ~84% | Unlimited | 30 days |
| PrivateVPN | Port forwarding | 85% OFF (3 years) | ~86% | 10 | 30 days |
Surfshark One is the clear winner on speed and devices, and it’s still cheaper than NordVPN. If price is your only concern, PrivadoVPN is the cheapest, and my best cheap VPN guide covers more budget options.
Looking for the lowest price?
I track every VPN discount in one place, with the current price, bonus months and refund terms.
See all VPN deals →Which VPN Should You Choose?
- For the best all-round VPN: Start with Surfshark One.
- For the fastest speeds: Surfshark One was the fastest in my tests, followed by IPVanish.
- For lots of devices: Compare Surfshark One, IPVanish and PIA.
- For privacy: Choose Proton VPN.
- For the lowest price or a free plan: Try PrivadoVPN.
- For budget streaming: Look at VeePN.
- For the simplest app: Consider ExpressVPN.
- For a longer refund window: Pick an eligible CyberGhost plan.
- For port forwarding: Go with PrivateVPN.
What Matters When Comparing VPNs?
Privacy evidence and connection protection
Look beyond the phrase “no logs.” Read the policy, check whether an independent audit exists, and see what it covered. An app audit and a server logging review answer different questions.
A kill switch and DNS leak protection are worth checking on your own device. Settings can differ between operating systems, even within the same subscription.
Performance on your own connection
A headline speed result won’t tell you everything. Compare your connection with and without the VPN on the same device and a nearby server, then test what you actually do: video calls, downloads or streaming.
For gaming, focus on latency and stability. A high download speed doesn’t guarantee low ping, and an extra VPN hop can make latency worse.
Apps and server locations
Check for an app on every platform you use before subscribing. A provider that “supports” a games console may mean a router setup, not an app you install directly.
Look for the locations you need. A huge server count is less useful than a fast server nearby or in the exact country you want.
Total cost and the renewal period
A price like $2.79/mo on a two-year plan is an average, and the first term is paid upfront. Compare the total charge, bonus months, taxes and renewal schedule.
For example, $60 for two years works out at $2.50/mo. A $60 annual renewal works out at $5/mo, so the same bill hides a doubled monthly cost.
Free VPN or Paid VPN?
A free VPN can be enough if your needs are modest. PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN I’ve tested, and Proton VPN Free is a good alternative if you don’t want a data cap.
A paid plan is worth it when you need specific locations, several devices at once, or regular streaming. Paid VPNs are also faster, and the cheapest options cost less than a coffee per month.
How to Set Up Your VPN
Choose your provider and plan
Check device support, the upfront bill and the refund conditions. For most people, I recommend Surfshark One.
Install the official app
Download it from the provider’s website or its verified app store listing.
Sign in and review the settings
Turn on the kill switch and auto-connect where your device supports them.
Connect to a nearby server
A nearby server gives you the best speeds for everyday browsing.
Test your normal activities
Try the sites, calls and streaming apps you use before the refund window closes.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best VPNs in 2026
What is the best VPN overall in 2026?
Surfshark One is my best VPN overall. It was the fastest in my tests, covers unlimited devices and includes antivirus for $2.79/mo. If privacy is your top priority, compare Proton VPN.
What is the fastest VPN?
Surfshark was the fastest VPN in my tests, keeping about 96% of my normal speed. IPVanish came second at about 93%, followed by Proton VPN at about 92%.
What is the best free VPN?
PrivadoVPN is the best free VPN I’ve tested, with 10GB of full-speed data per month. Proton VPN Free is a good alternative if you want unlimited data and can live with fewer server choices.
What is the cheapest good VPN?
PrivadoVPN is the cheapest on my list at $1.11/mo on the 2-year plan. For the best value overall, Surfshark One adds unlimited devices and antivirus for $2.79/mo.
Which VPN is best for streaming?
I’d start with Surfshark One for its speed and unlimited devices, with VeePN as a budget alternative. No VPN can guarantee access to every library forever, and streaming services may restrict VPN use in their terms.
Will a VPN slow down my internet?
A little. Your traffic takes an extra route and gets encrypted. A nearby server and a modern protocol keep the impact small, which is why Surfshark kept about 96% of my speed.
Does a VPN make me anonymous?
No. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic to the VPN server, but sites can still recognize logged-in accounts, cookies and browser fingerprints. You’re also trusting the VPN provider.
Do I need a VPN on public Wi-Fi?
It adds a useful layer of protection on networks you don’t control. Combine it with HTTPS, up-to-date devices and multifactor authentication for the best results.
Which VPN brands does Kape Technologies own?
Kape Technologies owns ExpressVPN, CyberGhost and Private Internet Access. Surfshark, IPVanish, Proton VPN, PrivadoVPN, NordVPN, VeePN and PrivateVPN are not Kape brands.
Should I buy a monthly or long-term VPN plan?
A monthly plan suits a short trip. A longer plan lowers the monthly cost if you’ll use it consistently. Check refund terms separately, because some providers exclude monthly plans from their guarantees.
My Final Recommendation
Surfshark One is the VPN I recommend to most people in 2026. It was the fastest VPN in my tests, it covers every device you own, and the One plan adds antivirus and breach alerts for $2.79/mo.
Pick IPVanish if you want unlimited devices for less, Proton VPN if privacy comes first, and PrivadoVPN if you want the lowest price or a free plan. Whatever you choose, buy for the service you’ll use, not just the first-bill discount.
Ready to get started? Here’s the best deal I’ve found on my top pick right now.
Surfshark One
The best value VPN in 2026: unlimited devices, Antivirus, 4500+ servers, CleanWeb, Cybersecurity bundle, NoBorders, GPS override, Surfshark Everlink, fast servers in 100+ countries, and watertight privacy.
- Unlimited devices
- No-logs policy
- 100+ countries
- 24/7 support
