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Best VPN Software
of 2026

We have tested and ranked the top VPN providers across speed, security, privacy, and value - so you can browse safely and without compromise.

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Our Top Pick

Editor's Choice - 2026

The VPN that scores highest across speed, security, server network, and value for money.

Top Pick 2026
Up to 69% Off + 3 Months Free
NordVPN
The world's most trusted VPN service. With 6,300+ servers in 111 countries, military-grade encryption, and a strict no-logs policy - NordVPN delivers unmatched speed, privacy, and security for every device.
5.0 / 5  ·  14M+ Users
  • 30-day money-back guarantee - no questions asked
  • 6,300+ servers across 111 countries
  • Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
  • Audited no-logs policy - verified by independent security firms
Visit NordVPN Affiliate link - we may earn a commission
All VPNs Reviewed

Compare all VPN Providers

Ranked by our editorial score - based on speed, security, server count, privacy policy, and value.

#2
ExpressVPN
4.8
The gold standard for streaming and speed. ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol delivers blazing-fast connections across 3,000+ servers in 105 countries.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
  • Best-in-class Lightway protocol
Visit ExpressVPN
#3
Surfshark
4.7
The best value VPN on the market. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single subscription - perfect for families and teams.
  • Unlimited devices on one plan
  • Plans from as low as $2.19/month
  • CleanWeb ad & malware blocker included
Visit Surfshark
#4
CyberGhost
4.6
The most beginner-friendly VPN with dedicated streaming and torrenting servers. 11,500+ servers in 100 countries - the largest network of any VPN.
  • 11,500+ servers in 100 countries
  • Dedicated streaming servers per platform
  • 45-day money-back guarantee
Visit CyberGhost
#5
Private Internet Access
4.5
Open-source, court-proven no-logs VPN built for privacy purists. PIA supports up to 10 devices and has a fully customisable security stack.
  • Fully open-source apps - independently audited
  • Court-proven zero-logs policy
  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections
Visit PIA VPN
#6
IPVanish
4.4
Tier-1 network owned and operated end-to-end. IPVanish gives power users full control with a highly configurable app and unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Owns all its own server infrastructure
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
Visit IPVanish
#7
ProtonVPN
4.6
Built by the team behind ProtonMail. ProtonVPN is the only VPN with a truly free tier and is trusted by journalists, activists, and privacy professionals worldwide.
  • Free plan available - no data limits
  • Based in Switzerland - outside 14 Eyes
  • Secure Core double-hop routing
Visit ProtonVPN
Side by Side

VPN Comparison Table

All key facts in one place - so you can decide at a glance.

VPN Best For Best Deal Devices Money-Back Rating Visit
nordvpn
NordVPN
All-rounder Up to 69% off 10 devices 30 days
5.0
Visit
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
Streaming & Speed 3 months free 8 devices 30 days
4.8
Visit
Surfshark
Surfshark
Best Value From $2.19/mo Unlimited 30 days
4.7
Visit
CyberGhost
CyberGhost
Streaming 2 months free 7 devices 45 days
4.6
Visit
PIA VPN
PIA VPN
Privacy 82% off 3yr plan 10 devices 30 days
4.5
Visit
IPVanish
IPVanish
Speed & Control 72% off annual Unlimited 30 days
4.4
Visit
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN
Privacy / Free Free plan available 10 devices 30 days
4.6
Visit

How to Choose the Right VPN

With dozens of VPN providers making big claims, here is what actually matters when picking a VPN for your needs and budget.

1

Know what you actually need it for

Streaming and privacy have different requirements. For unblocking Netflix or BBC iPlayer, ExpressVPN and CyberGhost lead with dedicated streaming servers. For maximum privacy and avoiding government surveillance, ProtonVPN's Swiss jurisdiction and Secure Core routing are a better fit. Matching your VPN to the primary use case avoids paying for features you will never use.

2

Always verify the no-logs policy

Every VPN claims a no-logs policy - but not all are equal. The gold standard is independent auditing by a reputable security firm. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and ProtonVPN have all undergone third-party audits. PIA's no-logs policy has been confirmed in court on multiple occasions. If a VPN cannot point you to an audit, treat its privacy claims with caution.

3

Check the number of simultaneous connections

If you use multiple devices or share a plan with family members, the device limit matters. Surfshark and IPVanish allow unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription. NordVPN and PIA allow 10. ExpressVPN caps at 8. Always check before subscribing, especially if you plan to protect phones, laptops, tablets, and routers at the same time.

4

Look at long-term pricing carefully

VPN introductory pricing can be misleading. Most headline deals require a 2-year commitment - renewal prices are often 2-3x higher. Surfshark regularly offers the lowest long-term cost, while ProtonVPN has a genuinely free tier with no data caps. Always check the renewal price before subscribing to a multi-year plan.

5

Use the money-back guarantee before committing

All seven VPNs on this list offer a money-back guarantee - CyberGhost's 45-day window is the most generous. Use it. Install the app, test speeds on your most-used servers, check whether it unblocks the streaming platforms you need, and verify that the kill switch works. If anything falls short, request a refund within the window. Every provider listed here honours it without requiring a reason.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we get most often about choosing and using a VPN.

Which VPN is the best overall in 2026?
NordVPN is our top pick for 2026. It leads across every key metric - speed (NordLynx protocol), server count (6,300+ in 111 countries), security (independently audited no-logs policy), and value (frequent discounts of up to 69%). Its 10-device limit and 30-day refund policy make it a low-risk choice for first-time buyers too.
Is it legal to use a VPN?
VPNs are legal in most countries including the UK, US, EU, India, and Australia. However, they are restricted or banned in a small number of countries including China, Russia, Iran, and the UAE. Always check the rules in your country before using a VPN. Using a VPN for illegal activities remains illegal regardless of VPN use - a VPN is a privacy tool, not a licence to break the law.
Will a VPN slow down my internet speed?
All VPNs introduce some overhead due to encryption, but modern protocols have reduced this significantly. NordVPN's NordLynx and ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol regularly achieve 90%+ of base connection speed in independent tests. In some cases - particularly when your ISP throttles certain traffic types - a VPN can actually make connections faster. For most everyday tasks like streaming, browsing, and video calls, a quality VPN is effectively unnoticeable.
Which VPN is best for streaming Netflix and other platforms?
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the most consistent performers for streaming. Both reliably unblock Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video across most server locations. CyberGhost takes a practical approach with dedicated streaming servers labelled by platform - useful if you are less technical and want a one-click solution.
Does Here2Compare earn money from these VPN links?
Yes - some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you and does not influence our editorial rankings. Our team tests and scores each VPN independently before any commercial arrangement is considered. If a VPN does not meet our standards, it does not appear on this page.

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