Best VPN Services in 2026
We tested 10 VPN services for speed, privacy, and streaming. These 5 are the only ones worth your money.
TL;DR — Our Top Picks
- Best for privacy: Mullvad — no accounts, no logs, fully open source
- Best all-around: NordVPN — fast speeds, streaming support, and verified no-logs
- Best free option: Proton VPN — the only free VPN we'd actually recommend
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Top PickMullvad$5.46/mo | NordVPN$3.49/mo | Proton VPNFree/$4.99/mo | Surfshark$2.49/mo | ExpressVPN$6.67/mo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-logs verified | |||||
| Open source | Partial | Partial | |||
| Kill switch | |||||
| Split tunneling | |||||
| Streaming support | Paid only | ||||
| P2P support | Paid only | ||||
| Free plan | |||||
| Simultaneous devices | 5 | 10 | 10 | Unlimited | 8 |
| Our Score | 9.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 8/10 |
Detailed Reviews
Mullvad
Top PickThe gold standard for privacy — no accounts, no logs, no compromises
$5.46/mo flat — no long-term contracts
What we like
- +No email or personal info required to sign up
- +Fully open-source client apps
- +Independently audited no-logs policy
- +Accepts cash and cryptocurrency for maximum anonymity
Could be better
- −Doesn't work well with streaming services
- −Only 5 simultaneous device connections
- −No monthly discount for longer commitments
NordVPN
Best balance of privacy, speed, and streaming unblocking
$3.49/mo (2-year plan)
What we like
- +Reliably unblocks Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer
- +6,000+ servers across 111 countries
- +Double VPN and Onion over VPN for extra privacy
- +Independently audited no-logs policy twice
Could be better
- −Cheap price requires 2-year commitment
- −Not fully open source
- −Occasional server connection issues during peak hours
Proton VPN
Swiss-based privacy with a genuinely useful free plan
Free / $4.99/mo Plus
What we like
- +Best free VPN plan — no data limits, no ads
- +Swiss jurisdiction with strong privacy laws
- +Fully open-source and independently audited
- +Integrates with Proton Mail and Proton Drive ecosystem
Could be better
- −Free plan limited to servers in 5 countries
- −Streaming and P2P require paid plan
- −Speeds on free servers can be slow during peak times
Surfshark
Unlimited devices at the lowest price point on the market
$2.49/mo (2-year plan)
What we like
- +Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- +Cheapest premium VPN on the market
- +CleanWeb ad and malware blocker included
- +Reliably unblocks major streaming platforms
Could be better
- −Not open source
- −2-year commitment required for best pricing
- −Smaller server network than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN
Premium VPN with the widest server network and consistent speeds
$6.67/mo (1-year plan)
What we like
- +Servers in 105 countries — widest coverage available
- +Consistently fast speeds across all locations
- +Lightway protocol built for speed and security
- +Excellent streaming and P2P support
Could be better
- −Most expensive VPN on this list
- −Limited to 8 simultaneous connections
- −Owned by Kape Technologies — controversial parent company
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a VPN?
If you use public Wi-Fi, want to prevent your ISP from tracking your browsing, or need to access region-locked content, yes. A VPN encrypts your traffic and masks your IP address. For home use on a trusted network, the privacy benefits are more about preventing ISP data collection and targeted advertising.
Are free VPNs safe to use?
Most free VPNs are not safe — they monetize your data or inject ads. Proton VPN is the notable exception with a genuinely safe, no-ads free plan backed by Swiss privacy laws. If you can't afford a paid VPN, Proton VPN Free is the only option we recommend. Never use a free VPN that doesn't clearly explain how it makes money.
How much does a VPN slow down your internet?
Modern VPNs typically reduce speeds by 10-20% due to encryption overhead. Premium services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Mullvad use WireGuard protocol which minimizes speed loss. For most activities including streaming, the difference is unnoticeable. Gaming is where speed loss is most felt due to added latency.
Can I use a VPN for streaming Netflix?
NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN reliably unblock Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services. Mullvad intentionally doesn't optimize for streaming. Proton VPN supports streaming on paid plans. Keep in mind that streaming services actively block VPNs, so reliability varies month to month.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, Claravado may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our rankings. Learn more